gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Morphological Properties of Henequen Fiber Irradiated by EB on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Henequen Fiber/PP Composites (2009)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of electron beam (EB) irradiation on the morphological properties, crystallinity and surface area of henequen fiber and on the mechanical and thermal properties of henequen fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites. The structure of henequen fiber was characterized by X-ray diffraction, mercury porosimetry and BET surface area analysis. The EB irradiation of 10 kGy led to the increasing of crystalline and surface pore area of henequen fiber, which contributed to the number of interlocking places with PP. From the results of tensile and impact strength tests, the highest value was observed for the composite reinforced with the henequen fiber treated with EB dose of 10 kGy, decreasing overall as EB dose increased. This tendency was also shown by coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurements, but the value of CTE decreased until 50 kGy, meaning that a large total surface area can provide many interlocking places and so improve adhesion between fiber and matrix. Therefore, it can be concluded that the optimum pore surface area by 10 kGy irradiation contributes to successful mechanical interlocking between fiber and matrix and consequently enhances the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites.
Integrated plasma cortisol concentration in children with asthma receiving long‐term inhaled corticosteroids (1992)

We assessed the effect of long-term therapy with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) on the pituitary-adrenal axis, by measuring the integrated concentration (IC) of plasma cortisol in eight children with asthma (age, 6-16 years) who regularly used inhaled BDP in doses ranging from 8 to 26.5 micrograms/kg (200-450 micrograms/day) for 6 months to 4 years. The control group included six children (age, 6-16 years) who had the IC of plasma cortisol measured as part of an endocrinological evaluation and were found to be healthy. Cortisol concentration was measured in blood samples collected continuously over a 24-hr period. Mean IC of plasma cortisol in the study group was significantly lower than in the healthy controls (mean +/- SD, 4.9 +/- 3.3 vs 9.1 +/- 1.9 micrograms/mL; P less than 0.02). Cortisol response to 0.25 mg ACTH (iv) was abnormal in one of the eight BDP-treated patients. No correlation was found between IC of plasma cortisol and the BDP dose, severity of asthma, height percentile, or the Tanner stage. We conclude that long-term therapy, even with relatively conventional doses of inhaled BDP may cause reduction in the normal physiological secretion of cortisol. The clinical relevance of low IC of plasma cortisol is not clear, but it may reflect partial suppression of the pituitary-adrenal axis.
Computational tools for protein–DNA interactions (2011)

Abstract Interactions between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and proteins are central to living systems, and characterizing how and when they occur would greatly enhance our understanding of working genomes. We review the computational problems associated with protein–DNA interactions and the various methods used to solve them. A wide range of topics is covered including physics‐based models for direct and indirect recognition, identification of transcription‐factor‐binding sites, and methods to predict DNA‐binding proteins. Our goal is to introduce this important problem domain to data mining researchers by identifying the key issues and challenges inherent to the area as well as provide directions for fruitful future research. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This article is categorized under: Algorithmic Development > Biological Data Mining Technologies > Machine Learning
Coronary vasculature visualization from limited angiographic views (2002)

An approach for reconstructing the three-dimensional geometry of the coronary arteries from a limited number of two-dimensional angiographic views and producing a computer model which can be used to quantify and visualize the coronary vasculature is presented. The approach incorporates a hierarchical database that organizes geometric information from arbitrary arterial structures in a natural fashion. Detecting and locating vascular structure from angiographic images are partially automated through entropy edge detection techniques. The back projection algorithm accurately models the nonparallel geometry inherent in X-ray biplane angiography and produces a quantitative description of vascular structure, including estimates of vessel diameters aid lengths. The approach has been applied in phantom studies, in which quantitative comparisons were made, and patient studies, in which qualitative evaluations were made.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
Herpes Vector-Mediated Delivery of Marker Genes to Disseminated Central Nervous System Tumors (1996)

The present study investigated the ability of a recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) vector to deliver genes into disseminated brain tumor foci through intrathecal injection of the vector. The animal model was designed to simulate brain tumors with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metastases, which are found especially in the pediatric population. 9L gliosarcoma cells were injected both into the right frontal lobe and in through the cisterna magna of adult rats. The HSV vector, hrR3, was inoculated intrathecally 5 days later. This vector is defective in the gene for ribonucleotide reductase, and, therefore, replicates preferentially in dividing cells; it retains an intact HSV-thymidine kinase gene (HSV-tk). Two days after injection of the vector, immunohistochemical staining for HSV thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) revealed expression in frontal tumors, as well as in leptomeningeal tumor foci along the entire neuroaxis. HSV-TK-immunopositive cells were most frequent in small tumors contacting the CSF pathways. Frontal lobe tumors showed the highest density of HSV-TK-immunopositive cells around their periphery with little expression in central parts. Some paraventricular neurons temporarily showed HSV-TK-immunolabeling at this early time point. The number of HSV-TK-immunopositive tumor cells markedly decreased 5 days after injection of the HSV vector. In all animals, some toxicity was observed in the first 2-4 days after virus injection with extensive leptomeningeal inflammation. In conclusion, intrathecal application of HSV vectors can mediate widespread transfer of the therapeutic HSV-tk gene into disseminated tumors throughout the brain and CSF pathways. Although there was marked toxicity associated with intrathecal injection of this vector, this mode of gene delivery offers a promising approach for treatment of CSF-metastases in conjunction with development of less toxic vectors.
Inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate activates pharmacomechanical coupling in smooth muscle of the rabbit mesenteric artery. (1986)

To clarify the nature of the noradrenaline (NA)-induced contraction, the effects of NA on inositol phospholipid metabolism and the actions of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) on skinned muscle of the rabbit mesenteric artery were investigated. NA, in concentrations over 1 nM, reduced the amount of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI-P2) and increased the amount of phosphatidic acid (PA). The maximum reduction in the amount of PI-P2 and the maximum increase in the amount of PA were observed in the presence of 1 microM-NA. With prolonged application of NA, the PI-P2 was gradually restored to near the control level, but with repeated applications of NA separated by rinses with Krebs solution, there was a consistent reduction of PI-P2. The NA-induced PI-P2 breakdown was inhibited by the alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking agent, prazosin. After incubation of the tissue with radioactive inositol-containing solution, NA transiently increased the amount of radioactive InsP3 which was followed by increases in the amount of inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (InsP2) and inositol monophosphate (InsP). After accumulation of Ca by saponin-treated muscle cells of the dog mesenteric artery dispersed by collagenase, InsP3 released Ca stored in cells but InsP2 did not. A23187 (5 microM) but not InsP3 (up to 10 microM), depleted Ca accumulated in the presence of ATP. In saponin-treated skinned muscle tissues, InsP3 in concentrations over 0.3 microM, produced contraction following accumulation of Ca into the store site. InsP3 released Ca from the same source as caffeine. The release of Ca by InsP3 appeared in a concentration-dependent manner and this release also depended on the amount of Ca stored in cells (the median effective dose (ED50) was 3.0 microM in 0.1 microM-Ca and 1.0 microM in 0.3 microM-Ca). We concluded that NA activates alpha 1-adrenoceptors, thus hydrolysing PI-P2 and synthesizing InsP3. This product can release Ca stored in cells as estimated from the contraction in skinned muscle tissues, and also reduces the residual amount of Ca stored in skinned dispersed muscle cells. Contraction evoked by NA through pharmacomechanical coupling can be explained as a function of InsP3.
Nicotinic-Muscarinic Interactions in Cognitive Function (1992)

Nicotinic and muscarinic receptor subtypes of the cholinergic system each have a long history of study. However, investigation has mainly concentrated on their separate actions. Their potential interactions have received very little attention, despite the fact that they both are stimulated by the same endogenous ligand. There are a variety of mechanisms by which these two types of cholinergic receptors might act in concert with regard to normal function, disease processes, and the effects of drugs and toxicants. In this chapter we review neurochemical, anatomical, and behavioral mechanisms for the interaction of nicotinic and muscarinic effects and what consequences these interactions may have on cognitive function. This oldest and best established case of receptor types for a single transmitter provides a good example of how the study of the function of such structures can easily get tracked into how they function separately, ignoring the critical investigation of how they interact.
β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexation by Milling (2000)

The study involved the complexation of nimesulide with β-cyclodextrin (β-CyD) by milling.



Nimesulide and β-CyD were mixed in the ratios 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 by weight. Each mixture was ground in a ball mill at 50 rev min−1 for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. The samples were subjected to dissolution studies, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies and were also evaluated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.



The sample containing the 1:4 ratio milled for 6 and 12 h exhibited a lower T90 value compared with nimesulide, ball-milled nimesulide and the freeze-dried complex. Increasing the milling time to 24 or 48 h further increased the T90 (time required for 90% of the drug to dissolve) value. The dissolution rate constant for nimesulide increased with an increase in β-CyD concentration. Milled samples (1:4 ratio milled for 6 and 12 h) also showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.



The results showed an improved rate of nimesulide absorption and hence better bioavailability by inclusion complex formation of the drug with β-CyD.
Efficient Preparation of Novel Exocyclic Methylene Derivatives of Qinghaosu (Artemisinin) as Potential Antimalarial Agents (1994)

Abstract Two new exocyclic methylene derivatives 4 and 6 of Qinghaosu (1) a potent antimalarial, have been prepared by a facile and convenient one step synthetic route.
IL‐6/sIL‐6R enhances cathepsin B and L production via caveolin‐1‐mediated JNK‐AP‐1 pathway in human gingival fibroblasts (2008)

Interleukin (IL)-6 has an important role in inflammatory diseases. Lysosomal enzymes cathepsins are widely expressed as cysteine proteases regulating inflammatory process. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a scaffolding/regulatory membrane protein that interacts with signaling molecules. In this study, we investigated the role of Cav-1 on (1) the productivity, and (2) the enzymatic activity of cathepsin B and L in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with IL-6 in the presence of soluble form of IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R). At first, we established the siRNA-mediated Cav-1 down-regulating in vitro systems by transient transfection of Cav-1 siRNA. The siRNA-mediated Cav-1 down-regulated cells were treated with IL-6/sIL-6R for indicated times. Then, cell lysates were collected, and examined the IL-6-induced signaling pathway, cathepsin B and L production, and measurement of cathepsins activity. To investigate the cathepsin L activity, cathepsin-(B + L) activity was measured after pretreatment with CA-074Me, a specific inhibitor for cathepsin B. We found that IL-6/sIL-6R enhanced significantly both production and activity of cathepsin B and L in HGFs. Interestingly, IL-6-mediated phosphorylation of both p44/42 MAPK and JNK was dramatically suppressed in Cav-1 down-regulated HGFs treated with IL-6/sIL-6R. In addition, both production and activity of cathepsin B and L were also significantly suppressed. Importantly, we demonstrated that JNK inhibition, but not p44/42 MAPK inhibition, significantly diminished IL-6/sIL-6R-induced cathepsin B and L production. Taken together, we concluded that IL-6/sIL-6R enhances cathepsin B and L production via IL-6/sIL-6R-mediated Cav-1-JNK-AP-1 pathway in HGFs. Our findings indicate that Cav-1 might be a therapeutic target for IL-6-mediated tissue degradation in periodontitis.
On Stationary Subdivision And the Construction of Compactly Supported Orthonormal Wavelets (1990)

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the intimate connection between stationary subdivision and the construction of compactly supported orthonormal wavelets.
Using Genetic Algorithms for Reliability Calculations of Complex Power Systems (2005)

The paper presents a method for reliability analysis of composite power systems. The proposed method uses the genetic algorithm (GA) as a state sampling tool. A binary encoded GA is used to represent composite power system network states. The GA uses its fitness function to trace failure states in an intelligent manner. Two approaches for calculating annual and annualized adequacy indices are explained. Sampled states data are saved in a state array. At the end of the sampling process, state array data are used for sensitivity analysis, such as the contribution of different system components to system failure. Case studies on a sample test system are given to explain the effect of a component failure on composite system reliability.
Using Adaptive Thresholds for Automatic Video Cut Detection. (2004)

This paper presents some automatic shot detection techniques based on color histograms and also on multiresolution histograms. The approaches tested in the submitted runs are mainly focused on cut detection. The main goal of the runs is to study the behaviour of color histogram differences as a first step in the use of multiresolution color histograms into the adaptive threshold algorithm. Some previous experience on multiresolution histograms has been taken into account to do that. The techniques herein described improve the behaviour of multiresolution histograms, showing a path to follow to turn them into a powerful tool to work on shot segmentation.
A high frequency NcoI RFLP detected in the Aizheimer amyloid peptide gene (1988)

Probe pAMB2.3contains a 778bp eDNA fragment encoding the amyloid polypeptide of Alzheimer disease and Down Syndrome (beta protein) inserted into pUC18 (1).The probe was sublocalized to chromosome 21q21 (2). POLYMORPHISM:NcoI identifies a two allele polymorphism of a band at either 15kb or 8.5 kb.
Algebraic decomposition of non-convex polyhedra (2002)

Any arbitrary polyhedron P/spl sube/R/sup d/ can be written as algebraic sum of simple terms, each an integer multiple of the intersection of d or fewer half-spaces defined by facets of P. P can be non-convex and can have holes of any kind. Among the consequences of this result are a short boolean formula for P, a fast parallel algorithm for point classification, and a new proof of the Gram-Sommerville angle relation.
Testing Parameters for Two-Dimensional Crystallization and Electron Crystallography on Two Eukaryotic Membrane Proteins (2008)

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2008 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, August 3 – August 7, 2008
Conformational Templates for Rational Drug Design:  Flexibility of <i>cyclo</i>(<scp>d</scp>-Pro-Ala-Ala-Ala-Ala) in DMSO Solution (2007)

Long MD simulations (100 ns) for the important model cyclopentapeptide cyclo(D-Pro1-Ala2-Ala3-Ala4-Ala5) were performed in explicit DMSO solution using both OPLS-AA and AMBER03 force fields. Simulations revealed conformational transitions between two main conformers, a predominant one (population 93-99%) and a minor conformer (population 0.4-6.7%). These results are in excellent agreement with 20 experimental proton-proton distances estimated for this cyclopentapeptide. The previously discussed gamma-turn-like conformation for Ala4 was present only in a minor conformer.
Chondrocyte terminal differentiation, apoptosis, and type X collagen expression are downregulated by parathyroid hormone (2004)

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis through the endocrine system. Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) is a heterogeneous polypeptide with sequence homology to PTH in its first 13 amino acid residues. Both bind and activate a common receptor, the type 1 PTH/PTHrP receptor (PTH1R). Activation of this G-protein-coupled receptor by PTHrP has been shown to regulate chondrogenesis in a manner that attenuates chondrocyte hypertrophy. Here, we report the dose-response (10(-7) to 10(-15) M) effects of PTH on chondrogenesis using an avian sternal organ culture model. PTH increased cartilaginous tissue length and downregulated the deposition of type X collagen and its mRNA expression. In addition, PTH increased chondrocyte cell diameter in prehypertrophic and proliferative regions while decreasing chondrocyte apoptosis in the hypertrophic zone. In conclusion, these experiments demonstrate that PTH regulates cartilage growth, chondrocytic apoptosis, deposition of type X collagen protein, and expression of type X collagen mRNA. Type X collagen mRNA expression was downregulated by PTH in this organ culture model, but cell size, another marker for terminal differentiation, increased.
High‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for chemoresistant Hodgkin lymphoma (2008)

These data suggest that HDT and ASCT may result in prolonged remissions and survival for a subset of chemoresistant HL patients, with improved outcomes in patients receiving transplants more recently.
Prognosis after Hepatic Resection for Stage IVA Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Need for Reclassification (2003)

Objective To evaluate whether the prognosis of the four categories of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) classified as stage IVA in the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) is homogeneous. Summary Background Data Hepatic resection has been proposed as the treatment of choice for patients with TNM stage IVA HCC, which consists of four different categories. It is unknown whether the prognosis of the four categories of patients is homogeneous. Methods Clinicopathologic and follow-up data of 106 patients with resection of stage IVA HCC from 1989 to 2000 were prospectively collected. Survival results of the four categories of stage IVA patients were compared. Results Among stage IVA patients, survival was significantly worse in those with tumors involving a major branch of the portal or hepatic veins than in those with tumors invading adjacent organs, bilobar multiple tumors, or perforated visceral peritoneum. There were no significant differences in survival among the latter three groups. By Cox regression analysis, invasion of the portal or hepatic veins and presence of cirrhosis were independent adverse prognostic factors of overall survival among stage IVA patients, and invasion of the portal or hepatic veins was the only significant adverse prognostic factor of disease-free survival. Conclusions The prognosis of the four categories of patients with stage IVA HCC under the current UICC TNM staging was not homogeneous. A refined classification of stage IV HCC is needed to take into consideration the worse prognosis associated with tumor invasion of a major branch of the portal or hepatic veins.
SPECIFIC SERUM ANTIBODIES TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE AGENTS IN TARAHUMARA INDIAN ADOLESCENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MEXICO (1955)

A serologic-epidemiologic survey has been made on serum specimens collected at Sisoguichi in the Sierra Madre Occidentalis of Northwestern Mexico of 50 adolescent Tarahumara Indian boys and 6 adult Tarahumara. Search for evidence of previous contact with, and presumably, present immunity to 17 viruses, 5 rickettsiae, toxoplasma, 17 leptospiral serotypes, the treponeme of syphilis, and 5 bacteria has been conducted by use of tests for 53 specific antibodies, using mouse and tissue culture neutralization, complement-fixation, hemagglutination-inhibition, flocculation, treponemal immobilization, agglutination-lysis, and agglutination procedures. Poliomyelitis antibodies to all 3 types were found in 51 per cent of the adolescents, while 78 per cent had antibodies to type 1, 90 per cent to type 2 and 63 per cent to type 3. Mumps complement-fixing antibody was present in significant titer in 74 per cent of the adolescents, that for herpes simplex in 72 per cent and that for the psittacosislymphogranuloma venereum group in 18 per cent. These results are compared to data in the literature for other population groups. Three of fifty boys had specific complement-fixing antibody to epidemic typhus. Three of the fifty-six subjects studied had specific neutralizing antibody to encephalomyocarditis virus. The significance of this virus as a cause of aseptic meningitis and of other central nervous system disease in childhood is discussed elsewhere in this journal. There the suggestion is made, on the basis of the data summarized, that cases of encephalomyocarditis virus infection may be found in children in the United States once clinicians search for it as the cause of obscure central nervous system infections in young patients. Significant negative results include the absence of evidence for previous contact among these Tarahumara with any of 7 arthropod-borne viruses occurring in North America (EEE, WEE, SLE, VEE, CE, CT, YF), dengue types 1 and 2, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, murine typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, rickettsialpox and Q fever. Only 1 boy had positive leutic serology. Serologic surveys of this type offer the possibility of evaluating the infectious disease problem in a community in which little medical observation has been made and of adding significant new epidemiologic information to data obtained from records of reportable diseases in communities where accurate reporting of infectious diseases has long been the practice.
An asynchronous high-speed synchrotron shutter (2010)

A high-repetition-rate mechanical shutter with asynchronous control and sub-millisecond operation has been developed and tested for specialist X-ray systems in the field of medical diagnostics and radiation therapy. Capacitor-coupled linear voice coil actuators are utilized to achieve opening and closing speeds as fast as 700 micros for an aperture height of 4 mm. The design allows for asynchronous control, permitting slave operation of the shutter, a feature that is distinctly suitable for a number of applications including particle image velocimetry, where high-frame-rate operation must be accurately synchronized and triggered by the image acquisition sequence of the detector or timing device. The design and construction of the shutter also makes it ideal, with simple and limited modifications, for applications requiring larger apertures, in particular wide beams as found in many synchrotron beamlines.