gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Semen Evaluation Following Preparation for in Vitro Fertilization of Human Oocytes (1986)

Semen preparation is an important step of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and can affect the success of this procedure. Prior to oocyte insemination, spermatozoa are washed to remove seminal plasma which is believed to contain decapacitation factors. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of preparation on semen quality and subsequent successful IVF. Oocytes were recovered from 12 hMG/hCG-stimulated women by laparoscopy, and 6 h later semen specimens were obtained from the male partners. After liquefaction, 1 ml of semen was centrifuged twice in Ham's F10 medium supplemented with 10% of homologous serum, and the final suspension was used to inseminate the preovulatory eggs. In the initial and washed-sperm suspensions, motility was evaluated by the MEP method, and the occurrence of acrosome reaction and sperm viability were evaluated by the triple-stain technique. Fertilization was documented by the formation of two pronuclei. Washing caused a significant decrease in the percentage of motile sperm from 68% to 59% but significantly increased mean sperm velocity from 26 to 29 micron/sec (p less than 0.01). The mean fertilization rate was 65%, and no correlation was found with any of the parameters of semen quality before or after washing. Semen preparation for IVF is associated with a decrease in the percentage of motile sperm that does not seem to affect the fertilizing ability of normal spermatozoa but may be of importance in patients with abnormal semen.
Corking Carbon Nanotube Cups with Gold Nanoparticles (2012)

Nitrogen doping of carbon nanotubes during chemical vapor deposition synthesis can create unique stacked cup-shaped structures termed as nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube cups (NCNCs). These cups have semielliptical hollow cavities and elevated reactivity which could lead to various applications. In this work, by applying intense ultrasonication to the as-synthesized NCNCs, we demonstrated an effective mechanical method to isolate the individual cups with opened cavities from their stacks. The graphitic structures of the isolated cups and their inherent nitrogen functionalities were characterized by comprehensive microscopic and spectroscopic methods. In particular, we quantitatively determined the existence of amine functionalities on NCNCs and found that they were preferentially distributed at the open edges of the cups, providing localized reactive sites. Further, by thiolating the amine groups with 3-mercapto-propionic acid, we were able to effectively cork the isolated cups by gold nanoparticles with commensurate diameters. These cup-shaped carbon nanomaterials with controlled inner volumes and gold nanoparticle corks could find potential applications as nanoscale reaction containers or drug delivery vehicles.
At-sea measurements of sound penetration into sediments using a buried vertical synthetic array (2003)

Acoustic bottom penetration experiments were carried out in a medium-grain sandy bottom at a site in St. Andrews Bay, Florida. These investigations used a new buried, vertical, one-dimensional synthetic array system where a small hydrophone was water-jetted into the sediment to a depth of approximately 2 m. Once buried, this hydrophone was mounted to a vertical robotics stage that translated the hydrophone upward in 1-cm increments. A broadband (3 to 80 kHz) spherical source, positioned 50 cm above the sediment-water interface, was used to insonify the sediment. Measurements were made with insonification angles above and below the critical angle by changing the horizontal distance of the source relative to the insertion point. This new measurement system is detailed, and results are presented that include temporal, frequency, and wavenumber analysis for natural and roughened interfaces. The measured compressional sound speed and attenuation are shown to be self-consistent using the Kramers-Kronig relation. Furthermore, only a single fast compressional wave was observed. There was no observation of a second slower compressional wave as predicted by some applications of the Biot model to unconsolidated water-saturated porous media.
Renal biopsy practice in France: results of a nationwide study (2010)

Our study is the first to provide a representative picture of 'everyday' RB practices in a country. Important variations in procedures were observed. Our study may represent a preliminary step for the elaboration of guidelines for all aspects of RB practices.
A Low-Power Single-Phase Clock Multiband Flexible Divider (2011)

In this paper, a low-power single-phase clock multiband flexible divider for Bluetooth, Zigbee, and IEEE 802.15.4 and 802.11 a/b/g WLAN frequency synthesizers is proposed based on pulse-swallow topology and is implemented using a 0.18-μm CMOS technology. The multiband divider consists of a proposed wideband multimodulus 32/33/47/48 prescaler and an improved bit-cell for swallow (S) counter and can divide the frequencies in the three bands of 2.4-2.484 GHz, 5.15-5.35 GHz, and 5.725-5.825 GHz with a resolution selectable from 1 to 25 MHz. The proposed multiband flexible divider is silicon verified and consumes power of 0.96 and 2.2 mW in 2.4- and 5-GHz bands, respectively, when operated at 1.8-V power supply.
Surface Enrichment of Polymer-Grafted Nanoparticles in a Miscible Polymer Nanocomposite (2022)

We show that the polymer-grafted nanoparticles (NPs) initially well-dispersed in a polymer matrix segregate to the free surface of a film upon thermal annealing in the one-phase region of the phase diagram because the grafted polymer has a lower surface energy than the matrix polymer. Using a combination of atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, the evolution of the poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted silica NP (PMMA NP) surface excess in 25/75 wt % PMMA NP/poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile) films is observed as a function of annealing time at 150 °C (T < TLCST). The temporal growth of the surface excess is interpreted as a competition between entropic contributions, surface energy differences of the constituents, and the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, χ. For the first time in a miscible polymer nanocomposite mixture, quantitative comparisons of NP surface segregation are made with the predictions of theory derived for analogous polymer blends. These studies provide insight for designing polymer nanocomposite films with advantageous surface properties such as wettability and hardness and motivate the need for developing rigorous models that capture complex polymer nanocomposite phase behaviors.
Improved List Decoding of Polar Codes by Shifted-pruning (2019)

In successive cancellation list (SCL) decoding, the list pruning operation retains the L paths with highest likelihoods. However, the correct path might be among the paths with low likelihoods due to channel noise. In this case, the correct path is eliminated from the list. In this work, we study the event of elimination of the correct path and we analyze where and how this event occurs. A modified pruning scheme named shifted-pruning over a set of low-reliability bit-channels named critical bits is proposed aiming to avoid the elimination of the correct path in additional decoding attempts after a decoding failure occurs. Shifted-pruning is realized by selecting the paths k + 1 to k + L out of the 2L ordered paths instead of the paths 1 to L. The numerical results for polar codes of length 512 and code rates 0.5 and 0.8 and list sizes L = 2, 8 and 32 show that the shifted-pruning scheme is a low-complexity equivalent to the bit-flipping scheme while it can outperform the bit-flipping method by providing 0. 25-0.5dB gain.
ChemInform Abstract: Tandem Cyclizations of Benzopyranylidenetungsten(0) Complexes with Electron‐Rich Dienes for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Polycyclic Carbon Skeletons. (2002)

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.
Towards a rAAV-Based Gene Therapy for ADA-SCID: from ADA Deficiency to Current and Future Treatment Strategies (2008)

Adenosine deaminase deficiency fosters a rare, devastating pediatric immune deficiency with concomitant opportunistic infections, metabolic anomalies and multiple organ system pathology. The standard of care for adenosine deaminase deficient severe combined immune deficiency (ADA-SCID) includes enzyme replacement therapy or bone marrow transplantation. Gene therapies for ADA-SCID over nearly two decades have exclusively involved retroviral vectors targeted to lymphocytes and hematopoetic progenitors. These groundbreaking gene therapies represent a revolution in clinical medicine, but come with several challenges, including the risk of insertional mutagenesis. An alternative gene therapy for ADA-SCID may utilize recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors in vivo, with numerous target tissues, to foster ectopic expression and secretion of adenosine deaminase. This review endeavors to describe ADA-SCID, the traditional treatments, previous retroviral gene therapies, and primarily, alternative recombinant adeno-associated virus-based strategies to remedy this potentially fatal genetic disease.
Rotation-invariant texture retrieval by combining log-polar and nonsubsampled contourlet features (2010)

This paper analyzes the spectrum influence between Radon transform and Log-polar transform when rotation effect is eliminated. The average retrieval performance of wavelet and NSCT with different retrieval parameters is also studied. Based on which, the authors design a multi-scale and multi-orientation texture transform spectrum, as well as rotationinvariant feature vector and its measurement criteria. Then a new two-level rotation-invariant texture retrieval algorithm based on no-parameter statistic features is proposed. Experiments on Brodatz image database show that the algorithm proposed in this paper is appropriate for main orientation capturing and detail information description. Besides, the combination of this two-level progressive retrieval strategy and multi-scale analysis method can effectively improve retrieval efficiency compared with traditional algorithms and ensure a high precision as well.
The Price of Tumor Control: An Analysis of Rare Side Effects of Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma from the Ipilimumab Network (2013)

The wide spectrum of ipilimumab-induced AEs demands doctor and patient awareness to reduce morbidity and treatment costs and true ipilimumab success is dictated by both objective tumor responses and controlling severe side effects.
Modulation of p75NTR on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Increases Their Vascular Protection in Retinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Mouse Model (2021)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising therapy to improve vascular repair, yet their role in ischemic retinopathy is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of modulating the neurotrophin receptor; p75<sup>NTR</sup> on the vascular protection of MSCs in an acute model of retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Wild type (WT) and p75<sup>NTR-/-</sup> mice were subjected to I/R injury by increasing intra-ocular pressure to 120 mmHg for 45 min, followed by perfusion. Murine GFP-labeled MSCs (100,000 cells/eye) were injected intravitreally 2 days post-I/R and vascular homing was assessed 1 week later. Acellular capillaries were counted using trypsin digest 10-days post-I/R. In vitro, MSC-p75<sup>NTR</sup> was modulated either genetically using siRNA or pharmacologically using the p75<sup>NTR</sup> modulator; LM11A-31, and conditioned media were co-cultured with human retinal endothelial cells (HREs) to examine the angiogenic response. Finally, visual function in mice undergoing retinal I/R and receiving LM11A-31 was assessed by visual-clue water-maze test. I/R significantly increased the number of acellular capillaries (3.2-Fold) in WT retinas, which was partially ameliorated in p75<sup>NTR-/-</sup> retinas. GFP-MSCs were successfully incorporated and engrafted into retinal vasculature 1 week post injection and normalized the number of acellular capillaries in p75<sup>NTR-/-</sup> retinas, yet ischemic WT retinas maintained a 2-Fold increase. Silencing p75<sup>NTR</sup> on GFP-MSCs coincided with a higher number of cells homing to the ischemic WT retinal vasculature and normalized the number of acellular capillaries when compared to ischemic WT retinas receiving scrambled-GFP-MSCs. In vitro, silencing p75<sup>NTR</sup>-MSCs enhanced their secretome, as evidenced by significant increases in SDF-1, VEGF and NGF release in MSCs conditioned medium; improved paracrine angiogenic response in HREs, where HREs showed enhanced migration (1.4-Fold) and tube formation (2-Fold) compared to controls. In parallel, modulating MSCs-p75<sup>NTR</sup> using LM11A-31 resulted in a similar improvement in MSCs secretome and the enhanced paracrine angiogenic potential of HREs. Further, intervention with LM11A-31 significantly mitigated the decline in visual acuity post retinal I/R injury. In conclusion, p75<sup>NTR</sup> modulation can potentiate the therapeutic potential of MSCs to harness vascular repair in ischemic retinopathy diseases.
Bio-active restorative materials with antibacterial effects: new dimension of innovation in restorative dentistry (2009)

Restorative materials in the new era should be "bio-active", and antibacterial effects are highlighted as one of the important properties. In order to achieve resin-based restoratives with antibacterial effects, an antibacterial monomer MDPB has been developed. The primer incorporating MDPB demonstrated cavity-disinfecting effects, and the world's first antibacterial adhesive system employing the MDPB-containing primer was successfully commercialized. MDPB is potentially applicable to various restoratives since immobilization of the antibacterial component by polymerization of MDPB enables no deterioration in mechanical properties of cured resins and exhibition of inhibitory effects against bacterial growth on their surfaces. For glass-ionomer cements used for atraumatic restorative treatment, the approach to provide antibacterial activity has been attempted by addition of chlorhexidine. Incorporation of 1% chlorhexidine diacetate was found to be optimal to give appropriate antibacterial and physical properties, being effective to reduce the bacteria in affected and infected dentin in vivo.
Lyme disease patients' serum contains IgM antibodies to <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> that cross‐react with neuronal antigens (1988)

Serum from patients with neurologic manifestations of Lyme disease had serum IgM antibodies that bound to normal human axons, whereas binding was absent or weak in patients without neurologic findings. Antiaxonal binding could be eliminated by absorption with Borrelia burgdorferi. A murine monoclonal antibody to the borrelial flagellin also bound to human axons.
Ash &amp; pulverized coal deposition in combustors &amp; gasifiers. Quarterly technical progress report, October 1, 1995--December 31, 1995 (1996)

In the period of October 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995, additional progress was made in accomplishing the tasks of the project. In particular, the procedure for analyzing the dispersion of elongated particles was developed. The dispersion of ellipsoidal particles in an isotropic turbulent flow was analyzed. It was shown that the simulation data for the particle fluctuation velocity and diffusivity were in good agreement with the theoretical model predictions. The computational model for simulating particle motions in turbulent duct flows was further developed. The model was applied to the dispersion analysis of particles in a circular duct. Progress was also made in the experimental study of glass fiber transport and deposition in the aerosol wind tunnel.
Chemical effect of entrained particles in coal conversion streams. Final report, August 1, 1981-July 31, 1984 (1984)

This study provides the theoretical and experimental basis required to predict the levels and distribution of alkali species in Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC) systems and analyzes the effects of prototype cleanup devices. To this end, a physical model describing the partitioning of alkali species between the interior, the surface, and the gas phase surrounding particles has been developed. This model includes the processes of surface segregation, evaporation, and adsorption and may be used to calculate particle surface composition, depth profiles, average particle composition, and vaporization rates as a function of time and temperature. In addition, vaporization and segregation studies for sodium and potassium in aluminosilicate ash and ash-like materials have been performed to provide the necessary input data for the model. These experimental and theoretical results, along with input data from the Curtiss-Wright test facility, have been used to predict the levels of gas phase alkali species released from aluminosilicate ash in PFBC systems. These calculations indicate that gas phase alkali levels resulting from the aluminosilicate ash are well below those predicted by equilibrium techniques for typical PFBC operating conditions. That is, most of the alkalis associated with the ash are retained by the ash. Moreover, because of segregationmore » processes, the surfaces of these ash particles will be enriched in alkalis (relative to the average bulk concentration). Thus, gas-surface reactions rather than gas phase reactions may be responsible for the formation of corrosive alkali-sulfur compounds. These studies attempt to predict the kinetic (as opposed to thermodynamic or equilibrium) limitations on alkali levels and distribution in PFBC systems. 24 refs., 21 figs.« less
Responding to a 'new world'? A qualitative study of change in the voluntary and community sector in England since 2009 (2017)

This study examines and maps the impact of the UK recession in 2009 to&#13;\npose the question as to whether this is a ‘new world’ for the Voluntary and&#13;\nCommunity Sector (VCS). The research investigates and analyses how the&#13;\nVCS has responded to the recession and a range of austerity measures&#13;\nintroduced by the coalition government in 2010, and presents a critique of&#13;\nthe responsible Government ideology. The study redefines the voluntary and&#13;\ncommunity sector and considers its importance to and relevance in the&#13;\nprovision of services across England. It also considers how funding and&#13;\npolitical support for the VCS have evolved over the past eight years and&#13;\nwhether current challenges facing the sector are entirely new or part of&#13;\nongoing cycles. The thesis utilises theoretical models drawn from theories of&#13;\norganisational change and behaviour, in addition to employing a&#13;\nBourdieusian perspective to contextualise and support the author’s&#13;\nexplanations for the ways in which VCS organisations have responded to the&#13;\nprevailing economic and social policy climate and how their leaders behave&#13;\nin times of stress. During a sustained period of data collection in 2016 to&#13;\n2017, the study gained direct and personal access to a range of key players&#13;\nworking in and with the sector, and through nineteen face-to-face interviews&#13;\ndeveloped a highly detailed and very contemporary perspective on the&#13;\nchanging voice and status of the sector. Using thematic analysis, the study&#13;\nproposes a number of specific sustainability strategies emerging from the&#13;\nVCS and makes recommendations for sustaining an active and thriving&#13;\nsector, concluding that it may only now (after eight years) be entering a 'new&#13;\nworld'. By undertaking this work, the study provides insights for professionals&#13;\nworking in the sector, researchers in the field, and for government officials&#13;\nwho shape social policy that inevitably impacts the VCS. In interpreting&#13;\nvoices from the sector, this study has learned of the fears faced by many&#13;\nwho work in the VCS in attempting to continue, let alone thrive in the current&#13;\nsocio-economic climate. It has uncovered why some organisations have&#13;\nsurvived while others have not. Finally, the conclusions to this study point to&#13;\na VCS with diminishing voice and influence; increasingly required to fill gaps in service delivery but less able to thrive in a continuing period of resource&#13;\nscarcity and political ideology.
Characteristics of a laser triggered spark gap using air, Ar, CH4, H2, He, N2, SF6, and Xe (1988)

A KrF discharge laser (248 nm) has been used to laser trigger, by volume preionization, a spark gap switch (38–65 kV, &amp;gt;10 kA, 100 ns pulse duration) filled with 20 different gas mixtures using various combinations of air, Ar, CH4, H2, He, N2 SF6, and Xe. A pulsed laser interferometer is used to probe the spark column. Characteristics studied include the internal structure of the column, the arc expansion rate, and evidence of any photoionization precursor effect. Our results show that the rate of arc expansion varies depending on the average molecular weight of the mixtures. In this experiment, pure H2 has the highest rate (≊9.5×105 cm/s) and air has one of the lowest (≊7×105 cm/s) for the same hold-off voltage. A computer model of the spark column formation is able to predict most of the structure observed in the arcs, including the effect of mixing gases with widely different molecular weights. The work suggests that, under proper circumstances, the spark gap switch performance may be improved by using gases lighter than conventional switch gases such as SF6.
Novel Plasmaless Photoresist Removal Method in Gas Phase at Room Temperature (2009)

Novel plasmaless photoresist removal method in gas phase at room temperature has been developed using pure ozone gas which has nearly 100% of concentration. This method has enabled the removal of high dose ion implanted photoresist that had been difficult to remove so far. Conventionally, the temperature rise of 200{degree sign}C or more was necessary in the photoresist removal with the ozone gas to achieve an enough effect. Because the strong reactiveness is due to the oxygen radical generated when the ozone molecules decomposed. However, Popping by the temperature rise becomes a problem in the removal of high dose ion implanted photoresist. Then, in this experiment, ethylene gas was used to control the decomposition of ozone molecule at the room temperature. As a result, it was confirmed that the ashing using ethylene gas and ozone gas was effective to remove the high dose ion implanted photoresist under unheating condition.