gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Integrated online services for smokers and drinkers? Use of the Check Your Drinking assessment screener by participants of the Stop Smoking Center (2006)

The functional overlap of smoking and problem drinking has led researchers to speculate on the need for integrated treatment models. What of online services? With the burgeoning growth of Web-based interventions for smokers and the increasingly common online services for problem drinkers, there is the potential to provide options for smokers to also deal with any alcohol concerns. The integration of these services might also help increase smoking cessation rates, because alcohol consumption is a known trigger to smoking and also for relapse to smoking. This paper presents results of the use of an online personalized feedback assessment for drinking (Check Your Drinking, CYD) by smokers who were recruited from the Stop Smoking Center (SSC; www.stopsmokingcenter.net). Registered users of the SSC (N= 7,741) were invited to complete the CYD (now located as part of an online alcohol reduction program freely available at www.alcoholhelpcenter.net). A total of 963 SSC users responded to the invitation, providing information about their drinking as well as a summary of their current smoking and past experiences of alcohol functioning as a trigger for smoking. One-third of current daily smokers were problem drinkers (24% of occasional smokers and 22% of former smokers were current problem drinkers). Most (82%) daily smokers who were current drinkers reported they frequently or always experienced a strong urge, desire or thoughts about smoking when they drank alcohol. This brief report will explore the implications of the overlap of smoking and drinking by these online participants and will discuss the potential benefits of providing an integrated service for smokers and problem drinkers.
Modified Acyl-ACP desaturase (2023)

Disclosed is a method for modifying the chain length and double bond positional specificities of a soluble plant fatty acid desaturase. More specifically, the method involves modifying amino acid contact residues in the substrate binding channel of the soluble fatty acid desaturase which contact the fatty acid. Specifically disclosed is the modification of an acyl-ACP desaturase. Amino acid contact residues which lie within the substrate binding channel are identified, and subsequently replaced with different residues to effect the modification of activity.
Persistent Hyperglycemia is Predictive of Outcome in Critically Ill Trauma Patients (2005)

Hyperglycemia at admission is an independent predictor of outcome and infection in trauma patients. Future investigation on the effects of hyperglycemia are warranted.
Discrete-Time Synergetic Optimal Control of Nonlinear Systems (2008)

Discrete-time synergetic optimal control strategies are proposed for a class of nonlinear discrete-time dynamic systems, in which a special performance index is used that results in closed-form solutions of the optimal problems. Reduced-dimension aggregated variables representing a combination of the actual controlled plant variables are used to define the performance index. The control law optimizing the performance index for the respective nonlinear dynamic system is derived from the associated first-order difference equation in terms of the aggregated variables. Some connections between discrete-time synergetic control and the discrete-time linear quadratic regulator as well as discrete-time variable-structure sliding-mode controls are established. A control design procedure leading to closed-loop stability of a class of nonlinear systems with matched nonlinearities is presented. For these types of systems, the discrete-time synergetic optimal control strategy for tracking problems is developed by incorporating integral action. The closed-loop stability depends upon proper construction of the aggregated variables so that the closed-loop nonlinear system on the manifold specified by the aggregated variables is asymptotically stable. An algorithm for the construction of such a stabilizing manifold is given. Finally, the results are illustrated with an example that involves a discrete-time nonlinear helicopter model.
NF05-646 Removing Skunk Odor (2005)

Skunks are famous for their odorous defensive spray. When alarmed or threatened, skunks have been known to spray people, pets, and automobiles. They also spray in basements, garages, window wells, and under porches. The musk they spray is a yellow-tinted oily liquid. This NebFact discusses the general background, deodorizing treatment, home remedies and over-the-counter products, electric foggers and atomist sprayers, general first aid tips, and cautions for removing skunk odors around your home.
Atmospheric correction for satellite‐based volcanic ash mapping and retrievals using “split window” IR data from GOES and AVHRR (2002)

Volcanic ash in volcanic clouds can be mapped in two dimensions using two‐band thermal infrared data available from meteorological satellites. Wen and Rose [1994] developed an algorithm that allows retrieval of the effective particle size, the optical depth of the volcanic cloud, and the mass of fine ash in the cloud. Both the mapping and the retrieval scheme are less accurate in the humid tropical atmosphere. In this study we devised and tested a scheme for atmospheric correction of volcanic ash mapping and retrievals. The scheme utilizes infrared (IR) brightness temperature (BT) information in two infrared channels (both between 10 and 12.5 μm) and the brightness temperature differences (BTD) to estimate the amount of BTD shift caused by lower tropospheric water vapor. It is supported by the moderate resolution transmission (MODTRAN) analysis. The discrimination of volcanic clouds in the new scheme also uses both BT and BTD data but corrects for the effects of the water vapor. The new scheme is demonstrated and compared with the old scheme using two well‐documented examples: (1) the 18 August 1992 volcanic cloud of Crater Peak, Mount Spurr, Alaska, and (2) the 26 December 1997 volcanic cloud from Soufriere Hills, Montserrat. The Spurr example represents a relatively “dry” subarctic atmospheric condition. The new scheme sees a volcanic cloud that is about 50% larger than the old. The mean optical depth and effective radii of cloud particles are lower by 22% and 9%, and the fine ash mass in the cloud is 14% higher. The Montserrat cloud is much smaller than Spurr and is more sensitive to atmospheric moisture. It also was located in a moist tropical atmosphere. For the Montserrat example the new scheme shows larger differences, with the area of the volcanic cloud being about 5.5 times larger, the optical depth and effective radii of particles lower by 56% and 28%, and the total fine particle mass in the cloud increased by 53%. The new scheme can be automated and can contribute to more accurate remote volcanic ash detection. More tests are needed to find the best way to estimate the water vapor effects in real time.
X‐Space MPI: Magnetic Nanoparticles for Safe Medical Imaging (2012)

One quarter of all iodinated contrast X-ray clinical imaging studies are now performed on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Unfortunately, the iodine contrast agent used in X-ray is often toxic to CKD patients' weak kidneys, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Hence, we are pioneering a new medical imaging method, called Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), to replace X-ray and CT iodinated angiography, especially for CKD patients. MPI uses magnetic nanoparticle contrast agents that are much safer than iodine for CKD patients. MPI already offers superb contrast and extraordinary sensitivity. The iron oxide nanoparticle tracers required for MPI are also used in MRI, and some are already approved for human use, but the contrast agents are far more effective at illuminating blood vessels when used in the MPI modality. We have recently developed a systems theoretic framework for MPI called x-space MPI, which has already dramatically improved the speed and robustness of MPI image reconstruction. X-space MPI has allowed us to optimize the hardware for fi ve MPI scanners. Moreover, x-space MPI provides a powerful framework for optimizing the size and magnetic properties of the iron oxide nanoparticle tracers used in MPI. Currently MPI nanoparticles have diameters in the 10-20 nanometer range, enabling millimeter-scale resolution in small animals. X-space MPI theory predicts that larger nanoparticles could enable up to 250 micrometer resolution imaging, which would represent a major breakthrough in safe imaging for CKD patients.
Membrane cofactor protein of the complement system: alternative splicing of serine/threonine/proline-rich exons and cytoplasmic tails produces multiple isoforms that correlate with protein phenotype. (1991)

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) is a complement regulatory protein that is expressed on human cells and cell lines as two relatively broad species with Mr of 58,000-68,000 and 48,000-56,000. The structure of a previously reported cDNA clone indicated that MCP was a type 1 membrane glycoprotein and a member of the regulators of complement activation gene/protein cluster. However, it did not provide an explanation for the unusual phenotypic pattern of MCP. Therefore, in parallel with an analysis of the gene, additional cDNAs were cloned and characterized. Six different MCP cDNA classes were identified. All encode the same 5' untranslated signal peptide, four SCRs, transmembrane domain, and basic amino acid anchor. However, they differ in the length and composition of an extracellular serine/threonine/proline (STP)-rich area, a site of heavy O-glycosylation, and cytoplasmic tail. Analysis of the MCP gene demonstrated that the variation in cDNA structure was a result of alternative splicing. Peripheral blood cells and cell lines predominantly expressed four of the six isoforms. These varied by the presence or absence of an STP-rich segment of 15 amino acids (STPB) and by the use of one of two cytoplasmic domains. Analysis by polymerase chain reaction, Northern blots, and transfection indicated that the predominance of MCP cDNA isoforms with STPB correlated with the high molecular weight protein phenotype, while the predominance of isoforms without STPB correlated with the lower molecular weight phenotype. The expression in a single cell of four distinct protein species with variable STP-rich regions and cytoplasmic tails represents an interesting example of the use of alternative splicing to provide variability in a mammalian protein.
A Fully Three-Dimensional Printed Inchworm-Inspired Soft Robot with Magnetic Actuation (2019)

In the field of robotics, researchers are aiming to develop soft or partially soft bodied robots that utilize the motion and control system of various living organisms in nature. These robots have the potential to be robust and versatile, even safer for human interaction compared to traditional rigid robots. Soft robots based on biomimetic principles are being designed for real life applications by paying attention to different shape, geometry, and actuation systems in these organisms that respond to surrounding environments and stimuli. Especially, caterpillars or inchworms have garnered attention due to their soft compliant structure and crawling locomotion system making them ideal for maneuvering in congested spaces as a transport function. Currently, there are two major challenges with design and fabrication of such soft robots: using an efficient actuation system and developing a simple manufacturing process. Different actuation systems have been explored, which include shape memory alloy based coils and hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. However, the intrinsic limitations due to overall size and control system of these actuators prevent their integration in flexibility, lightweight, and compact manner, limiting practical and untethered applications. In comparison, magnetic actuation demonstrates simple wireless noncontact control. In terms of manufacturing process, additive manufacturing has emerged as an effective tool for obtaining structural complexity with high resolution, accuracy, and desired geometry. This study proposes a fully three-dimensional (3D) printed, monolithic, and tetherless inchworm-inspired soft robot that uses magnetic actuation for linear locomotion and crawling. Its structure is multimaterial heterogeneous particle-polymer composite with locally programmed material compositions. This soft robot is directly printed in one piece from a 3D computer model, without any manual assembly or complex processing steps, and it can be controlled by an external wireless force. This article presents its design and manufacturing with the novel magnetic field assisted projection stereolithography technique. Analytical models and numerical simulations of the crawling locomotion of the soft robot are also presented and compared with the experimental results of the 3D printed prototype. The overall locomotion mechanism of the magnetically actuated soft robot is evaluated with friction tests and stride efficiency analysis.
Molecular Recognition in a Thermoplastic Elastomer (2005)

Selective incorporation of bisurea guests in thermoplastic elastomers with poly(tetrahydrofuran) soft blocks and bisurea containing hard blocks is observed when the distances between the urea groups of host and guest match. The incorporation leads to significant modulation of mechanical properties. With bisurea-functionalized dyes as guests, a strong difference in extractability by detergent solution was shown between dyes differing by just one methylene unit between urea groups. Upon elongation of elastomer films, strong differences in alignability of matching and nonmatching dyes were observed.
Designing ionic liquids with boron cluster anions: alkylpyridinium and imidazolium [nido-C2B9H11] and [closo-CB11H12] carborane salts (2008)

A range of new alkylpyridinium and imidazolium carborane salts with [nido-C(2)B(9)H(12)](-), [closo-CB(11)H(12)](-), and [RC(2)B(11)H(11)](-) (R = methyl or butyl) anions have been prepared and characterized by physical and thermal methods, including the solid state structures of five of the salts determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The tendency of the salts to form low-melting ionic liquids has been assessed; all the salts studied with [nido-C(2)B(9)H(12)](-) anions melted below 100 degrees C and, significantly, have melting points that are 25-85 degrees C lower than those of the corresponding [closo-CB(11)H(12)](-) analogs, demonstrating that a wider range of boron-rich ionic liquid materials can be readily accessed.
Sword and shield: Linked group B streptococcal β-hemolysin/cytolysin and carotenoid pigment function to subvert host phagocyte defense (2004)

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis in neonates and has been found to persist inside host phagocytic cells. The pore-forming GBS beta-hemolysin/cytolysin (betaH/C) encoded by cylE is an important virulence factor as demonstrated in several in vivo models. Interestingly, cylE deletion results not only in the loss of betaH/C activity, but also in the loss of a carotenoid pigment of unknown function. In this study, we sought to define the mechanism(s) by which cylE may contribute to GBS phagocyte resistance and increased virulence potential. We found that cylE-deficient GBS was more readily cleared from a mouse's bloodstream, human whole blood, and isolated macrophage and neutrophil cultures. Survival was linked to the ability of betaH/C to induce cytolysis and apoptosis of the phagocytes. At a lower bacterial inoculum, cylE also contributed to enhanced survival within phagocytes that was attributed to the ability of carotenoid to shield GBS from oxidative damage. In oxidant killing assays, cylE mutants were shown to be more susceptible to hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, superoxide, and singlet oxygen. Together, these data suggest a mechanism by which the linked cylE-encoded phenotypes, betaH/C (sword) and carotenoid (shield), act in partnership to thwart the immune phagocytic defenses.
The odd-even turn model for adaptive routing (2000)

This paper presents a model for designing adaptive wormhole routing algorithms for meshes without virtual channels. The model restricts the locations where some turns can be taken so that deadlock is avoided. In comparison with previous methods, the degree of routing adaptiveness provided by the model is more even for different source-destination pairs. The mesh network may benefit from this feature in terms of communication efficiency. Simulation results show that the even adaptiveness provided by the odd-even turn model makes message routing less vulnerable to nonuniform factors such as hot spot traffic. In addition, this property results in a smaller fluctuation of the network performance with respect to different traffic patterns.
Onboard locating system using real-time image processing for a self-navigating vehicle (1993)

An onboard location system for a self-navigating vehicle using signposts with bar codes placed along the routes is described. The system has two independent measuring subsystems. The first is a machine vision system composed of an onboard camera, an onboard image processing unit, and signposts. This subsystem measures location and direction of the vehicle by triangulation when the signposts are detected. The second is a dead-reckoning subsystem based on rotation counts for the right and left wheels. Data from these two subsystems are systematically combined by an extended Kalman filter. The experimental results show that an accurate and smooth estimation of the location and direction of the vehicle is obtained.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
Molecular characterization and mapping of canine cGMP-phosphodiesterase delta subunit (PDE6D) (1999)

cGMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) is composed of two catalytic (alpha and beta) and two identical inhibitory (gamma) subunits. The human gene (PDE6D) encoding a new subunit (delta) has been characterized and mapped to the long arm of chromosome 2 (HSA2q35-q36) where a new autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) locus (RP26) has been localized. Characterization of the canine PDE6D shows the gene is about 4.2kb containing four exons interrupted by three introns; the size of the cDNA is 1059bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 453bp. A single transcript of identical size (1.43kb) was detected in all tissues examined (liver, lung, spleen, kidney, heart, brain and retina), with the highest abundance in the retina. Canine PDE6D has been localized to canine radiation hybrid group 14-a, which extends conserved synteny between the dog, human chromosome 2q and mouse chromosome 1. The characterization of the canine PDE6D gene and its mapping provide important information for testing causal association of the gene with canine retinal degenerations, in particular rod-cone dysplasia 2 (rcd2) in collie dogs. This disease is characterized by abnormal retinal cGMP metabolism due to a deficiency in cGMP-PDE activity, yet the alpha, beta and gamma subunits of PDE have been excluded as candidate gene loci.
A method for extracting marked regions from document images (1987)

Abstract A method of document management in the electronic filing is considered, where the abstract is prepared, filed and retrieved for each document. This paper discusses a method of preparing an abstract from the document image. A method is proposed in which the region marked by the user with a felt‐tip color‐pen, etc., is extracted automatically and filed. The features of the method are as follows: (1) in the extraction of the marked region from the marked document image, the difference of reflectivities between the background (white) and the marked region in the document is utilized; (2) to determine the position of the mark, the algorithm based on the peripheral distribution using the integration of pixels is employed from the viewpoint of speed and accuracy; (3) in the compression to extract only the marked region, a processing to replace n n pixels by a pixel is applied, from the viewpoint of hardware implementation and speed.
Medical aromatherapy revisited—Basic mechanisms, critique, and a new development (2018)

Inhalation of volatile compounds from essential oils yields almost immediate, large, and clinically relevant effects as long as the scents are delivered highly concentrated from an appropriate device. The changes caused in the body seem side effect-free and can be sustained when inhalation is repeated.
Urinary levels of epidermal growth factor, interleukin‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 may act as predictor markers of renal function outcome in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (2009)

Urinary MCP-1, IL-6 and EGF levels may represent histology in IgAN. EGF excretion can be a predictive marker and its serial measurements may give information about disease outcome and the effect of treatment.
Inactivation of Endotoxin by Polymyxin B (1974)

The limulus gelation assay was utilized to investigate endotoxin inactivation by a number of antibiotics in vitro. Endotoxin activity was sharply reduced by polymyxin B and sodium colistimethate. The effect of the polymyxin was not significantly inhibited by 0.001 M calcium or 90% serum. Crude endotoxins from a variety of aerobic gram-negative bacteria, including several not previously studied, could be inactivated 1 or more logs by as little as 1 mug of polymyxin B per ml, whereas Bacteroides fragilis endotoxin was poorly detoxified. A 10,000-fold range in the relative susceptibility of different endotoxins to inactivation by polymyxin B was found. The endotoxin most susceptible to polymyxin B was derived from an organism resistant to polymyxin B by disk sensitivity testing, suggesting that the bacteriocidal and endotoxin detoxifying properties of polymyxin need not be directly related.
Broadband vehicle-to-vehicle communication using an extended autonomous cruise control sensor (2005)

For several years road vehicle autonomous cruise control (ACC) systems as well as anti-collision radar have been developed. Several manufacturers currently sell this equipment. The current generation of ACC sensors only track the first preceding vehicle to deduce its speed and position. These data are then used to compute, manage and optimize a safety distance between vehicles, thus providing some assistance to car drivers. However, in real conditions, to elaborate and update a real time driving solution, car drivers use information about speed and position of preceding and following vehicles. This information is essentially perceived using the driver's eyes, binocular stereoscopic vision performed through the windscreens and rear-view mirrors. Furthermore, within a line of vehicles, the frontal road perception of the first vehicle is very particular and highly significant. Currently, all these available data remain strictly on-board the vehicle that has captured the perception information and performed these measurements. To get the maximum effectiveness of all these approaches, we propose that this information be shared in real time with the following vehicles, within the convoy. On the basis of these considerations, this paper technically explores a cost-effective solution to extend the basic ACC sensor function in order to simultaneously provide a vehicle-to-vehicle radio link. This millimetre wave radio link transmits relevant broadband perception data (video, localization . . . ) to following vehicles, along the line of vehicles. The propagation path between the vehicles uses essentially grazing angles of incidence of signals over the road surface including millimetre wave paths beneath the cars.