gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of a thermoplastic poly(glycerol sebacate) elastomer by two‐step method (2006)

Abstract A thermoplastic poly(glycerol sebacate) elastomer (TMPGS), prepared by a two‐step method for the first time, is characterized in the present work. First, non‐crosslinked poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) prepolymers at the 1 : 1 molar ratio of glycerol to sebacic acid were synthesized through a condensation reaction. Second, TMPGSs were achieved through prepolymers that continued to react after the addition of more sebacic acid at a total molar ratio of 2 : 2.5 (glycerol/sebacic acid). The swelling experiments demonstrated that its crosslinking density was low and that it was composed of sol and gel. Compared with our previous results, the content of sol decreased but still reached &gt;60%. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies demonstrated that TMPGS was crystallizable and had a glass transition temperature below −20°C, but at close to 37°C, its state altered and became almost amorphous. It was explained that both the semi‐interpenetrated polymer networks composed of sol and gel and the crystal regions imparted thermoplasticity to the elastomer. Finally, the in vitro degradation tests illuminated the degradation characteristic of TMPGS in 37°C phosphate buffered saline solution (pH = 7.4). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1412–1419, 2007
Assessment of the Tear Film with Tandem Scanning Confocal Microscopy (1997)

Confocal microscopy can be used to examine the tear film, and its appearance correlates significantly with physiologic variables in normal-individuals and in disease states. The confocal appearance of the lipid interference patterns and evaporation from the ocular surface are altered after lipid expression from meibomian glands.
Enhancement of Thrust Chamber Cooling with Porous Metal Inserts (2005)

Rocket propulsion has been used in many different aspects of space travel and military tasks. With the higher demand today for longer lasting and farther travel, and the extreme temperatures that these elements experience, a break-through technology is needed in the cooling of these thrust chambers. In this paper the idea of using a porous metallic foam is examined for its cooling enhancement capabilities. The goal is to cool the hot wall temperatures more without creating additional pressure drops in the coolant passage. An experimental system was used to investigate the heat transfer enhancement and pressure drop in an annular channel filled with nickel foams. The coolant was compressed air at 200 psi. Constant heat flux heaters placed inside the inner tube of the annulus were used to simulate the combustion heat source. Then the experiment was performed under a steady state. For the nickel foam-filled channel, heat transfer enhancement was found on the order of twenty times over the open channel for the same Darcy velocity. The pressure drop per unit channel length of the foam-filled channel is at least two orders of magnitude larger than the open channel case. In assessing the feasibility of applying the foam-filled cooling channel for liquid-fueled rocket engines, we found that at equal pumping powers in the range of 10 to 100 Watts, the heat transfer enhancement is around three to four times.
A matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry study of the non‐enzymatic glycation products of human globins in diabetes (2004)

The molecular species present in globins from healthy and diabetic subjects with and without chronic complications have been analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The technique demonstrated the presence of glycated and glyco-oxidated species of both alpha- and beta-globins. Their abundances show a good linear relationship with respect to HbA1c values and with the mean daily plasma glucose levels over the 6 weeks preceding the investigation. Interestingly, slightly different behaviour is observed in the data from patients with and without chronic complications; the plots of HbA1c vs. the abundance of glycated and glyco-oxidated species show different slopes and different intercepts with the y-axis. To investigate this aspect the mean abundances of glyco-oxidated species from healthy subjects and from diabetic patients with and without complications were calculated. Higher values were found for the two last sets of samples, but no significant difference was found between them. These data could indicate different individual proclivities to oxidation and/or different oxidation kinetics related to behavioural and environmental factors.
Finding facts vs. browsing knowledge in hypertext systems (1988)

The authors discuss the role of information retrieval, interface design, and cognitive science in hypertext research. They present a user-centered framework for information-seeking that has been used in evaluating two hypertext systems. They apply the framework to key design issues related to information retrieval in hypertext systems.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
S100A9/S100A8: Myeloid representatives of the S100 protein family as prominent players in innate immunity (2003)

Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to sites of inflammation and are thereby at the forefront of the organism's defense against numerous attacks. As unspecific phagocytes, they belong to the so-called innate immunity. Two S100 proteins, namely S100A9 (MRP14) and S100A8 (MRP8), constitute roughly 40% of the cytosolic protein in these cells, implying by their pure abundance an important role in the effector functions of neutrophils. However, despite intense research in the past 15 years, the puzzle that may embed both molecules into the neutrophil/monocyte physiology is still incomplete. One reason might be the conformational variability the S100A9 and S100A8 molecules can adopt. They readily form hetero- and homodimeric, trimeric as well as tetrameric complexes, but they evidently do also exert specific functions as monomers. An ever-increasing body of information suggests that S100A9 plays a prominent role in leukocyte trafficking and arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, elevated levels of S100A9 and S100A8 in body fluids of inflamed tissues strengthen the view that these molecules are important players in fighting inflammation. The aim of this review is to give an update on the current developments concerning the S100A9/S100A8 molecule in biology and medicine.
Towards an expert system for treatment planning (1988)

A course of treatment by radiation therapy is usually planned by computing the dose distribution throughout the target volume for various combinations of beam shapes, locations, angles, and weights. In a break with previous practice, the authors have incorporated into the planning process those parameters that are to be used in the assessment of alternative plans. The therapist is required to define tolerance doses for each organ, and the computer program OSCAR compares the calculated dose distribution with these limits. Regions of noncompliance are displayed as colored 'areas of regret', a parametric representation of the type and degree of discrepancy between the required and the predicted dose distributions. In addition, score functions are used to provide a quantitative measure of the acceptability of the dose distribution within the target and each organ at risk.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
Broad-Spectrum Biofilm Inhibition by Kingella kingae Exopolysaccharide (2011)

Cell-free extracts prepared from Kingella kingae colony biofilms were found to inhibit biofilm formation by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans, and K. kingae. The extracts evidently inhibited biofilm formation by modifying the physicochemical properties of the cell surface, the biofilm matrix, and the substrate. Chemical and biochemical analyses indicated that the biofilm inhibition activity in the K. kingae extract was due to polysaccharide. Structural analyses showed that the extract contained two major polysaccharides. One was a linear polysaccharide with the structure →6)-α-d-GlcNAcp-(1→5)-β-d-OclAp-(2→, which was identical to a capsular polysaccharide produced by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5. The second was a novel linear polysaccharide, designated PAM galactan, with the structure →3)-β-d-Galf-(1→6)-β-d-Galf-(1→. Purified PAM galactan exhibited broad-spectrum biofilm inhibition activity. A cluster of three K. kingae genes encoding UDP-galactopyranose mutase (ugm) and two putative galactofuranosyl transferases was sufficient for the synthesis of PAM galactan in Escherichia coli. PAM galactan is one of a growing number of bacterial polysaccharides that exhibit antibiofilm activity. The biological roles and potential technological applications of these molecules remain unknown.
Allosteric Modulators of Steroid Hormone Receptors: Structural Dynamics and Gene Regulation (2012)

Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol primarily in the adrenal gland and the gonads and play vital roles in normal physiology, the control of development, differentiation, metabolic homeostasis, and reproduction. The actions of these small lipophilic molecules are mediated by intracellular receptor proteins. It is just over 25 yr since the first cDNA for steroid receptors were cloned, a development that led to the birth of a superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors: the nuclear receptors. The receptor proteins share structurally and functionally related ligand binding and DNA-binding domains but possess distinct N-terminal domains and hinge regions that are intrinsically disordered. Since the original cloning experiments, considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the structure, mechanisms of action, and biology of this important class of ligand-activated transcription factors. In recent years, there has been interest in the structural plasticity and function of the N-terminal domain of steroid hormone receptors and in the allosteric regulation of protein folding and function in response to hormone, DNA response element architecture, and coregulatory protein binding partners. The N-terminal domain can exist as an ensemble of conformers, having more or less structure, which prime this region of the receptor to rapidly respond to changes in the intracellular environment through hormone binding and posttranslation modifications. In this review, we address the question of receptor structure and function dynamics with particular emphasis on the structurally flexible N-terminal domain, intra- and interdomain communications, and the allosteric regulation of receptor action.
Left ventricular conditioning in the elderly patient to prevent congestive heart failure after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (2005)

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is a safe and effective treatment. Over the past years, an increasing number of elderly patients (age > 60 years) have been admitted for transcatheter closure to prevent ongoing congestive heart failure from volume overload. However, recent data point to the risk of serious acute left ventricular dysfunction leading to pulmonary edema immediately after surgical or transcatheter ASD closure in some patients. In this study, we used a technique described before to recognize in advance patients at risk of left heart failure after ASD closure. Those patients at risk were then treated with preventive conditioning medication for 48-72 hr before definitive transcatheter ASD closure was performed. Fifty-nine patients aged over 60 years (range, 60-81.8 years; median, 68 years) were admitted to our institution for transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect. All patients received evaluation of atrial pressures before and during temporary balloon occlusion of the ASD. Patients with left ventricular restriction due to increased mean atrial pressures (> 10 mm Hg) during ASD occlusion received anticongestive conditioning medication with i.v. dopamine, milrinone, and furosemide for 48-72 hr before definitive ASD closure with an Amplatzer septal occluder was performed. In 44 patients without any signs of left ventricular restriction, ASD closure was performed within the first session. Fifteen (25%) out of 59 patients showed left ventricular restriction. In the majority of patients with LV restriction, the mean left atrial pressures with occluded ASD were significantly decreased after 48-72 hr of conditioning medication. Definitive ASD closure was then performed in a second session. Only two patients received a fenestrated 32 mm Amplatzer occluder due to persistent increased atrial pressures > 10 mm Hg even after conditioning medication. There were no significant differences in shunt, device size, or defect size between the two groups. Balloon occlusion of atrial septal defects identifies patients with left ventricular restrictive physiology before ASD closure. Intravenous anticongestive conditioning medication seems to be highly effective in preventing congestive heart failure after interventional closure of an ASD in the elderly patient with a restrictive left ventricle.
Relationship of human papillomavirus type to grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (1992)

<h3>Objective.</h3> —To determine the relationship of human papillomavirus (HPV) type to grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in a large series of cases. <h3>Design.</h3> —A survey of HPV types in CIN lesions detected using a new, highly accurate method for typing HPV that is based on restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of amplimers produced during polymerase chain amplification of the conserved L1 region of HPV using consensus primers. <h3>Setting.</h3> —Private gynecologists' offices and inner-city colposcopy clinics. <h3>Patients.</h3> —A convenience sample of 276 HPV DNA-positive cervical biopsy specimens or samples from patients undergoing colposcopy for abnormal Papanicolaou smears. <h3>Intervention.</h3> —None. <h3>Main Outcome Measure(s).</h3> —Human papillomavirus type(s). <h3>Results.</h3> —Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 lesions were relatively heterogeneous with regard to associated HPV types. Nineteen percent of CIN 1 lesions were associated with HPV types 6 or 11; 29% contained HPV types 16,18, or 33; and 19% were associated with "novel types" of HPV. It was also found that 22% of CIN 1 lesions were associated with more than one HPV type. In contrast to CIN 1, both CIN 2 and CIN 3 were relatively homogeneous with regard to associated HPV types. Eighty-eight percent of CIN 2 and 3 lesions contained HPV types 16, 18, or 33. Unlike CIN 1 lesions, which often contained multiple types of HPV, only 7% of CIN 2 and 3 lesions were associated with multiple HPV types. <h3>Conclusions.</h3> —Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia should be classified into two separate categories—low-grade and high-grade CIN. Since only 29% of low-grade lesions are associated with HPV types 16, 18, or 33, HPV type could potentially play a role in determining the most appropriate clinical management of patients with low-grade CIN. However, prospective follow-up studies of lesional behavior based on HPV type are required before clinical recommendations can be made. (JAMA. 1992;267:2493-2496)
In Vitro Evaluation of Amphiphilic Macromolecular Nanocarriers for Systemic Drug Delivery (2009)

Amphiphilic star-like macromolecules and amphiphilic scorpion-like macromolecules are polymeric micelles capable of water-solubilizing hydrophobic molecules for intravenous injection. In this work, four different amphiphilic macromolecules (M12P5, M6P5, NC12P5, NC6P5) were evaluated using human primary cell lines of the vasculature: human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC), umbilical arterial smooth muscle cells (UASM), and normal dermal human fibroblasts (NDHF). The three primary cell types were incubated with culture media containing amphiphilic macromolecules at five concentrations ranging from 10 -3 M to 10 -7 M at 24, 48, and 72 h. All cell types treated with both amphiphilic macromolecules showed similar cell viability compared to the vehicle control at all concentrations, except at 10 -3 M, which showed a substantially lower cell viability. Cells treated with amphiphilic macromolecules also exhibited similar characteristic cell morphologies at all concentrations, except for 10 -3 M, which showed distressed cells. The initial screening of amphiphilic macromolecules against primary human cells associated with the vasculature exhibited good biocompatibility.
Neuroactive Steroids in Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Clinical Studies (2006)

Certain neuroactive steroids modulate ligand-gated ion channels via non-genomic mechanisms. Especially 3alpha-reduced pregnane steroids are potent positive allosteric modulators of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor. During major depression, there is a disequilibrium of 3alpha-reduced neuroactive steroids, which is corrected by clinically effective pharmacological treatment. To investigate whether these alterations are a general principle of successful antidepressant treatment, we studied the impact of nonpharmacological treatment options on neuroactive steroid concentrations during major depression. Neither partial sleep deprivation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, nor electroconvulsive therapy affected neuroactive steroid levels irrespectively of the response to these treatments. These studies suggest that the changes in neuroactive steroid concentrations observed after antidepressant pharmacotherapy more likely reflect distinct pharmacological properties of antidepressants rather than the clinical response. In patients with panic disorder, changes in neuroactive steroid composition have been observed opposite to those seen in depression. However, during experimentally induced panic induction either with cholecystokinine-tetrapeptide or sodium lactate, there was a pronounced decline in the concentrations of 3alpha-reduced neuroactive steroids in patients with panic disorder, which might result in a decreased GABAergic tone. In contrast, no changes in neuroactive steroid concentrations could be observed in healthy controls with the exception of 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone. The modulation of GABA(A) receptors by neuroactive steroids might contribute to the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety disorders and might offer new targets for the development of novel anxiolytic compounds.
Deep-water Fisheries of the Northeast Atlantic: II. Assessment and Management Approaches (2003)

Most deep-water fish species are long-lived, slow growing and have low reproductive capacity. These stocks are highly vulnerable to exploitation and can be rapidly depleted with recovery being very slow, often taking decades. In the Northeast Atlantic, a diversity of deep-water fisheries exists for a variety of finfish and shellfish species. The major characteristics of these fisheries are described and the available fisheries, biological and life history data are reviewed. Surplus production and DeLury models are the principal methods currently used in assessing the stocks, although agebased methods, stock reduction models and life history models are likely to be used once sufficient biological data become available. Most of the deep-water fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic have been completely unregulated; the latest stock assessments indicate that nearly all exploited deepwater species are being harvested "outside safe biological limits" and that immediate reductions in catches are needed to avoid stock depletion. Various approaches for managing deep-water fisheries resources are discussed, including the need to harmonize conservation and enforcement measures across management jurisdictions for straddling stocks.
Unicube for Dynamic Environment Mapping (2009)

Cube mapping is widely used in many graphics applications due to the availability of hardware support. However, it does not sample the spherical surface evenly. Recently, a uniform spherical mapping, isocube mapping, was proposed. It exploits the six-face structure used in cube mapping and samples the spherical surface evenly. Unfortunately, some texels in isocube mapping are not rectilinear. This nonrectilinear property may degrade the filtering quality. This paper proposes a novel spherical mapping, namely unicube mapping. It has the advantages of cube mapping (exploitation of hardware and rectilinear structure) and isocube mapping (evenly sampling pattern). In the implementation, unicube mapping uses a simple function to modify the lookup vector before the conventional cube map lookup process. Hence, unicube mapping fully exploits the cube map hardware for real-time filtering and lookup. More importantly, its rectilinear partition structure allows a direct and real-time acquisition of the texture environment. This property facilitates dynamic environment mapping in a real time manner.
Green chemistry for chemical synthesis (2008)

Green chemistry for chemical synthesis addresses our future challenges in working with chemical processes and products by inventing novel reactions that can maximize the desired products and minimize by-products, designing new synthetic schemes and apparati that can simplify operations in chemical productions, and seeking greener solvents that are inherently environmentally and ecologically benign.
Characterization of EvaGreen and the implication of its physicochemical properties for qPCR applications (2007)

These findings suggest that an ideal qPCR dye should possess several DNA-binding characteristics, including a "just right" affinity for dsDNA and low or no affinity for ssDNA and short DNA fragments. The favorable DNA-binding profile of EG, coupled with its good stability and instrument-compatibility, should make EG a promising dye for qPCR and related applications.
Lack of Immune Response to the Vi Component of a Vi-Positive Variant of the Salmonella typhi Live Oral Vaccine Strain Ty21a in Human Studies (1991)

New typhoid vaccines have been sought to replace the reactogenic parenteral whole cell vaccines. Both Ty21a, a live oral attenuated Vi-negative Salmonella typhi vaccine strain, and parenteral Vi polysaccharide vaccine are safe and efficacious in field trials. To achieve potentially greater protective efficacy, a derivative of Ty21a that expresses Vi polysaccharide was prepared and its safety and immunogenicity assessed in 27 adult volunteers. The volunteers received either one dose of 5 x 10(5), 5 x 10(7), or 5 x 10(9) cfu or three doses of 5 x 10(9) cfu of lyophilized vaccine and were observed for adverse effects on a research isolation ward. The vaccine was well tolerated; however, at the highest dose, 13% of volunteers had mild diarrhea. Serial blood cultures were negative for the vaccine strain. Vaccine was shed in the stool of most volunteers at the higher doses for 1-4 days. No serum antibodies to Vi, circulating cells secreting antibody to Vi, or jejunal fluid antibodies to Vi were detected in any volunteer.