gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Circulating and Hepatic BDCA1+, BDCA2+, and BDCA3+ Dendritic Cells Are Differentially Subverted in Patients With Chronic HBV Infection (2019)

<b>Background and aims:</b> Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health burden potentially evolving toward cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV physiopathology is strongly related to the host immunity, yet the mechanisms of viral evasion from immune-surveillance are still misunderstood. The immune response elicited at early stages of viral infection is believed to be important for subsequent disease outcome. Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial immune sentinels which orchestrate antiviral immunity, which offer opportunity to pathogens to subvert them to escape immunity. Despite the pivotal role of DCs in orientating antiviral responses and determining the outcome of infection, their precise involvement in HBV pathogenesis is not fully explored. <b>Methods:</b> One hundred thirty chronically HBV infected patients and 85 healthy donors were enrolled in the study for blood collection, together with 29 chronically HBV infected patients and 33 non-viral infected patients that were included for liver biopsy collection. In a pioneer way, we investigated the phenotypic and functional features of both circulating and intrahepatic BDCA1+ cDC2, BDCA2+ pDCs, and BDCA3+ cDC1 simultaneously in patients with chronic HBV infection by designing a unique multi-parametric flow cytometry approach. <b>Results:</b> We showed modulations of the frequencies and basal activation status of blood and liver DCs associated with impaired expressions of specific immune checkpoints and TLR molecules on circulating DC subsets. Furthermore, we highlighted an impaired maturation of circulating and hepatic pDCs and cDCs following stimulation with specific TLR agonists in chronic HBV patients, associated with drastic dysfunctions in the capacity of circulating DC subsets to produce IL-12p70, TNFα, IFNα, IFNλ1, and IFNλ2 while intrahepatic DCs remained fully functional. Most of these modulations correlated with HBsAg and HBV DNA levels. <b>Conclusion:</b> We highlight potent alterations in the distribution, phenotype and function of all DC subsets in blood together with modulations of intrahepatic DCs, revealing that HBV may hijack the immune system by subverting DCs. Our findings provide innovative insights into the immuno-pathogenesis of HBV and the mechanisms of virus escape from immune control. Such understanding is promising for developing new therapeutic strategies restoring an efficient immune control of the virus.
Critical Thinking: Annual Program Assessment Of Student Learning Report, 2016-2017 (2017)

University of New England (UNE) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum assessment document.
A novel stator flux oriented V/f control method in sensorless induction motor drives for accuracy improvement and oscillation suppression (2014)

This paper presents a novel V/f control method for speed sensorless induction motor drives. The proposed method keeps a constant steady-state stator flux in d axis by adding the stator resistance compensation. And the speed accuracy is improved by using the precise slip frequency compensation. Besides, a novel oscillation suppression compensation method is proposed to improve the stability and convergence rate of the drive system both in motoring and regenerating operations. The compensation is achieved by feeding both d-axis and q-axis dynamic current to frequency with different feedback parameters. In this paper, the linear model of this proposed system is derived and analyzed to design proper feedback parameters. In addition, the parameter sensitivities under the proposed V/f controlled method are studied based on the steady-state operating point analysis. The simulation and experimental results based on 15kW and 2.2kW IM drive systems are presented to confirm the validity the proposed method.
Validation of an automated system model generator (1994)

Modeling and simulation have always been highly useful techniques to use when designing, analyzing, or diagnosing an engineered system. Development of an appropriate model, in terms of accuracy, granularity, and complexity, has typically been the burden of the designer, analyst, or troubleshooter. It would naturally be advantageous if a model could be developed automatically, with the user supplying only some final minor refinements. The fact that most modern systems are designed in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment makes this a realistic prospect, because much of the data necessary for the model is already in electronic form. This article outlines a system called the automated knowledge generator (AKG), which embodies techniques that automatically create a model of an engineered system directly from its CAD representation, and describes the extensive testing process followed in order to validate its performance.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
An adaptive RSVP connection renewing scheme using the address of neighbor routers in mobile IP (2004)

In order to improve both performances of the renewing time and the number of hops, we propose an adaptive resource reservation protocol (RSVP) connection renewing scheme using the address of neighbor routers in mobile IP. In the proposed scheme, in order to renew RSVP connection after handoff of a mobile node (MN), each router on RSVP connection records the IP address of the downstream router in addition to the IP address of the upstream router, and the MN sends a SEARCH message. Since the router in the existing RSVP connection renews RSVP connection by means of comparing the IP address of the upstream router, the IP address of the downstream router, and the SEARCH message, the proposed scheme can renew RSVP connection neither setting up whole RSVP connection nor adding RSVP connection. We evaluate the renewing time and the number of hops of the proposed scheme and the conventional schemes by means of computer simulations. At the result, we show that the proposed scheme can improve both performances of the renewing time and the number of hops compared with the conventional schemes.
An early impact analysis technique for software maintenance (1994)

Abstract The accurate estimation of the resources required to implement a change in software is a difficult task. A method for doing this should include the analysis of the impact of the change on the existing system. A number of techniques for analysing the impact of a change on the source code have been described in the literature. While these techniques provide a good example of how to apply ripple effect analysis to source code, a weakness in these approaches is that they can be difficult to apply in the risk assessment phase of a project. This is because the source code is often not very well understood at this phase, and change proposals are written at a much higher level of abstraction than the code. It is therefore often the case that in practice subjective impact analysis methods are used for risk assessment and project investment appraisal. The underestimated resources for dealing with the ripple effects of a change can result in project schedules becoming so tight that only the minimal quality is achieved. This paper surveys existing ripple analysis techniques and then presents a new technique for the early detection of ripple effects based on a simple graph‐theoretic model of documentation and the themes within the documentation. The objective is to investigate the basis of a technique for analysing and measuring the impact of a change on the entire system that includes not only the source code but the specification and design documentation of a system, and an early phase in the maintenance process.
Membrane Cholesterol, Protein Phosphorylation, and Lipid Rafts (2001)

The functions of cholesterol and membrane microdomains in transmembrane signaling remain controversial. Edidin discusses the questions surrounding lipid rafts, membrane microdomains that have been biochemically defined but are difficult to visualize in vivo. He also discusses whether experiments showing correlation of changes in plasma membrane cholesterol with differentiation and the formation of adherens junctions in endothelial cells are consistent with a model in which lipid rafts influence the regulation of these processes.
Kinetics of Senescence-associated Changes of Gene Expression in an Epithelial, Temperature-sensitive SV40 Large T Antigen Model (2004)

Abstract Replicative senescence limits the number of times primary cells can divide and is therefore regarded as a potential checkpoint for cancer progression. The majority of studies examining changes of gene expression upon senescence have been made with stationary senescent cells. We wanted to study the transition from normal growth to senescence in detail and identify early regulators of senescence by analyzing early changes in global gene expression, using Affymetrix microarrays. For this purpose, we used a murine epithelial senescence model, where senescence is abrogated by SV40 large T antigen and can be induced by using a temperature-sensitive form of SV40 large T antigen (SV40ts58). Comparisons were made to wild-type SV40 large T antigen-expressing cells and to cells expressing SV40ts58 large T antigen grown to confluence. After removal of genes that are similarly regulated in wild-type and temperature-sensitive SV40 large T antigen-expressing cells, 60% of the remaining genes were shared between cells arrested by inactivation of SV40 T antigen and by confluence. We identified 125 up-regulated and 39 down-regulated candidate genes/expressed sequence tags that are regulated upon SV40 T antigen inactivation and not during heat shock or confluence and classified these based on their kinetic profiles. Our study identified genes that fall into different functional clusters, such as transforming growth factor-β-related genes and transcription factors, and included genes not identified previously as senescence associated. The genes are candidates as early regulators of the senescence checkpoint and may be potential molecular targets for novel anticancer drugs.
Hesperidin ameliorates bleomycin-induced experimental pulmonary fibrosis via inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3/AMPK and IκBα/NF-κB pathways (2019)

Bleomycin (BLM) is a chemotherapeutic agent which is associated with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) due to its chronic administration. Hesperidin, a bioflavonoid has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antiapoptotic potential. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of hesperidin against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis and decipher its possible mechanism of action. Intraperitoneal administration of BLM (6 IU/kg) caused induction of IPF in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were treated with hesperidin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days, followed by estimation of various parameters in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung. Hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) administration significantly ameliorated (<i>p <</i> 0.05) alterations induced by BLM in lung index, percent oxygen saturation, serum ALP and LDH levels, BALF differential cell count, and lung function test. Elevated levels of oxido-nitrosative stress, hydroxyproline, and myeloperoxidase levels in BALF and lung were significantly decreased by hesperidin on day 14. Hesperidin significantly inhibited BLM-induced down-regulated lung Nrf2 and HO-1 as well as up-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, collagen-1, TGF-β, and Smad-3 mRNA expressions. Western blot analysis showed that alteration in lung NF-κB, IκBα, AMPK, and PP2C-α protein expressions were ameliorated by hesperidin on day 28. Furthermore, BLM induced histological and ultrastructural aberrations in the lung which were attenuated by hesperidin treatment. Hesperidin alleviates BLM-induced IPF via inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3/AMPK and IκBα/NF-κB pathways which in turn ameliorate the modulation of oxido-inflammatory markers (Nrf2 and HO-1) and pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) to reduce collagen deposition during pulmonary fibrosis. See also Figure 1(Fig. 1).
Modeling, Simulation, and Control Implementation for a Split-Torque, Geared Neutral, Infinitely Variable Transmission (1991)

&lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;Split-torque, geared-neutral transmissions have been shown to improve vehicle performance over a conventional continuously variable transmission. Although control of these transmissions has presented significant problems in the past, we have been able to achieve good driveability and fuel economy through the use of an integrated engine/transmission control philosophy.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;Development of the transmission/engine control strategies are based on detailed dynamic models and computer simulations of the driveline. In developing the control laws, specific attention has been given to providing characteristics similar to that of a conventional automatic transmission, such as creep and hill-holding capabilities.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;Test results show adequate transmission response with high initial jerk if demanded, excellent stability at the geared-neutral point, and smooth transitions through the synchronous point as well as in all other driving conditions.&lt;/div&gt;
Distance based vector field method for feature extraction of characters and figures (2002)

A new method is proposed for feature extraction and representation of character and figure patterns using a vector field. The vector field is constructed from a distance transformation like the gradient vector of the electric field caused by a charged pattern. Features are defined by a set of the source points, sink points, and locally homogeneous domains of the vector field. It is shown that these features are effective for detecting holes (loops) and directional segments of the input pattern. The pattern and the frame can be segmented naturally and the segmentation represents the juxtapositional relation among the locally homogeneous domains of flow-out vectors from the pattern. The authors discuss the relation between the distance transformation that the vector field is based on and scale-space filtering which can be regarded as a kind of diffusion and/or blurring processing of the shape of pattern.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
Decreased basal ganglia activation in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome subjects is associated with increased fatigue (2012)

Objectives Conduct a functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) study using a monetary win‐lose gambling task that strongly activates basal ganglia to test hypothesis of decreased basal ganglia function in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods Participants included 18 CFS subjects (1994 case definition) and 41 non‐fatigued controls matched on age, sex and race who were free of psychotropic medications and significant depression (Zung Depression score &lt;60). The general activation pattern for win‐lose contrast across all subjects was determined. The resulting statistical parametric brain map thresholded at p&lt;0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons, was intersected with basal ganglia regions of interest (ROIs). For each subject, the average value of win‐lose activation contrast in each ROI was extracted. Results CFS subjects showed decreased right caudate (p=0.01) and right globus pallidus (p=0.02) activation compared to controls. The decreased globus pallidus activation correlated with increased mental fatigue (r 2 =0.49, p=0.001), general fatigue (r 2 =0.34, p=0.01) and reduced activity (r 2 =0.29, p=0.02) Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory scores of CFS subjects but not controls. Conclusion Reduced basal ganglia activation may contribute to symptoms of fatigue in CFS subjects. The findings in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agency (CDC).
Complete spore-cortex hydrolysis during germination of Bacillus subtilis 168 requires SleB and YpeB (2000)

The role of the sleB gene of Bacillus subtilis, which encodes a putative spore-cortex-lytic enzyme, and the downstream ypeB gene were investigated. Both SleB and YpeB were required for normal germination to occur. The corresponding mutants formed phase-bright, heat-resistant spores with no apparent defects in dormancy. However, mutant spore suspensions lost optical density slower than the wild-type and spores were phase-grey even 12 h after the triggering of germination. Since the loss of heat resistance and release of dipicolinic acid was similar to the wild-type, these mutants were blocked in the later stages of germination. The mutants were nevertheless capable of outgrowth on rich agar to form colonies, indicating that other spore components can compensate for their function sufficiently to allow outgrowth. The expression and regulation of the operon was examined using a lacZ transcriptional fusion. Expression of the operon began 2 h after the onset of sporulation and was under the control of RNA polymerase containing the forespore-specific sigma factor, sigmaG. The application of reverse phase HPLC revealed that the mutants do not have any structural defect in the dormant spore cortex and therefore these genes are not required for normal spore-cortex synthesis. The analysis of peptidoglycan dynamics during germination showed, however, that the cortex was only partially hydrolysed in both mutants. This analysis also revealed that the likely hydrolytic bond specificity of SleB is likely to be that of a lytic transglycosylase.
Pandemics and People (2020)

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal or of ASM. 

As someone who has been involved in discussions about biopreparedness for the better part of the 21st century, albeit for human-made threats, the level of unpreparedness we found ourselves in with
Single-energy intensity modulated proton therapy (2015)

In this note, an intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) technique, based on the use of high single-energy (SE-IMPT) pencil beams, is described.The method uses only the highest system energy (226 MeV) and only lateral penumbra to produce dose gradient, as in photon therapy. In the study, after a preliminary analysis of the width of proton pencil beam penumbras at different depths, SE-IMPT was compared with conventional IMPT in a phantom containing titanium inserts and in a patient, affected by a spinal chordoma with fixation rods.It was shown that SE-IMPT has the potential to produce a sharp dose gradient and that it is not affected by the uncertainties produced by metal implants crossed by the proton beams. Moreover, in the chordoma patient, target coverage and organ at risk sparing of the SE-IMPT plan resulted comparable to that of the less reliable conventional IMPT technique. Robustness analysis confirmed that SE-IMPT was not affected by range errors, which can drastically affect the IMPT plan.When accepting a low-dose spread as in modern photon techniques, SE-IMPT could be an option for the treatment of lesions (e.g. cervical bone tumours) where steep dose gradient could improve curability, and where range uncertainty, due for example to the presence of metal implants, hampers conventional IMPT.
Optimizing Areal Capacities through Understanding the Limitations of Lithium-Ion Electrodes (2015)

Increasing the areal capacity or electrode thickness in lithium ion batteries is one possible means to increase pack level energy density while simultaneously lowering cost. The physics that limit use of high areal capacity as a function of battery power to energy ratio are poorly understood and thus most currently produced automotive lithium ion cells utilize modest loadings to ensure long life over the vehicle battery operation. Here we show electrolyte transport limits the utilization of the positive electrode at critical C-rates during discharge; whereas, a combination of electrolyte transport and polarization lead to lithium plating in the graphite electrode during charge. Experimental measurements are compared with theoretical predictions based on concentrated solution and porous electrode theories. An analytical expression is derived to provide design criteria for long lived operation based on the physical properties of the electrode and electrolyte. Finally, a guideline is proposed that graphite cells should avoid charge current densities near or above 4 mA/cm2 unless additional precautions have been made to avoid deleterious side reaction.
The CVS-Server Case Study: A Formalized Security Architecture (2002)

CVS is a widely known version management system. Configured in server mode, it can be used for the distributed development of software as well as its distribution from a central database called the repository. In this setting, a number of security mechanisms have to be integrated into the CVS-server architecture. We present an abstract formal model of the access control aspects of a CVS-server architecture enforcing a role-based access control on the data in the repository. This abstract architecture is refined to an implementation architecture, which represents (an abstraction of) a concrete CVS-server configuration running in a POSIX/UNIX environment. Both the abstract as well as the concrete architecture are specified in the language Z. The specification is compiled to HOL-Z, such that refinement proofs for this case study can be done in Isabelle/HOL.
Thermal characteristics of an air‐cooled open‐cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack via numerical investigation (2020)

In light of stricter emissions regulations and depleting fossil fuel reserves, fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are one of the leading alternatives for powering future vehicles. An open-cathode, air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack provides a relatively simple electric generation system for a vehicle in terms of system complexity and number of components. The temperature within a PEMFC stack is critical to its level of performance and the electrochemical efficiency. Previously created computational models to study and predict the stack temperature have been limited in their scale and the inaccurate assumption that temperature is uniform throughout. The present work details the creation of a numerical model to study the temperature distribution of an 80-cell Ballard 1020ACS stack by simulating the cooling airflow across the stack. Using computational fluid dynamics, a steady-state airflow simulation was performed using experimental data to form boundary conditions where possible. Additionally, a parametric study was performed to investigate the effect of the distance between the stack and cooling fan on stack performance. Model validation was performed against published results. The temperature distribution across the stack was identical for the central 70% of the cells, with eccentric temperatures observed at the stack extremities, while the difference between coolant and bipolar plate temperatures was approximately 10°C at the cooling channel outlets. The results of the parametric study showed that the fan-stack distance has a negligible effect on stack performance. The assumptions regarding stack temperature uniformity and measurement were challenged. Lastly, the hypothesis regarding the negligible effect of fan-stack distance on stack performance was confirmed.