gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Culture Conditions for Production of Thermostable Amylase by Bacillus stearothermophilus (1986)

Bacillus stearothermophilus grew better on complex and semisynthetic medium than on synthetic medium supplemented with amino acids. Amylase production on the complex medium containing beef extract or corn steep liquor was higher than on semisynthetic medium containing peptone (0.4%). The synthetic medium, however, did not provide a good yield of extracellular amylase. Among the carbohydrates which favored the production of amylase are, in order starch > dextrin > glycogen > cellobiose > maltohexaose-maltopeptaose > maltotetraose and maltotriose. The monosaccharides repressed the enzyme production, whereas inositol and d-sorbitol favored amylase production. Organic and inorganic salts increased amylase production in the order of KCI > sodium malate > potassium succinate, while the yield was comparatively lower with other organic salts of Na and K. Amino acids, in particular isoleucine, cysteine, phenylalanine, and aspartic acids, were found to be vital for amylase synthesis. Medium containing CaCl(2) 2H(2)O enhanced amylase production over that on Ca -deficient medium. The detergents Tween-80 and Triton X-100 increased biomass but significantly suppressed amylase synthesis. The amylase powder obtained from the culture filtrate by prechilled acetone treatment was stable over a wide pH range and liquefied thick starch slurries at 80 degrees C. The crude amylase, after (NH(4))(2)SO(4) fractionation, had an activity of 210.6 U mg. The optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme were found to be 82 degrees C and 6.9, respectively. Ca was required for the thermostability of the enzyme preparation.
The beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin exists as a homodimer (1999)

The free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCGbeta) is well recognised as a product of many epithelial tumours. Recently, it has been shown that this ectopic production may have a functional relationship to tumour growth. The growth-promoting activity of hCGbeta may be explained by its structural similarity to a family of growth factors which all contain the same distinct topological fold known as the cystine-knot motif. Since the other members of this family all exhibit their activities as homo- and heterodimers, it is possible that the same may be true for hCGbeta. Using size-exclusion chromatography, low stringency SDS-PAGE and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) we have shown that pure preparations of hCGbeta contain hCGbetabeta homodimers. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed asymmetric elution profiles with a forward peak corresponding to the size-exclusion characteristic of a globular protein with an approximate mass of 44-54 kDa and a late shoulder centered around an elution position expected for a globular protein of approximately 29 kDa. Two immunoreactive hCGbeta species, of approximately 32 and 64 kDa, were clearly resolved by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. When analysed by MALDI-TOF MS a |mf23 kDa monomer and a |mf46 kDa dimer were identified. Formation of hCGbetabeta homodimers is consistent with the behaviour of other cystine-knot growth factors and strengthens the inclusion of the glycoprotein hormones within this superfamily. It has yet to be determined whether it is this dimeric molecular species that is responsible for growth-promoting activity of hCGbeta preparations in tumours.
Comparison of tests for detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a clinical microbiology laboratory (1994)

By microdilution testing, 186 of 1,450 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were preliminarily classified as oxacillin resistant (MIC > or = 4 micrograms/ml); 15 of these isolates gave conflicting results by alternative methods and were studied further. Only 2 of these (MIC > 4 micrograms/ml) were mecA positive; 13 were inhibited by oxacillin at 4 micrograms/ml. Significant numbers of S. aureus strains classified as resistant with an oxacillin MIC of 4 micrograms/ml may prove susceptible by other methods.
Oligonucleotide hybridisations on glass supports: a novel linker for oligonucleotide synthesis and hybridisation properties of oligonucleotides synthesisedin situ (1992)

A novel linker for the synthesis of oligonucleotides on a glass support is described. Oligonucleotides synthesised on the support remain tethered to the support after ammonia treatment and are shown to take part in sequence specific hybridisation reactions. These hybridizations were carried out with oligonucleotides synthesised on 'ballotini' solid sphere glass beads and microscope slides. The linker has a hexaethylene glycol spacer, bound to the glass via a glycidoxypropyl silane, terminating in a primary hydroxyl group that serves as starting point for automated or manual oligonucleotide synthesis.
Type I interferons as immunoregulatory molecules; implications for therapy in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis. (2002)

Clinical trials have shown that the type I interferon (IFN)-alpha/beta have some beneficial effects on organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as Behcet's diseases and multiple sclerosis, although the precise mechanisms remain largely unresolved. T helper cells 1 (Th1)-mediated autoimmune responses are involved in the initiation and/or progression of human uveitis, such as Behcet's disease. The animal model of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), characterized by a monophasic clinical course, has contributed to the understanding of the pathogenesis of human uveitis. Th1 producing IFN-gamma induce EAU development, while Th2 producing IL-4/IL-10 prevent the disease. However, depending on the cytokine milieu, the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma may attenuate the autoimmune responses and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 exacerbates it. Chemokines also play a crucial role in EAU development, which might be resolved by Th2-mediated immune responses. The administration of IFN-alpha/beta prevents EAU development, accompanied by a diminished production of IFN-gamma/IL-10. Interestingly, however, IFN-alpha/beta also have some beneficial effects on patients with Th2-like phenotype in addition to Th1-like phenotypes. Thus, the immuno-modulatory action of IFN-alpha/beta may be dependent on the context of cytokine combination and/or their concentrations.
Progress in electrolytes for rechargeable Li-based batteries and beyond (2016)

Owing to almost unmatched volumetric energy density, Li-based batteries have dominated the portable electronic industry for the past 20 years. Not only will that continue, but they are also now powering plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and zero-emission vehicles. There is impressive progress in the exploration of electrode materials for lithium-based batteries because the electrodes (mainly the cathode) are the limiting factors in terms of overall capacity inside a battery. However, more and more interests have been focused on the electrolytes, which determines the current (power) density, the time stability, the reliability of a battery and the formation of solid electrolyte interface. This review will introduce five types of electrolytes for room temperature Li-based batteries including 1) non-aqueous electrolytes, 2) aqueous solutions, 3) ionic liquids, 4) polymer electrolytes, and 5) hybrid electrolytes. Besides, electrolytes beyond lithium-based systems such as sodium-, magnesium-, calcium-, zinc- and aluminum-based batteries will also be briefly discussed. Keywords: Electrolyte, Ionic liquid, Polymer, Hybrid, Battery
Immune responses to plasmid DNA encoding the hepatitis C virus core protein (1995)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major causative agent of parenterally transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis. The genomic region encoding the virion-associated core protein is relatively conserved among HCV strains. To generate a DNA vaccine capable of expressing the HCV core protein, the genomic region encoding amino acid residues 1 to 191 of the HCV-1 strain was amplified and cloned into an eukaryotic expression vector. Intramuscular inoculation of recombinant plasmid DNA into BALB/c mice (H-2d) generated core-specific antibody responses, lymphoproliferative responses, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity. Our results suggest that the HCV core polynucleotide warrants further investigation as a potential vaccine against HCV infection.
In vitro evaluation of the anticancer drug modulatory effect of hyaluronidase in human gastrointestinal cell lines. (1988)

In an attempt to establish whether the combination of anticancer drugs with hyaluronidase would result in enhanced cytotoxicity, we have tested a range of 6 continuous cell lines against 4 different chemotherapeutic drugs with or without the addition of various concentrations of the enzyme. Measurement of cytotoxic drug effects has been performed using the Bactec system, a new semiautomated radiometric technique. In only 15 of a total of 144 experiments (11%) was a significant hyaluronidase-mediated potentiation of the single agents' activity seen. In the large majority of experiments, the antiproliferative effect of the combined treatment was classified as additive or subadditive, while in 23% it was antagonistic. Evaluation of the drug modulatory mechanism of hyaluronidase suggested that the combined drug-hyaluronidase effects were independent of the nature of the drug, the exposure mode and the concentration of the enzyme employed. Among the various tumor cell lines tested there was a marked heterogeneity in the sensitivity to the combined effect (P less than 0.0001). In summary, we have not been able to confirm the promising results of early reports of in vitro and in vivo enhancement of the cytotoxicity of antitumor agents by hyaluronidase. Our data emphasize the need for further controlled clinical studies in order to prove or disprove this new therapeutic approach.
Detection performance of the reduced-rank linear predictor ROCKET (2003)

This paper assesses the frequency detection capabilities of a new signal-dependent reduced-rank linear predictor applied to autoregressive spectrum estimation. The new technique is called reduced-order correlation kernel estimation technique (ROCKET). Its detection performance is examined by comparison to a full-rank autoregressive (FR-AR) estimator and two reduced-rank principal component autoregressive (PC-AR) estimators based on both the standard signal-independent version and a modified signal-dependent method. The performance of the new autoregressive estimator is also compared as a function of rank to the popular pseudo-spectrum estimator MUSIC. The performance metrics examined are the probability of detection (P/sub D/) and the false alarm rate (FAR) of detecting the spatial frequencies of plane waves impinging on a uniform line array in additive white Gaussian noise. These metrics are studied as a function of subspace rank, sample support, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Simulations show that the signal-dependent reduced-rank estimators significantly outperform both the signal-independent version of PC-AR and the FR-AR estimator for low sample support and low SNR environments. One notable characteristic of ROCKET that highlights its distinct subspace selection is its performance as a function of subspace rank. It is observed that for equal powered signals, its peak performance is nearly invariant to signal rank and that at almost any subspace rank ROCKET meets or exceeds FR-AR performance. This provides an extra degree of robustness when the signal rank is unknown.
Regulation of IL-15-stimulated TNF-alpha production by rolipram. (1999)

Agents that increase intracellular cAMP have been shown to reduce joint inflammation in experimental arthritis, presumably by lowering the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha. Recent studies suggest that, in joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, TNF-alpha release from macrophages is triggered by their interaction with IL-15-stimulated T lymphocytes. In this report, we analyze the effect of rolipram, a cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on TNF-alpha production in this experimental system. Cocultures of U937 cells with IL-15-stimulated T cells, but not control T cells, resulted in increased release of TNF-alpha. Pretreatment of T cells with rolipram or cAMP analogues inhibited the IL-15-stimulated increases in proliferation, expression of cell surface molecules CD69, ICAM-1, and LFA-1, and release of TNF-alpha from macrophages. Addition of PMA to T cells dramatically increased the expression of cell surface molecules, but had little or no effect on TNF-alpha release from either T cells or from cocultures, suggesting that other surface molecules must also be involved in T cell/macrophage contact-mediated production of TNF-alpha. Addition of PMA synergistically increased the proliferation of IL-15-stimulated T cells and the secretion of TNF-alpha from IL-15-stimulated T cell/macrophage cocultures. Rolipram and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (CPT-cAMP) blocked these increases. Measurement of protein kinase A (PKA) activity and the use of inhibitory cAMP analogues (RpCPT-cAMP) confirmed that rolipram worked by stimulating PKA. These data suggest that PKA-activating agents, such as rolipram, can block secretion of TNF-alpha from macrophages by inhibiting T cell activation and expression of surface molecules.
Design of braided composite cardiovascular catheters based on required axial, flexural, and torsional rigidities (2004)

Cardiovascular catheterization is a common medical procedure. A single braided catheter with different rigidities at the proximal and distal ends can, if properly designed, provide the necessary control and flexibility and thus replace the current two-piece (external catheter/internal guidewire) system. An analytical model based on classical laminate plate theory was developed in order to predict the elastic properties of angle-plied, single-overlap two-dimensional fiber composite tubular braids, which are required for the determination of the axial, flexural, and torsional rigidities. In this work the analytical model has been used to design one-piece cardiovascular catheters with axial, flexural, and torsional rigidities similar to those values for existing two-piece catheters, thus validating the model as a tool for designing braided cardiovascular catheters.
An Immunohistochemical Study of Innervation of Lumbar Spinal Dura and Longitudinal Ligaments (1998)

The results clearly demonstrate an extensive distribution of nerve fibers in dura and longitudinal ligaments. The presence of a significant number of putative nociceptive fibers supports a possible role for these structures as a source of low back pain and radicular pain.
Influence of respiratory mechanics and drive on genioglossus movement under ultrasound imaging (2018)

In healthy subjects, we observed non-uniform heterogeneous inspiratory motion within the inferoposterior part of genioglossus during spontaneous quiet breathing with mean peak displacement between 0.5-2 mm, with more displacement in the posterior region than the anterior. This regional heterogeneity disappeared during voluntary targeted breathing. This may be due to different neural drive to genioglossus during voluntary breathing. During inspiratory resistive loading, the observed genioglossus motion may serve to maintain upper airway patency by balancing intraluminal negative pressure with positive pressure generated by upper airway dilatory muscles. In contrast, changes in EELV were not accompanied by major changes in genioglossus motion.
Phase-matched light amplification by three-wave mixing process in a birefringent fiber due to externally applied stress (1982)

A novel method to achieve phase-matched light amplification in a birefringent fiber via the three-wave mixing is proposed by using frequency shift change due to the stress applied to the fiber. It is confirmed that the signal power from a cw laser diode at λ=1.292 μm is amplified by 6.1×103 times in the birefringent fiber pumped with a Q-switched Nd: yttrium aluminum garnet laser at λ=1.064 μm. This will provide a new fiber-optic light signal amplifier having a good tolerance for variation of signal wavelengths.
Reassessment of cerebral capillary changes in acute global ischemia and their relationship to the "no-reflow phenomenon". (1977)

Electron and light microscopic studies were performed on rabbit brain to re-examine the structural changes of endothelial cells and perivascular glia following ischemia. Although swelling of perivascular glia occurred, earlier findings of extreme perivascular glial swelling and bleb formation leading to luminal collapse and plugging could not be confirmed. Ischemic brains, however, had a higher proportion of small-diameter capillaries than controls. It is felt that structural changes in ischemic capillary walls in themselves are not sufficient to explain failed cerebral reperfusion, or the no-reflow phenomenon.
Peripheral neural mechanisms of cutaneous hyperalgesia following mild injury by heat (1982)

Pain thresholds in humans were determined for heat stimulations of the skin before and after a mild injury induced by a single conditioning stimulus (CS) of 50 degrees C and 100 sec duration. The same stimuli were delivered to the receptive fields of C fiber and A fiber mechanoheat-sensitive nociceptors (CMH and AMH nociceptors, respectively) and of low threshold warm and cold receptors in the anesthetized monkey and to the receptive fields of CMH nociceptors recorded percutaneously from the peroneal nerve of awake humans. Pain thresholds in normal skin were matched only by the response thresholds of CMH and not AMH nociceptors. Immediately following heat injury, some pain thresholds and CMH response thresholds were elevated, but by 5 to 10 min after the CS, pain and CMH thresholds were lowered to 2 to 6 degrees C below normal (hyperalgesia and nociceptor sensitization). No other type of cutaneous receptor studied exhibited changes in threshold similar to those observed for pain and for CMH nociceptors. The magnitude of hyperalgesia in humans and the magnitude of sensitization of CMH nociceptors in monkeys following heat injury were greater for hairy than for glabrous skin. The time course of the development of hyperalgesia was not altered by ischemia or conduction block in A fibers. The results support the conclusion that altered activity in CMH nociceptors is a major peripheral determinant of cutaneous hyperalgesia following a mild heat injury to the skin.
Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptors: Molecular Biology and Mechanisms of Regulation (1998)

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors are essential for a large number of physiological functions in the central nervous system and periphery. This review article summarizes our current knowledge of the molecular biology and mechanisms of regulation of 5-HT2A receptors. The mode of drug binding using data derived from molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis is described. The cellular and subcellular localization of 5-HT2A receptors is described, and the concentration of 5-HT2A receptors on apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons is emphasized. Various modes of regulation of 5-HT2A receptors are also summarized, including transcriptional, post-translational and mRNA editing processes. Finally, an integrated model of 5-HT2A receptor regulation that involves various protein kinases (protein kinase C, G-protein receptor kinases), arrestins, clathrin-coated vesicles, endosomes and lysosomes. The relevance of these pathways for antidepressant and antipsychotic drug actions is emphasized.
Treatment of Active Rheumatoid Arthritis With Leflunomide Compared With Placebo and Methotrexate (1999)

Clinical responses following administration of leflunomide, a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA, were statistically superior to those with placebo and equivalent to those with methotrexate treatment. Both active treatments improved signs and symptoms of active RA, delayed disease progression as demonstrated by x-ray films, and improved function and health-related quality of life.
ChemInform Abstract: The A3‐Coupling (Aldehyde—Alkyne—Amine) Reaction: A Versatile Method for the Preparation of Propargyl Amines (2012)

Abstract Review: 109 refs.
Nanopore sensors for nucleic acid analysis (2003)

In the past decade, nanometre-scale pores have been explored as the basis for technologies to analyse and sequence single nucleic acid molecules. Most approaches involve using such a pore to localize single macromolecules and interact with them to garner some information on their composition. Though nanopore sensors cannot yet claim success at deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, nanopore-based technologies offer one of the most promising approaches to single molecule detection and analysis. The majority of experimental work with nanopore detection of nucleic acids has involved the α-haemolysin (alpha-HL) ion channel—a heptameric protein with a ∼2 nm diameter inner pore which allows translocation of single-stranded DNA. Analysis of externally induced ion current through the pore during its interaction with DNA can provide information about the DNA molecule, including length and base composition. This review focuses on alpha-HL and its applications to single-molecule detection. Modified alpha-HL and other biological and synthetic pores for macromolecule detection are also discussed, along with a brief summary of relevant theoretical work and numerical modelling of polymer–pore interaction.
Oscillation characteristics of biofilm streamers in turbulent flowing water as related to drag and pressure drop (1998)

Mixed population biofilms consisting of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fluorescens, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were grown in a flow cell under turbulent conditions with a water flow velocity of 18 cm/s (Reynolds number, Re, =1192). After 7 days the biofilms were patchy and consisted of cell clusters and streamers (filamentous structures attached to the downstream edge of the clusters) separated by interstitial channels. The cell clusters ranged in size from 25 to 750 microm in diameter. The largest clusters were approximately 85 microm thick. The streamers, which were up to 3 mm long, oscillated laterally in the flow. The motion of the streamers was recorded at various flow velocities up to 50.5 cm/s (Re 3351) using confocal scanning laser microscopy. The resulting time traces were evaluated by image analysis and fast Fourier transform analysis (FFT). The amplitude of the motion increased with flow velocity in a sigmoidal shaped curve, reaching a plateau at an average fluid flow velocity of approximately 25 cm/s (Re 1656). The motion of the streamers was possibly limited by the flexibility of the biofilm material. FFT indicated that the frequency of oscillation was directly proportional to the average flow velocity (u(ave)) below 9.5 cm/s (Re 629). At u(ave) greater than 9.5 cm/s, oscillation frequencies were above our measurable frequency range (0.12-6.7 Hz). The oscillation frequency was related to the flow velocity by the Strouhal relationship, suggesting that the oscillations were possibly caused by vortex shedding from the upstream biofilm clusters. A loss coefficient (k) was used to assess the influence of biofilm accumulation on pressure drop. The k across the flow cell colonized with biofilm was 2.2 times greater than the k across a clean flow cell.