gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future (2010)

Silybum marianum or milk thistle (MT) is the most well-researched plant in the treatment of liver disease. The active complex of MT is a lipophilic extract from the seeds of the plant and is composed of three isomer flavonolignans (silybin, silydianin, and silychristin) collectively known as silymarin. Silybin is a component with the greatest degree of biological activity and makes up 50% to 70% of silymarin. Silymarin is found in the entire plant but it is concentrated in the fruit and seeds. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production and lipid peroxidation, has antifibrotic activity and may act as a toxin blockade agent by inhibiting binding of toxins to the hepatocyte cell membrane receptors. In animals, silymarin reduces liver injury caused by acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, radiation, iron overload, phenylhydrazine, alcohol, cold ischaemia and Amanita phalloides. Silymarin has been used to treat alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis and toxin-induced liver diseases.
Baking science & technology (1973)

Spices fascinate us -- the way a pinch of chilli zips a sober bean casserole into a hot experience or how the scent of cinnamon wafting from a bakery triggers the appetite. The Spices of Life brings together over 100 delicious recipes using favourite spices like cloves, nutmeg, saffron, mace, cardamom, ginger, chillies and pepper, as well as less familiar and exotic ones. Dishes encompass starters, snacks and soups, main and side courses, chutneys and sauces and desserts and drinks. A beautiful compilation, rich in striking images, superb recipes and fascinating information. The book includes recipes fully adapted for western cooks, clear step-by-step cooking instructions and brief notes on foods, cultures and countries with each recipe. With two hundred full-colour photographs, a glossary of foods, an illustrated spice guide and a history of spices. The Spices of Life is ideal for all cooks, as well as a great gift-giving idea!
Controllable Thermal Rectification Realized in Binary Phase Change Composites (2015)

Phase transition is a natural phenomenon happened around our daily life, represented by the process from ice to water. While melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, a high heat of fusion is accompanied, classified as the latent heat. Phase change material (PCM) has been widely applied to store and release large amount of energy attributed to the distinctive thermal behavior. Here, with the help of nanoporous materials, we introduce a general strategy to achieve the binary eicosane/PEG4000 stuffed reduced graphene oxide aerogels, which has two ends with different melting points. It's successfully demonstrated this binary PCM composites exhibits thermal rectification characteristic. Partial phase transitions within porous networks instantaneously result in one end of the thermal conductivity saltation at a critical temperature, and therefore switch on or off the thermal rectification with the coefficient up to 1.23. This value can be further raised by adjusting the loading content of PCM. The uniqueness of this device lies in its performance as a normal thermal conductor at low temperature, only exhibiting rectification phenomenon when temperature is higher than a critical value. The stated technology has broad applications for thermal energy control in macroscopic scale such as energy-efficiency building or nanodevice thermal management.
ChemInform Abstract: Anthraquinone Derivatives and an Orsellinic Acid Ester from the Marine Alga‐Derived Endophytic Fungus Eurotium cristatum EN‐220. (2015)

Abstract The anthraquinone glycoside (I), and the orsellinic ester, cristatumside A (II), are isolated along with three known aromatic glycosides as well as three known anthraquinone derivatives from the fungal strain Euroticum cristatum.
Influence of hypertonic mannitol on ventricular performance and coronary blood flow in patients. (1975)

The influence of a relatively small increase in serum osmolality produced by hypertonic mannitol on ventricular and systemic arterial hemodynamics and coronary blood flow was studied in 20 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Mannitol given to increase serum osmolality 10 mOsm resulted in a small but significant increase in mean systemic arterial pressure, maximum LV dp/dt, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and cardiac output but no significant change in heart rate or hematocrit. The most prominent change in the patients studied, however, was in coronary blood flow which increased 39% after mannitol. Patients with severe two and three vessel coronary artery disease had increased in coronary blood flow similar to those in patients without coronary artery disease. The data suggest the need to further evaluate the physiological importance of the increase in coronary blood flow produced by mannitol in patients with coronary artery disease and indicate the possibility that mannitol might be of value in treating certain problems in patients with coronary artery disease,
Processing Social Media Messages in Mass Emergency (2015)

Social media platforms provide active communication channels during mass convergence and emergency events such as disasters caused by natural hazards. As a result, first responders, decision makers, and the public can use this information to gain insight into the situation as it unfolds. In particular, many social media messages communicated during emergencies convey timely, actionable information. Processing social media messages to obtain such information, however, involves solving multiple challenges including: parsing brief and informal messages, handling information overload, and prioritizing different types of information found in messages. These challenges can be mapped to classical information processing operations such as filtering, classifying, ranking, aggregating, extracting, and summarizing. We survey the state of the art regarding computational methods to process social media messages and highlight both their contributions and shortcomings. In addition, we examine their particularities, and methodically examine a series of key subproblems ranging from the detection of events to the creation of actionable and useful summaries. Research thus far has, to a large extent, produced methods to extract situational awareness information from social media. In this survey, we cover these various approaches, and highlight their benefits and shortcomings. We conclude with research challenges that go beyond situational awareness, and begin to look at supporting decision making and coordinating emergency-response actions.
Qualitative expressions of changes (2002)

Qualitative expressions of change in signals, such as gradually increasing, smoothly changing, suddenly goes up, and swing quickly, are often used in diagnostic and control knowledge acquired from humans. The knowledge is then translated into rules for knowledge-based systems. These expressions, in general, can be directly expressed neither by qualitative reasoning methods nor by fuzzy techniques. The author defines these expressions linguistically using terms of magnitude such as high and small. By defining these magnitudes with fuzzy sets or with landmark values, the change expressions can be indirectly defined. This indirect definition allows flexible application of the qualitative expressions whose meaning heavily depends on the context and situations when these expressions are used.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
An Experimental and Computational Evolution-Based Method to Study a Mode of Co-evolution of Overlapping Open Reading Frames in the AAV2 Viral Genome (2013)

Overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) in viral genomes undergo co-evolution; however, how individual amino acids coded by overlapping ORFs are structurally, functionally, and co-evolutionarily constrained remains difficult to address by conventional homologous sequence alignment approaches. We report here a new experimental and computational evolution-based methodology to address this question and report its preliminary application to elucidating a mode of co-evolution of the frame-shifted overlapping ORFs in the adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 2 viral genome. These ORFs encode both capsid VP protein and non-structural assembly-activating protein (AAP). To show proof of principle of the new method, we focused on the evolutionarily conserved QVKEVTQ and KSKRSRR motifs, a pair of overlapping heptapeptides in VP and AAP, respectively. In the new method, we first identified a large number of capsid-forming VP3 mutants and functionally competent AAP mutants of these motifs from mutant libraries by experimental directed evolution under no co-evolutionary constraints. We used Illumina sequencing to obtain a large dataset and then statistically assessed the viability of VP and AAP heptapeptide mutants. The obtained heptapeptide information was then integrated into an evolutionary algorithm, with which VP and AAP were co-evolved from random or native nucleotide sequences in silico. As a result, we demonstrate that these two heptapeptide motifs could exhibit high degeneracy if coded by separate nucleotide sequences, and elucidate how overlap-evoked co-evolutionary constraints play a role in making the VP and AAP heptapeptide sequences into the present shape. Specifically, we demonstrate that two valine (V) residues and β-strand propensity in QVKEVTQ are structurally important, the strongly negative and hydrophilic nature of KSKRSRR is functionally important, and overlap-evoked co-evolution imposes strong constraints on serine (S) residues in KSKRSRR, despite high degeneracy of the motifs in the absence of co-evolutionary constraints.
Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay (2010)

We performed the first studies of analytic sensitivity, analytic specificity, and dynamic range for the new Xpert MTB/RIF assay, a nucleic acid amplification-based diagnostic system that detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampin (RIF) resistance in under 2 h. The sensitivity of the assay was tested with 79 phylogenetically and geographically diverse M. tuberculosis isolates, including 42 drug-susceptible isolates and 37 RIF-resistant isolates containing 13 different rpoB mutations or mutation combinations. The specificity of the assay was tested with 89 nontuberculosis bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay correctly identified all 79 M. tuberculosis isolates and correctly excluded all 89 nontuberculosis isolates. RIF resistance was correctly identified in all 37 resistant isolates and in none of the 42 susceptible isolates. Dynamic range was assessed by adding 10(2) to 10(7) CFU of M. tuberculosis into M. tuberculosis-negative sputum samples. The assay showed a log-linear relationship between cycle threshold and input CFU over the entire concentration range. Resistance detection in the presence of different mixtures of RIF-resistant and RIF-susceptible DNA was assessed. Resistance detection was dependent on the particular mutation and required between 65% and 100% mutant DNA to be present in the sample for 95% certainty of resistance detection. Finally, we studied whether assay specificity could be affected by cross-contaminating amplicons generated by the GenoType MTBDRplus assay. M. tuberculosis was not detected until at least 10(8) copies of an MTBDRplus amplicon were spiked into 1 ml of sputum, suggesting that false-positive results would be unlikely to occur.
Characteristics of High-Rate Energy Spectroscopy Systems Using HPGe Coaxial Detectors and Time-Variant Filters (1984)

A high-rate, high-resolution gamma spectrometer system is described. The system consists of a reverse electrode HPGe coaxial detector, a transistor reset preamplifier, an active, semi-Gaussian prefilter, a gated integrator, and a unique data acquisition system consisting of a 10 μs, 13 bit ADC, fast FIFO memory, 8k by 23 bit data memory, and computer interface circuitry under the control of a Z-80A μP. The effects of the various components on the throughput are described and throughput data is presented. The resolution and peak shift for various shaping times are presented for count rates up to 1 Mcps input rate using a mixed 22Na and 60Co source. The low rate resolutions of 57Co and 60Co for various shaping times using either the semi-Gaussian or gated integrator output are discussed as well as the low energy resolution and peak shifts in the presence of high energy events.
Occurrence of Fragmentation of Free and Combined Forms of the β-Subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin* (1990)

In an attempt to further study various fragments of free and combined forms of hCGβ present in biological fluids, we performed one- and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by Western immunoblotting using antipeptide antibodies directed to the hCGβ- (111–116) portion (monoclonal antibody FB12) antiserum to the hCGβ(8–16) portion or antiserum which was specific for fragments ending at residue 47. Results observed in a crude preparation of urinary hCG demonstrated that in addition to the carboxyl-terminal part of the reduced hCGβ nicked subunit (βNS) [hCGβ-(48–145)], three other fragments of mol wt 18,000 (Fl), 16,500 (F2), and 12,000 (F3) were detectable after cleavage of disulfide bonds. Both the immunoreactivity pattern and peptide sequencing revealed that the Fl fragment was constituted of the hCGβ-(l–47) sequence, whereas the F2 fragment comprised the 6–47 portion. We then studied the βNS in urine from either pregnant women or four patients with choriocarcinomas. Results showed that both hCG and the free β-subunit contained βNS. Furthermore, free hCGβ present in those urine samples appeared to be extensively, if not totally, nicked. Results observed in urine were confirmed using separation of hCG from its β-subunit by a twostep chromatography procedure, identification of hCG and hCG β immunoreactive peaks by specific monoclonal immunoradiometric assay, and analysis of resulting preparations by one-dimensional electrophoresis under reducing conditions, followed by Western immunoblotting with FB12. This latter protocol was also used to investigate the presence of βNS in sera of four patients with choriocarcinoma tumors. In those sera, hCG appeared to be nicked. This study demonstrates that the β-subunit of hCG is modified by multiple fragmentations. (Endocrinology126: 687–694, 1990)
Changes in Plasma Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 RNA Associated with Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation and Suppression (2002)

In early trials of antiretroviral therapy, acyclovir was associated with increased survival by an unknown mechanism. The hypothesis that subclinical herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation was associated, in vivo, with increased plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA and suppression with a reduced plasma HIV RNA load was investigated. HSV cultures were performed daily on HSV-2-positive/HIV-positive patients, and plasma HIV-1 RNA loads were measured at regular intervals. A subset of patients prior to, during, and after HSV suppression with high-dose acyclovir was measured to determine whether HSV suppression was associated with a decrease in HIV replication. Most (25/27 HSV-2-positive/HIV-positive persons) reactivated HSV. Total HSV shedding rate was strongly correlated with plasma HIV-1 RNA load (R=0.54; P=.004), and the plasma HIV-1 RNA level at a given CD4 cell count was 48% lower when treated with acyclovir. These data indicate that frequent mucosal HSV reactivation influences HIV replication in vivo and daily HSV suppression may be important in the management of HSV-positive/HIV-positive persons.
Spectrum of mitochondrial genomic variation and associated clinical presentation of prostate cancer in South African men (2015)

Besides doubling the total number of somatic PCa-associated mitochondrial genome mutations identified to date, we associate mutational load with aggressive prostate cancer status in men of African ancestry.
Wave shadowing and modulation of microwave backscatter from the ocean (2012)

Shadowing and modulation of microwave backscatter by ocean waves are studied using coherent X‐band radars. Two types of shadowing are investigated: geometric shadowing (complete blockage of incident rays) and partial shadowing (polarization‐dependent diffraction combined with weak scatterers). We point out that the frequency of occurrence of zero signal‐to‐noise ratio samples cannot depend on the incident power level or the polarization if geometric shadowing occurs but can if partial shadowing exists. We then compare this behavior with observations, and show that the data do not support the hypothesis that geometric shadowing plays a significant role in low‐grazing‐angle microwave scattering from the ocean surface. Furthermore, our data indicate that partial shadowing only depends significantly on polarization for the steep waves found near shorelines. We also study the modulation of microwave backscatter by ocean waves using these data by looking at the phase differences between received power and scatterer velocity. These phase differences appear to be rather well explained by standard composite surface theory at VV polarization, having values that are positive looking up wave and negative looking down wave. For HH polarization, however, breaking effects come into play and overshadow composite surface effects of free waves. They cause the phase difference to be near zero for up wave looks and near 180° for down‐wave looks. A simple model that involves both breaking and freely propagating waves but does not include any shadowing effects is shown to account for observed phase differences at both polarizations to within about 10°.
Distributed and Parallel Computing Issues in Data Warehousing (Invited Talk) (1998)

A data warehouse is a repository of data that has been extracted and integrated from heterogeneous and autonomous distributed sources. The warehouse data is used for decision-support or data mining. In this paper we illustrate some of the challenges in distributed and parallel computing faced by such systems. Our examples come from research done in the Stanford WHIPS Project. 1 Introduction A data warehouse is a repository of data that has been extracted and integrated from heterogeneous and autonomous distributed sources. For example, a grocery store chain might integrate data from its inventory database, sales databases from different stores, and its marketing department&apos;s promotions records. The store chain could then: (1) find out how sales trends differ across regions of the country or world; (2) correlate its inventory with current sales and ensure that each store&apos;s inventory is replaced in keeping with its sales; (3) analyze which promotions lead to increased product sales. For...
A General Method for Conditional Regulation of Protein Stability in Living Animals (2009)

INTRODUCTION The ability to rapidly and reversibly perturb protein levels in living animals is a powerful tool for researchers to determine protein function in complex systems. We recently designed a small protein domain based on the 12-kDa FKBP (FK506 binding protein) that can be fused at either the carboxyl or amino terminus of a protein of interest. This destabilization domain (DD) confers instability to fusion protein partners, allowing targeted degradation of the protein of interest. A small molecule called Shield-1 binds to the DD and protects the fusion protein from degradation. Small-molecule-mediated post-translational regulation of protein stability affords this system rapid, reversible, and tunable control of protein levels and functions in a variety of model systems. Theoretically, a number of transgene delivery methods (e.g., viral, liposomal, or stem cell) can be used for the analysis of a DD fusion protein in an animal model. This protocol uses tumor xenografts in mice as one such mechanism for delivering the fusion protein and presents a method for delivering Shield-1 to regulate the fusion proteins in vivo.
All-optical time-domain chirp switches (1991)

We describe a novel architecture for an all-optical time-domain chirp switch in which digital logic is based on timeshift keying. This architecture is a generalization of fiber soliton-dragging logic gates that have a switching energy approaching 1 pJ. By using solitons we separate the nonlinear chirping from the time shifting and, consequently, reduce the required phase shift during the nonlinear interaction. We discuss the scaling laws for energy and latency versus pulse width and show that the chirp switches have low switching energies for high-bit-rate applications.
Synthesis of Levan by Levansucrase (1979)

The addition of levan as a so-called "acceptor" accelerated the rate of polymerization of levan catalyzed by levansucrase [EC 2.4.1.10]. However, this effect was seen only under conditions of low ionic strength. Under conditions of high ionic strength, only levan with an average degree of polymerization (DP) of 120 was synthesized with a reasonable yield. Incorporation of [14C]fructose residues into levan of high molecular weight (DP 1,200) added as an "acceptor" at high ionic strength was slight. It is suggested that the DP of levan synthesized is generally regulated by ionic strength, and that enzymic synthesis of levan occurs in the absence of an "acceptor."
Current practice of abdominal fascial closure: a survey of Ontario general surgeons. (2001)

The current practice of abdominal fascial closure among Ontario general surgeons is in disagreement with the findings from a recent meta-analysis, recommending a nonabsorbable suture for a 32% relative risk reduction in the incisional hernia rate. The majority of surgeons employ a continuous absorbable closure in common surgical scenarios. A definitive randomized controlled trial comparing continuous nonabsorbable closure versus continuous absorbable closure is warranted.
Conduction block in micropatterned cardiomyocyte cultures replicating the structure of ventricular cross-sections (2011)

Our study suggests that specific micro- and macrostructural features of the ventricle determine the incidence and spatiotemporal characteristics of conduction block, independent of spatial heterogeneities in ion channel expression.
Effects of Normal Weather Conditions on Interruptions in Distribution Systems (2005)

Power disturbances are a major concern in a power distribution system because of economic and customer satisfaction losses. Among many the causes of power disturbances, weather plays a vital role. Hence, it is important to gain an understanding of the effects of normal weather conditions on power distribution interruptions. This article shows that normal weather conditions do have an effect on the frequency of power distribution interruptions. Normal weather conditions refers to weather conditions that are not extreme (e.g., tornadoes, storms, lightning, hurricanes) but rather are common in everyday life, including but not limited to temperature, rain, wind, relative humidity, and pressure. The authors explain the different steps in analyzing the normal weather impact, from weather and interruption data collection to obtaining significant results. A Poisson regression model is also performed to determine the significance of several weather variables and the relative magnitude of the contributions of each variable to the total number of daily outages.
Urinary incontinence. An introduction. (1989)

This schemata briefly outlines the therapeutic approaches to different groups of incontinent patients. Using this approach, many incontinent patients can become continent. Unfortunately, these procedures are not applicable to all patients. The patient with poor motivation or poor manual dexterity will never learn to function with an incontinence sphincter. Insofar as incontinence effects such a large percentage of elderly patients, however, there is active interest by the health planning agencies to address this problem.