gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Assisted reproductive technology surveillance--United States, 2000. (2003)

As use of ART and ART success rates continue to increase, ART-related multiple births are an increasingly important public health problem nationally and in many states. The proportion of infants born through ART in 2000 that were multiple births (53%) was substantially higher than in the general U.S. population during the same period. Data in this report indicate a need to reduce multiple births associated with ART. Efforts should be made to limit the number of embryos transferred for patients undergoing ART. In addition, continued research and surveillance is key to understanding the effect of ART on maternal and child health.
“Aluminium Bromide-1-Methyl-3-Ethylimidazolium Bromide Ionic Liquids: Densities, Viscosities, Electrical Conductivities, and Phase Transitions” (1986)

The solid-liquid phase diagram, experimental glass transition points, densities, viscosities, and electrical conductivities are reported for the aluminium bromide-1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide ionic liquid. Certain compositions of this two component molten salt are liquid at room temperature. Density, viscosity, and conductivity data were collected over the range of aluminium bromide mole fractions from ca. 0.35 to 0.75 and over the range of temperatures from ca. 25 to 100 °C. Equations are presented which describe both the composition and temperature dependence of the densities and transport properties. Both the viscosities and the conductivities displayed the non-Arrhenius temperature dependence typically associated with glass forming ionic liquids. Temperature dependent activation energies were derived for these transport processes by using the Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher equation.
3D Modeling of Interior Building Environments and Objects from Noisy Sensor Suites (2015)

In this dissertation, we present several techniques used to automatically generate virtual models of indoor building environments. The interior environment of a building is scanned by a custom hardware system, which provides raw laser and camera sensor readings used to develop these models. Our modeling techniques can be separated into three categories: 2D floor plan models, simplified 2.5D extruded models, and fully complex and detailed 3D models. All models are produced automatically from the output data of a backpack-mounted ambulatory scanning system, which can scan multiple floors of a building efficiently. We can capture the entirety of a large building in only a few hours, including staircases and other hard to reach locations, which improves upon the state-of-the-art static scanning by several orders of magnitude. Our algorithms are capable of producing many kinds of 3D virtual building models while traversing through a GPS-denied environment, including point clouds, 2D floor plans, and 3D building models.The novel contributions of this dissertation fall into three groups. First, we present multiple methods for producing 2D floor plans in a scalable fashion. We automatically partition these floor plans into separate building levels and separate rooms within each level. These floor plans can also be extruded into simplified 2.5D models of the building environment. Second, we present multiple techniques to produce complex 3D models of the scanned environment, capturing all observed detail. Third, we present several techniques that combine these two types of building models -- simple and complex -- to perform additional analysis of the building environment. Such analysis includes segmenting objects and furniture in the environment as separate models, reducing noise and artifacts within the models, and demonstrating novel visualization techniques. Additionally, we show several example datasets generated by the system in real-world environments, including buildings of over 40,000 square feet. We demonstrate how such building models are applicable in many fields of study, including architecture, building energy efficiency, virtual walk-throughs of buildings, indoor navigation, and augmented and virtual reality.
GATA-4 is a novel transcription factor expressed in endocardium of the developing heart (1993)

We have isolated and characterized Xenopus cDNA clones for a new transcription factor that represents an early marker for the developing heart. The cDNAs encode a protein that we have designated GATA-4; it contains the highly conserved DNA-binding domain that characterizes this family of cell-type restricted transcriptional activators. Whole-embryo in situ analysis of Xenopus embryos demonstrates that the GATA-4 gene is transcribed in presumptive cardiac ventral mesoderm at the time that bilateral progenitors fuse and form the cardiac tube. GATA-4 is therefore the earliest molecular marker of cardiogenesis yet characterized. By stage 30, the GATA-4 mRNA is expressed in the developing atria and ventricles; at stage 38, cross-sections reveal that the gene is active in the endocardial layer, but not in myocardium. By stage 40, GATA-4 message is detected in the great vessels. In the adult frog, the GATA-4 gene is highly transcribed in heart and gut; lower levels of message are detected in various endoderm-derived tissues and gonads. Expression in the stomach is largely confined to the epithelium. The GATA-4 gene is first activated at stage 11; mRNA is initially present throughout the marginal zone of explants and later partially localized to the ventral marginal zone. GATA-4 mRNA is also detected at high levels in cultured endodermal explants derived from the vegetal region of early embryos. In mesoderm induction experiments, GATA-4 transcription is not induced in animal caps treated with activin or bFGF. The GATA-4 gene may provide a new early marker for studying the inductive processes that lead to the formation of the cardiovascular system and for the specification of the endocardial lineage.
The effect of head cooling on deep body temperature and thermal comfort in man. (1982)

A liquid conditioned hood (LCH) made of stretch nylon was used to investigate the effect of head cooling on deep body temperature and thermal comfort in man. Six male subjects each performed two experiments of 2 h duration, in a climatic chamber, in conditions of dry bulb temperature 40 degrees C, wet bulb temperature 29 degrees C and 50 mm black globe temperature 50 degrees C. In one experiment head cooling was given during the first hour and in the other during the second hour. In both experiment, auditory canal (Tac) and oesophageal (Toe) temperatures increased during the first hour. During the second hour, without head cooling Tac and Toe continued to increase, whilst with head cooling no further increase in either was observed with an improvement in both head and body thermal comfort and with a small decrease in mean skin temperature.
Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid/Photosensitizer Conjugate for the Preparation of Nanogels with Controllable Phototoxicity: Synthesis, Characterization, Autophotoquenching Properties, and <i>in vitro</i> Phototoxicity against HeLa Cells (2010)

A proposal is herein examined for a novel yet simple design of a polymeric nanogel, with tumor targeting properties and a controllable phototoxicity, utilizing a low molecular weight-hyaluronic acid (HA(LM))/photosensitizer conjugate. HA(LM) was acetylated prior to being dissolved in DMSO (Ac-HA(LM)) and then was conjugated with different amounts of pheophorbide a (Pba), resulting in the formulation of self-organizing nanogels in aqueous solutions (Ac-HA-Pba 1, 2, and 3). The nanogels observed were below 200 nm in size, with a monodispersed size distribution. The nanogels displayed auto photoquenching qualities in PBS, while their fluorescent intensity strongly correlated with the amount of Pba in the organic solvent (DMSO or DMF). The critical self-quenching concentration (CQC) of the conjugates was found to have decreased as the content of Pba rose. Although Pba was conjugated with HA, the nanogel's photoactivity, in terms of fluorescent properties, singlet oxygen generation, and photocytotoxicity, was approximately maintained. Confocal imaging and FACS analysis showed that Ac-HA-Pba nanogels were rapidly internalized into HeLa cells via an HA-induced endocytosis mechanism, a process which could be blocked with the application of an excess of HA polymer. The results of the study indicate that HA-based nanogels can potentially be applied in photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Zirconium Tungstate (ZrW<sub>2</sub>O<sub>8</sub>)/Polyimide Nanocomposites Exhibiting Reduced Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (2005)

ZrW2O8 is obtained as microparticulate powder following traditional methods or as nanoparticulate powder using an inverse micelle sol−gel synthesis strategy. As-prepared ZrW2O8 powders, surface-derivatized with (3-aminopropyl)siloxy linker molecules, disperse well in BTDA-ODA polyamic acid resins to give thermally cured ZrW2O8/polyimide hybrid films showing good wetting of embedded ceramic particles. Measured CTE values of ZrW2O8/BTDA-ODA hybrid films containing 0−50 wt % (0−22 vol %) ceramic loading show a controlled reduction in thermal expansion with increasing ceramic content. Reduction in CTE is modeled best assuming mixed-law behavior with incorporation of an interfacial phase region. A 22 vol % ceramic loading gives a 30% (10 ppm/K) reduction of CTE. ZrW2O8/BTDA-ODA films containing 0.8 vol % (3 wt %) ceramic loading exhibit unusually low thermal expansion, although the significance of this observation remains to be confirmed.
The C9orf72 protein interacts with Rab1a and the <scp>ULK</scp> 1 complex to regulate initiation of autophagy (2016)

A GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9ALS/FTD). C9orf72 encodes two C9orf72 protein isoforms of unclear function. Reduced levels of C9orf72 expression have been reported in C9ALS/FTD patients, and although C9orf72 haploinsufficiency has been proposed to contribute to C9ALS/FTD, its significance is not yet clear. Here, we report that C9orf72 interacts with Rab1a and the Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) autophagy initiation complex. As a Rab1a effector, C9orf72 controls initiation of autophagy by regulating the Rab1a-dependent trafficking of the ULK1 autophagy initiation complex to the phagophore. Accordingly, reduction of C9orf72 expression in cell lines and primary neurons attenuated autophagy and caused accumulation of p62-positive puncta reminiscent of the p62 pathology observed in C9ALS/FTD patients. Finally, basal levels of autophagy were markedly reduced in C9ALS/FTD patient-derived iNeurons. Thus, our data identify C9orf72 as a novel Rab1a effector in the regulation of autophagy and indicate that C9orf72 haploinsufficiency and associated reductions in autophagy might be the underlying cause of C9ALS/FTD-associated p62 pathology.
<i>Burkholderia cepacia</i> in Cystic Fibrosis: Variable Disease Course (1999)

Variable clinical course has been reported with the acquisition of Burkholderia cepacia in patients who have cystic fibrosis (CF). We hypothesized that the perceived worsening with B. cepacia may reflect the underlying severity of pulmonary disease at the time of acquisition. To test this hypothesis, we matched CF patients colonized with B. cepacia with CF patients not colonized with the organism. Two-year pre- and postacquisition data and long-term data were compared. Patients were matched for gender, age (+/- 1 yr), height (+/- 5 cm), weight (+/- 8 kg), percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (% pred FEV(1)) (+/- 10%), and pancreatic sufficiency status. Differences in rates of change pre- and postacquisition for FEV(1), FVC, weight, and frequency of intravenous courses were compared within pairs with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Two-year and long-term survival was compared within pairs with the McNemar test. No significant differences were observed in mean annual rates of change in weight (0.33 and -0.28 kg/yr), % pred FEV(1) (-0.36 and -1.74%/yr), and percent predicted forced vital capacity (% pred FVC) (-3.80 and -2.32%/yr) between B. cepacia and control pairs in 2-yr and long-term postacquisition interval, respectively. Similar rates of change were noted for pre- to postacquisition intervals within pairs for weight (0.17 kg/yr), % pred FEV(1) (-0.16%/yr), % pred FVC (5.02 %/yr). There was a significantly higher rate of intravenous antibiotic courses in B. cepacia cases in the 2-yr and long-term postacquisition interval. Higher mortality was observed in the B. cepacia cases in the long term (p < 0.05). We conclude that colonization with B. cepacia does not necessarily adversely affect pulmonary status, but is associated with reduced long term survival. Whereas previous associations may be attributed to a propensity to colonize those who had more advanced disease, specific strain types of B. cepacia may have enhanced pathogenicity.
Self-photosensitization of nonphotosynthetic bacteria for solar-to-chemical production (2015)

Improving natural photosynthesis can enable the sustainable production of chemicals. However, neither purely artificial nor purely biological approaches seem poised to realize the potential of solar-to-chemical synthesis. We developed a hybrid approach, whereby we combined the highly efficient light harvesting of inorganic semiconductors with the high specificity, low cost, and self-replication and -repair of biocatalysts. We induced the self-photosensitization of a nonphotosynthetic bacterium, Moorella thermoacetica, with cadmium sulfide nanoparticles, enabling the photosynthesis of acetic acid from carbon dioxide. Biologically precipitated cadmium sulfide nanoparticles served as the light harvester to sustain cellular metabolism. This self-augmented biological system selectively produced acetic acid continuously over several days of light-dark cycles at relatively high quantum yields, demonstrating a self-replicating route toward solar-to-chemical carbon dioxide reduction.
Digital tracking and control of retinal images (1994)

Abstract : Laser induced retinal lesions are used to treat a variety of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. Both the location and size of the retinal lesions are critical for effective treatment and minimal complications. Currently, once an irradiation is begun, no attempt is made to alter the laser beam location on the retina. However, adjustments are desirable to correct for patient eye movements. Lesions form in much less than one second and typical treatment for a disease such as diabetic retinopathy requires as many as 2000 lesions per eye. This type of tedious task is ideally suited for computer implementation. A system has been developed to track a specific lesion coordinate on the retinal surface and provide corrective signals to maintain laser position on the coordinate. Six distinct retinal landmarks are tracked on a high contrast retinal image using two dimensional blood vessel templates. Use of therapeutic lesions as tracking algorithm landmarks is also investigated. An X and Y laser correction signal is derived from the landmark tracking information and provided to a pair of galvanometer steered mirrors to maintain the laser on a prescribed location. Once the laser position has been corrected, a function checks the terminal laser position for minor corrections. A development speed tracking algorithm has been implemented and tested using both vessel and lesion templates. Closed loop feedback control of laser position is demonstrated with calibrated retinal velocities and in vivo testing of the development system. Trade off analysis of parameters affecting tracking system performance is provided. The analysis is used to specify requirements and implementation details for a real time system.
On Expanding Query Vectors with Lexically Related Words. (1993)

Experiments performed on small collections suggest that expanding query vectors with words that are lexically related to the original query words can improve retrieval effectiveness. Prior experiments using WordNet to automatically expand vectors in the large TREC-1 collection were inconclusive regarding effectiveness gains from lexically related words since any such effects were dominated by the choice of words to expand. This paper specifically investigates the effect of expansion by selecting query concepts to be expanded by hand. Concepts are represented by WordNet synonym sets and are expanded by following the typed links included in WordNet. Experimental results suggest that this query expansion technique makes little difference in retrieval effectiveness within the TREC environment, presumably because the TREC topic statements provide such a rich description of the information being sought. 1 Introduction The IR group at Siemens Corporate Research is investigating how concept ...
Nutrition and feed management strategies to reduce nutrient excretions and odors from swine manure (2004)

Manipulation of the pig's diet to reduce nutrient excretions and odors is feasible and practical. Avoiding excessive dietary protein, using high quality protein sources, and feeding low protein, amino acid supplemented diets are practices that will reduce the N in excreta. Avoiding excessive overages of dietary P, balancing diets on an available P basis, and use of phytase as a dietary supplement offers potential for further reducing the P in manure. Use of reduced or organic forms of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mg will reduce excretion of these nutrients in manure. Feeding management technologies that will enhance feed efficiencies and reduce nutrient excretion include feeding for phase, sex and genetic ability of the animal. Reducing the intact protein levels in diets and balancing with synthetic amino acids, use of low levels of specific non-starch polysaccharides (NSP; soybean hulls, sugar beet pulp), and maintaining the proper acid-base balance and buffering in the diet can significantly reduce odorous compounds. Greater nutrient reductions may be possible through the development of specialty feed ingredients that will be used for specific animal diets. Research to fine-tune the diets for production systems is needed.
A microchip electrophoresis system with integrated in-plane electrodes for contactless conductivity detection (2002)

We present a new approach for contactless conductivity detection for microchip-based capillary electrophoresis (CE). The detector integrates easily with well-known microfabrication techniques for glass-based microfluidic devices. Platinum electrodes are structured in recesses in-plane with the microchannel network after glass etching, which allows precise positioning and batch fabrication of the electrodes. A thin glass wall of 10–15 νm separates the electrodes and the buffer electrolyte in the separation channel to achieve the electrical insulation necessary for contactless operation. The effective separation length is 34 mm, with a channel width of 50 νm and depth of 12 νm. Microchip CE devices with conductivity detection were characterized in terms of sensitivity and linearity of response, and were tested using samples containing up to three small cations. The limit of detection for K+ (18 νM) is good, though an order of magnitude higher than for comparable capillary-based systems and one recently reported example of contactless conductivity on chip. However, an integrated field-amplified stacking step could be employed prior to CE to preconcentrate the sample ions by a factor of four.
Chimeric RNA Oligonucleotides with Triazole and Phosphate Linkages: Synthesis and RNA Interference (2015)

Chimeric RNA oligonucleotides with an artificial triazole linker were synthesized using solution-phase click chemistry and solid-phase automated synthesis. Scalable synthesis methods for jointing units for the chimeric structure have been developed, and after click-coupling of the jointing units with triazole linkers, a series of chimeric oligonucleotides was prepared by utilizing the well-established phosphoramidite method for the elongation. The series of chimeric 21-mer oligonucleotides that possessed the triazole linker at different strands and positions allowed for a screening study of the RNA interference to clarify the preference of the triazole modifications in small-interfering RNA molecules.
USB PassOn: Secure USB Thumb Drive Forensic Toolkit (2008)

The flash memory market has grown at an extremely fast rate, when compared with all other types of semiconductors. Much of this can be owed to the rabid use of flash memory in portable media players like Apple iPod, but also to the growth of the cellular phone market, where over 1.2 billion handsets are expected to be sold worldwide this year alone, as well as other electronic devices.[8] Lately, corporation insiders steal confidential information using small USB thumb drive. Therefore USB thumb drives are becoming very important evidence that must be seized in digital crime investigation. In addition, because there are many kinds of USB thumb drives, we need some techniques which can identify specific drive. In this paper, we describe methods of digital evidence analysis about USB thumb drives. We also design and implement USB thumb drive analysis tool that offers various functions on a digital forensic view.
Dinuclear Seven-Coordinate Mn(II) Complexes: Effect of Manganese(II)-Hydroxo Species on Water Exchange and Superoxide Dismutase Activity (2012)

Two dinuclear seven-coordinate manganese(II) complexes containing two pentaazamacrocyclic subunits, with imine or amine functionalities, respectively, have been synthesized and characterized in the solid state as well as in aqueous solutions of different pH, by performing X-ray structure analyses, SQUID, potentiometric, electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), electrochemical, and (17)O NMR water exchange measurements (varying temperature and pressure), and by determination of SOD activity. The two manganese(II) centers within the dinuclear structures behave independently from each other and similarly to the manganese centers in the corresponding mononuclear complexes. However, the dinuclear amine complex possesses increased complex stability and acidity of the coordinated water molecules (pK(a2) = 8.92) in comparison to the corresponding mononuclear analogue. This allowed us to observe a stable trans-aqua-hydroxo-Mn(II) species in an aqueous solution and to study for the first time the trans-effect of the hydroxo group on the water lability on any divalent metal center in general. The observed trans-labilizing effect of the hydroxo ligand is much smaller than in the case of aqua-hydroxo-M(III) trivalent metal species. Whether this is a general property of trans-aqua-hydroxo-M(II) species, or if it is specific for Mn(II) and/or to the seven-coordinate structures, remains to be seen and motivates future studies. In addition, an influence of the hydroxo ligand on the SOD activity of manganese(II) complexes could be evaluated for the first time as well. Compared with the mononuclear analogue, which is not able to form stable hydroxo species, our pH dependent studies on the SOD activity of the dinuclear amine complex have indicated that the hydroxo ligand may promote protonation and release of the product H(2)O(2), especially in solutions of higher pH values, by increasing its pK(a) value.
Research of active gate drivers for MOSFET by thermography (2010)

New drivers are proposed to reduce losses of power and energy during the transitional processes of switching on and turning off of powerful transistor, which is associated to an increased energy efficiency of power converters. Infrared thermography study and analysis of dynamic losses and heating temperature of MOSFET are committed in managing transistor drivers by four different circuits.