gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
POMbranes: polyoxometalate-functionalized block copolymer membranes for oxidation catalysis (2017)

The immobilization of homogeneous catalysts within nanoporous membranes gives access to catalytically active and multi-functional composite materials, <italic>e.g.</italic> for use in flow reactors.
Effect of oxide thickness on the low temperature (≤400 °C) growth of cone-shaped silicon nanowires (2007)

Au-catalyzed cone-shaped silicon nanowires (CSiNWs) were grown at low temperature (≤400 °C) using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Thin (≤3 nm) Au films were evaporated and annealed on a thermally oxidized (0−80 nm) silicon substrate so as to form Au silicides, which, under a supply of SiH4, catalyzed the growth of CSiNWs. We have found that the thickness of thermally grown SiO2 and silicidation annealing critically affect the growth behavior of CSiNWs based on an analysis of areal CSiNW densities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and real-time in situ ellipsometry were used to characterize the silicidation behavior of a thin Au film annealed with different oxide thicknesses. Interestingly, the optimal condition (10-nm-thick oxide), which showed a maximum areal density of CSiNWs, revealed the highest integration intensity of Au–Si–O (or Au–O–Si) bonding units rather than the Au–Si bonding, as generally expected. The Au–Si–O (or Au–O–Si) bonding is believed to transform into an Au–Si bonding unit during the dissociation of SiH4 for nanowire growth.
Simultaneous 2D analysis of multiple fluorescent probes using multispectral imaging microscopy (1999)

This research discusses the use of a new multispectral imaging system in fluorescence microscopy applications. We present the result of experiments designed to demonstrate the utility of this instrument for biological investigations. A phantom object was constructed using fluorescent microspheres and imaged to demonstrate the ability of the system to differentiate microscopic structures based on spectral properties. Excellent spectral isolation of subcellular structures, differentially labeled with fluorescent probes, was also obtained in images of neurons and rat sinusoidal epithelial cells demonstrating that separation of subcellular structures in biological imaging applications is possible with high spatial resolution and excellent signal to noise ratio. A final imaging experiment using this device with a confocal micro- endoscope shows the flexibility of the developed instrument when used with different imaging systems. In addition, the results indicate that multispectral investigations of tissue in-vivo may be possible.
The true role of accelerometer feedback in quadrotor control (2010)

A revisited quadrotor model is proposed, including in particular the so-called rotor drag. It differs from the model usually considered, even at first order, and much better explains the role of accelerometer feedback in control algorithms. The theoretical derivation is supported by experimental data.
Virus-specific T cells engineered to coexpress tumor-specific receptors: Persistence and antitumor activity in individuals with neuroblastoma (2021)

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) directed to nonviral tumor-associated antigens do not survive long term and have limited antitumor activity in vivo, in part because such tumor cells typically lack the appropriate costimulatory molecules. We therefore engineered Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific CTLs to express a chimeric antigen receptor directed to the diasialoganglioside GD2, a nonviral tumor-associated antigen expressed by human neuroblastoma cells. We reasoned that these genetically engineered lymphocytes would receive optimal costimulation after engagement of their native receptors, enhancing survival and antitumor activity mediated through their chimeric receptors. Here we show in individuals with neuroblastoma that EBV-specific CTLs expressing a chimeric GD2-specific receptor indeed survive longer than T cells activated by the CD3-specific antibody OKT3 and expressing the same chimeric receptor but lacking virus specificity. Infusion of these genetically modified cells seemed safe and was associated with tumor regression or necrosis in half of the subjects tested. Hence, virus-specific CTLs can be modified to function as tumor-directed effector cells.
YC-1 Induces S Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis by Activating Checkpoint Kinases (2006)

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) seems central to tumor growth and progression because it up-regulates genes essential for angiogenesis and the hypoxic adaptation of cancer cells, which is why HIF-1alpha inhibition is viewed as a cancer therapy strategy. Paradoxically, HIF-1alpha also leads to cell cycle arrest or the apoptosis of cancer cells. Thus, the possibility cannot be ruled out that HIF-1alpha inhibitors unlock cell cycle arrest under hypoxic conditions and prevent cell death, which would limit the anticancer effect of HIF-1alpha inhibitors. Previously, we reported on the development of YC-1 as an anticancer agent that inhibits HIF-1alpha. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of YC-1 on hypoxia-induced cell cycle arrest and cell death. It was found that YC-1 does not reverse the antiproliferative effect of hypoxia, but rather that it induces S-phase arrest and apoptosis at therapeutic concentrations that inhibit HIF-1alpha and tumor growth; however, YC-1 did not stimulate cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate production in this concentration range. It was also found that YC-1 activates the checkpoint kinase-mediated intra-S-phase checkpoint, independently of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase or ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related kinase. These results imply that YC-1 does not promote the regrowth of hypoxic tumors because of its cell cycle arrest effect. Furthermore, YC-1 may induce the combined anticancer effects of HIF-1alpha inhibition and cell growth inhibition.
Reduced DICER1 Elicits an Interferon Response in Endometrial Cancer Cells (2012)

DICER1 is essential for the generation of mature miRNAs and other short noncoding RNAs. Several lines of investigation implicate DICER1 as a tumor suppressor. Reduced DICER1 levels and changes in miRNA abundance have been associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes. The global effects of reduced DICER1 on mRNA transcript abundance in tumor cells remain largely unknown. We used short hairpin RNA to stably knock down DICER1 in endometrial cancer cell lines to begin to determine how reduced DICER1 activity contributes to tumor phenotypes. DICER1 knockdown did not affect cell proliferation but caused enhanced cell migration and growth in soft agar. miRNA and mRNA profiling in KLE cells revealed overall decreases in miRNA levels and changes in the relative abundance of many mRNAs. One of the most striking changes in mRNA levels was the upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG), the majority of which lack known miRNA target sequences. IFNβ, a key upstream regulator of the IFN response, was significantly increased in DICER1 knockdowns in the AN3CA, Ishikawa, and KLE endometrial cancer cell lines and in the normal endometrial cell line EM-E6/E7/TERT. IFNβ secreted in media from KLE and EM-E6/E7/TERT shDcr cells was sufficient to activate an IFN response in HT29 cells. The reduced miRNA processing in DICER1 knockdowns was associated with increases in pre-miRNAs in the cytoplasm. Our findings suggest that elevated pre-miRNA levels trigger the IFN response to double-stranded RNA. We thus report a novel effect of reduced DICER1 function in cancer cells.
The Construction of the Ancient Family: Methodological Considerations (1996)

A remarkable new consensus, recognized even by its critics, has emerged among classical historians that ‘the normal Roman family seems to have been a “nuclear family” like our own’. The consensus is remarkable because practically all historians who support it admit that the portrait of the Roman family that emerges from many literary accounts and is enshrined in Roman law and language is nothing like the modern nuclear family. Saller demonstrates that the Romans had no term equivalent to ‘family’ in the modern sense, that is, the father-mother-children triad of the ‘nuclear family’. The English word ‘family’ has almost no relation to Roman concepts of familia and domus. As Saller explains, ‘Domus was used with regard to household and kinship to mean the physical house, the household including family and slaves, the broad kinship group including agnates and cognates, ancestors and descendants, and the patrimony’. The Latin familia, while usually narrower in reference than domus, also had little relation to anything meant by the English ‘family’.
The Seed Biotinylated Protein of Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i>): A Boiling-Resistant New Allergen (Gly m 7) with the Capacity To Induce IgE-Mediated Allergic Responses (2016)

Soybean is a common allergenic food; thus, a comprehensive characterization of all the proteins that cause allergy is crucial to the development of effective diagnostic and immunotherapeutic strategies. A cDNA library was constructed from seven stages of developing soybean seeds to investigate candidate allergens. We searched the library for cDNAs encoding a seed-specific biotinylated protein (SBP) based on its allergenicity in boiled lentils. A full-length cDNA clone was retrieved and expressed as a 75.6-kDa His-tagged recombinant protein (rSBP) in Escherichia coli. Western immunoblotting of boiled bacterial extracts demonstrated specific IgE binding to rSBP, which was further purified by metal affinity and anion exchange chromatographies. Of the 23 allergic sera screened by ELISA, 12 contained IgEs specific to the purified rSBP. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed a predominantly unordered structure consistent with SBP’s heat stability. The natural homologues (nSBP) were the main proteins isolated from soybean and peanut embryos after streptavidin affinity purification, yet they remained low-abundance proteins in the seed as confirmed by LC-MS/MS. Using capture ELISAs, the soybean and peanut nSBPs were bound by IgEs in 78 and 87% of the allergic sera tested. The soybean nSBP was purified to homogeneity and treatments with different denaturing agents before immunoblotting highlighted the diversity of its IgE epitopes. In vitro activation of basophils was assessed by flow cytometry in a cohort of peanut-allergic children sensitized to soybean. Stronger and more frequent (38%) activations were induced by nSBP-soy compared to the major soybean allergen, Gly m 5. SBPs may represent a novel class of biologically active legume allergens with the structural resilience to withstand many food-manufacturing processes.
Parametric spatial audio processing utilising compact microphone arrays (2017)

This dissertation focuses on the development of novel parametric spatial audio techniques using compact microphone arrays. Compact arrays are of special interest since they can be adapted to fit in portable devices, opening the possibility of exploiting the potential of immersive spatial audio algorithms in our daily lives. The techniques developed in this thesis consider the use of signal processing algorithms adapted for human listeners, thus exploiting the capabilities and limitations of human spatial hearing. The findings of this research are in the following three areas of spatial audio processing: directional filtering, spatial audio reproduction, and direction of arrival estimation. \n\nIn directional filtering, two novel algorithms have been developed based on the cross-pattern coherence (CroPaC). The method essentially exploits the directional response of two different types of beamformers by using their cross-spectrum to estimate a soft masker. The soft masker provides a probability-like parameter that indicates whether there is sound present in specific directions. It is then used as a post-filter to provide further suppression of directionally distributed noise at the output of a beamformer. The performance of these algorithms represent a significant improvement over previous state-of-the-art methods. \n\nIn parametric spatial audio reproduction, an algorithm is developed for multi-channel loudspeaker and headphone rendering. Current limitations in spatial audio reproduction are related to high inter-channel coherence between the channels, which is common in signal-independent systems, or time-frequency artefacts in parametric systems. The developed algorithm focuses on solving these limitations by utilising two sets of beamformers. The first set of beamformers, namely analysis beamformers, is used to estimate a set of perceptually-relevant sound-field parameters, such as the separate channel energies, inter-channel time differences and inter-channel coherences of the target-output-setup signals. The directionality of the analysis beamformers is defined so that it follows that of typical loudspeaker panning functions and, for headphone reproduction, that of the head-related transfer functions (HRTFs). The directionality of the second set of high audio quality beamformers is then enhanced with the parametric information derived from the analysis beamformers. Listening tests confirm the perceptual benefit of such type of processing. In direction of arrival (DOA) estimation, histogram analysis of beamforming and active intensity based DOA estimators has been proposed. Numerical simulations and experiments with prototype and commercial microphone arrays show that the accuracy of DOA estimation is improved.
The Impact of Thymic Antigen Diversity on the Size of the Selected T Cell Repertoire (2004)

The TCR repertoire of a normal animal is shaped in the thymus by ligand-specific positive- and negative-selection events. These processes are believed to be determined at the single-cell level primarily by the affinity of the TCR-ligand interactions. The relationships among all the variables involved are still unknown due to the complexity of the interactions and the lack of quantitative analysis of those parameters. In this study, we developed a quantitative model of thymic selection that provides estimates of the fractions of positively and negatively selected thymocytes in the cortex and in the medulla, as well as upper-bound ranges for the number of selecting ligands required for the generation of a normal diverse TCR repertoire. Fitting the model to current estimates of positive- and negative-selected thymocytes leads to specific predictions. The results indicate the following: 1) the bulk of thymocyte death takes place in the cortex, and it is due to neglect; 2) the probability of a thymocyte to be negatively selected in the cortex is at least 10-fold lower than in the medulla; 3) <60 ligands are involved in cortical positive selection; and 4) negative selection in the medulla is constrained by a large diversity of selecting ligands on medullary APCs.
Reducing injury during video‐assisted endotracheal intubation: The “Smart Stylet” concept (2011)

The "smart stylet" concept allows for successful and safe endotracheal intubation when used with the Glidescope™.
Solution of lighting for pedestrian crossing to increase their visibility (2014)

The paper describes the basic rules for the construction of a pedestrian crossing and its lighting. It shows the issues that must be solved. It is mainly the location of a pedestrian crossing, the correct value of illuminance and luminance ratios in the area of a pedestrian crossing. It shows how the pedestrian himself can increase his safety when he is participating in traffic.
Buffers for the Physiological pH Range: Acidic Dissociation Constants of Zwitterionic Compounds in Various Hydroorganic Media (2005)

The measurement of pH of a physiological buffer is an integral part of clinical diagnosis. For the standardization of pH and control of acidity in the physiological region of pH 7 to 9, as found in blood and plasma. Good et al., Ferguson et al., and Bellini et al. have listed hydrogen buffers which are N-substituted amino acids compatible with common biological media. Recently, the acid base behavior of BICINE, in aqueous solution and in different solvent mixtures has been studied by us. Other investigators reported similar results for (CAPS and CAPSO), (BES), (ACES and CHES), TRICINE, TES, ADA, (HEPPS and MOPSO), (MOPS), and (MOBS and HEPBS). These studies have provided precise knowledge about the suitability of a biological buffer. No work seems to have been done on the determination of second stage dissociation constants of 2-(4-Morphlinomethyl)propenoic acid, 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino methyl]propenoic acid, 2-[bis(2-hydroxypropyl)aminomethyl]propenoic acid, and 2-[N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminomethyl]propenoic acid in aquo-organic solvent mixtures.
PMO-094 Suppression of SULF2, an extracellular endosulfatase up-regulated in hepatocellular cancers, modulates WNT signalling and inhibits cell growth (2012)

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 3rd most common cause of cancer death globally and effective systemic treatments for the disease are limited. HCC complicates chronic liver disease and its incidence is increasing dramatically in the UK. Sulfatase 2 (SULF2) is one of two extracellular heparan sulphate 6- O -endosulfatase and one of 17 human sulfatases. It reportedly modulates ligand activated FGF and Wnt signalling and is up-regulated in 57% of HCC. We aim to explore the potential of SULF2 as a therapeutic target for HCC treatment and have characterised its biology in HCC cell lines. Methods Expression of SULF2 and its homologue SULF1 were assessed at RNA and protein levels in six HCC cell lines. The desulfating enzymatic activity of these cell lines were compared using the fluorogenic substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl sulphate (4-MUS). SULF2 was knocked down using short hairpin RNA lentiviral particles. SULF2 gene silencing effect on receptor tyrosine kinase signalling was investigated by phospho-ERK and phospho-AKT immunoblot and its effect on Wnt signalling by the TCF luciferase reporter assay. Cell growth was assessed by SRB assay. Results 3 of the six tested HCC cell lines showed up-regulated SULF2 expression at the RNA and protein levels. HuH-7 cells had the highest sulfatase activity. SULF2 gene silencing in this cell line caused dramatic inhibition of Wnt3a-induced β-catenin-dependent transcriptional activity (twofold and p value = 0.03, Abstract PMO-094 figure 1), with relatively modest effects on the phosphorylation of ERK or AKT after stimulation with FGF-1, FGF-2 or IGF-I. SULF2 suppression significantly reduced cell number (twofold and p value <0.0001, Abstract PMO-094 figure 2) and enzymatic activity (p value <0.0001, Abstract PMO-094 figure 3) of HuH-7 cells. Abstract PMO-094 Figure 1 SULF2 knockdown inhibits Wnt signalling. Abstract PMO-094 Figure 2 SULF2 knockdown decreases sulfatase enzymatic activity. Abstract PMO-094 Figure 3 SULF2 knockdown inhibits cell growth. Conclusion SULF2 is over-expressed in the majority of HCCs and is catalytically active. SULF2 gene silencing in HuH-7 inhibits Wnt signalling and cell growth. These data support a key role for SULF2 in hepatocarcinogenesis, the inhibition of which offers a novel means of antagonising Wnt signalling in cancers. Competing interests None declared.
Utilization and Linkage with Agricultural Information Sources: A Study of Palwal District of Haryana State (2015)

Access and use of information sources is a first step toward better targeting of extension programs and advisory services that facilitate information sharing. Even in the era of modern information revolution strong linkage of contact for family member, neighbour and progressive farmers as information sources is prevalent and farmers generally are reported to be less aware of ICT tools. In order to appropriately target extension programs and advisory services, it is therefore important to understand the access and use of information by the farmers. The present study conducted in Hathin Tehsil of Palwal district, showed that At field level, presence of governmental development bodies was found to be minimal, that too in advocacy and one way information supplier kind of linkage. The findings shows that still the personal sources dominate the agricultural information system in the technologically and developmentally backward district, the dearth of extension personnel and their poor linkages with farmers and amongst themselves have enough indication for the development planners to think plan and implement accordingly so the farming can be retained as a source of livelihood.
The Effects of Pre-emptive Bupivacaine Infiltration of the Nephrostomy Tract in Patients undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy:A Randomized Controlled Study (2016)

Background Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a surgical procedure used for the removal of renal stones. The technique is minimally invasive and is often used for the removal of renal stones that are located near the pelvis. The topical administration of local anesthetics in the surgical area has been proven effective in minimizing post-operative pain after various surgical procedures. Purpose This study was conducted to compare the mean post-operative pain score in patients with pre-operative Bupivacaine infiltration of nephrostomy tract with placebo in control group of patients undergoing percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. Methods A randomized controlled trial was carried out in Department of General Surgery, Kuwait Teaching Hospital, Peshawar with diagnosis of renal stones. A total of 66 patients (33 males and 33 females) age: 16-50 years were admitted with diagnosis of renal stones. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 17. Results Patients with renal stones who underwent PCNL were randomly divided into Group A (Bupivacaine) and Group B (Placebo). The overall Average pain score for Group A was 4.15 1.48 range (2 to 7) on visual analogue scale (VAS), while that for Group B was 6.06 1.02 range (4 to 8) p-value < 0.05, which indicates that preoperative infiltration of bupivacaine significantly decreases the postoperative pain in patients undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. Conclusion The study concludes that local bupivacaine infiltration along the nephrostomy tract is an effective method of management of postoperative pain after PCNL, regardless of age and gender as shown by results of the study.
Strain‐Based Temperature Memory Effect for Nafion and Its Molecular Origins (2011)

Abstract A shape memory polymer traditionally refers to a polymer that can memorize one temporary shape and recover to its permanent shape upon exposure to an external stimulus. Although this basic concept has been known for at least half a century, recent advances have led to the discoveriy of previously uncovered memory properties that challenge the traditional concept of shape memory polymers. In particular, a temperature memory effect refers to the capability of a polymer to memorize temperatures instead of shapes. Thus far, the reported temperature memory effect has been established under iso‐strain stress recovery conditions, in which the maximum recovery stress appears at a temperature roughly identical to the deformation temperature. This effect can be called recovery stress based temperature memory effect. In this work, experiments were designed in an attempt to establish a temperature memory effect based on the stress free strain recovery behaviors of Nafion. The results show that, under carefully selected conditions, the temperature at which a maximum strain recovery rate is observed can indeed be quantitatively related to the deformation temperature. In addition, indications that the polymer is capable of memorizing more than one deformation temperature (i.e., multi‐temperature memory effect) are shown. The molecular origin of Nafion’s temperature memory effect is elucidated through small angle neutron scattering study.