gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
A post-structuralist view of evidence-based medicine (EBM): what EBM contributes to philosophy (2011)

Background: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has been faulted by numerous philosophers and doctors who have complained about lack of theory, lack of evidence, narrowness and hegemony. Aims: We provide a more positive viewpoint from the writings of Gilles Deleuze a post-structuralist philosopher, then we aim to explore what EBM contributes to philosophy.Methods: We draw on the Deleuzian concepts of desire, difference and multiplicity and his teaching that no academic discipline can police another and that philosophy can be enriched by people with a fresh approach and different conceptual tools. We draw on biostatisticians, doctors and philosophers to contribute to a philosophy of medicine in a Deleuzian way.Results: We see the pioneers as energised by desire, producing a different product (EBM) to solve the problems such as variation in practice. We argue that the usual complaints about EBM are part of a turf war between nomadic science and State science and are unrealistic. The debates about EBM have stretched the minds of doctors and philosophers to plumb a deeper understanding of such issues in philosophy of medicine as evidence, variation, and authority. In epistemology, we explain that EBM has precipitated a crisis.Conclusions: We present EBM as an action philosophy which immersed itself in the problems of medicine and health services management and did not wait to check everything it was doing against the mirror world of philosophy. We believe we have documented advances in our understanding of some medical philosophical issues, much of the paper centring around the difficult issue of the general and the particular.
Location- and lesion-dependent estimation of mammographic background tissue complexity (2017)

We specify a notion of perceived background tissue complexity (BTC) that varies with lesion shape, lesion size, and lesion location in the image. We propose four unsupervised BTC estimators based on: perceived pre and postlesion similarity of images, lesion border analysis (LBA; conspicuous lesion should be brighter than its surround), tissue anomaly detection, and local energy. The latter two are existing methods adapted for location- and lesion-dependent BTC estimation. For evaluation, we ask human observers to measure BTC (threshold visibility amplitude of a given lesion inserted) at specified locations in a mammogram. As expected, both human measured and computationally estimated BTC vary with lesion shape, size, and location. BTCs measured by different human observers are correlated ([Formula: see text]). BTC estimators are correlated to each other ([Formula: see text]) and less so to human observers ([Formula: see text]). With change in lesion shape or size, LBA estimated BTC changes in the same direction as human measured BTC. Proposed estimators can be generalized to other modalities (e.g., breast tomosynthesis) and used as-is or customized to a specific human observer, to construct BTC-aware model observers with applications, such as optimization of contrast-enhanced medical imaging systems and creation of a diversified image dataset with characteristics of a desired population.
Optimal Power Allocation for Downstream xDSL With Per-Modem Total Power Constraints: Broadcast Channel Optimal Spectrum Balancing (BC-OSB) (2008)

The duality between multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multiple-access channels (MAC) and MIMO broadcast channels (BCs) has been established under a total power constraint. The same set of rates for MAC can be achieved in BC exploiting the MAC-BC duality formulas while preserving the total power constraint. In this paper, we describe the BC optimal power allocation applying this duality in a downstream x-digital subscriber lines (xDSLs) context under a total power constraint for all modems over all tones. Then, a new algorithm called BC-optimal spectrum balancing (BC-OSB) is devised for a more realistic power allocation under per-modem total power constraints. The capacity region of the primal BC problem under per-modem total power constraints is found by the dual optimization problem for the BC under per-modem total power constraints which can be rewritten as a dual optimization problem in the MAC by means of a precoder matrix based on the Lagrange multipliers. We show that the duality gap between the two problems is zero. The multiuser power allocation problem has been solved for interference channels and MAC using the OSB algorithm. In this paper we solve the problem of multiuser power allocation for the BC case using the OSB algorithm as well and we derive a computational efficient algorithm that will be referred to as BC-OSB. Simulation results are provided for two VDSL2 scenarios: the first one with differential-mode (DM) transmission only and the second one with both DM and phantom-mode (PM) transmissions.
Techniques for Optimizing the Response of Mechanical Systems to Shock and Vibration (1968)

<div class="htmlview paragraph">An introduction is given to some mathematical optimization techniques applicable to shock and vibration absorbers and isolators. Simple tutorial examples are presented illustrating the Phillips and Wiener procedures and the method of Minimization of Auxiliary Effort.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">For shock inputs, optimization criteria of the form “minimize the maximum value of x(t)” are important. It is shown that these can be approximated by the more tractable criterion “minimize <img class="article-image inline" src="680748_fig0001.jpg" alt=""/> with suitable T” using conveniently small values of n. Published applications of optimization techniques to shock and vibration are briefly reviewed.</div>
Tai Chi and vestibular rehabilitation improve vestibulopathic gait via different neuromuscular mechanisms: Preliminary report (2005)

Gait function improved in both groups consistent with expectations of the interventions. Differences in each group's response to therapy appear to suggest that improved gait function may be due to different neuromuscular adaptations resulting from the different interventions. The TC group's improvements were associated with reorganized lower extremity neuromuscular patterns, which appear to promote a faster gait and reduced excessive hip compensation. The VR group's improvements, however, were not the result of lower extremity neuromuscular pattern changes. Lower-extremity MEE increases corresponded to attenuated forward trunk linear and angular movement in the VR group, suggesting better control of upper body motion to minimize loss of balance. These data support a growing body of evidence that Tai Chi may be a valuable complementary treatment for vestibular disorders.
Chemical stability of polyimide membranes at temperatures near <i>T</i><sub><i>g</i></sub> (1995)

Abstract The success of polymeric membranes for use in high temperature gas separation applications relies, in part, on the chemical stability of these materials in separation environment. This paper details experimental evaluation of the stability of the membranes prepared using a polyimide as the selective separating layer when exposed to butane/butene/hydrogen mixtures at temperatures near the glass transition temperature of the polymer, 310°C. Further, the effects of small concentrations of sulfur and ammonia compounds in the feed mixture were investigated, as was the influence of a simulated air leak. The gas transport rates and selectivities were unchanged when testing in the hydrocarbon/hydrogen environment for over 30 days. Further, no changes in transport properties were observed when hydrogen sulfide or ammonia was added to the feed mixture. However, degradation due to oxygen exposure was observed. The chemical stability of the polyimide layer appears to be sufficient to be utilized for the separation of high temperature petrochemical streams. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
REGULATION OF FSHβ MESSENGER RIBONUCLEIC ACID LEVELS IN THE RAT BY ENDOGENOUS INHIBIN (1991)

This study investigated the role of endogenous inhibin in regulating FSHβ mRNA levels subsequent to the gonadotropin surge in the immature, estradiol (E2)-treated female rat. Rats which undergo FSH surges on day 29 have low to undetectable levels of FSH3 mRNA at 0900 h on day 30, whereas those treated simultaneously with E2 and progesterone (P) implants to block these surges have considerably higher levels of FSHg mRNA. In view of the profound inhibitory effect of inhibin on FSHβ mRNA, we examined the possibility that increased inhibin secretion is responsible for the decline in FSHβ mRNA levels on the morning after the FSH surge by immunoneutralization of endogenous inhibin. Twenty-eight day-old rats which received E2 and blank (Bl) or P implants were injected iv with 0.4 ml of a potent anti-rat inhibin serum (anti lα, prepared in sheep against rat inhibin α(l–26)-Tyr27 coupled to human a-globulins) or normal sheep serum at 1700 to 1830 h on dav 29 and were killed at 0900 h on day 30. Animals which received the inhibin antiserum showed significantly (P< 0.001) elevated serum FSH levels (22.9 ± 1.9 ng/ml [E2 + Bl] and 17.1 + 0.6 ng/ml [E2 + P]) compared to those which received normal serum (4.4 + 0.1 [E2 + Blj and 4.2 ± 0.1 [E2 + PJ). Serum LH was undetectable (<0.6 ng/ml) in all groups. Free glycoprotein α-subunit was also increased (P<0.001) by antiserum to inhibin in E2 + Bl-treated rats but was significantly suppressed by P after injection of either normal serum or anti la. Total pituitary RNA was extracted and hybridized to cDNA probes for rat FSHβ, LHβ, and the common a-subunit by Northern blot analysis; RNA levels were normalized with β-actin or cyclophilin probes. As expected, in rats which received normal serum, FSHβ mRNA levels were about 4-fold higher after treatment with E2 + P implants than after treatment with E2 + Bl implants. However, injection with anti-inhibin serum resulted in a striking elevation of FSHβ mRNA levels: 13-fold in animals treated with E2 + Bl implants and 5-fold in animals treated with E2 + P implants. There were no significant differences in levels of LHβ or α-subunit mRNAs between rats which received anti-inhibin or normal serum although there was a 30-40% decrease in α mRNA after P treatment. These results, taken together with our previous results showing higher serum inhibin concentrations in rats undergoing FSH surges than in those in which the surge is blocked by P, indicate that endogenous inhibin regulates FSHβ mRNA levels in the rat. In addition, progesterone suppresses both secretion of free α-subunit and α mRNA levels. At present these conclusions are limited to the immature female rat; further studies will be necessary to determine if they generalize to the adult female and/or male rat.
High Functional Adsorbent Alumina Nanofibers Prepared by a Hydrolysis of Al Nanopowder (2007)

The alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) nanofibers with high specific surface area, and chemical stability were prepared by a simple hydrolysis and a subsequent dehydration of Al nanopowder. The performance of these nanofibers as an adsorbent of radio isotope (RI) and a filter for bacteria and heavy metal was examined using Nal scintillation counter and UV-spectrophotometer. The observed filtering ability of the alumina nanofibers was remarkably high, which was 197 milligram per a gram of alumina (mg/g) for the RI of Mo-99 under pH 5.1 and 20 °C, and 21, 8, and 37 mg/g for Zn, Cr and Cu, respectively. According to the experiment of removal of bacteria, strain of Bacillus subtilis, the aluminium hydroxide nanofiber coated on the micron-sized glass fibers removed the bacteria completely with an effective removal rate of 99.999%. The prominent filtering effect of the alumina nanofibers is attributed to a very high surface reaction area induced by ultrafine nanofibrous structure with the typical diameters of 2 nm to 3 nm, and an intrinsic electropositive surface charge character in aqueous solution.
C-Reactive Protein in Haemodialysis Patients With Dialysis Arthropathy (1988)

Increased plasma C-reactive protein was found in one-third of 99 patients on maintenance haemodialysis and there was a significant correlation between C-reactive protein and years on haemodialysis. Patients with dialysis arthropathy had a significantly higher mean C-reactive protein than the patients with no joint symptoms. Our results suggest that chronic inflammatory reactions occur in long-term haemodialysis patients and that dialysis arthropathy may have an inflammatory basis.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemistry of Chelate‐Type Hypervalent Boron and Aluminum: Utilization for Selective Organic Synthesis (2001)

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
On the Transient Interaction of Centrifugal Compressors and Their Piping Systems (1983)

The problems of surge and other low frequency pulsation phenomena in centrifugal compressor are described in terms of both machine (head curve) characteristics and the flow impedance characteristics of its attached piping. Flow stability criteria are presented in terms of net modal damping, as the combination of piping acoustic damping and equivalent negative damping of the compressor in the surge region of its performance curve. Surge and instability frequencies are related to acoustic reactance of the piping system. Finally, theoretical concepts are verified both by electrical analog models and by field and laboratory data on real compressors. This paper provides some new and significant findings on the dynamic interaction of centrifugal compressors with piping systems, and describes the basic phenomena underlying these interactions. Good agreement is shown between predicted and measured surge frequencies, and for those termed “piping resonance surge” produced by high flow offsets or flat spots in the head curve.
Welding Processes Applicable to Aluminum (1931)

Welding, which has been defined as a localized consolidation of metal parts by means of heat, has been divided into a number of processes; the basis for nomenclature depending upon the condition of the metal surface during the welding process, source of heat, medium of pressure, and so forth. The fluid fusion weld in which heat is supplied by means of a gas torch or an electric arc is used very extensively in the aluminum industry. The torch weld made with oxy-hydrogen or oxy-acetylene is the best known and most widely used method of welding aluminum at the present time. The gas torch in the hands of an experienced aluminum welder is a very efficient tool. For welding material 1/8 in. or less in thickness oxy-hydrogen is recommended. Hydrogen is preferable to acetylene for welding light material, as the temperature is easier to control, the metal flows better, and a clean, sound weld is obtained. Aluminum and any of its alloys in either the wrought or cast condition can be torch welded. An oxy-acetylene flame is usually used for welding heavy gage sheet and plate. Either a neutral or slightly reducing flame should be used. The flame should not deposit carbon on the metal, and it must not be oxidizing. Very satisfactory welds have been obtained in aluminum with oxygen and natural gas, also oxygen and city gas.
GyroLock: Stabilizing the Heart With Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG)—From Concept to First In Vivo Assessments (2012)

We present herein an original solution to actively stabilize the epicardium in the context of beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting. Our solution uses a control moment gyroscope to generate the compensation torque and an accelerometer for sensing. This approach makes the designed system completely independent from the stabilizing instrument, as well as independent from any external measurement. We compare two control approaches in a simulation: The first one uses a Kalman filter with a harmonic disturbance model, and the second one uses an adaptive algorithm. Results highlight the superiority of the adaptive control for our application. The first in vivo assessments are presented, showing the efficiency of the principle under real conditions. Using only accelerometric measurements, targeted cardiac motion harmonics are reduced on the order of 68%. With an optical sensor, the reduction exceeds 90%. This constitutes an improvement compared with prior solutions, despite the presence of nonnegligible uncertainties and distant sensing.
Ruffling of metalloporphyrins bound to IsdG and IsdI, two heme-degrading enzymes (2008)

IsdG and IsdI are paralogous proteins from Staphylococcus aureus that reductively degrade hemin. Final heme degradation products of IsdG and IsdI are yet to be elucidated, nor has it been determined how oxygen binds to initiate the reaction. The crystal structures of an inactive N7A variant of IsdG in complex with Fe 3+ -protoporphyrin IX (IsdG-hemin) and of IsdI in complex with cobalt protoporphyrin IX (IsdI-CoPPIX) were solved to 1.8 or better resolution. These structures show that the metalloporphyrins are buried into similar deep clefts and the propionic acids form salt bridges to two Arg residues. His77 (IsdG) or His76 (IsdI), a residue required for activity, is coordinated to Fe 3+ or Co 3+ atoms, respectively. The bound porphyrin rings form extensive steric interactions in the binding cleft such that the porphyrin rings are highly distorted from the planar. This distortion can be described as ruffled and places the b-and d-meso carbons close to the distal oxygen-binding site. In the structure of IsdI-CoPPIX, the distal side of the CoPPIX accommodates a chloride ion in a cavity formed through a conformational change in Ile55. The chloride ion participates in a hydrogen bond to the side chain amide of Asn6. We also have determined the crystal structures of IsdG-hemin and IsdI-hemin bound to cyanide to resolutions of ~1.8 . Structural information from these complexes is valuable in understanding the regiospecificity of ring cleavage. We propose a reaction mechanism in which reactive peroxide intermediate proceeds with nucleophilic oxidation at the b-or d-meso carbon of the hemin.
Immunological Activity of Cytochrome c (1970)

Formationof antibodies to human cytochrome c was observed in nearly all rabbits immunized with the antigen incorporated in complete Freund's adjuvant.About 30 to 40% of the antibodies failed to react with Macaca mulatta cytochrome c, which differs from the human protein only at Residue 58, where M. mulatta cytochrome c has a threonyl residue and the human protein has isoleucine.Only human and kangaroo cytochromes c, which have isoleucyl residues at this position, reacted with those antibodies which failed to combine with M. mulatta cytochrome c.In contrast, antibodies elicited in rabbits by M. mulatta cytochrome c reacted identically with M. mulatta and human cytochromes c.Thus, the presence of the hydrophobic isoleucine correlates with the occurrence of an immunogenic determinant, whereas in the absence of isoleucine, this region is immunogenitally inert.Those antibodies to human cytochrome c which do combine with the M. mulatta protein reacted equally well with both proteins, indicating that the identity in amino acid sequence, outside the "isoleucine site," correlates with identity in antigenic structure.In contrast, some of the antigenic sites of kangaroo cytochrome c which interacted with antibody to human cytochrome c displayed a lower affinity for the antibody than corresponding sites on the human protein.The "isoleucine site," however, was found to be antigenically identical in the human and kangaroo proteins.The appearance of this isoleucine in human and kangaroo cytochromes c, and its importance in immunogenicity, emphasize the difficulties inherent in attempting to analyze evolutionary pathways through antigenic analysis.In the preceding paper (1) we described some of the properties and cross-reactions of antibodies to human, horse, and ~l~acaca mulatta cytochromes c.Evidence was presented that suggested the presence of an important antigenic determinant in human
Biochemical and functional consequences of dissociation of the platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex (1985)

The platelet membrane glycoproteins, IIb and IIIa, form a Ca2+-dependent heterodimer complex that functions as the fibrinogen receptor in activated platelets to mediate platelet aggregation. Little is known about factors that affect the IIb-IIIa complex within the platelet membrane. It has been observed that platelets incubated with ethylene glycol tetra-acetic acid (EGTA) at 37 degrees C are unable to aggregate or to bind monoclonal antibodies specific for the IIb-IIIa complex. To determine whether this is due to a dissociation of IIb from IIIa, we developed a method for quantitating the complex on nondenaturing, polyacrylamide gradient gels. Platelets were surface-labeled with 125I and then solubilized and electrophoresed in 0.2% Triton and 10 mmol/L CHAPS. Under these conditions and in the presence of 1 mmol/L Ca2+, glycoproteins IIb and IIIa migrated on the gels as a discrete band at Rf = 0.33. Protein that was eluted from this band bound to an immunoaffinity column specific for the IIb-IIIa complex. In contrast, when the IIb-IIIa complex was solubilized and then dissociated with EGTA, the discrete band at Rf = 0.33 was no longer present, and IIb and IIIa were now found in a broad band at Rf = 0.45 to 0.50. To study IIb and IIIa within the surface membrane, the 125I-labeled platelets were first incubated with 0.5 mmol/L EGTA (1 nmol/L free Ca2+) at 22 degrees C and then solubilized in the absence of EGTA. The IIb and IIIa from these platelets migrated at Rf = 0.33, indicating the presence of the intact IIb-IIIa complex. In contrast, when the platelets were incubated at 37 degrees C for one hour with the EGTA, the discrete band at Rf = 0.33 representing the IIb-IIIa complex gradually disappeared. This phenomenon could not be reversed by adding Ca2+ back to the platelets before solubilization and electrophoresis. This loss of the IIb-IIIa complex from intact platelets was accompanied by (a) a progressive and irreversible decrease in adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation and (b) decreased binding of a complex-dependent monoclonal antibody to the platelets. These studies demonstrate that when platelets are exposed to low Ca2+ at 37 degrees C, the IIb-IIIa heterodimer complexes in their surface membranes are irreversibly disrupted. Because intact IIb-IIIa complexes are required for platelet aggregation, the loss of these complexes may account for the failure of these platelets to aggregate in response to ADP.