gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Anti‐plaque agents in the prevention of biofilm‐associated oral diseases (2003)

The prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases is targeted at the control of dental plaque. In this context, chemical agents could represent a valuable complement to mechanical plaque control. The active agents should prevent biofilm formation without affecting the biological equilibrium within the oral cavity. Depending on the goals of the preventive measures, various strategies may be considered. Anti‐plaque agents with properties other than bactericidal or bacteriostatic activities may be used in primary prevention. In this approach, a modest anti‐plaque effect may be sufficient or even desirable, as it would decrease the side effects of the active agent. Antimicrobial agents are best indicated in secondary and tertiary prevention, as the objectives are to restore health and to prevent disease recurrence. The rational is to prevent or delay subgingival recolonization by pathogenic micro‐organisms. The development of in vitro oral biofilm models certainly represents a major advance for studying and testing oral anti‐plaque agents in recent years. The results of these studies have shown that chlorhexidine, hexetidine, delmopinol, amine fluoride/stannous fluoride, triclosan, phenolic compounds, among others, may inhibit biofilm development and maturation as well as affect bacterial metabolism.
Ex vivo expansion of human T cells for adoptive immunotherapy using the novel Xeno‐free CTS Immune Cell Serum Replacement (2015)

The manufacture of clinical grade cellular products for adoptive immunotherapy requires ex vivo culture and expansion of human T cells. One of the key components in manufacturing of T cell therapies is human serum (HS) or fetal bovine serum (FBS), which can potentially expose immunotherapy recipient to adventitious infectious pathogens and are thus considered as non-cGMP compliant for adoptive therapy. Here we describe a novel xeno-free serum replacement (SR) with defined components that can be reproducibly used for the production of clinical grade T-cell therapies in combination with several different cell culture media. Dynabeads CD3/CD28 Cell Therapy System (CTS)-activated or antigen-specific T cells expanded using the xeno-free SR, CTS Immune Cell SR, showed comparable growth kinetics observed with cell culture media supplemented with HS or FBS. Importantly the xeno-free SR supplemented medium supported the optimal expansion of T cells specific for subdominant tumour-associated antigens and promoted expansion of T cells with central memory T-cell phenotype, which is favourable for in vivo survival and persistence following adoptive transfer. Furthermore, T cells expanded using xeno-free SR medium were highly amenable to lentivirus-mediated gene transduction for potential application for gene-modified T cells. Taken together, the CTS Immune Cell SR provides a novel platform strategy for the manufacture of clinical grade adoptive cellular therapies.
Cloning and expression of human deoxycytidine kinase cDNA. (1991)

Deoxycytidine (dCyd) kinase is required for the phosphorylation of several deoxyribonucleosides and certain nucleoside analogs widely employed as antiviral and chemotherapeutic agents. Detailed analysis of this enzyme has been limited, however, by its low abundance and instability. Using oligonucleotides based on primary amino acid sequence derived from purified dCyd kinase, we have screened T-lymphoblast cDNA libraries and identified a cDNA sequence that encodes a 30.5-kDa protein corresponding to the subunit molecular mass of the purified protein. Expression of the cDNA in Escherichia coli results in a 40-fold increase in dCyd kinase activity over control levels. In dCyd kinase-deficient murine L cells, transfection with dCyd kinase cDNA in a mammalian expression vector produces a 400-fold increase over control in dCyd phosphorylating activity. The expressed enzyme has an apparent Km of 1.0 microM for dCyd and is also capable of phosphorylating dAdo and dGuo. Northern blot analysis reveals a single 2.8-kilobase mRNA expressed in T lymphoblasts at 5- to 10-fold higher levels than in B lymphoblasts, and decreased dCyd kinase mRNA levels are present in T-lymphoblast cell lines resistant to arabinofuranosylcytosine and dideoxycytidine. These findings document that this cDNA encodes the T-lymphoblast dCyd kinase responsible for the phosphorylation of dAdo and dGuo as well as dCyd and arabinofuranosylcytosine.
Constant-volume polymerization of composites by addition of ammonia-modified montmorillonite. (1990)

Polymerization shrinkage is a major limitation of dental composites. It generates internal stresses within bonded restorations and leads to marginal leakage, sensitivity and recurrent decay in the absence of adequate bonding. A method is presented for formulating composites that cure at constant volume by adding to the resin system small amounts of the hydrated mineral montmorillonite (MMT), which has been modified by replacing part of its hydration water with ammonia (NH3). The polymerization exotherm of composites containing ammonia-modified montmorillonite (NH3/MMT), cured at ambient temperatures, raises their temperature to between 60 and 80 degrees C, which causes the NH3/MMT particles to swell and counteract polymerization shrinkage. The polymerization shrinkage was measured for the BIS-GMA resin system, without filler, to which had been added NH3/MMT. The addition of 4 to 5 weight percent NH3/MMT resulted in zero polymerization shrinkage. An experimental composite was formulated using the BIS-GMA resin system, hydroxyapatite filler and 4 weight percent NH3/MMT. Cured samples developed compressive strength and hardness comparable to reported values for dental composite resins. Porosity was not detected by scanning electron microscopy. The use of NH3/MMT for formulating polymeric systems that cure at constant volume should be explored for application in direct dental composites.
Controlled encapsulation of single-cells into monodisperse picolitre drops (2008)

Encapsulation of cells within picolitre-size monodisperse drops provides new means to perform quantitative biological studies on a single-cell basis for large cell populations. Variability in the number of cells per drop due to stochastic cell loading is a major barrier to these techniques. We overcome this limitation by evenly spacing cells as they travel within a high aspect-ratio microchannel; cells enter the drop generator with the frequency of drop formation.
Wavelet and wavelet packet compression of electrocardiograms (1997)

Wavelets and wavelet packets have recently emerged as powerful tools for signal compression. Wavelet and wavelet packet-based compression algorithms based on embedded zerotree wavelet (EZW) coding are developed for electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, and eight different wavelets are evaluated for their ability to compress Holter ECG data. Pilot data from a blind evaluation of compressed ECG's by cardiologists suggest that the clinically useful information present in original ECG signals is preserved by 8:1 compression, and in most cases 16:1 compressed ECG's are clinically useful.
The Troponin C G159D Mutation Blunts Myofilament Desensitization Induced by Troponin I Ser23/24 Phosphorylation (2007)

Striated muscle contraction is regulated by the binding of Ca(2+) to the N-terminal regulatory lobe of the cardiac troponin C (cTnC) subunit in the troponin complex. In the heart, beta-adrenergic stimulation induces protein kinase A phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at Ser23/24 to alter the interaction of cTnI with cTnC in the troponin complex and is critical to the regulation of cardiac contractility. We investigated the effect of the dilated cardiomyopathy linked cTnC Gly159 to Asp (cTnC-G159D) mutation on the development of Ca(2+)-dependent tension and ATPase rate in whole troponin-exchanged skinned rat trabeculae. Even though this mutation is located in the C-terminal lobe of cTnC, the G159D mutation was demonstrated to depress ATPase activation and filament sliding in vitro. The effects of this mutation within the cardiac myofilament are unknown. Our results demonstrate that the cTnC-G159D mutation by itself does not alter the myofilament response to Ca(2+) in the cardiac muscle lattice. However, in the presence of cTnI phosphorylated at Ser23/24, which reduced Ca(2+) sensitivity and enhanced cross-bridge cycling in controls, cTnC-G159D specifically blunted the phosphorylation induced decrease in Ca(2+)-sensitive tension development without altering cross-bridge cycling. Measurements in purified troponin confirmed that this cTnC-G159D blunting of myofilament desensitization results from altered Ca(2+)-binding to cTnC. Our results provide novel evidence that modification of the cTnC-cTnI interaction has distinct effects on troponin Ca(2+)-binding and cross-bridge kinetics to suggest a novel role for thin filament mutations in the modulation of myofilament function through beta-adrenergic signaling as well as the development of cardiomyopathy.
The Design and Simulation of a Mobile Radio Network with Distributed Control (1984)

A new architecture for mobile radio networks, called the linked cluster architecture, is described, and methods for implementing this architecture using distributed control techniques are presented. We illustrate how fully distributed control methods can be combined with hierarchical control to create a network that is robust with respect to both node loss and connectivity changes. Two distributed algorithms are presented that deal with the formation and linkage of clusters and the activation of the network links. To study the performance of our network structuring algorithms, a simulation model was developed. The use of Simula to construct, software simulation tools is illustrated. Simulation results are shown for the example of a high frequency (HF) intratask force (ITF) communication network.
Enzyme replacement therapy for lysosomal storage diseases (2011)

Work in tissue culture and in animal models has shown increased efficiency of enzyme delivery and clinical trials of second-generation products and novel delivery systems are now underway.
Proposed role of ATP in protein breakdown: conjugation of protein with multiple chains of the polypeptide of ATP-dependent proteolysis. (1980)

The heat-stable polypeptide ATP-dependent proteolysis factor 1 (APF-1) of the reticulocyte proteolytic system forms covalent compounds with proteins in an ATP-requiring reaction. APF-1 and lysozyme, a good substrate for ATP-dependent proteolysis, form multiple conjugates, as was shown by comigration of label from each upon gel electrophoresis. Multiple bands were also seen with other substrates of the ATP-dependent proteolytic system, such as globin or alpha-lactalbumin. Analysis of the ratio of APF-1 to lysozyme radioactivities and of the molecular weights of the bands indicated that they consist of increasing numbers of the APF-1 polypeptide bound to one molecule of lysozyme. The covalent linkage is probably of an isopeptide nature, because it is stable to hydroxylamine and alkali, and polylysine is able to give conjugates of APF-1. Removal of ATP after formation of the 125I-labeled APF-1 conjugates with endogenous proteins caused the regeneration of APF-1, indicating presence of an amidase. This reaction is thought to compete with proteases that may act on APF-1-protein conjugates, especially those containing several APF-1 ligands. A sequence of reactions in which the linkage of APF-1 to the substrate is followed by the proteolytic breakdown of the substrate is proposed to explain the role of ATP.
Role of Accurate Mass Measurement (±10 ppm) in Protein Identification Strategies Employing MS or MS/MS and Database Searching (1999)

We describe the impact of advances in mass measurement accuracy, +/- 10 ppm (internally calibrated), on protein identification experiments. This capability was brought about by delayed extraction techniques used in conjunction with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) on a reflectron time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. This work explores the advantage of using accurate mass measurement (and thus constraint on the possible elemental composition of components in a protein digest) in strategies for searching protein, gene, and EST databases that employ (a) mass values alone, (b) fragment-ion tagging derived from MS/MS spectra, and (c) de novo interpretation of MS/MS spectra. Significant improvement in the discriminating power of database searches has been found using only molecular weight values (i.e., measured mass) of > 10 peptide masses. When MALDI-TOF instruments are able to achieve the +/- 0.5-5 ppm mass accuracy necessary to distinguish peptide elemental compositions, it is possible to match homologous proteins having > 70% sequence identity to the protein being analyzed. The combination of a +/- 10 ppm measured parent mass of a single tryptic peptide and the near-complete amino acid (AA) composition information from immonium ions generated by MS/MS is capable of tagging a peptide in a database because only a few sequence permutations > 11 AA's in length for an AA composition can ever be found in a proteome. De novo interpretation of peptide MS/MS spectra may be accomplished by altering our MS-Tag program to replace an entire database with calculation of only the sequence permutations possible from the accurate parent mass and immonium ion limited AA compositions. A hybrid strategy is employed using de novo MS/MS interpretation followed by text-based sequence similarity searching of a database.
Net increase of pluripotential hematopoietic precursors in suspension culture in response to IL-1 and IL-3. (1989)

A new short-term suspension culture system is described in which pluripotential hematopoietic precursors from mouse bone marrow increase 8 to 12 times in number over a 4-day period. The increase is shown to derive from myeloid precursors undergoing repeated cell divisions prior to definitive lineage restriction. The response, which occurs in the absence of any pre-formed feeder layer, depends on dual stimulation by both IL-1 and IL-3, and the maximum effect depends on the presence of both factors together from the initiation of the cultures. The observations extend the known range of targets of IL-1 and IL-3 to include primitive pluripotential precursors capable of some degree of self-renewal, and provide a specific and relatively simple assay both for the precursors and the soluble factors which regulate them.
Proline-138 is essential for the assembly of hepatitis B virus core protein. (1998)

In small RNA viruses, arm-like segments located at the N or C termini have been suggested as mediators in the assembly of the capsid proteins. In many cases the arms of several subunits converge at a common point (the symmetry axis). Recent advances in studies of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein attest the convergence of the segments preceding the protamine region, around the symmetry axis, where five or six HBc protein subunits converge. We report a mutation study of the region that we have suggested forms an arm-like structure, which reveals that a single mutation, Pro-138 --> Gly, prevents the full-length HBV core protein self-assembling into particles.
Polymer-Supported Reagents:  Application to Separation Science (1996)

The purpose of this review is to highlight new ligands that have been immobilized on polymers to form polymer-supported reagents which are selective for the complexation of targeted metal ions from multicomponent solutions. Polystyrene remains the most popular organic polymer support, and its synthesis by suspension polymerization yields beads with a diameter appropriate for large-scale applications. Immobilized ligands include amines, pyridines, imidazoles, oximes, hydroxylamines, Schiff bases, thiols, crown ethers, and a varity of phosphorus ligands. The concepts inherent to reactive ion exchange, as first described by Helfferich, and the recently synthesized dual mechanism bifunctional polymers can be used to build a unified theory of selectivity with polymer-supported reagents. The goal remains to engineer selectivity into polymeric reagents in an a priori manner by understanding the basic principles through which a polymeric reagent can recognize a targeted substrate.
Extension of quasi-cyclic LDPC codes by lifting (2005)

In this paper, we analyze some cycle properties of quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes and show that the girth of a QC-LDPC code is upper bounded by a certain number introduced by the structure of its mother matrix. We also propose a simple method to extend QC-LDPC codes of large length by lifting QC-LDPC codes of smaller length. In particular, it is possible to generate them from a single exponent matrix by a proper modulo-operation. Simulation results show that the more we apply the lifting to QC-LDPC codes, the more memory efficiency becomes better, but it may induce a little performance degradation
Oncolytic Viral Therapy and the Immune System: A Double-Edged Sword Against Cancer (2018)

Oncolytic viral therapy is a new promising strategy against cancer. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) can replicate in cancer cells but not in normal cells, leading to lysis of the tumor mass. Beside this primary effect, OVs can also stimulate the immune system. Tumors are an immuno-suppressive environment in which the immune system is silenced in order to avoid the immune response against cancer cells. The delivery of OVs into the tumor wakes up the immune system so that it can facilitate a strong and durable response against the tumor itself. Both innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to this process, producing an immune response against tumor antigens and facilitating immunological memory. However, viruses are recognized by the immune system as pathogens and the consequent anti-viral response could represent a big hurdle for OVs. Finding a balance between anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity is, under this new light, a priority for researchers. In this review, we provide an overview of the various ways in which different components of the immune system can be allied with OVs. We have analyzed the different immune responses in order to highlight the new and promising perspectives leading to increased anti-tumor response and decreased immune reaction to the OVs.
In vitro effects of calcium phosphate biomaterials on fibroblastic cell behavior (1987)

The effect of synthetic granular hydroxyapatite (HAP) on cultured fibroblastic cells (L929, human bone and gingiva cells) was studied. Phagocytosis of HAP particles and resulting morphological cell changes were demonstrated by microscopic examinations. Cell counts and [3H]thymidine uptake indicated significant increases in cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. These results could account for some of the alterations of the fibroblast behavior induced by changes in intracellular levels of calcium ions released from the material.
High-sensitivity bacterial detection using biotin-tagged phage and quantum-dot nanocomplexes (2006)

With current concerns of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biodefense, it has become important to rapidly identify infectious bacteria. Traditional technologies involving isolation and amplification of the pathogenic bacteria are time-consuming. We report a rapid and simple method that combines in vivo biotinylation of engineered host-specific bacteriophage and conjugation of the phage to streptavidin-coated quantum dots. The method provides specific detection of as few as 10 bacterial cells per milliliter in experimental samples, with an approximately 100-fold amplification of the signal over background in 1 h. We believe that the method can be applied to any bacteria susceptible to specific phages and would be particularly useful for detection of bacterial strains that are slow growing, e.g., Mycobacterium, or are highly infectious, e.g., Bacillus anthracis. The potential for simultaneous detection of different bacterial species in a single sample and applications in the study of phage biology are discussed.
Site-Directed Alkylation of Cysteine Replacements in the Lactose Permease of Escherichia coli :  Helices I, III, VI, and XI (2006)

To complete a study on site-directed alkylation of Cys replacements in the lactose permease of Escherichia coli (LacY), the reactivity of single-Cys mutants in helices I, III, VI, and XI, as well as some of the adjoining loops, with N-[14C]ethylmaleimide (NEM) or methanethiosulfonate ethylsulfonate (MTSES) was studied in right-side-out membrane vesicles. With the exception of several positions in the middle of helix I, which either face the bilayer or are in close proximity to other helices, the remaining Cys replacements react with the membrane-permeant alkylating agent NEM. In helices III and XI, most Cys replacements are also alkylated by NEM except for positions that face the bilayer. The reactivity of Cys replacements in helix VI is noticeably lower and only 45% of the replacements label. Binding of sugar leads to significant increases in the reactivity of Cys residues that are located primarily at the same level as the sugar-binding site or in the periplasmic half of each helix. Remarkably, studies with small, impermeant MTSES show that single-Cys replacements in the cytoplasmic portions of helices I and XI, which line the inward-facing cavity, are accessible to solvent from the periplasmic surface of the membrane. Moreover, addition of ligand results in increased accessibility of Cys residues to the aqueous milieu in the periplasmic region of the helices, which may reflect structural rearrangements leading to opening of an outward-facing cavity. The findings are consistent with the X-ray structure of LacY and with the alternating access model [Abramson, J., Smirnova, I., et al. (2003) Science 301, 610-615].
EVIDENCE THAT INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED α-GALACTOSYL CARBOHYDRATES REDUCE BABOON SERUM CYTOTOXICITY TO PIG KIDNEY CELLS (PK15) AND TRANSPLANTED PIG HEARTS (1994)

Methods of inhibiting the hyperacute antibody-mediated rejection that occurs when pig organs are transplanted into primates have been investigated using the baboon as a potential recipient. Baboons were treated with different regimens that included combinations of (1) splenectomy, (2) pharmacologic immunosuppression (CsA, cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids +/- methotrexate), and (3) intravenous infusion of oligosaccharides. The cytotoxicity of the serum was then assessed on cultures of pig kidney cells (PK15). Unmodified serum caused approximate 65-100% pig cell destruction. Splenectomy and/or pharmacologic immunosuppression, and infusions of dextran, dextrose or mannitol, did not result in any reduction of cytotoxicity. Infusions of melibiose and/or arabinogalactan, both of which have terminal non-reducing alpha-galactose, however, decreased relative PK15 cell damage significantly in a dose-dependent manner. At high concentrations (< or = 50 g/hr), complete inhibition of cytotoxicity was achieved in 4 of 15 baboons. The extracorporeal immunoadsorption of baboon serum utilizing immunoaffinity columns of melibiose also resulted in a significant reduction (of approximately 80%) in cytotoxic effect. In 1 baboon, melibiose and arabinogalactan infusion delayed vascular rejection of a pig cardiac xenograft from 10 min to about 12 hr, at which time the baboon died from the toxic effects of the carbohydrate infusion. These observations (1) add further support to the role that anti-alpha-galactosyl antibodies play in the hyperacute rejection of pig tissues transplanted into primates, and (2) demonstrate that serum cytotoxicity can be reduced by the intravenous infusion of alpha-galactosyl oligosaccharides or by extracorporeal immunoadsorption using these carbohydrates.
Essential Roles of the PI3 Kinase/Akt Pathway in Regulating Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidant Functions in the RPE (2008)

The PI3K/Akt pathway plays key roles in regulating Nrf2-ARE-dependent protection against oxidative stress in the RPE.
How to ensure that your marketing emails are effective rather than annoying (2007)

Email marketing programmes must be built around the current real needs of customers and prospects if they are to be truly effective.