gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor–stimulated endothelial cells promote adhesion and activation of platelets (2000)

Coagulation abnormalities, including an increased platelet turnover, are frequently found in patients with cancer. Because platelets secrete angiogenic factors on activation, this study tested the hypothesis that platelets contribute to angiogenesis. Stimulation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 25 ng/mL) of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) promoted adhesion of nonactivated platelets 2.5-fold. In contrast, stimulation of HUVECs with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) did not promote platelet adhesion. By blocking tissue factor (TF) activity, platelet adhesion was prevented and antibodies against fibrin(ogen) and the platelet-specific integrin, alpha(IIb)beta(3), inhibited platelet adhesion for 70% to 90%. These results indicate that VEGF-induced platelet adhesion to endothelial cells is dependent on activation of TF. The involvement of fibrin(ogen) and the alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin, which exposes a high-affinity binding site for fibrin(ogen) on platelet activation, indicates that these adhering platelets are activated. This was supported by the finding that the activity of thrombin, a product of TF-activated coagulation and a potent platelet activator, was required for platelet adhesion. Finally, platelets at physiologic concentrations stimulated proliferation of HUVECs, indicative of proangiogenic activity in vivo. These results support the hypothesis that platelets contribute to tumor-induced angiogenesis. In addition, they may explain the clinical observation of an increased platelet turnover in cancer patients. Platelets may also play an important role in other angiogenesis-dependent diseases in which VEGF is involved, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases. (Blood. 2000;96:4216-4221)
Contrast-enhanced intraoperative optical coherence tomography (2013)

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has revolutionised clinical ophthalmology. The translation of OCT into the operating room is a natural next step given its high-resolution anatomic information. Contrast agents and enhancement have significantly improved the diagnostic capabilities of numerous imaging modalities (such as CT and MRI). The use of OCT contrast agents in ophthalmology has been generally lacking. In this report, we describe the novel application of triamcinolone as an OCT contrast agent for intraoperative OCT to improve visibility of tissue interfaces and planes (eg, posterior hyaloid insertion points). The application of this technology may have wide-ranging implications for enhanced image-guided surgery, intraoperative OCT and dynamic or functional applications of OCT technology.
A perceptual pitch detector (2002)

A pitch detector based on Licklider's (1979) duplex theory of pitch perception was implemented and tested on a variety of stimuli from human perceptual tests. It is believed that this approach accurately models how people perceive pitch. It is shown that it correctly identifies the pitch of complex harmonic and inharmonic stimuli and that it is robust in the face of noise and phase changes. This perceptual pitch detector combines a cochlear model with a bank of autocorrelators. By performing an independent autocorrelation for each channel, the pitch detector is relatively insensitive to phase changes across channels. The information in the correlogram is filtered, nonlinearly enhanced, and summed across channels. Peaks are identified and a pitch is then proposed that is consistent with the peaks.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
TGF-β1 Protects Hippocampal Neurons Against Degeneration Caused by Transient Global Ischemia (1996)

We demonstrated that TGF-beta 1 in a surprisingly low dose range has the capacity to reduce injury to CA1 hippocampal neurons caused by transient global ischemia in rats. This protective action could well be associated with the antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects of TGF-beta 1 demonstrated in vitro.
Encapsulating chondrocytes in degrading PEG hydrogels with high modulus: Engineering gel structural changes to facilitate cartilaginous tissue production (2004)

Abstract A major challenge when designing cell scaffolds for chondrocyte delivery in vivo is creating scaffolds with sufficient mechanical properties to restore initial function while simultaneously controlling temporal changes in the gel structure to facilitate tissue formation. To address this design challenge, degradable photocrosslinked hydrogels based on poly(ethylene glycol) were investigated. To alter the gel's initial mechanical properties, hydrogels were fabricated by varying the initial macromer concentration from 10% to 15% to 20%. A twofold increase in macromer concentration resulted in an eightfold increase in the initial compressive modulus from 60 to 500 kPa. Gel degradation was tailored by incorporating fast‐degrading crosslinks that enable maximal extracellular matrix (ECM) diffusion with time and a minimal number of nondegrading (or slowly degrading) crosslinks to maintain scaffold integrity and prevent complete gel erosion during tissue formation. Chondrocytes encapsulated in these gels produced cartilaginous tissue rich in glycosaminoglycans and collagen as seen biochemically and histologically. Interestingly, mass loss appeared to more closely match tissue secretion in gels fabricated from a 15% macromer concentration. However, the spatial ECM distribution was grossly similar in all three gels. By tailoring gel degradation and controlling network evolution during degradation, gels with optimal properties can be fabricated to support initially physiologic compressive loads while simultaneously supporting the formation of a neotissue. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological Activity of Selenium (1983)

The objective of this review is to provide an overview of intermittent fasting regimens, summarize the evidence on the health benefits of intermittent fasting, and discuss physiological mechanisms by which intermittent fasting might lead to improved ...Read More
The Abbott Architect c8000: analytical performance and productivity characteristics of a new analyzer applied to general chemistry testing. (2005)

Applying basic potentiometric and photometric assays, we evaluated the fully automated random access chemistry analyzer Architect c8000, a new member of the Abbott Architect system family, with respect to both its analytical and operational performance and compared it to an established high-throughput chemistry platform, the Abbott Aeroset. Our results demonstrate that intra- and inter-assay imprecision, inaccuracy, lower limit of detection and linear range of the c8000 generally meet actual requirements of laboratory diagnosis; there were only rare exceptions, e.g. assays for plasma lipase or urine uric acid which apparently need to be improved by additional rinsing of reagent pipettors. Even with plasma exhibiting CK activities as high as 40.000 U/l, sample carryover by the c8000 could not be detected. Comparison of methods run on the c8000 and the Aeroset revealed correlation coefficients of 0.98-1.00; if identical chemistries were applied on both analyzers, slopes of regression lines approached unity. With typical laboratory workloads including 10-20% STAT samples and up to 10% samples with high analyte concentrations demanding dilutional reruns, steady-state throughput numbers of 700 to 800 tests per hour were obtained with the c8000. The system generally responded to STAT orders within 2 minutes yielding analytical STAT order completion times of 5 to 15 minutes depending on the type and number of assays requested per sample. Due to its extended test and sample processing capabilities and highly comfortable software, the c8000 may meet the varying needs of clinical laboratories rather well.
Quantitative Analysis of Acetaminophen and its Primary Metabolites in Small Plasma Volumes by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (2013)

A fast and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen (APAP) and its glucuronide and sulfate metabolites (APAP-GLU and APAP-SUL) in small plasma volumes. This method included a simple step of sample preparation and a chromatographic separation on an LC-MS-MS system equipped with an electrospray ionization source and a tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The analytes and internal standard, APAP deuterated analog, were separated on a C18 column (3.0 µm, 2.1 × 100 mm), using aqueous 1% formic acid and methanol (80:20, v/v) as the mobile phase. The LC-MS-MS method was validated for accuracy, precision, linearity, extraction efficiency, process efficiency and matrix effect. Calibration curves were obtained by fortifying drug-free plasma and ranges of linearity were set between 0.25-20 mg/L. The mean correlation coefficients, r², were >0.99 for APAP and its metabolites. The inter-day and intra-day precision values were less than 11.75 and 13.03%, respectively, at the lower limit of quantification concentration. The usability of the method was demonstrated by studying APAP metabolism in C57BL/6J wild-type and obese ob/ob female mice, in which only small plasma volumes were available. The results showed that APAP glucuronidation was enhanced in obese mice, suggesting that changes in APAP metabolism could modify its toxicity in obesity and related fatty liver disease.
Non‐double‐couple earthquakes 1. Theory (1998)

Historically, most quantitative seismological analyses have been based on the assumption that earthquakes are caused by shear faulting, for which the equivalent force system in an isotropic medium is a pair of force couples with no net torque (a “double couple,” or DC). Observations of increasing quality and coverage, however, now resolve departures from the DC model for many earthquakes and find some earthquakes, especially in volcanic and geothermal areas, that have strongly non‐DC mechanisms. Understanding non‐DC earthquakes is important both for studying the process of faulting in detail and for identifying nonshear‐faulting processes that apparently occur in some earthquakes. This paper summarizes the theory of “moment tensor” expansions of equivalent‐force systems and analyzes many possible physical non‐DC earthquake processes. Contrary to long‐standing assumption, sources within the Earth can sometimes have net force and torque components, described by first‐rank and asymmetric second‐rank moment tensors, which must be included in analyses of landslides and some volcanic phenomena. Non‐DC processes that lead to conventional (symmetric second‐rank) moment tensors include geometrically complex shear faulting, tensile faulting, shear faulting in an anisotropic medium, shear faulting in a heterogeneous region (e.g., near an interface), and polymorphic phase transformations. Undoubtedly, many non‐DC earthquake processes remain to be discovered. Progress will be facilitated by experimental studies that use wave amplitudes, amplitude ratios, and complete waveforms in addition to wave polarities and thus avoid arbitrary assumptions such as the absence of volume changes or the temporal similarity of different moment tensor components.
Generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) (2002)

In this study, a novel partially parallel acquisition (PPA) method is presented which can be used to accelerate image acquisition using an RF coil array for spatial encoding. This technique, GeneRalized Autocalibrating Partially Parallel Acquisitions (GRAPPA) is an extension of both the PILS and VD-AUTO-SMASH reconstruction techniques. As in those previous methods, a detailed, highly accurate RF field map is not needed prior to reconstruction in GRAPPA. This information is obtained from several k-space lines which are acquired in addition to the normal image acquisition. As in PILS, the GRAPPA reconstruction algorithm provides unaliased images from each component coil prior to image combination. This results in even higher SNR and better image quality since the steps of image reconstruction and image combination are performed in separate steps. After introducing the GRAPPA technique, primary focus is given to issues related to the practical implementation of GRAPPA, including the reconstruction algorithm as well as analysis of SNR in the resulting images. Finally, in vivo GRAPPA images are shown which demonstrate the utility of the technique.
Weighted universal transform coding: universal image compression with the Karhunen-Loeve transform (2002)

We introduce a two-stage universal transform code for image compression. The code combines Karhunen-Loeve transform coding with weighted universal bit allocation (WUBA) in a two-stage algorithm analogous to the algorithm for weighted universal vector quantization (WUVQ). The encoder uses a collection of transform/bit allocation pairs rather than a single transform/bit allocation pair (as in JPEG) or a single transform with a variety of bit allocations (as in WUBA). We describe both an encoding algorithm for achieving optimal compression using a collection of transform/bit allocation pairs and a technique for designing locally optimal collections of transform/bit allocation pairs. We demonstrate the performance using the mean squared error distortion measure. On a sequence of combined text and gray scale images, the algorithm achieves up to a 2 dB improvement over a JPEG style coder using the discrete cosine transform (DCT) and an optimal collection of bit allocations, up to a 3 dB improvement over a JPEG style coder using the DCT and a single (optimal) bit allocation, up to 6 dB over an entropy constrained WUVQ with first- and second-stage vector dimensions equal to 16 and 4 respectively, and up to a 10 dB improvement over an entropy constrained vector quantizer (ECVQ) with a vector dimension of 4.
Suspended photonic waveguide arrays for submicrometer alignment (2014)

This paper presents a new alignment concept for the alignment of multichannel photonic intergrated circuits (PICs) using flexible photonic waveguides on one of the PICs that are positionable by integrated micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) actuators. The concept aims for high precision and high degree of assembly process automation. The proposed concept includes pre-alignment of both PICs on a common substrate followed by fine-alignment using the on-chip flexible waveguides and MEMS functionality. This paper introduces the alignment approach and reports on the development and fabrication of suspended and mechanically flexible photonic waveguides. Single suspended waveguide beams and suspended arrays with two and four coupled parallel waveguide beams of different lengths (250 &mu;m to 1000 &mu;m) and different widths (18 &mu;m to 34 &mu;m) are designed and fabricated. After fabrication, waveguide beam fracturing is observed. The fabrication process has been extended by an additional under-etching step in order to reduce beam fracturing. The static out-of-plane deflection of the fabricated devices follows a specific profile with a dominating upward curvature resulting in a measured maximum out-of-plane deflection of 2% of the length. The beam stiffness of the fabricated devices is measured and proves to be within the available force of microactuators.
Remodeling of White Adipose Tissue after Retinoic Acid Administration in Mice (2006)

A reduced brown adipose phenotype in white adipose tissue (WAT) may contribute to obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. Retinoic acid, the carboxylic form of vitamin A, triggers in rodents a reduction of body weight and adiposity and an increased expression of uncoupling proteins in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. In this study, we investigated possible remodeling effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in WAT depots. Changes in the expression of genes related to thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation and levels of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein were analyzed in WAT depots of adult NMRI male mice acutely injected with ATRA or vehicle, together with biometric and blood parameters. Body fat loss after ATRA treatment was unaccompanied by any increase in circulating nonesterified fatty acids or ketone bodies and accompanied by increased rectal temperature. The treatment triggered an up-regulation of the mRNA levels of uncoupling proteins 1 and 2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, muscle- and liver-type carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, and subunit II of cytochrome oxidase in different WAT depots. Levels of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein in WAT depots were increased after ATRA treatment. Adipocyte size was reduced, and the number of multilocular adipocytes was increased in inguinal WAT of ATRA-treated mice. The results indicate that ATRA favors the acquisition of brown adipose tissue-like properties in WAT. Understanding the mechanisms and effectors involved in the remodeling of WAT can contribute to new avenues of prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Cyclodextrin Inclusion Compounds in Research and Industry (1980)

Abstract α‐, β‐, and γ‐Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides consisting of six, seven, or eight glucose units, which can be obtained on a large scale from starch. They form inclusion compounds with smaller molecules which fit into their 5—8 Å cavity. These (crystalline) complexes are of interest for scientific research as, contrary to the classical clathrates, they exist in aqueous solution and can be used to study the hydrophobic interactions which are so important in biological systems. Cyclodextrins also serve as models both for polymeric starch and, in the form of their polyiodide complexes, for “blue iodine‐starch”. As cyclodextrins catalyze several chemical reactions they and their functionalized derivatives provide useful enzyme models. Cyclodextrins can be used to advantage in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, foodstuffs, and toilet articles—the (micro‐encapsulated) active and aromatic substances enclosed within them are protected from the effects of light and atmosphere and can be easily handled and stored in powder from. Substances which are not very soluble in water become more soluble in the presence of cyclodextrins—creams and emulsions can be stabilized, and the growth and yield of grain harvests can be increased. Cyclodextrins can be chemically modified for many different purposes; polymerized cyclodextrin or cyclodextrin bound to a polymer carrier have already been employed in gel inclusion and affinity chromatography.
Effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide on protein synthesis in murine peritoneal macrophages: Relationship to activation for macrophage tumoricidal function (1986)

Early biochemical events in the response of murine peritoneal macrophages to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have been examined (i.e., 0-4 hr after initiation of treatment). At concentrations of 10 ng/ml or less, LPS stimulated the new or enhanced synthesis of a series of at least six polypeptides of 85, 80, 75, 65, 57, and 38 kD. This effect was dependent upon the lipid A moiety of LPS as lipid A itself could induce the changes and the effect of LPS could be blocked by inclusion of polymixin B sulfate in the culture medium. The effect was specific for LPS in that other endotoxin-free agents known to alter macrophage physiology could not produce the same changes. The time course of LPS stimulation of macrophage protein synthesis was remarkable in that the synthesis of all six proteins was transient even in the continued presence of LPS, being first detected approximately 1 hr after exposure and no longer apparent by 8-10 hr after treatment was initiated. Furthermore, both pulse-chase and cumulative radiolabeling studies indicated that at least two of the proteins (85 and 38 kD) were short-lived and did not accumulate in LPS-treated cells, suggesting the possibility that they participate in a regulatory rather than a functional role. Macrophage tumoricidal activation involves cooperation in response to two independent signals; interferon gamma and LPS. Pretreatment of macrophages with interferon gamma increased the sensitivity of macrophages to LPS-stimulated protein synthesis by one to two orders of magnitude documenting such cooperativity in molecular terms. The LPS-induced stimulation of specific protein synthesis could be reproduced by treatment of macrophages with heat killed Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive, endotoxin-negative bacterial stain which has been shown to substitute effectively for LPS in macrophage tumoricidal activation. Furthermore, reversible inhibition (i.e., treatment with cycloheximide) of protein synthesis during LPS treatment abrogated the acquisition of tumoricidal function. These results identify an early biochemical response to LPS which may be a necessary component of the intracellular transduction of signals which regulate macrophage functional development.
Iris pigment epithelial translocation in the treatment of exudative macular degeneration: a 3-year follow-up. (2006)

Transplanted autologous iris pigment epithelial cells were well tolerated for 3 years and stabilization of visual acuity was achieved in most patients. These results suggest that iris pigment epithelial cells may serve as a substitute for retinal pigment epithelial cells after choroidal neovascularization removal in patients with exudative macular degeneration; however, whether these cells will be of any value for the restoration of vision and possible protection against choroidal neovascularization recurrence awaits further clinical observation and additional research.
Research on posttraumatic stress disorder: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and assessment (2002)

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent disorder in both clinical and community populations. This article reviews current knowledge about PTSD in order to assist clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of reactions to traumatic life events. First, research findings are presented, followed by guidelines for the assessment of trauma and PTSD. Topics discussed include epidemiology, course, and comorbidity, as well as information processing and psychobiology. The review is limited to information about PTSD in adults, although some of the material may generalize to child and adolescent populations.
Type I interferons and IL-12: convergence and cross-regulation among mediators of cellular immunity (2001)

Therapeutic use of type I IFN (IFN-alpha/beta) has become common. Many of the diverse diseases targeted are marked by pathogenetic abnormalities in cell-mediated immunity (CMI), these cellular immune responses either causing injury to the host, lacking sufficient vigor for virus or tumor clearance, or both. In general, therapeutic efficacy is limited. It is thus notable that the pleiotropic effects of type I IFN on CMI remain poorly understood. We characterized the effects of type I IFN on the production of IL-12, the central immunoregulatory cytokine of the CD4(+) T cell arm of CMI. We show that type I IFN are potent inhibitors of IL-12 production by human monocytes/macrophages. The underlying mechanism involves transcriptional inhibition of the IL-12p40 gene, marked by down-regulation of PU.1 binding activity at the upstream Ets site of the IL-12p40 promoter. Type I IFN have previously been shown to be able to substitute for IL-12 in driving IFN-gamma production from T and NK cells. The ability of IFN-alpha/beta to suppress IL-12 production while up-regulating IFN-gamma production suggests a possible mechanistic basis for the difficulties of employing these cytokines in diseases involving abnormalities of CMI.