gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Influence of the antioxidant <i>N</i>-acetylcysteine and its metabolites on damage induced by bleomycin in PM2 bacteriophage DNA (1996)

Bleomycin is considered to be a useful model compound for studying environmental carcinogenesis, due to its broad spectrum of DNA damaging properties. In addition, bleomycin is a useful antitumor drug because of its cytotoxic properties. To investigate the influence of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine and its metabolites glutathione and cysteine on bleomycin-induced DNA damage and more importantly to gain insight into the biological relevance of such damage, PM2 DNA was exposed to Cu(2+)-bleomycin in the presence and absence of the thiols N-acetylcysteine, glutathione and cysteine. It was found that the presence of these thiols led to a considerable enhancement of bleomycin-induced single- and double-strand breaks and a concomitant decrease in the biological activity of PM2 DNA in a dose-dependent way. A similar observation was made when ascorbic acid was used. Bleomycin showed no DNA damaging activity when PM2 DNA was pretreated with the strong Fe ion chelator desferal and its activity was strongly inhibited by the addition of Cu2+ ions or under hypoxic (N2) conditions. Cu(2+)-bleomycin under our conditions is not active by itself, but most probably after binding to DNA exchanges Cu2+ for Fe3+ bound to DNA. Fe(3+)-bleomycin is then reduced to Fe(2+)-bleomycin, a process potentiated by the added antioxidants, and subsequently activated by O2. The contribution to biological inactivation of bleomycin alone or in the presence of ascorbic acid is only approximately 15%. The contribution to lethality in the presence of thiols is higher. These results indicate that ascorbic acid only enhances the DNA damaging properties of bleomycin, whereas the thiol compounds in addition influence the type of DNA damage. The remainder of the biological inactivation is probably caused by double damage, such as single-strand breaks with closely opposed alkali-labile sites or base damage.
Proton exchange membranes for a direct methanol fuel cell based on sulfonated styrene‐(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene/polyvinylidene fluoride blends (2010)

Abstract Proton‐conducting membranes for a direct methanol fuel cell, based on styrene‐(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer blended with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), have been developed. First, the partially sulfonated SEBS with a variety of degrees of substitution was prepared by reacting the SEBS with propionyl sulfate. Then, the sulfonated SEBS was blended with PVDF at various blending ratios and fabricated by using a solution casting technique. The water uptake, proton conductivities, methanol permeabilities, and mechanical properties of the blend membranes were measured by using gravimetry, impedance analysis, gas chromatography, and tensile test, respectively. It was found that water uptake of the blend membranes increased with the sulfonated SEBS content, at the expense of their methanol resistance. The proton conductivity of the blend membranes, however, did not change linearly with the sulfonated SEBS content. This was related to poor compatibility between the two polymers in the blend membranes. However, by adding 5 wt % of poly(styrene)‐ b ‐poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer, compatibility, proton conductivity, and methanol resistance of the blend membrane increased. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Proinflammatory Cytokines Induce Proteinase 3 as Membrane-Bound and Secretory Forms in Human Oral Epithelial Cells and Antibodies to Proteinase 3 Activate the Cells through Protease-Activated Receptor-2 (2004)

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic Abs targeting proteinase 3 (PR3) have been detected in relation to a wide range of inflammatory conditions such as periodontitis, and interaction of anti-PR3 Abs with endothelial and epithelial cells provokes cell activation, although the underlying mechanism has been unclear. The present study showed that human oral epithelial cells expressed PR3 mRNA after treatment with proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-gamma. A 29-kDa PR3 was expressed on the cell surface and released into culture supernatants by the cells upon stimulation with these cytokines. The membrane and supernatant fractions of oral epithelial cells exhibited enzymatic activity, which was inhibited by serine proteinase inhibitors, but not by a cysteine proteinase inhibitor or secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor. Addition of anti-PR3 Abs to cytokine-primed oral epithelial cells in culture induced remarkable secretion of IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and aggregation of PR3 on the cells. RNA interference targeted to protease-activated receptor-2 mRNA and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization assays revealed that anti-PR3 Abs activated the epithelial cells through protease-activated receptor-2, a family of G protein-coupled receptors. The anti-PR3 Ab-mediated cell activation was completely abolished by RNA interference targeted to PR3 mRNA and by inhibition of phospholipase C and NF-kappaB. Immunohistochemistry showed that inflamed oral epithelium actually expresses PR3 protein. These results suggest that oral epithelial cells express functional PR3 in the inflamed sites and respond to anti-PR3 Abs detected in diseased sera, and that these mechanisms may actively participate in the inflammatory process, including periodontitis.
On the conduction of electricity through an ionized gas, more particularly in its relation to Bronson resistances (1917)

In many radioactive investigations in which the measurement of small currents is involved, the principle of allowing the current to enter an electrometer and escape through a standard high‐resistance has been adopted, the deflection attained by the electrometer in the equilibrium state being the quantity which is directly measured, and which is proportional to the current sought, when the standard resistance obeys ohm's law. Bronson 2 has developed a convenient type of resistance in which the air between two parallel plates is rendered conducting by covering one of the plates with a layer of polonium. These resistances obey ohm's law over a considerable range, but their magnitude is such that for plates of 5 or 6 sq. cm. cross‐sectional area they give currents of the order of magnitude of 10 ‐2 E. S. U. for potential‐differences of 3 volts. For some purposes very much higher resistances are required, as for example when the current to be measured is very small and the conditions are nevertheless such that it is undesirable to make the electrometer very sensitive.
Associative Memory with Ordered Retrieval (1962)

A basic associative memory utilizing cryogenic circuitry is described and its functions are compared with those of previously published associative memory descriptions. The ordered-retrieval sorting algorithm is described, along with its implementation by means of a ternary interrogating counter. A sorting example is given. The sorting efficiency is discussed and an efficiency formula is given. The required additions to the basic memory are outlined. Finally, some of the basic cryotron circuits are illustrated and their operation described.
Efficient method for events detection in phonocardiographic signals (2005)

The auscultation of the heart is still the first basic analysis tool used to evaluate the functional state of the heart, as well as the first indicator used to submit the patient to a cardiologist. In order to improve the diagnosis capabilities of auscultation, signal processing algorithms are currently being developed to assist the physician at primary care centers for adult and pediatric population. A basic task for the diagnosis from the phonocardiogram is to detect the events (main and additional sounds, murmurs and clicks) present in the cardiac cycle. This is usually made by applying a threshold and detecting the events that are bigger than the threshold. However, this method usually does not allow the detection of the main sounds when additional sounds and murmurs exist, or it may join several events into a unique one. In this paper we present a reliable method to detect the events present in the phonocardiogram, even in the presence of heart murmurs or additional sounds. The method detects relative maxima peaks in the amplitude envelope of the phonocardiogram, and computes a set of parameters associated with each event. Finally, a set of characteristics is extracted from each event to aid in the identification of the events. Besides, the morphology of the murmurs is also detected, which aids in the differentiation of different diseases that can occur in the same temporal localization. The algorithms have been applied to real normal heart sounds and murmurs, achieving satisfactory results.
Modeling Network Latency and Parallel Processing in Distributed Database Design (2003)

ABSTRACT The design of responsive distributed database systems is a key concern for information systems managers. In high bandwidth networks latency and local processing are the most significant factors in query and update response time. Parallel processing can be used to minimize their effects, particularly if it is considered at design time. It is the judicious replication and placement of data within a network that enable parallelism to be effectively used. However, latency and parallel processing have largely been ignored in previous distributed database design approaches. We present a comprehensive approach to distributed database design that develops efficient combinations of data allocation and query processing strategies that take full advantage of parallelism. We use a genetic algorithm to enable the simultaneous optimization of data allocation and query processing strategies. We demonstrate that ignoring the effects of latency and parallelism at design time can result in the selection of unresponsive distributed database designs.
Simulation of spectral surface plasmon resonance bio-sensing system (2007)

Surface plasmon resonance has become a strong tool in the bio-interaction analysis since the first introduction by BIACore in 1990. Most research work have been carried out by employing angle interrogation, which is well known as angle scanning SPR system. Wavelength interrogation SPR is another method to trace the bio-interaction in real time. Due to the broad band excitation, it owns great potentials in photonic studies. In this paper, the sandwich structure of prism/gold/sample is studied by a home-made simulation program based on matrix of Fresnel reflection coefficients. The structure of 3 layers to 5 layers are studied in detail.
Consolidation-atmosphere influence on drawing-induced defects in pure silica optical fibers (1988)

Drawing-induced paramagnetic defects (E'centers and oxygen-associated hole centers (OHCs)) and optical absorption bands at 630 nm and in the UV region are investigated for optical fibers. These fibers are drawn from pure silica glass preforms consolidated in atmospheres containing O/sub 2/ and Cl/sub 2/. UV absorption bands at 245 nm and 275 nm are clearly observed through deconvolution of the absorption spectra of optical fibers. The defects and absorption bands are influenced by the atmosphere in the consolidation process: (1) the OHCs and the absorption bands at 630 nm and 275 nm increase the intensity with increasing O/sub 2/ content and with decreasing Cl/sub 2/ content; (2) the E' centers decrease under the same conditions; and (3) the absorption band at 245 nm is independent of the atmosphere.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
Synthesis of cold-insoluble globulin by cultured calf endothelial cells. (1978)

Radiolabeled amino acids were incorporated into nondialyzable protein by cultures of endothelial cells derived from calf aorta. Antibody prepared against purified bovine plasma cold-insoluble globulin (CIG) formed a strong precipitin line upon immunodiffusion against 3H-labeled proteins from endothelial cell culture media. This precipitin line formed a line of identity with the precipitin line formed by anti-CIG and purified CIG. Double-antibody immunoprecipitation of 3H-labeled protein showed that 36.3% of the radioactivity was specifically precipitated by the anti-CIG antibody. Gel filtration and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the immunoprecipitate indicated that it contained a single protein species whose molecular weight was consistent with that of CIG isolated from plasma. When cultured cells were examined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, the endothelial cells stained specifically with anti-CIG antibody. These data indicate that cultured endothelial cells derived from calf aorta synthesize and secrete a protein antigenically similar to CIG.
High explosive spot test analyses of samples from Operable Unit (OU) 1111 (1995)

A preliminary evaluation has been completed of environmental contaminants at selected sites within the Group DX-10 (formally Group M-7) area. Soil samples taken from specific locations at this detonator facility were analyzed for harmful metals and screened for explosives. A sanitary outflow, a burn pit, a pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) production outflow field, an active firing chamber, an inactive firing chamber, and a leach field were sampled. Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used to obtain semi-quantitative concentrations of metals in the soil. Two field spot-test kits for explosives were used to assess the presence of energetic materials in the soil and in items found at the areas tested. PETN is the major explosive in detonators manufactured and destroyed at Los Alamos. No measurable amounts of PETN or other explosives were detected in the soil, but items taken from the burn area and a high-energy explosive (HE)/chemical sump were contaminated. The concentrations of lead, mercury, and uranium are given.
Targets to Tackle – The Pathophysiology of the Disease (2010)

Osteoarthritis, the degeneration of the joints, is the leading source of physical disability with severely impaired quality of life due to pain and loss of joint functioning in industrialized nations. Clinically, degeneration affects mostly the large weight bearing joints of the legs like the hip or the knees, but in principle it can affect any joint of the body. Osteoarthritis represents a disease group with disease subsets that have different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Therefore primary osteoarthritis has to be distinguished from secondary forms of the disease, which are due to traumatic events, endocrine or metabolic disorders etc. The enormous frequency of this disease makes osteoarthritis one of the most expensive conditions in the Western world, both in terms of direct as well as indirect costs. So far, despite intensive efforts over several decades, the success of disease-modifying approaches have been rather limited and mostly restricted to analgesis and non-pharmacologic therapy (e.g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, exercise, and physiotherapy). Joint replacement is still the unsurpassed therapy for the symptomatic relief of advanced and incapacitating OA. It is evident that there is a great need for the development of disease modifying agents in order to improve quality of life as well as to relieve the community of the enormous socio-economic burden of the disease.
Buried mines detection and classification : 2D-SAS processing definition and experimental results (2003)

The paper deals with the problem of buried mine detection and classification. GESMA (Groupe d'Etudes Sous-Marine de l'Atlantique) has been working on a new sonar concept for several months. A specific tool has been designed, made of a 2 m /spl times/ 2m frame mounted on four legs to support and track sonar to permit 2D scanning of the seafloor. First, a non linear source is used and gathers data at sea, over different buried objects up to 50 cm, highlighting the interest of this sonar concept. The 2D sonar scan permits a 3D data matrix to be collected from which the detection and classification operations may be done step by step using successive 1D data (one sonar shot), multiple 2D images then multiple 3D displays. Presented results demonstrate the ability to classify and almost identify the buried object. Unfortunately, the use of the non linear effect may be risky for greater burial depth because the technique does not have good power efficiency. To overcome this problem, the use of a direct low frequency is envisaged. The high resolution needed for buried object classification is then achieved with the application of SAS processing. Since 2D scanning of the seafloor is made, we show that 2D SAS processing is made possible. The paper describes the new algorithm and presents experiments and results obtained after processing. The first experiments and processes give encouraging results on buried targets up to 1 m. The technique seems ideally suited for detecting and classifying buried mines.
A graphical display system for animating mapped cardiac potentials (2002)

A graphical display system for animating mapped cardiac potentials is described. The system displays recorded voltages from 121 epicardial electrodes simultaneously on a computer monitor using color to indicate the magnitude of the voltage. Numerous options accessible through the mouse-driven user interface provide the user with a high degree of interaction with the data. The user can observe the changes in the recorded voltages over time by defining a portion of the data over which to animate the voltages. Animation speeds of up to 2 1/4 frames per second can be achieved, depending on the workstation used. Use of the graphical display system provides a new tool for studying the electrical conduction properties of the heart. Through its use, a more complete understanding (and potentially a more effective treatment) of arrhythmias might be achieved.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
Surimi and Surimi Seafood (2013)

Originating in Japan in the twelfth century, surimi is refined fish myofibrillar proteins produced through various processes. The development of the surimi product crabstick in Japan in the 1970s played a major role in globalizing surimi and expanding surimi seafood consumption to the United States, Europe, and Russia. Commercial surimi production
The frequency and outcome of lupus nephritis: results from an international inception cohort study (2015)

LN occurred in 38.3% of SLE patients, frequently as the initial presentation, in a large multi-ethnic inception cohort. Despite current standard of care, nephritis was associated with ESRD and death, and renal insufficiency was linked to lower health-related quality of life. Further advances are required for the optimal treatment of LN.
Population pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in patients with liver impairments analyzed by NPEM2 algorithm--a retrospective study. (1998)

In order to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for ciprofloxacin after single oral dosing in patients with liver impairments, a retrospective population analysis of already published data was undertaken. The purpose of the study was to compare the population model parameter estimates for ciprofloxacin obtained with the non-parametric expectation maximization (NPEM2) algorithm based on a full data set (NPEM2-FULL) with those based on a set of 3 randomly chosen time/concentrations data (NPEM2-3RPs). Parameter values generated by the standard two-stage (STS) approach using traditional data-rich situation were used as a "gold standard" for comparative purposes. There was no significant difference between parameter means at p < 0.05 for Gauss-Newton and maximum a posteriori Bayesian (MAPB) estimators. The values of k(s) (min/ml/h) as estimated by STS and NPEM2-FULL models, on the one hand, and by STS and NPEM2-3RPs population models on the other hand (0.001, 0.00095, and 0.001, respectively), were not significantly different (p = 0.1457, respectively p = 0.6276). The population models values of k(s) suggest that good approximation between ciprofloxacin renal clearance and creatinine clearance could be expected for most of the patients and support previous observations that creatinine clearance is a meaningful predictor for ciprofloxacin elimination from the body. The 3 population models estimated Vs/F (l/kg) without significant difference. The predictive performance of these population models was subsequently assessed using internal validation approach. The 3 population models demonstrated comparable accuracy and precision in Bayesian forecasting of drug plasma levels of validation group patients based on 1 random and 2 suboptimal prior drug concentrations. There was, however, a one-order of magnitude decrease in population models bias when 2 suboptimal data points were used as Bayesian priors.
Study of the electronic and vibrational properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene naphthalate) films (2007)

We investigate the optical properties of biaxially stretched poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) polymer films by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) in a wide spectral region, from the infrared (IR) (900−3500 cm−1) to the vis-far UV (vis-fUV) (1.5−6.5 eV), in terms of their optical, electronic, and vibrational response. The stretching procedure during the fabrication of the films leads to the rearrangement of the macromolecular chains parallel to the stretching direction (or machine direction), resulting in an optical anisotropy of the films. For the deduction of valuable and accurate information about the films’ electronic and vibrational response, the analysis of the measured SE spectra has been realized by approximating the PET and PEN films as uniaxial materials with their optic axes parallel to the surface. In the vis-fUV spectral region, the characteristic features corresponding to the n→π* electronic transitions of the carbonyl −C=O and the A1g1→B1u1 electronic transition due to the π→π* excitation of the π-electron structures were identified and analyzed. Also, based on the assumption of the optical behavior of a uniaxial material, we have determined the principal components ε||(ω) and ε⊥(ω) of the dielectric function, parallel and perpendicular to the stretching direction of the polymer films. Furthermore, the study of the Fourier transform infrared (IR) SE spectra allowed the assignment of the characteristic features of the measured dielectric function ε(ω) to the vibrational modes of the different chemical bonds of the PET and PEN monomer units. Finally, the above analysis resulted in a detailed calculation of the bulk dielectric function of the PET and PEN polymer films in an extended spectral region from the IR to the vis-fUV.
Designing stable finite state machine behaviours using phase plane analysis and variable structure control (2002)

This paper discusses how phase plane analysis can be used to describe the overall behaviour of single and multiple autonomous robotic vehicles with finite state machine rules. The importance of this result is that we can begin to design provably asymptotically stable group behaviours from a set of simple control laws and appropriate switching points with decentralized variable structure control. The ability to prove asymptotically stable group behaviour is especially important for applications such as locating military targets or land mines.