gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
The Handbook of Loan Syndications and Trading (2006)

The First Guide to Understanding and Capitalizing on the $1 Trillion-Plus Loan Syndications and Trading Market! The Handbook of Loan Syndications and Trading is the first resource especially designed to equip institutional investors and professional money managers with expert analysis and insights on every key aspect of this rapidly growing financial market. Co-published by McGraw-Hill and the Loan Syndications and Trading Association (LSTA), The Handbook of Loan Syndications and Trading fully explains the evolution and history of the loan market!primary and secondary markets !analytics and performance!the credit agreement! pricing and all legal and regulatory issues. This comprehensive reference guide features: First-ever guidance on the booming loan syndications and trading market, covering every topic that investors and money managers need to know Over 40 contributions from the leading players in loan syndication, including Standard & Poor's, Bank of America, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, along with top Buyside Institutions and Law Firms Valuable insights and observations from industry experts A comprehensive A-Z glossary of all loan syndications and trading terms Dozens of helpful tables, charts, and examples
Uptake and Binding of Liposomal 2′,3′-Dideoxycytidine by RAW 264.7 Cells: A Three-Step Process (1995)

It was recently reported that the sequestration of virus by macrophages in reticuloendothelial system organs, such as lymph nodes, is possibly responsible for the clinical latency of disease in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients. Since macrophages may sequester HIV after phagocytosis, and because phagocytosis is a specialized function of any mammalian macrophage, a mouse-macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) was used as a macrophage model to evaluate the uptake and binding of 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC) encapsulated in liposomes of an average size of 300 nm containing 350 mumols of ddC per mmol of lipids. Liposomal ddC (L-ddC) was rapidly taken up by macrophages. In contrast, its free form (ddC) accumulated slowly in these cells. The accumulation of ddC from L-ddC into cells seemed to consist of two components: a saturable one, which fitted with the Michaelis-Menten model, and a nonsaturable one, which proceeded linearly in the presence of an excess amount of unlabeled liposomes. Under these conditions, we found an apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 40 microM and an initial velocity of 0.12 nmol ddC/mg protein/min for the saturable component and a constant rate of accumulation (KN) of 0.017/min for the nonsaturable component. The inhibition of uptake of ddC from L-ddC in the presence of phagocytosis inhibitors (deoxyglucose plus sodium azide) and nucleoside transport inhibitors (dipyridamole or nitrobenzylthioinosine) also confirmed the existence of several mechanisms in the liposome-mediated accumulation process of ddC into macrophages. Furthermore, studies of efflux of ddC in drug-free medium from cells preloaded with L-ddC or ddC established longer retention of ddC in cells preloaded with L-ddC than with ddC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Conserved CTL epitopes on the adenovirus hexon protein expand subgroup cross-reactive and subgroup-specific CD8+ T cells (2004)

Adenoviruses often cause lethal infections in immunocompromised individuals. Adoptive transfer of immune T cells offers a therapeutic option, but this strategy has been hindered by the paucity of information on molecular targets of cellular immunity and by the immunologic heterogeneity of the 51 human adenoviruses, which are grouped from A to F on the basis of genome size, composition, homology, and organization. Clonal analysis of the adenovirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses of seropositive individuals identified 5 novel CD8(+) T-cell epitopes, all located in conserved regions of the capsid protein hexon. Reactive T cells were cross-reactive between 2 to 4 groups, while no T cells specific for a single subgroup were detected. Thus, by exploiting these peptide targets, it is possible to prepare a T-cell population capable of reacting with most adenoviruses that cause disease in immunocompromised patients.
Idiotypic mimicry and the assembly of a supramolecular structure: an anti-idiotypic antibody that mimics taxol in its tubulin-microtubule interactions. (1994)

Taxol, originally extracted from the bark of the western yew, Taxus brevifolia, is reportedly the first of a new class of anti-cancer agents. It acts by promoting and irreversibly stabilizing microtubule assembly, thus interfering with the dynamic processes required for cell viability and multiplication. With the aim of using immunological techniques to study the mechanism of action of taxol, a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody that mimics taxol was prepared, using an auto-anti-idiotypic strategy. It and its Fab fragment inhibited the binding of [3H]taxol to microtubules. Moreover, like taxol, both promoted the assembly of tubulin into microtubules. These findings provide an example of an anti-idiotypic antibody capable of assembling an organized supramolecular structure from soluble cellular components. In addition, it further establishes the ability of anti-idiotypic antibodies to be functional mimics of ligand molecules bearing no structural similarity to immunoglobulins. The variable regions of the antibody have been sequenced. With the exception of the complementarity-determining region 3, the sequence of the heavy chain variable region is strikingly similar to that of an anti-idiotypic antibody raised to anti-insulin. The finding that a polypeptide can mimic taxol raises the possibility that taxol acts as a peptidomimetic compound that interferes with the function of an endogenous polypeptide.
Hydrodynamic endurance test of the prosthetic valve used in the various types of the ventricular assist device. (1991)

To evaluate the various basic designs of the pump chambers used in the ventricular assist devices (VADs), hydrodynamic endurance test was performed from the viewpoint of the durability of the prosthetic valves used in the VAD. For the hydrodynamic analysis, we designed three basic types of pump (sac type, diaphragm type, and pusher plate type) using the same material and having the same capacity and shape. Prosthetic valves in these VADs were tested from the standpoint of the water hammer effect, which affects the valve durability, to determine which pump design would be most durable as a prosthetic valve in the VAD. The water-hammer phenomenon was evaluated using the maximum pressure gradient (MPG) across the prosthetic valve in the moc circulatory loop. Maximum pump output was recorded when we used the diaphragm type model, and minimum MPG in the commonly used driving condition of the VAD were recorded when we used the sac type model. The results suggest that the sac type VAD model is the most durable design for the prosthetic value.
The role of nitrogenase in a cyanide-degrading Klebsiella oxytoca strain. (1997)

It is well known that the major function of nitrogenase is to fix atmospheric nitrogen. However, cyanide can also serve as a subtrate for nitrogenase and can be reduced to CH4 and NH4+. A cyanide-degrading Klebsiella oxytoca strain was isolated from cyanide contaminated water. This isolate was also found to have a nitrogen-fixation capability. Nitrogenase activities in this organism could be induced by KCN. However, there was no significant difference of the induction effect between 1 mM KCN and 5 mM KCN. It was found that the cyanide-degrading ability of this isolate could be inhibited by multicopy hybrid pGR112 nif-containing plasmids. Comparing the wild type K. oxytoca strain with the pGR112 plasmid transformed strain, a typical diauxic growth of the wild type strain was observed in a medium containing NH4Cl and KCN. Although the nif plasmid transformed strain also exhibited diauxic growth in the same medium, a much longer second lag phase was noted. In addition, methane, the nitrogenase reduction end product of cyanide, could be detected on cyanide-containing growth cultures. Ammonium chloride, a repressor of nitrogenase gene expression, was consumed prior to KCN in both strains. Again, the degradation of KCN in the pGR112 transformed strain occurred only under loose control of the nitrogenase gene. These findings strongly suggest that nitrogenase may be the sole cyanide-degrading enzyme in this organism.
An automated system for persistent real-time truck parking detection and information dissemination (2014)

Tractor-trailer freight hauling has increased markedly within the United States over the past several years, resulting in higher truck volumes. commercial heavy vehicle drivers are required under federal Hours Of Services rules to rest and take breaks to mitigate driving while fatigued. Although there are many rest area facilities available to truck drivers, there is a lack of persistent timely information on truck parking availability. An automated real-time sensing system to directly detect and disseminate parking space occupancy from truck parking facilities is described in detail. The methodology and system architecture are presented in which robust, persistent, parking occupancy detection is achieved by extending Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques using a multiplicity of commercial, off-the-shelf cameras. The system architecture allows the approach to be scaled to a region-wide comprehensive truck parking information system for commercial heavy vehicle drivers and operators. Per parking space detection accuracy of 99% is achieved over continuous operation. Classification accuracy under diverse scene and parking behavior scenarios is discussed.
Development of an Alaskan North Slope Soils Database for Drill Cuttings Reclamation (1991)

ABSTRACT Reclamation of processed drill cuttings provides environmentally acceptable construction material for roads and pads thus minimizing the need to excavate materials from surface gravel pits. Regulatory agency policy goals of reduction in surface disturbance of Arctic environments, reduction of waste, and recycling of a natural resource can be achieved. In order to adequately assess the compatibility of drill cuttings with the North Slope environment, information regarding the chemical composition of background soils is required. This paper reports on the work done by ARCO Alaska, Inc. to establish a primary database on the chemical composition of uncontaminated soils and gravels from various North Slope sites. Background samples have been analyzed by EPA Method 3050 techniques, and ranges for metals and salts have been accepted by the Alaska regulatory agencies. Additionally, development of a secondary elutriate test method based on EPA Method SW924 is described as it was applied to analysis of background materials and drill cuttings. The technique evaluates the leachability of chemical constituents from various types of monofill materials. Data are presented for materials excavated from several wells in the vicinity of the Prudhoe Bay Field. Processed and unprocessed drill cuttings are compared through analysis of the chemical constituents. Results indicate that the removal of clays and other fine particles through the water-based processing technique produces high grade construction material. The techniques described in this paper are broadly applicable throughout the Arctic. Establishment of a chemical background database for the North Slope of Alaska will assist in minimizing environmental effects of placement of excavated material. In addition, techniques for processing and analyzing materials recovered from drilling operations in Alaska may be applicable to other Arctic areas where exploratory or development drilling is occurring.
Optimization of Multi-Agent Workflow for Human-Robot Collaboration in Assembly Manufacturing (2012)

Human-robot collaboration presents an opportunity to improve the efficiency of manufacturing and assembly processes, particularly for aerospace manufacturing where tight integration and variability in the build process make physical isolation of robotic-only work challenging. In this paper, we develop a robotic scheduling and control capability that adapts to the changing preferences of a human co-worker or supervisor while providing strong guarantees for synchronization and timing of activities. This formulation is then expanded to optimize the workflow of a team of robots according to a set of qualitative and quantitative spatial and temporal constraints and performance objectives. We describe the Adaptive Preferences Algorithm that computes the optimal flexible scheduling policy for task completion that meets hard temporal constraints. We use APA within a mixed integer multi-agent optimization algorithm that assigns a flexible schedule of agents to tasks. We show that execution of the Advanced Preferences Algorithm is fast, robust, and adaptable to changing preferences for workflow and that the multi-agent optimization, while slower, is practically useful for important applications in multi-robot assembly of large structures for aerospace manufacturing. We specifically demonstrate the capability for quick reoptimization of a plan in response to temporal disturbances in the schedule and changing high-level guidance from a human supervisor.
Soot surface growth mechanisms in stationary combustion systems (1997)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, 1997.
Performance estimation of embedded software with instruction cache modeling (1995)

Embedded systems generally interact with the outside world. Thus, some real-time constraints may be imposed on the system design. Verification of these constraints requires computing a tight upper bound on the worst case execution time (WCET) of a hardware/software system. The problem of bounding WCET is particularly difficult on modern processors, which use cache-based memory systems that vary memory access time significantly. This must be accurately modeled in order to tightly bound WCET. Existing approaches either search all possible program paths, an intractable problem, or they use pessimistic assumptions to limit the search space. In this paper we present a far more effective and accurate method for modeling instruction cache activity and computing a tight bound on WCET. It is implemented in the program \texttt{cinderella}. We present some preliminary results of using this tool on sample embedded programs.
Electrophysiological evaluation of pulmonary vein isolation (2009)

Electrophysiologically demonstrated complete conduction block at the level of the veno-atrial junction is preferable as the endpoint of pulmonary vein (PV) ablation rather than circumferential periostial radiofrequency delivery. Knowledge of the individual anatomy of the PVs and the left atrium (LA), appropriate positioning of circular mapping catheters, and the electrophysiology of PV activation in addition to effective ablation tools is necessary to achieve this endpoint. Additional unnecessary ablation and possibly complications can be avoided by the recognition of non-PV myocardial contributions to PV electrograms. The posterior wall of the LA appendage contributes far-field electrograms to recordings from all left superior PVs (LSPV), the low lateral LA to 80% of left inferior PV (LIPV) recordings and the superior vena cava to 23% of right superior PV (RSPV) recordings. Each of these far-field components can be recognized in sinus rhythm as well as during ongoing atrial fibrillation. Finally, the creation of temporally stable and definitive PV isolation remains a currently unsolved problem.
Laboratory screening test for the evaluation of cold tolerance in cotton (2000)

The decision to plant early leads to a critical question. How will the planted seed perform at cool temperatures? Plants of tropical origin are extremely sensitive when exposed to temperatures below 15°C (Herner, 1986). Cotton, being of tropical origin and therefore considered chilling sensitive (Wang, 1990), has shown reduced germination and stand establishment when planted at temperatures below 20°C (Cole and Wheeler, 1974). Further, planting cotton at sub-optimal temperatures has resulted in a 40% decrease in stand establishment (Staus and Hopper, 1983). The poor establishment encountered in these situations is problematic for producers. To establish a proper stand, farmers must plant extra seed to compensate for low stand establishment associated with cooler planting temperatures. By planting a higher seed population per acre, seed costs increase. Another loss producers may face is a yield decrease, especially if stand establishment is extremely low. To limit losses, a better understanding of chilling injury, a physiological disorder that affects plants at any developmental stage (Wang, 1990), is needed. Further, breeders need to develop new cultivars that have enhanced tolerance to chilling temperatures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a test that breeders could use to screen their breeding lines for seedling cold tolerance.
Zwitterionic Salts as Mild Organocatalysts for Transesterification (2008)

The exothermic reaction of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl or 4-nitrophenyl isothiocyanate with 4-pyrrolidinopyridine (PPY) gave the corresponding arylaminothiocarbonylpyridinium salts in quantitative yields. These novel zwitterionic salts were effective as organocatalysts for the transesterification reaction of an equimolar mixture of methyl carboxylates and alcohols in hydrocarbons such as heptane and octane under azeotropic reflux conditions with the removal of methanol. In sharp contrast, PPY was inert as a catalyst under the same reaction conditions.
Bi- and polynuclear phthalocyanines: synthesis and study of physicochemical properties (2008)

Various approaches to the synthesis of different types of binuclear phthalocyanines ('clamshell', planar, 'ball') and their polynuclear analogues are considered. Particular attention is focused on the behaviour of binuclear phthalocyanines in solutions.
The impact of spatial correlation on routing with compression in wireless sensor networks (2004)

The efficacy of data aggregation in sensor networks is a function of the degree of spatial correlation in the sensed phenomenon. The recent literature has examined a variety of schemes that achieve greater data aggregation by routing data with regard to the underlying spatial correlation. A well known conclusion from these papers is that the nature of optimal routing with compression depends on the correlation level. In this article we show the existence of a simple, practical, and static correlation-unaware clustering scheme that satisfies a min-max near-optimality condition. The implication for system design is that a static correlation-unaware scheme can perform as well as sophisticated adaptive schemes for joint routing and compression.
A quantitative bioassay for necrosis toxin from Pyrenophora tritici-repentis based on electrolyte leakage. (1996)

Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, the causal agent of tan spot of wheat, produces a cultivar-specific toxin (Ptr necrosis toxin) closely associated with the disease symptomatology. We initiated studies aimed at the mode-of-action of Ptr necrosis toxin and, as a first step, report here a bioassay for toxin based on electrolyte leakage. Toxin exposures of 4 or more caused enhanced electrolyte leakage from wheat line ND495 (toxin sensitive), but not cv. Erik (toxin insensitive), relative to water-treated controls. Electrolyte leakage increased with exposure times up to 12 h, the longest time tested, when toxin concentration and leaching time were held constant. Electrolyte leakage increased with toxin concentration between 1 and 20 μg ml -1 , when exposure and leaching times were constant. All toxin-sensitive wheats tested (based on toxin-induced necrosis) showed enhanced electrolyte leakage, and all insensitive wheats did not. A toxin exposure of 4 h permitted completion of the assay in 1 day. We used this rapid assay to demonstrate that incubation of ND495 seedlings at 30°C for 24 h prior to toxin exposure causes a loss of toxin sensitivity. Enhanced electrolyte leakage is the most rapid response to toxin observed to date. However, the toxin exposure times required for leakage to develop (4 h or longer) suggest that effects on the plasmalemma are secondary and occur relatively late in the development of necrosis.
Cytokine evaluation in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. (2009)

IL-18 may be a potential tumour marker in combination with IL-6 and AFP in the diagnosis of HCC, but further research including a larger population of patients is essential. Further research is warranted.
Microfabrication of 3D Structures Using Novel Thermoplastic Elastomers (2005)

The use of thermoplastic elastomer gels as advanced substrates for construction of complex microfluidic systems is shown. These gels are synthesized by combining inexpensive polystyrene – (polyethylene / polybutylene) – polystyrene triblock copolymers with a hydrocarbon oil for which the ethylene/butylene midblocks are selectively miscible. The insoluble styrene endblocks phase separate into localized domains to form an optically transparent, viscoelastic, and biocompatible 3-D network (similar to PDMS), with the further advantage of melt-processability in the vicinity of 100 °C. Microfluidic devices can be fabricated in under 5 minutes by making an impression of the negative relief structures on a heated master mold. Multiple impressions can be made against different masters to construct geometries incorporating variable-height features, as well as intricate 3-D multilayered structures. Thermal and mechanical properties are tunable over a wide range through proper selection of gel composition.
Effect of hydrogen peroxide on osteoinduction by demineralized bone. (2006)

The osteoinductive capacity of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has led to wide use of this material for surgical reconstruction. Preparation of DBM often includes sterilization with ethylene oxide, disinfection with various chemical agents, or irradiation. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is used for both sterilization and bleaching of bone, the latter primarily for cosmetic reasons. We investigated the effect of H2O2, on the osteoinductive capacity of DBM. Cortical bone implants prepared from rat femurs were placed into 3% H2O2 solution. Control specimens were not exposed to H2O2. Bones were then lipid-extracted, demineralized, sterilized with ethylene oxide, and freeze-dried in an identical manner. Allografts were implanted into rat hosts for 1 to 3 weeks. Osteoinduction proceeded rapidly in implants not exposed to H2O2, with chondrocytes and new bone appearing in the implant. After 3 weeks, perforations in the implant were largely replaced with new bone. In contrast, osteoinduction did not occur in implants treated with H2O2. Perforations in H2O2-treated implants were filled with vascularized fibrous tissue, but no cartilage or bone. These findings reveal that H2O2 used for disinfection or bleaching of DBM can abolish its osteoinductive capacity in rats.