gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Distributed Hybrid Genetic Algorithms for Structural Optimization on a PC Cluster (2006)

Even though several genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization algorithms have been successfully applied to complex optimization problems in various engineering fields, such methods are computationally too expensive for practical use in the field of structural optimization, particularly for large-scale problems. Furthermore, the successful implementation of GA-based optimization algorithm requires a cumbersome routine through trial-and-error for tuning the GA parameters that are different depending on each problem. Therefore, to overcome these difficulties, a high-performance GA is developed in the form of a distributed hybrid genetic algorithm for structural optimization, implemented on a cluster of personal computers. The distributed hybrid genetic algorithm proposed in this paper consists of a μ-GA running on a master computer and multiple simple GAs running on slave computers. The algorithm is implemented on a PC cluster and applied to the minimum weight design of steel structures. The results show that the computation time required for GA-based optimization can be drastically reduced and the problem-dependent parameter tuning process can be avoided.
Improvement of endothelial function in insulin-resistant carotid arteries treated with pravastatin (2001)

The authors report, for the first time, that pravastatin restores endothelial function in CAs from insulin-resistant rats with fructose-induced hypertension. These beneficial effects were ascribed to direct, cholesterol-independent vascular effects of pravastatin and are likely the result of augmentation of NO production. These data provide impetus for further investigation of nonlipid-lowering indications for pravastatin therapy in the prevention and treatment of CA disease.
Structures of momordicines I, II and III, the bitter principles in the leaves and vines of Momordica charantia L. (1984)

The bitter principles in the leaves and vines of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), momordicines I, C30H48O4·H2O, and II, C36H58O9, were isolated and their structures were elucidated as 3β, 7β, 23ζ-trihydroxy-cucurbita-5, 24-dien-19-al and its 23-O-β-glucopyranoside, respectively. The structure of momordicine III, which was isolated as its acetate, C48H68O16·1/2H2O, is indicated to be a 23-O-β-glucopyranoside of 3β, 7β, 23ζ-trihydroxy-24-oxo-cucurbita-5, 25-dien-19-al by the spectral and chemical evidence.
Nonlinear scattering of crossed ultrasonic beams in a constricted flow for the detection of a simulated deep vein thrombosis. (2011)

A three phase experiment performed at the USNA Acoustics Laboratory uses turbulent flow to generate nonlinear scattering of crossed ultrasonic beams. The intent is to simulate blood flow through a vein with and without a constriction to flow and compare the nonlinear scattering effects. In phase 1, a submerged turbulent water jet (Re=4×104 and diameter=0.6 cm) interacts with overlapping crossed focused beams (f1=1.8 MHz, f2=2.0 MHz, and 15 cm focal lengths), 20 diam downstream, to create nonlinear scattering at the sum frequency (f+=f1+f2=3.8 MHz). A circular plane receiving transducer rotates azimuthally in the plane of the transmitted beam axes about the intersection to obtain angular dependent Doppler shift (about f+) and spectral broadening results. In phase 2, the turbulence at the meeting point is channeled into a simulated 30 cm long, 4.5 cm diameter “vein” with a thin, polyethylene membrane. Results show negligible nonlinearly scattered sum frequency, suggesting laminar flow. In phase 3, a constriction to flow is introduced via a 4.0 cm ping pong ball caught in a narrowed segment of vein. Results show a scattered sum frequency with narrow broadening, indicating the return of some vortices or turbulence.
Steady-State Behavior and Endothelialization of a Silk-Based Small-Caliber Scaffold In Vivo Transplantation (2019)

A silk-based small-caliber tubular scaffold (SFTS), which is fabricated using a regenerated silk fibroin porous scaffold embedding a silk fabric core layer, has been proved to possess good cell compatibility and mechanical properties in vitro. In this study, the endothelialization ability and the steady-state blood flow of SFTSs were evaluated in vivo by implanting and replacing a common carotid artery in a rabbit. The results of the color doppler ultrasound and angiographies showed that the blood flow was circulated in the grafts without aneurysmal dilations or significant stenoses at any time point, and ran stronger and close to the autologous blood vessel from one month after implantation. The SFTSs presented an initial tridimensionality without being distorted or squashed. SEM and immunohistochemistry results showed that a clear and discontinuous endodermis appeared after one month of implantation; when implanted for three months, an endothelial layer fully covered the inner surface of SFTSs. RT-PCR results indicated that the gene expression level of CD31 in SFTSs was 45.8% and 75.3% by that of autologous blood vessels at 3 months and 12 months, respectively. The VEGF gene showed a high expression level that continued to increase after implantation.
Statistics in finance (2011)

Abstract This article considers Markov chain simulation and statistical analysis of high‐dimensional financial time series. In particular, we discuss Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, for example, Gibbs sampling and Metropolis‐Hasting algorithm, and multivariate volatility models with applications in finance. Real examples are used to demonstrate statistical applications of the methods discussed in risk management and volatility estimation. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 289–315 DOI: 10.1002/wics.168 This article is categorized under: Applications of Computational Statistics &gt; Computational Finance
INTRACARDIAC ECHINOCOCCOSIS (2015)

Aim. To present the unique observations and success of the surgical treatment of intracardiac echinococcosis localization. Material and methods. During the 2011-2015 period, we successfully operated 3 patients with intracardiac echinococcosis localization. Before the operation, all patients underwent EchoCG, MRT/CT. Operations were performed under the artificial circulation conditions and pharmaco-cold cardioplegy. It was obligatory to use TEEchoCG during the operation. Results. In all patients the removal of echinococcosis cysts from the heart was successful. In one case, we also removed the cyst from the right lung. Conclusion. In echinococcosis of any localization, it is necessary to perform transthoracal EchoCG to rule out extracardiac cysts. In intracardiac echinococcosis it is recommended to operate off-pump with the aim of proper localization of the operation. We recommend to perform CT/MRI before the operation which make it possible to evaluate the anatomy of the heart and to explicate full and detailed operation plan, and during the operation to use transesophageal EchoCG with the same aim.
Thermostable proteins bioprocesses: The activity of restriction endonuclease-methyltransferase from Thermus thermophilus (RM.TthHB27I) cloned in Escherichia coli is critically affected by the codon composition of the synthetic gene (2017)

Obtaining thermostable enzymes (thermozymes) is an important aspect of biotechnology. As thermophiles have adapted their genomes to high temperatures, their cloned genes' expression in mesophiles is problematic. This is mainly due to their high GC content, which leads to the formation of unfavorable secondary mRNA structures and codon usage in Escherichia coli (E. coli). RM.TthHB27I is a member of a family of bifunctional thermozymes, containing a restriction endonuclease (REase) and a methyltransferase (MTase) in a single polypeptide. Thermus thermophilus HB27 (T. thermophilus) produces low amounts of RM.TthHB27I with a unique DNA cleavage specificity. We have previously cloned the wild type (wt) gene into E. coli, which increased the production of RM.TthHB27I over 100-fold. However, its enzymatic activities were extremely low for an ORF expressed under a T7 promoter. We have designed and cloned a fully synthetic tthHB27IRM gene, using a modified 'codon randomization' strategy. Codons with a high GC content and of low occurrence in E. coli were eliminated. We incorporated a stem-loop circuit, devised to negatively control the expression of this highly toxic gene by partially hiding the ribosome-binding site (RBS) and START codon in mRNA secondary structures. Despite having optimized 59% of codons, the amount of produced RM.TthHB27I protein was similar for both recombinant tthHB27IRM gene variants. Moreover, the recombinant wt RM.TthHB27I is very unstable, while the RM.TthHB27I resulting from the expression of the synthetic gene exhibited enzymatic activities and stability equal to the native thermozyme isolated from T. thermophilus. Thus, we have developed an efficient purification protocol using the synthetic tthHB27IRM gene variant only. This suggests the effect of co-translational folding kinetics, possibly affected by the frequency of translational errors. The availability of active RM.TthHB27I is of practical importance in molecular biotechnology, extending the palette of available REase specificities.
Reduction of focus size in tightly focused linearly polarized beams (2004)

The electromagnetic theory predicts that when a linearly polarized collimated field is focused by a high-angle focusing system, components perpendicular to the initial polarization are generated. The use of annular masks to reduce the area of the focal spot usually increases the magnitude of this phenomenon, known as depolarization. We present a class of masks, the three-ring masks, which are important because they narrow the central lobe of the focal intensity distribution without increasing the depolarization. This can be very useful in modern optical applications, such as confocal microscopy or multiphoton scanning microscopy.
On the relationship of first-episode psychosis to the amphetamine-sensitized state: a dopamine D2/3 receptor agonist radioligand study (2020)

Schizophrenia is characterized by increased behavioral and neurochemical responses to dopamine-releasing drugs. This prompted the hypothesis of psychosis as a state of "endogenous" sensitization of the dopamine system although the exact basis of dopaminergic disturbances and the possible role of prefrontal cortical regulation have remained uncertain. To show that patients with first-episode psychosis release more dopamine upon amphetamine-stimulation than healthy volunteers, and to reveal for the first time that prospective sensitization induced by repeated amphetamine exposure increases dopamine-release in stimulant-naïve healthy volunteers to levels observed in patients, we collected data on amphetamine-induced dopamine release using the dopamine D<sub>2/3</sub> receptor agonist radioligand [<sup>11</sup>C]-(+)-PHNO and positron emission tomography. Healthy volunteers (n = 28, 14 female) underwent a baseline and then a post-amphetamine scan before and after a mildly sensitizing regimen of repeated oral amphetamine. Unmedicated patients with first-episode psychosis (n = 21; 6 female) underwent a single pair of baseline and then post-amphetamine scans. Furthermore, T1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the prefrontal cortex was performed. Patients with first-episode psychosis showed larger release of dopamine compared to healthy volunteers. After sensitization of healthy volunteers their dopamine release was significantly amplified and no longer different from that seen in patients. Healthy volunteers showed a negative correlation between prefrontal cortical volume and dopamine release. There was no such relationship after sensitization or in patients. Our data in patients with untreated first-episode psychosis confirm the "endogenous sensitization" hypothesis and support the notion of impaired prefrontal control of the dopamine system in schizophrenia.
New regression equations for predicting the size of unerupted canines and premolars in a contemporary population. (2002)

The determination of a tooth-size to arch-length discrepancy in the mixed dentition requires an accurate prediction of the mesiodistal widths of the unerupted permanent teeth. This is an essential factor in treatment planning. The aim of this study was to validate Tanaka and Johnston's analysis on 600 Syrian patients aged 14-22 years. Tanaka and Johnston's tables, equations, and approximations were modified in order to improve the accuracy of the prediction. The correlation coefficients found between the size of the permanent mandibular central incisors and maxillary first molars (31, 41, 16, and 26) and the maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars were high (r = .72 and .74, respectively). New, more accurate prediction tables applicable at earlier ages, and new regression equations were constructed. In addition, new easier approximations were developed to allow the prediction of the size of the unerupted maxillary canines and premolars by adding 6 mm to the half-widths of teeth 31, 41, 16, and 26. The analogous prediction of the size of the unerupted mandibular canines and premolars was obtained by adding 5.5 mm to the half-widths of same teeth, 31, 41, 16, and 26.
Metallocene bis(aza-crown ether) ligands and related compounds. Their syntheses, co-ordination chemistry, and electrochemical properties (1990)

The syntheses of new ferrocene and ruthenocene bis(aza-crown ethers)(11)–(14) containing amide bond linkages between the metallocene redox centre and aza-15-crown-5 (1,4,7,10-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecane) and aza-18-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxa-16-azacyclo-octadecane) are described. Variable-temperature 13C n.m.r. studies on these compounds reveal a common intramolecular dynamic process involving rotation about the N–CO bond whose energy barrier to rotation is cation (Na+ or Li+) dependent. The sodium cation forms 1 : 2 stoicheiometric complexes with the ferrocene bis(aza-crown ethers), whereas potassium produces a 1 : 1 intramolecular sandwich complex with the former and a 1 : 2 complex with the latter. Electrochemical investigations reveal that binding of Na+ and K+ guest cations at the respective aza-crown ether co-ordinating sites results in shifts of the ferrocene oxidation wave to more positive potentials. Lithium produces analogous electrochemical effects with these two compounds, however 13C n.m.r. results suggest this cation exclusively co-ordinates to the respective amide carbonyl oxygen donor atoms. This rationalisation is supported by ‘model’ ferrocene bis(tertiary amide) derivatives which exhibit redox-responsive behaviour to Li+ while being electrochemically insensitive to Na+ and K+.
Uncoupling Properties of the HerbicideN-n-Pentyl-N-Methyl-N'-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-Urea (1983)

The herbicide D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; (&lt;it&gt;N&lt;/it&gt;-&lt;it&gt;n&lt;/it&gt;-pentyl-&lt;it&gt;N&lt;/it&gt;-methyl-&lt;it&gt;N'&lt;/it&gt;-(3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-urea can uncouple oxidative phosphorylation in isolated plant mitochondria. This paper confirms that D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; is an uncoupler that catalyzes the collapse of the transmembrane potential gradient by inducing a movement of protons across the membrane. However, D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; is not itself capable of transporting protons. D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; gives complete uncoupling at 40 μM, a lower concentration than that required for uncoupling by the &lt;it&gt;n&lt;/it&gt;-butyl homologue ‘neburon’. Analysis of the shape of the state 4 stimulation curve suggests that D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; might act as a dimer in the membrane. Attempts to demonstrate binding of D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; to a membrane target gave ambiguous results, binding is not evident at 10 °C and 25 °C but might occur at 15 °C and 20 °C. The calculated herbicide concentration in the membrane (40 μM of which 4–0 μM is as the dimer) is high and similar to that of the major phospholipids. The calculated partition coefficient between medium and membrane (3.8 x 103) is in agreement with the lipophilicity of the substituted urea herbicides. In the presence of a substrate, D&lt;inf&gt;3&lt;/inf&gt; blocks both influx and efflux calcium movement through the mitochondrial membrane but in the absence of substrate, D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; induces binding of calcium. Binding requires Mg&amp;plus;&amp;plus; but not K&amp;plus; or phosphate and leads to a release of H&amp;plus;. Ruthenium Red causes a partial inhibition of binding but no other reagent or ionophore tested had any effect. Since binding does not occur in turnip mitochondria which are unable to transport Ca&amp;plus;&amp;plus; it is concluded that the effect is not directly linked to the uncoupling action. The mechanism of action of D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; is discussed and it is concluded that D&lt;inf&gt;5&lt;/inf&gt; probably acts as a dimer and perturbs membrane structure. The site of action is probably the lipid components of the membrane.
Management of chronic wasting disease in ranched elk: conclusions from a longitudinal three-year study (2020)

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal, horizontally transmissible prion disease of cervid species that has been reported in free-ranging and farmed animals in North America, Scandinavia, and Korea. Like other prion diseases, CWD susceptibility is partly dependent on the sequence of the prion protein encoded by the host's <i>PRNP</i> gene; it is unknown if variations in <i>PRNP</i> have any meaningful effects on other aspects of health. Conventional diagnosis of CWD relies on ELISA or IHC testing of samples collected post-mortem, with recent efforts focused on antemortem testing approaches. We report on the conclusions of a study evaluating the role of antemortem testing of rectal biopsies collected from over 570 elk in a privately managed herd, and the results of both an amplification assay (RT-QuIC) and conventional IHC among animals with a several <i>PRNP</i> genotypes. Links between <i>PRNP</i> genotype and potential markers of evolutionary fitness, including pregnancy rates, body condition, and annual return rates were also examined. We found that the RT-QuIC assay identified significantly more CWD positive animals than conventional IHC across the course of the study, and was less affected by factors known to influence IHC sensitivity - including follicle count and PRNP genotype. We also found that several evolutionary markers of fitness were not adversely correlated with specific <i>PRNP</i> genotypes. While the financial burden of the disease in this herd was ultimately unsustainable for the herd owners, our scientific findings and the hurdles encountered will assist future CWD management strategies in both wild and farmed elk and deer.
Evolution of the three‐dimensional orientation distribution of glass fibers in injected isotactic polypropylene (1997)

Abstract The mechanical properties of fiber reinforced thermoplastics depend on the characteristics of the fibers, such as their three‐dimensional orientation distribution, which is the result of the processing conditions and of the initial products before mixing. Different composites were obtained by injection of reinforced isotactic polypropylene containing 30 wt% fibers. Different size distributions of fibers were investigated. Their average lengths range from 60 to 470 μm. Specific new tools were developed by combining microscopy and image analysis to determine the microtextural characteristics of the fibers, such as their size distribution or their orientation in the matrix. Our technique allows the following of the size distribution evolution of the fibers as the composite is processed. The three‐dimensional orientation of the fiber is established using the in‐plane angle and the angle of inclination. The evolution of the three‐dimensional orientation distribution is studied in the sample, by differentiating central and border behavior and also as a function of fiber size. It is concluded that the coupling of scanning electronic microscopy with image analysis is an interesting technique that allows the 3‐D orientation of the fibers to be determined. This technique is validated by showing that the results obtained agree with those that other authors obtained on comparable materials.
The Citrus Variety Improvement Program in Spain (1976)

Virus and viruslike diseases are the most serious threats facing the Spanish citrus industry today. Tristeza in 1972 affected 82,000 hectares of citrus (Guardiola, 1974), and is now the most dangerous citrus disease in Spain. Because of tristeza, sour orange can no longer be recommended as a rootstock and such tristeza tolerant stocks as citranges and Cleopatra mandarin are being substituted. However, since nearly all trees in Spain may have exocortis (Planes et al., 1968) the use of citranges may lead to another serious problem because of their susceptibility to exocortis. Xyloporosis (cachexia) is widely distributed in Spain (Planes et al., 1973) and its presence may diminish the effectiveness of Cleopatra mandarin as a rootstock. Psorosis and psorosis-related viruses are present in much of our citrus and presumably add to decline and stunting of trees, thereby increasing economic loss. Similarly, impietratura is present in several varieties and is an important factor in diminishing
Post-Shunt Resource Consumption Favors Small-Diameter Prosthetic H-Graft Portacaval Shunt Over TIPS for Patients With Poor Hepatic Reserve (2003)

For Child's class C patients undergoing HGPCS or TIPS, long-term survival is similar, though favoring HGPCS. Similarly, measures of resource consumption and cost of care following hospital discharge favor HGPCS. HGPCS should be preferentially applied for acceptable patients without access to convenient capable post-shunt care or without definitive plans for imminent transplantation.
Chirp and click evoked auditory steady state responses (2005)

In this study, Auditory Steady State Responses (ASSR) to 100 /spl mu/sec clicks and 4 msec cochlear chirps are recorded in adult subjects at repetition rates of 20 to 100 Hz in 10 Hz increments. Response characteristics of ASSRs are compared in the frequency domain. Results show that response amplitudes to both stimuli peak in the proximity of 40 Hz and 80 Hz, but chirps generate responses with larger amplitudes at all repetition rates. The responses at 40 Hz repetition rates for both clicks and chirps are larger than the corresponding responses at 80 Hz stimuli in awake adults. The 40 Hz responses, however, show greater variability than the 80 Hz responses depending on the subject's state of consciousness. The predictions of the ASSR waveforms at each repetition rate were then synthesized by superimposing the suitably shifted Middle Latency Response (MLR) waveforms that were recorded during the same session with a stimulus repetition rate of 10 Hz for both click and chirp recordings. This part of the study was undertaken to Investigate the validity of the hypothesis which states that the steady state responses are simply the linear additions of transient MLRs. The results showed that the synthesized waveforms resembled the real recordings to some extent, but consistently had larger amplitudes. This difference is assumed to be a result of the adaptation effects of higher stimulus rates.