gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Alteration in skeletal muscle afferents in rats with chronic heart failure (2010)

An exaggerated exercise pressor reflex (EPR) contributes to exercise intolerance and excessive sympatho-excitation in the chronic heart failure (CHF) state. However, the components of this reflex that are responsible for the exaggerated EPR in CHF remain unknown. To determine whether muscle afferent function is altered in CHF, we recorded the discharge of group III and IV afferents in response to static contraction, passive stretch and hindlimb intra-arterial injection of capsaicin in sham and CHF rats. We also investigated the roles of purinergic 2X receptor (P2X) and the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (VR1) in mediating the altered sensitivity of muscle afferents. Compared with sham rats, CHF rats exhibited greater responses of group III afferents to contraction and stretch whereas the responses of group IV afferents to contraction and capsaicin were blunted. Hindlimb intra-arterial infusion of pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulfonic acid (PPADS), a P2X antagonist, attenuated the responses of group III afferents to contraction and stretch in CHF rats to a greater extent than in sham rats. Western blot data showed that P2X3 receptors were significantly upregulated in doral root ganglion (DRG) of CHF rats whereas VR1 receptors were significantly downregulated. Immunohistochemical evidence showed that immunostaining of the P2X3 receptors was more intense in both IB4-positive (C-fibre) and NF200-positive (A-fibre) neurons in DRG of CHF rats whereas the immunostaining of the VR1 receptors was decreased in IB4-positive neurons. These data suggest that group III afferents are sensitized whereas group IV afferents are desensitized in CHF, which is related to the dysfunction of P2X and VR1 receptors.
Anti-Tumor Activity of Synthetic Peptide Fragments of the Human Interferon-α <sub>2</sub> (1997)

We have studied an influence of nine overlapping peptides from the region between amino acid residues 124 and 144 of the human interferon (FIN)-alpha 2 molecule on the growth of human lymphoid tumor cell lines in vitro. It was found that several, but not all, synthetic peptides inhibited proliferation of the same cell lines that IFN did. One of peptides, corresponding to the 124-138 amino acid residues of the IFN molecule (124-138) was most active. Using a human-mouse somatic hybrid cell line, we have shown that antiproliferative activity of the peptide 124-138 and IFN depended on the presence of human chromosome 21. Receptor binding studies also demonstrated that the peptide specifically interacted with membrane receptors on hybrid human-mouse cells carrying human chromosome 21, but not on parental mouse cells. Displacement experiments confirm that IFN and the peptide 124-138 compete for the same binding sites. Taken together, the data presented support a hypothesis that the C-terminal part of the IFN molecule contributes to antiproliferative activity possessed by IFN. Synthetic peptides studied in the present work may serve as a tool for studying tumor cell growth regulation by IFN and may be considered as potential nontoxic anti-tumor agents.
Oxidative Coupling of Thiols to Disulfides with Iodine in Wet Acetonitrile (2002)

Different types of thiols were oxidatively coupled to their disulfides with iodine in wet acetonitrile at room temperature and in excellent yields.
Systematics of time-migration errors (1994)

Abstract Even if the correct velocity is used, time migration mispositions events whenever the velocity changes laterally. These errors increase with lateral velocity variation, depth of burial, and dip angle theta . Our analyses of two model types, one with an implicit gradient and one with an explicit gradient, yield simple 'rules of thumb' for these errors to first order in the lateral gradient. The x error is A(1 + 3 tan 2 theta ), and the z error is -2A tan 3 theta , where the quantity A = A(x, z) contains the information about depth of burial and magnitude of lateral gradient. These rules can be used to determine when depth migration is needed. Further analysis also shows that the image-ray correction to time migration is accurate only at small dip. For dipping events, the image-ray correction must be supplemented by a shift in x of the form 3A tan 2 theta and a shift in z given by -2A tan 3 theta . These time-migration corrections take the same form for both the models we have studied, suggesting a general scheme for correcting time migration, which we call 'remedial migration.'
FPGA computer architectures (2002)

We present the recent research and development in the area of computer architectures designed from regular assemblies of FPGA devices (we will call them FPGA computers for short).
Machine learning and coresets for automated real-time video segmentation of laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery (2017)

Context-aware segmentation of laparoscopic and robot assisted surgical video has been shown to improve performance and perioperative workflow efficiency, and can be used for education and time-critical consultation. Modern pressures on productivity preclude manual video analysis, and hospital policies and legacy infrastructure are often prohibitive of recording and storing large amounts of data. In this paper we present a system that automatically generates a video segmentation of laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures according to their underlying surgical phases using minimal computational resources, and low amounts of training data. Our system uses an SVM and HMM in combination with an augmented feature space that captures the variability of these video streams without requiring analysis of the nonrigid and variable environment. By using the data reduction capabilities of online k-segment coreset algorithms we can efficiently produce results of approximately equal quality, in realtime. We evaluate our system in cross-validation experiments and propose a blueprint for piloting such a system in a real operating room environment with minimal risk factors.
You and your treatment : Asasantin ® in the prevention of stroke : patient information leaflet (2008)

One of the most important ways to prevent recurrence of a stroke is the use of drugs to stop platelets sticking together. Asasantin® (dipyridamole and aspirin) contains a combination of two drugs, which both prevent platelets from sticking together, and should be taken by people who have had a previous ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (ministroke), to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Primary structure of heat-labile enterotoxin produced by Escherichia coli pathogenic for humans. (1984)

Heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli pathogenic for humans (LTh) or for piglets (LTp) and Vibrio cholerae enterotoxin (CT) are structurally and functionally similar toxins. We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the toxA gene which encodes the subunit A of LTh (LTh A). The deduced amino acid sequence consists of 258 residues including a signal peptide of 18 residues. According to the previously completed LTh B sequence (103 residues), the predicted holotoxin (1A5B) of LTh comprises 755 residues and has Mr = 87,866. With respect to LTh A and LTh B, secondary structures, local hydrophilicity, and sites for antigenic determinants were predicted. Both codon usage and G + C content of the toxA gene and the LTh B gene (toxB) were markedly different from those observed with several E. coli chromosomal genes. Its relatively low G + C content was rather close to that of the V. cholerae chromosome. Although the toxA gene shares a common ancestor with the LTp A gene (eltA), the two genes are apparently distinguishable from each other in their sequences. Like LTh B reported previously, the predicted sequence of the catalytic fragment LTh A1 also showed more homology to that of CT A1 than did that of LTp A1. In contrast, unique sequences were found in LTh A2.
Serum levels of phytanic acid are associated with prostate cancer risk (2005)

Although the results from our study suggest phytanic acid levels may be associated with prostate cancer risk, they were based on a study with a small sample size. Much larger studies are required to confirm these important findings.
Pharmacokinetics of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine during treatment of rheumatic diseases (1996)

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) are well absorbed (0.7-0.8 bioavailability) when given orally. Severe malnutrition (such as kwashiorkor) effects absorption but diahrrea does not. Both HCQ and CQ have prolonged half-lives, between 40 and 50 days, and low blood clearance (e.g. hydroxychloroquine's blood clearance is 96 ml/min). There is great variability of blood concentrations with an eleven-fold range of drug concentrations found after similar doses in RA patients. Protein binding ranges between 30 and 40% with binding to both albumin and alpha, glycoprotein. There is differential binding and metabolism of the (R) and (S) stereoisomers. Both drugs bind strongly to pigmented tissues but also bind to mononuclear cells, muscles, etc. There is stereo-selective excretion of both drugs and 40-50% of the drug is excreted renally. Between 21 and 47% is excreted unchanged. There is a suggestion of concentration response and concentration toxicity relationships with decreased morning stiffness as HCQ concentrations increase and increased EKG abnormalities as CQ concentrations become higher, but further testing is required. Pharmacokinetic interaction studies are limited. Potentially important kinetic interactions have been documented for d-penicillamine and cimetidine but have not been found for aspirin, ranitidine or imipramine.
Subtilisin-cleaved actin: polymerization and interaction with myosin subfragment 1 (1989)

Homogeneous preparations of actin cleaved into two fragments, the N-terminal 9- and C-terminal 36-kDa peptides, were achieved by proteolysis of G-actin with subtilisin at 23 degrees C at a 1:1000 (w/w) ratio of enzyme to actin. The subtilisin cleavage site was identified by sequence analysis to be between Met-47 and Gly-48. Although under nondenaturing conditions the two fragments remained associated to one another, the cleavage affected macromolecular interactions of actin. The rates of cleaved actin polymerization by MgCl2, KCl, and myosin subfragment 1 (S-1) were slower and the critical concentrations for this process were higher than in intact protein. Intact and cleaved actin formed morphologically indistinguishable filaments and copolymerized in the presence of MgCl2. The affinity of actin for S-1 was decreased by about 10-fold due to subtilisin cleavage, but the S-1 ATPase activity was activated to the same Vmax value by both intact and cleaved actins. DNase I inhibition measurements revealed lower affinity of cleaved actin for DNase I than that of intact protein. These results are discussed in terms of actin's structure.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a new look at management. (1990)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is an unacceptable but, at present, seemingly unavoidable compli- cation of neonatal intensive care. There are many theories as to why this disorder arises, including lung immaturity, barotrauma from positive airway pressure ventilation, oxygen toxicity, respiratory infections after intubation, and increased lung fluid. Definitions vary, but based on the physiological definition of oxygen dependency at 28 days of age, Boynton has esti- mated that in the USA 3100 infants are suffer- ing from chronic lung disease at any given time.' Based on similar calculations, there may be up to 730 in the UK. After initial hospital discharge, there is a high rate of readmission (up to 60%) and subsequent death (up to 20%).2
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER-SOLUBLE AND CARBOXY-FUNCTIONAL POLYESTER AND POLYAMIDE BASED ON ETHYLENEDIAMINE-TETRAACETIC ACID AND THEIR METAL COMPLEXES (2003)

compound was inserted into the polymer backbone with polyaddition reactions separately between hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) or poly(ethylene glycol) (Mw=1000, PEG1000) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dianhydride (A-EDTA). The prepared polymers were soluble in water and carboxy functional groups have been connected to the polymer chains. The polymers were characterized by UV-vis, FTIR and 1 H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermal gravimetry methods. The carboxy functionalities were measured by titration. The metal complex polymers were separated by dialysis tube and also characterized by spectral techniques and thermal gravimetry.
Evaluation of cartilage defects with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR): An <i>ex vivo</i> study (2007)

Damaged cartilage undergoes complex changes in composition, histological structure, and mechanical properties. Near-infrared-spectroscopy (NIR spectroscopy) is an important method to measure changes in composition of complex composites. The present study was aimed at evaluating NIR spectroscopy as a means to quantitate tissue alterations in low grade cartilage defects. Fresh medial femoral condyles from female sheep were collected. Cartilage defects were graded according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). Specimens were examined by a NIR spectroscopy device (spectral range of 1100-1700 nm). Absorption spectra were calculated from the reference and measurement spectra. As indicator for cartilage composition the ratio (absorption ratio, AR) of the two main absorption bands in this region was calculated. Mechanical stiffness was measured as Shore A. Water-, glycosaminoglycan-, and collagen content and histological grade (Mankin score) were determined. The NIR absorption in ICRS grade 1 defects (AR=2.1+/-0.1) was significantly higher than in intact cartilage (AR=1.5+/-0.1). ICRS grade 2 specimens tended to a higher NIR absorption. NIR absorption correlated significantly with Mankin score (R=0.896), water content (R=0.845), and mechanical stiffness (R=0.877). Initial cartilage degeneration correlates with changes in NIR absorption, indicating NIR spectroscopy to reflect complex structural changes in degenerated cartilage. The data suggest that NIR spectroscopy could be useful for in situ detection of early cartilage defects.
Alzheimer's “syndrome”: Prognosis of subsets with different etiology and preliminary effects of immunotherapy (1988)

Abstract Based on our current work, we have found aberrations of both cellular immunity and humoral immunity in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that the bodyapos;s immune system plays an important role in the etiology and/or pathophysiology of at least one subset of AD (we consider AD as a “syndrome”, not a disease). Depending upon the nature of the immune deficits and patientsapos; responsiveness to appropriate immunomodulate therapy, we have thus far differentiated four subsets of AD patients: one subset with defect of a specific T cell (e.g., membrane flexibility) and response to therapy with pyrrolidone compounds; a second subset with autoantibodies to neuron‐axon filament proteins–these patients show clinical improvement after therapy with dialyzable leucocyte extract (DLE) containing transfer factor (TF); a third subset with antibodies to brain antigens (autoimmune) for which therapy is not yet developed; and a fourth subset with none of the abnormalities mentioned above, probably heterogeneous due to one or another biochemical abnormality. We believe that different therapeutic modalities will be necessary for different subsets, much like the situation with other “diseases” such as anemia and diabetes. Our therapeutic results provide additional evidence that AD is a syndrome, not a single disease. Moreover, the clincal improvement demonstrates that the defective function in AD is not due to death of neuronal cells, but rather atrophy or physiologic “suppression.”
The relationship between cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate and morphology in exponential phase<i>Candida albicans</i> (1992)

The relationship between changes in cyclic AMP content and germ tube formation in exponential phase Candida albicans was investigated using two simple media containing glucose plus ammonium chloride, or N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc). The glucose medium did not promote germ tube formation unless the cells were starved before inoculation, whereas the GlcNAc medium promoted germ tube formation in both non-starved and starved cells. The cyclic AMP content of exponential phase cells, non-starved cells and starved cells was 0.21, 0.34 and 0.64 pmol mg-1 dry wt, respectively. In glucose medium, cyclic AMP content in both non-starved cells and starved cells increased for a period of 60 min after inoculation, but then decreased for a further 120 min. The cyclic AMP content of non-starved cells and starved cells was 0.16 and 0.29 pmol mg-1 dry wt, respectively, after 180 min. The maximum percentage of non-starved cells with germ tubes was around 20%. Starved cells with germ tubes were observed after 40 min and reached a maximum (around 90%) after 140 min. The number of germ tubes remained constant for the next 40 min. In GlcNAc medium, the cyclic AMP content of both non-starved cells and starved cells showed a tendency to increase for 180 min. The content of non-starved cells and starved cells was 2.02 and 1.75 pmol mg-1 dry wt, respectively, after 180 min. Germ tube formation in non-starved cells started after 70 min, reached around 80% after 150 min, and remained stable for the next 30 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Engineering of Solid State Ionic Devices (2004)

Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Rat aortic smooth muscle cells in culture express kallikrein, kininogen, and bradykininase activity. (1990)

We have studied rat vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells in culture for the presence of key elements of the glandular kallikrein-kinin system. Direct radioimmunoassay (RIA) using antiserum against rat urinary kallikrein detected a glandular kallikrein-like enzyme (GKLE) in VSM cells and in media. VSM homogenates and culture media had kininogenase activity, generating kinins from dog kininogen. About half of the GKLE was enzymatically inactive which could be activated with trypsin. Kininogenase activity was inhibited completely by aprotinin but only 20% by soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). Trypsin liberated kinins from homogenates and media, demonstrating that VSM cells contain kininogen. Homogenates and media rapidly degrade bradykinin. GKLE, kininogen, and bradykininase activity were all present in VSM cells grown in defined media that contain no serum, thus eliminating any contamination or artefacts from fetal calf serum in standard culture media. Blood vessels of the rat have been reported to contain GKLE. Our observations indicate that GKLE is synthesized by VSM cells, not deposited from plasma. Furthermore, VSM cells synthesize kininogen and bradykininase(s), the other key elements of the glandular kallikrein-kinin system. Thus it is possible that the system functions as an autocoid mechanism that regulates local vascular tone.
Numerical analysis of gradient index lens–based optical coherence tomography imaging probes (2010)

We report the numerical analysis of gradient index (GRIN) lens-based optical coherence tomography imaging probes to derive optimal design parameters. Long and short working distance probes with a small focal spot are considered. In each model, the working distance and beam waist are characterized and compared for different values of length and refractive index of the probe components. We also explore the influence of the outer tubing and refractive index of the sample media. Numerical results show that the adjustment of the maximum beam diameter and focusing angle at the end of the GRIN lens surface is very important for determining the optical performance parameters of the probe.
Event log based dependability analysis of Windows NT and 2K systems (2003)

This paper presents a measurement-based dependability study using event logs collected during about 3 years from 133 Windows NT and 2K workstations and servers interconnected through a LAN. We focus on the identification of machine reboots, the classification of of their causes, and the evaluation of statistics characterizing the uptimes, downtimes, and the availability of the Windows NT and 2K machines.
Effects of gas atmosphere, platelet-derived growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor on cell numbers of rabbit embryos cultured in a protein-free medium (1997)

While culture conditions for embryos have improved, development in vitro is not equivalent to in vivo growth. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), mouse (mLIF) or human (hLIF) leukemia inhibitory factor and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) added to protein-free culture medium, as well as two gas atmospheres were evaluated for their effect on rabbit embryo development. Adding PDGF, mLIF or hLIF to the culture medium did not result in detectable differences in total cell number for blastocysts. The culture of rabbit embryos under a gas atmosphere of 10% CO2:5% O2:85% N2 resulted in improved total cell numbers (P < 0.01) for blastocysts compared to those developing under 5% CO2:95% air (230 vs 159, respectively). Supplementing RD (RPMI-1640 and Dulbecco's MEM, 1:1) medium with 10% FBS improved the number of total cells (264 vs 155) and inner cell mass cells (71 vs 47). These results indicate that when defined culture conditions promote a high proportion of two-cell embryos developing into blastocysts, the addition of certain growth factors did not have a detectable beneficial effect, while 10% FBS improved culture conditions.
TBK1: a new player in ALS linking autophagy and neuroinflammation (2017)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and death by respiratory failure. Protein and RNA aggregates are a hallmark of ALS pathology and are thought to contribute to ALS by impairing axonal transport. Mutations in several genes known to contribute to ALS result in deposition of their protein products as aggregates; these include TARDBP, C9ORF72, and SOD1. In motor neurons, this can disrupt transport of mitochondria to areas of metabolic need, resulting in damage to cells and can elicit a neuroinflammatory response leading to further neuronal damage. Recently, eight independent human genetics studies have uncovered a link between TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) mutations and ALS. TBK1 belongs to the IKK-kinase family of kinases that are involved in innate immunity signaling pathways; specifically, TBK1 is an inducer of type-1 interferons. TBK1 also has a major role in autophagy and mitophagy, chiefly the phosphorylation of autophagy adaptors. Several other ALS genes are also involved in autophagy, including p62 and OPTN. TBK1 is required for efficient cargo recruitment in autophagy; mutations in TBK1 may result in impaired autophagy and contribute to the accumulation of protein aggregates and ALS pathology. In this review, we focus on the role of TBK1 in autophagy and the contributions of this process to the pathophysiology of ALS.
MEMS sensor packaging using LTCC substrate technology (2001)

Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC) material can be used as a reliable multilayer substrate material for silicon based MEMS component packaging due to many benefits like hermeticity, good match of thermal expansion coefficient (TCE) to silicon to minimise packaging-induced thermomechanical stresses, and the possibility to make cavities into the structure. The applicability of LTCC technologies for MEMS packaging is described in this paper. A review of the technologies used in making LTCC modules, such as substrate manufacturing, interconnecting, sealing and protection, and the benefits of LTCC for MEMS packaging is presented. Also examples on the use of LTCC technology for MEMS sensor packaging are discussed.
Spontaneous Apoptosis and the Expression of p53 and Bcl-2 Family Proteins in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (1999)

Our results establish the frequent expression of the Bcl-2 family proteins Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Bax, and Bak in locally advanced head and neck cancer. In addition, this study suggests that the apoptotic fraction in pretreatment tumor samples might be of prognostic importance for the outcome in these patients.