gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Melt mixing of polycarbonate/multi-wall carbon nanotube composites (2003)

Abstract —Composites of polycarbonate (PC) with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) of different concentrations are prepared by diluting a PC based masterbatch containing 15 wt% MWNT using melt mixing in a DACA-Micro Compounder (4 g scale). Electrical resistivity measurements indicate that the percolation of MWNT is reached between 1 and 1.5 wt%. In addition, melt rheology was applied as another sensitive method to detect the percolation of the nanotubes. Atomic Force Microscopy and visual observations of the composite dispersions in a PC-solvent were used to characterise the state of MWNT dispersion. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis were applied to detect changes in the glass transition temperature of PC as a result of processing and of MWNT interactions with the PC matrix including the state of dispersion. In addition, DMA confirmed the reinforcement effect of the nanotubes. The results show that the nanotube incorporation also influences the processing behaviour. Due to the enhancement in melt viscosity by adding nanotubes and the enhanced shear forces, the molecular weight of the PC in the composites is reduced as compared to PC extruded under the same conditions. This effect leads to changes in the glass transition temperature and modulus which counteracts the effects originating from the nanotube-polymer interaction. Keywords: MULTI-WALL CARBON NANOTUBESMELT MIXINGELECTRICAL RESISTIVITYRHEOLOGY.
<title>Bragg grating fiber optic sensing for bridges and other structures</title> (1994)

We have demonstrated that fiber optic intracore Bragg grating sensors are able to measure the strain relief experienced over an extended period of time by both steel and carbon composite tendons within the concrete deck support girders of a recently constructed two span highway bridge. This is the first bridge in the world to test the prospects of using carbon fiber composite tendons to replace steel tendons. This unique set of measurements was accomplished with an array of 15 Bragg grating fiber optic sensors that were embedded within the precast concrete girders during their construction. We have also demonstrated that these same sensors can measure the change in the internal strain within the girders associated with both static and dynamic loading of the bridge with a truck. We are now studying the ability of Bragg grating fiber optic sensors to measure strong strain gradients and thereby provide a warning of debonding of any Bragg grating sensor from its host structure...one of the most important failure modes for any fiber optic strain sensor.
Novel Phorbol Esters Exert Dichotomous Effects on Inhibition of HIV-1 Infection and Activation of Latent HIV-1 Expression (2005)

Two new phorbol esters, NPB-11 (12- O-methoxymethylphorbol-13-decanoate) and NPB-15 (12- O-benzyloxymethylphorbol-13-decanoate) were synthesized. The compounds exhibited potent anti-HIV-1 activity and low cytotoxicity in MT-4 cells by MTT assay even at a high concentration [50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC 50 ) were 8.32 and 4.39 μg/ml, respectively]. Two inhibitors strongly suppressed HIV-1 (IIIB strain) replication in MT-4 cells with a 50% effective concentration (EC 50 ) of 1.3 and 0.27 ng/ml, respectively. NPB-11 efficiently blocked replication of both X4 and R5 HIV-1 in PHA-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and MT-4 cells as revealed by p24 assay. The antiviral activity appeared to be mediated, at least partially, by the down-regulation of the expression of CD4 and the HIV-1 co-receptors, CXCR4 and CCR5. The compounds were also capable of selectively up-regulating HIV-1 expression in a variety of latently infected cell lines and inducing cell death in HIV-1 infected cells. The effect of NPBs on the induction of HIV-1 was specifically blocked by nontoxic doses of a protein kinase C blocker, staurosporine. NPB-11 blocked the spread of HIV-1 released from latently infected ACH-2 cells to MT-4 cells in a co-culture system. When combined with AZT, NPB-11 synergistically inhibited HIV-1 replication in MTT assay using MT-4 cells. These data suggest that these agents might be useful in reducing persistent viral reservoirs in patients and as adjuvant therapy in patients treated with HAART.
Delineation of the viral products of recombination in vaccinia virus-infected cells (1988)

Plasmids containing the vaccinia virus thymidine kinase gene, its flanking DNA sequences, and the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene were used in conjunction with a thymidine kinase-deficient virus to examine the viral products of recombination. Progeny derived from single-crossover events could be distinguished from those generated by gene conversion or double-crossover events when the beta-galactosidase gene was separated from the thymidine kinase gene by the flanking sequences. Using methotrexate to select for recombinant virus and a chromogenic indicator to detect beta-galactosidase, the generation of viral recombinants was measured over a 48-h period. Recombinant progeny were first observed at 12 h and increased to a maximum of 2.5% at 48 h. Single-crossover products, as determined by beta-galactosidase expression, reached a maximum of 57% of the recombinant population at 24 h and thereafter declined. DNA hybridization analysis was used to examine genomic structures of the progeny of the initial viral plaques, plaques purified three times, and those subject to a 10(4)-fold amplification. These analyses confirmed that single-crossover events within either the 5'- or 3'-homologous flanking sequences generated unstable recombinant structures. These structures were shown to contain a single copy of the intact thymidine kinase gene within the corresponding copy of the duplicated thymidine kinase flanking sequences, separated by the beta-galactosidase gene and plasmid DNA. Significantly, these duplicated structures could undergo further recombination to produce repeats of either the intact or the deleted thymidine kinase sequences. These intermediate structures ultimately degenerated to produce either the parental thymidine kinase-deleted or the wild-type genome. The wild-type genome was also shown to be generated directly by gene conversion or double-crossover events.
Comparison of automatic QT measurement techniques in the normal 12 lead electrocardiogram. (1995)

Different QT measurement techniques produced results which were influenced, to varying degrees, by filtering and technique variables. This is relevant for the inter-comparison of studies using different techniques. Technique TH, a common approach, is not recommended.
Supersonic shear imaging: a new technique for soft tissue elasticity mapping (2004)

Supersonic shear imaging (SSI) is a new ultrasound-based technique for real-time visualization of soft tissue viscoelastic properties. Using ultrasonic focused beams, it is possible to remotely generate mechanical vibration sources radiating low-frequency, shear waves inside tissues. Relying on this concept, SSI proposes to create such a source and make it move at a supersonic speed. In analogy with the "sonic boom" created by a supersonic aircraft, the resulting shear waves will interfere constructively along a Mach cone, creating two intense plane shear waves. These waves propagate through the medium and are progressively distorted by tissue heterogeneities. An ultrafast scanner prototype is able to both generate this supersonic source and image (5000 frames/s) the propagation of the resulting shear waves. Using inversion algorithms, the shear elasticity of medium can be mapped quantitatively from this propagation movie. The SSI enables tissue elasticity mapping in less than 20 ms, even in strongly viscous medium like breast. Modalities such as shear compounding are implementable by tilting shear waves in different directions and improving the elasticity estimation. Results validating SSI in heterogeneous phantoms are presented. The first in vivo investigations made on healthy volunteers emphasize the potential clinical applicability of SSI for breast cancer detection.
High-Level Transgene Expression in Plant Cells: Effects of a Strong Scaffold Attachment Region from Tobacco (1996)

George C. Allen, Gerald Hall, Jr., Susan Michalowski, Winnell Newman, Steven Spiker, Arthur K. Weissinger, William F. Thompson, High-Level Transgene Expression in Plant Cells: Effects of a Strong Scaffold Attachment Region from Tobacco, The Plant Cell, Vol. 8, No. 5 (May, 1996), pp. 899-913
Structural Features of Peptide Analogs of Human Histocompatibility Leukocyte Antigen Class I Epitopes That Are More Potent and Immunogenic than Wild-Type Peptide (2001)

Certain peptide analogs that carry substitutions at residues other than the main major histocompatibility complex anchors and are surprisingly much more antigenic than wild-type peptide (heteroclitic analogs). To date, it was unknown how frequently wild-type epitopes could be modified to obtain heteroclitic activity. In this study, we analyzed a large panel of analogs of two different human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2.1-restricted epitopes and found that heteroclitic analogs were associated with higher magnitude responses and increased (up to 10(7)-fold) sensitivity to antigen, and corresponded to conservative or semiconservative substitutions at odd-numbered positions in the middle of the peptide (positions 3, 5, or 7). These findings were validated by performing additional immunogenicity studies in murine and human systems with four additional epitopes. The biological relevance of heteroclitic analogs was underlined when predicted analogs of the p53.261 epitope was shown to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize low concentrations of peptide (high avidity) in vivo and demonstrate in vitro antitumor recognition. Finally, in vitro immunization of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with two heteroclitic analogs resulted in recruitment of more numerous CTLs which were associated with increased antigen sensitivity. In conclusion, heteroclitic analogs were identified in each of the six cases studied and structural features were defined which allow identification of such analogs. The strong CTL immunity elicited by heteroclitic epitopes suggest that they could be of significant value in vaccination against tolerant or weakly immunogenic tumor-associated and viral antigens.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Risk of Infection (2009)

This review article focuses on the risk of infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Throughout the years there have been a number of studies describing the risk of pulmonary infections in patients with COPD, whereas only few studies have focused on the risk of infection outside the lungs. With increasing severity of COPD the risk of respiratory tract infection also increases. The impairment of the innate immune system is most likely responsible for both the colonization of respiratory tract with bacteria and for an increased risk of infection with new strains of bacteria causing acute exacerbations. Also lung infections like pneumonia, lung abscess and empyema are more often seen in patients with COPD than in healthy subjects. With regard to extrapulmonary infections, it seems that COPD patients are not at higher risk of infection compared with subjects without COPD. It is concluded that COPD is significantly associated with an increased risk of various respiratory tract infections, but not with infections outside the respiratory system.
Transthyretin‐driven oncolytic adenovirus suppresses tumor growth in orthotopic and ascites models of hepatocellular carcinoma (2009)

Strategies to increase antitumor efficacy of oncolytic adenoviruses are actively investigated. We have previously shown that E1B-55 kDa-deleted adenovirus, designated Ad5WS1, has therapeutic potential for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To achieve HCC-restricted replication of oncolytic adenovirus, we generated Ad5WS2, an E1B-55 kDa-deleted adenovirus with its E1A gene driven by the liver-specific transthyretin promoter. Our results showed that Ad5WS2 could replicate within tumor cells where the transthyretin gene was expressed. Mouse transthyretin promoter was active in murine and human HCC cells, but relatively quiescent in cells of non-liver origin. Ad5WS2 caused severe cytolytic effect on HCC cells, but was much attenuated in non-HCC cells. Peritoneal administration of Ad5WS2 into mice bearing liver tumors grown in ascites resulted in enhanced survival. In an orthotopic HCC model, Ad5WS2, when systemically administered, exerted higher antitumor effects than Ad5WS1. Lack of viral replication in normal organs and minimal hepatic toxicity was noted after Ad5WS2 treatment. Furthermore, the antitumor effect of Ad5WS2 could be enhanced when combined with chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin in the ascites tumor model. These results suggest that E1B-55 kDa-deleted adenovirus driven by the transthyretin promoter may be a safer and more efficacious oncolytic agent for the treatment of primary and metastatic HCC.
Rarest first and choke algorithms are enough (2006)

The performance of peer-to-peer file replication comes from its piece and peer selection strategies. Two such strategies have been introduced by the BitTorrent protocol: the rarest first and choke algorithms. Whereas it is commonly admitted that BitTorrent performs well, recent studies have proposed the replacement of the rarest first and choke algorithms in order to improve efficiency and fairness. In this paper, we use results from real experiments to advocate that the replacement of the rarest first and choke algorithms cannot be justified in the context of peer-to-peer file replication in the Internet.We instrumented a BitTorrent client and ran experiments on real torrents with different characteristics. Our experimental evaluation is peer oriented, instead of tracker oriented, which allows us to get detailed information on all exchanged messages and protocol events. We go beyond the mere observation of the good efficiency of both algorithms. We show that the rarest first algorithm guarantees close to ideal diversity of the pieces among peers. In particular, on our experiments, replacing the rarest first algorithm with source or network coding solutions cannot be justified. We also show that the choke algorithm in its latest version fosters reciprocation and is robust to free riders. In particular, the choke algorithm is fair and its replacement with a bit level tit-for-tat solution is not appropriate. Finally, we identify new areas of improvements for efficient peer-to-peer file replication protocols.
Bright and Stable Core−Shell Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles (2004)

A class of highly fluorescent and photostable core-shell nanoparticles from a modified Stober synthesis in the size range of 20-30 nm is described. These nanoparticles are monodisperse in solution, 20 times brighter, and more photostable than their constituent fluorophore, and are amenable to specific labeling of biological macromolecules for bioimaging experiments. The photophysical characteristics of the encapsulated fluorophores differ from their solution properties. This raises the possibility of tuning nanoparticle structure toward enhanced radiative properties, making them an attractive material platform for a diverse range of applications.
The biology of HIV infection (2001)

This article reviews the cell and molecular biology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), emphasizing the features that lead to opportunistic infection by organisms such as mycobacteria. Mycobacteria, especially M. avium complex and M. tuberculosis infections, are closely associated with HIV disease. HIV is a very small retrovirus and its high mutation rate leads to extremely variable viral populations, both within and between individuals. It is coated with glycoprotein 120 (gp120), which it uses to bind to and infect a range of CD4+ leukocytes, depending on the co-receptor specificity. T cell-tropic HIV strains tend to use the CXCR-4 chemokine receptor, while macrophage-tropic strains tend to use the CCR-5 chemokine receptor. Immunosuppression is induced in a number of ways. As well as frank depletion of virus-infected T cells, antigen-specific T cell clones can be selectively deleted by mechanisms such as defective antigen presentation by HIV-infected macrophages (activation-induced cell death). Changes in cytokine production in HIV infection are also proposed. All this leads to falling T cell counts, B cell dysregulation and macrophage dysfunction. Opportunistic infections exploit this immunosuppressed environment. Certain infections are prevalent, reflecting factors such as environmental exposure to pathogens, poor mucosal defences and subcellular interactions between HIV and, e.g. viral or mycobacterial infections. Opportunistic infection exacerbates immune destruction by HIV, producing a vicious cycle that is ultimately fatal.
Involvement of Protein Kinase C δ (PKCδ) in Phorbol Ester-induced Apoptosis in LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cells (2000)

Phorbol esters, the activators of protein kinase C (PKC), induce apoptosis in androgen-sensitive LNCaP prostate cancer cells. The role of individual PKC isozymes as mediators of this effect has not been thoroughly examined to date. To study the involvement of the novel isozyme PKCdelta, we used a replication-deficient adenovirus (PKCdeltaAdV), which allowed for a tightly controlled expression of PKCdelta in LNCaP cells. A significant reduction in cell number was observed after infection of LNCaP cells with PKCdeltaAdV. Overexpression of PKCdelta markedly enhanced the apoptotic effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in LNCaP cells. PKCdelta-mediated apoptosis was substantially reduced by the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD and by Bcl-2 overexpression. Importantly, and contrary to other cell types, PKCdelta-mediated apoptosis does not involve its proteolytic cleavage by caspase-3, suggesting that allosteric activation of PKCdelta is sufficient to trigger apoptosis in LNCaP cells. In addition, phorbol ester-induced apoptosis was blocked by a kinase-deficient mutant of PKCdelta, supporting the concept that PKCdelta plays an important role in the regulation of apoptotic cell death in LNCaP prostate cancer cells.
Antiallergic agents. 3. N-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-pyridinecarboxamides (1984)

A series of N-tetrazolylpyridinecarboxamides was prepared and evaluated for antiallergic activity by the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) assay. From the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of this class of compounds, it was revealed that the N-tetrazolylcarbamoyl group as an acidic functionality is required to be at the 2-position of the pyridine nucleus and that the phenyl group as a subtituent is not necessarily required for activity. 6-Methyl-N-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide (36) showed good oral activity and low toxicity.
Selective Synthesis and Device Applications of Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Isopropyl Alcohol as Feedstock (2012)

The development of guided chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes provides a great platform for wafer-scale integration of aligned nanotubes into circuits and functional electronic systems. However, the coexistence of metallic and semiconducting nanotubes is still a major obstacle for the development of carbon-nanotube-based nanoelectronics. To address this problem, we have developed a method to obtain predominantly semiconducting nanotubes from direct CVD growth. By using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as the carbon feedstock, a semiconducting nanotube purity of above 90% is achieved, which is unambiguously confirmed by both electrical and micro-Raman measurements. Mass spectrometric study was performed to elucidate the underlying chemical mechanism. Furthermore, high performance thin-film transistors with an on/off ratio above 10(4) and mobility up to 116 cm(2)/(V·s) have been achieved using the IPA-synthesized nanotube networks grown on silicon substrate. The method reported in this contribution is easy to operate and the results are highly reproducible. Therefore, such semiconducting predominated single-walled carbon nanotubes could serve as an important building block for future practical and scalable carbon nanotube electronics.
Spectral broadening in continuous-wave intracavity Raman lasers (2014)

Spectral broadening of the fundamental field in intracavity Raman lasers is investigated. The mechanism for the spectral broadening is discussed and the effect is compared in two lasers using Raman crystals with different Raman linewidths. The impact of the spectral broadening on the effective Raman gain is analyzed, and the use of etalons to limit the fundamental spectral width is explored. It was found that an improvement in output power could be obtained by using etalons to limit the fundamental spectrum to a single narrow peak.
Equilibrium centrifugation studies of hepatitis C virus: evidence for circulating immune complexes (1993)

The buoyant density of hepatitis C virus (HCV), with high in vivo infectivity (strain H) or low in vivo infectivity (strain F), was determined by sucrose gradient equilibrium centrifugation. Viral RNA of strain H was detected in fractions with densities of < or = 1.09 g/ml (principally approximately 1.06 g/ml), while that of strain F was found in fractions with densities of approximately 1.06 and approximately 1.17 g/ml. The observed difference was confirmed by differential flotation centrifugation; in NaCl solution with a density of 1.063 g/ml, most of the HCV RNA of strain H was detected in the top fraction, while that of strain F appeared in the bottom. The same relationship between buoyant density and infectivity was observed in flotation centrifugation experiments with other HCV strains. In immunoprecipitation experiments with anti-human immunoglobulin, HCV (as measured by HCV RNA) was precipitated from the samples with low infectivity and high density but not from those with high infectivity and low density. Examination of serial sera from a chimpanzee infected with HCV revealed parallel changes in the buoyant density and immunoprecipitability of HCV-associated RNA during the course of infection. These data suggest that HCV is bound to anti-HCV antibodies as antigen-antibody complexes in chronic hepatitis C.
Whole-Exome Sequencing of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Identifies Recurrent Mutations of UNC5C and Prognostic Importance of DNA Repair Gene Mutations on Survival (2014)

Better prognostic outcomes of individuals carrying somatic mutations in DNA repair genes suggest these mutations as favorable prognostic events in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Additional mechanistic investigation into the previously undiscovered role of UNC5C in bladder cancer is warranted.
A New Zn2+-stimulated Sphingomyelinase in Fetal Bovine Serum (1989)

Fetal bovine serum contains a Zn2+-dependent sphingomyelinase with optimal activity at pH 5.5 in vitro. Activity could be demonstrated with a liposomal sphingomyelin substrate suspension but was stimulated up to 15-fold by Triton X-100. Under a variety of conditions tested, phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, glycerophosphocholine, and p-nitrophenyl phosphate were not substrates for this activity. Several inhibitors of serum alkaline and acid phosphatases had no effect on the activity. The enzyme resembles the acid lysosomal sphingomyelinase in pH optimum and inhibition by AMP but differs in inhibition by EDTA, stimulation by Zn2+, and heat lability at 55 degrees C. It resembles the neutral, Mg2+-stimulated enzyme in inhibition by EDTA and heat lability but differs in metal ion requirement and pH optima. Of the sera tested, activity was highest in fetal bovine serum, with fetal bovine greater than newborn bovine greater than horse greater than human; more than 95% of the activity is in the lipoprotein-free infranatant of serum (d greater than 1.21). This activity appears to be a hitherto undescribed sphingomyelinase. Its biological functions are not known but may subserve a special role in sphingomyelin catabolism in the circulation, in blood vessel walls, or in the tissue(s) of origin.