gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Structures and Mechanical Properties of Microcellular Foamed Polyvinyl Chloride (1998)

In this paper, microcellular foamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with unique cell morphology and mechanical properties is characterised. Microcellular foamed structures were produced in PVC by first saturating the polymer with C02 under high pressure followed by rapidly decreasing the solubility of C02 in the samples. The void fraction of the microcellular foamed PVC was controlled by tailoring the foaming temperature and foaming time. Tensile and impact tests were performed on the foamed PVC to investigate the dependence of these properties on the void fraction of foamed specimens. The notched Izod impact strength of microcellular foamed PVC increased as the void fraction increased. When the void fraction was 80%, the notched Izod impact strength of foamed PVC was four times as high as that of the unfoamed PVC. However, the tensile strength and modulus decreased as the void fraction increased. Experimental results indicate that the relative density of microcellular foamed PVC should be determined in consideration of the material saving, weight reduction, enhanced impact strength and reduced tensile strength and modulus to optimise performance of the foamed materials.
A rationale for using steroids in the treatment of severe cases of H5N1 avian influenza (2007)

Acute hypercytokinaemia represents an imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and is believed to be responsible for the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure in severe cases of avian (H5N1) influenza. Although neuraminidase inhibitors are effective in treating avian influenza, especially if given within 48 h of infection, it is harder to prevent the resultant hypercytokinaemia from developing if the patient does not seek timely medical assistance. Steroids have been used for many decades in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions in which hypercytokinaemia plays a role, such as sepsis and viral infections, including severe acquired respiratory syndromes and avian influenza. However, to date, the results have been mixed. Part of the reason for the discrepancies might be the lack of understanding that low doses are required to prevent mortality in cases of adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency, as defined in the sepsis/shock literature, is a plasma cortisol rise of at least 9 microg dl(-1) following a 250 microg dose of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), or reaching a plasma cortisol concentration of >25 microg dl(-1) following a 1-2 microg dose of ACTH. In addition, in the case of hypercytokinaemia induced by potent viruses, such as H5N1, systemic inflammation-induced, acquired glucocorticoid resistance is likely to be present. Adrenal insufficiency can be overcome, however, with prolonged (7-10 or more days) supraphysiological steroid treatment at a sufficiently high dose to address the excess activation of NF-kappaB, but low enough to avoid immune suppression. This is a much lower dose than has been typically used to treat avian influenza patients. Although steroids cannot be used as a monotherapy in the treatment of avian influenza, there might be a potential role for their use as an adjunct treatment to antiviral therapy if appropriate dosages can be determined. In this paper, likely mechanisms of adrenal insufficiency are discussed, drawing from a broad background of literature sources.
Metabolism of β-sitosterol in man (1970)

The metabolism of beta-sitosterol was compared to that of cholesterol in 12 patients. Sterol balance methods were supplemented by radiosterol studies, with the following results. (a) Plasma concentrations of beta-sitosterol ranged from 0.30 to 1.02 mg/100 ml plasma in patients on intakes of beta-sitosterol typical of the American diet. Plasma levels were raised little when intakes were increased greatly, and on fixed intakes they were constant from week to week. On diets devoid of plant sterols, the plasma and feces rapidly became free of beta-sitosterol. (b) The percentage of esterified beta-sitosterol in the plasma was the same as for cholesterol. However, the rate of esterification of beta-sitosterol was slower than that for cholesterol. (c) Specific activity-time curves after simultaneous pulse labeling with beta-sitosterol-(3)H and cholesterol-(14)C conformed to two-pool models. The two exponential half-lives of beta-sitosterol were much shorter than for cholesterol, and pool sizes were much smaller. Values of turnover for beta-sitosterol obtained by the sterol balance method agreed closely with those derived by use of the two-pool model. There was no endogenous synthesis of beta-sitosterol in the patients studied; hence, daily turnover of beta-sitosterol equaled its daily absorption. Absorption of beta-sitosterol was 5% (or less) of daily intake, while cholesterol absorption ranged from 45 to 54% of intake. (d) About 20% of the absorbed beta-sitosterol was converted to cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids. The remainder was excreted in bile as free sterol; this excretion was more rapid than that of cholesterol. (e) The employment of beta-sitosterol as an internal standard to correct for losses of cholesterol in sterol balance studies is further validated by the results presented here.
Morpholino antisense oligonucleotide induced dystrophin exon 23 skipping in mdx mouse muscle (2003)

The mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy arose due to a nonsense mutation in exon 23 of the dystrophin gene. We have previously demonstrated that 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) can induce removal of exon 23 during processing of the primary transcript. This results in an in-frame mRNA transcript and subsequent expression of a slightly shorter dystrophin protein in mdx muscle. Refinement of AO design has allowed efficient exon skipping to be induced in mdx mouse muscle cultures at nanomolar concentrations. In contrast, splicing intervention by morpholino AOs has been applied to the beta-globin gene pre-mRNA in cultured cells to correct aberrant splicing when delivered in the micromolar range. The morpholino chemistry produces a neutral molecule that has exceptional biological stability but poor cellular delivery. We present data showing that exon skipping in mdx cells may be induced by morpholino AOs at nanomolar concentrations when annealed to a sense oligonucleotide or "leash", and delivered as a cationic lipoplex. We have investigated a number of leash designs and chemistries, including mixed backbone oligonucleotides, and their ability to influence delivery and efficacy of the morpholino AO. Significantly, we detected dystrophin protein synthesis and correct sarcolemmal localisation after intramuscular injection of morpholino AO : leash lipoplexes in mdx muscle in vivo. We show enhanced delivery of a morpholino AO, enabling the advantageous properties to be exploited for potentially therapeutic outcomes.
Natural killer cells, killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and human leucocyte antigen class I in disease (2007)

Natural killer cells constitute a potent, rapid part of the innate immune response to infection or transformation, and also generate a link to priming of adaptive immunity. Their function can encompass direct cytotoxicity as well as the release of cytokines and chemokines. In humans, a major component of natural killer (NK) cell target recognition depends mainly on the surveillance of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules by killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). Different KIR can transmit inhibitory or activatory signals to the cell, and effector function is considered to result from the balance of these contributing signals. The regulation of NK cell responses depends on a number of variables: KIR genotype, HLA genotype, heterozygosity versus homozygosity for these, whether there is cognate recognition between the HLA and KIR products carried by an individual, clonal variation between individual NK cells in KIR expression, and the specific modulation of HLA expression by infection, transformation or peptide binding. Different HLA/KIR genotypes can impart different thresholds of activation to the NK cell repertoire and such genotypic variation has been found to confer altered risk in a number of diseases including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) susceptibility and progression, hepatitis C virus clearance, idiopathic bronchiectasis, autoimmunity and cancer.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF AORTIC DISSECTING ANEURYSM (With 24 Cases Reported) (1998)

OBJECTIVE: To probe early diagnosis and management of aortic dissecting aneurysm. METHODS: Data of 24 cases of aortic dissecting aneurysm for the past 7 years was analysed. RESULTS: 52 2% patients had history of hypertension. 87 5% complained of acute pain, which 66 6% were chest pain. All patients had comfirmed diagnosis of dissecting aneurysm according to clinical manifestation and x-ray examination. 15 patients recovered after emergency management. 2 gave up treatment and 7 died. CONCLUSIONS: The application of radiological examination especially MRI for patients with sudden chest pain complicated by cardiovascular murmur, inequality of blood pressure between four limbs is helpful for early diagnosis, treatment and reducing mortality.
Future of Multilateral Trading System (2011)

GATT negotiations culminated into establishment of WTO in 1995 as guardian of world Trade as well as an essential plank of Globalization.its setting up kindled ray of hope in developing nations of putting in place a Multilateral Trading System devoid of hindrances in the growth of world trade and an agency where their grievances are taken care of but to the dismay of them the WTO has failed to address their problems.Doha negotiations are lingering on since 2001. The credibility of WTO as caretaker of intests of developing nations is at stake.
The DIAL-log study 1: profiling the experience of people with dementia (1999)

Between July 1996 and December 1997 telephone helpline staff from the Alzheimer's Disease Society (ADS) in London, and six participating ADS regions in England and one in Northern Ireland, documented calls from people with dementia who contacted the service. Each call was recorded as soon as practicable after its completion on a Dementia Information and Advice Line (DIAL) log form (DIAL-log). Sixty-four calls were recorded in this way and 62 completed DIAL-logs were included in the study findings. Analysis of the data was undertaken via SPSS 6.1 for Windows. This article, the first of two, introduces the background to the study and notes that callers reported memory loss and forgetfulness as the most frequently noticed first signs of dementia. The study aims and limitations are also outlined in this first article. The second article will detail the main findings and the challenges that the DIAL-log study may provide for future dementia care practice and research.
Structure of Mammalian Cytochrome P450 2B4 Complexed with 4-(4-Chlorophenyl)imidazole at 1.9-Å Resolution (2004)

A 1.9-A molecular structure of the microsomal cytochrome P450 2B4 with the specific inhibitor 4-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazole (CPI) in the active site was determined by x-ray crystallography. In contrast to the previous experimentally determined 2B4 structure, this complex adopted a closed conformation similar to that observed for the mammalian 2C enzymes. The differences between the open and closed structures of 2B4 were primarily limited to the lid domain of helices F through G, helices B' and C, the N terminus of helix I, and the beta(4) region. These large-scale conformational changes were generally due to the relocation of conserved structural elements toward each other with remarkably little remodeling at the secondary structure level. For example, the F' and G' helices were maintained with a sharp turn between them but are placed to form the exterior ceiling of the active site in the CPI complex. CPI was closely surrounded by residues from substrate recognition sites 1, 4, 5, and 6 to form a small, isolated hydrophobic cavity. The switch from open to closed conformation dramatically relocated helix C to a more proximal position. As a result, heme binding interactions were altered, and the putative NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase binding site was reformed. This suggests a structural mechanism whereby ligand-induced conformational changes may coordinate catalytic activity. Comparison of the 2B4/CPI complex with the open 2B4 structure yields insights into the dynamics involved in substrate access, tight inhibitor binding, and coordination of substrate and redox partner binding.
Electrophysiological properties of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (2007)

Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) represent a potentially valuable cell source for clinical therapeutic applications. The present study was designed to investigate properties of ionic channel currents present in undifferentiated hASCs and their impact on hASCs proliferation. The functional ion channels in hASCs were analyzed by whole-cell patch-clamp recording and their mRNA expression levels detected by RT-PCR. Four types of ion channels were found to be present in hASCs: most of the hASCs (73%) showed a delayed rectifier-like K(+) current (I(KDR)); Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current (I(KCa)) was detected in examined cells; a transient outward K(+) current (I(to)) was recorded in 19% of the cells; a small percentage of cells (8%) displayed a TTX-sensitive transient inward sodium current (I(Na.TTX)). RT-PCR results confirmed the presence of ion channels at the mRNA level: Kv1.1, Kv2.1, Kv1.5, Kv7.3, Kv11.1, and hEAG1, possibly encoding I(KDR); MaxiK, KCNN3, and KCNN4 for I(KCa); Kv1.4, Kv4.1, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3 for I(to) and hNE-Na for I(Na.TTX). The I(KDR) was inhibited by tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), which significantly reduced the proliferation of hASCs in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), as suggested by bromodeoxyurindine (BrdU) incorporation. Other selective potassium channel blockers, including linopiridine, iberiotoxin, clotrimazole, and apamin also significantly inhibited I(KDR). TTX completely abolished I(Na.TTX). This study demonstrates for the first time that multiple functional ion channel currents such as I(KDR), I(KCa), I(to), and I(Na.TTX) are present in undifferentiated hASCs and their potential physiological function in these cells as a basic understanding for future in vitro experiments and in vivo clinical investigations.
Murine polyomavirus virus-like particles (VLPs) as vectors for gene and immune therapy and vaccines against viral infections and cancer. (2005)

This review describes the use of murine polyomavirus "virus-like" particles (MPyV-VLPs), free from viral genes, as vectors for gene and immune therapy and as vaccines. For large-scale MPyV-VLP manufacture, VP1 is produced in a baculovirus insect cell system, E. coli or in yeast. MPyV-VLPs bind eukaryotic DNA and introduce this DNA into various cell types in vitro and in vivo. In normal and T-cell-deficient mice, this results in the production of anti-MPyV-VLP (and MPyV) antibodies. Furthermore, repeated MPyV-VLP vaccination has been shown to prevent primary MPyV infection in normal and T-cell-deficient mice, and the outgrowth of some MPyV-induced tumours in normal mice. Moreover, when inoculated with gene constructs encoding for HIV p24, MPyV-VLPs augment the antibody response to p24. In addition, MPyV-VLPs, containing fusion proteins between the VP2 or VP3 capsid protein and selected antigens, can be used as vaccines. Notably, one vaccination with MPyV-VLPs, containing a fusion protein between VP2 and the extracellular and transmembrane parts of the HER-2/neu oncogene, immunizes against outgrowth of a HER-2/neu-expressing tumour in Balb/c mice and also against the development of mammary carcinomas in BALB-neuT transgenic mice. Finally, a second polyoma VLP-vector based on murine pneumotropic virus (MPtV-VLP), which does not cross-react serologically with MPyV-VLP (and MPyV), has been developed and can be used to conduct prime boost gene and immune therapy and vaccination. In summary, MPyV-VLPs are useful vectors for gene therapy, immune therapy and as vaccines and, in combination with MPyV-VLPs, MPtV-VLPs are potentially useful as prime-boost vectors.
IgG-binding proteins of bacteria (2011)

Proteins capable of non-immune binding of immunoglobulins G (IgG) of various mammalian species, i.e. without the involvement of the antigen-binding sites of the immunoglobulins, are widespread in bacteria. These proteins are located on the surface of bacterial cells and help them to evade the host's immune response due to protection against the action of complement and to decrease in phagocytosis. This review summarizes data on the structure of immunoglobulin-binding proteins (IBP) and their complexes with IgG. Common and distinctive structural features of IBPs of gram-positive bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, peptostreptococci) are discussed. Conditions for IBP expression by bacteria and their functional heterogeneity are considered. Data on IBPs of gram-negative bacteria are presented.
Corneal Thickness Changes After High-Risk Penetrating Keratoplasty (1993)

Corneal thickness measurements after high-risk penetrating keratoplasty are of prognostic value.
Guide to Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology (1993)

This volume and its companion, Volume 350, are specifically designed to meet the needs of graduate students and postdoctoral students as well as researchers, by providing all the up-to-date methods necessary to study genes in yeast. Procedures are included that enable newcomers to set up a yeast laboratory and to master basic manipulations. Relevant background and reference information given for procedures can be used as a guide to developing protocols in a number of disciplines. Specific topics addressed in this book include cytology, biochemistry, cell fractionation, and cell biology.
The Complete Genome Sequence and Comparative Genome Analysis of the High Pathogenicity Yersinia enterocolitica Strain 8081 (2006)

The human enteropathogen, Yersinia enterocolitica, is a significant link in the range of Yersinia pathologies extending from mild gastroenteritis to bubonic plague. Comparison at the genomic level is a key step in our understanding of the genetic basis for this pathogenicity spectrum. Here we report the genome of Y. enterocolitica strain 8081 (serotype 0:8; biotype 1B) and extensive microarray data relating to the genetic diversity of the Y. enterocolitica species. Our analysis reveals that the genome of Y. enterocolitica strain 8081 is a patchwork of horizontally acquired genetic loci, including a plasticity zone of 199 kb containing an extraordinarily high density of virulence genes. Microarray analysis has provided insights into species-specific Y. enterocolitica gene functions and the intraspecies differences between the high, low, and nonpathogenic Y. enterocolitica biotypes. Through comparative genome sequence analysis we provide new information on the evolution of the Yersinia. We identify numerous loci that represent ancestral clusters of genes potentially important in enteric survival and pathogenesis, which have been lost or are in the process of being lost, in the other sequenced Yersinia lineages. Our analysis also highlights large metabolic operons in Y. enterocolitica that are absent in the related enteropathogen, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, indicating major differences in niche and nutrients used within the mammalian gut. These include clusters directing, the production of hydrogenases, tetrathionate respiration, cobalamin synthesis, and propanediol utilisation. Along with ancestral gene clusters, the genome of Y. enterocolitica has revealed species-specific and enteropathogen-specific loci. This has provided important insights into the pathology of this bacterium and, more broadly, into the evolution of the genus. Moreover, wider investigations looking at the patterns of gene loss and gain in the Yersinia have highlighted common themes in the genome evolution of other human enteropathogens.
AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION IN LONG-STANDING ALCOHOLISM (1986)

Twenty-eight male alcoholics were studied for peripheral sensory-motor and autonomic neuropathy. The patients were examined neurologically and neurophysiologically after a period of withdrawal treatment in hospital. The function tests of the autonomic nervous system performed were: measurement of the variation of the heart rate at rest and during maximal breathing, Valsalva manoeuvre, postural pulse and blood pressure reactions, and isometric test. Slight abnormalities in the peripheral nervous system were observed in 8 patients, but a frank clinical polyneuropathy supported by neurophysiological findings could be diagnosed only in 2. All of the parameters which reflect the function of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system were lower in the alcoholics compared with the controls. The most sensitive variables were the heart rate variation at rest, and the postural pulse reaction. The functions mediated by the sympathetic nervous system were not abnormal among this group of alcoholics.
Ionic Liquids in Electrochemical Devices and Processes: Managing Interfacial Electrochemistry (2007)

Many ionic liquids offer a range of properties that make them attractive to the field of electrochemistry; indeed it was electrochemical research and applications that ushered in the modern era of interest in ionic liquids. In parallel with this, a variety of electrochemical devices including solar cells, high energy density batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors have become of intense interest as part of various proposed solutions to improve sustainability of energy supply in our societies. Much of our work over the last ten years has been motivated by such applications. Here we summarize the role of ionic liquids in these devices and the insights that the research provides for the broader field of interest of these fascinating liquids.
Hematologic Recovery in Mice Transplanted with Bone Marrow Stem Cells Expressing Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Genes (1999)

We have used a mouse bone marrow transplantation (BMT) model to study the safety of retrovirus-mediated transfer of anti-HIV genes (RevM10 and HIV-1 pol antisense) into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). In particular, we have monitored the hematologic recovery post-BMT and transgene expression in myeloid and lymphoid lineages, and analyzed tissue sections for evidence of any transgene-related pathological condition. Expression of anti-HIV genes had no effect on kinetics of hematologic recovery post-BMT. The average time to reach 20% of normal cell counts was 15-17 days for white blood cells and 12-14 days for platelets, and the average time to reach complete recovery was 42-56 days for leukocytes and 104-161 days for platelets. Hematocrit levels were not significantly affected by irradiation and transplantation procedures. Donor chimerism was uniformly > or =90% in all transplanted animals. At 4-5 weeks post-BMT transgene expression was detected in peripheral blood leukocytes in 100% of the animals and ranged from 4.5 to 44.7%. In a majority of the animals the percentage of transgene-expressing cells in circulation decreased over time but remained detectable for the length of the study (>6 months). Expression was detected in all analyzed cell lineages (RBCs, platelets, monocytes, granulocytes, and T and B cells). Relative counts of various leukocytes (Mac1+ monocytes, Gr1+ granulocytes, CD3+ T cells, and B220+ B cells) were normal. There were no treatment-related histopathological changes in a wide range of tissues examined. In addition, there were no treatment effects on differential leukocyte counts, and morphology of peripheral blood and bone marrow brush smears. In summary, transfer and expression of the RevM10 and the HIV-1 antisense genes into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in vivo appears safe. We propose that the mouse bone marrow transplantation model could be used to evaluate some safety aspects of HSPC-based gene therapies.