gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Lipase degradation of plasticized polyvinyl chloride endotracheal tube surfaces to create nanoscale features (2017)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) endotracheal tubes (ETTs) nanoetched with a fungal lipase have been shown to reduce bacterial growth and biofilm formation and could be an inexpensive solution to the complex problem of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Although bacterial growth and colonization on these nanoetched materials have been well characterized, little is known about the mechanism by which the fungal lipase degrades the PVC and, thus, alters its properties to minimize bacteria functions. This study used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to better describe the surface chemistry of both unetched and lipase nanoetched PVC ETT. ATR-FTIR analysis of the unetched and treated surfaces showed a similar presence of a plasticizer. This was confirmed by XPS analysis, which showed an increase of carbon and the presence of oxygen on both unetched and nanoetched surfaces. A quantitative comparison of the FTIR spectra revealed significant correlations (Pearson's correlation, <i>R</i>=0.997 [<i>R</i><sup>2</sup>=0.994, <i>P</i><0.001]) between the unetched and nanomodified PVC ETT spectra, demonstrating similar surface chemistry. This analysis showed no shifting or widening of the bands in the spectra and no significant changes in the intensity of the infrared peaks due to the degradation of the plasticizer by the fungal lipase. In contrast, results from this study did demonstrate significantly increased nanoscale surface features on the lipase etched compared to non-etched PVC ETTs. This led to a change in surface energetics, which altered ion adsorption to the ETTs. Thus, these results showed that PVC surfaces nanoetched with a 0.1% lipase solution for 48 hours have no significant change on surface chemistry but do significantly increase nanoscale surface roughness and alters ion adsorption, which suggests that the unique properties of these materials, including their previously reported ability to decrease bacterial adhesion and growth, are due to the changes in the degree of the nanoscale roughness, not changes in their surface chemistry.
Supplementary Figure S4 from Enhanced Inhibition of ERK Signaling by a Novel Allosteric MEK Inhibitor, CH5126766, That Suppresses Feedback Reactivation of RAF Activity (2023)

&lt;p&gt;Supplementary Figure S4 - PDF file 60K, Phosphorylation status dependence of MEK inhibitors in a biochemical MEK kinase assay&lt;/p&gt;
Diagnostic algorithm for determining primary tumor sites using peritoneal fluid (2018)

This study was conducted to develop a novel algorithm for determining the origin of tumors by combining analysis of cluster patterns with immunocytochemistry (ICC) for markers in cells from fine-needle aspirates of ascites. We used LBC, based on SurePathTM (BD Diagnostics) technology, to screen 96 peritoneal fluid samples from patients with known malignancies and from 10 control patients with cirrhosis. Following dual ICC staining for cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and paired box gene 8 (PAX8), we developed an algorithm using immunoreactivity and three-dimensional (3D) cluster patterns to correlate staining and 3D cluster patterns with common primary origins that included stomach, ovarian, pancreatobiliary tract, colon, lung, and breast cancers. With the application of an automatic digitalized image analyzer, competence performance was analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. CK7 and PAX8 staining and 3D cluster patterns were used to differentiate primary origins. Samples from patients with stomach cancer were no 3D cluster /CK7+/PAX8- with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8699 in ROC curve analysis. Samples from ovarian cancer patients were large 3D cluster/CK7+/PAX8+ with AUC of 0.9812. Samples from pancreatobiliary tract cancer patients were small 3D cluster/CK7+/PAX8- with AUC of 0.8772. The remaining cancer samples, including breast, lung and colon cancer samples, had similar patterns of large 3D clusters/CK7+/PAX8- with AUC of 0.882, especially for lung cancer. SurePathTM technology, using 3D cluster patterns and dual ICC for CK7 and PAX8 in peritoneal fluid samples, can provide important information for determining specific primary origins in cases of unknown primary carcinoma.
Terminal complement complex in septic shock with capillary leakage (2005)

We found an activation of the complement system proven by marked deposition of terminal complement complex in renal specimen, while its plasma levels decreased during the study period in septic and control animals. These results suggest that in septic shock with capillary leak syndrome plasma level of terminal complement complex may not be a reliable marker of complement activation.
Decreased expression of the growth hormone receptor and growth hormone binding protein in rat liver nodules (1990)

The growth hormone receptor (GHR) and growth hormone-binding protein (GH-BP) expression were characterized in liver nodules and hepatomas from male Wistar rats. The mRNA levels of GHR and GH-BP, studied by northern blot analysis and solution hybridization, were 35-50% (in nodules) and 2-6% (in hepatomas) of the level found in liver from untreated, age-matched rats. The binding of 125I-labeled human growth hormone to a low-density membrane fraction (LDMF) containing Golgi and endosome membranes in the presence of excess ovine prolactin was 75-80% lower in nodules than in liver. When endogenous ligand was removed, the binding increased in nodules but not in liver. Affinity cross-linking experiments revealed identical specific receptor-binding protein complexes at Mr of 95,000, 55,000, and 43,000 in both nodules and liver, assuming stochiometric binding of ligand. The in vivo endocytosis of 125I-labeled bovine growth hormone correlated with the level of GH binding and was thus reduced 75-80% in nodules, compared with liver. The level of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA was reduced by 50% in nodules; however, GH administration resulted in a twofold induction of IGF-I mRNA in both nodules and liver. It is concluded that the greater proportion of occupied GHR in nodules could result from an impaired dissociation of endogenous GH, which might explain the reduced GHR mRNA expression. Furthermore the low GHR mRNA expression may reflect a de-differentiated phenotype in nodules.
On relational support for XML publishing (2003)

In this paper, we study whether the need for efficient XML publishing brings any new requirements for relational query engines, or if sorting query results in the relational engine and tagging them in middleware is sufficient. We observe that the mismatch between the XML data model and the relational model requires relational engines to be enhanced for efficiency. Specifically, they need to support relation valued variables. We discuss how such support can be provided through the addition of an operator, GApply, with minimal extensions to existing relational engines. We discuss how the operator may be exposed in SQL syntax and provide a comprehensive study of optimization rules that govern this operator. We report the results of a preliminary performance evaluation showing the speedup obtained through our approach and the effectiveness of our optimization rules.
Compact Dual Band F-Shaped ACS-Fed Monopole Antenna for WiMAX and WLAN Applications (2019)

A compact Asymmetric Co-planar Strip (ACS) fed F-shaped monopole antenna catering to 3.5/5.5 GHz WiMAX and 5.8 GHz WLAN applications is proposed. Proposed antenna is electrically small having dimensions of $0.12\,\lambda_{0}\times 0.21 \,\lambda_{0}\,\times\,0.005\,\lambda_{0}$. Compact F-shaped ACS-fed antenna is composed of U-shaped open-ended slot which is tuned properly in order to achieve band notch at 4.5 GHz. By inserting this slot, two frequency passbands are obtained which covers frequency bands for various wireless applications. The frequency bands on which the antenna operates are 3.3 - 3.8 GHz and 5.5 - 6.5 GHz. Simulated and measured results are presented.
Decidual cells in the human ovary at term: II. Morphometric analysis of cytoplasmic processes and organelles (1987)

Morphometric analysis of human ovarian decidual cells was performed with a Videoplan computer, and mean values were established for the area and perimeter of cellular processes and organelles. Two-hundred forty electron micrographs representing 160 cells were analyzed. The mean decidual cell area was 218.7 microns2, of which 34.5 microns2 was occupied by the nucleus (15.8% of the cytoplasmic area); the nucleus contained 1.74 micron2 of nucleolar material (0.8%). The endoplasmic reticulum occupied 13.63 microns2 (6.2%). Mitochondria occupied 7.3 microns2 (3.3%) and the Golgi network 5.49 microns2 (2.5%). Decidual secretory bodies occupied 0.91 micron2 (0.42%) and cytoplasmic processes 1.89 micron2 (0.94%). The remainder of the cytoplasm, containing inclusions and cytoskeleton, represented 71% of the cell area. Perimeter measurements indicated an average decidual cell was surrounded by 87.8 microns of plasma membrane. The mean nuclear membrane measured 28.3 microns (representing 32.3% of the plasma membrane, pm, or 4.1% of total cellular membranes, cm). Outer mitochondrial membranes measured 156.6 microns (178% pm, 23.5% cm); endoplasmic reticulum membranes measured 350.3 microns (400% pm, 52.6% cm); Golgi membrane measured 30.77 microns (35% pm; 4.5% cm) and membrane surrounding secretory bodies measured 9.8 microns (11.2% pm; 1.4% cm). A mean of 280 secretory bodies per ovarian decidual cell was calculated. The plasma membranes of evaginated cytoplasmic processes represented 22.3% of the total pm (19.6 microns or 2.9% cm). A mean of seven such processes was observed per 87.8 microns of plasma membrane (160/cell). These morphometric data provide a baseline for comparisons of human ovarian decidual cells with uterine decidua, in vivo and in vitro, as well as with decidual cells of other species.
Regulation of pp90 <i> <sup>rsk</sup> </i> Phosphorylation and S6 Phosphotransferase Activity in Swiss 3T3 Cells by Growth Factor-, Phorbol Ester-, and Cyclic AMP-Mediated Signal Transduction (1991)

Somatic cell homologs to the Xenopus laevis S6 protein kinases (referred to collectively as pp90rsk) have recently been identified and partially characterized. Here we examine alterations in pp90rsk phosphorylation and S6 phosphotransferase activity in response to regulators of multiple signal transduction systems: purified growth factors, phorbol ester, changes in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, and sodium vanadate. All reagents tested increased pp90rsk serine and threonine phosphorylation, but only those agents that regulate cell proliferation and sodium vanadate activated its S6 kinase activity. In addition to the cAMP-stimulated phosphorylation of pp90rsk, a simple correlation between the extent of growth-regulated pp90rsk phosphorylation and S6 phosphotransferase activity was not observed. Quantitative phosphorylation of pp90rsk continued to increase after its S6 kinase activity began its return towards basal levels. However, a close correlation between the appearance and disappearance of a slow-mobility form of phosphorylated pp90rsk (by electrophoresis) and pp90rsk activity was observed. In addition, pp90rsk was regulated by both protein kinase C-independent and -dependent signaling mechanisms. The extent of protein kinase C participation, however, varied depending on which growth factor receptor was activated. Furthermore, growth factor-specific differences in the temporal regulation of pp90rsk S6 phosphotransferase activity were also observed. These results support the notion that the complex regulation of the rsk gene product constitutes one of the primary responses of animal cells to mitogenic signals.
Interactions between enteropathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> and epithelial cells (2002)

Each year diarrhoeal diseases contribute to the deaths of more than 2 million people in developing countries, most of whom are children. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is an important cause of diarrhoea in young children and makes a major contribution to infant morbidity and mortality in the developing world. A striking feature of EPEC diarrhoea is the age-dependent susceptibility of patients. Infections occur primarily in children less than 2 years of age and symptoms are usually acute but may be very severe and protracted (Nataro and Kaper, 1998). Patients routinely experience profuse watery diarrhoea, but vomiting and low grade fever are also common symptoms. EPEC rarely causes diarrhoea in adults and in volunteers only at very high doses (Donnenberg et al., 1993; Tacket et al., 2000)
Protective T Cell Responses Featured by Concordant Recognition of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus–Derived CD8+ T Cell Epitopes and Host MHC (2016)

The coordinated recognition of virus-derived T cell epitopes and MHC molecules by T cells plays a pivotal role in cellular immunity-mediated virus clearance. It has been demonstrated that the conformation of MHC class I (MHC I) molecules can be adjusted by the presented peptide, which impacts T cell activation. However, it is still largely unknown whether the conformational shift of MHC I influences the protective effect of virus-specific T cells. In this study, utilizing the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus-infected mouse model, we observed that through the unusual secondary anchor Ile5, a CD8<sup>+</sup> T cell epitope drove the conformational fit of Trp<sup>73</sup> on the α1 helix of murine MHC I H-2K<sup>d</sup> In vitro renaturation and circular dichroism assays indicated that this shift of the structure did not influence the peptide/MHC I binding affinity. Nevertheless, the T cell recognition and the protective effect of the peptide diminished when we made an Ile to Ala mutation at position 5 of the original peptide. The molecular bases of the concordant recognition of T cell epitopes and host MHC-dependent protection were demonstrated through both crystal structure determination and tetramer staining using the peptide-MHC complex. Our results indicate a coordinated MHC I/peptide interaction mechanism and provide a beneficial reference for T cell-oriented vaccine development against emerging viruses such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
Amplifying matrix design for noncooperative SIMO relay networks under channel uncertainty (2011)

This paper presents an optimum diagonal amplifying relay matrix based on minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion for noncooperative distributed wireless relay networks under channel uncertainty. A single-input multiple-output (SIMO) system with one-source M-destination N-relay nodes is considered. Bit error rate (BER) of the wireless relay network under both certain and uncertain channel conditions is simulated using the derived optimum diagonal amplifying relay matrices. For comparisons, the case of both perfect and imperfect channel conditions for single-input single-output (SISO) system with N relay nodes is also considered.
Isothermal calorimeter heat measurements of a 20Ah lithium iron phosphate battery cell (2017)

The heat generation of a 20Ah lithium iron phosphate pouch battery is characterized in this paper through the conduction of isothermal calorimeter measurements. The influence of temperature and current on battery heat generation is examined by including different operating conditions to the testing matrix, and the influence of the SOC on the battery heat rates is also studied throughout stepped current pulse procedures. Besides, the influence of reversible and irreversible heat contributions is also examined by analyzing the obtained output data. The presented examination was carried out as part of the design process of the battery system for EVs within the context of the JOSPEL project.
Assessment of Activity of Daily Life in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II Patients with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (2020)

The effectiveness of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II, Hunter disease) remains controversial although recent studies have shown HSCT provides more clinical impact. This study aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of HSCT using the activity of daily living (ADL) scores in patients with MPS II. Sixty-nine severely affected MPS II patients (19 patients who received HSCT and 50 untreated patients) and 40 attenuated affected patients (five with HSCT and 35 untreated) were investigated by a simplified ADL questionnaire. The frequency of clinical findings and the scores of ADL (verbal, gross motor, and the level of care) were analyzed statistically. The mean age of onset of 19 severely affected patients who received HSCT was 1.40 years ± 1.06, which is not statistically different from that of 50 untreated patients (<i>p</i> = 0.11). Macroglossia, frequent airway infection, hepatosplenomegaly, joint contracture, and sleep apnea were less frequent in the HSCT-treated group of severe MPS II patients. The severe phenotype HSCT treated group reported a statistically significant higher score of verbal function and gross motor function between the ages of 10 and 15 years and a higher level of care score between 10 and 20 years. Patients with the attenuated phenotype showed high ADL scores, and all of five HSCT treated patients reported a lower frequency of frequent airway infection, coarse skin, umbilical/inguinal hernia, hepatosplenomegaly, heart valve disorders, and carpal tunnel. In conclusion, HSCT is effective, resulting in improvements in clinical features and ADL in patients with MPS II. HSCT should be re-reviewed as a therapeutic option for MPS II patients.
Tumor-host interaction mediates the regression of BK virus-induced vascular tumors in mice: involvement of transforming growth factor- 1 (2003)

Several sexually transmitted viruses have been associated with the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a highly vascularized multi-focal neoplasm, characterized by the presence of spindle-shaped and endothelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages. As BK virus (BKV) sequences were found in 100% of primary KS and 75% of KS cell lines, we established an experimental model to test whether BKV may be involved in the pathogenesis of KS. For this purpose, we transformed primary and spontaneously immortalized murine endothelial cells with BKV or with a plasmid containing BKV early region, which encodes BKV T antigen. Murine endothelial cells lost endothelial markers after transformation by BKV and, when inoculated s.c. in nude mice, induced tumors which regressed 7-30 days after onset, whereas spontaneously immortalized murine endothelial MHE cells induced progressing tumors, which brought the animals to death. Histologic examination showed an initial formation of vessels around the tumors, followed by the appearance of a dense population of fibroblasts and mononuclear cells in the peritumoral tissue. Subsequently, tumors appeared to be infiltrated by mononuclear cells and surrounded by a thick fibrous wall with scattered fibroblasts and without vessels. Areas of necrosis developed in the tumor mass and finally the neoplastic tissue completely degenerated. The medium conditioned by BKV-transformed cells induced proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts and NIH3T3 cells. These effects were inhibited by an anti-transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) antibody. Northern blot analysis revealed that BKV-transformed cells express a greater amount of TGF-beta1 RNA than normal murine endothelial cells. Besides, TGF-beta1 was not expressed in progressing tumors induced by spontaneously immortalized endothelial MHE cells, whereas it was highly expressed during the regression of tumors induced by BKV-transformed MHE and primary endothelial cells. Over-expression of TGF-beta1 may be responsible for the mononuclear cell infiltration, inhibition of angiogenesis and formation of the fibrotic wall around tumors, inducing tumor regression through tumor cell necrosis and nutritional starvation. These results prompt us to test whether production of TGF-beta1 is associated with spontaneous KS regression in human patients. In this case, KS regression could be induced or accelerated by any means that enhances TGF-beta1 production at the tumor site.
ChemInform Abstract: Structural Variability in Metal Cluster Compounds (1992)

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
A Long-Lasting Sanitizing Skin Protectant based on CAGE, a Choline and Geranic Acid Eutectic (2020)

Abstract The recent outbreak and rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic and a massive public health crisis. COVID-19 has also had a severe impact on the quality of life and mental health. While different health authorities such as WHO and CDC are encouraging adoption of strategies including hand washing and use of facemasks to reduce the spread of the pathogens and infections, adoption of these approaches requires substantial commitment. Current hand sanitizers based on ethanol provide immediate protection, however, the protection rendered by such sanitizers is very short-lived due to their rapid evaporation. A long-lasting sanitizing skin protectant that can effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and provide persistent efficacy over several hours will provide people the freedom to carry on with their activities without constant concerns about the cleanliness of their hands. Herein, we describe a novel skin sanitizer, IonLAST™, based on an ionic liquid/deep eutectic solvent, formed by GRAS materials, choline and geranic acid (CAGE, CG-101), that provides protection for at least 4h after a single application. IonLAST™ was formulated as a gel that facilitates easy application on the skin. Tolerance of CG-101 was substantiated through a study in human volunteers. In vitro studies confirmed that IonLAST™ effectively inactivates a human coronavirus hCoV229E. A second human clinical study established that a single application of IonLAST™ imparts protection against microbes that lasts up to several hours.
An Electret-Augmented Low-Voltage MEMS Electrostatic Out-of-Plane Actuator for Acoustic Transducer Applications (2020)

Despite the development of energy-efficient devices in various applications, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) electrostatic actuators yet require high voltages to generate large displacements. In this respect, electrets exhibiting quasi-permanent electrical charges allow large fixed voltages to be integrated directly within electrode structures to reduce or eliminate the need of DC bias electronics. For verification, a biased electret layer was fabricated at the inner surface of a silicon on insulator (SOI) structure facing a 2 μm gap owing to the high compatibility of silicon micromachining and the potassium-ion-electret fabrication method. A electret-augmented actuator with an out-of-plane motion membrane reached a sound pressure level (SPL) of 50 dB maximum with AC input voltage of alone, indicating a potential for acoustic transducer usage such as microspeakers. Such devices with electret biasing require only the input signal voltage, thus contributing to reducing the overall power consumption of the device system.