gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Sphingosylphosphorylcholine‐induced ERK activation inhibits melanin synthesis in human melanocytes (2005)

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) is emerging as a potent signaling-lipid mediator. In this study, we investigated the effects of SPC on melanogenesis using cultured human melanocytes. Our results show that SPC significantly inhibits melanin synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner, and further that it reduces the activity of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting melanogenic enzyme. SPC treatment was also found to induce short-thick dendrites in human melanocytes, but not to reduce tyrosinase activity in a cell-free system, whereas kojic acid directly inhibited tyrosinase. These results suggest that SPC reduces pigmentation by indirectly regulating tyrosinase. In further experiments, SPC was found to downregulate microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase, and Western blotting showed that SPC induces the activations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK-1). Moreover, the specific ERK pathway inhibitor, PD98059, blocked the hypopigmentation effect of SPC, and abrogated the SPC-mediated downregulation of MITF. These results suggest that the ERK pathway is involved in the melanogenic signaling cascade, and that ERK activation by SPC reduces melanin synthesis via MITF downregulation.
cDNA Cloning, Expression, and Mutagenesis Study of Liver-type Prostaglandin F Synthase (1999)

Prostaglandin (PG) F synthase catalyzes the reduction of PGD2 to 9alpha,11beta-PGF2 and that of PGH2 to PGF2alpha on the same molecule. PGF synthase has at least two isoforms, the lung-type enzyme (Km value of 120 microM for PGD2 (Watanabe, K., Yoshida, R., Shimizu, T., and Hayaishi, O. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 7035-7041) and the liver-type one (Km value of 10 microM for PGD2 (Chen, L. -Y., Watanabe, K., and Hayaishi, O. (1992) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 296, 17-26)). The liver-type enzyme was presently found to consist of a 969-base pair open reading frame coding for a 323-amino acid polypeptide with a Mr of 36,742. Sequence analysis indicated that the bovine liver PGF synthase had 87, 79, 77, and 76% identity with the bovine lung PGF synthase and human liver dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DD) isozymes DD1, DD2, and DD4, respectively. Moreover, the amino acid sequence of the liver-type PGF synthase was identical with that of bovine liver DD3. The liver-type PGF synthase was expressed in COS-7 cells, and its recombinant enzyme had almost the same properties as the native enzyme. Furthermore, to investigate the nature of catalysis and/or substrate binding of PGF synthase, we constructed and characterized various mutant enzymes as follows: R27E, R91Q, H170C, R223L, K225S, S301R, and N306Y. Although the reductase activities toward PGH2 and phenanthrenequinone (PQ) of almost all mutants were not inactivated, the Km values of R27E, R91Q, H170C, R223L, and N306Y for PGD2 were increased from 15 to 110, 145, 75, 180, and 100 microM, respectively, indicating that Arg27, Arg91, His170, Arg223, and Asn306 are essential to give a low Km value for PGD2 of the liver-type PGF synthase and that these amino acid residues serve in the binding of PGD2. Moreover, the R223L mutant among these seven mutants especially has a profound effect on kcat for PGD2 reduction. The Km values of R223L, K225S, and S301R for PQ were about 2-10-fold lower than the wild-type value, indicating that the amino acid residues at 223, 225 and 301 serve in the binding of PQ to the enzyme. On the other hand, the Km value of H170C for PGH2 was 8-fold lower than that of the wild type, indicating that the amino acid residue at 170 is related to the binding of PGH2 to the enzyme and that Cys170 confer high affinity for PGH2. Additionally, the 5-fold increase in kcat/Km value of the N306Y mutant for PGH2 compared with the wild-type value suggests that the amino acid at 306 plays an important role in catalytic efficiency for PGH2.
<title>Watermarking of 3D-polygon-based models with robustness against mesh simplification</title> (1999)

This paper presents a watermarking algorithm suitable for embedding private watermarks into three dimensional polygon based models. The algorithm modifies the models normal distribution to store information solely in the geometry of the model. The watermarks show significant robustness against mesh simplifying methods.
Parametric primitives for motor representation and control (2003)

The use of motor primitives for the generation of complex movements is a relatively new and interesting idea for dimensionality reduction in robot control. We propose a framework in which adaptive primitives learn and represent synergetic arm movements. A simple and fixed set of postural and oscillatory primitives form the substrate through which all control is elicited. Higher level adaptive primitives interact and control the primitive substrate in order to handle complex movement sequences. We implemented this model on a simulated 20 DOF humanoid character with dynamics. We present results of the experiments involving the presentation and learning of synergetic arm movements.
Knowledge reuse in the design of steel connections using 2D-CAD drawings (2007)

Design knowledge reuse is the most common design method in structural engineering and dominates completely in the design of steel connections. This paper describes a case study and a prototype with the objective of gaining knowledge on how to create computer support for knowledge reuse in the design of steel connections. The case study identified the key characteristics of the design knowledge reuse process in the form of subprocesses. It also showed that the most commonly used documents in these processes are drawings and that these contain most of the information needed for reuse. The prototype was implemented using the Case-Based Design approach. Evaluation of this prototype confirmed the findings of the case study and suggested that information about the geometry and topology of the members connected was sufficient for indexing previous steel connections. The prototype significantly facilitated the process of finding the documentation of recalled previous connections and thus most of the information necessary for reuse. A method of capturing the required information automatically during the process of the designer creating the drawings was implemented and evaluated.
Thermal conductivity of [ital a]-Si:H thin films (1994)

The thermal conductivity of sputtered [ital a]-Si:H thin films for a hydrogen content of 1--20 % and a film thickness of 0.2--1.5 [mu]m is determined in the temperature range 80--400 K using an extension of the 3[omega] measurement technique. The reliability of the method is demonstrated on 1-[mu]m-thick [ital a]-SiO[sub 2] thermally grown on Si. Scattering of phonons at the interface between the [ital a]-Si:H film and the substrate places a simple upper limit on the heat transport by long-wavelength phonons and facilitates the comparison of the experimental data to recent numerical solutions of a Kubo formula using harmonic vibrations.
Strategies to Protect the Brain During Cardiac Surgery (2000)

Despite significant advances in cardiopulmonary by pass (CPB) technology, surgical techniques, and anes thetic management, central nervous system (CNS) com plications remain a common and costly problem after CPB. Stroke is often considered a rare and unprevent able complication of cardiac surgery. Recent studies have shown that through the use of echocardiography and historical risk stratification strategies, we can de fine which patients are at substantially greater risk for CNS injury. Through enhanced understanding of the etiology of stroke and perioperative factors, which are associated with potential for neuroprotection or injury extension, there now exists a greater potential than ever to substantially reduce neurological injury associ ated with cardiac surgery. Strategies and theories of stratifying patients at risk and secondarily reducing that risk are described, as well as consideration for early postoperative assessment to allow treatment when events occur.
MicroRNAs MiR-218, MiR-125b, and Let-7g Predict Prognosis in Patients with Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (2014)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have a major impact on regulatory networks in human carcinogenesis. In this study, we sought to investigate the prognostic significance of miRNAs in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In a discovery phase, RNA was extracted from 58 OSCC tumor samples and paired normal tissues. MiRNAs expression was evaluated with TaqMan Array Card and TaqMan MicroRNA assays. The prognostic significance of the miRNA signature identified in the discovery phase was validated by qRT-PCR in a replication set consisting of 141 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. We identified a miRNA regulatory network centered on the three hub genes (SP1, MYC, and TP53) that predicted distinct clinical endpoints. Three miRNAs (miR-218, miR-125b, and let-7g) and their downstream response genes had a concordant prognostic significance on disease-free survival and disease-specific survival rates. In addition, patients with a reduced expression of miR-218, miR-125b, and let-7g have a higher risk of poor outcomes in presence of specific risk factors (p-stage III-IV, pT3-4, or pN+). Our findings indicate that specific miRNAs have prognostic significance in OSCC patients and may improve prognostic stratification over traditional risk factors.
An Adaptive Reservation Scheme for Effective QoS Provisioning in the Cloud SDN Stack (2015)

The virtualized cloud hosts multiple applications each with unique traffic characteristics necessitating QoS provisioning for its finite network resource. While hypervisor and network based virtualization techniques provide traffic isolation in multitenant cloud environments, there is a gap in their interworking & integration for effective end-to-end SLA maintenance. Recent solutions in cloud network provisioning through reservation practices have accomplished some degree of success. However they are oblivious of the entire application communication path & don't provide the requisite SLA. In this work, we develop a reservation methodology that is aware of the complex hierarchy of the cloud network. Furthermore, given the volatility of traffic generated and received by cloud tenant applications, we employ a general class of dynamic score models of time-series to develop a predictive algorithm integrated with the bandwidth provisioning framework. This solution is resident in the application layer of the SDN stack as a controller. Our methods have been tested in the OpenStack environment that integrates a layered cloud network in a real-life test-bed. Our predictive methods provide a 15% increase in accuracy over current methods while able to provide effective SLA maintenance across clients with unique QoS requirements.
Modification of tomato growth by expression of truncated ERECTA protein from Arabidopsis thaliana (2012)

In mammals, cadmium is widely considered as a non-genotoxic carcinogen acting through a methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanism. Here, the effects of Cd treatment on the DNA methylation patten are examined together with its effect on chromatin reconfiguration in Posidonia oceanica. DNA methylation level and pattern were analysed in actively growing organs, under short-(6 h) and long-(2 d or 4 d) term and low (10 mM) and high (50 mM) doses of Cd, through a Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism technique and an immunocytological approach, respectively. The expression of one member of the CHROMOMETHYLASE (CMT) family, a DNA methyltransferase, was also assessed by qRT-PCR. Nuclear chromatin ultrastructure was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Cd treatment induced a DNA hypermethylation, as well as an up-regulation of CMT, indicating that de novo methylation did indeed occur. Moreover, a high dose of Cd led to a progressive heterochromatinization of interphase nuclei and apoptotic figures were also observed after long-term treatment. The data demonstrate that Cd perturbs the DNA methylation status through the involvement of a specific methyltransferase. Such changes are linked to nuclear chromatin reconfiguration likely to establish a new balance of expressed/repressed chromatin. Overall, the data show an epigenetic basis to the mechanism underlying Cd toxicity in plants.
Cardiovascular Physiology in Obesity (2012)

Obesity produces a variety of hemodynamic changes that cause alterations in cardiac morphology and ventricular function. These alterations may be intensified by the presence of systemic hypertension. In those with severe obesity these pathophysiologic sequelae may contribute to the development of left ventricular failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and subsequent right ventricular failure. Sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation may help to promote pulmonary arterial hypertension and further facilitate right heart decompensation. Such patients are at particularly high risk for these complications in the critical care setting. Knowledge of cardiovascular pathophysiology in obesity may assist the intensivist in the successful management of these challenging patients.
Sepoltura dei feti e protezione dei dati personali (2021)

This article, starting from a recent event that is under the inspection of the Italian Data protection authority, examines the protection of the mother’s personal data with respect to the public interests to the knowledge of the identity of the mother itself and the practice.
Dynamically Reconfigurable High Impedance and Frequency Selective Metasurfaces Using Piezoelectric Actuators (2016)

Novel dynamically reconfigurable low-loss high impedance and frequency selective metasurfaces (FSmSs) are presented, operating at around 15 GHz and incorporating compact piezoelectric actuators. The high impedance metasurface (HIS) consists of an array of metallic elements printed on a thin dielectric substrate, placed over a ground plane, and supported by the actuators. Under a dc bias, the actuators produce a displacement between the two layers, resulting in a change in the reflection phase response. Furthermore, novel multilayer FSmSs are proposed achieving significant tuning of their passband response with low losses. The FSmSs consist of three closely spaced periodic arrays of subwavelength nonresonant elements, namely, an array of metallic square loops placed between two arrays of square apertures in metallic sheets, separated by air cavities. The combination of the square loop array and one of the square aperture arrays produces a high impedance surface response, which is tuned using the piezoelectric actuators. This in turn alters the resonance condition of the complete FSmS structure and thus the central frequency of the passband. The structures have been investigated through simulations and measurements with good agreement, achieving an experimental frequency tuning range of 17% for the HIS and of 8.8% for the FSmS as well as a maximum phase shift of over 177° for the HIS at approximately 14 GHz.
Beam-forming by mutual coupling effects of parasitic elements in antenna arrays (2003)

An innovative method of beamforming is described using mutual coupling effects of parasitic elements in an antenna array. It is shown that null and mainbeam placement can be achieved by varying the reactances at the center of the dipoles.
Bolt loosening detection using vibration characteristics of thin plate with piezoelectric elements (2004)

Many researchers have made efforts to develop structural health monitoring methods to detect damages, cracks, corrosion and bolt loosening using modal characteristics of structures. However, modal characteristics are affected by not only damages but also boundary conditions and loading conditions etc. In fact, local damages induce very slight change of modal parameter. Therefore, it will be difficult to apply most of these conventional methods to actual structures. In this paper, we propose a new structural health monitoring method to detect bolt loosening using the characteristics of local vibration modes of a thin plate sensor sandwiched between a bolt, a nut and washers in main structures. This sensor consists of a thin plate and some piezoelectric elements. In local mode vibration of the thin plate sensor, the bolt’s axial tension determines its boundary condition. Bolt loosening changes the boundary condition and natural frequencies of the sensor. However, main structure’s characteristics don’t affect sensor’s modal characteristics. Since our method attempts using local vibration modes it is important to distinguish the local vibration modes of interest from the global ones related to structures. We propose a technique to distinguish local modes using finite element method. Finally, we confirm the validity of the thin plate sensor experimentally.
Compact oracles for reachability and approximate distances in planar digraphs (2001)

It is shown that a planar digraph can be preprocessed in near-linear time, producing a near-linear space distance oracle that can answer reachability queries in constant time. The oracle can be distributed as an O(log n) space label for each vertex and then we can determine if one vertex can reach another considering their two labels only. The approach generalizes to approximate distances in weighted planar digraphs where we can then get a (1+/spl epsi/) approximation distance in O(log log /spl Delta/+1//spl epsi/) time where /spl Delta/ is the longest finite distance in the graph and weights are assumed to be non-negative integers. Our scheme can be extended to find and route along the short dipaths. Our technique is based on a novel dipath decomposition of planar digraphs that instead of using the standard separator with O(/spl radic/n) vertices, in effect finds a separator using a constant number of dipaths.
Fuzzy logic based approach for robotics systems control. stability analysis (2007)

This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy control approach for complex tasks involving robot-environment interaction. Implementation of this approach is based on the design and optimization of fuzzy logic controller (FLC) performed in two stages. In the first stage, the FLC parameters are trained and optimized offline using a rapid prototyping algorithm combined with a method based on Solis and Wetts algorithm. The latter algorithm allows convergence of the cost function to its global minimum by using a local search algorithm which is a randomized hill-climber with an adaptive step size. For convenience of analysis, the structure of the FLC is divided into multi-input-single-output (MISO) controllers. In the second stage, an online learning of the FLC is then implemented into the proposed control structure. Robustness of the proposed approach is shown by the stability analysis based on the Lyapunov method. To show the performances of the proposed approach, simulations are carried out on a 3DOF robot performing contour following under force constraints.
The alkaline pH‐adapted skin barrier is disrupted severely by SLS‐induced irritation (2009)

The pH of the healthy skin is 5.5 and maintained by many regulatory mechanisms. The pH of the skin care product we use on a daily basis can have an influence on the skin properties. To investigate how the physical properties of skin change after the alkaline or acidic pH of the skin care products are applied on the skin for a long term, we adjusted the pH of the skin care products to 3, 5 and 8 (A, B, C), with glycolic acid and triethanolamine. For 5 weeks the skin care products were applied on 20 healthy subjects' ventral forearm and the skin physical properties were measured. After 5 weeks, skin responses to the external stress of 1% (w/v) SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) irritation and erythema by UV were measured. Skin colour and skin UV response were not altered by the pH. However, on the C-applied site (pH 8) the transepidermal water loss of stratum corneum (SC) increased significantly, the water content increased and desquamation decreased, respectively, and the SLS significantly impaired the skin barrier in comparison with other sites. The alkaline skin care product impaired the skin barrier after repeated application over 5-week period and the skin barrier was disrupted severely by 1% SLS exposure because SC was already impaired by alkaline pH and sensitive to external stress. This suggests that the pH of daily skin care products is very important for skin barrier homeostasis.
Therapeutic potential of different types of stem cells (2014)

Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells with the property of self-renewal, can transform into specialized cells and maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues. Stem cells have great possibility in the source of replacement of cells to manage various diseases, conditions, and disabilities such as, stroke, alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some genetic disorders. Extensive research is required for better understanding to exploit stem cell is inherent property to cure many debilitating diseases and enhancing overall quality of life. Keywords: Stem cells; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Somatic stem cells
2'-fluoro-5-iodo-aracytosine, a potent and selective anti-herpesvirus agent (1980)

A newly synthesized pyrimidine analog, 2'-fluoro-5-iodo-aracytosine (FIAC), suppressed by 90% the replication of various strains of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 at concentrations of 0.0025 to 0.0126 microM. Cytotoxicity was minimal, as determined by trypan blue dye exclusion with norman Vero, WI-38, and NC-37 cell proliferation; the 50% inhibitory dose was 4 to 10 microM in a 4-day assay. When compared with other antiviral drugs, FIAC was active at much lower concentrations than arabinosylcytosine, iododeoxyuridine, and arabinosyladenine. It was slightly more active against herpes simplex virus type 1 than acycloquanosine and slightly more toxic to normal cells. FIAC was about 8,000 times more active against the replication of wild-type herpes simplex virus type 1 than against a mutant strain lacking the expression of virus-specified thymidine kinase. Since FIAC appears to be preferentially phosphorylated by the viral enzyme, this is probably responsible, at least in part, for the selectivity of its antiviral actions. Although FIAC appears to be an arabinosylcytosine analog, its antiviral activity was not reversed by deoxycytidine. The minimal cytotoxicity exhibited by FIAC for normal cells, however, was reversed by equimolar concentrations of deoxycytidine. Thymidine, which reversed the antiviral activity, was effective only when used in great excess.
Continuous Adaptive Feedback Canceller Dynamics (2006)

This paper investigates the chaotic artifact (Entrainment) observed when correlated input signals are presented to an adaptive feedback canceller. By applying nonlinear analysis and iterating the equations of a simplified feedback canceller, we show that the phenomenon is inherent to a feedback canceller structure, where an adaptive filter is embedded in the closed loop. We also unify the previous attempts to explain this artifact with adaptive filter bias and ill conditioning of the input correlation matrix of the adaptive system.