gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Sorting out light (2015)

Controlled interference can separate overlapping light beams for device functionality
Shaped compact dual reflector antenna for Ku-band satellite pico-terminals (2002)

Pico-terminals for digital communications satellite systems need compact reflector antennas with a high aperture efficiency but with a controlled side lobe level. Shaped reflectors with an also shaped splash-plate meet both conditions satisfactorily. Such a solution was selected for the antenna of the remote user terminal of a CDMA satellite system (PRODAT project). This paper discusses its design and features.
Altered Hematopoiesis, Behavior, and Sexual Function in μ Opioid Receptor–deficient Mice (1997)

The mu opioid receptor is thought to be the cellular target of opioid narcotics such as morphine and heroin, mediating their effects in both pain relief and euphoria. Its involvement is also implicated in a range of diverse biological processes. Using a mouse model in which the receptor gene was disrupted by targeted homologous recombination, we explored the involvement of this receptor in a number of physiological functions. Mice homozygous for the disrupted gene developed normally, but their motor function was altered. Drug-naive homozygotes displayed reduced locomotor activity, and morphine did not induce changes in locomotor activity observed in wild-type mice. Unexpectedly, lack of a functional receptor resulted in changes in both the host defense system and the reproductive system. We observed increased proliferation of granulocyte-macrophage, erythroid, and multipotential progenitor cells in both bone marrow and spleen, indicating a link between hematopoiesis and the opioid system, both of which are stress-responsive systems. Unexpected changes in sexual function in male homozygotes were also observed, as shown by reduced mating activity, a decrease in sperm count and motility, and smaller litter size. Taken together, these results suggest a novel role of the mu opioid receptor in hematopoiesis and reproductive physiology, in addition to its known involvement in pain relief.
Voyager to Saturn, plans for Uranus, and the future (1982)

The next two major data acquisition events in planetary exploration are outlined. They are the encounter with Uranus in January 1986 and with Neptune and its large moon Triton in 1989. A discussion of the Galileo mission and the suspended VOIR mission to Venus is given. Cost considerations and future plans are presented.
Protective role of STING against gliomagenesis: Rational use of STING agonist in anti-glioma immunotherapy (2015)

We recently reported that STING contributes to antiglioma immunity by triggering type I IFN induction in glioma microenvironment. Moreover, intratumoral administration of STING agonist improved the efficacy of peptide vaccination in a mouse glioma model, suggesting the rational use of STING agonists in the immunotherapy of brain tumor.
Optimal Capital Income Taxation with Heterogeneous Firms (2007)

We study capital income taxation in a context where firms differ in productivity and, they decide whether to produce or not after comparing after-tax profits vis-`a-vis an outside alternative option. In our setup, the government taxes capital income, firms¿ profits and labor income but does not tax the alternative outside option. In this context, taxation distorts the firms¿ decisions to participate in production (extensive margin) as well as the investment decisions once they decide to produce (intensive margin). The key feature for the capital income tax being different from zero is the distortion in the extensive margin. When all firms choose to produce there is no such distortion and not taxing capital income is optimal. However, when some firms choose not to produce the optimal income tax rate is different from zero. The magnitude and sign of this tax depends on the sensibility of capital and labor demand to a change in the interest rate.
Systemic treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma: current status and future directions. (1994)

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a complex neoplasm of cells of endothelial and fibroblast origin, whose proliferation is maintained by the viral product Tat, cytokines, and maybe environmental factors. It was among the first noted clinical manifestations of AIDS and remains the most common malignancy observed in patients infected with HIV, yet an optimal treatment strategy remains to be identified. The authors discuss current options and future directions for the systemic treatment of KS. They do not, however, address local forms of treatment. It is concluded that angiogenesis inhibitors may provide a novel therapeutic approach in the near future, while single agent cytotoxic chemotherapy and combination chemotherapy may induce remissions in the majority of patients along with relief from the morbidity of edema, disfigurement, and pain. Interferon is effective mainly in patients who are not severely immunocompromised. Finally, systemic therapy for AIDS-associated KS must be integrated with antiretroviral therapy, prophylaxis for opportunistic infections, and appropriate hematological support. Sections explore the etiology and pathogenesis of KS, rationale for systemic treatment, single-agent chemotherapy, combination chemotherapy, chemotherapy and antiretroviral agents, interferon, interferon and antiretroviral therapy, interferon and chemotherapy, other biological agents, angiostatic compounds, and anti-Tat therapy. Innovative treatment approaches to KS may ultimately prove applicable to many other neoplastic disorders.
Negative dysphotopsia: The enigmatic penumbra (2012)

Drs. Zhao and Reisin are employees of and Dr. Holladay is a consultant to Abbott Medical Optics, Inc. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Three-dimensional image cytometer based on widefield structured light microscopy and high-speed remote depth scanning (2014)

A high throughput 3D image cytometer have been developed that improves imaging speed by an order of magnitude over current technologies. This imaging speed improvement was realized by combining several key components. First, a depth-resolved image can be rapidly generated using a structured light reconstruction algorithm that requires only two wide field images, one with uniform illumination and the other with structured illumination. Second, depth scanning is implemented using the high speed remote depth scanning. Finally, the large field of view, high NA objective lens and the high pixelation, high frame rate sCMOS camera enable high resolution, high sensitivity imaging of a large cell population. This system can image at 800 cell/sec in 3D at submicron resolution corresponding to imaging 1 million cells in 20 min. The statistical accuracy of this instrument is verified by quantitatively measuring rare cell populations with ratio ranging from 1:1 to 1:10[superscript 5].
Teaching real-world analysis skills with a goal-based scenario (1996)

This paper introduces a software architecture useful for teaching a particular class of real-world analysis tasks. It is based on a kind of teaching framework called a goal-based scenario, a learning by doing environment in which the student acts in a realistic role and obtains helpful coaching while performing assigned tasks. I describe a fully operational prototype system, Financial Report Analyst (FRA), which was built using this architecture. In FRA, the student learns skills in financial statement analysis by playing the role of a lending officer at a bank. The approach offers several advantages over the traditional business case method. Usability tests of FRA were conducted with students in the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. It is proposed that the software architecture is applicable to teaching a variety of realistic analysis tasks, both inside and out of the domain of business administration.
Duration of improvement in psoriasis after treatment with tazarotene 0.1% gel plus clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment: comparison of maintenance treatments (2001)

Fifty patients were enrolled in a double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group study designed to determine whether tazarotene may have a role in maintenance therapy for psoriasis. The patients had stable moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis on up to 15% of their body surface area, on sites other than the face and scalp. Their mean age was 55 years and the majority had had psoriasis for more than 10 years. Washout periods were: 2 weeks for topical drugs, 4 weeks for UVB or PUVA treatment, and 8 weeks for systemic drugs that might alter the course of psoriasis. For the initial open‐label treatment phase, patients applied tazarotene 0.1% gel plus clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment for 6 weeks. The frequency of application of both medications was initially once daily and then was tapered to ensure gradual weaning. Thus, during weeks 1 and 2, patients applied tazarotene each morning and clobetasol propionate each evening. During weeks 3 and 4, patients applied tazarotene each morning and clobetasol propionate each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening. Finally, during weeks 5 and 6, patients applied tazarotene each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, and clobetasol propionate each Tuesday and Thursday evening. For the subsequent double‐blind maintenance phase, patients were randomized to receive one of three maintenance regimens for 20 weeks – tazarotene/clobetasol (tazarotene 0.1% gel on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, plus clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment on Tuesday and Thursday evenings), tazarotene/vehicle (tazarotene 0.1% gel on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, plus white petrolatum on Tuesday and Thursday evenings), and vehicle (tazarotene gel vehicle on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings plus white petrolatum on Tuesday and Thursday evenings). Patients were instructed to apply a thin film of medication to their psoriatic plaques. Emollient use was permitted, but other topical formulations and excessive exposure to ultraviolet light were not. Efficacy was evaluated – at baseline, every 2 weeks during the initial treatment phase, and every 4 weeks during the maintenance phase – in terms of overall disease severity, plaque elevation, scaling, erythema, pruritus, and global response to treatment. The first four of these were rated by the physician as 0 = none, 2 = mild, 4 = moderate, 6 = severe, and 8 = very severe. Pruritus was rated as 0 = none, 1 = trace, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = marked, and 5 = severe. Global response was rated as 0 = cleared, 1 = almost cleared (∼90% improvement), 2 = marked (∼75%) improvement, 3 = moderate (∼50%) improvement, 4 = slight (∼25%) improvement, 5 = unchanged, and 6 = worse. Analysis of variance and the Student's t ‐test were used to compare maintenance regimens ( P ≤ 0.05). In the maintenance phase, the last recorded score for each patient was carried forward to all subsequent visits.
Sensor placement for leak detection and location in water distribution networks (2014)

The performance of a leak detection and location algorithm depends on the set of measurements that are available in the network. This work presents an optimization strategy that maximizes the leak diagnosability performance of the network. The goal is to characterize and determine a sensor configuration that guarantees a maximum degree of diagnosability while the sensor configuration cost satisfies a budgetary constraint. To efficiently handle the complexity of the distribution network an efficient branch and bound search strategy based on a structural model is used. However, in order to reduce even more the size and the complexity of the problem the present work proposes to combine this methodology with clustering techniques. The strategy developed in this work is successfully applied to determine the optimal set of pressure sensors that should be installed in a District Metered Area in the Barcelona water distribution network.
Intra mode selection for depth map coding to minimize rendering distortions in 3D video (2009)

Depth Image Based Rendering (DIBR) is a technique that generates virtual views for multiview video applications from 3D video represented in color plus depth format. The depth map is not viewed by end users. However, it helps to generate different views as required by the application. Therefore, the depth maps need to be compressed in a way that it minimizes distortions in the rendered views. By doing so, it would be possible to generate high quality virtual views, using compressed depth maps. This paper presents two mode selection techniques based on genetic algorithms for encoding depth maps. In the proposed techniques, the encoding modes are decided so that the distortion in the rendered views is minimized. Simulation results illustrate that proposed techniques improve the objective quality of the rendered virtual views by up to 2 dB over the Lagrange Optimization based mode selection technique that considers the distortions only in the depth map.
Exact Discovery of Time Series Motifs (2009)

Time series motifs are pairs of individual time series, or subsequences of a longer time series, which are very similar to each other. As with their discrete analogues in computational biology, this similarity hints at structure which has been conserved for some reason and may therefore be of interest. Since the formalism of time series motifs in 2002, dozens of researchers have used them for diverse applications in many different domains. Because the obvious algorithm for computing motifs is quadratic in the number of items, more than a dozen <i>approximate</i> algorithms to discover motifs have been proposed in the literature. In this work, for the first time, we show a tractable <i>exact</i> algorithm to find time series motifs. As we shall show through extensive experiments, our algorithm is up to three orders of magnitude faster than brute-force search in large datasets. We further show that our algorithm is fast enough to be used as a subroutine in higher level data mining algorithms for anytime classification, near-duplicate detection and summarization, and we consider detailed case studies in domains as diverse as electroencephalograph interpretation and entomological telemetry data mining.
Enhancement of gene targeting in human cells by intranuclear permeation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad52 protein (2010)

The introduction of exogenous DNA in human somatic cells results in a frequency of random integration at least 100-fold higher than gene targeting (GT), posing a seemingly insurmountable limitation for gene therapy applications. We previously reported that, in human cells, the stable over-expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad52 gene (yRAD52), which plays the major role in yeast homologous recombination (HR), caused an up to 37-fold increase in the frequency of GT, indicating that yRAD52 interacts with the double-strand break repair pathway(s) of human cells favoring homologous integration. In the present study, we tested the effect of the yRad52 protein by delivering it directly to the human cells. To this purpose, we fused the yRAD52 cDNA to the arginine-rich domain of the TAT protein of HIV (tat11) that is known to permeate the cell membranes. We observed that a recombinant yRad52tat11 fusion protein produced in Escherichia coli, which maintains its ability to bind single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), enters the cells and the nuclei, where it is able to increase both intrachromosomal recombination and GT up to 63- and 50-fold, respectively. Moreover, the non-homologous plasmid DNA integration decreased by 4-fold. yRAD52tat11 proteins carrying point mutations in the ssDNA binding domain caused a lower or nil increase in recombination proficiency. Thus, the yRad52tat11 could be instrumental to increase GT in human cells and a 'protein delivery approach' offers a new tool for developing novel strategies for genome modification and gene therapy applications.
Phenolic excipients of insulin formulations induce cell death, pro-inflammatory signaling and MCP-1 release (2014)

Skin reactions at the infusion site are a common side effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. We hypothesized that local skin complications are caused by components of commercial insulin formulations that contain phenol or <i>m</i>-cresol as excipients. The toxic potential of insulin solutions and the mechanisms leading to skin reactions were explored in cultured cells. The toxicity of insulin formulations (Apidra, Humalog, NovoRapid, Insuman), excipient-free insulin, phenol and <i>m</i>-cresol was investigated in L929 cells, human adipocytes and monocytic THP-1 cells. The cells were incubated with the test compounds dose- and time-dependently. Cell viability, kinase signaling pathways, monocyte activation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Insulin formulations were cytotoxic in all cell-types and the pure excipients phenol and <i>m</i>-cresol were toxic to the same extent. P38 and JNK signaling pathways were activated by phenolic compounds, whereas AKT phosphorylation was attenuated. THP-1 cells incubated with sub-toxic levels of the test compounds showed increased expression of the activation markers CD54, CD11b and CD14 and secreted the chemokine MCP-1 indicating a pro-inflammatory response. Insulin solutions displayed cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory potential caused by phenol or <i>m</i>-cresol. We speculate that during insulin pump therapy phenol and <i>m</i>-cresol might induce cell death and inflammatory reactions at the infusion site <i>in vivo</i>. Inflammation is perpetuated by release of MCP-1 by activated monocytic cells leading to enhanced recruitment of inflammatory cells. To minimize acute skin complications caused by phenol/<i>m</i>-cresol accumulation, a frequent change of infusion sets and rotation of the infusion site is recommended.
Accumulative competition neural network for shortest path tree computation (2004)

Shortest path tree (SPT) computation is an important combinatorial optimization problem with numerous applications. A novel neural network model called accumulative competition neural network (ACNN) is proposed in this paper to compute the SPT in a given weighted graph. Comparing with the other neural network based search algorithms, the algorithm presented here features in much less number of neurons needed, much less iterations of the network needed, the simplicity of neuron model, the simplicity of the topology structure of the network and the global optimal solution result. Finally, examples for searching the shortest path tree in weighted graphs are given. All the results have shown the high performance of the ACNN in searching the SPT in weighted graph.
In situ CTLA-4 blockade mediates regression of local and distant tumors with minimal side effects (2009)

This thesis concerns the investigation of novel immunotherapies for cancer eradication. CpG therapy was used in order to target antigen-presenting cells (APCs), facilitating antigen presentation and activation of T cells. Blockade of the two major immune checkpoint regulators (CTLA-4 and PD-1) was also studied to ensure proper and sustained T cell activation. The therapies were investigated alone and compared to BCG, the standard immunotherapy in the clinic today for bladder cancer. In addition, CpG as well as BCG was combined with CTLA-4 or PD-1 blockade to examine if the combination could improve therapy. Single and combination strategies were assessed in an experimental bladder cancer model. In addition, one of the therapies (local aCTLA-4 administration) was evaluated in an experimental pancreatic cancer model. To be able to study the effects of CpG in humans, a human whole blood loop system has been used. This allowed us to dissect the potential interplay between CpG and complement. CpG was found to be superior to the conventional therapy, BCG, in our experimental model and T cells were required in order for effective therapy to occur. Used as a monotherapy, CTLA-4 blockade but not PD-1 blockade, prolonged survival of mice. When CTLA-4 or PD-1 blockade was combined with CpG, survival was enhanced and elevated levels of activated T cells were found in treated mice. In addition, Treg levels were decreased in the tumor area compared to tumors in control treated mice. CTLA-4 blockade was also effective when administrated locally, in proximity to the tumor. Compared to systemic CTLA-4 blockade, local administration gave less adverse events and sustained therapeutic success. When CpG was investigated in a human whole blood loop system it was found to tightly interact with complement proteins. This is an interesting finding which warrants further investigation into the role of TLRs in complement biology. Tumor therapy could be affected either negatively or positively by this interaction. The results presented herein are a foundation for incorporating these combination therapies into the clinic, specifically for bladder cancer but in a broader perspective, also for other solid tumors such as pancreatic cancer.
Quantitative Detection of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> in Biofilms by Real-Time PCR (2005)

A quantitative method based on a real-time PCR assay to enumerate Listeria monocytogenes in biofilms was developed. The specificity for L. monocytogenes of primers targeting the listeriolysin gene was demonstrated using a SYBR Green I real-time PCR assay. The number of L. monocytogenes detected growing in biofilms was 6 x 10(2) CFU/cm2.
Safety and efficacy of DHA-paclitaxel (TXP) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (2004)

7111 Background: DHA-paclitaxel (Taxoprexin [TXP]) is a covalent conjugate of paclitaxel and docosahexanoic acid that has greater tumour specificity in pre-clinical models than paclitaxel. It accumulates in tumour tissue where it is cleaved to paclitaxel. The objective of this multi-centre study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of TXP as first line therapy in advanced NSCLC. Methods: A total of 44 patients (pts) [29 male, 15 female, median age 61y (range 39–74) PS 0 (11pts) PS 1 (33pts)] with pathologically confirmed stage IIIB or IV NSCLC and no previous cytotoxic treatment were enrolled. Pts were required to have adequate renal, hepatic and bone marrow function and have measurable disease. TXP was administered iv over 2 hours q21 days at one of two doses, 900 mg/m2 (31pts) and 1100 mg/m2 (13pts). Due to excess toxicity, including one toxic death, the starting dose was reduced to 900 mg/m2. As of November 2003 four pts remain on follow-up. Results: Twenty-eight courses (mean 2.1) were administered in the 1100 mg/m2 cohort and 109 courses (mean 3.5) for 900 mg/m2. Neutropenia was the primary toxicity and was dose related; 21 of 31 (68%) of patients treated at 900 mg/m2 had grade 3 or 4 neutropenia while 10 of 13 (77%) at 1100 mg/m2 had these grades of neutropenia. No grade 3 or 4 nausea /or vomiting, stomatitis or neuropathies were observed. Forty patients were evaluable for response: 900 mg/m2 PR 2/30 (6.7%), SD 13/30 (43%); 1100 mg/m2 PR 0/10 (0%), SD 3/10 (30%). Survival (see table) at the 900 mg/m2 dose level was comparable to that seen with standard platinum based combination chemotherapy. (Supported by American Regent.) Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Protarga, Inc. Luitpold Pharmaceuticals
Analysis of GaN HEMT Failure Mechanisms During DC and Large-Signal RF Operation (2012)

An analysis of the reliability of GaN high-electron-mobility transistors during dc and RF stress tests is presented. Competing degradation mechanisms have been observed during RF operation, demonstrating the dependence of device reliability on device RF driving conditions. DC tests revealed only one degradation pattern related to defect formation at the high-electric-field region of the gate contact. RF signals, however, allow for other physical phenomena to take place before the said defect formation. Electron injection on the gate–drain region decreases the electric field value, thus counteracting the electric-field-induced defect formation at the gate edge.