gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
An Innovative Piezoelectric‐Based Method for Measuring Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients With Hypertension (2011)

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an accepted surrogate marker of arterial stiffness and may be a useful tool for assessing cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. The authors sought to compare a novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric-based sensing device for measuring PWV in the arm with a validated SphygmoCor device (AtCor Medical, West Ryde, Australia) in normal and hypertensive patients. They also sought to compare measured PWV in the forearm (brachial-radial PWV [BRPWV]) with values obtained in the carotid-radial segment (carotid-radial PWV [CRPWV]). Under standardized conditions, CRPWV in 108 normotensive patients with both devices was measured. BRPWV was measured with the PVDF device. Identical measurements were made in a group of 82 hypertensive patients before and after optimization of blood pressure control. Mean CRPWV was 8.7 m/s in the normotensive group and 9.4 m/s in the hypertensive group. Mean BRPWV was 9.2 m/s in the normotensive group and 10.3 m/s in the hypertensive group. There was excellent correlation between the 2 devices when comparing individual CRPWV values (normotensive group, R(2) = 0.92; mean bias 0.04 m/s; hypertensive group, R(2) = 0.89, mean bias 0.08 m/s). Correlation was also favorable when measuring changes in CRPWV in hypertensive patients undergoing pharmacotherapy (PVDF -0.52 ± 0.90 m/s vs SphygmoCor -0.53 ± 1.01 m/s; R(2) = 0.81). Measured values for BRPWV were significantly higher than CRPWV values, and this discrepancy was more marked in the hypertensive group. The PVDF piezoelectric device has excellent correlation with the validated SphygmoCor device when measuring PWV. This novel device may have an important role in patients with conditions such as hypertension.
Novel Ferroelectric Polymers for High Energy Density and Low Loss Dielectrics (2012)

The state-of-the-art polymer dielectrics have been limited to nonpolar polymers with relatively low energy density but ultralow dielectric losses for the past decades. With the fast development of power electronics in pulsed power and power conditioning applications, there is a need for next-generation dielectric capacitors in areas of high energy density/low loss and/or high temperature/low loss polymer dielectrics. Given limitations in further enhancing atomic and electronic polarizations for polymers, this Perspective focuses on a fundamental question: Can orientational polarization in polar polymers be utilized for high energy density and low loss dielectrics? Existing experimental and theoretical results have suggested the following perspectives. For amorphous polar polymers, high energy density and low loss can be achieved below their glass transition temperatures. For liquid crystalline side-chain polymers, dipole mobility is so high that they saturate at relatively low electric fields, and only limited electrical energy can be further stored after dipole saturation. Crystalline polar polymers are promising and can be divided into three categories: normal ferroelectric, paraelectric, and novel ferroelectric. For normal ferroelectric crystalline polymers, switching of a high spontaneous polarization results in a large hysteresis. To reduce the hysteresis, ultrafine crystallites or ferroelectric domains are desired to reduce the spontaneous polarization. For paraelectric crystalline polymers, dipoles have the potential to align in an external electric field. However, a high degree of dipole reversibility is required for the high energy density and low loss application. Novel ferroelectric behaviors include relaxor ferroelectric and antiferroelectric-like behaviors are highly desired because of their high degree of dipole reversibility. To achieve the relaxor ferroelectric behavior, structural defects such as bulky comonomers need to be introduced into the crystalline lattice to expand the lateral unit cell dimensions and speed up the mobility and reversibility of crystalline dipoles. So far, true antiferroelectric crystalline polymers have not yet been discovered. Nevertheless, the antiferroelectric-like behavior has been realized by reducing the compensation polarization via nanoconfinement. In the future, more research is needed to develop new paraelectric and novel ferroelectric polymers for high energy density and low loss dielectrics.
Effectiveness of Kasugamycin Against <i>Erwinia amylovora</i> and its Potential Use for Managing Fire Blight of Pear (2010)

Comparative field studies on the management of fire blight were conducted in California on Asian and Bartlett pear using single-bactericide, mixture, and rotation treatments of selected compounds. Treatment efficacy was evaluated based on the natural occurrence of the disease or after inoculation with Erwinia amylovora. Kasugamycin at 100 mg/liter demonstrated similar or higher pre- and post-infection activity than the industry standards, streptomycin and oxytetracycline. Phytotoxicity caused by kasugamycin was observed only when five or six sequential weekly applications were done. In a six-spray rotation program including three bactericides (copper, kasugamycin, and oxytetracycline), with each being used twice, phytotoxicity was minor. Baseline sensitivity concentrations for kasugamycin were established for growth of 376 isolates of E. amylovora from California. Values for the lowest concentration where a reduction in growth on nutrient agar was observed ranged from 3.5 to 18.3 mg/liter, with a mean value of 8.7 mg/liter. Values for ≥95% inhibition of growth ranged from 6.9 to 46.7 mg/liter, with a mean value of 18.5 mg/liter. These inhibitory values for kasugamycin were higher than those for streptomycin or oxytetracycline. The in vitro activity of all three compounds was highly dependent on the agar medium used in the sensitivity assay. The activity of kasugamycin was also highly dependent on the pH of the medium and was significantly higher at pH 5.1 than pH 7.3. With the planned registration in the United States, kasugamycin represents the first new, highly effective bactericide for managing fire blight in over 40 years.
Underwater Wireless Optical Communication Channel Modeling and Performance Evaluation using Vector Radiative Transfer Theory (2008)

This paper presents the modeling of an underwater wireless optical communication channel using the vector radiative transfer theory. The vector radiative transfer equation captures the multiple scattering nature of natural water, and also includes the polarization behavior of light. Light propagation in an underwater environment encounters scattering effect creating dispersion which introduces inter-symbol-interference to the data communication. The attenuation effect further reduces the signal to noise ratio. Both scattering and absorption have adverse effects on underwater data communication. Using a channel model based on radiative transfer theory, we can quantify the scattering effect as a function of distance and bit rate by numerical Monte Carlo simulations. We also investigate the polarization behavior of light in the underwater environment, showing the significance of the cross-polarization component when the light encounters more scattering.
Low power parallel multipliers (2002)

This paper presents and compares sign extension techniques used to decrease the switching activity and improve the performance of parallel multipliers. A detailed review of different sign extension schemes is presented and an improved scheme for reducing the power dissipation is proposed. Four parallel CMOS multipliers designed in 0.6 /spl mu/m technology are used to implement and compare the sign extension schemes.
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to the outer membrane protein (OmpD) of <i>Salmonella typhimurium</i> (1992)

A panel of monoclonal antibodies, seven against the trimeric and seven against the monomeric forms to outer membrane protein D (OmpD) of Salmonella typhimurium were produced. The specificities of these monoclonal antibodies for the porin proteins of S. typhimurium and their cross-reactions with Salmonella porins OmpC and OmpF were determined by Western immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We observed that OmpD shared more epitopes and had greater structural similarity with OmpC than with OmpF.
Adaptive multimode lubrication in natural synovial joints and artificial joints (1998)

To examine the lubrication mechanisms in both natural synovial joints and artificial joints with artificial cartilages, pendulum tests of pig shoulder joints and simulator tests of sliding pairs of a stainless steel spherical component and natural articular cartilage or artificial cartilage have been conducted. Firstly, it was shown in pendulum tests of pig shoulder joints that both concentration of hyaluronic acid or viscosity and adsorbed film formation of proteins and phospholipids exerted a significant effect on frictional behaviour in swinging motion immediately after a loading of 100 N. Under a high load of 1 kN, low friction was observed under wide-ranging viscosity conditions, since a high load similar to body weight probably enhanced the squeeze film effect due to improved congruity. Next, frictional behaviour of sliding pairs in knee joint models, consisting of a stainless steel spherical surface and either specimens of pig tibial cartilage or polyvinylalcohol (PVA) hydrogel, was examined during walking in simulator tests. In these tests, the influences of lubricant viscosity and addition of protein on frictional behaviour were evaluated. For both compliant materials, the appropriate addition of gamma-globulin to sodium hyaluronate (HA) solution maintained low friction and protected rubbing surfaces under thin film conditions. These phenomena are discussed from the viewpoint of adaptive multimode lubrication.
Striatal contributions to working memory: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in humans (2004)

Although the role of the frontal cortex in executive performance has been widely accepted, issues regarding the contribution of subcortical structures to these functions remain unresolved. In this study, the neural circuitry underlying selective subcomponents of working memory was investigated using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Ten healthy volunteers performed a verbal memory task, which allowed different aspects of working memory function such as maintenance, retrieval and manipulation to be tested within the same general paradigm. During performance of this task as a whole, fMRI revealed increases in signal intensity throughout the frontostriatal network. However, when signal intensity during the manipulation of information within working memory was compared to that during periods requiring only simple maintenance and retrieval, significant changes were observed only in the caudate nuclei, bilaterally. These results suggest an essential and specific role for the caudate nucleus in executive function, which may underlie the cognitive disturbances observed in frontostriatal neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
A Domino Diels–Alder Approach toward the Tetracyclic Nicandrenone Framework (2015)

The tetracarbocyclic framework of the nicandrenone natural products is formed in one step from a linear precursor via a domino intramolecular Diels-Alder/intramolecular furan Diels-Alder/aromatization sequence. The approach represents a new 0 → ABCD strategy for the preparation of aromatic steroids.
Approaches for heuristically biasing RRT growth (2004)

This paper presents several modifications to the basic rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) search algorithm. The fundamental idea is to utilize a heuristic quality function to guide the search. Results from a relevant simulation experiment illustrate the benefit and drawbacks of the developed algorithms. The paper concludes with several promising directions for future research.
Rapid Identification of Cell-Specific, Internalizing RNA Aptamers with Bioinformatics Analyses of a Cell-Based Aptamer Selection (2012)

We describe a novel approach that combines cell-internalization SELEX with HTS and bioinformatics analysis to identify cell-specific, cell-internalizing RNA aptamers. Our data highlight the importance of performing a pre-clear step against a non-target cell in order to select for cell-specific aptamers. We expect the extended use of this approach to enable the identification of aptamers to a multitude of different cell types, thereby facilitating the broad development of targeted cell therapies.
Protein Correlation Profiles Identify Lipid Droplet Proteins with High Confidence (2013)

Lipid droplets (LDs) are important organelles in energy metabolism and lipid storage. Their cores are composed of neutral lipids that form a hydrophobic phase and are surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer that harbors specific proteins. Most well-established LD proteins perform important functions, particularly in cellular lipid metabolism. Morphological studies show LDs in close proximity to and interacting with membrane-bound cellular organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and endosomes. Because of these close associations, it is difficult to purify LDs to homogeneity. Consequently, the confident identification of bona fide LD proteins via proteomics has been challenging. Here, we report a methodology for LD protein identification based on mass spectrometry and protein correlation profiles. Using LD purification and quantitative, high-resolution mass spectrometry, we identified LD proteins by correlating their purification profiles to those of known LD proteins. Application of the protein correlation profile strategy to LDs isolated from Drosophila S2 cells led to the identification of 111 LD proteins in a cellular LD fraction in which 1481 proteins were detected. LD localization was confirmed in a subset of identified proteins via microscopy of the expressed proteins, thereby validating the approach. Among the identified LD proteins were both well-characterized LD proteins and proteins not previously known to be localized to LDs. Our method provides a high-confidence LD proteome of Drosophila cells and a novel approach that can be applied to identify LD proteins of other cell types and tissues.
High on Cannabis and Calcineurin Inhibitors: A Word of Warning in an Era of Legalized Marijuana (2016)

Tacrolimus, a potent immunosuppressant medication, acts by inhibiting calcineurin, which eventually leads to inhibition of T-cell activation. The drug is commonly used to prevent graft rejection in solid organ transplant and graft-versus-host disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic index with variable oral bioavailability and metabolism via cytochrome P-450 3A enzyme. Toxicity can occur from overdosing or from drug-drug interactions with the simultaneous administration of cytochrome P-450 3A inhibitors and possibly P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Tacrolimus toxicity can be severe and may include multiorgan damage. We present a case of suspected tacrolimus toxicity in a postallogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient who was concurrently using oral marijuana. This case represents an important and growing clinical scenario with the increasing legalization and use of marijuana throughout the United States.
Investigations on the Function of Creatine Kinase in Ehrlich Ascites Tumor Cells (1989)

1. Growth and viability of in vitro cultured Ehrlich ascites tumor cells are not significantly impaired by exogenous creatine up to 40mM. Retardation of cell growth by higher concentrations depends on cell density. 2. Ehrlich cells grown in the presence of high concentrations of creatine accumulate creatine phosphate to high levels (up to 23 nmol/10(6) cells in the presence of 40mM creatine). 3. A nearly complete interruption of glycolytic ATP production or inhibition of the oxidative ATP synthesis reduces the maximal creatine to about 40-50% of controls. 4. Studies on the intracellular distribution of creatine kinase have shown, that the enzyme is only associated with the mitochondrial fraction. Titration of isolated mitochondria with digitonin revealed that the activity is located in the inter-membrane space and partly bound to the outer site of the inner membrane. 5. By growth of Ehrlich cells in creatine-free medium it is possible to obtain "creatine phosphate-depleted" cells (creatine phosphate less than 10% of controls). The growth of creatine phosphate-depleted cells as compared to controls is significantly reduced under energetic stress situations. The protein synthesis of these cells after an energetic stress (lack of glucose and oxygen) is significantly reduced as compared to creatine phosphate containing cells. 6. It is concluded that in these cells creatine kinase/creatine phosphate is a thermodynamic buffer system and not part of an energy shuttle as is postulated for muscle cells.
The evaluation of the acceleration factor to reliability test (2011)

The content of this article explains some features of reliability testing with application in the field of power semiconductor devices, with emphasis on accelerated tests. For example presents the evolution of acceleration factor depending on the junction temperature of power semiconductor devices, in our case of power thyristors, using the HTOL model (High Temperature Operating Life — operating mode to high temperature), a model that can extend the service (normal period or useful life) of equipments, as published by Crowe and Feinberg (2). It also gives the range of temperature for the above-mentioned model can be applied with reference to the operating parameters established by the manufacturer for a power semiconductor element, in our case 20/12 SKKT module, which includes two power thyristors produced by electronic components company, SEMIKRON and graphic acceleration factor (A = t/t').
A Dynamic Key Management Scheme Based on Secret Sharing for Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Networks (2013)

Since wireless sensor networks (WSN for short) are often deployed in hostile environments in many applications, security becomes one of the critical issues in WSN. Moreover, due to the limitation of the sensor nodes, traditional key management schemes are not suitable for it. Thereby,a feasible and efficient key management scheme is an important guarantee for WSN to communicate securely. For the moment, many protocols have been proposed and each has its own advantages. However, these protocols cannot provide sufficient security in many cases, such as node capture attack, which makes WSN more vulnerable than traditional wireless networks. Key protection and revocation issues must be considered with special attention in WSN. To address these two issues, we propose a dynamically clustering key management scheme based on secret sharing for WSN. The scheme combined the hierarchical structure of wireless sensor networks with dynamic key management scheme. The analysis results show that the scheme has strong security and resistance of captured attack, as well as low communicational overhead, and it well meets the requirement of scalability. DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i3.2300
Lymphoid Reconstitution After Autologous PBSC Transplantation With FACS-Sorted CD34+ Hematopoietic Progenitors (1998)

Abstract T-cell and B-cell reconstitution was studied in nine patients who received fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS)-sorted autologous CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). The mean numbers of T cells (CD3+), B cells (CD19+) and CD34+ HPC administered to each patient were .004, .002, and 1.8 × 106 cells/kg, respectively. After high-dose myeloablative chemotherapy (busulfan, cyclophosphamide, etoposide) CD34+ HPC were infused and lymphoid reconstitution was monitored using flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of VDJ T-cell receptor (TcR) sequences. Restoration of normal numbers of peripheral blood T cells and B cells among recipients of FACS-sorted CD34+ HPC was delayed compared to recipients of non-T-cell–depleted PBSC autografts. In both patient groups, the circulating T cells were primarily CD4−, CD8+, αβ TcR+, and CD45RO+, CD45RA− during the first 2 months after transplant. Subsequent increases in the frequency of CD45RA+ CD45RO− T cells occurred at 2 to 3 months after transplant, suggesting maturation of CD34+hematopoietic progenitors to “naive” T cells. Analysis of the TcR repertoire after hematopoietic reconstitution demonstrated decreased diversity of Vβ TcR expression associated with global decreases in the absolute number of total peripheral blood T cells and most Vβ TcR+ subsets. Three of nine recipients of FACS-sorted CD34+ HPC demonstrated significant increases in the percentage of γδ+ peripheral T cells and CD5+ B cells at 3 to 9 weeks after transplantation, and all patients had transient oligoclonal expansions of T cells expressing specific Vβ TcR. Transplantation with highly purified CD34+ HPC results in reduced diversity of the peripheral T-cell repertoire during the early post-transplant period compared with patients receiving unmanipulated or MoAb-depleted transplants.
Position and Orientation Measurement of a Mobile Robot by Image Recognition of Simple Barcode Landmarks and Compensation of Inclinations (2001)

A position and orientation measuring system for an indoor mobile robot is proposed based on “RECS” (Robot Environment Compromise System) concept. RECS concept makes it possible to develop the multipurpose robot by setting the environment so as that the robot can act skillfully. As the setting of the environment, a simple and cheep landmark is developed by using a commercial retro-reflect type reflection sheet and it is attached to the ceiling of a room. This landmark is based on white color and is not conspicuous to a human being at usual state, and is illuminated from the robot in order to be conspicuous only when the measuring procedure is needed. Considering economical efficiency and unobtrusiveness, this landmark can be employed at many points in the room. The robot can obtain landmark's image in a CCD camera and can know the absolute position of the landmark by reading the barcode. A calculating method of robot's position and orientation is newly proposed, which compensates two landmarks' images by information of robot's inclinations and uses them. Static and dynamic measuring accuracy of this system is experimentally inspected and it is less than 10mm and ideg in the neighborhood of two landmarks. By selecting appropriate two landmarks from many of them, this accuracy is thought to be kept in the wide area of the room.