gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
CS2 LPA-D03-PROTECTED: Evaluation of a next generation oxygen system – assessment of usability, comfort and human performance (2022)

The use of an oxygen system has many crucial aspects regarding usability, comfort, and its effects on human performance. To overcome shortcomings of common systems, a new oxygen mask was developed. It was aimed at enhancing the devices’ comfort and ease of use and at enabling the interoperability of the oxygen system within the cockpit environment. The project was a cooperation between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Safran Aerosystems (Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking framework). Our aim was to evaluate the new oxygen system with the parts oxygen mask and human-machine interface and to compare it to a customary system. Experiments using 20 pilots were conducted in two demonstrators providing the two oxygen systems. The procedure included normal cruise flight operation and emergency scenarios. Data were assessed by use of computerized questionnaires and cognitive performance tasks. Results showed that subjects were more satisfied with the usability and the comfort of the new mask at all three measurement time points. Cognitive performance with the new mask was not significantly impaired compared to the customary (legacy) mask. Differential effects and conclusions for the further development process are discussed.
Seasonal and Secular Trends of Cardiovascular, Nutritional, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients on Hemodialysis (2020)

Patients on HD show marked seasonal variability of key indicators. Secular trends indicate decreasing BP and IDWG and increasing post-HD weight. These methods will be of importance for independently determining seasonal and secular trends in future assessments of population health.
Tandem Diels−Alder/Fragmentation Approach to the Synthesis of Eleutherobin (2003)

[reaction: see text] A synthesis of 28, the carbon framework of the eleutherobin aglycone, is reported in a 15-step sequence from readily available starting materials. The tandem Diels-Alder reaction of 6 and 7 to produce 18, in which three new rings and six new stereocenters are formed, is a key step in the reaction sequence.
Experimental Demonstration of a 2-Stage Continuously Tunable Optical Tapped-Delay-Line in which N+M Pump Lasers Produce N×M Taps (2014)

We experimentally demonstrate a 2-stage continuously tunable optical tapped-delay-line in which N+M pump lasers produce N×M number of taps. A 3×2-taps optical correlator is implemented to search multiple patterns among 20-Gbuad QPSK signals using nonlinearities and coherent comb source.
Efficient intra refreshment and synchronization algorithms for robust transmission of video over wireless networks (2002)

This paper proposes efficient intra refreshment and packetization algorithms to enhance error resilience of video coding systems for wireless applications. We attack the two problems separately to alleviate the computational burden, instead of jointly optimizing them. We first enhance error resilience of intra/inter coding mode selection by introducing new cost functions for the two coding modes, and then optimize the placement of synchronization markers by incorporating data partitioning and error concealment at the decoder in the rate-distortion optimization procedure. Experiments show that the proposed techniques in conjunction with the MPEG4 standard (Simple Profile) provide significant improvements in the error resilience performance.
Space-Division Multiplexed Transmission Over 3×3 Coupled-Core Multicore Fiber (2014)

We experimentally demonstrate transmission over a novel multicore fiber with 9 cores arranged in 3 groups of 3 cores, where strong coupling occurs within the groups and weak couplings between groups. We transmitted over 2500 km in a single group at a time and 715 km when all 9 cores are used. Low-loss 3D waveguides are used as couplers.
Magnetic Microswarm and Fluoroscopy‐Guided Platform for Biofilm Eradication in Biliary Stents (2022)

Biofilm eradication from medical implants is of fundamental importance, and the treatment of biofilm-associated pathogen infections on inaccessible biliary stents remains challenging. Magnetically driven microrobots with controlled motility, accessibility to the tiny lumen, and swarm enhancement effects can physically disrupt the deleterious biostructures while not developing drug resistance. Magnetic urchin-like capsule robots (MUCRs) loaded with magnetic liquid metal droplets (MLMDs, antibacterial agents) are designed using natural sunflower pollen, and the therapeutic effect of swarming MUCR@MLMDs is explored for eradicating complex mixtures of bacterial biofilm within biliary stents collected from patients. The external magnetic field triggers the emergence of the microswarm and induces MLMDs to transform their shape into spheroids and rods with sharp edges. The inherent natural microspikes of MUCRs and the obtained sharp edges of MLMDs actively rupture the dense biological matrix and multiple species of embedded bacterial cells by exerting mechanical force, finally achieving synergistic biofilm eradication. The microswarm is precisely and rapidly deployed into the biliary stent via endoscopy in 10 min. Notably, fluoroscopy imaging is used to track and navigate the locomotion of microswarm in biliary stents in real-time. The microswarm has great potential for treating bacterial biofilm infections associated with medical implants.
Multitiered inference management architecture for participatory sensing (2014)

This paper describes a multitiered architecture for realizing an inference management firewall (IMF) that employs context-aware information masking techniques for systematic management of risk-vs-value trade-off of sensor data. Previously we have demonstrated an initial implementation of the IMF running as messaging services on the Information Fabric, which is a middleware asset developed under the International Technology Alliance (ITA) research program. Furthermore, we have presented an additional asset, recently implemented on a commercially-available mobile device running the Android operating system, which is intended to operate as an information source and first-line inference management capability at the edge of the network. The low-cost and widespread use of Android-based mobile devices offers a popular platform for crowdsourced participatory sensing. The focus of our current work is on the integration of these two technology assets in support of policy-managed, sensor-driven workflows in coalition scenarios.
Microglial Responses to Stress-Induced Depression: Causes and Consequences (2023)

Chronic stress is a major risk factor for various psychiatric diseases, including depression; it triggers various cellular and structural changes, resulting in the alteration of neurocircuitry and subsequent development of depression. Accumulating evidence suggests that microglial cells orchestrate stress-induced depression. Preclinical studies of stress-induced depression revealed microglial inflammatory activation in regions of the brain that regulate mood. Although studies have identified several molecules that trigger inflammatory responses in microglia, the pathways that regulate stress-induced microglial activation remain unclear. Understanding the exact triggers that induce microglial inflammatory activation can help find therapeutic targets in order to treat depression. In the current review, we summarize the recent literature on possible sources of microglial inflammatory activation in animal models of chronic stress-induced depression. In addition, we describe how microglial inflammatory signaling affects neuronal health and causes depressive-like behavior in animal models. Finally, we propose ways to target the microglial inflammatory cascade to treat depressive disorders.
A Non-Local Visco-Plastic Model With Strain Laplacian Effects and Interphase Effects for Simulating the Stiffness and Yield Strength of a Class of Polymer Nanocomposites (2008)

Numerical simulation of nanocomposite mechanics Representative Volume Elements (RVE) that include nanostructural information is a powerful and popular current approach. However, some limitations exist for this method, for example, the large difference between the Young’s moduli of the nanoparticles and the matrix materials causes large strain gradients around the nanoparticles or effective particles which presents numerical difficulties. Also the nanoscale mesh size requires extremely small time steps and therefore high computational costs, especially for dynamic simulations. In the present investigation, an analytical constitutive model is developed by adding the interphase effects and strain gradient effects to a classic spring-dashpot viscoplastic model of polymers. It is shown that this model can predict the constitutive behavior quantitatively. The mechanism of a brittle to ductile transition can also be captured and studied. Useful information for material design can be obtained through parameter study of the current model.
Local delivery of antimicrobial peptides using self‐organized TiO2 nanotube arrays for peri‐implant infections (2011)

Peri-implant infections have been reported as one of the major complications that lead to the failure of orthopedic implants. An ideal solution to the peri-implant infection is to locally deliver antimicrobial agents through the implant surface. The rising problem of infections caused by multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria makes traditional antibiotics less desirable for the prevention of peri-implant infections. One of the promising alternatives is the family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this study, we report the local delivery of AMPs through the nanotubular structure processed on titanium surface. Self-organized and vertically oriented TiO2 nanotubes, about 80 nm in diameter and 7 μm thick, were prepared by the anodization technique. HHC-36 (KRWWKWWRR), one of the most potent broad-spectrum AMPs, was loaded onto the TiO2 nanotubes via a simple vacuum-assisted physical adsorption method. Antimicrobial activity testing against Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrated that this AMP-loaded nanotubular surface could effectively kill the bacteria (≈ 99.9% killing) and reduce the total bacterial number adhered to the surface after 4 h of culture. In vitro AMP elution from the nanotubes was investigated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The release profiles strongly depended on the crystallinity of the TiO2 nanotubes. Anatase TiO2 nanotubes released significantly higher amounts of AMP than amorphous nanotubes during the initial burst release stage. Both followed almost the same slow release profile from 4 h up to 7 days. Despite the differences in release kinetics, no significant difference was observed between these two groups in bactericidal efficiency.
Mental retardation in Norway: prevalence and sub‐classification in a cohort of 30 037 children born between 1980 and 1985 (1998)

Objectives: We wanted to determine the prevalence and subcategories of mental retardation (MR) defined as IQ ≤ 70 in Akershus county, which rated by average yearly income, had the second highest socioeconomic status (SES) in Norway. Methods: The study population consisted of 30 037 children born between 1980 and 1985. Cases were ascertained from multiple sources and psychometrically assessed, predominantly with the Wechsler tests, which were standardized in Norway in 1978. The cases were divided into four groups: profound (IQ &lt;20), severe (IQ 20‐34), moderate (IQ 35‐49), and mild (IQ 50–70) MR, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM‐IV). The median age was 10.8 y. The frequency and degree of parental consanguinity were registered, and the average inbreeding coefficient was calculated. Results: Altogether, 185 had IQ ≤ 70, giving a prevalence of MR of 6.2/1000. Prevalences for profound, severe, moderate, and mild MR were 0.8, 0.4, 1.5 and 3.5/1000, respectively. In two, possibly three, cases the parents were second cousins, giving an average inbreeding coefficient of 20‐30 × 10 ‐5 . Conclusions: The low prevalence of MR, particularly mild MR, could partly be explained by high SES, old standardization of IQ‐test, and low inbreeding coefficient. The proportion of profound MR was considerably higher than estimated by DSM‐IV.
Exogenous surfactant improves lung compliance and oxygenation in adult rats with meconium aspiration (1994)

We studied the effects of exogenous surfactant on lung function and morphology in an adult rat model of severe meconium aspiration syndrome. Animals ventilated with 100% oxygen received 4-6 ml of human meconium (25 mg/ml) intratracheally. After 30 min, lung-thorax compliance had decreased by > 30% and arterial PO2 was < 10 kPa. Animals were then treated with no material (MECO group), 0.9% NaCl (MECO-saline group), natural porcine surfactant (NPS group) at a dose of 100 mg/kg, or modified porcine surfactant at a dose of either 100 (MPS100 group) or 200 mg/kg (MPS200 group) and were ventilated for another 180 min. Immediate and sustained improvement of arterial PO2 and compliance was observed in the MPS200 group, whereas the MPS100 and NPS groups showed less pronounced effects. There was a significant improvement of quasi-static lung volumes at maximum insufflation pressure and during deflation in the MPS200, MPS100, and NPS groups. Recordings with Wilhelmy balance showed that minimum surface tension of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from animals receiving either type or dose of surfactant was significantly lower than in the MECO and MECO-saline groups. Meconium aspiration induced diffuse and prominent atelectasis, intra-alveolar edema, and hyaline membranes. These morphological abnormalities were reversed by exogenous surfactant, especially by the high-dose regimen.
Enhanced Efficacy of a Codon-Optimized DNA Vaccine Encoding the Glycoprotein Precursor Gene of Lassa Virus in a Guinea Pig Disease Model When Delivered by Dermal Electroporation (2013)

Lassa virus (LASV) causes a severe, often fatal, hemorrhagic fever endemic to West Africa. Presently, there are no FDA-licensed medical countermeasures for this disease. In a pilot study, we constructed a DNA vaccine (pLASV-GPC) that expressed the LASV glycoprotein precursor gene (GPC). This plasmid was used to vaccinate guinea pigs (GPs) using intramuscular electroporation as the delivery platform. Vaccinated GPs were protected from lethal infection (5/6) with LASV compared to the controls. However, vaccinated GPs experienced transient viremia after challenge, although lower than the mock-vaccinated controls. In a follow-on study, we developed a new device that allowed for both the vaccine and electroporation pulse to be delivered to the dermis. We also codon-optimized the GPC sequence of the vaccine to enhance expression in GPs. Together, these innovations resulted in enhanced efficacy of the vaccine. Unlike the pilot study where neutralizing titers were not detected until after virus challenge, modest neutralizing titers were detected in guinea pigs before challenge, with escalating titers detected after challenge. The vaccinated GPs were never ill and were not viremic at any timepoint. The combination of the codon-optimized vaccine and dermal electroporation delivery is a worthy candidate for further development.
EUV Resist Chemical Reaction Analysis using SR (2013)

The chemical reaction in EUV irradiation of the several photoacid generators (PAGs) which employed triphenylsulfonium (TPS) salts as the cation of PAG, is discussed on the basis of the analysis using the SR absorption spectroscopy in the soft x-ray region. The fluorine atoms of the anion PAGs which have the chemical structure of the imidate type such as TPS-Imidate-1, and TPS-Imidate-2 strongly decomposed under EUV exposure. In the case of these PAG type, it is found that in addition to the ionization reaction, the anion decomposition reaction originated by the photo excitation of the photoacid generator might occur under EUV exposures. Thus the sensitivity seemed to be high comparison to tri-phenylsulfonium perfluorobutanesulfonate (TPS-Nonaflate) under EUV exposure. In the case of tri-phenylsulfonium camphorsulfonate (TPS-Cs), the anion which does not contain fluorine seemed to be very stable under EUV exposure and the sensitivity is lower than TPS-Nonaflate.
On-Chip, High-Dispersion-Value and Coupled Strip/Slotted Waveguide Structure for Efficient Dispersion Compensation (2009)

We propose a slot-waveguide-based dispersion compensator with a negative dispersion of −181520 ps/nm/km. Dispersion compensation for a 320 Gb/s NRZ signal at 11-km fiber transmission has an eye-opening penalty of 4 dB.
STI571 enhances the therapeutic index of epothilone B by a tumor-selective increase of drug uptake. (2003)

We conclude that STI571 increases the therapeutic index of EPO906 by selectively increasing the EPO906 uptake in tumors. The correlations between STI571 effects on tumor IFP and tumor drug uptake of EPO906 suggest a causal relationship between these phenomena. The study thus validates STI571 for combination treatment to enhance the therapeutic index of EPO906 in particular and, possibly, of chemotherapeutics in general.
Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of circulating DNA in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Prognostic significance and early changes during chemotherapy (CT). (2013)

11015 Background: Prognostic and predictive biomarkers in mCRC are urgently needed. Circulating tumor cells are a promising blood biomarker, but are detectable in only a minority of pts. Recently, analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has shown promise as a liquid biopsy, reflecting the evolving mutational status of the tumor. Here we explored baseline ctDNA as a prognostic marker, and early changes in ctDNA as a marker of CT response. Methods: Serial plasma samples and CEA were collected at baseline (D1), day 3 (D3) and cycle 2 day 1 (C2D1) from 40 mCRC pts receiving standard combination CT. Restaging scans performed at 8 weeks were centrally assessed using RECIST criteria. Samples were analyzed at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Initially tumor tissue was analyzed for hotspot mutations in TP53, APC, KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA and FBXW7. The same mutation was queried and quantified in plasma using a MPS platform (Safe-SeqS). Log-rank test was used to compare survival curves and Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used to compare paired plasma samples. Results: Preliminary data is available on 19 pts in this ongoing study. Using our initial panel at least 1 mutation was found in 16 of 19 (84.2%) tumors (7 KRAS, 3 TP53, 3 BRAF, 2 APC and 1 PIK3CA), with matching ctDNA found for each pt. For the remaining 3 cases a further panel of mutations is being analyzed. Median D1 cell free DNA (cfDNA) and ctDNA levels were 1.98 ng/ul (0.15 – 57.18) and 523 mutant fragments (frag)/ml (0.4 – 109,876), respectively. Pts with D1 cfDNA of ≥ 2.5 compared with &lt; 2.5 had shorter median overall survival (OS; 6.9 v 12.2 months, p = 0.0086), with a trend for shorter progression-free survival (PFS; 3.6 v 8.2 months, p = 0.3477). A surge of ctDNA level from D1 to D3 was typically observed (median increase: 91.2 frag/ml, p = 0.0313), followed by a drop (median decrease from D1 to C2D1: 208.8 frag/ml, p = 0.0098). All pts with a decrease in ctDNA at C2D1 had a reduction in tumor size at 8 weeks. Conclusions: In all cases of mCRC where tumor mutation was identified, matching ctDNA was detected in plasma. Circulating DNA is a promising marker of prognosis. Early changes in DNA levels may be a useful marker of tumor response.
Dye-labeled aromatic azides for multi-photon grafting (2022)

Abstract The synthesis of two dye-labeled azides via de-symmetrization of 2,6-bis(4-azidobenzylidene)-4-methylcyclohexanone (BAC-M) with a copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) using fluorescent dyes is reported. An alkyne functionalized dansyl derivative and an alkyne functionalized perylene diimide derivative were used as the dyes. The photo-physical properties of these dye dyads are described, and their performance in multi-photon grafting onto polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels is investigated. While the dansyl-conjugated BAC derivate is well suited for multi-photon grafting with lasers operating at 800 nm, the perylene diimide-bearing dye does not give the desired result. Graphical abstract
Thermal tolerance of contractile function in oxidative skeletal muscle: no protection by antioxidants and reduced tolerance with eicosanoid enzyme inhibition (2008)

Mechanisms for the loss of muscle contractile function in hyperthermia are poorly understood. This study identified the critical temperature, resulting in a loss of contractile function in isolated diaphragm (thermal tolerance), and then tested the hypotheses 1) that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contributes to the loss of contractile function at this temperature, and 2) eicosanoid metabolism plays an important role in preservation of contractile function in hyperthermia. Contractile function and passive force were measured in rat diaphragm bundles during and after 30 min of exposure to 40, 41, 42 or 43 degrees C. Between 40 and 42 degrees C, there were no effects of hyperthermia, but at 43 degrees C, a significant loss of active force and an increase in passive force were observed. Inhibition of ROS with the antioxidants, Tiron or Trolox, did not inhibit the loss of contractile force at 43 degrees C. Furthermore, treatment with dithiothreitol, a thiol (-SH) reducing agent, did not reverse the effects of hyperthermia. A variety of global lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors further depressed force during 43 degrees C and caused a significant loss of thermal tolerance at 42 degrees C. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors also caused a loss of thermal tolerance at 42 degrees C. Blockage of phospholipase with phospholipase A(2) inhibitors, bromoenol lactone or arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone failed to significantly prevent the loss of force at 43 degrees C. Overall, these data suggest that ROS do not play an apparent role in the loss of contractile function during severe hyperthermia in diaphragm. However, functional LOX and COX enzyme activities appear to be necessary for maintaining normal force production in hyperthermia.
C-C chemokine receptor 5, a co-receptor of HIV, -mediated signal is required for geometric architecture and function of osteoclasts, thus for RANKL-induced bone destruction (2016)

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences on calcified tissues ISSN 2052-1219 (online)
Transpiration Response of Maize Hybrids to Atmospheric Vapour Pressure Deficit (2012)

Abstract Maize ( Z ea mays L .) yield is often restricted by low soil water availability, particularly late in the growing season. To increase yields, genetic options for more effective use of available soil water are being explored. One option is to select genotypes that have restricted transpiration rate under high vapour pressure deficit ( VPD ) conditions so that soil water is conserved for use later in the growing season. While genetic variation for this trait has been identified within several crop species, such variation has never been explored in maize. The objective of this study was to examine transpiration rate of 35 single‐cross hybrids to determine whether hybrids can be identified that express limited transpiration under high VPD . Two sets of experiments were undertaken in which plants were exposed to a range of VPD in chambers. A two‐phase transpiration response was observed in 11 hybrids in which there was a threshold VPD above which transpiration rate was restricted. The VPD threshold varied from 1.7 to 2.5 kP a among these hybrids. Eight hybrids were included in both sets of experiments, and the same results were obtained in both experiments, indicating that expression of the trait was consistent.