gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
O5–04–05: Is there a link between novel retinal and cerebral markers of microvascular pathology? (2013)

Qualitative retinal vascular changes such as retinopathy signs have been linked to cognitive impairment and subclinical neuroimaging markers such as silent infarcts and white matter lesions. Recent advances in retinal imaging have enabled us to assess novel quatitative retinal vascular parameters, whilst concomitantly advances in neuroimaging have revealed cerebral microbleeds (CMB) to be a novel marker for microvascular pathology in the brain. We examine the association between novel retinal imaging markers and the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMB) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 300 participants (age≥60 years) subjects participated in the Chinese component of the on-going Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore (EDIS) Study. All participants underwent an extensive examination, including retinal photography and 3T cranial MRI. Retinal vascular parameters (caliber, tortuosity, fractal dimension) were assessed from fundus images using a semi-automated computer-based program. The presence and number of CMBs were assessed using the Brain Observer Microbleed Scale (BOMBS) on susceptibility weighted imaging sequences. Poisson regression models were constructed, adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, body mass index, mean arterial blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, blood cholesterol, and additionally for total white matter volume, total brain volume, presence of stroke and intracranial stenosis. A total of 239 participants who had gradable fundus photographs and MRI scans were included in this analysis. CMB were present in 75 participants, of whom 48 had a single CMB and another 27 subjects had ≥2 CMBs. In the multivariate adjusted models, smaller arteriolar fractal dimensions (multi-variable adjusted rate ratio [RR] per standard deviation [SD] decrease: 1.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.17–1.74), increased arteriolar tortuosity (RR per SD increase: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04–1.53), narrower retinal arteriolar caliber (RR per SD decrease: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05–2.33) and wider venular caliber (RR per SD increase: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.05–2.33) were associated with increasing numbers of CMB on MRI. In this study we found that a sparser and a more tortuous microvascular network in the retina is related to presence of CMB on MRI, suggesting common pathophysiological mechanisms may underlie both retinal and cerebral microvascular pathology.
Characterization of scaled-up photonic crystal structures using a discretely tunable carbon-dioxide laser (2004)

Micron-scale, photonic crystal devices fabricated using standard microelectronics technology can be used as a step in the development of sub-micron-scale devices. A discretely tunable CO2 laser beam is focused onto the sample and transmission data are collected. Regularization methods are used to calculate the single-angle plane-wave response of the device.
Outdoor in Friesland - De Twirre - Van Zeilen Tot Survival (2014)

Outdoor In Friesland. Meer Dan 20 Verschillende Activiteiten. Voor Bedrijfsuitje Of vrijgezellendag. De Twirre Van Zeilen Tot Survival.
The innate defense regulator peptides IDR-HH2, IDR-1002, and IDR-1018 modulate human neutrophil functions (2013)

Although HDPs were originally hypothesized to act as antimicrobial agents, they also have been shown to broadly modulate the immune response through the activation of different cell types. We recently developed a series of novel, synthetic peptides, termed IDRs, which are conceptually based on a natural HDP, bovine bactenecin. We showed that IDR-1 and IDR-1002 protect the host against bacterial infections through the induction of chemokines. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the IDRs on various functions of human neutrophils. Here, we demonstrated that IDR-HH2, IDR-1002, and IDR-1018 modulated the expression of neutrophil adhesion and activation markers. Moreover, these IDRs enhanced neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells in a β₂ integrin-dependent manner and induced neutrophil migration and chemokine production. The IDR peptides also increased the release of the neutrophil-generated HDPs (antimicrobial), human α-defensins, and LL-37 and augmented neutrophil-mediated killing of Escherichia coli. Notably, the IDRs significantly suppressed LPS-mediated neutrophil degranulation, the release of ROS, and the production of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-10, consistent with their ability to dampen inflammation. As evidenced by the inhibitory effects of MAPK-specific inhibitors, IDRs activated the MAPK pathway that was required for chemokine production. In conclusion, our study provides novel evidence regarding the contribution of the IDR peptides to the innate immune response through the modulation of neutrophil functions. The results described here may aid in the development of IDRs as novel, anti-infective and immunomodulatory agents.
Pyrrolysyl-tRNA Synthetase with a Unique Architecture Enhances the Availability of Lysine Derivatives in Synthetic Genetic Codes (2018)

Genetic code expansion has largely relied on two types of the tRNA-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pairs. One involves pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS), which is used to incorporate various lysine derivatives into proteins. The widely used PylRS from Methanosarcinaceae comprises two distinct domains while the bacterial molecules consist of two separate polypeptides. The recently identified PylRS from <i>Candidatus</i> Methanomethylophilus alvus (CMaPylRS) is a single-domain, one-polypeptide enzyme that belongs to a third category. In the present study, we showed that the PylRS-tRNA<sup>Pyl</sup> pair from <i>C.</i> M. alvus can incorporate lysine derivatives much more efficiently (up to 14-times) than Methanosarcinaceae PylRSs in <i>Escherichia coli</i> cell-based and cell-free systems. Then we investigated the tRNA and amino-acid recognition by CMaPylRS. The cognate tRNA<sup>Pyl</sup> has two structural idiosyncrasies: no connecting nucleotide between the acceptor and D stems and an additional nucleotide in the anticodon stem and it was found that these features are hardly recognized by CMaPylRS. Lastly, the Tyr126Ala and Met129Leu substitutions at the amino-acid binding pocket were shown to allow CMaPylRS to recognize various derivatives of the bulky <i>N</i><sup>ε</sup>-benzyloxycarbonyl-l-lysine (ZLys). With the high incorporation efficiency and the amenability to engineering, CMaPylRS would enhance the availability of lysine derivatives in expanded codes.
FTTH network economics: Key parameters impacting technology decisions (2008)

Different technology options are available to operators today for their Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network deployment strategy decisions. Gigabit-Passive Optical Network (GPON), Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON), Active Ethernet (AE) and Point-to-Point Ethernet (P2P) are the major competing technologies. There are a number of technical, economic and business drivers that impact the right choice for each specific network situation. When modeling network economics, it is important to consider a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model to enable operators to rightly evaluate these choices, instead of comparisons of only specific cost elements (e.g., port costs). On the other hand, in a network model with a large number of parameters it is often challenging to identify the key parameters that are critical to the decision-making. An operator runs the risk of picking an incorrect technology strategy if any of these key parameters are not identified and cost optimized. In this paper, we present the results obtained by modeling the capital investments and operations expenses incurred for some operator cases, and identify the key parameters that impact FTTH economics covering these major technologies. We show sensitivity analysis to identify the critical parameters. The methodology and results will enable operators quickly make the right FTTH technology deployment decisions.
S131 CP101, an Investigational Orally Administered Microbiome Therapeutic, Increases Intestinal Microbiome Diversity and Prevents Recurrent C. difficile Infection: Results From a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial (2021)

Introduction: Microbiome diversity is a surrogate marker for microbiome health with decreased diversity observed in many diseases. Key to disease pathogenesis in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is decreased microbiome diversity and impaired colonization resistance. CP101 is an investigational orally administered microbiome therapeutic designed to restore microbiome diversity and enable early intervention in the management of recurrent CDI. Microbiome diversity is a key pharmacodynamic marker in recurrent CDI; however, data on the impact of increasing diversity on efficacy is scarce. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (PRISM3) enrolling adults who received standard-of-care antibiotics for recurrent CDI. Patients with first CDI recurrence at high-risk for further recurrence (≥65 years), or those with two or more recurrences were eligible. The qualifying CDI episode was diagnosed prior to study entry by guideline recommended testing (PCR-based or toxin EIA-based). Following CDI antibiotics, participants completed a minimum 2-day washout period. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to receive one-time oral administration of CP101 or placebo without bowel preparation. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained clinical cure, defined as an absence of CDI recurrence through Week 8 following dosing. Diversity of the intestinal microbiome was measured at baseline, Week 1, and Week 8 using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results: Among the 198 enrolled participants analyzed, the CP101 arm demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in sustained clinical cure compared to placebo through Week 8 (74.5% [76/102] vs 61.5% [59/96], P=0.0488). Alpha diversity was low in the CP101 and placebo arms at baseline, and similar between both groups. Participants treated with CP101 achieved significantly higher alpha diversity compared to placebo, and the increase in diversity was rapid and sustained over time (p< 0.001 at Week 1, p< 0.0001 at Week 8) (Fig. 1a). Participants who received CP101 also had a significantly greater change in their microbial community composition from baseline compared to placebo at Week 1 (p< 0.001). Clinically, an increase in microbiome diversity at Week 1 was associated with sustained clinical cure through Week 8 (p< 0.001) (Fig. 1b). Conclusion: These data suggest that CP101 restores microbiome diversity, leading to colonization resistance and driving sustained clinical cure in recurrent CDI.Figure 1.: a. CP101 drives restoration of microbiome diversity. B. An increase in microbiome diversity at Week 1 is associated with sustained clinical cure through Week 8.
Cohort study of the association of antibody levels to AMA1, MSP119, MSP3 and GLURP with protection from clinical malaria in Ghanaian children (2008)

Using standardized procedures, the study has confirmed the importance of antibodies to MSP119 in reducing the risk of clinical malaria in Ghanaian children, thus substantiating its potential as a malaria vaccine candidate.
Binaural dereverberation based on interaural coherence histograms (2013)

A binaural dereverberation algorithm is presented that utilizes the properties of the interaural coherence (IC) inspired by the concepts introduced in Allen et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 62, 912-915 (1977)]. The algorithm introduces a non-linear sigmoidal coherence-to-gain mapping that is controlled by an online estimate of the present coherence statistics. The algorithm automatically adapts to a given acoustic environment and provides a stronger dereverberation effect than the original method presented in Allen et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 62, 912-915 (1977)] in most acoustic conditions. The performance of the proposed algorithm was objectively and subjectively evaluated in terms of its impacts on the amount of reverberation and overall quality. A binaural spectral subtraction method based on Lebart et al. [Acta Acust. Acust. 87, 359-366 (2001)] and a binaural version of the original method of Allen et al. were considered as reference systems. The results revealed that the proposed coherence-based approach is most successful in acoustic scenarios that exhibit a significant spread in the coherence distribution where direct sound and reverberation can be segregated. This dereverberation algorithm is thus particularly useful in large rooms for short source-receiver distances.
Quantum simulation of exact electron dynamics can be more efficient than classical mean-field methods (2023)

Quantum algorithms for simulating electronic ground states are slower than popular classical mean-field algorithms such as Hartree-Fock and density functional theory but offer higher accuracy. Accordingly, quantum computers have been predominantly regarded as competitors to only the most accurate and costly classical methods for treating electron correlation. However, here we tighten bounds showing that certain first-quantized quantum algorithms enable exact time evolution of electronic systems with exponentially less space and polynomially fewer operations in basis set size than conventional real-time time-dependent Hartree-Fock and density functional theory. Although the need to sample observables in the quantum algorithm reduces the speedup, we show that one can estimate all elements of the k-particle reduced density matrix with a number of samples scaling only polylogarithmically in basis set size. We also introduce a more efficient quantum algorithm for first-quantized mean-field state preparation that is likely cheaper than the cost of time evolution. We conclude that quantum speedup is most pronounced for finite-temperature simulations and suggest several practically important electron dynamics problems with potential quantum advantage.
Evaluation of fluoride levels in commercially available tea in the United States. (2020)

The objective of this study was to compare fluoride levels in commercially available black tea, green tea, and matcha tea. Tea samples were purchased from a local supermarket in the United States and prepared according to the manufacturer's directions to mimic consumer activity. The selected products included 3 black teas (Bigelow Earl Grey, Twinings of London Lady Grey, and Lipton), 2 green teas (Bigelow and Lipton), and 3 matcha teas (Mighty Leaf, Celestial Seasonings, and Matcha Love). For all products except Mighty Leaf and Matcha Love, 250 mL of deionized water (DIW) was heated to boiling. One tea bag was added and stirred for 2 minutes. For Mighty Leaf matcha, 300 mL of DIW was used, but the sample was otherwise prepared as previously described. Matcha Love was prepared by stirring 0.5 tsp of green tea powder for 2 minutes in 30 mL of DIW heated to boiling. A 10-mL aliquot was taken from each tea group and from DIW alone (control) and combined with 10 mL of total ionic strength adjustment buffer (TISAB II) before it was measured with a combination fluoride electrode and pH/ion meter. The sample size was 5 separately prepared and independently measured tea servings per group. Fluoride concentrations were calculated from a calibration curve constructed from appropriate fluoride standards and then statistically analyzed using analysis of variance followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test (α = 0.05). The DIW control group had negligible fluoride content. All tested tea samples contained fluoride in amounts ranging from 0.521 to 6.082 mg/L. The mean concentration differed significantly among brands and types of tea. Matcha green tea powder had the highest concentration of fluoride. Most teas contain a higher fluoride concentration than optimally fluoridated water (0.7 mg/L). Dental healthcare professionals should consider this information when advising caries prevention regimens for patients and determining the potential for dental or skeletal fluorosis in at-risk patients.
A Polynomial-Time Algorithm for Pliable Index Coding (2016)

In pliable index coding, we consider a server with $m$ messages and $n$ clients where each client has as side information a subset of the messages. We seek to minimize the number of broadcast transmissions, so that each client can recover any one unknown message she does not already have. Previous work has shown that the pliable index coding problem is NP-hard and requires at most $\mathcal{O}(\log^2(n))$ broadcast transmissions, which indicates exponential savings over the conventional index coding that requires in the worst case $\mathcal{O}(n)$ transmissions. In this work, building on a decoding criterion that we propose, we first design a deterministic polynomial-time algorithm that can realize the exponential benefits, by achieving, in the worst case, a performance upper bounded by $\mathcal{O}(\log^2(n))$ broadcast transmissions. We extend our algorithm to the $t$-requests case, where each client requires $t$ unknown messages that she does not have, and show that our algorithm requires at most $\mathcal{O}(t\log(n)+\log^2(n))$ broadcast transmissions. We construct lower bound instances that require at least $Ω(\log(n))$ transmissions for linear pliable index coding and at least $Ω(t+\log(n))$ transmissions for the $t$-requests case, indicating that both our upper and lower bounds are polynomials of $\log(n)$ and differ within a factor of $\mathcal{O}(\log(n))$. Finally, we provide a probabilistic analysis and show that the required number of transmissions is almost surely $Θ(\log(n))$, as compared to $Θ(n/\log(n))$ for index coding. Our numerical experiments show that our algorithm outperforms existing algorithms for pliable index coding by up to $50\%$ less transmissions.
Interactive visualization for rapid noninvasive cardiac assessment (1996)

New interactive computerized visualization technology promises to give doctors easier, quicker and less expensive ways to determine whether and to what extent patients have heart disease. This new visualization technology, combined with new image acquisition methods, may allow doctors to take the results of one noninvasive cardiac examination and produce a variety of 3D displays that can be easily manipulated to reveal problems that are not presently accessible without multiple costly assessments. The MRI technique is ahead of the capability of computerized visualization tools to analyze and display the resulting data. The visualization developments we discuss in this paper make both raw MRI data and derived information, such as heart wall contraction rate estimates, directly accessible to doctors.
Tunable Porosity through Cooperative Diffusion in a Multicomponent Porous Molecular Crystal (2015)

A combination of different molecular simulation techniques was used to begin to uncover the mechanism behind the compositional tuning of gas sorption behavior in a multicomponent porous molecular crystal, CC1·CC3n·CC41–n, where 0 < n < 1. Gas access to formally occluded voids was found to be allowed through a cooperative diffusion mechanism that requires the presence of the guest for the channel to briefly open. Molecular dynamics simulations and dynamic void analysis suggest two putative diffusion mechanisms. We propose that the gas diffusion is controlled by the cage vertices that surround the void, with the slightly smaller and more mobile cyclopentane vertices in CC4 allowing more facile nitrogen diffusion than the cyclohexane vertices in CC3. A combination of sorption simulations, void analysis, and statistical calculations suggests the diffusion mechanism may rely upon the presence of two CC4 molecules adjacent to the occluded voids.
Simulation Study of Advanced Variable Displacement Engine Coupled to Power-Split Hydraulic Hybrid Powertrain (2011)

The simulation based investigation of the variable displacement engine is motivated by a desire to enable unthrottled operation at part load, and hence eliminate pumping losses. The mechanism modeled in this work is derived from a Hefley engine concept. Other salient features of the proposed engine are turbocharging and cylinder deactivation. The cylinder deactivation combined with variable displacement further expands the range of unthrottled operation, whereas turbocharging increases the power density of the engine and allows downsizing without the loss of performance. Although the proposed variable displacement turbocharged engine (VDTCE) concept enables operations in a very wide range, running near idle is impractical. Therefore, the VDTCE is integrated with a hybrid powertrain to mitigate issues with engine transients and mode transitions. The engine model is developed in AMESim using physics based models, such as thermodynamic cycle simulation, filling and emptying of manifolds, and turbulent flame entrainment combustion. A predictive model of the power-split hydraulic hybrid driveline is created in SIMULINK, thus facilitating integration with the engine. The integrated simulation tool is utilized to address design and control issues, before determining the fuel economy potential of the powertrain comprising a VDTCE engine and a hydraulic hybrid driveline.
Energy Levels of Ho3+ in LaCl3 (1967)

A least-squares fit of the previously assigned J levels of Ho3+ in LaCl3 combined with a crystal-field calculation for the upper levels has made possible the assignment of many of the levels above 28 000 cm−1 observed by Dieke and Pandey. A final least-squares fit of 23 J levels, with the inclusion of configuration interaction, gave an rms deviation of 68 cm−1 with the parameter values E0=20 770, E1=6682.6, E2=30.69, E3=620.1, ζ=2127.1, α=23.5, β=−811.2 cm−1. The crystal-field parameters resulting from a fit of 81 components of the 5I4,5,6,7,8 and 5F2,3,4,5 levels are B20=113.6, B40=−33.9, B60=−27.8, and B66=276.7 cm−1. The rms deviation in this case was 2.0 cm−1. These crystal-field parameters give a satisfactory prediction of the crystal-field splitting of most of the excited J levels.
Search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with aWor aZboson and decaying to bottom quarks (2014)

Search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a W or a Z boson and decaying to bottom quarks S. Chatrchyan
Enhancement of platelet response to immune complexes and IgG aggregates by lipid A-rich bacterial lipopolysaccharides. (1978)

The effect of the common lipid moiety of bacterial LPS on secretion from washed human platelets has been studied. The lipid A-rich LPS of S. minnesota R595 and a lipid A preparation both potentiated platelet serotonin secretion in response to IgG aggregates or immune complexes up to 50-fold but had little effect in the absence of IgG. Lipid A has been shown to bind immune aggregates, raising the possibility that its mechanism of action involved effective enlargement or insolubilization of the aggregates. IgG aggregates of dimer to tetramer size were shown to be platelet simuli, equivalent on a weight basis to larger soluble aggregates. The effect of both sizes of aggregates on platelets were equally enhanced by the LPS, indicating that increased size of aggregates alone could not account for the effect of LPS. Similarly, because lipid A-rich LPS enhanced platelet response to already insoluble immune complexes, its mechanism of action cannot simply be insolubilization of immune aggregates. These LPS did not enhance platelet stimulation by antiplatelet antibody, monosodium urate crystals, or thrombin and only slightly enhanced stimulation by insoluble human skin collagen. This indicates some stimulus specificity in the ability of LPS to increase platelet secretion. The enhancement of cell response to immune complexes by the common lipid region of LPS may represent a mechanism for the diverse effects of LPS in vivo and in vitro.