gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of total internal reflexion and bandgap modes in solid core photonic bandgap fibre with intersticial air holes (2007)

In this article, we deal with new properties of a Solid Core Photonic Bandgap (SC-PBGF) fiber with intersticial air holes (IAHs) in its transverse structure. It has been shown recently, that IAH enlarges its bandgaps (BG), compared to what is observed in a regular SC-PBGF. We shall describe the mechanisms that account for this BG opening, which has not been explained in detail yet. It is then interesting to discuss the role of air holes in the modification of the Bloch modes, at the boundaries of the BG. In particular, we will use a simple method to compute the exact BG diagrams in a faster way, than what is done usually, drawing some parallels between structured fibers and physics of photonic crystals. The very peculiar influence of IAHs on the upper/lower boundaries of the bandgaps will be explained thanks to the difference between mode profiles excited on both boundaries, and linked to the symmetry / asymmetry of the modes. We will observe a modification of the highest index band (n(FSM)) due to IAHs, that will enable us to propose a fiber design to guide by Total Internal Reflection (TIR) effect, as well as by a more common BG confinement. The transmission zone is deeply enlarged, compared to regular photonic bandgap fibers, and consists in the juxtaposition of (almost non overlapping) BG guiding zones and TIR zone.
Verifying Michael and Scott's lock-free queue algorithm using trace reduction (2008)

Lock-free algorithms have been developed to avoid various problems associated with using locks to control access to shared data structures. These algorithms are typically more intricate than lock-based algorithms, as they allow more complex interactions between processes, and many published algorithms have turned out to contain errors. There is thus a pressing need for practical techniques for verifying lock-free algorithms and programs that use them.

In this paper we show how Michael and Scott's well known lock-free queue algorithm can be verified using a trace reduction method, based on Lipton's reduction method. Michael and Scott's queue is an interesting case study because, although the basic idea is easy to understand, the actual algorithm is quite subtle, and it demonstrates several way in which the basic reduction method needs to be extended.
The policy iteration algorithm for average reward Markov decision processes with general state space (1997)

The average cost optimal control problem is addressed for Markov decision processes with unbounded cost. It is found that the policy iteration algorithm generates a sequence of policies which are c-regular, where c is the cost function under consideration. This result only requires the existence of an initial c-regular policy and an irreducibility condition on the state space. Furthermore, under these conditions the sequence of relative value functions generated by the algorithm is bounded from below and "nearly" decreasing, from which it follows that the algorithm is always convergent. Under further conditions, it is shown that the algorithm does compute a solution to the optimality equations and hence an optimal average cost policy. These results provide elementary criteria for the existence of optimal policies for Markov decision processes with unbounded cost and recover known results for the standard linear-quadratic-Gaussian problem. In particular, in the control of multiclass queueing networks, it is found that there is a close connection between optimization of the network and optimal control of a far simpler fluid network model.
Prostate Cancer Detection and Prognosis: From Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) to Exosomal Biomarkers (2016)

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) remains the most used biomarker in the management of early prostate cancer (PCa), in spite of the problems related to false positive results and overdiagnosis. New biomarkers have been proposed in recent years with the aim of increasing specificity and distinguishing aggressive from non-aggressive PCa. The emerging role of the prostate health index and the 4Kscore is reviewed in this article. Both are blood-based tests related to the aggressiveness of the tumor, which provide the risk of suffering PCa and avoiding negative biopsies. Furthermore, the use of urine has emerged as a non-invasive way to identify new biomarkers in recent years, including the <i>PCA3</i> and <i>TMPRSS2:ERG</i> fusion gene. Available results about the PCA3 score showed its usefulness to decide the repetition of biopsy in patients with a previous negative result, although its relationship with the aggressiveness of the tumor is controversial. More recently, aberrant microRNA expression in PCa has been reported by different authors. Preliminary results suggest the utility of circulating and urinary microRNAs in the detection and prognosis of PCa. Although several of these new biomarkers have been recommended by different guidelines, large prospective and comparative studies are necessary to establish their value in PCa detection and prognosis.
Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging of Human Hair with a High Spatial Resolution without the Use of a Synchrotron (2005)

The cross-section of a human hair has been imaged for the first time using the micro attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) method in combination with a focal plane array (FPA) detector. A rigorous approach was applied to determine the spatial resolution, namely, measuring the distance over which the band absorbance changes from 95 to 5% of the maximum absorbance when passing through a sharp interface. The measured value for IR transmission was approximately 16 microm, while the value obtained using ATR imaging was approximately 5 microm. The enhanced spatial resolution achieved by this method allows the medulla of the hair (approximately 8 microm in diameter) to be imaged clearly without the need for a synchrotron source. The spatial resolution of transmission and ATR imaging is compared, and advantages of ATR imaging are discussed.
Mixing in a 220MHz CMOS-MEMS (2007)

This paper describes the frequency mixing operation of a micro electro mechanical system device designed and fabricated in a CMOS commercial technology (AMS 0.35mum). The theory of the MEMS is summarized and a CMOS fully integrated MEMS is characterized as a mixer. The designed MEMS is a polysilicon clamped-clamped beam that presents a resonance frequency in the VHF range. CMOS-MEMS based mixer limitations are treated and a technique based on differential amplification to improve performance is given.
Diabetes and Hypercholesterolemia Increase Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and Brain Amyloid Deposition: Beneficial Effects of the LpPLA2 Inhibitor Darapladib (2013)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypercholesterolemia (HC) have emerged as major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the importance of vascular health to normal brain functioning. Our previous study showed that DM and HC favor the development of advanced coronary atherosclerosis in a porcine model, and that treatment with darapladib, an inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, blocks atherosclerosis progression and improves animal alertness and activity levels. In the present study, we examined the effects of DM and HC on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using immunoglobulin G (IgG) as a biomarker. DMHC increased BBB permeability and the leak of microvascular IgG into the brain interstitium, which was bound preferentially to pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex. We also examined the effects of DMHC on the brain deposition of amyloid peptide (Aβ42), a well-known pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease. Nearly all detectable Aβ42 was contained within cortical pyramidal neurons and DMHC increased the density of Aβ42-loaded neurons. Treatment of DMHC animals with darapladib reduced the amount of IgG-immunopositive material that leaked into the brain as well as the density of Aβ42-containing neurons. Overall, these results suggest that a prolonged state of DMHC may have chronic deleterious effects on the functional integrity of the BBB and that, in this DMHC pig model, darapladib reduces BBB permeability. Also, the preferential binding of IgG and coincident accumulation of Aβ42 in the same neurons suggests a mechanistic link between the leak of IgG through the BBB and intraneuronal deposition of Aβ42 in the brain.
Recovery of Absorption Line Shapes With Correction for the Wavelength Modulation Characteristics of DFB Lasers (2016)

Tunable diode laser spectroscopy combined with wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) is an important technique for noninvasive measurements of gas parameters such as pressure, concentration, and temperature in high-noise harsh environments. A variety of laser types are used for these applications, and the modulation characteristics can have significant effects on line shape recovery. Here, we identify important characteristics of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers that need to be taken into account in the context of WMS and illustrate the effects with a 2-μm wavelength multiquantum-well DFB laser used for CO2 detection. The modulation response of the laser is measured, and we demonstrate how the phasor decomposition method (PDM) may be used to obtain accurate line shapes from the first harmonic WMS signals by correcting for phase variation across the laser's low-frequency current sweep. We also demonstrate how the PDM approach can be improved by removing the need to preset the orientation of the lock-in axis to isolate the residual amplitude modulation component, making it more suitable for field applications.
Alendronate-associated esophageal injury: pathologic and endoscopic features. (1999)

Ingestion of alendronate sodium (Fosamax) by osteoporotic patients can be associated with esophagitis and esophageal ulcer. Alendronate can damage the esophagus both by toxicity from the medication itself and by nonspecific irritation secondary to contact between the pill and the esophageal mucosa, similar to other cases of "pill esophagitis." Despite its wide use, the histologic appearances of alendronate-associated esophageal ulceration have not been previously described in detail, nor is this type of medication-induced injury commonly appreciated by pathologists when evaluating biopsies from ulcer sites. We report a series of 10 patients who experienced erosive/ulcerative esophagitis while ingesting alendronate, and describe the associated endoscopic and pathologic features. Biopsies from all patients showed inflammatory exudate and inflamed granulation tissue as characteristic of any ulcer site. Polarizable crystalline foreign material was present in six of 10 biopsies (60%). Multinucleated giant cells within the inflammatory exudate were present near this crystalline foreign material in three of 10 biopsies (30%). Adjacent squamous epithelium typically showed active inflammation and a reactive appearance with enlarged, hyperchromatic nuclei. Multinucleated squamous epithelial giant cells were present in two of 10 cases (20%). Microorganisms were unusual; scattered fungi and/or viral inclusions were present in only two of 10 biopsies (20%). Recognition of alendronate-associated erosive or ulcerative esophagitis, particularly in postmenopausal women, and communication of this possibility to the clinician can improve patient care.
Multiresponsive, Hierarchically Structured Membranes: New, Challenging, Biomimetic Materials for Biosensors, Controlled Release, Biochemical Gates, and Nanoreactors (2008)

Multifunctional responsive gel membranes present a new and promising platform for the development of “smart” devices for bioseparation, biosensors, and “smart” drug release. These membranes combine the functions of stimuli-responsive control and regulation of the mass transport with a range of properties, such as storage, catalysis of chemical reactions, antimicrobial activity, and optical signal transduction.
Compartmentation of ATP:Citrate Lyase in Plants (2000)

Extracts prepared from young leaves of Pea (Pisum sativum), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), rape (Brassica napus), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) all contained ATP:citrate lyase (ACL) activity, which was most active in rape leaflets (130 nmol min(-1) g fresh weight). In rape and spinach, ACL activity was predominantly localized in the plastids (between about 78% and 90% of the total activity), whereas in pea and tobacco, distribution was mainly cytosolic (about 85% and 78%, respectively, of the total). These distributions were calculated from the relative distributions of plastid and cytosol marker enzymes. Cross-reactivity between plant and rat ACL antibody was carried out by immunoblot analysis and, in rape and spinach, showed that a 120-kD protein, presumably indicating homomeric ACL proteins, was present in both cytosolic and plastidic fractions. In pea, two cross-reacting proteins were detected, the major material being in the cytosol fraction. Therefore, ACL occurs both in the cytosol and plastids of higher plants, but the distribution of activity changes according to the species. The plastidic ACL is proposed to function for the supply of acetyl-coenzyme A for lipid biosynthesis de novo, whereas the cytosolic ACL may provide acetyl-coenzyme A for the mevalonate pathway or fatty acid elongation.
Cancer stem cells in solid tumors: an overview and new approaches for their isolation and characterization (2012)

Primary tumors are responsible for 10% of cancer deaths. In most cases, the main cause of mortality is the formation of metastases. Accumulating evidence suggests that a subpopulation of tumor cells with distinct stem-like properties is responsible for tumor initiation, invasive growth, and metastasis formation. This population is defined as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Existing therapies have enhanced the length of survival after diagnosis of cancer but have completely failed in terms of recovery. CSCs appear to be resistant to chemotherapy, may remain quiescent for extended periods, and have affinity for hypoxic environments. The CSCs can be identified and isolated by different methodologies, including isolation by CSC-specific cell surface marker expression, detection of side population phenotype by Hoechst 33342 exclusion, assessment of their ability to grow as floating spheres, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity assay. None of the methods mentioned are exclusively used to isolate the solid tumor CSCs, highlighting the imperative to delineate more specific markers or to use combinatorial markers and methodologies. This review provides an overview of the main characteristics and approaches used to identify, isolate, and characterize CSCs from solid tumors.
Opioid peptides and primary biliary cirrhosis. (1988)

Patients with liver disease have increased plasma concentrations of the endogenous opioid peptides methionine enkephalin and leucine enkephalin. As an initial investigation to determine whether opioid peptides contribute to any of the clinical manifestations of hepatic disease nalmefene, a specific opioid antagonist devoid of agonist activity, was given to 11 patients with cirrhosis. They all experienced a severe opioid withdrawal reaction on starting the drug. In the nine patients with primary biliary cirrhosis pruritus was greatly alleviated, fatigue seemed to improve, and plasma bilirubin concentration, which had been rising, showed a modest fall in all except one patient. These results indicate that blocking opioid receptors has an effect on some of the metabolic abnormalities of liver disease.
Antidepressant effects of ketamine and the roles of AMPA glutamate receptors and other mechanisms beyond NMDA receptor antagonism (2017)

The molecular mechanisms underlying major depressive disorder remain poorly understood, and current antidepressant treatments have many shortcomings. The recent discovery that a single intravenous infusion of ketamine at a subanesthetic dose had robust, rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in individuals with treatment-resistant depression inspired tremendous interest in investigating the molecular mechanisms mediating ketamine's clinical efficacy as well as increased efforts to identify new targets for antidepressant action. We review the clinical utility of ketamine and recent insights into its mechanism of action as an antidepressant, including the roles of <i>N</i>-methyl-D-aspartate receptor inhibition, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor upregulation, activation of downstream synaptogenic signalling pathways and the production of an active ketamine metabolite, hydroxynorketamine. Emerging knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying both ketamine's positive therapeutic and detrimental side effects will aid the development of a new generation of much-needed superior antidepressant agents.
Ricin poisoning and forensic toxicology (2009)

Ricin is one of the most fascinating poisons due to its high toxicity: as little as 500 microg can kill an adult. It gained fame by its use in the so-called 'umbrella murder' to kill the Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov in 1978. Ricin also became known as a potential bio-terror agent to which people could be exposed through the air, food, or water. The origin, biochemistry, toxicity, and analytical procedures for the determination of ricin are summarized. The homicide of Markov is described as well as recent cases of criminal ricin use.
Compressed Delta Encoding for LZSS Encoded Files (2007)

We explore the full compressed delta encoding problem in compressed texts, defined as the problem of constructing a delta file directly from the two given compressed files, without decompressing. We concentrate on the case where the given files are compressed using LZSS and propose solutions for the special cases involving substitutions only
Functional Microdomains in G-protein-coupled Receptors (1998)

An Arg present in the third transmembrane domain of all rhodopsin-like G-protein-coupled receptors is required for efficient signal transduction. Mutation of this Arg in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor to Gln, His, or Lys abolished or severely impaired agonist-stimulated inositol phosphate generation, consistent with Arg having a role in receptor activation. To investigate the contribution of the surrounding structural domain in the actions of the conserved Arg, an integrated microdomain modeling and mutagenesis approach has been utilized. Two conserved residues that constrain the Arg side chain to a limited number of conformations have been identified. In the inactive wild-type receptor, the Arg side chain is proposed to form an ionic interaction with Asp<sup>3.49(138)</sup>. Experimental results for the Asp<sup>3.49(138)</sup> → Asn mutant receptor show a modestly enhanced receptor efficiency, consistent with the hypothesis that weakening the Asp<sup>3.49(138)</sup>-Arg<sup>3.50(139)</sup> interaction by protonation of the Asp or by the mutation to Asn favors activation. With activation, the Asp<sup>3.49(138)</sup>-Arg<sup>3.50(139)</sup> ionic bond would break, and the unrestrained Arg would be prevented from orienting itself toward the water phase by a steric clash with Ile<sup>3.54(143)</sup>. The mutation Ile<sup>3.54(143)</sup> → Ala, which eliminates this clash in simulations, causes a marked reduction in measured receptor signaling efficiency, implying that solvation of Arg<sup>3.50(139)</sup> prevents it from functioning in the activation of the receptor. These data are consistent with residues Asp<sup>3.49(138)</sup> and Ile<sup>3.54(143)</sup> forming a structural motif, which helps position Arg in its appropriate inactive and active receptor conformations.
Toxicity of Monoterpenoids and Other Natural Products to the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) (1997)

Monoterpenoids are potentially useful for the development of new insecticides because of their low mammalian toxicity. Different monoterpenoids differ significantly in their toxicity to particular insects. We evaluated the toxicity of 6 monoterpenoids, 2 alkaloids, and 1 hydrocarbon that are plant or ant semiochemicals to the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus. Bioassays were performed to determine the effects of the semiochemicals on the mortality and tunneling behavior of termites and the fumigant activity of 3 monoterpenoids, citral, geraniol, and eugenol. We also tested the effect of the monoterpenoid alcohol eugenol, as a feeding deterrent. We found significant differences in the termiticidal activity of the different compounds tested. Monoterpenoid alcohols, particularly eugenol, were the most effective as termiticides against C. formosanus. Eugenol was also more effective as a fumigant than citral and geraniol. In addition, termites did not tunnel through eugenol and geraniol-treated sand barriers for at least 5 d. However, eugenol was not effective as a feeding deterrent when applied directly to blocks of wood, except at the relatively high concentration of 100,000 ppm.
Glass fiber poling and applications (1997)

Recent developments in the application of poled optical fibers to second harmonic generation and electrooptic light modulation are reviewed.
Axial Rotation and Lateral Bending in the Normal Lumbar Spine Measured by Three-Dimensional Radiography (1984)

A three-dimensional radiographic technique was used to investigate the ranges of active axial rotation and lateral bending plus the accompanying rotations in the planes other than that of the primary voluntary movements in two groups of normal male volunteers. There was approximately 2 degrees of axial rotation at each intervertebral joint with L3-4 and L4-5 being slightly more mobile. Lateral bending of approximately 10 degrees occurred at the upper three levels, while there was significantly less movement of 6 degrees and 3 degrees at L4-5 and L5-S1, respectively. In the upper lumbar spine, axial rotation to the right was accompanied by lateral bending to the left and vice versa. At L5-S1, axial rotation and lateral bending generally accompanied each other in the same direction, while L4-5 was a transitional level. These measurements in vivo demonstrated that there was no simple mechanical coupling of the rotations, and that the lordotic shape of the lumbar spine together with muscular control are probably the two principal factors determining the relation between the primary and accompanying rotations.
Progress in Development of Catalyst Systems for Coordinated Polymerization of Olefins (2014)

The research progresses about polyolefin catalyst systems in recent years are summarized. Focusing on the type and properties of the catalytic polymerization of the olefin polymerization catalyst, including typical Ziegler-Natta catalysts, metallocene catalysts and post-transition metal catalyst system. Then the new post-transition metal catalyst is introduced.
Antibody Responses to the Outer Membrane Protein P6 of Non-typeable<i>Haemophilus influenzae</i>and Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharides in Otitis-prone Children (1999)

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common infectious disease in children. Some children experience recurrent episodes of AOM. Recent investigations demonstrate antigen-specific immunological deficiencies in children prone to AOM. In the present study, the immune responses to non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) were further investigated in otitis-prone children and normal children. Forty-eight percent of otitis-prone children exhibited reduced IgG2 levels to S. pneumoniae and 55% exhibited reduced IgG levels to NTHi. These data suggest that otitis proneness appears to be related to numerous immunological derangements. Pathogen-specific antibodies are a reliable measure of otitis proneness.