gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
New Physical Deposition Approach for Low Cost Inorganic Hole Transport Layer in Normal Architecture of Durable Perovskite Solar Cells (2015)

In this work we reported sputter deposited NiOx/Ni double layer as an HTM/contact couple in normal architecture of perovskite solar cell. A perovskite solar cell that is durable for more than 60 days was achieved, with increasing efficiency from 1.3% to 7.28% within 6 days. Moreover, low temperature direct deposition of NiOx layer on perovskite layer was introduced as a potential hole transport material for an efficient cost-effective solar cell applicable for various morphologies of perovskite layers, even for perovskite layers containing pinholes, which is a notable challenge in perovskite solar cells. The angular deposition of NiOx layers by dc reactive magnetron sputtering showed uniform and crack-free coverage of the perovskite layer with no negative impact on perovskite structure that is suitable for nickel back contact layer, surface shielding against moisture, and mechanical damages. Replacing the expensive complex materials in previous perovskite solar cells with low cost available materials introduces cost-effective scalable perovskite solar cells.
A comprehensive literature classification of simulation optimisation methods (2010)

Simulation Optimization (SO) provides a structured approach to the system design and configuration when analytical expressions for input/output relationships are unavailable. Several excellent surveys have been written on this topic. Each survey concentrates on only few classification criteria. This paper presents a literature survey with all classification criteria on techniques for SO according to the problem of characteristics such as shape of the response surface (global as compared to local optimization), objective functions (single or multiple objectives) and parameter spaces (discrete or continuous parameters). The survey focuses specifically on the SO problem that involves single per-formance measure
Delta-like 1 is essential for the maintenance of marginal zone B cells in normal mice but not in autoimmune mice (2008)

Notch2 and Delta-like 1 (Dll1) have been implicated in the development of marginal zone B (MZB) cells. In the present study, we characterized the expression and function of mouse Notch receptors and ligands in the spleen by using newly generated mAbs. Although Notch2 was expressed on both B and T cells in the spleen, the highest expression was observed on precursors of marginal zone B and MZB cells. Dll1 was expressed on macrophage and erythroblasts in the red pulp, but not on B cells or marginal zone macrophage. Administration of a blocking mAb against Dll1 not only blocked the development of MZB cells in juvenile mice but also gradually depleted the pre-established MZB cells in adult mice, indicating a critical role for Dll1 in the maintenance of MZB cells in the spleen of normal mice. Interestingly, Dll1 was not necessary for the maintenance of MZB cells in lupus-prone (NZB × NZW) F1 mice particularly after the onset of the disease, suggesting that the Dll1 independence may be a feature of dysregulated MZB cells producing auto-antibodies.
In Vitro Development of Engineered Lung Tissue (2009)

&lt;p&gt;Lung disease is the third most common cause of death in the United States, resulting in 400,000 deaths annually \\cite{ALA:08}. For many diseases, lung transplantation is the only definitive treatment, yet only 2700 lung transplants are performed each year, limited primarily by a lack of donor organs \\cite{Christie:09}. The development of engineered lung tissue, which could be created using a patient's own cells, could have a significant impact on the treatment of end-stage lung disease.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this dissertation, we describe the first work intended to engineer whole lung tissue. We utilize a decellularized rodent lung scaffold that is then seeded with pulmonary cells in order to create engineered lung tissue. We will first describe the production of a decellularized lung matrix, which retains several key characteristics of normal lung matrix and is superior to other matrix options for lung tissue engineering. We will analyze the mechanical integrity of the scaffolds and compare the collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and proteoglycan content of the scaffolds to native tissue. We also use a variety of imaging modalities to study the architecture, microstructure and ultrastructure of the scaffolds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We will then document the design and validation of a bioreactor that is capable of the long-term culture of whole lung tissue in the laboratory. To validate the bioreactor design, we culture native lung tissue for up to 7 days and demonstrate that the bioreactor enables the maintenance of cell viability, cellular differentiation state, and lung morphology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We then demonstrate that the decellularized scaffolds, when cultured in the bioreactor with a suitable cell source, can support the adherence and proliferation of a wide range of cell types, including pulmonary endothelial, epithelial, and mesenchymal cells. We examine the effects of bioreactor conditions, including medium type, ventilation and perfusion, and an air-liquid interface, on the growth and differentiation of epithelial and endothelial lung tissue. Finally, we evaluate several key functional aspects of the engineered tissues, including surfactant production and the formation of a barrier between the vascular and airway compartments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In summary, this work demonstrates the development of tools, techniques and platforms for the growth of engineered lung tissues, and provides a foundation for the continued development of whole, functional engineered lung tissue.&lt;/p&gt;
ATP Binding Cassette Protein (2016)

The evolution that has taken place in medicinal chemistry practice as a result of major advances in genomics and molecular biology arising from the Human Genome Project has carried with it an extensive additional working vocabulary that has become both integrated and essential terminology for the medicinal chemist. Some of this augmented terminology has been adopted from the many related and interlocked scientific disciplines with which the modern medicinal chemist must be conversant, but many other terms have been introduced to define new concepts and ideas as they have arisen. In this supplementary Glossary, we have attempted to collate and define many of the additional terms that are now considered to be essential components of the medicinal chemist’s expanded repertoire.
On the double bond isostere of the peptide bond: preparation of an enkephalin analogue (1982)

Methodology for preparing dipeptide analogues in which a carbon-carbon double bond replaces the normal amide bond is described. Thus, the protected tyrosylglycine analogue, (S)-trans-5-t-butyloxycarbonylamino-6-(4-tbutoxyphenyl)hex-3-enoic acid has been synthesised and incorporated into the Leu-enkephalin analogue (3) by condensation with glycylphenylalanyl-leucine. The enkephalin analogue retained biological activity. The significance of this isosteric replacement of the amide group is discussed.
Internet of Nano Things (IoNT): Next Evolutionary Step in Nanotechnology (2017)

Nanotechnology, since its inception has provided enhanced and efficient solutions to various applications in biomedical, industry, agriculture and military applications. Nanotechnology has led to the evolution of nano-machines which are tiny components comprising of arranged set of molecules performing pre-determined tasks. The interconnection of nanosensors and nanodevices with Internet has led to development of next generation standard based on IoT called “Internet of Nano Things” (IoNT). The main objective behind this paper is to provide in-depth view of Internet of Nano Things (IoNT)- Architecture, Application areas and Challenges to make researchers aware of IoNT standard for overcoming existing challenges and making use of IoNT in diverse areas in near future for rapid deployment.
Growth hormone treatment in growth hormone-deficient adults. II. Effects on exercise performance (1991)

Growth hormone (GH) treatment in adults with GH deficiency increases lean body mass and thigh muscle cross-sectional area. The functional significance of this was examined by incremental cycle ergometry in 24 GH-deficient adults treated in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial with recombinant DNA human GH (rhGH) for 6 mo (0.07 U/kg body wt daily). Compared with placebo, the rhGH group increased mean maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) (+406 +/- 71 vs. +133 +/- 84 ml/min; P = 0.016) and maximal power output (+24.6 +/- 4.3 vs. +9.7 +/- 4.8 W; P = 0.047), without differences in maximal heart rate or ventilation. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s, vital capacity, and corrected CO gas transfer were within normal limits and did not change with treatment. Mean predicted VO2max, based on height and age, increased from 78.9 to 96.0% in the rhGH group (compared with 78.5 and 85.0% for placebo; P = 0.036). The anaerobic ventilatory threshold increased in the rhGH group (+159 +/- 39 vs. +1 +/- 51 ml/min; P = 0.02). The improvement in VO2max was noted when expressed per kilogram body weight but not lean body mass or thigh muscle area. We conclude that rhGH treatment in adults with GH deficiency improves and normalizes maximal exercise performance and improves submaximal exercise performance and that these changes are related to increases in lean body mass and muscle mass. Improved cardiac output may also contribute to the effect of rhGH on exercise performance.
Functional characterization of the alternatively spliced, placental human growth hormone receptor. (1993)

The human growth hormone family of peptide hormones is encoded by five genes, pituitary growth hormone (hGH-N), and four placentally expressed genes, growth hormone variant (hGH-V), chorionic somatomammotropin A and B (hCS-A, hCS-B), and prolactin (hPrl). As part of an effort to define the local effects of the placentally expressed members of the GH/Prl family of hormones on the placenta, we have identified an isoform (hGHRd3) of the growth hormone receptor expressed in the placental villi. hGHRd3 mRNA differs from the liver GHR mRNA by the deletion of a 66-base pair segment encoding exon 3. In this study we show that hGHRd3 mRNA encodes a stable and functional receptor. hGHRd3 mRNA is efficiently translated and processed in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate translation system as well as in an in vivo Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system. In Xenopus oocytes hGHRd3 is stably integrated into the cell membrane and binds and internalizes ligand as efficiently as hGHR. hGHRd3 binds all three of the placentally expressed members of the GH/Prl gene family (hGH-V, hCS, and Prl) as well as both the 22 and 20 kDa isoforms of the pituitary hGH-N. The results of the present study strongly support the expression of a functional hGHRd3 isoreceptor in the placenta which may serve in autocrine, paracrine, and/or endocrine activation.
Self-Assembly of Aβ1-42into Globular Neurotoxins (2003)

Amyloid beta 1-42 (Abeta(1-42)) is a self-associating peptide that becomes neurotoxic upon aggregation. Toxicity originally was attributed to the presence of large, readily formed Abeta fibrils, but a variety of other toxic species are now known. The current study shows that Abeta(1-42) can self-assemble into small, stable globular assemblies free of fibrils and protofibrils. Absence of large molecules was verified by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nondenaturing gel electrophoresis. Denaturing electrophoresis revealed that the globular assemblies comprised oligomers ranging from trimers to 24mers. Oligomers prepared at 4 degrees C stayed fibril-free for days and remained so when shifted to 37 degrees C, although the spectrum of sizes shifted toward larger oligomers at the higher temperature. The soluble, globular Abeta(1-42) oligomers were toxic to PC12 cells, impairing reduction of MTT and interfering with ERK and Rac signal transduction. Occasionally, oligomers were neither toxic nor recognized by toxicity-neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that oligomers could assume alternative conformations. Tests for oligomerization-blocking activity were carried out by dot-blot immunoassays and showed that neuroprotective extracts of Ginkgo biloba could inhibit oligomer formation at very low doses. The observed neurotoxicity, structure, and stability of synthetic Abeta(1-42) globular assemblies support the hypothesis that Abeta(1-42) oligomers play a role in triggering nerve cell dysfunction and death in Alzheimer's disease.
Interferon Expression in the Pancreases of Patients With Type I Diabetes (1995)

We have used a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol to examine the expression of cytokines in the pancreases and islets of patients with type I diabetes. We detect a significant increase in the level of expression of interferon (IFN)-alpha in the pancreases of the diabetic patients as compared with the control pancreases. In contrast, IFN-beta was detected at comparable levels in both groups, while IFN-gamma was detected in three of four control pancreases and one of four pancreases from the diabetic individuals. The IFN-alpha cDNAs generated by the RT-PCR were cloned and sequenced to determine which alpha-subtypes were being expressed. We found that the repertoire of subtypes was quite limited in any one individual (diabetic or not), although each individual was different with respect to the pattern of subtypes expressed. We also examined these pancreases for the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6. We found no detectable expression of TNF-alpha or IL-2 in any pancreases, and the expression of the other cytokines was variable, with no pattern emerging from the comparison of the diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. We conclude that, of the cytokines examined, only IFN-alpha was significantly increased in the diabetic patients, a result that is consistent with the possibility that this cytokine is directly involved in the development of type I diabetes.
Identification of Low-Confidence Regions in the Pig Reference Genome (Sscrofa10.2) (2015)

Many applications of high throughput sequencing rely on the availability of an accurate reference genome. Variant calling often produces large data sets that cannot be realistically validated and which may contain large numbers of false-positives. Errors in the reference assembly increase the number of false-positives. While resources are available to aid in the filtering of variants from human data, for other species these do not yet exist and strict filtering techniques must be employed which are more likely to exclude true-positives. This work assesses the accuracy of the pig reference genome (Sscrofa10.2) using whole genome sequencing reads from the Duroc sow whose genome the assembly was based on. Indicators of structural variation including high regional coverage, unexpected insert sizes, improper pairing and homozygous variants were used to identify low quality (LQ) regions of the assembly. Low coverage (LC) regions were also identified and analyzed separately. The LQ regions covered 13.85% of the genome, the LC regions covered 26.6% of the genome and combined (LQLC) they covered 33.07% of the genome. Over half of dbSNP variants were located in the LQLC regions. Of copy number variable regions identified in a previous study, 86.3% were located in the LQLC regions. The regions were also enriched for gene predictions from RNA-seq data with 42.98% falling in the LQLC regions. Excluding variants in the LQ, LC, or LQLC from future analyses will help reduce the number of false-positive variant calls. Researchers using WGS data should be aware that the current pig reference genome does not give an accurate representation of the copy number of alleles in the original Duroc sow's genome.
Invasiveness as a Barrier to Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in Diabetes (2005)

Invasiveness is a common and serious barrier to SMBG. These findings suggest that people with diabetes would perform SMBG more frequently and have improved quality of life with non-invasive SMBG.
Binding characteristics and cross-reactivity of three different antilipid A monoclonal antibodies. (1989)

A detailed characterization of binding specificity and cross-reactivity of three antilipid A murine mAb was performed. Binding characteristics of these three mAb were investigated against Ag (ReLPS, lipid A, derivatives of lipid A) in solid phase (ELISA) and in fluid phase (C consumption, inhibition studies), and upon incorporation in membranes (E: passive hemolysis assay, and liposomes: inhibition studies). Cross-reactivity with heterologous Ag was investigated in ELISA (LPS, Gram-negative bacteria) and immunoblot experiments (LPS). The binding specificity of mAb 26-5 (IgG2b), raised against synthetic lipid A, was located in the hydrophilic region of biphospholipid A and was also exposed after membrane incorporation of lipid A or after preincubation of lipid A with polymyxin B (PMX). mAb 26-20 (IgM), also raised against synthetic lipid A, showed binding specificity for the hydrophobic region of lipid A: no binding to membrane-associated lipid A could be demonstrated, and binding in ELISA could be blocked very efficiently by PMX. The reaction pattern of mAb 8-2 (IgM), raised against the heat-killed Re mutant of Salmonella typhimurium, was in part similar to that of mAb 26-20. However, inhibition of binding with PMX was less efficient and a high specificity for ReLPS, also after membrane incorporation of this Ag, was demonstrated. In contrast to mAb 26-5 and 26-20, mAb 8-2 showed extensive cross-reactivity with heterologous LPS preparations and heat-killed as well as live Gram-negative bacteria. It is concluded that each of the three mAb binds to a different antigenic epitope in lipid A and that exposure of those epitopes for antibody binding is restricted in a differential manner, depending on mode of Ag presentation. The here defined reaction patterns provide a basis for the interpretation of potential inhibitory effects on in vitro and in vivo biologic (and toxic) activities of endotoxins and Gram-negative bacteria.
APOE ε4 allele is associated with reduced cerebrospinal fluid levels of Aβ42 (2004)

The epsilon4 allele of APOE is a risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD). By analysis of a large cohort of AD patients (n = 563) and control subjects (n = 118), it is shown that the epsilon4 allele is strongly associated with reduced CSF levels of beta-amyloid (1-42) (Abeta42) in both AD (p < 10(-9)) and control (p = 0.0012) populations. As no associations of APOE variants with other indexes of AD severity were observed, this effect may reflect a fundamental involvement of ApoE in Abeta metabolism.
Susceptibility of oral bacteria to an antimicrobial decapeptide (2003)

Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides have emerged as alternative classes of antimicrobials. In general, these antimicrobial peptides exhibit selectivity for prokaryotes and minimize the problems of engendering microbial resistance. As an alternative method to search for more effective broad-spectrum peptide antimicrobials, investigators have developed peptide libraries by using synthetic combinatorial technology. A novel decapeptide, KKVVFKVKFK (KSL), has been identified that shows a broad range of antibacterial activity. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of this antimicrobial peptide in killing selected strains of oral pathogens and resident saliva bacteria collected from human subjects. Cytotoxic activity of KSL against mammalian cells and the structural features of this decapeptide were also investigated, the latter by using two-dimensional NMR in aqueous and DMSO solutions. MICs of KSL for the majority of oral bacteria tested in vitro ranged from 3 to 100 microg ml(-1). Minimal bactericidal concentrations of KSL were, in general, within one to two dilutions of the MICs. KSL exhibited an ED(99) (the dose at which 99 % killing was observed after 15 min at 37 degrees C) of 6.25 microg ml(-1) against selected strains of Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, KSL damaged bacterial cell membranes and caused 1.05 log units reduction of viability counts of saliva bacteria. In vitro toxicity studies showed that KSL, at concentrations up to 1 mg ml(-1), did not induce cell death or compromise the membrane integrity of human gingival fibroblasts. NMR studies suggest that KSL adopts an alpha-helical structure in DMSO solution, which mimics the polar aprotic membrane environment, whereas it remains unstructured in aqueous medium. This study shows that KSL may be a useful antimicrobial agent for inhibiting the growth of oral bacteria that are associated with caries development and early plaque formation.
First and second phases of biphasic fever: two sequential stages of the sickness syndrome? (1996)

We hypothesized that the systemic inflammatory response undergoes two consecutive stages, each characterized by different nonspecific sickness patterns. To test this hypothesis, we studied thermal, nociceptive, and motor responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 43 unanesthetized, habituated, and lightly restrained male Wistar rats previously implanted with a catheter in the jugular vein. Escherichia coli LPS was injected intravenously in a dose of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, or 1,000 micrograms/kg. Colonic temperature (Tc) was measured with a thermocouple. Changes in nociception were assessed by tail flick latency (TFL) to a noxious heat stimulus. Motor activity was evaluated using an observation-based activity score (AS). The two lowest doses were apyrogenic. The next dose induced a monophasic fever with a maximal Tc rise of 0.9 +/- 0.2 degrees C at 108 +/- 11 min post-LPS. The next two higher doses caused biphasic fevers with the first and second peaks of 0.7 +/- 0.1 and 1.4 +/- 0.1 degrees C (10 micrograms/kg) and 0.7 +/- 0.1 and 1.4 +/- 0.2 degrees C (100 micrograms/kg) occurring at 60 +/- 6 and 165 +/- 17 min and at 45 +/- 3 and 141 +/- 6 min, respectively. The highest dose of LPS resulted in a Tc fall (nadir, -0.6 +/- 0.1 degree C at 83 +/- 6 min). Two different sickness patterns were exhibited. The first (high Tc, low TFL and high AS) occurred during the monophasic fever and the first (early) phase of the biphasic fevers, and it was termed the early phase syndrome. The second pattern (high or low Tc, high TFL, and low AS) developed during the second (late) phase of the biphasic fevers and LPS-hypothermia (endotoxin shock), and it was termed the late phase syndrome. Occurring at different stages of the systemic inflammatory response and developing through different coping patterns [fight/flight (energy expenditure) vs. depression/withdrawal (energy conservation)], the two syndromes represent two different types of adaptation to infection and have different biological significance. Viewing sickness as a dynamic entity is justified clinically. Such a dynamic approach to the problem resolves several contradictions in the current concept of sickness.
Segregated structures in carbon black-containing immiscible polymer blends: HIPS/LLDPE systems (1997)

The structure/electrical resistivity relationship in CB-loaded immiscible HIPS/LLDPE blends was studied. Effects of CB content and location, dispersed polymer phase size and shape, dispersed phase viscosity, and processing procedures were examined. The elongated dispersed phase in CB-containing blends is essential for promoting conductivity in formulations prepared by melt mixing and compression molding. However, the same formulations proved highly resistive when injection-molded, due to orientation and excessive shearing. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 1097–1106, 1997