gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Very Long-Term Survival and Durability of Mitral Valve Repair for Mitral Valve Prolapse (2001)

Background Mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is often treatable by surgical repair. However, the very long-term (>10-year) durability of repair in both anterior leaflet prolapse (AL-MVP) and posterior leaflet prolapse (PL-MVP) is unknown. Methods and Results In 917 patients (aged 65±13 years, 68% male), surgical correction of severe isolated MR due to MVP (679 repairs and 238 replacements [MVRs]) was performed between 1980 and 1995. Survival after repair was better than survival after MVR for both PL-MVP (at 15 years, 41±5% versus 31±6%, respectively; P =0.0003) and AL-MVP (at 14 years, 42±8% versus 31±5%, respectively; P =0.003). In multivariate analysis adjusting for predictors of survival, repair was independently associated with lower mortality in PL-MVP (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 0.61, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.85; P =0.0034) and in AL-MVP (adjusted RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.96; P =0.028). The reoperation rate was not different after repair or MVR overall (at 19 years, 20±5% for repair versus 23±5% for MVR; P =0.4) or separately in PL-MVP ( P =0.3) or AL-MVP ( P =0.3). However, the reoperation rate was higher after repair of AL-MVP than after repair of PL-MVP (at 15 years, 28±7% versus 11±3%, respectively; P =0.0006). From the 1980s to the 1990s, the RR of reoperation after repair of AL-MVP versus PL-MVP did not change (RR 2.5 versus 2.7, respectively; P =0.58), but the absolute rate of reoperation decreased similarly in PL-MVP and AL-MVP (at 10 years, from 10±3% to 5±2% and from 24±6% to 10±2%, respectively; P =0.04). Conclusions In severe MR due to MVP, mitral valve repair compared with MVR provides improved very long-term survival after surgery for both AL-MVP and PL-MVP. Reoperation is similarly required after repair or replacement but is more frequent after repair of AL-MVP. Recent improvement in long-term durability of repair suggests that it should be the preferred mode of surgical correction of MVP whether it affects anterior or posterior leaflets and is an additional incentive for early surgery of severe MR due to MVP.
Noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Pharmacodynamic Markers of the Choline Kinase Inhibitor MN58b in Human Carcinoma Models (2006)

MN58b is a novel anticancer drug that inhibits choline kinase, resulting in inhibition of phosphocholine synthesis. The aim of this work was to develop a noninvasive and robust pharmacodynamic biomarker for target inhibition and, potentially, tumor response following MN58b treatment. Human HT29 (colon) and MDA-MB-231 (breast) carcinoma cells were examined by proton (1H) and phosphorus (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) before and after treatment with MN58b both in culture and in xenografts. An in vitro time course study of MN58b treatment was also carried out in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, enzymatic assays of choline kinase activity in cells were done. A decrease in phosphocholine and total choline levels (P < 0.05) was observed in vitro in both cell lines after MN58b treatment, whereas the inactive analogue ACG20b had no effect. In MDA-MB-231 cells, phosphocholine fell significantly as early as 4 hours following MN58b treatment, whereas a drop in cell number was observed at 48 hours. Significant correlation was also found between phosphocholine levels (measured by MRS) and choline kinase activities (r2 = 0.95, P = 0.0008) following MN58b treatment. Phosphomonoesters also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in both HT29 and MDA-MB-231 xenografts with no significant changes in controls. 31P-MRS and 1H-MRS of tumor extracts showed a significant decrease in phosphocholine (P < or = 0.05). Inhibition of choline kinase by MN58b resulted in altered phospholipid metabolism both in cultured tumor cells and in vivo. Phosphocholine levels were found to correlate with choline kinase activities. The decrease in phosphocholine, total choline, and phosphomonoesters may have potential as noninvasive pharmacodynamic biomarkers for determining tumor response following treatment with choline kinase inhibitors.
Critical Factors for Detection of Biphasic Changes in Membrane Properties at Specific Sterol Mole Fractions for Maximal Superlattice Formation (2007)

Here we use the excitation generalized polarization (GPex) of 6-lauroyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (Laurdan) fluorescence in fluid cholesterol/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-l-alpha-phosphatidylcholine large unilamellar vesicles to explore the experimental conditions that would be required in order to detect a biphasic change in membrane properties at specific sterol mole fractions (Cr) (e.g., 20.0, 22.2, 25.0, 33.3, 40.0, and 50.0 mol %) for maximal sterol superlattice formation. Laurdan's GPex changes with sterol content in an alternating manner, showing minima (termed as GPex dips) at approximately Cr. GPex dips are detectable if the vesicles are preincubated for a sufficient time period and protected from sterol oxidation. In most cases, vesicles with a higher lipid concentration take a longer time to show a GPex dip at Cr. The depth of the GPex dip increases with increasing incubation time and eventually reaches a plateau, at which the maximum area covered by superlattices is expected to be achieved. However, if the vesicles are not protected against sterol oxidation, the GPex dips are attenuated or obliterated. These effects can be attributed to the increased inter-bilayer lipid exchange and the increased vesicle-vesicle interactions present at high lipid (vesicle) concentrations as well as the decreased interactions between oxysterols and phospholipids. These possible explanations have been incorporated into a kinetic model that is able to calculate the effects of sterol oxidation and lipid concentration on the depth of the GPex dip. The depth of the GPex dip, the required incubation time for the dip formation, and the lipid concentration dependence of the GPex dip vary with Cr, suggesting different physical properties for different sterol superlattices. To detect a biphasic change in membrane properties at Cr, one should also use small sterol mole fraction increments over a wide range, keep all of the vesicles in the same sample set under the same thermal history, and consider lipid concentration, probe type, and Cr value. These results improve our mechanistic understanding of sterol superlattice formation and explain why some studies, especially those requiring high lipid concentrations, did not detect a biphasic change in membrane properties at Cr.
Antimicrobial Activity of Bupivacaine and Pethidine (1987)

Departments of Clinical Microbiology and of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Flinders Medical Centre. The Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, South Australia
Studies on High-Strength Oil-Tempered Chromium-Silicon Alloy Steel Wire for Valve Springs (1995)

It is afraid that increasing the strength of oil-tempered steel wire for valve springs might result in a loss of workability, fatigue strength and creep resisitance. The committee, therefore, investigated the effects of the chemical composition, wire strength, annealing condition, residual stress induced by shot peening, etc., on the mechanical properties of wires and valve springs.The material used for this study was made of the conventional oil-tempered high tension steel wire (JIS G 3566) by increasing its carbon level to the JIS-prescribed upper limit and adding some vanadium. It was then made into two specimens by tempering to tensile strength levels of 2, 000 and 2, 100MPa, respectively. For the purpose of comparison, two other specimens were made of conventional oil-tempered wire (JIS G 3566) by tempering to strength levels of 1, 900 and 2, 000MPa, respectively.In conclusion, high-tension steel wire of this study has been found to possess equal workability with improved fatigue strength, and better creep resistance, when compared with the standard steel wire (JIS G 3566), thus demonstrating the superiority of high-tension steel wire for valve springs. To further improve fatigue strength and creep resistance, it has been found more important to make changes in chemical compositions, and to make further improvements in shot peening process and in other surface-treating technologies, rather than only increasing the tensile strength of the wire.
A New Cooperative Communication MAC Strategy for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks (2007)

Cooperative communication has emerged as a promising technique to enhance system reliability and performances in resource-limited wireless networks. In this paper, we propose a novel cooperative MAC strategy for slow fading Ad hoc networks. Based on cooperative MAC (CMAC) protocol and node cooperative stop and wait (NCSW) ARQ protocol, our node-cooperative retransmission scheme makes three points improvements as follows: 1) In order to avoid ambiguous ACK/NAK and diffusion of cooperation process, cooperative and non-cooperative frames are distinguished. 2) Traffic categories within each node are introduced so that cooperative frames can be sent firstly. 3) According to instantaneous channel conditions, the most appropriate node is selected to help the source node retransmit data. Both the analytical and the simulation results indicate that improved scheme can alleviate collision caused by cooperation and increase the probability of successful retransmissions further.
Guide lines for the selection of acoustooptic materials (1970)

Guide lines are presented for the selection of promising new acoustooptic materials for device applications. Previously, the selection of materials was based primarily on availability and intuition. Now it is possible to estimate an approximate acousto-optic figure of merit for a material knowing only its chemical composition and density. One of the first applications of these guide lines led to a detailed evaluation of lead molybdate, PbMoO <inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</inf> , a material known to have certain desirable physical properties. The results verified that PbMoO <inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</inf> has a high figure of merit, considerably greater than LiNbO <inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</inf> though somewhat less than α-HIO <inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</inf> . In addition to a high figure of merit, a material must also have a low acoustic loss if it is to be useful for device applications. The relationship between the acoustooptic figure of merit and acoustic loss is explored. Although only limited loss data are presently available, it is concluded that a high figure of merit and low loss are compatible material properties for applications below approximately 0.5 GHz. However, as future applications call for higher frequency operation, it appears that a tradeoff between low acoustic loss and high figure of merit will be required.
Enantioselective N-acetylation of 3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid by cell-free extracts of Streptomyces neyagawaensis (1997)

Cell-free extracts of Streptomyces neyagawaensis SL-387 grown on a chemically defined medium supplemented with DL-3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid (APP) produced N-acetyl-APP (Ac-APP) in the presence of APP and acetyl coenzyme A. The APP obtained by acid hydrolysis of the Ac-APP was D-configuration: [α]D+6.5° (H2O) at 20°C, optical purity 92% enantiomeric excesses (ee). These results suggest that an N-acetyltransferase exists in the cell-free extract as a novel enzyme with specificity for D-APP.
Cloning and functional expression of a tetrabenazine sensitive vesicular monoamine transporter from bovine chromaffin granules (1994)

Using oligonucleotide primers derived from the vesicular monoamine transporters sequences, a cDNA predicted to encode the bovine chromaffin granule amine transporter has been cloned (b-VMAT2). Surprisingly, its structure is more similar to the rat brain transporter (VMAT2), than to the rat adrenal counterpart (VMAT1). Unlike rat VMAT1, bovine VMAT2 appears to be expressed both in the adrenal medulla and the brain, as judged by Northern analysis. After modification/deletion of the seven amino acids at the N-terminus of the protein it was expressed in a functional form. The order of affinity of the bovine VMAT2 transporter to substrates is: serotonin > dopamine = norepinephrine > epinephrine. Also, the recombinant bovine adrenal transporter is highly sensitive to tetrabenazine, in sharp contrast to the rat adrenal transporter. The findings indicate, therefore, a clear species variation in which structure and function of the bovine adrenal transporter resemble the rat brain protein, while its tissue distribution is distinct from both types of rat proteins. In addition, the predicted protein sequence is identical to the experimentally determined N-terminus sequence of the purified vesicular amine transporter [Stern-Bach et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 9730-9733].
Usable Speech Detection Using Linear Predictive Analysis - A Model-Based Approach (2003)

A speech segment is defined as usable, if speech, which is corrupted by interfering speech, can still be used for applications like speaker identification. In tactical communications, where there are multiple signals transmitted over the same channel such as telephone or radio transmission, separation of usable speech from speech corrupted by voices of other speakers is desired. This separation is important in making automatic speaker and speech recognition systems more robust. A novel approach towards developing a usable speech measure could be model-based. Using this concept of model-based usable speech detection, the use of Linear Prediction is investigated. The method reveals that an average of 75% of the usable speech is correctly detected with false alarms of 34%.
Surface Characterization of Chemically Modified Wool (2007)

The surface topography of wool fiber, and in particular the scale height and surface roughness, has been characterized using three-dimensional scanning electron microscopy (3D-SEM). The analysis methodology allows the scale height and surface roughness to be accurately and quickly measured, and may provide detailed information about the fiber topography, any associated damage and possible surface coatings. The treatment of wool fiber with potassium permanganate in salt solution was assessed using 3D-SEM and the progressive reduction in the scale height and cuticle smoothing demonstrated. While this effect was relatively obvious and uniform, the effect of a proteolytic enzymatic treatment on the fiber surface was less uniform. The associated effect of the enzymatic modification on the felting shrinkage, fabric strength, and handle was also determined.
Optical Properties of Gaseous 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene in the Ultraviolet Region (2001)

The absorption spectrum of gaseous 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) was recorded by conventional absorption spectroscopy (AS) as well as cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) methods in the spectral regions 195–300 and 225–235 nm, respectively. These spectra were normalized by using the saturated TNT vapor-number density for the measured cell temperature to obtain the absorption cross section of TNT. No spectral features were found in the spectra; this result is consistent with a repulsive electronic excited state of TNT. The temperature dependence of the absorption coefficient of saturated TNT vapor was measured within the temperature range 5–110 °C. The limit of detection of TNT vapor by CRDS is less than 1 ppb. Real-time CRDS measurements of the TNT vapor density at 21 and 37 °C are presented. The TNT evaporation rates were found to be 7 × 108 and 4 × 10 10 molecules/cm 2 × s at 21 and 37 °C, respectively.
Influence of various PN sequence phase optimization criteria on the SNR performance of an asynchronous DS-CDMA system (2002)

The AO/LSE, LSE/AO and MSE/AO spreading code phase optimization criteria are compared with each other and with the minimum mean-square cross-correlation cross-optimal (MSQCC/CO) and CO/MSQCC criteria. 13 sets of code of lengths 31-511 are used as examples. It is concluded that a criterion of any kind does not give any advantage unless E/sub b//N/sub 0/ is >10 dB. The optimization also loses its importance when the code length is /spl ges/255. It is also found that the AO/LSE, LSE/AO and MSE/AO criteria cannot be put into the order of quality from the viewpoint of reduced multiple-access interference. In addition, the MSQCC/CO criterion results in the best SNR performance. The CO/MSQCCC criterion is second best. It is also recommended to use the MSQCC/CO criterion instead of, for example, the AO/LSE criterion, as a sieve to choose PN sequences for the purpose of numerical analysis of bit error probability of an asynchronous CDMA system to obtain the best results and to avoid uncertainty.
Impact of a Reading Priority Scoring System on the Prioritization of Examination Interpretations (2016)

A reading priority scoring system with defined clinical scenarios yielded desirable prioritization of examination interpretations by radiologists as evidenced by appropriate and improved stratification of RTATs and RTAT variability.
Acrylics and HID Light Sources (1977)

Various forms of acrylic plastics and their performance after exposure to selected HID lamps are discussed, in addition to the effect of ultraviolet output from these lamps. Tests with vertical and horizontal 250-, 400-, and 1000-watt fixtures were conducted, and this data is presented so that the advantages of a glass shield often used with HID fixtures can be assessed.
Drivers and Barriers to Energy Efficiency Management for Sustainable Development (2014)

An increasing number of industries are seeking to use energy more efficiently due to market pressure, public awareness of environmental sustainability, and rising energy costs and volatility. Energy efficiency is potentially one of the most important and cost-effective means by which industries can mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable development. Despite the availability of cost-effective energy efficiency measures in industries, these are not always implemented due to various barriers and obstacles. This research investigates the current status of energy management practices in the Korean steel industry in order to examine how drivers and barriers to energy efficiency operate, the circumstances in which these practices arise and the extent to which public policy or organizational change may overcome them. This study finds that market-based factors, as well as organizational/individual behavioural factors, play important roles in energy efficiency investment towards sustainable development. In particular, economic factors (cost savings, energy tax, capital budget, cost of identifying and analysing business opportunities, beneficial loans for energy efficiency investments) and organizational factors (technical risk, lack of manager's influence, owner's demand, top management commitment, and corporate reputation) seriously affect energy efficiency in the steel industry. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Asymmetric hydrolyses of 1,2‐ and 1,3‐diacetoxycyclohexanes with the cultured suspension cells of Marchantia polymorpha (1997)

Very high enantioselectivities were observed in the hydrolysis of racemic 1,2- and 1,3-diacetoxycyclohexanes and their derivatives by cultured cells of Marchantia polymorpha in suspension. Asymmetry was also induced in the hydrolyses of meso-1,2- and 1,3-diacetates to the corresponding monoacetates. These findings indicate that these cultured cells hydrolyze the acetoxyl groups enantioselectively at the stereogenic center of R-configuration. Chirality 9:250–253, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Voltage-mode resonant push-pull converter with magnetic power controllers (1987)

A voltage-mode resonant push-pull converter with magnetic power controllers is investigated for the continuous-conduction-mode concerning the output-inductor current. The output voltage is regulated by the PWM process using magnetic amplifiers with the constant switching frequency. This resonant converter has the prominent features of low noise and high efficiency at high-frequency switching. The static characteristics of this converter are analyzed and experimentally confirmed. The stability and the power efficiency are also examined.
Biology of the Bryostatins in the Marine Bryozoan Bugula neritina: Symbiosis, cryptic speciation and chemical defense (1999)

This dissertation investigates the identity and function of a bacterial symbiont described in the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina by R.M. Woollacott in 1981. B. neritina is the source of bryostatins, unique cytotoxins suspected to have a bacterial source, and is considered a single species throughout its cosmopolitan temperate range. Bryostatins found from different collections of B. neritina vary, and only certain populations produce bryostatins that possess an octa-2,4-dienoate substituent. In this dissertation the bacterial symbionts of the larvae are identified by small subunit ribosomal rRNA {SSU) gene sequences and named "Candidatus Endobugula sertula." The variable regions of these genes were used to design oligonucleotides specific to the symbiont. These specific oligonucleotides were used for in situ hybridization to the bacteria in the pallial sinus to confirm the origin of the sequence, and for specific amplification of symbiont SSU rRNA genes by PCR. Then the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene was used to identify two distinct species of B. neritina each harboring a different symbiont as determined by SSU rRNA sequence. Variation in the bryostatin profiles is associated with this genetic difference. Only one B. neritina/"E. sertula" association can produce bryostatins with an octa-2,4-dienoate substituent (bryostatins 1-3, 12 and 15). In order to elucidate the possible involvement of the symbiont in production of bryostatins, experiments were conducted to eliminate "E. sertula" from R. neritina to determine whether B. neritina can continue to grow normally without the symbiont, and/or continue to produce equivalent levels of bryostatins. Symbiont levels were estimated using a symbiont-specific PCR assay, then bryostatin activity levels were compared between control and treated B. neritina colonies. When symbiont levels were greatly reduced, bryostatin activity declined by approximately 50%. Genetic evidence was discovered that indicates "E. sertuld" has the potential to synthesize complex polyketides like bryostatin. Finally evidence was gathered to address the hypothesis that bryostatins serve as defensive compounds for the bryozoan host. The distribution of bryostatins in the colonies is suggestive of a defense, and it was found that predatory nudibranchs of B. neritina sequester bryostatins and concentrate them in their egg ribbons. In summary, the symbiont's most likely function is to provide a chemical defense, bryostatins, for the host.