gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Prevention of preterm labor. (1980)

Ideally, prevention of preterm labor is preferable to efforts to inhibit the process once it has begun. However, before preventive treatment can be properly assessed, there is a need to delineate those patients that could benefit from therapy. Mathematical formulae based on epidemiology data are available to assist in prediction of preterm labor. Although their discriminatory powers are not yet at the level necessary for routine clinical usage, the systems can serve as a basis for attempts to improve the precision of prediction. If the predictive systems can be improved, we would then have a defined population on which preventive measures could be assessed. To date, there is no form of treatment that has been proven to prevent the onset of preterm labor.
Cross-talk between the Notch and TGF-β signaling pathways mediated by interaction of the Notch intracellular domain with Smad3 (2003)

The Notch and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathways play critical roles in the control of cell fate during metazoan development. However, mechanisms of cross-talk and signal integration between the two systems are unknown. Here, we demonstrate a functional synergism between Notch and TGF-beta signaling in the regulation of Hes-1, a direct target of the Notch pathway. Activation of TGF-beta signaling up-regulated Hes-1 expression in vitro and in vivo. This effect was abrogated in myogenic cells by a dominant-negative form of CSL, an essential DNA-binding component of the Notch pathway. TGF-beta regulated transcription from the Hes-1 promoter in a Notch-dependent manner, and the intracellular domain of Notch1 (NICD) cooperated synergistically with Smad3, an intracellular transducer of TGF-beta signals, to induce the activation of synthetic promoters containing multimerized CSL- or Smad3-binding sites. NICD and Smad3 were shown to interact directly, both in vitro and in cells, in a ligand-dependent manner, and Smad3 could be recruited to CSL-binding sites on DNA in the presence of CSL and NICD. These findings indicate that Notch and TGF-beta signals are integrated by direct protein-protein interactions between the signal-transducing intracellular elements from both pathways.
Specific inhibition of macrophage TNF-alpha expression by in vivo ribozyme treatment. (1999)

The overproduction of the cytokine TNF-alpha is associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We have developed a means to block TNF-alpha production with ribozymes directed against TNF-alpha mRNA to selectively inhibit its production in vitro and in vivo. Following cationic lipid-mediated delivery to peritoneal murine macrophages in culture, anti-TNF-alpha ribozymes were more effective inhibitors of TNF-alpha secretion than catalytically inactive ribozyme controls. Inhibition of TNF-alpha secretion was proportional to the concentration of ribozyme administered, with an IC50 of approximately 10 nM. After i.p. injection of cationic lipid/ribozyme complexes, elicited macrophages accumulated approximately 6% of the administered ribozyme. The catalytically active ribozyme suppressed LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion by approximately 50% relative to an inactive ribozyme control without inhibiting secretion of another proinflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages, IL-1alpha. Ribozyme-specific TNF-alpha mRNA degradation products were found among the mRNA extracted from macrophages following in vivo ribozyme treatment and ex vivo stimulation. Thus, catalytic ribozymes can accumulate in appropriate target cells in vivo; once in the target cell, ribozymes can be potent inhibitors of specific gene expression.
Anomalous dynamics of unbiased polymer translocation through a narrow pore (2007)

We consider a polymer of length $N$ translocating through a narrow pore in the absence of external fields. Characterization of its purportedly anomalous dynamics has so far remained incomplete. We show that the polymer dynamics is anomalous until the Rouse time $\tau_{R}\sim N^{1+2\nu}$, with a mean square displacement through the pore consistent with $t^{(1+\nu)/(1+2\nu)}$, with $\nu\approx0.588$ the Flory exponent. This is shown to be directly related to a decay in time of the excess monomer density near the pore as $t^{-(1+\nu)/(1+2\nu)}\exp(-t/\tau_{R})$. Beyond the Rouse time translocation becomes diffusive. In consequence of this, the dwell-time $\tau_{d}$, the time a translocating polymer typically spends within the pore, scales as $N^{2+\nu}$, in contrast to previous claims.
Confocal microscopy with a refractive microlens–pinhole array (1998)

The stable setup of a confocal arrangement consisting of a combination of a refractive microlens and a pinhole array is presented. The focal plane of the microlenses lies at the rear surface of the substrate in the pinhole plane. By using a microscope objective one can image the stop array onto the object at a reduced size. Surface profiles of refractive and diffractive optical elements were measured with the help of this confocal microscope.
The Nature of Small-Airway Obstruction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2004)

Progression of COPD is associated with the accumulation of inflammatory mucous exudates in the lumen and infiltration of the wall by innate and adaptive inflammatory immune cells that form lymphoid follicles. These changes are coupled to a repair or remodeling process that thickens the walls of these airways.
Influences of mechanical properties and permeability on chitosan nano/microfiber mesh tubes as a scaffold for nerve regeneration (2007)

We have developed chitosan nonwoven micro/nanofiber mesh tubes and examined the effects of their mechanical strength and permeability on nerve regeneration. Chitosan nano/microfibrous tubes with a deacetylation rate (DAc) of 78% or 93% were prepared by electrospinning. A chitosan film tube with a DAc of 93% was also fabricated and combined with the nano/microfibrous tubes to form bilayered tubes with a nano/microfiber mesh inner structure and a film outer layer. Nano/microfiber mesh tubes with a DAc of 78% or 93%, bilayered tubes with a nano/microfiber mesh inner structure with a DAc of 78% or 93% and a film outer layer with a DAc of 93%, and film tubes with a DAc of 93% were each tested as bridge grafts into injured rat sciatic nerve. Isografting was performed as a control. Although the functional recovery of motor activity was delayed in each group, sensory function reemerged first in the isograft group followed by the group receiving nano/microfiber mesh tubes with a DAc of 93%. Histological analysis was consistent with these results. The chitosan nano/microfiber mesh tubes with a DAc of 93% have sufficient mechanical properties to preserve tube space, provide a better scaffold for cell migration and attachment, and facilitate humoral permeation to enhance nerve regeneration.
Regulation of the interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor by IL-3 in the fetal liver-derived FL5.12 cell line (1994)

To determine the effects of a cytokine on cognate receptor expression in normal and neoplastic cells, the interleukin-3 receptor (IL-3R) complex was examined in the parental IL-3-dependent line FL5.12, which was isolated from fetal liver, and in autocrine- and v-abl-transformed derivative lines. IL-3 decreased the amount of the IL-3R alpha and beta chains detected on the cell surface of the parental IL-3-dependent cells. In contrast, high levels of IL-3R beta were constitutively detected on the autocrine-transformed lines in the absence and presence of exogenous IL-3. Only low levels of IL-3R beta were observed in the two v-abl-transformed derivative cell lines examined, which no longer required IL-3 for growth. The levels of the IL-3R alpha chain detected were similar in these transformed cells and were not regulated by IL-3. These results were substantiated further by RNA analysis, because IL-3 decreased the levels of IL-3R transcripts in the parental factor- dependent FL5.12 line. The pattern of IL-3R gene expression was opposite to that of other receptors or proto-oncogenes, because RNA transcripts for all other genes examined were induced by IL-3. We conclude that IL-3 tightly controls IL-3R expression in the IL-3- dependent FL5.12 cells, whereas steady-state mRNA levels were not altered in the two v-abl-transformed derivative cell lines examined in this study.
Glycosylation Changes on Serum Glycoproteins in Ovarian Cancer May Contribute to Disease Pathogenesis (2008)

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynaecological cancers among women. Serum CA125 is the only biomarker that is used routinely and there is a need for further complementary biomarkers both in terms of sensitivity and specificity. N-glycosylation changes in ovarian cancer serum glycoproteins include a decrease in galactosylation of IgG and an increase in sialyl Lewis X (SLe(x)) on haptoglobin beta-chain, alpha1-acid glycoprotein and alpha1-antichymotrypsin. These changes are also present in chronic inflammation but not in malignant melanoma, where there are low levels of inflammatory processes. Acute phase proteins carrying increased amounts of SLe(x) have an increased half-life. Sialylation of acute phase proteins also decreases apoptosis favouring survival of cancer cells. Cancer cells produce inflammatory cytokines which influence glycosylation processing in liver parenchymal cells. Altered glycosylation of the acute phase protein transferrin plays an important role in iron homeostasis. Glycosylated transferrin and its glycans have anti-apoptotic properties and many transferrin receptors in carcinoma could play a role in development of anaemia. Decreased galactosylation and sialylation of IgG increases the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells and complement activation via mannose-binding lectin (MBL). Altered glycosylation of acute phase proteins and IgG suggests that cancer regulates certain pathways favouring cancer cells survival.
Surface Expression of Kv1 Channels Is Governed by a C-terminal Motif (2000)

Voltage-gated K(+) channel subunits must reach the plasma membrane to repolarize action potentials. Yet the efficiency of cell surface targeting varies among Kv subunits with some requiring auxiliary subunits for optimal expression. Here we identify a conserved motif located in the variable C-terminal region of Kv1 channels that controls the efficiency of functional channel expression. Variations among wild type channels in the optimal sequence VXXSL produce differences in distribution and the requirement for auxiliary subunits. Furthermore, deletion of this motif decreases subunit glycosylation and surface localization but does not prohibit subunit multimerization. Finally, the action of the essential sequence is shown to be independent of the chaperone effect of Kvbeta subunits. Thus, the newly identified C-terminal motif governs processing and cell surface expression of Kv1 voltage-gated K(+) channels.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSH2, a mispaired base recognition protein, also recognizes Holliday junctions in DNA (1997)

Genetic and biochemical studies have suggested that mismatch repair proteins interact with recombination intermediates to prevent recombination, or to limit the extent of formation of heteroduplex DNA during recombination between divergent DNA sequences. To test the idea that mismatch repair proteins regulate recombination by interacting with recombination intermediates, we investigated whether the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MutS homolog MSH2 could interact with Holliday junctions. Both filter-binding and electron-microscopic analysis showed that MSH2 bound to duplex DNA molecules containing Holliday junctions with a higher affinity than to control duplex DNA, single-stranded DNA or a control duplex DNA containing a mispaired base. The MSH2-Holliday junction complexes were also more stable than MSH2-duplex DNA complexes. This observation suggests that MSH2 protein could directly coordinate the interaction between mismatch repair and genetic recombination observed in genetic studies.
Environment normalization for robust speech recognition using direct cepstral comparison (2002)

In this paper we describe and evaluate a series of new algorithms that compensate for the effects of unknown acoustical environments or changes in environment. The algorithms use compensation vectors that are added to the cepstral representations of speech that is input to a speech recognition system. While these vectors are computed from direct frame-by-frame comparisons of cepstra of speech simultaneously recorded in the training environment and various prototype testing environments, the compensation algorithms do not assume that the acoustical characteristics of the actual testing environment are known. The specific compensation vector applied in a given frame depends on either physical attributes such as SNR or presumed phonetic identity. The compensation algorithms are evaluated using the 1992 ARPA 5000 word WSJ/CSR corpus. The best system combines phoneme-based and SNR-based cepstral compensation with cepstral mean normalization, and provides a 66.8% reduction in error rate over baseline processing when tested using a standard suite of unknown microphones.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
Dose minimization in computed tomography overscanning (1981)

The relationship of noise and dose in overscanning in computed tomography is reviewed to show that maximal variance reduction is obtained when the overscanning weights are proportional to the x-ray flux. It is also shown that maximal motion artifact suppression requires that the weights vary smoothly from zero at the beginning and ending of the scan to one in the central portion of the scan. Optimal noise and dose considerations suggest that the x-ray flux should be varied during the course of a scan in order to be proportional to the desired weighting. Computer simulations of a head phantom with a moving pin are used to show that such x-ray flux variations do achieve maximal artifact suppression with no additional dose to the patient over a standard (non-overscanned) scan.
Hole transport in strained Si1−xGex alloys on Si1−yGey substrates (1998)

Hole transport at 300 K in (001)-strained Si1−xGex alloys grown on unstrained Si1−yGey is theoretically analyzed considering the full band structure and new, accurate mobility experiments. Ohmic in-plane and out-of-plane drift mobilities are computed over the whole range of x and y. Velocity-field characteristics and transient overshoot effects are studied for fields along the 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 directions in technologically relevant configurations with Monte Carlo simulation. Overshoot peaks around 2×107 cm/s are found in strained Si and Ge-rich SiGe for 100 kV/cm and the 〈100〉 direction.
Design and evaluation of lornoxicam bilayered tablets for biphasic release (2012)

The objective of the present investigation was to develop bilayered tablets of lornoxicam to achieve biphasic release pattern. A bilayered tablet, consisting of an immediate and controlled release layer, was prepared by direct compression technique. The controlled release effect was achieved by using various hydrophilic natural, semi synthetic and synthetic controlled release polymers such as xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) to modulate the release of the drug. The in vitro drug release profiles showed the biphasic release behavior in which the immediate release (IR) layer containing the lornoxicam was released within 15 minutes, whereas the controlled release (CR) layer controlled the drug release for up to 24 h. All the bilayered tablets formulated have followed the zero order release with non-Fickian diffusion controlled release mechanism after the initial burst release. FTIR studies revealed that there was no interaction between the drug and polymers used in the study. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed no significant difference in the cumulative amount of drug release after 15 min, but significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) in the amount of drug released after 24 h from optimized formulations was observed. Based on the release kinetic parameters obtained, it can be concluded that xanthan gum polymer was suitable for providing a biphasic release of lornoxicam.
Biologic activity of aggregated gamma-globulin. II. A study of various methods for aggregation and species differences. (1960)

Summary 1.Aggregated human and rabbit γ-globulin fixed complement and induced skin reactions in normal guinea pigs. The aggregated γ-globulin and soluble antigen-antibody complexes were comparable on a weight basis with respect to these biologic activities. 2.The complement fixing properties of the aggregated γ-globulin were independent of the method for aggregation, i.e. , heating, mercaptoethanol-urea or coupling by bis-diazotized benzidine, but were dependent on the species from which the γ-globulin was derived. Aggregated bovine or chicken γ-globulin did not fix complement. Horse γ-globulin showed a slight increase in its anticomplementary activity on aggregation with bis-diazotized benzidine. 3.Combination of aggregated γ-globulin with tissue constituents of the guinea pig skin was probably one of the necessary processes in the skin reaction. 4.The mechanism for the induction of the biologic activities by the formation of aggregated γ-globulin and of antigen-antibody complexes was discussed.
Adhesive wafer bonding (2006)

Wafer bonding with intermediate polymer adhesives is an important fabrication technique for advanced microelectronic and microelectromechanical systems, such as three-dimensional integrated circuits, advanced packaging, and microfluidics. In adhesive wafer bonding, the polymer adhesive bears the forces involved to hold the surfaces together. The main advantages of adhesive wafer bonding include the insensitivity to surface topography, the low bonding temperatures, the compatibility with standard integrated circuit wafer processing, and the ability to join different types of wafers. Compared to alternative wafer bonding techniques, adhesive wafer bonding is simple, robust, and low cost. This article reviews the state-of-the-art polymer adhesive wafer bonding technologies, materials, and applications.
Combination of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) with dexamethasone enhances cell cycle arrest and apoptosis: role of nuclear receptor cross-talk and Erk/Akt signaling. (2001)

Previously we have shown that dexamethasone (DEX) enhances the antitumor activity and ligand binding of the active form of vitamin D, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-D(3)), in the murine squamous cell carcinoma model SCC VII/SF. DEX also reduces the hypercalcemia toxicity of 1,25-D(3) treatment. However, the mechanism of the enhanced antitumor activity has not been defined. Here, we demonstrate that both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were enhanced by DEX, effects that were inhibited by RU486. We also demonstrate that vitamin D receptor (VDR) protein levels were increased by the combination of 1,25-D(3) and DEX above the level observed with 1,25-D(3) treatment alone, whereas protein levels of the heterodimeric partner of VDR, retinoid X receptor, were lower for the combination than for 1,25-D(3) alone. Glucocorticoid receptor protein levels and ligand binding were increased by 1,25-D(3) but not by the combination. Treatment with the combination of 1,25-D(3) and DEX did not result in greater activation of a vitamin D response element-reporter than 1,25-D(3) alone or of a glucocorticoid response element-reporter than DEX alone. Nevertheless, the levels of phospho-Erk1/2 and phospho-Akt, signaling molecules that are modulated in 1,25-D(3)-treated squamous cell carcinoma cells, were reduced by the combination of 1,25-D(3) and DEX more than by either agent alone. These trends were also observed in vivo. Our results suggest the involvement of the Erk and Akt signaling pathways in the antiproliferative effects of the combination of 1,25-D(3) and DEX and that phospho-Erk1/2 and phospho-Akt may be useful markers of response to this combination.
Foreword (2007)

when you picked up this copy of our journal you will have noticed that Endoscopy has a new layout.
Marrying Immunotherapy with Chemotherapy: Why Say IDO? (2005)

Activation of the tryptophan catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in cancer cells facilitates immune escape. A recent study now shows how small-molecule inhibitors of IDO can be used to leverage the efficacy of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs that are used to treat cancer in the clinic. By promoting antitumor immune responses in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, IDO inhibitors may offer a drug-based strategy to more effectively attack systemic cancer.
Nitric oxide. A macrophage product responsible for cytostasis and respiratory inhibition in tumor target cells. (1989)

A metabolic pathway of activated macrophages (M phi) involving oxidation of the guanido nitrogens of L-arginine is required for inhibition of growth and respiration of some target cells. The goal of this study was to identify the M phi metabolite(s) that induce these injuries. The stable products of the L-arginine pathway, NO2- and NO3-, were incapable of causing cytostasis under coculture conditions. However, NO2- became cytostatic upon mild acidification, which favors its transformation into nitrogen oxides of greater reactivity. This suggested that NO. (and/or NO2), recently identified as an M phi metabolite of L-arginine, could be a mediator. Authentic NO. caused cytostasis and respiratory inhibition in L1210 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The mitochondrial lesions caused by NO. were confined to complex 1 and 2, a pattern of injury identical to that seen after coculture with activated M phi. Inclusion of NO. scavenger systems prevented cytostasis from developing in M phi-L1210 cocultures. Thus, M phi-generated NO. can account for L-arginine-dependent cytostasis and respiratory inhibition.
Antigen-Specific Suppression of Inflammatory Arthritis Using Liposomes (2009)

Existing therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are not Ag specific, which increases the likelihood of systemic toxicity. We show that egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes loaded with Ag (OVA or methylated BSA) and a lipophilic NF-kappaB inhibitor (curcumin, quercetin, or Bay11-7082) suppress preexisting immune responses in an Ag-specific manner. We injected loaded liposomes into mice primed with Ag or into mice suffering from Ag-induced inflammatory arthritis. The liposomes targeted APCs in situ, suppressing the cells' responsiveness to NF-kappaB and inducing Ag-specific FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells. This regulatory mechanism suppressed effector T cell responses and the clinical signs of full-blown Ag-induced arthritis. Thus, liposomes encapsulate Ags and NF-kappaB inhibitors stably and efficiently and could be readily adapted to deliver Ags and inhibitors for Ag-specific suppression of other autoimmune and allergic diseases.
Science And Faith: New Books with the Same Scepticism (2003)

Books reviewed in this article: Richard A. Lee Jr., Science, the Singular, and the Question of Theology Andrew P. Porter, By the Waters of Naturalism: Theology Perplexed Among the Sciences W. Mark Richardson, Robert John Russell, Philip Clayton, and Kirk Wegter–McNelly (eds), Science and the Spiritual Quest: New Essays by Leading Scientists W. Mark Richardson and Gordy Slack (eds), Faith in Science: Scientists Search for Truth