gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (Darc) polymorphism regulates circulating concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and other inflammatory mediators (2009)

To identify the genetic basis of circulating concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), we conducted genome-wide association analyses for MCP-1 in 3 independent cohorts (n = 9598). The strongest association was for serum MCP-1 with a nonsynonymous polymorphism, rs12075 (Asp42Gly) in DARC, the gene for Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines, a known vascular reservoir of proinflammatory cytokines (minor allele frequency, 45.6%; P < 1.0 * 10(-323)). This association was supported by family-based genetic linkage at a locus encompassing the DARC gene (genome-wide P = 8.0 * 10(-13)). Asp42Gly accounted for approximately 20% of the variability in serum MCP-1 concentrations and also was associated with serum concentrations of interleukin-8 and RANTES. While exploring a lack of association between this polymorphism and EDTA plasma MCP-1 concentrations (P = .82), we determined that both clotting and exogenous heparan sulfate (unfractionated heparin) released substantial amounts of MCP-1 from Darc. Quantitative immunoflow cytometry failed to identify meaningful Asp42Gly-associated differences in Darc expression, suggesting that a functional change is responsible for the differential cytokine binding. We conclude that Asp42Gly is a major regulator of erythrocyte Darc-mediated cytokine binding and thereby the circulating concentrations of several proinflammatory cytokines. We have also identified for the first time 2 mechanisms for the release of reservoir chemokines with possible clinical implications.
An empirical analysis of strategy types (1983)

Abstract Using the PIMS SPIYR data base, which pools cross‐section and timeseries data, an empirical study to identify business strategy types was undertaken. Using a two‐stage methodological approach combining principal component and cluster analysis on both a consumer products and an industrial products data base, two sets of strategy typologies were identified. Six strategy types were identified for consumer products: (1) harvest, (2) builder, (3) cashout, (4) niche or specialization, (5) climber, and (6) continuity. For industrial products, four strategy types were identified: (1) low commitment, (2) growth, (3) maintenance, and (4) niche or specialization. A discussion of the characteristics of each strategy type is offered.
Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in Human Lung Cancer Cells and Normal Lung Tissues (1995)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors for the control of the biologic action of TNF-alpha in lung cancer cells and normal lung tissues. Lung cancer specimens and normal lung tissues were freshly obtained in pairs from 15 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer. Thirteen lung cancer specimens expressed the 55 kDa TNF receptor messenger RNA (mRNA), whereas only six lung cancer specimens expressed the 75 kDa TNF receptor mRNA by Northern blot analysis. The 55 kDa and 75 kDa TNF receptors mRNA were detected in all and 11 normal lung tissues, respectively. All four lung carcinoma cell lines examined expressed the 55 kDa TNF receptor mRNA, but only RERF-LC-MS (MS) expressed both the 55 kDa and 75 kDa TNF receptors mRNA. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that lung cancer cells expressed the 55 kDa TNF receptor, but not the 75 kDa TNF receptor at the protein level. In normal lung tissues, the 55 kDa TNF receptor was detected in alveolar macrophages, bronchioles, and some small vessels. The 75 kDa TNF receptor was detected in alveolar macrophages. All four lung carcinoma cell lines examined exhibited the only 55 kDa TNF receptor. TNF-mediated tumor cell lysis was observed in all lung carcinoma cell lines that exhibited the 55 kDa TNF receptor except A549, which is a TNF-insensitive cell line. In surface binding assays, specific surface binding of TNF-alpha to TNF-insensitive cell line A549 was observed to be about half that of TNF-sensitive cell lines. We demonstrated the expression of two distinct TNF receptors in human lung cancer and normal lung tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Variations in the expression of pili: the effect on adherence of Neisseria meningitidis to human epithelial and endothelial cells (1992)

The effect of variations in Neisseria meningitidis pili on bacterial interactions with three epithelial cell lines as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells was studied using a panel of seven strains expressing Class I or Class II pili. Comparison of adherence of piliated and pilus-deficient variants of each strain to epithelial cells suggested that Class I pili may mediate bacterial adherence with all three epithelial cell lines. In contrast, Class II pili of the strains used did not increase bacterial adherence to Hep-2 larynx carcinoma cells, although an increase in adherence to Chang conjunctival and A549 lung carcinoma epithelial cells was observed in the Class II pili-expressing strains. In addition to these interclass functional variations, differences in adherence to epithelial cells were also observed among Class I and Class II strains. Functionally different pilin variants of one Class I strain, MC58, were obtained by single colony isolation. One piliated variant was identified which had concurrently lost the ability to adhere to both Chang and Hep-2 cells ('non-adherent' phenotype; adherence of less than 2 bacteria per cell). In addition, several adherent pilin variants were isolated from non-adherent Pil- and Pil+ bacteria by selection on Chang cells (adherence of 10-25 bacteria per cell). In contrast to epithelial cells, all variant pili, whether of Class I or Class II, adhered to endothelial cells in substantially larger numbers (greater than 50 bacteria per cell) and therefore implied the existence of distinct mechanisms in pilus-facilitated interactions of N. meningitidis with endothelial and epithelial cells.
Operation of a RSOA WDM PON Self-seeded Transmitter Over More than 50 km of SSMF up to 10 Gb/s (2014)

Get PDF Email Share Share with Facebook Tweet This Post on reddit Share with LinkedIn Add to CiteULike Add to Mendeley Add to BibSonomy Get Citation Copy Citation Text P. Parolari, L. Marazzi, M. Brunero, M. Martinelli, A. Maho, S. Barbet, F. Lelarge, R. Brenot, G. Gavioli, G. Simon, F. Saliou, Q. Deniel, and P. Chanclou, "Operation of a RSOA WDM PON Self-seeded Transmitter Over More than 50 km of SSMF up to 10 Gb/s," in Optical Fiber Communication Conference, OSA Technical Digest (online) (Optica Publishing Group, 2014), paper W3G.4. Export Citation BibTex Endnote (RIS) HTML Plain Text Citation alert Save article
Construction, purification, and functional incorporation on tumor cells of glycolipid-anchored human B7-1 (CD80). (1995)

To generate a potent cell-mediated immune response, at least two signals are required by T cells. One is engagement of the T-cell receptor with peptide-bearing major histocompatibility complex molecules. The other signal can be delivered by various molecules on the antigen-presenting cell, such as B7-1 (CD80). Many tumor cells escape immune recognition by failing to express these costimulatory molecules. Transfection of the B7 gene into some murine tumor cells allows for immune recognition and subsequent rejection of the parental tumor. We have studied an alternative approach for the introduction of B7-1 onto the surface of tumor cells. This method involves purified glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins which can spontaneously incorporate their lipid tail into cell membranes. We have created and purified a GPI-anchored B7-1 molecule (called GPI-B7) which is able to bind its cognate ligand, CD28, and incorporate itself into tumor cell membranes after a short incubation. Tumor cells that have been reconstituted with GPI-B7 can provide the costimulatory signal needed to stimulate T cells. These findings suggest an approach for the introduction of new proteins onto cell membranes to create an effective tumor vaccine for potential use in human immunotherapy.
Measurement of aqueous glucose in a model anterior chamber using Raman spectroscopy (2002)

Abstract Many laboratories have been developing techniques that might be applied toward a non‐invasive device that could optically measure aqueous humor glucose in the eye as a surrogate for blood glucose. We have configured a confocal Raman microscope that is capable of acquiring the Raman spectra of the aqueous humor in vivo . However, because of the potential for optical toxicity, a major design consideration is evaluating the tradeoff between the energy of exposure and measurement accuracy. Toward this end, we have developed a physical model of the anterior chamber in the eye for studying the feasibility of using a confocal Raman microscope for determining the concentration of glucose and other metabolites. The Raman spectrum of aqueous humor closely resembles the spectrum of its four primary Raman scatterers, (glucose, urea, lactate and ascorbate) mixed in normal saline. Aqueous mixtures of these analytes were placed under a contact lens resting on a quartz plate to form a physical model of the anterior chamber filled with aqueous humor. Calibration standards were prepared by non‐collinearly varying the measured concentrations of the analytes over a range of 0–13 times the mean physiological levels found in aqueous humor. A confocal microscope was used to acquire spectra using an excitation wavelength of 785 nm. The accuracy to which the concentration with analytes could be optically measured was evaluated using the partial least‐squares (PLS) algorithm and spectral datasets collected using exposure energies of 75, 150, 300, 900, and 1800 mJ. The optimum standard error of prediction (SEP) obtained for glucose was 34.3 mg dl −1 (2.72% of full range) using a 12‐factor PLS model calculated using intensity‐normalized spectra acquired over a free spectral range of 400–1800 cm −1 with 900 mJ excitation energy. Clinically acceptable predictability (4.6%) was obtained with 300 mJ total excitation energy. Similar results were obtained for urea (SEP = 8.84 mg dl −1 , 1.88%), ascorbate (SEP = 17.1 mg dl −1 , 8.22%) and lactate (SEP = 82.9 mg dl −1 , 7.59%) using 900 mJ exposure. Our results suggest that Raman spectroscopy may provide a feasible method of non‐invasive glucose measurement if ocular toxicity can be avoided. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Physicochemical Properties of Higher Nonaromatic Hydrocarbons: A Literature Study (2000)

Few data are available on the behavior of higher aliphatic hydrocarbons in the environment and especially in relation to hydrophobicity. Sorption to soil and bioconcentration by aquatic organisms are examples of processes that can be estimated from hydrophobicity parameters, such as aqueous solubility and octanol-water partition coefficient. A literature study was carried out on these physicochemical properties of aliphatic hydrocarbons containing ten or more carbon atoms. In general, very few experimental data were found, probably as a consequence of the fact that these parameters are very difficult to determine for these compounds. Reliable data on hydrophobicity parameters, for example, were not found for n-alkanes higher than tridecane.
Deletion and mutation analyses of the P16/MTS-1 tumor suppressor gene in human ductal pancreatic cancer reveals a higher frequency of abnormalities in tumor-derived cell lines than in primary ductal adenocarcinomas. (1996)

The putative tumor suppressor gene p16/CDKN2 encodes a specific inhibitor of cyclin D-cyclin-dependent kinase 4 complexes important in cell-cycle regulation and has been found to be deleted or mutated in a variety of human cancers. Thirty microdissected primary human ductal pancreatic carcinomas from patients not subject to radiotherapy or chemotherapy prior to surgical resection of their carcinomas and 18 human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequence analyses and PCR-based deletion analyses for mutations and homozygous deletions of the p16/CDKN2 gene, respectively. Homozygous deletions of the gene were found in five cell lines, and nonpolymorphic SSCP and DNA sequence alterations were found within exon 1 in four cell lines and exon 2 in three lines, for an overall frequency of deletions and mutations of 66%. In contrast, homozygous deletions of p16/CDKN2 were observed in three primary pancreatic carcinomas, and five primary tumors revealed SSCP and/or sequence abnormalities in exon 1 (one case) and exon 2 (four cases), a mutation and deletion frequency of 27%. Immunoblotting analyses confirmed the absence of p16/MTS-1 expression in actively proliferating cell lines with a homozygous deletion of the gene and low-to-moderate levels of p16/MTS-1 expression in cell lines possessing a normal RB-1 gene or protein. These findings suggest that, although p16/CDKN2 may play a role in the pathobiology of pancreatic cancer, inactivation of this putative tumor suppressor gene occurs more frequently in cell lines than in primary ductal pancreatic carcinomas.
M-PESA: Finding new ways to serve the unbanked in Kenya (2010)

Over the past three years, payment strategies for emerging markets have been revolutionized by the advent of a simple cell-phone-based payment service in Kenya called M-PESA (“M” for “mobile” and “pesa” for “money”). From a small-scale pilot program in 2006, M-PESA has become an outstanding success in Kenya; customer response has been unprecedented. Currently, more than 9 million Kenyans use M-PESA to perform tens of millions of transactions every month throughout the country. Although this success has led to new opportunities, it has also brought about many unforeseen challenges.
Lipoprotein apheresis (2015)

Recent and future lipid-modifying therapies will most likely reduce the practice of lipoprotein apheresis therapy for familial hypercholesterolemia patients. Future implications for lipoprotein apheresis will involve vascular diseases that are at present lacking clinically effective therapy, whereas acute and chronic reductions of lipids, vascular inflammation, and/or rheology may improve the clinical outcome.
Isoelectric charge of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone isoforms determines receptor affinity and in vitro bioactivity. (1993)

Recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) was obtained by expressing the human FSH alpha- and beta-subunit complementary DNAs in the chinese hamster ovary cell line. Isoforms of rhFSH were resolved into specific isoelectric (pI) fractions by chromatofocusing. rhFSH isoforms ranged from pI 3.0-5.5 with a modal value of pI 4.2. Analysis of the biological activity of specific pI isoforms of rhFSH was undertaken using both the rat granulosa cell aromatase (in vitro) bioassay and a RRA. More acidic isoforms (e.g. pI 3.5) showed significantly lower affinity (P < 0.05) for rat testicular FSH receptors than did the less acidic isoforms (e.g. pI 4.8). Consistent with the receptor binding affinity data, the more acidic fractions resulted in significantly less activation (P < 0.05) of rat granulosa cell aromatase activity, as measured by estrogen production, than did the less acidic isoforms. The observed bioactivities and their correlation with the pI values of the rhFSH isoforms are consistent with observations of differing bioactivities seen in both pituitary and urinary FSH isoforms. These results demonstrate that rhFSH, made in the chinese hamster ovary cell line, is both biologically active and has isoform profiles, and presumably carbohydrate structures, that closely resemble those seen in natural hFSH.
New Silica Supported HClO<sub>4</sub> as Efficient Catalysts for Estolide Synthesis from Oleic Acid (2010)

The syntheses of estolides via condensation reaction of oleic acid were investigated using heterogenous catalysts. In this study HClO4 is supported onto suitable support to make it environmentally friendly. A series of solid acid catalyst containing 5-45 % of perchloric acid supported onto silica was synthesized and characterized using XRD, BET surface area measurement, TEM and XPS surface analysis. Silica modified with perchloric acid was found to be efficient and environmentally benign solid acid catalyst for estolide synthesis. The reaction was performed at 70 oC for 10 hours to give oleic-oleic monoestolide acid (m/z 563.51 as M-H)-. Based on the experimental findings above, optimum catalytic performance was with 15 % HClO4 loading onto SiO2 to give 98.98 % conversion of the oleic acid with 63.98 % oleic-oleic monoestolide acid selectivity.
Dual Inhibition of RET and FGFR4 Restrains Medullary Thyroid Cancer Cell Growth (2005)

Medullary thyroid cancer is frequently an aggressive form of carcinoma for which there are currently no effective forms of systemic therapy. These carcinomas arise as a result of activating mutations in the RET proto-oncogene transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor. We, therefore, examined the potential efficacy of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 on the growth of human TT medullary cancer cells in vitro and in xenografted severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Treatment with STI571 resulted in inhibition of RET phosphorylation, cell proliferation, tumor growth and invasiveness. Based on the profile of expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR), we examined the effects of FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition using the small molecule FGFR inhibitor PD173074. This inhibitor resulted in abrogation of fibroblast growth factor-1-mediated FGFR4 phosphorylation in TT cells, an effect that was accompanied by significant arrest of cell proliferation and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, the combination of STI571 and PD173074 resulted in greater suppression of cell proliferation in vitro and tumor control in vivo than that achieved with either agent alone. These data highlight RET and FGFR4 as therapeutic targets and suggest a potential role for the combined use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the management of inoperable medullary thyroid cancers.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) load in bone marrow transplant recipients at risk to develop posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease: prophylactic infusion of EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells (2000)

A semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used to monitor the blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-DNA in 9 patients receiving allogeneic bone marrow transplants (BMT). Four of 5 recipients of HLA-mismatched T-cell-depleted grafts showed a 4- to 5-log increase of EBV-DNA within 1 to 3 months after BMT. Administration of 2 to 4 infusions of 10(7) EBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs)/m(2) starting from the time of maximal virus load resulted in a 2- to 3-log decrease of virus titers in 3 patients. One patient, who received a T-cell culture lacking a major EBV-specific component, progressed to fatal EBV-positive lymphoma. Administration of EBV-CTLs before the onset of the EBV-DNA peak resulted in stabilization of the virus titers within 2 to 3 logs above the normal levels in the fifth patient. A moderate increase of virus titers was also detected in 3 of 4 patients receiving unmanipulated HLA-matched grafts, whereas 1 patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome reached a 5-log increase of EBV-DNA load within 70 days after BMT. Our results suggest that a rapid increase of circulating EBV-DNA occurs in the absence of EBV-specific T-cell precursors or in the presence of congenital immune defects that prevent the reestablishment of virus-specific immunity. Prophylactic administration of EBV-CTLs early after BMT appears to provide the most effective protection against the development of EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease.
Effect of benzoic acid on metabolic fluxes in yeasts: A continuous‐culture study on the regulation of respiration and alcoholic fermentation (1992)

Addition of benzoate to the medium reservoir of glucose-limited chemostat cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 8066 growing at a dilution rate (D) of 0.10 h-1 resulted in a decrease in the biomass yield, and an increase in the specific oxygen uptake rate (qO2) from 2.5 to as high as 19.5 mmol g-1 h-1. Above a critical concentration, the presence of benzoate led to alcoholic fermentation and a reduction in qO2 to 13 mmol g-1 h-1. The stimulatory effect of benzoate on respiration was dependent on the dilution rate: at high dilution rates respiration was not enhanced by benzoate. Cells could only gradually adapt to growth in the presence of benzoate: a pulse of benzoate given directly to the culture resulted in wash-out. As the presence of benzoate in cultures growing at low dilution rates resulted in large changes in the catabolic glucose flux, it was of interest to study the effect of benzoate on the residual glucose concentration in the fermenter as well as on the level of some selected enzymes. At D = 0.10 h-1, the residual glucose concentration increased proportionally with increasing benzoate concentration. This suggests that modulation of the glucose flux mainly occurs via a change in the extracellular glucose concentration rather than by synthesis of an additional amount of carriers. Also various intracellular enzyme levels were not positively correlated with the rate of respiration. A notable exception was citrate synthase: its level increased with increasing respiration rate. Growth of S. cerevisiae in ethanol-limited cultures in the presence of benzoate also led to very high qO2 levels of 19-21 mmol g-1 h-1. During growth on glucose as well as on ethanol, the presence of benzoate coincided with an increase in the mitochondrial volume up to one quarter of the total cellular volume. Also with the Crabtree-negative yeasts Candida utilis, Kluyveromyces marxianus and Hansenula polymorpha, growth in the presence of benzoate resulted in an increase in qO2 and, at high concentrations of benzoate, in aerobic fermentation. In contrast to S. cerevisiae, the highest qO2 of these yeasts when growing at D = 0.10 h-1 in the presence of benzoate was equal to, or lower than the qO2 attainable at mu(max) without benzoate. Enzyme activities that were repressed by glucose in S. cerevisiae also declined in K. marxianus when the glucose flux was increased by the presence of benzoate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Micromechanical cantilever as an ultrasensitive pH microsensor (2002)

We report on a pH sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity based on a microcantilever structure with a lithographically-defined crosslinked copolymeric hydrogel. Silicon-on-insulator wafers were used to fabricate cantilevers on which a polymer consisting of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) with poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate was patterned using free-radical UV polymerization. As the pH around the cantilever was increased above the pKa of PMAA, the polymer network expanded and resulted in a reversible change in surface stress causing the microcantilever to bend. Excellent mechanical amplification of polymer swelling as a function of pH change within the dynamic range was obtained, with a maximum deflection sensitivity of 1 nm/5×10−5 ΔpH.