gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Effect of Low-Dose IL-2 Immunotherapy on Frequency and Phenotype of Regulatory T Cells and NK Cells in HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients (2008)

We evaluated the effect of low-dose IL-2 therapy (daily 1.2 MIU/m(2), subcutaneously) on the number and phenotype of regulatory T cells (T(regs)) and natural killer (NK) cells in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients taking antiretroviral therapy. The frequency and phenotype of circulating T(regs) (defined as CD3(+) CD4(+) CD25(high) or CD3(+) CD4(+) FOXP3(+)) and NK cells (CD3(-) CD16(+)/CD56(+)) were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The expression of CD25, CTLA-4, and granzymes A and B by CD4(+) FOXP3(+) cells, as well as the expression of KIR receptors (NKB1, CD158a, and NKAT2) on NK cells, was evaluated. Low doses of IL-2 resulted in the augmented frequency and absolute number of T(regs) in coinfected individuals. FOXP3 levels per cell as well as augmented CD25 and CTLA-4 expression by T(regs) suggested that IL-2 may lead to both expansion and activation of T(regs), although changes in the proportion of CD4(+) FOXP3(+) cells were not associated with changes in HCV viral load and CD4(+) cells between baseline and week 12. NK cell frequency also increased after IL-2 therapy. Interestingly, the pattern of expression of KIR receptors was changed by IL-2 treatment, since the frequency of NK cells expressing NKB1 augmented whereas the frequency of NK expressing CD158a and NKAT2 decreased.
Protection against aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in F344 rats by 5-(2-pyrazinyl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (oltipraz): predictive role for short-term molecular dosimetry. (1991)

Previous studies have demonstrated that dietary administration of the schistosomicidal drug 5-(2-pyrazinyl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (oltipraz) ameliorates the hepatotoxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Notably, mortality, altered hepatic function, hepatic AFB1-DNA adduct levels, and expression of hepatic enzyme-altered foci were markedly reduced in the rat by concurrent feeding of oltipraz during exposures to AFB1. Collectively, these studies prompted us to evaluate the chemoprotective properties of oltipraz against AFB1-induced liver cancer. In addition, preliminary molecular dosimetry studies were undertaken to determine the utility of measurements of urinary aflatoxin-N7-guanine excretion as a marker of relative risk for hepatocarcinogenesis in AFB1-exposed rats. For the carcinogenesis studies, 5-wk-old male F344 rats were randomly divided into two groups. One group (55 rats) received the AIN-76A diet, and the other group (56 rats) received the AIN-76A diet supplemented with 0.075% oltipraz. The oltipraz-supplemented diet was fed for 4 wk. Beginning 1 wk after starting the experimental diets, all rats in both groups received 25 micrograms of AFB1/rat/day by gavage for 5 days per wk over the next 2 wk. One wk following cessation of dosing with AFB1, oltipraz was removed from the diet, and all rats were fed the AIN-76A diet for the remainder of the experiment. At 3 mo after dosing, livers of ten sentinel rats from each group were analyzed for the burden of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase-positive foci. In accord with previous findings, rats fed the oltipraz-supplemented diet exhibited substantial reductions in the focal burden (97% reduction; P less than 0.05) of these AFB1-induced lesions. The remaining rats were maintained for the cancer study until they became moribund or the termination of the experiment at 23 mo. Gross liver lesions were identified at autopsy and confirmed by microscopic evaluation. An 11% incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in the AFB1-treated, control diet-fed rats. An additional 9% of this group had hepatocellular adenomas. Oltipraz afforded complete protection against both AFB1-induced hepatocellular neoplasms. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, rats in the oltipraz group had a significantly (P less than 0.02) longer life span and an increased survival free of liver tumors (P less than 0.0002). Molecular dosimetry studies used rats fed either the oltipraz-supplemented or control diet for 1 wk and then challenged with a single dose of AFB1 to examine the initial rates of 8,9-dihydro-8-(N7-guanyl)-9-hydroxyaflatoxin B1 excreted in the urine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Simplification Resilient LDPC-Coded Sparse-QIM Watermarking for 3D-Meshes (2013)

We propose a blind watermarking scheme for 3D meshes that combines sparse quantization index modulation (QIM) with deletion correction codes. The QIM operates on the vertices in rough concave regions of the surface thus ensuring impeccability, while the deletion correction code recovers the data hidden in the vertices, which is removed by mesh optimization and/or simplification. The proposed scheme offers two orders of magnitude better performance in terms of recovered watermark bit error rate compared to the existing schemes of similar payloads and fidelity constraints.
20-HETE is an endogenous inhibitor of the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel in renal arterioles (1996)

The present study examined the effects of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA), an inhibitor of the metabolism of arachidonic acid by P-450, on K(+)-channel activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSM) isolated from renal arterioles of the rat. Two types of K+ channels were characterized using inside-out excised membrane patches. One channel exhibited a large conductance (250.3 +/- 5 pS), was activated by membrane depolarization and elevations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, and was blocked by low concentrations (< 1 mM) of tetraethylammonium (TEA). The other K+ channel exhibited an intermediate conductance (46.3 +/- pS), was activated by membrane depolarization but not by changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and was blocked by 4-aminopyridine (5 mM). Addition of 20-HETE to the bath (1-100 nM), reduced the frequency of opening of the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel recorded using cell-attached patches on VSM. It had no effect on the intermediate-conductance K+ channel: 17-ODYA (1 microM) increased the activity of the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel, and this effect was reversed by 20-HETE (10 nM). 20-HETE (1-1000 nM) reduced the diameter of isolated perfused small renal arteries of the rat by approximately 15% TEA (1 mM) blocked the vasoconstrictor response to 20-HETE (100 nM). These studies suggest that 20-HETE is an endogenously formed vasoconstrictor that acts in part by inhibiting the opening of the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel in renal arteriolar VSM.
Gas Barrier Film with a Compositional Gradient Interface Prepared by Plasma Modification of an Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Sol−Gel Coat (2009)

A high-performance gas barrier film has been prepared using a simple oxygen plasma treatment of an organic/inorganic hybrid sol-gel coat on a poly(ether sulfone) substrate. The gas barrier layer formed from the plasma treatment was an inorganic silicon oxide (SiO(x)) having a compositional gradient interface with the sol-gel coat, where the chemical compositions changed gradually from inorganic to organic structure at the interface. The minimum attained oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the gas barrier layer was 0.2 cm(3)/(m(2) day), which is superior or comparable to that of the gas barrier layer prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) or sputtering. Low-temperature oxygen plasma combustion of alkyl groups existing in the sol-gel coat is considered to be the major reaction for the formation of the SiO(x) gas barrier layer, where oxygenated carbon compounds and hydrogen were the main volatile components as verified by the analysis of optical emission spectroscopy. Plasma treatment time necessary to attain a high-performance SiO(x) gas barrier layer decreased with increasing RF plasma power. In a dynamic bending test, the gas barrier film preserved the initial gas barrier properties without any formation of film cracks or delamination. The compositional gradient at the interface between the gas barrier and the sol-gel coat is considered to provide a stress-relieving effect at the interface.
A low-cost DVB compliant Viterbi and Reed Solomon decoder (1997)

A low-cost DVB compliant Viterbi and Reed Solomon decoder applicable for DVB signals on a satellite is described. The circuit is a fully integrated digital channel decoder with a Viterbi decoder, Reed Solomon forward error correction and additional digital timing and carrier recovery.
On random walks and entropy in diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging studies of neural tissue (2014)

Purpose In diffusion‐weighted MRI studies of neural tissue, the classical model assumes the statistical mechanics of Brownian motion and predicts a monoexponential signal decay. However, there have been numerous reports of signal decays that are not monoexponential, particularly in the white matter. Theory We modeled diffusion in neural tissue from the perspective of the continuous time random walk. The characteristic diffusion decay is represented by the Mittag‐Leffler function, which relaxes a priori assumptions about the governing statistics. We then used entropy as a measure of the anomalous features for the characteristic function. Methods Diffusion‐weighted MRI experiments were performed on a fixed rat brain using an imaging spectrometer at 17.6 T with b ‐values arrayed up to 25,000 s/mm 2 . Additionally, we examined the impact of varying either the gradient strength, q , or mixing time, Δ, on the observed diffusion dynamics. Results In white and gray matter regions, the Mittag‐Leffler and entropy parameters demonstrated new information regarding subdiffusion and produced different image contrast from that of the classical diffusion coefficient. The choice of weighting on q and Δ produced different image contrast within the regions of interest. Conclusion We propose these parameters have the potential as biomarkers for morphology in neural tissue. Magn Reson Med 71:617–627, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Eustachian tubal functions in patients with otitis media with effusion. (1985)

Eustachian tubal function in patients with otitis media with effusion (OME) was qualitatively evaluated. Following observation of middle ear pressure, draining function of the Eustachian tube was tested by introduction of specially prepared dye into the middle ear and subsequent inspection of the nasopharyngeal opening of the tube for dye during application of swallowing. Obtained were followings:1. In cases of children, Eustachian tube may be reversibly functioned by equalizing the negative middle ear pressure to the ambient pressure. Draining function was considerably improved in 82.9% of cases. On the contrary, equalization of pressure difference may not provide the improvement of the Eustachian tubal function in cases of adults. Improvement in draining function was achieved only in two cases out of 34. These suggest that tubal dys-function is usually constituted by temporary functional disturbance of tubal opening and closing mechanism caused by persistent middle ear negative pressure in children, whereas Eustachian tube muscles are mainly involved in adults.2. Application of swallowing induced two different types of pressure change in the middle ear;(1) the positive pressure change followed by negative change (observed in 25% of cases), (2) just the negative pressure change (75%). Negative pressure dominant change may be considered to mainly contribute to the development of OME
Coronary flow reserve is impaired in patients with adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency (2007)

CFR is significantly lower in adults with GH deficiency than in controls. Direct correlation between CFR and IGF-1 concentrations suggests GH replacement could improve microvascular function and thereby could decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in AGHD.
A quantitative model of the human thyroid: development and observations (2005)

A qualitative dynamical model of a human thyroid is derived using known intrathyroidal processes and pathways. It includes iodide transports from plasma into the thyroid and from the cell to the colloid, thyroid-stimulating hormone signaling pathways, organisation, endocytosis, proteolysis, and hormone synthesis. Using mainly Michaelis-Menton kinetics, a quantitative model is derived at nominal values of internal concentrations. Simulations at different conditions demonstrate the ability of this model to predict several types of known thyroid behavior such as the Wolff-Chaikoff effect.
Modulation of molecular imprints in the antigen‐experienced B cell repertoire by rituximab (2008)

Our findings show that rituximab leads to qualitative changes in the imprints of highly mutated, antigen-experienced BCRs, representing the result of selection, whereas molecular processes such as Ig V rearrangements are not affected by this treatment.
Nomogram for limbal relaxing incisions (2006)

I would like to congratulate Kaufmann et al.1 on their article comparing limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) with on-axis phacoemulsification surgery. The authors validate the use of LRIs to reduce preexisting astigmatism at the time of cataract and intraocular lens surgery, a practice many authors have advocated in recent years to provide patients with an optimal refractive outcome.2 This paper nicely supports the safety and efficacy of this technique. I would, however, like to point out what I believe is a minor oversight. The authors refer to their nomogram, Table 1, as a “modified Gills nomogram.” In actuality, this nomogram is identical to one I have published, taught, and promulgated within the ophthalmic community for a number of years (L.D. Nichamin, MD, “Peripheral Arcuate Keratotomy,” Ocular Surgery News, March 15, 1996; “Correcting Astigmatism During Cataract Surgery,” EyeNet Magazine, June 2005).3–9 This distinction is made not to imply that one nomogram is superior to another, but rather to clarify the point within the refereed literature and to help future authors and investigators maintain consistent measures and parameters for comparison.
The Uremic Syndrome: Adaptive Mechanisms and Therapy (1987)

A number of physiologic adaptations in chronic uremia serve to palliate the functional loss imposed on the kidneys by progression of the toxic aspects of the disease process. Logically, therapeutic strategies should seek to reinforce the adaptive responses while suppressing or retarding the toxic progression. However, such strategies are not without pitfalls and limitations.
A radar system for indoor human localization and breath monitoring (2018)

This paper presents the study of a radar system for indoor human localization and vital signs monitoring. The article illustrates different solutions including linear frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) mode and recently proposed hybrid schemes, combining FMCW and continuous-wave (CW) interferometry modes. A new operating modality based on the use of the phase variations of the demodulated FMCW signal is also proposed. The presented schemes have been investigated theoretically and simulations have been performed to analyse and compare different algorithms needed to extract distance and breathing information. A radar system working in the 24 GHz ISM band with a bandwidth of 250 MHz has been realised. The sensor is based on the Infineon BGT24MTR11 integrated circuit. As transmitting and receiving antennas an appropriately designed serial array of patch antennas and commercial horns have been used. A series of experiments to evaluate the ability of the radar to estimate both the position of a target and its small displacements have been carried out. Maximum registered errors are about 6 cm in range measurement and 30 μm in small movements. All the obtained results are in good agreement with simulations performed with a MatlabTM code reproducing the experimental scenario.
Sustained release dry suspension for reconstitution of alpha-methyl dopa. (1988)

Polymers and copolymers of acrylic series were synthesised and drug embedded matrices were prepared by common solvent solution evaporation technique. Suspension adjuvants were blended with the fine particles of drug embedded matrix and the formulated suspension of alpha-methyl dopa was investigated for in vitro release and stability. Results indicated possibility of preparing a sustained release dry suspension of alpha-methyl dopa.
Vision in the real world: Finding, attending and recognizing objects (2006)

Abstract In this paper we discuss the notion of a “seeing” system that uses vision to interact with its environment. The requirements on such a system depend on the tasks it is involved in and should be evaluated with these in mind. Here we consider the task of finding and recognizing objects in the real world. After a discussion of the needed functionalities and issues about the design we present an integrated real‐time vision system capable of finding, attending and recognizing objects in real settings. The system is based on a dual set of cameras, a wide field set for attention and a foveal one for recognition. The continuously running attentional process uses top‐down object characteristics in terms of hue and 3D size. Recognition is performed with objects of interest foveated and segmented from its background. We describe the system structure as well as the different components in detail and present experimental evaluations of its overall performance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 16, 189–208, 2006
Allosteric stimulatory effect of S-adenosylmethionine on the RNA polymerase in cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus. A model for the positive control of eukaryotic transcription. (1981)

The stimulatory effect of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) on cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus transcription in vitro has been studied in detail. AdoMet affects the initiation of transcription but not chain elongation. It is required for each reinitiation step during multiple transcription cycles. Under limited conditions of synthesis in reaction mixtures depleted of UTP and CTP, a greater amount of initiator oligonucleotides was formed in the presence of AdoMet than in its absence. These small oligonucleotides were also formed along with the completed mRNA under conditions of mRNA formation. Although these capped (or uncapped) oligonucleotides corresponded to the 5'-terminal sequence of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus mRNA, they failed to substitute for AdoMet in promoting mRNA synthesis. Efficient synthesis of mRNA containing 5'-m7GpppAmpG was dependent on the concentrations of AdoMet and the initiating nucleotide, ATP. There was also an inverse relationship between AdoMet and ATP concentrations such that the apparent Km for ATP was decreased strikingly from 10 to 0.25 mM as the AdoMet concentration was increased from 5 to 500 microM. This effect was observed only for ATP. Double reciprocal plots for estimating the Km of ATP formed concave upward curves but became linear upon addition of a higher concentration of AdoMet, indicating a positive cooperativity of ATP and allosteric effect of AdoMet in the initiation process. Stimulation of transcription by lowering the Km for the initiating nucleotide at the promoter site is proposed as a model for positive regulation of eukaryotic gene expression.
A disease-related rheumatoid factor autoantibody is not tolerized in a normal mouse: implications for the origins of autoantibodies in autoimmune disease. (1996)

We have analyzed B cell tolerance in a rheumatoid factor (RF) transgenic mouse model. The model is based on AM14, a hybridoma, originally isolated from an autoimmune MRL/lpr mouse that has an affinity and specificity typical of disease-related RFs from this strain. AM14 binds to immunoglobulin (Ig)G2a of the "a" allotype (IgG2aa) and not to IgG2ab. Thus, by crossing the transgenes onto an IgHa (BALB/c) background or to a congenic IgHb (CB.17) background, we could study the RF-expressing B cells when they were self-specific (IgHa) or when they were not self-specific (IgHb). These features make the AM14 model unique in focusing on a true autoantibody specificity while at the same time allowing comparison of autoreactive and nonautoreactive transgenic B cells, as was possible in model autoantibody systems such as anti-hen egg lysozyme. Studies showed that AM14 RF B cells can make primary immune responses and do not downregulate sIgM, indicating that the presence of self-antigen does not induce anergy of these cells. In fact, IgHa AM14 transgenic mice have higher serum levels of transgene-encoded RF than their IgHb counterparts, suggesting that self-antigen-specific activation occurs even in the normal mouse background. Since AM14 B cells made primary responses, we had the opportunity to test for potential blocks to self-reactive cells entering the memory compartment. We did not find evidence of this, as AM14 B cells made secondary immune responses as well. These data demonstrate that a precursor of a disease-specific autoantibody can be present in the preimmune repertoire and functional even to the point of memory cell development of normal mice. Therefore, immunoregulatory mechanisms that normally prevent autoantibody production must exert their effects later in B cell development or through T cell tolerance. Conversely, the data suggest that it is not necessary to break central tolerance, even in an autoimmune mouse, to generate pathologic, disease-associated autoantibodies.
Virtual Container Attestation: Customized trusted containers for on-demand computing. (2010)

In today’s computing environment, data is moving to central locations and most computers are merely used to access the data. Today is the era of cloud computing and distributed computing, where users have control over neither data nor computation. As this trend continues there is an increasing frequency of mutually distrustful parties being forced to interact and share resources with each other in potentially dangerous situations. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a means of creating trust between two entities, or at the very least providing some means of determining the trust level of a given machine. Current approaches to the trust problem focus on various forms of isolation and attestation, but most have high overheads or are overly rigid in their requirements to users. I propose and implement an alternative solution which provides flexible, on-demand containers for untrusted applications, and enforcement of requested security properties. Together these provide assurance to the remote parties that the machines behave as required or are