gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Histogram-based characterization of healthy and ischemic brain tissues using multiparametric MR imaging including apparent diffusion coefficient maps and relaxometry (2000)

Decreased, renormalized, or increased values of the calculated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) are observed in stroke models. A quantitative description of corresponding tissue states using ADC values may be extended to include true relaxation times. A histogram-based segmentation is well suited for characterizing tissues according to specific parameter combinations irrespective of the heterogeneity found for human healthy and ischemic brain tissues. In a new approach, navigated diffusion-weighted images and ADC maps were incorporated into voxel-based parameter sets of relaxation times (T1, T2), and T1- or T2-weighted images, followed by a supervised histogram-based analysis. Healthy tissues were segmented by incorporating T1 relaxation into the data set, ischemic regions by combining T2- or diffusion-weighted images with ADC maps. Mean values of healthy and pathologic tissues were determined, spatial distributions of the parameter vectors were visualized using color-encoded overlays. One to six days after stroke, ischemic regions exhibited reduced relative mean ADC values.
BUSINESS INCUBATORS AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT: NEITHER TRIED OR TESTED? (1997)

Business incubators are now being considered or set up in many areas of the UK. There is, however, concern about the performance of these incubators in creating and developing new businesses. This paper examines published work on incubators, and links this to recent research in the UK to provide recommendations on the profile of a non‐profit incubator whose prime objective is the formation of new businesses.
Building more usable APIs (1998)

Traditional software usability methods can help us design more understandable and more useful application program interfaces (APIs). They also give us information we need to write good API reference documentation-before we invest in either programmers or writers and before evolving a large body of code or content.
Adenoviral gene transfer of <i>Caenorhabditis elegans n</i> −3 fatty acid desaturase optimizes fatty acid composition in mammalian cells (2001)

Omega--3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential components required for normal cellular function and have been shown to exert many preventive and therapeutic actions. The amount of n--3 PUFAs is insufficient in most Western people, whereas the level of n--6 PUFAs is relatively too high, with an n--6/n--3 ratio of >18. These two classes of PUFAs are metabolically and functionally distinct and often have important opposing physiological functions; their balance is important for homeostasis and normal development. Elevating tissue concentrations of n--3 PUFAs in mammals relies on chronic dietary intake of fat rich in n--3 PUFAs, because mammalian cells lack enzymatic activities necessary either to synthesize the precursor of n--3 PUFAs or to convert n--6 to n--3 PUFAs. Here we report that adenovirus-mediated introduction of the Caenorhabditis elegans fat-1 gene encoding an n--3 fatty acid desaturase into mammalian cells can quickly and effectively elevate the cellular n--3 PUFA contents and dramatically balance the ratio of n--6/n--3 PUFAs. Heterologous expression of the fat-1 gene in rat cardiac myocytes rendered cells capable of converting various n--6 PUFAs to the corresponding n--3 PUFAs, and changed the n--6/n--3 ratio from about 15:1 to 1:1. In addition, an eicosanoid derived from n--6 PUFA (i.e., arachidonic acid) was reduced significantly in the transgenic cells. This study demonstrates an effective approach to modifying fatty acid composition of mammalian cells and also provides a basis for potential applications of this gene transfer in experimental and clinical settings.
Characterization of <i>Escherichia coli</i> Flagellar Mutants That are Insensitive to Catabolite Repression (1974)

In Escherichia coli, the synthesis of the flagellar organelle is sensitive to catabolite repression. Synthesis requires the presence of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate receptor protein (Crp) and 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP); i.e., mutants that lack Crp or adenylcyclase (Cya) synthesize no flagella. We isolated and characterized a series of mutants (cfs) that restored flagella-forming ability in a Crp strain of E. coli. The mutations in these strains were transferred onto episomes and they were then introduced into a variety of other strains. The presence of the mutation resulted in flagella synthesis in Cya and Crp strains as well as in the wild type grown under conditions of catabolite repression. Deletion analysis and other genetic studies indicated that: (i) the cfs mutations had a dominant effect when they were in the transconfiguration in merodiploids: (ii) they occurred in or very close to the flaI gene: and (iii) their expression required the presence of an intact flaI gene adjacent to the cfs mutation. Biochemical studies showed that the synthesis of at least two flagellar polypeptides, the hook subunit and an amber fragment of flagellin, were absent in strains that carried a cya mutation. Their synthesis was depressed in strains grown under conditions of catabolite repression. The presence of the cfs mutation restored the specific synthesis of these two polypeptides. We suggest that the formation of the flaI gene product is the step in flagellar synthesis that is catabolite sensitive and requires cAMP. We propose a regulatory function for the product of the flaI gene.
Novel visible‐light‐induced photocurable tissue adhesive composed of multiply styrene‐derivatized gelatin and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (2003)

A novel photocurable tissue adhesive glue, which is composed of styrene-derivatized (styrenated) gelatin, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and carboxylated camphorquinone in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), was prepared. The prototype formulation suitable for arterial repair was determined based on the gel yield, degree of swelling, tissue adhesive strength, and breaking (or burst) strength in vitro. The formulated photocurable tissue adhesive glue with an appropriate viscosity was converted to a water-swollen gel within 1 min of visible light irradiation. The tissue adhesive glue, which was coated on a rat abdominal aorta incised with a pair of scissors, was immediately converted to a swollen gel upon subsequent irradiation with visible light, and concomitantly hemostasis was completed. Histological examination showed that the produced gel was tightly adhered to the artery shortly after photoirradiation. The gel gradually degraded with time and was completely absorbed within 4 weeks after treatment. These results indicate that the photocurable glue developed here may serve as a tissue adhesive glue applicable to vascular surgery.
Oriented growth of SrBi2Ta2O9 ferroelectric thin films (1996)

We report on the ferroelectric properties of c-axis oriented ferroelectric SrBi2Ta2O9 thin films. Pt/SrBi2Ta2O 9/Pt capacitors were grown on single crystal MgO (and/or SrTiO3) substrates using pulsed laser ablation. These substrates provide the necessary template for (100) texture in platinum due to their close lattice matching. This in turn facilitates the c-axis orientation in the ferroelectric films. The degree of orientation in the layered structure ferroelectric film was systematically varied from highly c-axis oriented to random polycrystalline by varying the growth conditions of the bottom metal electrode. The polarization and coercive field values were found to decrease with an increasing degree of c-axis orientation; while the randomly oriented films exhibited a remnant polarization of 5 μC/cm 2, a coercive field of 70 kV/cm, and a dielectric constant of 320, the c-axis oriented films exhibited very low polarization (∼1 μC/cm2), coercivity (22 kV/cm), and dielectric constant (∼200) values.
Genetic susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration: a paradigm for dissecting complex disease traits (2007)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which affects quality of life for millions of elderly individuals worldwide. AMD is associated with a diverse spectrum of clinical phenotypes, all of which include the death of photoreceptors in the central part of the human retina (called the macula). Tremendous progress has been made in identifying genetic susceptibility variants for AMD. Variants at chromosome 1q32 (in the region of CFH) and 10q26 (LOC387715/ARMS2) account for a large part of the genetic risk to AMD and have been validated in numerous studies. In addition, susceptibility variants at other loci, several as yet unidentified, make substantial cumulative contribution to genetic risk for AMD; among these, multiple studies support the role of variants in APOE and C2/BF genes. Genome-wide association and re-sequencing projects, together with gene-environment interaction studies, are expected to further define the causal relationships that connect genetic variants to AMD pathogenesis and should assist in better design of prevention and intervention.
APRNs IN TEXAS (2005)

President, Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, Austin, TX AJNwelcomes letters to the editor regarding recently published articles, although critiques of original research may be submitted at any time. Submissions must be typed, contain fewer than 300 words, and list the correspondent’s name, address, and phone number or e-mail address; include no more than three references for any statistics or studies cited. Letters will be edited for length, clarity, and accuracy. Submission of a letter will constitute the author’s permission to publish it, although it doesn’t guarantee publication. Letters become the property of AJN and may be published in all media. Send letters to AJN, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 333 Seventh Avenue, 19th Floor New York, NY 10001 [email protected]; (212) 886-1206 (fax)
Spectroscopic characterization of highly doped ZnO films grown by atomic-layer deposition for three-dimensional infrared metamaterials [Invited] (2011)

We systematically study the optical spectra of ZnO grown by atomic-layer deposition as a function of Al (and Ti) doping concentration. The spectra measured on films are well described by fits using a Drude free-electron model. The derived plasma frequencies are consistent with the expected amount of doping and can be continuously and controllably tuned from small values to about 400 THz. The losses (damping) are also quantified. In addition, we achieve smooth conformal coatings of three-dimensional polymer templates made by direct laser writing. Altogether, Al:ZnO appears as an attractive “tunable metal” for three-dimensional infrared metamaterials or transformation-optics architectures.
Digital licensing service for agents and web services (2006)

If agent systems are to scale, many individuals and organizations across the Web will own agents and/or may want to rent, lease and otherwise license the capabilities of agents or groups of agents. This paper focuses on identifying a collection of services that are aimed at automating the digital licensing of agent-based services. The digital licensing service is itself a composite service consisting of a collection of subservices. A negotiation service results in a contract between two parties. The terms and conditions of the contract are monitored by a digital rights management service. A compensation service handles payment. An electronic receipt service handles compensation bookkeeping. Other more traditional services are assumed, including a discovery service, a binding service, a workflow service, and security services. Since we represent our agent and service interfaces using Web service description language and also our digital licensing services, our scheme is being developed to be upwards compatible with Web services.
The inhibition of antigen‐induced eosinophilia and bronchoconstriction by CDP840, a novel stereo‐selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 4 (1996)

1. The novel tri-aryl ethane CDP840, is a potent and selective inhibitor of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE 4) extracted from tissues or recombinant PDE 4 isoforms expressed in yeast (IC50S: 4-45 nM). CDP840 is stereo-selective since its S enantiomer (CT 1731) is 10-50 times less active against all forms of PDE 4 tested while both enantiomers are inactive (IC50S: > 100 microM) against PDE types 1, 2, 3 and 5. 2. Oral administration of CDP840 caused a dose-dependent reduction of interleukin-5 (IL-5)-induced pleural eosinophilia in rats (ED50 = 0.03 mg kg-1). The eosinophils in pleural exudates from CDP840-treated animals contained higher levels of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) than cells from control animals, suggesting a stabilizing effect on eosinophil degranulation. CDP840 was approximately equi-active with the steroid dexamethasone in this model and was 10-100 times more potent than the known PDE 4-selective inhibitors rolipram and RP73401. The activity of CDP840 was not influenced by adrenalectomy, beta-sympathomimetics or beta-sympatholytics. 3. Antigen-induced pulmonary eosinophilia in sensitized guinea-pigs was reduced dose-dependently by CDP840 (0.01-1 mg kg-1, i.p.) and intracellular EPO levels were significantly higher. CDP840 was more potent in these activities than CT1731 or rolipram and comparable in potency to RP73401. 4. Rolipram or CDP840 were less active than dexamethasone in preventing neutrophil accumulation, or exudate formation in carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats and thus do not exhibit general anti-inflammatory activity. 5. In sensitized guinea-pigs, aerosols of the antigen ovalbumin caused a dose-dependent bronchoconstriction demonstrated by an increase in pulmonary inflation pressure. Administration of CDP840 (0.001-1.0 mg kg-1, i.p.), 1 h before antigen challenge, resulted in dose-dependent reduction in response to antigen. This activity was not due to bronchodilatation since higher doses of CDP840 (3 mg kg-1) did not significantly change the bronchoconstrictor response to histamine. Rolipram was approximately 10 times less active than CDP840 in preventing antigen-induced bronchoconstriction. 6. These results confirm the observations that selective PDE 4 inhibitors reduce antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation. CDP840 is more potent than rolipram in inhibiting native or recombinant PDE 4. Unlike the recently described potent PDE 4 inhibitor RP73401, CDP840 is more active than rolipram in the rat IL-5 model following oral administration. The novel series of tri-aryl ethanes, of which CDP840 is the lead compound, could be the basis of an orally active prophylactic treatment for human asthma.
The role of trapped Ar atoms in the mechanical properties of boron carbide films deposited by dc-magnetron sputtering (2003)

Boron carbide films were deposited by dc-magnetron sputtering and their composition, chemical bonding and mechanical properties were investigated as a function of the substrate bias voltage. The films are stoichiometric within the entire range of substrate bias voltages employed as determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. As the substrate bias voltage increases, higher amounts of trapped Ar atoms are found in the films. A decrease of the number of B–C bonds is observed while the hardness decreases and the compressive stress increases. It is suggested that the trapped Ar atoms are in substitutional sites and act to inhibit chemical bonds within the amorphous network which leads to softer films. The trapped Ar atoms also induce local expansion of the amorphous network and a correlation between the amount of trapped Ar atoms and the magnitude of the compressive internal stress is suggested.
Electrodeposition of nickel using eutectic based ionic liquids (2008)

The electrolytic deposition of nickel is demonstrated using a solution of the metal chloride salt separately in either a urea or ethylene glycol/choline chloride based ionic liquid. It is shown that the deposition kinetics and thermodynamics differ from the aqueous processes and these result in different deposit morphologies. It is also shown for the first time that bright metal coatings can be obtained from these liquid systems by adding various brightening agents and deposits can be put directly onto substrates such as aluminium without prior treatment. The general mechanism by which brighteners function in ionic liquids is also discussed.
Verification of neural network based algorithm for crystal identification of PET block detector (2007)

The neural network based self-organizing feature map (SOFM) for crystal identification of PET block detector has been proved effective on the Siemens Inveon detector. In this paper, the algorithm is verified in the system level with all the 192 block detectors (each coupled to four Photomultiplier Tubes - PMTs) on a Siemens Biograph four-ring clinical PET scanner, and is tested on an Avalanche Photo Diode (APD) detector of a BrainPET insert. The gain drifting of PMT and APD are also simulated to investigate the responses of the neurons. The verification results show that on the Biograph scanner, the modified SOFM algorithm achieves equivalent crystal identification accuracy to the currently used software method. On the APD detector, the algorithm overcomes low peak- background ratio in the position profile and performs more accurately than the method currently used. The simulations show that the neurons can track the changes of crystal peaks in real- time. This feature brings a good solution to eliminate crystal identification errors caused by gain drifting, especially the gain changes of APD detectors due to temperature variations on the BrainPET insert.
Compatibilidade sexual e vegetativa do complexo Glomerella-Colletotrichum associado a sementes de algodão (2004)

Colletotrichum gossypii (Cg) (Glomerella gossipii) e Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides (Cgc) são agentes etiológicos da antracnose e da ramulose no algodoeiro (Gossypium hirsutum). Ambos os patógenos são encontrados na forma mitospórica na natureza e a diferenciação entre eles é feita principalmente a partir dos sintomas das doenças causadas. O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar a ocorrência de reações de compatibilidade sexual e incompatibilidade vegetativa entre e dentro de isolados de Cg e Cgc e avaliar alguns aspectos citológicos das formas de esporulação. Pelos resultados, observou-se existência de grande variabilidade dentro dessa espécie. Os conídios diferiram em tamanho em todos os isolados, sendo encontrados conídios bi- e trinucleados. Em cultura, nas áreas de contato (entre as hifas), foram observadas reações de incompatibilidade vegetativa tanto entre quanto dentro dos isolados. Em apenas um dos isolados avaliados ocorreu reprodução sexuada de forma espontânea, sugerindo comportamento homotálico.
Fine-structural studies on spontaneous and induced fusion of higher plant protoplasts (1972)

ABSTRACT During the treatment of some plant tissues with cell-wall-degrading enzymes adjacent cells within the tissue fuse forming large multinucleate protoplasts. These have been termed spon-taneous fusion bodies. The symplastic nature of plant tissues suggests that the retention of plasmodesmatal connexions might facilitate such spontaneous fusion. An electron-microscopic investigation of spontaneous fusion in tobacco-leaf and oat-root tissues has confirmed this suggestion. Enzymic degradation of the walls removes constrictions on the plasmodesmata, permitting their expansion, and as a result mixing of the cytoplasms of the fusing protoplasts can then occur. The fine structure of plasmodesmata and their relationship to the endoplasmic reticulum can be more easily studied in plasmodesmata which are undergoing expansion. It has been observed that the tubule which passes through the plasmodesma is in continuity with the endoplasmic reticulum membranes at either end. Models for plasmodesmatal structure are discussed in the light of this observation. The induced fusion of freely isolated protoplasts by sodium salts has been previously studied using the light microscope. Since it is difficult to follow the detailed mechanisms involved in the process, electron-microscopic methods have been employed in the present investigation. It appears that sodium nitrate first induces protoplast adhesion. This occasionally involves protrusions from the plasmalemma, not unlike microvilli. Following adhesion membrane fusion occurs, initially in localized regions, and then more generally. Eventually vacuolar fusion occurs facilitating complete cytoplasmic mixing. These findings are compared with events occurring during animal cell fusion and are discussed in relationship to a recent theoretical model for membrane fusion.
Quasi-One-Dimensional Periodic Structure with Locally Resonant Band Gap (2005)

The propagation of longitudinal elastic waves in quasi one-dimensional structure consisting of harmonic oscillators periodically jointed on a slender beam is studied. Sub-frequency locally resonant band gap with highly asymmetric attenuation is observed in both theoretical and experimental results, and both results match well. The stiffness and mass ratios are found analytically as two factors that influence the actual attenuation in the band gap of the locally resonant phononic crystals. The study on the weights of the two factors shows that the stiffness ratio is the key one. Thus, the reason for the mismatch between the regions of the sharp attenuation and the theoretical band gap in the locally resonant phononic crystals is discovered.
Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats (2004)

The prevention of doxorubicin (DXR)-induced cardiotoxicity may be helpful to improve future DXR therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardio-protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an antioxidant agent, on DXR-induced cardiotoxicity. Rats were divided into three groups and treated with saline, DXR and DXR + CAPE. Rats were treated with CAPE (10 micromol x kg(-1) day(-1) i.p.) or saline starting 2 days before a single dose of DXR (20 mg x kg(-1) i.p.). Ten days later, haemodynamic measurements were performed and the hearts were excised for biochemical analyses and microscopic examination. The heart rate and mean blood pressure were higher and the pulse pressure was lower in the DXR group than in the other two groups. The administration of DXR alone resulted in higher myeloperoxidase activity, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content than in the other groups. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were higher in DXR and DXR + CAPE groups than in the saline group. Rats in the DXR + CAPE group had increased catalase activity in comparison with the DXR group and high glutathione peroxidase activity in comparison with the other two groups. There was severe disruption of mitochondrial fi ne structure in the electron microscopy of the DXR group. In contrast, myocardial microscopy appeared nearly normal in the DXR + CAPE group (as de fi ned at the electron microscopic level). In light of these in vivo haemodynamic, enzymatic and morphological results, we conclude that CAPE pretreatment significantly attenuated DXR-induced cardiac injury, possibly with its antioxidant effects.