gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Increasing the Sensitivity of Gadolinium Based MRI Contrast Agents (2006)

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Faculty Opinions recommendation of The Transcription Factor Sp3 Cooperates with HDAC2 to Regulate Synaptic Function and Plasticity in Neurons. (2017)

The histone deacetylase HDAC2, which negatively regulates synaptic gene expression and neuronal plasticity, is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and mouse models. Therapeutics targeting HDAC2 hold promise for ameliorating AD-related cognitive impairment; however, attempts to generate HDAC2-specific inhibitors have failed. Here, we take an integrative genomics approach to identify proteins that mediate HDAC2 recruitment to synaptic plasticity genes. Functional screening revealed that knockdown of the transcription factor Sp3 phenocopied HDAC2 knockdown and that Sp3 facilitated recruitment of HDAC2 to synaptic genes. Importantly, like HDAC2, Sp3 expression was elevated in AD patients and mouse models, where Sp3 knockdown ameliorated synaptic dysfunction. Furthermore, exogenous expression of an HDAC2 fragment containing the Sp3-binding domain restored synaptic plasticity and memory in a mouse model with severe neurodegeneration. Our findings indicate that targeting the HDAC2-Sp3 complex could enhance cognitive function without affecting HDAC2 function in other processes.Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. PMID: 28793257
L2 proficiency assessment using self-supervised speech representations (2022)

There has been a growing demand for automated spoken language assessment systems in recent years. A standard pipeline for this process is to start with a speech recognition system and derive features, either hand-crafted or based on deep-learning, that exploit the transcription and audio. Though these approaches can yield high performance systems, they require speech recognition systems that can be used for L2 speakers, and preferably tuned to the specific form of test being deployed. Recently a self-supervised speech representation based scheme, requiring no speech recognition, was proposed. This work extends the initial analysis conducted on this approach to a large scale proficiency test, Linguaskill, that comprises multiple parts, each designed to assess different attributes of a candidate's speaking proficiency. The performance of the self-supervised, wav2vec 2.0, system is compared to a high performance hand-crafted assessment system and a BERT-based text system both of which use speech transcriptions. Though the wav2vec 2.0 based system is found to be sensitive to the nature of the response, it can be configured to yield comparable performance to systems requiring a speech transcription, and yields gains when appropriately combined with standard approaches.
Finite element analysis of the random response suppression of composite panels at elevated temperatures using shape memory alloy fibers (1994)

A feasibility study on the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for suppression of the random response of composite panels due to acoustic loads at elevated temperatures is presented. The constitutive relations for a composite lamina with embedded SMA bers are developed. The nite element governing equations and the solution procedures for a composite plate subjected to combined acoustic and thermal loads are presented. Solutions include: 1) critical buckling temperature, 2) at panel random response, 3) thermal postbuckling de ection, and 4) random response of a thermally buckled panel. The preliminary results demonstrate that the SMA bers can completely eliminate the thermal postbuckling de ection and signi cantly reduce the random response at elevated temperatures.
Unprecedented Access to Functional Biodegradable Polymers and Coatings (2011)

The ever-growing biomedical technology such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and controlled drug release intimately relies on the development of advanced functional biomaterials. Here, we report on versatile and robust synthesis of novel vinyl sulfone (VS)-functionalized biodegradable polymers that offer unprecedented access to advanced functional biodegradable polymers and coatings through selective Michael-type conjugate reaction with thiol-containing molecules. VS-functionalized biodegradable polymers including poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(l-lactide) (PLA), and poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) were conveniently prepared with controlled molecular weights and functionalities through ring-opening copolymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), l-lactide (LA), or trimethylene carbonate (TMC) with a new cyclic carbonate monomer, vinyl sulfone carbonate (VSC), in toluene at 110 °C using isopropanol as an initiator and stannous octoate as a catalyst. Interestingly, these VS-functionalized biodegradable polymers allowed quantitative modification, without aid of a catalyst, with various thiol-containing molecules including 2-mercaptoethanol, cystamine, cysteine, GRGDC peptide, and thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-SH) at a ligand-SH/VS molar ratio of 2/1 in DMF at room temperature, confirming that the Michael-type conjugate addition to VS is highly selective and tolerant to most other functional groups including hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine. Remarkably, results of contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and fluorescence studies showed that biodegradable coatings based on these VS-functionalized polymers allowed direct, efficient, and clean (without catalyst and byproduct) surface functionalization with thiol-containing molecules in aqueous conditions, which is unprecedented and opens a new avenue to surface functionalization of medical implants as well as cell and tissue scaffolds. The preliminary cell culture studies using MG6 cells showed that unmodified VS-functionalized PCL films, similar to tissue culture plate, could well support cell attachment and growth, indicating that VS-functionalized PCL film is nontoxic and biocompatible. The surface of VS-functionalized PCL films could be elegantly engineered with thiolated nonfouling polymers (e.g., PEG and glycol chitosan) or cell adhesive motif (GRGDC peptide) to control cell attachment and growth. We are convinced that these vinyl sulfone-functionalized biodegradable polymers have a tremendous potential in biomedical engineering.
A methodology for predicting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation based on ECG arrhythmia feature analysis (2002)

This article addresses the Computers in Cardiology Challenge 2001 for predicting the onset of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) from the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). To predict PAF, we developed an algorithm based upon the number and timing of atrial premature complexes (APCs) in the ECG. The algorithm detects classical isolated APCs, then predicts PAF based on a measurement of APC rate that favors the most recent APCs. The challenge database consists of 100 pairs of 30-minute ECG segments that may or may not directly precede a PAF episode. We used the learning set of the challenge database to optimize our algorithm. On the test set, it achieved scores of 40 out of 50 for PAF screening (event 1) and 44 out of 50 for PAF prediction (event 2).
Preparation of composite membranes on a ceramic base with supported metal-organic framework structure of MOF-199 and study of their adsorption properties (2014)

A method for preparing composite membranes based on MOF-199 with copper ions and tricarboxylate ligands via creating nucleation sites on the surface of the ceramic substrate, followed by grafting tricarboxylic acid to the surface of the ceramic porous substrate (γ-Al2O3), is developed. The permeability of the membranes is measured and the separation of a mixture of ethane and methane on them is performed. The influence of the method of forming a metal-organic framework structure (MOF) on the sorption properties of composite membranes is ascertained.
SYNTHETIC DERIVATIVES OF ISOQUINOLINE, DICARBOXYLIC ACID IMIDES AND THIOIMIDES AS BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS. (2016)

This study is a continuation of a research program aimed at identifying potent drugs against bacterial infections, in which a series of organic compounds: dicarboxylic acid imides and thioimides, isoquinoline derivatives and open chain compounds, were examined for antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus auneus and Escheiichia coli. In effect of this investigation, the most active compounds (35-40, 47) were selected for in vitiv tests against fourteen clinically important pathogenic isolates, the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aueus (MRSA) and several reference Gram-negative bacteria: Prteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Stenonophoinonas inaltophilia, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The obtained data revealed that seven compounds (three dithioimides, 35, 39, 47, and four thioimides, 36-38, 40) exhibit effective antibacterial activity against the tested Staphylococcus auirus MSSA and MRSA strains. Among them, dicarboxylic acid thioimides 37 and 38 were proven to be the most active.
Computer-Aided Controller Setting Procedure for Paper Machine Drive Systems (2009)

This paper presents a comprehensive three-stage computer-based methodology for the initial setting of the speed and torque controllers for the drives of a paper machine. First, the controller gains are selected based on the figures-of-merit for the frequency- and time-domain responses of each drive to commands and disturbances. After that, the effect of the elastic shafts is considered evaluating the resonant frequencies and two-mass system responses. Finally, the responses of each group of drives to the process commands and/or disturbances of interest are evaluated. The use of the proposed methodology will assure fast and well-behaved responses of each group of drives of the different sections of a paper machine, with minimal field adjustments.
Estimating Maximum Penetration Level of Renewable Energy Based on Frequency Stability Constrains in Power Grid (2020)

Renewable energy such as wind power and photovoltaic have bring challenges to frequency stability of power system due to the inertia-less characteristics and its maximum power point tracking operation. Estimating maximum penetration level of renewable energy is essential to the stable operation of the power grid. A comprehensive frequency response model is established in this paper to obtain the system frequency response with different renewable energy penetration level, which includes synchronous generators and renewable energy generators. In this model, inertia constant and damping constant of the system are calculated from the data after a power disturbance, governor system parameters of different synchronous generators are aggregated respectively. The model has been validated with a power system model. Based on the comprehensive model, a method is proposed to estimate the maximum penetration level of renewable energy considering the frequency stability constraints. A comprehensive model for a provincial power grid is established with Matlab/Simulink to obtain its maximum penetration level of renewable energy.
Nutrition and inflammation (2013)

Introduction and Aims: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation in hemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with poor outcomes. We have previously examined the cross-sectional relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin levels with CRP. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical and biochemical determinants of longitudinal CRP measurement in HD patients. Methods: Our cohort includes HD patients, who were enrolled as part of the MONDO (MONitoring Dialysis Outcomes) research initiative. We extracted data for only those patients in whom concurrent measurements of NLR, albumin, and CRP were available. Of the total 20407 patients included in the analysis, 13605 (66.7%) were randomly selected for the derivation cohort and the remaining 6802 (33.3%) were assigned to the validation cohort. The derivation and validation sets have a total of 91,924 and 45,654 observations, respectively. We constructed a linear mixed-effect model to analyze the relationship of NLR and albumin with Log CRP, as measured on a continuous scale. The linear mixed model was further tested in the validation cohort. Results: The median age was 62 yrs, 57% of the patients were men. The median dialysis vintage was 6.2 months (IQR 0-40 months). The median (IQR) NLR, albumin and CRP were 3.1(1.9-3.6), 3.95(3.7 to 4.2) and 11.9(2.0 to 12.2), respectively. Low albumin level ( coefficient -0.52; P <.0001) and high NLR ( coefficient 0.09; P <.0001) were associated with high CRP. Other significant variables for predicting CRP include age, male gender, presence of HD catheter, elevated sCR, phosphorus, ferritin, and low hemoglobin, potassium, intra-dialytic weight gain (IDWG), and urea reduction ratio (URR). CRP was not significantly associated with race, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and normalized protein catabolic ratio (nPCR). The adjusted R 2 of the mixed model in the validation cohort was 0.26 (P<0.01). Conclusions: Our results showed that low albumin, high NLR, male gender and presence of HD catheter are strong predictors of CRP. No effect of race and diabetes was observed on prediction of CRP. Further studies are needed to better understand the longitudinal interaction between the inflammation markers, malnutrition and the CRP in HD patients.
Inhibition of ADAMTS13 Activity By Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 (HNP-1): Potential Link Between Inflammation, Onset of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, and Other Thrombosis (2014)

Abstract Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a potentially fatal syndrome associated with severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity resulting from either mutations or autoantibodies. However, patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency do not always develop TTP. Rather, a trigger, such as infection or inflammation, often precedes the onset of the TTP syndrome. We hypothesized that antimicrobial human neutrophil peptides 1-3 (HNPα1-3) or α-defensins, the most abundant proteins in the granules of neutrophils, which are released at site of inflammation, activate platelets, and inhibit fibrinolysis, might help to initiate TTP. This question arose because we noted that the amino acid sequences of HNPα1-3, which are nearly identical except for one residue at the N-terminus, all contain a motif (RRY) similar to exosite 3 (659RRYGEEY665) in the spacer domain of ADAMTS13 (Fig. 1) that was shown to be critical for recognition of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Here, we found that both purified and synthetic HNPα1 bind to FRETS-VWF73 and plasma-derived VWF and inhibit proteolytic cleavage of these substrates in a concentration-dependent manner. At the final concentrations of 10 micro mol/L and 150 micro mol/L, HNPα1 completely abolished the cleavage of FRETS-VWF73 (IC50=3.5 micro mol/L) (Fig. 2) and VWF (IC50=75 micro mol/L) (not shown), respectively. Such concentrations are readily attained locally after systemic infection. Deletion or alanine substitution within the RRY motif of HNPα1 completely abolished its ability to inhibit ADAMTS13 activity assessed by FRETS-VWF73 and VWF multimer analysis. This suggests that an interaction of the RRY motif in HNPα1 with the central A2 domain of VWF is required to mediate its inhibition. In support of this hypothesis, HNPα1 interacts with a human monoclonal antibody against ADAMTS13 scFv (the single chain fragment of variable region) designated 4-20, but not scFv3-1, both isolated by phage display from patients with acquired autoimmune TTP. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry has shown that the binding site for scFv4-20, but not scFv3-1, contains the RRY sequence. These results suggest that HNPα1-3 released from neutrophils following infection or inflammation may inhibit residual plasma ADAMTS13 activity in vivo similar to anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies by interfering with its interaction with VWF, thereby triggering the onset of hereditary and acquired autoimmune TTP. Our findings suggest a potential novel link between systemic inflammation and the pathogenesis of TTP and possibility other thrombotic sequelae. Figure 2 Figure 2. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Abstract 4126: An anti-CD4 antibody protects mice from anti-PD-1/PDL-1 antibody-induced fatal anaphylaxis and shows potent anti-metastatic activity in the 4T1 spontaneous metastasis model (2016)

Abstract [Introduction] We previously reported that an α-CD4 depleting monoclonal antibody (mAb) has very potent anti-tumor effects in several murine tumor models, particularly when combined with α-PD-1/L1 mAbs (Cancer Immunol. Res. 3: 631-640; 2015). Here we examined the effect of this α-CD4 mAb on 4T1 murine mammary tumors, which undergo spontaneous metastasis from an orthotopically transplanted site to the lung. [Methods] 4T1 tumor cells (1 × 105) were injected into the mammary fat pad of female BALB/c mice and primary tumor volume was measured every 2-3 days. Spontaneous lung metastasis was quantitated by removing the lungs, fixing them in Bouin's fixative, and counting the number of metastatic nodules on the surface of lung. [Results] Administration of α-CD4 mAb (clone GK1.5; days 5 and 9 after tumor inoculation) significantly inhibited 4T1 lung metastasis (n = 10) without affecting primary tumor size. α-PD-1 and α-PD-L1 mAbs had minimal effects on primary tumor growth and metastasis. However, administration of α-PD-1 or α-PD-L1 mAbs triggered an IgG1-mediated fatal anaphylactic reaction upon the third or fourth administration. Interestingly, the anaphylactic reaction was completely prevented by co-administration of the α-CD4 mAb. [Discussion] Based on these results, α-CD4 mAb may be useful for preventing metastasis associated with advanced cancer. In addition, α-CD4 mAb appeared to be protective against the IgG-mediated anaphylactic reaction and autoimmune-like side effects that are associated with α-PD-1/α-PD-L antibody administration-induced enhanced B-cell immunity. Increased myelopoiesis due to high G-CSF production by 4T1 cells may have contributed to the anaphylactic reaction. Citation Format: Satoru Ito, Shoji Yokochi, Yoshiro Ishiwata, Satoshi Ueha, Francis Shand, Kouji Matsushima. An anti-CD4 antibody protects mice from anti-PD-1/PDL-1 antibody-induced fatal anaphylaxis and shows potent anti-metastatic activity in the 4T1 spontaneous metastasis model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4126.
Support for effective use of multiple video streams in security (2006)

Video surveillance systems have become common across a wide number of environments. While these installations have included more video streams, they have been also placed in contexts with limited personnel for monitoring the video feeds. In such settings, limited human attention in combination with the quantity of video makes it difficult for security personnel to identify activities of interest. Furthermore, interrelationships among activities in different video streams are difficult to ascertain. We have developed applications to support security personnel both in analyzing recorded video and in monitoring live video streams. We use a variety of analysis techniques to determine unusual events and to highlight them in video images. Our main focus has been on visualization techniques and user interfaces that direct the attention of security personnel to the most important activities within recorded video or among several live video streams.
Overview and future challenges of Floating Body RAM (FBRAM) technology for 32nm technology node and beyond (2008)

Floating body cell (FBC) is a one-transistor memory cell on SOI substrate, which aims high density embedded memory on SOC. In order to verify this memory cell technology, a 128 Mb floating body RAM (FBRAM) with FBC has been designed and successfully developed. The memory cell design and the experimental results, including single cell (1Cell/Bit) operation, are reviewed. Based on the experimental results, the scalability of FBC is also discussed.
Urinary stone diagnosis. Morphologic and composition analysis. (2021)

Analysis of urinary stones is an essential step in establishing the diagnosis and treatment of the stone patient. In fact, the need for an exhaustive study of the stones increases as the relationships between the type of stone and the etiological factors that predispose to this disease become evident. The enumeration (qualitative or quantitative) of the major components that make up the kidney stone (calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate dihydrate, uric acid, calcium phosphates, cystine), which is obtained by the most commonly used analytical method, infrared spectroscopy (IR), is no longer enough to guide the urologist on the etiology of the disease. Only a detailed structural analysis and macro and micro components can provide key information on the etiology of the stone, and therefore, on the possible causes that have led to its formation. This study should conclude with a report that is provided to the Urologist. Obtaining this report involves a detailed study, sample by sample, which involves the systematic handling of stereoscopic microscopy, IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-raymicroanalysis (EDAX).
Structure of interleukin 4 mutant E9A suggests polar steering in receptor-complex formation (2001)

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine which induces T-cell differentiation and class switching of B cells. It therefore plays a central role in the development of allergies and asthma. An IL-4 variant in which Glu9 was mutated to alanine shows an 800-fold drop in binding affinity towards its high-affinity receptor chain. As shown by surface plasmon resonance measurements, this mostly arises from a decreased association rate. Here, the crystal structure of this mutant is reported. It reveals that the protein has a virtually identical structure to the wild type, showing that the unusual behaviour of the mutated protein is not a consequence of misfolding. The possibility that polar interactions in the encounter complex have a steering effect is discussed.
Pronounced tumour regression after radiotherapy is associated with negative/weak glucose transporter-1 expression in rectal cancer. (2011)

The aim of this study was to assess glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) expression as a predictor of disease outcome in rectal cancer treated by preoperative radio- or chemoradiotherapy.Operative samples from 175 rectal cancer patients and 78 preoperative biopsies were analysed for GLUT-1 expression using immunohistochemistry. Forty-six patients received long-course radiotherapy, with/without chemotherapy and tumour regression grade was analysed in these specimens.Negative GLUT-1 expression was seen in 25/78 (32%) of the preoperative biopsies and in 38/78 (49%) of the operative samples. There was no significant correlation of GLUT-1 with common clinicopathological factors. A trend towards longer disease-free survival (DFS) for the long-course radiotherapy group patients was seen with negative/weak GLUT-1 staining intensity (p=0.066) and excellent tumour regression grade (p=0.068) in operative samples. Disease-free survival (p=0.068) and disease-specific survival (p=0.024) of the patients with excellent tumour regression were longer than among the patients with moderate or less regression.A trend towards longer DFS among patients in favour of negative/weak GLUT-1 staining in the operative samples after long-course radiotherapy is demonstrated.