gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
P-selectin suppresses hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in mice by regulating interferon γ and the IL-13 decoy receptor (2004)

The selectin family of cell adhesion molecules is widely thought to promote inflammatory reactions by facilitating leukocyte recruitment. However, it was unexpectedly found that mice with targeted deletion of the P-selectin gene (PsKO mice) developed unpolarized type 1/type 2 cytokine responses and severely aggravated liver pathology following infection with the type 2-promoting pathogen Schistosoma mansoni. In fact, liver fibrosis, which is dependent on interleukin 13 (IL-13), increased by a factor of more than 6, despite simultaneous induction of the antifibrotic cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). Inflammation, as measured by granuloma size, also increased significantly in the absence of P-selectin. When infected PsKO mice were treated with neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibodies, however, granuloma size was restored to wild-type levels; this finding revealed the potent proinflammatory role of IFN-gamma when expressed concomitantly with IL-13. Untreated PsKO mice also exhibited a significant (sixfold) reduction in decoy IL-13 receptor (IL-13 receptor alpha-2) expression when compared with infected wild-type animals. It is noteworthy, however, that when decoy receptor activity was restored in PsKO mice by treatment with soluble IL-13 receptor alpha-2-Fc, the exacerbated fibrotic response was completely inhibited. Thus, reduced expression of the decoy IL-13 receptor mediated by the elevated type 1 cytokine response probably accounts for the enhanced activity of IL-13 in PsKO mice and for the resultant increase in collagen deposition. In conclusion, the current study has revealed the critical role of P-selectin in the progression of chronic liver disease caused by schistosome parasites. By suppressing IFN-gamma and up-regulating the decoy IL-13 receptor, P-selectin dramatically inhibits the pathologic tissue remodeling that results from chronic type 2 cytokine-mediated inflammation.
Layer-by-Layer Electrostatic Self-Assembly of Polyelectrolyte Nanoshells on Individual Carbon Nanotube Templates (2004)

Carbon nanotubes have been featured prominently in the nanotechnology research for some time, yet robust strategies for noncovalent chemical modification of the nanotube surface are still missing. Such strategies are essential for the creation of functional device architectures. Here, we present a new general procedure for carbon nanotube modification based on polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer assembly. We have built multilayer structures around individual carbon nanotube bridges by first modifying the nanotube surface with a pyrene derivative followed by layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolyte macroions on the nanotube. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy images confirm the formation of nanometer-thick amorphous polymer nanoshells around the nanotubes. These multilayer polyelectrolyte shells on individual carbon nanotubes introduce nearly unlimited opportunities for the incorporation of various functionalities into nanotube devices, which, in turn, opens up the possibility of building more complex multicomponent structures.
Complementary and alternative medicine use among women with breast cancer. (2002)

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has increased in recent years, with at least 42% of individuals in the United States using some form of CAM in 1997. CAM includes a variety of modalities, ranging from nutritionally based interventions to behavioral techniques. This article reviews the status of CAM use among women with breast cancer. Patients are increasingly incorporating CAM into cancer prevention and treatment regimens. The prevalence of CAM use by breast cancer patients varies; however, it is typically higher than among individuals in the general population. Commonly used CAMs among women with breast cancer include nutritional/dietary supplements, relaxation strategies, and various types of social support groups. Apart from psychosocial interventions, little scientific evidence exists regarding the efficacy of CAM use for breast cancer patients. A common theme seen in many studies is that CAM use in women with breast cancer is highly correlated with increased psychosocial distress.
Breeding of the Brassica napus cultivar Zhongshuang 9 with high-resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and dynamics of its important defense enzyme activity (2004)

Zhongshuang 9, a new semi-winter Brassica napus variety with high resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and lodging, high-yield, double-low quality and extensive adaptability, was bred by multiple crossing and microspore culture technique. It was registered and released in China in 2002.In Regional Trial of Hubei Province in China, Zhongshuang 9 yielded 2 482.2 kg·ha -1 averagely in 2000-2002, 15.33% higher than the control variety Zhongyou 821. Erucic acid, glucosinolates and oil contents of Zhongshuang 9 were 0.23%, 22.69 μmol·g -1 (in meal) and 42%, respectively. In field identification of resistance to S.sclerotiorum, disease incidence and disease index of Zhongshuang 9 were averagely 13.31% and 6.47, respectively, which decreased by 28% and 36%, respectively,as compared with those of the control variety Zhongyou 821. By inoculation of detached leaves with mycelia, the lesion size of Zhongshuang 9 was 4.709 cm 2, which was significantly smaller than that of the mid-resistant variety Zhongyou 821( 5.933 cm 2). The lesion length of the stem of Zhongshuang 9 was 1.275 cm, which reached significant difference compared with that of the mid-resistant variety Zhongyou 821 (1.943 cm) by the Match-stick Inoculation Method. The possible mechanism of resistance to S. sclerotiorum was studied through comparing the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), exo-chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) of Zhongshuang 9 with those of other resistant, mid-resistant and susceptible cultivars.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase mutations identified in human cancer are oncogenic (2005)

Mutations in genes that encode components of the phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) signaling pathway are common in human cancer. The recent discovery of nonrandom somatic mutations in the PIK3CA gene of many human tumors suggests an oncogenic role for the mutated enzyme. We have determined the growth-regulatory and signaling properties of the three most frequently observed PI3-kinase mutations: E542K, E545K, and H1047R. Expressed in chicken embryo fibroblasts, all three mutants induce oncogenic transformation with high efficiency. This transforming ability is correlated with elevated catalytic activity in in vitro kinase assays. The mutant-transformed cells show constitutive phosphorylation of Akt, of p70 S6 kinase, and of the 4E-binding protein 1. Phosphorylation of S6 kinase and of 4E-binding protein 1 is regulated by the target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase and affects rates of protein synthesis. The inhibitor of TOR, rapamycin, strongly interferes with cellular transformation induced by the PI3-kinase mutants, suggesting that the TOR and its downstream targets are essential components of the transformation process. The oncogenic transforming activity makes the mutated PI3-kinase proteins promising targets for small molecule inhibitors that could be developed into effective and highly specific anticancer drugs.
Accidental administration of Syntometrine in adult dosage to the newborn. (1980)

The clinical course is described of an infant who accidentally received an adult dose of Syntometrine (synthetic oxytocin + ergometrine) at delivery. The infant soon became ill with convulsions and ventilatory failure, and later with water intoxication. Similar reported cases are reviewed and recommendations are given for the management of future cases.
THE LANDSCAPING OF ROADS. SECOND EDITION (1980)

This monograph is in two parts: part 1 refers generally to the need for all roads to be landscaped, whether they are motorways or housing estate roads, and to a number of general design considerations. Part 2 refers to particular actions that the highway engineer can take to ensure that the appearance of roads is appropriate to their surroundings.in landscape considerations, factors that have to be considered (factors allied to the alignment, factors connected to road layout and land requirements,and factors related to details of the design) are discussed together with the landscape survey procedure, scale problems, road layout and land requirements, details such as: co-ordination of vertical and horizontal curves, tree and shrub planting, bridges, kerb, paving materials, and street furniture. (TRRL)
Leukemia inhibitory factor is expressed in cartilage and synovium and can contribute to the pathogenesis of arthritis. (1992)

This study reports on leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in human articular connective tissues. Biologically active LIF is present in synovial fluids from patients with osteoarthritis and at higher titers in samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Cultured human synoviocytes and articular chondrocytes produced biologically active LIF and synthesized and secreted LIF proteins that migrated in SDS PAGE at approximately 43 kD. This was increased after stimulation with IL-1 beta. Chondrocytes in serum-containing cultures expressed the 4.2-kb LIF mRNA. IL-1 beta, LPS, and to a lesser extent tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced LIF gene expression. LIF autoinduced its mRNA and this provides evidence for an effect of this cytokine on function of joint tissue cells. Among a series of growth factors tested, transforming growth factor (TGF beta), including the isoforms TGF-beta1, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3, platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor induced this cytokine gene but differed with respect to the duration of their effects. Cultured synoviocytes expressed the LIF gene in response to the same set of peptide regulatory factors. Analysis of signal transduction pathways showed that PMA increased LIF mRNA, whereas calcium ionophore and cAMP had no detectable effects. Cycloheximide was a potent LIF mRNA inducer and dexamethasone inhibited LIF induced by PMA or IL-1 beta. Cartilage organ cultures and synovial tissues stimulated with IL-1 expressed high levels of LIF mRNA as demonstrated by in situ hybridization. These results identify LIF as a new cytokine that is produced by joint tissue cells and is overexpressed in arthritis. The induction of this cytokine by factors that are present during joint inflammation and the effects of LIF on connective tissue cells suggest that LIF is a mediator that can contribute to the pathogenesis of arthritis.
In vivo biocompatibility of carbodiimide-crosslinked collagen matrices: Effects of crosslink density, heparin immobilization, and bFGF loading (2001)

Collagen matrices, crosslinked using N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide (E) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (N), were previously developed as a substrate for endothelial cell seeding of small-diameter vascular grafts. In the present study, the biocompatibility of various EN-crosslinked collagen matrices was evaluated following subcutaneous implantation in rats for periods up to 10 weeks. The effects of the crosslink density, referred to as the number of free primary amino groups per 1,000 amino acid residues (EN10, EN14, EN18, or EN22), the amount of heparin immobilized to EN14, and the effect of preloading heparinized EN14 with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the induced tissue reaction were studied. EN-crosslinked collagen was biocompatible at both early and late time intervals, and matrices with high crosslink densities (i.e., EN14, EN10) especially demonstrated a significantly decreased antigenic response when compared to noncrosslinked collagen. Furthermore, increased crosslinking resulted in a decreased degradation rate. Immobilization of heparin onto EN14 resulted in a similar to EN14 (thus without heparin) or somewhat reduced tissue reaction, but fibrin formation and vascularization were increased with increasing quantities of immobilized heparin. Matrices preloaded with bFGF also demonstrated good biocompatibility, especially in combination with higher amounts of immobilized heparin. The latter matrices [EN14 with high heparin and bFGF, thus EN14-H (0.4)F and EN14-H(1.0)F] demonstrated significantly increased vascularization for periods up to 3 weeks. Neither heparin immobilization nor bFGF preloading induced an increased antigenic response. It is concluded that the results of this study justify further evaluation of bFGF preloaded, heparin immobilized EN14 collagen, as a matrix for endothelial cell seeding in experimental animals.
Antimetastatic vaccination of tumor-bearing mice with two types of IFN-gamma gene-inserted tumor cells (1993)

IFN-gamma genes were introduced through retroviral vectors into the high metastatic, low H-2Kb class I expressor, and poorly immunogenic 3LL-D122 clone. Two types of IFN-gamma infectants were isolated: IFN-gamma high secretors (128 to 256 IU/ml) and IFN-gamma non- or very low secretors (< 2 IU/ml). Both manifested high expression of MHC class I Ag. IFN-gamma secretors showed significant decrease in tumorigenicity and metastatic growth, whereas IFN-gamma nonsecretors retain tumorigenicity and were more metastatic than parental D122 cells. However, both groups, when inoculated in an irradiated form, induced similar high levels of CTL and protected mice to the same degree against a subsequent graft of parental cells. This indicates that enhanced expression of MHC class I and related genes caused by IFN-gamma is the major participant in CTL induction. Immunization of mice carrying an established tumor of parental D122 cells with IFN-gamma infectants is capable of almost completely preventing lung metastasis. Immunotherapy of tumor-bearing hosts is more effective when IFN-gamma secreting cells are used as immunogens, indicating that mechanisms, in addition to CTL, are stimulated by secreted IFN-gamma. Moreover, immunization with IFN-gamma high secretors of postoperative mice, carrying established micrometastases, almost completely cured these mice. Support for the participation of non-T cell effectors in the response to IFN-gamma secretors derives from the reduced tumorigenicity of these cells in CD1 nude mice. These data provide a rationale for the use of IFN-gamma gene-transferred tumor cells as a modality for cancer therapy.
FTY720, a Novel Immunomodulator in de Novo Kidney Transplant Patients: Pharmacokinetics and Exposure‐Response Relationship (2005)

The pharmacokinetics, safety, and preliminary efficacy of FTY720, a novel immunomodulator, were examined in de novo renal transplant patients. Both noncompartmental and population methods were used to estimate pharmacokinetic estimates in the patients. The steady-state plasma concentrations of FTY720 increased in accordance with maintenance dose level, indicating linearity in clearance and volume of distribution over the 0.25- to 2.5-mg dose range. The pharmacokinetics of FTY720 in de novo renal transplant patients were characterized by the long terminal phase half-life of approximately 200 hours across doses, high volume of distribution (>3000 L), and low clearance (10.8 L/h). The intersubject variation of clearance was 55%, and the intrasubject variation of FTY720 concentrations was 28%. The population analysis revealed significant positive relationships between baseline alkaline phosphatase and clearance, as well as between baseline body weight on apparent volume of distribution. There was no relationship between FTY720 concentrations within a given FTY720 dose cohort and the rate of allograft rejection.
Clinical application of amniotic membranes on a patient with epidermolysis bullosa. (1999)

The case of a patient with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa treated with radiosterilised amniotic membranes is presented. The disorder is a congenital disease characterised by a poor desmosomal junction in the keratinocyte membrane. After proper donor screening, amnios were collected at Hospital Central Sur de Alta Especialidad (HCSAE), PEMEX and microbiological analysis was performed at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, FQUNAM, (Biology Dept. of the Chemistry Faculty, National Autonomous University of Mexico), before and after radiation sterilisation. Processing, packaging and sterilisation were performed at Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, ININ, (National Nuclear Research Institute). The patient, a ten-year-old boy with severe malnutrition, extensive loss of skin and pseudomonad infection in the whole body, was treated with gentle debridement in a Hubbard bath. Later amnion application was performed with sterilised amnios by using two different processes, in one of which the amnion was sterilised with paracetic acid, preserved in glycerol, kindly donated by the German Institute for Tissue and Cell Replacement and applied by Dr. Johannes C. Bruck, IAEA visiting expert, and the other amnion was processed at ININ: air dried and sterilised by gamma radiation at dose of 30 kGy. After spontaneous epithelisation was successfully promoted for seven days, the pain was alleviated and mobility was improved in a few hours and the patient's general condition was so improved that in a month he was discharged. Unfortunately, because this disease is revertive and has malignant degeneration, the prognosis is not good.
Steroid hormone receptors: intracellular distribution (1986)

Recent reports, both biochemical and morphological, have challenged the widely accepted two‐step model of steroid hormone action. This model proposed that steroid hormone receptors existed under two different forms: the unliganded receptor in the cytoplasm and the hormone‐bound receptor complex in the nucleus. A nuclear translocation mechanism was hypothesized as a necessary link between the two forms. In contradiction with this model, new studies have concluded to the absence of receptor in the cytoplasm and its presence in the nucleus under all hormonal conditions, thus rendering the hypothetical nuclear translocation unnecessary. In this review, we discuss how our concept of the mechanism of action of steroid hormone ought to be revised in the light of the new data.
Power Factor Enhancement in Solution‐Processed Organic n‐Type Thermoelectrics Through Molecular Design (2014)

A new class of high-performance n-type organic thermoelectric materials, self-doping perylene diimide derivatives with modified side chains, is reported. These materials achieve the highest n-type thermoelectric performance of solution-processed organic materials reported to date, with power factors as high as 1.4 μW/mK(2). These results demonstrate that molecular design is a promising strategy for enhancing organic thermoelectric performance.
A Solid-State Potentiometric Sensor for Monitoring Hydrogen in Commercial Pipeline Steel (1995)

A solid-state potentiometric sensor for monitoring hydrogen in commercial pipeline steel was developed. Performance of the sensor was investigated using five commercial steels into which hydrogen was introduced by gas charging or by corrosion reactions. The equivalent pressure of hydrogen (pH2eq) in the steel as determined by the sensor was related to the concentration of hydrogen and to the extent of cracking of the steel. A critical pH2eq value in a steel, above which the steel would crack, was defined.
Quasi-steady-state photoconductance, a new method for solar cell material and device characterization (1996)

This paper describes a new method for minority-carrier lifetime determination using a contactless photoconductance instrument in a quasi-steady-state mode. Compared to the more common transient photoconductance decay approach, the new technique permits the use of simpler electronics and light sources, yet has the capability to measure lifetimes in the nanosecond to millisecond range. In addition, by analyzing the quasi-steady-state photoconductance as a function of incident light intensity, an implicit I/sub SC/-V/sub OV/ curve can be obtained for noncontacted silicon wafers and solar cell precursors.
Non-contact, automated cardiac pulse measurements using video imaging and blind source separation (2010)

Remote measurements of the cardiac pulse can provide comfortable physiological assessment without electrodes. However, attempts so far are non-automated, susceptible to motion artifacts and typically expensive. In this paper, we introduce a new methodology that overcomes these problems. This novel approach can be applied to color video recordings of the human face and is based on automatic face tracking along with blind source separation of the color channels into independent components. Using Bland-Altman and correlation analysis, we compared the cardiac pulse rate extracted from videos recorded by a basic webcam to an FDA-approved finger blood volume pulse (BVP) sensor and achieved high accuracy and correlation even in the presence of movement artifacts. Furthermore, we applied this technique to perform heart rate measurements from three participants simultaneously. This is the first demonstration of a low-cost accurate video-based method for contact-free heart rate measurements that is automated, motion-tolerant and capable of performing concomitant measurements on more than one person at a time.
Object-background segmentation using new definitions of entropy (1989)

The definition of Shannon&apos;s entropy in the context of information theory is critically examined and some of its applications to image processing problems are reviewed. A new definition of classical entropy based on the exponential behaviour of information-gain is proposed along with its justification. Its properties also include those of Shannon&apos;s entropy. The concept is then extended to fuzzy sets for defining a non-probabilistic entropy and to grey tone image for defining its global, local and conditional entropy. Based on those definitions, three algorithms are developed for image segmentation. The superiority of these algorithms is experimentally demonstrated for a set of images having various types of histogram.
Transfer of CVD-Grown Monolayer Graphene onto Arbitrary Substrates (2011)

Reproducible dry and wet transfer techniques were developed to improve the transfer of large-area monolayer graphene grown on copper foils by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The techniques reported here allow transfer onto three different classes of substrates: substrates covered with shallow depressions, perforated substrates, and flat substrates. A novel dry transfer technique was used to make graphene-sealed microchambers without trapping liquid inside. The dry transfer technique utilizes a polydimethylsiloxane frame that attaches to the poly(methyl methacrylate) spun over the graphene film, and the monolayer graphene was transferred onto shallow depressions with 300 nm depth. The improved wet transfer onto perforated substrates with 2.7 μm diameter holes yields 98% coverage of holes covered with continuous films, allowing the ready use of Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy to study the intrinsic properties of CVD-grown monolayer graphene. Additionally, monolayer graphene transferred onto flat substrates has fewer cracks and tears, as well as lower sheet resistance than previous transfer techniques. Monolayer graphene films transferred onto glass had a sheet resistance of ∼980 Ω/sq and a transmittance of 97.6%. These transfer techniques open up possibilities for the fabrication of various graphene devices with unique configurations and enhanced performance.