gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Impedance magnetocardiography: Experiments and modeling (2004)

We report on impedance magnetocardiography studies using high-Tc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers in a partially shielded environment. The SQUID detects magnetic-field variations due to impedance changes in the thorax at 15kHz. SQUID measurements are compared to impedance magnetocardiograms recorded at 100kHz using a copper pickup coil. An electromagnetic finite element model is used to simulate the distribution of ac during the cardiac cycle.
Applications of nanopipettes in the analytical sciences (2010)

In this review, we describe measurements and applications of interest to the analytical community that makes use of simple nanopipettes. Fabricated by applying heat during the separation of a glass capillary, nanopipettes provide a route for nanoscale studies of ion transport and for development of chemical and biochemical sensors. When mounted on a translation stage, nanopipettes also enable unique modes of imaging and material deposition. These facets of nanopipette research, as well as some of the unique properties of nanopipettes, will be discussed.
Enkephalinase Inhibitors Potentiate Substance P-Induced Secretion of<sup>35</sup>SO<sub>4</sub>-Macromolecules from Ferret Trachea (1987)

To study the roles of substance P (SP) and endogenous peptidases in regulating mucus secretion from ferret trachea, we measured the SP-induced release of 35SO4-labeled macromolecules after incubating segments of trachea in Ussing chambers in the presence and absence of selected inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes. Our strategy was based on the idea that if endogenous peptidases degrade SP, then inhibitors of these enzymes should potentiate SP-induced secretion. We found that tracheas of ferrets contained SP-like immunoreactivity, and that SP stimulated the release of bound 35SO4 with rapid onset and offset. Eighty-five percent of the total macromolecular radioactivity released was contained in fractions of molecular weights greater than 10(6). The response to SP was concentration-dependent and reproducible. Thiorphan potentiated the secretory response to SP in a concentration-dependent fashion and phosphoramidon potentiated SP-induced secretion, whereas other inhibitors of proteinases and peptidases were without effects. These results suggest that substance P may regulate mucus secretion in ferrets, and that enkephalinase (dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase II, EC 3.4.24.11) in the airway degrades SP in a physiologically significant fashion, and thereby regulates peptide-induced secretion.
Microaerobic fermentation of algae biomass for increased liquid fuels yield and nutrient recycling. (2014)

Abstract not provided.
Liposome-entrapped ampicillin in the treatment of experimental murine listeriosis and salmonellosis (1991)

The tissue distribution of ampicillin entrapped in liposomes was studied in normal noninfected mice and showed that ampicillin concentrated mostly in the liver and spleen. Liposomate ampicillin was significantly more effective than free ampicillin in reducing splenic and hepatic bacterial counts in C57BL/Ka nude mice chronically infected with Listeria monocytogenes EGD. It was also significantly more effective than free ampicillin in reducing mortality in C57BL/6 mice acutely infected with Salmonella typhimurium C5. Comparison of the results with those previously obtained in the same experimental models with the same amounts of ampicillin bound to polyisohexylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles showed that liposomes were more effective than nanoparticles (M. Youssef, E. Fattal, M. J. Alonso, L. Roblot-Treupel, J. Sauzières, C. Tancrède, A. Omnès, P. Couvreur, and A. Andremont, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 32:1204-1207, 1988) in targeting ampicillin to the spleen but were less effective than nanoparticles in targeting ampicillin to the liver and reducing mortality in acute salmonellosis.
Methylomic markers of persistent childhood asthma: a longitudinal study of asthma-discordant monozygotic twins (2015)

We identified DNA methylation differences associated with childhood asthma in peripheral DNA samples from discordant MZ twin pairs. Our data suggest that differences in DNA methylation associated with childhood asthma which persists into early adulthood are distinct from those associated with asthma which remits.
Chemical and physical blowing agents in structural polyurethane foams: Simulation and characterization (2000)

Abstract Physical blowing agents such as n‐pentane and methyl formate and, for comparison, chemical blowing agents such as water were used to prepare structural polyurethane rigid foams of different densities by reaction injection molding. Experimental runs were carried out with formulations based on oligomeric isocyanate and a mixture of polyether polyols. The constitutive equations for the vaporization rate of the two blowing agents and the polymerization kinetics data are reported. Experimental results were compared with the prediction of a simplified theoretical model, and they showed a satisfactory agreement in terms of temperatures and density profile. All the specimens were characterized by physical‐mechanical properties such as hardness, impact strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus and the results were reported in function of the densities. The best mechanical performance were obtained with the physical blowing agents, due to a better density distribution profile and a thicker skin layer.
Stacking Sequence Effect on the Electrical and Optical Properties of Multistacked Flexible IZO–Ag–IZO Electrodes (2010)

We investigated the stacking sequence effect of indium zinc oxide (IZO)–Ag and IZO–Ag–IZO on the characteristics of multi stacked flexible transparent electrodes for organic photovoltaics. In spite of the similar sheet resistances of the IZO–Ag and IZO–Ag–IZO stacked electrodes, the optical transparency of the latter is much higher than that of the former in the wavelength region of 400–800 nm due to the effective antireflection in the symmetric oxide–Ag–oxide structure. Furthermore, the flexible organic solar cells (OSCs) fabricated on the IZO–Ag–IZO-stacked multilayer electrode showed a higher power conversion efficiency than those fabricated on the IZO–Ag–stacked multilayer electrode due to the higher optical transparency of the former electrode in the main absorption region of the poly(3-hexylthiophere) and 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)-propyl-1-phenyl-(6,6) layers. This indicates that the multistacked electrode with the IZO–Ag–IZO sequence is more beneficial than that with the IZO–Ag sequence for low resistance and high transparency electrodes in flexible OSCs.
Emotion-sensitive robots - a new paradigm for human-robot interaction (2005)

An emotion-sensitive human-robot cooperation framework where a robot is sensitive to the emotions of the human working with it and is also capable of changing its behavior based on this perception is presented in this paper. Peripheral physiological responses of a human are measured through wearable biofeedback sensors to detect and identify his/her underlying level of anxiety. A control architecture inspired by Riley's original information-flow model is designed. In this human-robot interaction framework, the robot is responsive to the psychological states of the human and detects both implicit and explicit communication from the human to determine its own behavior. Human-robot cooperation experiments using a mobile robot as a test bed are performed where the robot senses anxiety level of the human and responds appropriately. The results presented here validate the proposed framework and demonstrated a new way of achieving emotion-based interaction between a human and a robot.
Ultrasensitive glycogen synthesis in<i>Cyanobacteria</i> (1999)

Cyanobacter ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase exhibits a ultrasensitive response in activity towards its allosteric effector 3-phosphoglycerate, elicited by orthophosphate and polyethyleneglycol-induced molecular crowding. The ultrasensitive response was observed either when the enzyme operates in the zero or first order region for its physiological substrates. The ultrasensitivity exhibited maximal amplification factors of 15-19-fold with respect to 1% of the maximal system velocity. Only a 2.4-3.8-fold increase in 3PGA concentration was necessary to augment the flux from 10% to 90% through AGPase as compared with 200-fold required for the control. The results are discussed in terms of finely tuned regulatory mechanisms of polysaccharide synthesis in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms.
Expression profile of CBF-like transcriptional factor genes from Eucalyptus in response to cold (2006)

Two CBF (CRT/DRE-binding factor) homologues isolated from Eucalyptus gunnii were designated EguCBF1a and EguCBF1b and belong to a gene family which includes at least five members. Both promoter and coding sequences were found to exhibit the main characteristics of a CBF transcription activator gene and, as expected, the corresponding protein targeted the nucleus. Gene expression was quantitatively analysed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after a short exposure to different environmental conditions or along a two-step cold acclimation programme with either short or long daylengths. A very strong and fast response to cold was observed, with dark conditions and cold intensity (down to 0 degrees C) having a positive effect on the magnitude of induction. The two genes under study exhibited several similar features such as light response. However, interestingly, their regulation by cold proved differential and complementary as EguCBF1a was more transiently induced by a direct and intense exposure while EguCBF1b responded to milder treatments and exhibited a longer (i.e. which started earlier and finished later) time course. During acclimation, the short daylength positively affected the freezing tolerance in the same way as it positively affected the CBF transcript accumulation, suggesting a potential involvement of these genes in the adaptive response. Although very quick after the first signal, the up-regulation of the two EguCBF1 genes unexpectedly lasted throughout the chilling culture, and new inductions were seen during the thermoperiod transitions. Using a quantitative and highly sensitive measurement of gene expression combined with the application of a cold treatment consistent with natural environmental conditions, this study provides new information on the regulation of CBF-like genes by cold in planta.
Anaerobic Phase Separation by Dialysis Technique (1971)

The practical use of sludge digestion, an extremely involved biological degradation process, needs more study for adequate controls. It generally consists of two steps (phases) of biological activity—a form of β-oxidation leading to organic acid production, followed by acid decomposition leading to methane and carbon dioxide generation. Better insight into the over-all mechanism might be obtained by separating the acid-production phase from the methane-generation step through dialysis. The objective would be to feed the fastidious methane flora through a membrane in either pure or mixed culture. Such a process permits using a normal raw sludge substrate and provides an environment protected from shock. This paper describes typical equipment and experiments and indicates the type of response produced. The potential of the technique seems excellent.
Highly efficient and robust molecular water oxidation catalysts based on ruthenium complexes (2014)

Two monomeric ruthenium molecular catalysts for water oxidation have been prepared, and both of them show high activities in pH 1.0 aqueous solutions, with an initial rate of over 1000 turnover s(-1) by complex 1, and a turnover number of more than 100,000 by complex 2.
Learned classification of sonar targets using a massively parallel network (1988)

Massively parallel learning networks are applied to the classification of sonar returns from two undersea targets and the ability of networks to correctly classify both training and testing examples is studied. Networks with an intermediate layer of hidden processing units achieved a classification accuracy as high as 100% on a training set of 104 returns. These networks correctly classified a test set of 104 returns not contained in the training set with an accuracy of up to 90.4%. Networks without an intermediate layer of processing units achieved only 73.1% correct on the same test set. Performance improved and the variability due to the initial conditions for training decreased with the number of hidden units. The effect of training set design on test set performance was also examined. The performance of a three-layered network was better than trained human listeners and the network generalized better than a nearest-neighbor classifier.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
Computationally efficient optimal power allocation algorithms for multicarrier communication systems (2000)

We present an optimal, computationally efficient, integer-bit power allocation algorithm for discrete multitone modulation. Using efficient lookup table searches and a Lagrange-multiplier bisection search, our algorithm converges faster to the optimal solution than existing techniques and can replace the use of suboptimal methods because of its low computational complexity. Fast algorithms are developed for the data rate and performance margin maximization problems.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope–Stimulated Interleukin‐2 Production and Survival of Infected Children with Severe and Mild Clinical Disease (2001)

Interleukin (IL)-2 production after stimulation with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env) peptides, tetanus toxoid, and phytohemagglutinin was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 25 HIV-1-infected children with mild and 24 with severe clinical disease and from 15 uninfected children. Env-specific IL-2 production was detected in PBMC of 26.5% of HIV-1-infected children but in none of the uninfected. The absence of Env-specific responses at enrollment among infected children was associated with a 6-fold increased risk of mortality within a year, adjusting for clinical severity (P=.04). Among those with severe clinical disease, Env-stimulated IL-2 reactivity in PBMC was negatively correlated with HIV-1 RNA copy numbers in plasma at enrollment and was positively correlated with CD4 T cell percentages 1 year later. HIV-specific cellular immune responses may play a role in containing progression of HIV-1 infection in children, despite early deficits in cell-mediated immunity.
Multiclass replicated data management: exploiting replication to improve efficiency (1994)

Research efforts in replication-control protocols primarily use replication as a means of increasing availability in distributed systems. It is well-known, however, that replication can reduce the costs of accessing remotely-stored data in distributed systems. We contribute a classification of replicas and a replication-control protocol which introduce the availability benefits of replication and, at the same time, exploit replication to improve performance, by reducing response time. Each replica class has different consistency requirements. Metareplicas keep track of up-to-date replicas for recently-accessed objects and help exploit data-reference localities. Thus they allow many transaction operations to execute synchronously at only a single (and often local) replica. Pseudoreplicas are nonpermanent replicas that facilitate "localized execution" of transaction operations. True replicas are ordinary, permanent replicas as used in other replication schemes. For many commonly occurring replication scenarios, the protocol outperforms both replication-control protocols in the literature and nonreplicated systems, while offering the availability benefits of replication.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
Streptokinase Binds to Human Plasmin with High Affinity, Perturbs the Plasmin Active Site, and Induces Expression of a Substrate Recognition Exosite for Plasminogen (2000)

Binding of streptokinase (SK) to plasminogen (Pg) conformationally activates the zymogen and converts both Pg and plasmin (Pm) into specific Pg activators. The interaction of SK with Pm and its relationship to the mechanism of Pg activation were evaluated in equilibrium binding studies with active site-labeled fluorescent Pm derivatives and in kinetic studies of SK-induced changes in the catalytic specificity of Pm. SK bound to fluorescein-labeled and native Pm with dissociation constants of 11 2 pM and 12 4 pM, which represented a 1,000 -10,000-fold higher affinity than determined for Pg. Stoichiometric binding of SK to native Pm was followed by generation of a two-fragment form of SK cleaved at Lys 59 (SK), which exhibited an indistinguishable affinity for labeled Pm, while a truncated, SK 55-414 species had a 120 -360-fold reduced affinity. Binding of SK to native Pm was accompanied by a >50fold enhancement in specificity for activation of Pg, which was paralleled by a surprising 2.6 -10-fold loss of specificity of Pm for 8 of 11 tripeptide-pNA substrates. Further studies with Pm labeled at the active site with 2-anilinonaphthalene-6-sulfonic acid demonstrated directly that binding of SK to Pm resulted in expression of a new substrate binding exosite for Pg on the SKPm complex. It is concluded that SK activates Pg in part by preferential binding to the active zymogen conformation. High affinity binding of SK to Pm enhances Pg substrate specificity principally through emergence of a substrate recognition exosite.
A combination of cis-2-decenoic acid and antibiotics eradicates pre-established catheter-associated biofilms (2014)

The catheterized urinary tract provides ideal conditions for the development of biofilm populations. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are recalcitrant to existing antimicrobial treatments; therefore, established biofilms are not eradicated completely after treatment and surviving biofilm cells will carry on the infection. Cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA), an unsaturated fatty acid, is capable of inhibiting biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and of inducing the dispersion of established biofilms by multiple types of micro-organisms. Here, the ability of CDA to induce dispersal in pre-established single- and dual-species biofilms formed by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae was measured by using both semi-batch and continuous cultures bioassays. Removal of the biofilms by combined CDA and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin or ampicillin) was evaluated using microtitre plate assays (crystal violet staining). The c.f.u. counts were determined to assess the potential of combined CDA treatments to kill and eradicate pre-established biofilms formed on catheters. The effects of combined CDA treatments on biofilm surface area and bacteria viability were evaluated using fluorescence microscopy, digital image analysis and live/dead staining. To investigate the ability of CDA to prevent biofilm formation, single and mixed cultures were grown in the presence and absence of CDA. Treatment of pre-established biofilms with only 310 nM CDA resulted in at least threefold increase in the number of planktonic cells in all cultures tested. Whilst none of the antibiotics alone exerted a significant effect on c.f.u. counts and percentage of surface area covered by the biofilms, combined CDA treatments led to at least a 78% reduction in biofilm biomass in all cases. Moreover, most of the biofilm cells remaining on the surface were killed by antibiotics. The addition of 310 nM CDA significantly prevented biofilm formation by the tested micro-organisms, even within mixed cultures, indicating the ability of CDA to inhibit biofilm formation by other types of bacteria in addition to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings suggested that the biofilm-preventive characteristics of CDA make it a noble candidate for inhibition of biofilm-associated infections such as CAUTIs, which paves the way toward developing new strategies to control biofilms in clinical as well as industrial settings.
Biophysical stimulation of bone fracture repair, regeneration and remodelling. (2003)

Biophysical stimulation to enhance bone fracture repair and bone regenerate maturation to restore its structural strength must rely on both the biological and biomechanical principle according to the local tissue environment and the type of mechanical stress to be born by the skeletal joint system. This paper reviews the possible interactions between biophysical stimuli and cellular responses in healing bone fractures and proceeds to speculate the prospects and limitations of different experimental models in evaluating and optimising such non-invasive interventions. It is important to realize that bone fracture repair has several pathways with various combinations of bone formation mechanisms, but there may only be one bone remodeling principle regulated by the hypothesis proposed by Wolff. There are different mechanical and biophysical stimuli that could provide effective augmentation of fracture healing and bone regenerate maturation. The key requirements of establishing these positive interactions are to define the precise cellular response to the stimulation signal in an in vitro environment and to use well-established animal models to quantify and optimise the therapeutic regimen in a time-dependent manner. This can only be achieved through research collaboration among different disciplines using scientific methodologies. In addition, the specific forms of biophysical stimulation and its dose effect and application timing must be carefully determined and validated. Technological advances in achieving focalized stimulus delivery with adjustable signal type and intensity, in the ability to monitor healing callus mechanical property non-invasively, and in the establishment of a robust knowledge base to develop effective and reliable treatment protocols are the essential pre-requisites to make biophysical stimulation acceptable in the main arena of health care. Finally, it is important to bear in mind that successful fracture repair or bone regeneration through callus distraction without adequate remodeling process through physiological loading would seriously undermine the value of biophysical stimulation in meeting the biomechanical demand of a long bone.
Preparation and Calcium Complexation Properties of a Series of Oxidized Polysaccharides. Structural and Conformational Effects (1985)

Abstract A number of polysaccharides of the starch type, including maltodextrins and cyclodextrins and some other well‐known polysaccharides have been oxidized by periodate/chlorite (two‐step method) or hypochlorite (one‐step method), yielding ring‐opened polycarboxylates. The oxidation products from the starch type show by far the best calcium complexing properties and have potential application as phosphate substitutes in detergent formulations. A relatively sharp increase in calcium complexing ability is observed at a degree of polymerization of about ten, whereas just a slight further improvement occurs at higher degrees of polymerization. This phenomenon is explained by the formation of helix structures which contain efficient Ca(II) complexing sites. This idea is supported by 17 O NMR measurements showing that oxidized starch type compounds with m > 10 behave as heptadentate ligands.