gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Activation of Endothelial Roundabout Receptor 4 Reduces the Severity of Virus-Induced Keratitis (2011)

Antiangiogenic molecules exert a feedback control to restrain pathological angiogenesis, which includes physical binding or inhibition of angiogenic signaling in blood vessel endothelial cells. The latter is the case in which Slit2 ligand-dependent activation of the blood vessel endothelial cell receptor roundabout 4 (Robo4) occurs. In this study, we demonstrate that Robo4 receptors are upregulated following HSV infection of the eye on the majority of the new blood vessel endothelial cells that occur in the corneal stroma. However, expression levels of the ligand for Robo4 receptors, Slit2, was not significantly increased during the disease process, and the knockdown of Slit2 gene expression using lentiviral short hairpin RNAs had no effect on the extent of pathological angiogenesis. In contrast, providing additional Slit2 protein by subconjunctival administration resulted in significantly reduced angiogenesis. The Slit2 binding to Robo4 was shown to block the downstream vascular endothelial growth factor signaling molecules Arf 6 and Rac 1 and reduce the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-xL in blood vessel endothelial cells. Our results indicate that augmenting the host Robo4/Slit2 system could provide a useful therapeutic approach to control pathological angiogenesis associated with HSV induced stromal keratitis.
Physical performance of elite New Zealand Olympic class sailors. (1997)

The purpose of this study was to compare the physical performance of elite New Zealand and other nations olympic class sailors and to undertake an initial examination of the relation between physical and sailing performance.A comparative study.Healthy elite national level olympic class sailors were examined.Thirty-one elite New Zealand Olympic sailing squad team members and 108 Olympic team sailors from ten other nations.The data for the two groups of subjects was compared using unpaired "t"-tests. A qualitative analysis was used to examine the relation between physical and sailing performance.Measurements included age, body mass, muscular strength endurance (as assessed by the maximum number of push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups that could be performed) and serobic power (as assessed by the time taken to cover 2500 m and the distance completed in 12 minutes in a maximal effort rowing ergometer test). Sailing performance was assessed by national coach ranking of each New Zealand sailor.On average the New Zealanders were younger and lighter than the sailors from the other nations. They tended to have greater shoulder/arm strength endurance as reflected in their performance for push-ups and pull-ups, but a lesser ability in their sit-up performance. They also tended to be aerobically fitter. There were clear and logical differences between body mass and both class of vessel and the position of the sailor i.c. crew or helmsman. Lighter sailors sailed lighter craft whilst heavier sailors sailed the heavier craft. Crew members were generally heavier than helmsmen. Age appeared to be related to sailing performance.Elite New Zealand Olympic class sailors tend to be younger, lighter, stronger and aerobically fitter than elite sailors from other nations. Age appeared to be related to on-water sailing performance.
A Review of Noise and Vibration Control Technologies for Rotorcraft Transmissions (2016)

An expanded commercial use of rotorcraft can alleviate runway congestion and improve the accessibility of routine air travel. To date, commercial use has been hindered by excessive cabin noise. The primary noise source is structure-borne vibration originating from the main rotor gearbox. Despite significant advancements in gear design, the gear mesh tones generated often exceed 100 dB. This paper summarizes the findings of a literature survey of vibration control technologies that serve to attenuate this vibration near the source, before it spreads into the airframe and produces noise. The scope is thus limited to vibration control treatments and modifications of the gears, driveline, housing structures, and the strut connections to the airframe. The findings of the literature are summarized and persistent and unresolved issues are identified. An emphasis is placed on components and systems that have been demonstrated in flight vehicles. Then, a discussion is presented of emerging technologies that have the potential to make significant advancements over the state of the art.
Occlusions in obstacle detection for safe navigation (2004)

Obstacles detection is essential to safe autonomous platform navigation. The obstacle detection methods proposed in the literature do not pay sufficient attention to the occlusion-problem caused by the existence of regions along the trajectory of a vehicle that are hidden by other objects and where potential obstacles might be located. Our approach takes occlusions into account to prevent the possibility of collision. Experimental results with a robotic platform demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed algorithm are presented.
Assessment of postpreservation rat lung function using a new model for extended venous reperfusion (1993)

Understanding the physiological significance of biochemical events after lung preservation in rats has been hampered by the lack of a suitable model for physiological assessment. We have developed an ex vivo paracorporeal rat lung perfusion model that permits hemodynamic and gas exchange evaluation of lung function. After anesthesia and heparinization, the heart-lung block was removed and the left lung was reperfused for 1 h at a constant flow of 4 ml/min with homologous venous blood drained from the inferior vena cava of the paracorporeal (host) rat. The lung effluent was returned at the same flow rate to the host distal aorta. The model was validated by the assessment of lung function after room temperature ischemia. Animals were allocated into three groups (n = 6) according to the ischemic interval (group 1, 20 min; group 2, 3 h; group 3, 4 h). In groups 1 and 2, PO2, PCO2, mean airway pressure, and pulmonary arterial pressure were within the normal ranges and stable throughout the experiment. In contrast, lungs in group 3 demonstrated higher pulmonary arterial pressure and lower blood effluent PO2 than were found in either group 1 or 2. A significant weight gain during reperfusion was observed only in group 3 (4.23 +/- 0.9 g; P < 0.002). For each lung, the final blood effluent PO2 correlated with the weight gain (R2 = 0.81; P < 0.0001). Our results indicate that this model can be used reliably to detect lung dysfunction after ischemic injury.
New ‘monolithic’ templates and improved protocols for soft lithography and microchip fabrication (2006)

We report a new method for fast prototyping and fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and plastic microfluidic chips. These methods share in common the preparation of monolithic masters which includes the fabrication of the planar support, the 'negative pattern' of the microchannels and the fluidic connectors. The monolithic templates are extremely robust compared to conventional ones made of silicon and SU-8, and easier to produce and cheaper than all-silicon or electroplated templates. In contrast to the above-mentioned methods, our process allows one to cast both micrometre- (e.g. the microchannel) and millimetre-sized structures (e.g. the fluidic connection to the outer world) in a single fabrication step. The 'monolithic template' strategy can be used to fabricate both elastomeric (e.g. poly(dimethyl siloxane (PDMS)) polyester thermoset masters and glassy polymeric (e.g. cyclic olefin copolymer (COC)) devices. In this study we also report on one step fabrication of elastomer chips and on surface modifications of the above mentioned monolithically fabricated masters in order to improve separation of the chip from the template.
An Efficient Dual-Interpolator Architecture for Sub-pixel Motion Estimation (2005)

The new generation video codecs typically adopt a sophisticated interpolation filter for sub-pixel motion estimation (ME). For embedded applications, it is crucial to reduce both the memory requirement and the computational complexity for sub-pixel ME. The paper's key observation is that the interpolation filter for motion estimation and the filter for coding do not have to be the same. By adopting a simpler on-the-fly interpolation filter during the ME process and a standard-compliant filter for coding, both memory and complexity can be reduced with very little coding performance degradation. Since Hadamard transformed-SAD (sum of absolute differences) is often used in high quality codecs as a better matching measure, we further show that the ME interpolation filer can be combined with the Hadamard transform for efficient VLSI implementation. Initial results show a very promising performance by the proposed system.
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Effect of Rate of Ingestion of Carbohydrate and Different Carbohydrate Preparations (1983)

The glucose load of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is well standardized. However, recommendations on rate of ingestion and nature of the load are vague. In this study the effect on blood glucose, serum insulin, C-peptide, and plasma gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) of giving 75 g glucose in 300 ml over 1 and 10 min (Gl and G10) was investigated in six subjects. In five an isocaloric amount of partially hydrolyzed starch (Hycal) was also used (HI and H10). The fast glucose intake, compared with the slow ingestion, resulted in an earlier rise in blood glucose levels, accompanied by a faster serum insulin and C-peptide response. Between 90 and 135 min blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher after the 10-min glucose intake. At 120 min blood glucose levels were 5.5 ± 0.5 and 4–7 ± 0.5 mmol/L, respectively, for G10 and Gl (P &lt; 0.05). In the first half hour after slow and fast Hycal intake no differences were seen in blood glucose, serum insulin, and C-peptide levels. Between 45 and 120 min blood glucose levels were significantly higher after the 10-min Hycal intake. At 120 min blood glucose levels were 5.3 ±0.2 and 4–4 ± 0.1 mmol/L, respectively, for H10 and HI (P &lt; 0.01). Except for a faster rise in glucose and insulin levels after glucose loading in 1 min, no further differences were found, when compared with Hycal. No significant differences were seen in the GIP responses. Thus differences in rates of ingestion can cause significant differences in later results. A standard time for glucose ingestion should be specified.
Effect of Acoustical, Visual and Tactile Echo on Speech Fluency of Stutterers (1996)

The study presents the comparison of the effects of echo transmitted via single and combined channels (auditory, visual and tactile) on the speech of stutterers. The dependence of stuttering intensity and speech velocity upon echo delay time was determined. For all transmission channels the stuttering intensities and the speech velocities decreased with the increase in the delay time of the echo. The results were analyzed statistically by means of the ANOVA method. It was proven that the corrective effects of visual echo and tactile echo were comparable. Echo transmitted via the auditory channel was more effective than when transmitted via the visual or tactile channels. The greatest efficiency could be observed by transmitting echo via three connected channels: auditory, visual and tactile. The results obtained show that in stuttering therapy it is justified to use echo transmitted via three connected channels (auditory, visual, tactile).
Characterization of the Complex Locus of Bean Encoding Polygalacturonase-Inhibiting Proteins Reveals Subfunctionalization for Defense against Fungi and Insects (2004)

Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) are extracellular plant inhibitors of fungal endopolygalacturonases (PGs) that belong to the superfamily of Leu-rich repeat proteins. We have characterized the full complement of pgip genes in the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotype BAT93. This comprises four clustered members that span a 50-kb region and, based on their similarity, form two pairs (Pvpgip1/Pvpgip2 and Pvpgip3/Pvpgip4). Characterization of the encoded products revealed both partial redundancy and subfunctionalization against fungal-derived PGs. Notably, the pair PvPGIP3/PvPGIP4 also inhibited PGs of two mirid bugs (Lygus rugulipennis and Adelphocoris lineolatus). Characterization of Pvpgip genes of Pinto bean showed variations limited to single synonymous substitutions or small deletions. A three-amino acid deletion encompassing a residue previously identified as crucial for recognition of PG of Fusarium moniliforme was responsible for the inability of BAT93 PvPGIP2 to inhibit this enzyme. Consistent with the large variations observed in the promoter sequences, reverse transcription-PCR expression analysis revealed that the different family members differentially respond to elicitors, wounding, and salicylic acid. We conclude that both biochemical and regulatory redundancy and subfunctionalization of pgip genes are important for the adaptation of plants to pathogenic fungi and phytophagous insects.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Clofazimine in a Mouse Model of Tuberculosis (2015)

The antileprosy drug clofazimine has shown potential for shortening tuberculosis treatment; however, the current dosing of the drug is not evidence based, and the optimal dosing is unknown. Our objective was to conduct a preclinical evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of clofazimine in the mouse model of tuberculosis, with the goal of providing useful information on dosing for future studies. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in infected and uninfected BALB/c mice. Pharmacodynamic parameters were evaluated in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice that were treated for 12 weeks with one of six different clofazimine dosing regimens, i.e., doses of 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg of body weight/day and 3 regimens with loading doses. Clofazimine progressively accumulated in the lungs, livers, and spleens of the mice, reaching levels of greater than 50 μg/g in all tissues by 4 weeks of administration, while serum drug levels remained low at 1 to 2 μg/ml. Elimination of clofazimine was extremely slow, and the half-life was dependent on the duration of drug administration. Clofazimine exhibited dose-dependent tissue and serum concentrations. At any dose, clofazimine did not have bactericidal activity during the first 2 weeks of administration but subsequently demonstrated potent, dose-independent bactericidal activity. The antituberculosis activity of clofazimine was dependent on neither the dose administered nor the drug concentrations in the tissues, suggesting that much lower doses could be effectively used for tuberculosis treatment.
A Monoclonal Antibody against the Paraneoplastic Pemphigus (PNP) Antigen, Envoplakin: cDNA Sequences Encoding the Variable Regions of Heavy and Light Chains (2004)

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by severe mucosal erosion, and polymorphous cutaneous lesions associated with neoplasia. PNP patients have circulating autoantibodies that bind to stratified and nonstratified epithelia. Previously, we showed that envoplakin was a component of the antigen complex recognized by PNP sera. In the present study we generated a monoclonal antibody, EVP-YS, against human envoplakin. The antibody bound to keratinocyte cell surfaces and reacted with the 210-kDa PNP antigen, confirming its specificity for envoplakin. The variable regions of the heavy (H) and light (L) chain genes were cloned from the hybridoma and shown to belong to mouse H chain subgroup III and κ light chain subgroup V, respectively. The L chain of EVP-YS was 98% identical to the κ chains of some autoantibodies and anti-nucleic acid antibodies, and had an identical amino acid sequence in all three complementary determining regions, suggesting that the H chains determine the specificity of the EVP-YS-envoplakin interaction. The EVP-YS antibody can be used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of clinical, histological, and immunological criteria for diagnosing PNP.
Neurotrophic Protein Regulates Muscle Acetylcholinesterase in Culture (1978)

Skeletal muscles lose acetylcholinesterase in culture as a result of denervation. A protein fraction isolated from peripheral nerves maintained the level of acetylcholinesterase in cultures of aneural embryonic muscle or denervated adult chicken muscle. These results indicate that trophic regulation of muscle acetylcholinesterase might be mediated by a protein produced by nerves.
TOPPE: A framework for rapid prototyping of MR pulse sequences (2017)

The TOPPE file format is a complete specification of an MR imaging experiment, based on arbitrary sequences of a (typically small) number of unique modules. Along with the GE interpreter, TOPPE comprises a modular and flexible platform for rapid prototyping of new pulse sequences. Magn Reson Med 79:3128-3134, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A study of bioaerosol sampling cyclones (2005)

A wetted wall cyclone using an airblast atomizer upstream of the inlet was designed as an improvement of a wetted wall cyclone developed by White et al. in 1975, which uses liquid injection through a port on the wall of the cyclone inlet. In the course of this project, many changes to different aspects of the White-type cyclone design and operation were considered. These included inlet configuration, liquid delivery, porous media, surface finishes and coatings, outlet skimmer design, and cyclone body length. \nThe final airblast atomizer cyclone (AAC) design considered has an aerosol-to-hydrosol collection efficiency cut-point of 1.6 µm with collection efficiencies at 2 and 3 µm of 65% and 85%, respectively. The efficiency reported for the White-type cyclone for single Bacillus globigii spores that have a particle size of about 1 µm was approximately 81.8%. The aerosol-to-aerosol transmission efficiency for the AAC configuration was found to be approximately 50% for 1 µm diameter particles as compared with 70  100% for the White-type cyclone. \nA time response test was performed in which the White-type (ca. 2003) cyclone had an initial response of 3 minutes for a condition where there was no liquid carryover through the cyclone outlet and 8 minutes on average with hydrosol carryover. The decay response of the White-type cyclone was 1.25 minutes for non-liquid carryover conditions. The AAC had an initial response of 2.75 minutes and a decay response of \n2.5 minutes. The shortened version of the AAC had an initial response of 1.5 minutes and a decay response of 1.25 minutes. There was no liquid carryover observed for any tests of this cyclone configuration. \nPower consumption tests were performed comparing pressure drops across different variations of White-type cyclones (circa 2003 and 1999) including a variation with an electrical discharge machined (EDM) inlet profile, that reduces the pressure drop at a nominal air flowrate of 780 L/min from 18 inH2O for the basic White-type cyclone (ca. 2003) to 16 inH2O with use of the EDM inlet. Two different variations of White-type cyclones were found to have pressure drops of 25 inH2O and 18 inH2O at an air flowrate of 780 L/min.
Introducing hydroxyl into cationic surfactants as viscoelastic surfactant fracturing fluid with high temperature resistance (2016)

The viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fracturing fluid is new fracturing system, which is primarily made up of viscoelastic surfactant and some other auxiliaries. The traditional VES fracturing fluid has the obvious advantages in gel breaking, flowing back, carrying sands, etc. However, they are centered largely in the aspects of medium and low temperature system. In this paper, the work is focus on the need for the VES fracturing fluid with high temperature resistance. In the experiment, four kinds of viscoelastic surfactants with hydroxyl were firstly synthesized, which were named C14-1, C16-1, C14-2 and C16-2 respectively. Then the formulation of VES fracturing fluid was determined in accordance with the apparent viscosity of solution, and the formulation was that concentration of C16-2 and NaSal were 2.5% and 1% respectively. It was found that the VES fracturing fluid has excellent effectiveness via testing properties of temperature resistance, shear stability, sand-carrying and gel breaking. When the temperature of system was 144°C, the apparent viscosity of the VES fracturing fluid was 25 mPa s, which could demand the requirements of carrying sands as well as support agents, and it could resist high temperature well. It is also observed that the VES fracturing fluid is the pseudoplastic fluid, which contributes to getting the cracks with excellent negotiability.
Impact of Pramlintide on Glucose Fluctuations and Postprandial Glucose, Glucagon, and Triglyceride Excursions Among Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Intensively Treated With Insulin Pumps (2003)

In this study, the addition of pramlintide to insulin therapy reduced excessive 24-h glucose fluctuations as well as postprandial glucose, glucagon, and triglyceride excursions in patients with type 1 diabetes intensively treated with insulin pumps.
The use of polymers for coating of cells (2002)

Abstract Bare cells or tissues are sometimes exposed to external hazardous conditions, physical (thermal changes), chemical or biological (such as enzymes, bacteria and viruses). Liquids, semi‐liquids (e.g. gels) or solid films are often used to surround individual cells or tissues in order to protect them and to achieve greater stability in laboratory and industrial uses. On the one hand there is a need for isolation and creating a barrier between the cell and its surroundings, and on the other hand this should not affect the metabolism and viability of the cell used. Polymers are major substances for cell encapsulation and entrapment. These preparations are often used for the manufacture of drugs and other cell metabolites. There are only a few publications describing single‐cell coating. We can consider a definition of coating as a process of surrounding an object with a thin film, having a thickness of only a small fraction of the object's dimensions. Taking this definition into account, in fact, most coating experiments actually deal with entrapment or immobilization rather than coating. The latest research shows for the first time the ability to coat a single cell by producing a thin gel layer around it. Xenopus laevis eggs and embryos were used as a model system for coating with thin films composed of low‐methoxy pectin (LMP), alginate, and ι‐ and κ‐carrageenans. These gums have different compositions and structures and accordingly created different coatings around the cells. The first goal was to achieve a thin film (∼50 µm) around an individual non‐fertilized egg (one cell). Next, the influence of coating an early‐stage toad embryo was tested. All coated embryos appeared to develop normally, similar to non‐coated embryos. The survival percentages after hatching of coated embryos were significantly higher than of the non‐coated control. In addition, the coating served as a barrier to microbial contamination and thus improved survival prospects. The coatings delayed hatching by 18 to 24 hr. At hatch, the embryos were at a more developed stage than their non‐coated counterparts. Thus, coating cells by polymeric thin film appears to be a suitable tool for laboratories interested in performing longer‐term experiments with cells or embryos. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.