gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
A fast neutron deletion mutagenesis‐based reverse genetics system for plants (2001)

A new reverse genetics method has been developed to identify and isolate deletion mutants for targeted plant genes. Deletion mutant libraries are generated using fast neutron bombardment. DNA samples extracted from the deletion libraries are used to screen for deletion mutants by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers flanking the targeted genes. By adjusting PCR conditions to preferentially amplify the deletion alleles, deletion mutants were identified in pools of DNA samples, each pool containing DNA from 2592 mutant lines. Deletion mutants were obtained for 84% of targeted loci from an Arabidopsis population of 51 840 lines. Using a similar approach, a deletion mutant for a rice gene was identified. Thus we demonstrate that it is possible to apply this method to plant species other than Arabidopsis. As fast neutron mutagenesis is highly efficient, it is practical to develop deletion mutant populations with more complete coverage of the genome than obtained with methods based on insertional mutagenesis. Because fast neutron mutagenesis is applicable to all plant genetic systems, this method has the potential to enable reverse genetics for a wide range of plant species.
Molecular progression of promoter methylation in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas (2003)

To understand the role of gene promoter methylation in neoplastic evolution and progression, the methylation changes associated with 15 candidate tumor suppressor genes were studied throughout stages of tumor progression involving intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas. Genomic DNA from 28 pancreatic IPMN tissue samples, categorized histologically as non-invasive intraductal IPMN (n = 3), IPMN with carcinoma in situ (n = 7), IPMN with microinvasion <1 mm (n = 4), and infiltrative IPMN with associated adenocarcinoma (n = 14), was modified by bisulfite treatment and analyzed with methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Promoter methylation of at least one tumor suppressor gene was present in 26/28 (92%) of the IPMNs. The cell cycle control genes, p16 and p73, were methylated frequently (>50%) in both non-invasive and invasive tumors. APC methylation was discovered in <10% of the non-invasive IPMNs versus 45% of the IPMNs associated with infiltrative adenocarcinoma, P = 0.040. Mismatch repair genes, hMLH1 and MGMT, were frequently methylated in the invasive IPMNs compared with the non-invasive tumors (38 versus 10% and 45 versus 20%, respectively) as was E-cadherin (38 versus 10%), P = 0.11. Multiple gene methylation at greater than three loci was present in 55% of the invasive tumors compared with 20% of the non-invasive tumors, P = 0.075. Lymph node status did not predict multi-gene methylation among tumors associated with invasive cancer. Compared with non-invasive IPMNs of the pancreas, IPMNs associated with adenocarcinoma demonstrate higher rates of aberrant tumor suppressor gene methylation. The sequential acquisition of hypermethylation at multiple gene promoter sites may explain tumor progression in IPMNs and other malignancies. Detection of methylation within selected genes may afford an accurate diagnostic molecular marker and predictor of neoplastic behavior.
PERFORMANCE OF BIOTRANSFORMATION OF HUMAN PRIMARY HEPATOCYTES EXPOSED TO A PHARMACOLOGICAL COCKTAIL INSIDE A LIVER MICROCHIP (2010)

In this paper, we have compared the biotransformation of a cocktail of 7 pharmaceutical molecules by cryopreserved primary human hepatocytes cultivated in a microchip and in Petri dishes. Each molecule corresponds to specific substrate of the key enzymes implied in the xenobiotic metabolism. A dynamic culture condition is used during the incubation period in the microchip and the hepatocyte metabolic activity is followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. The results showed greater activity for CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A and UGT in the microchip when compared to the Petri cultures and confirm the relevance of our microchip in pharmaceutical study.
Engineering of Biomaterials Surfaces by Hyaluronan (2005)

This review addresses the area of study that defines the field of surface modification of biomedical materials and devices by hyaluronan (HA), as related to the exploitation of HA biological properties. To provide a comprehensive view of the subject matter, initial sections give a quick introduction to basic information on HA-protein and HA-cell interactions, together with some discussion on the bioactive role of HA in wound healing and related phenomena. This is followed by a description of current theories that correlate HA properties to its molecular structure in aqueous media, underlying how HA molecular details are crucial for its biological interaction and role. Finally, existing approaches to surface modification by HA are reviewed, stressing the need for HA-surface engineering founded on the knowledge and control of the surface-linked HA molecular conformation at the solid/aqueous interface.
Identification of Enzymes Responsible for the Metabolism of Heme in Human Platelets (1998)

The major enzymes involved in the degradation of heme were identified in human platelets. It was determined that heme oxygenase activity levels in umbilical cord blood platelets were higher, whereas biliverdin reductase activity levels were comparable with that found in platelets from adults. In membranes prepared from adenosine diphosphate-activated platelets, UDP-glucuronic acid-dependent bilirubin conjugation was detected, whereas activity was negligible in unactivated platelets and undetected in serum and heat-inactivated platelets, and in platelets prepared from umbilical cord blood. Platelet fractions were analyzed by Western blot and shown to express heme oxygenase, biliverdin reductase, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, and there was concordance with known developmental profiles found in other tissues. Heme oxygenase expression was higher, whereas UGT expression was lower, in neonatal compared with adult platelets. These data suggest that platelets are involved in multiple steps of heme and bilirubin metabolism and that developmental regulation of these enzymes may be similar to that in other human tissues.
Role of β2-integrins for homing and neovascularization capacity of endothelial progenitor cells (2004)

The mechanisms of homing of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to sites of ischemia are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ex vivo-expanded EPCs as well as murine hematopoietic Sca-1+/Lin- progenitor cells express beta2-integrins, which mediate the adhesion of EPCs to endothelial cell monolayers and their chemokine-induced transendothelial migration in vitro. In a murine model of hind limb ischemia, Sca-1+/Lin- hematopoietic progenitor cells from beta2-integrin-deficient mice are less capable of homing to sites of ischemia and of improving neovascularization. Preactivation of the beta2-integrins expressed on EPCs by activating antibodies augments the EPC-induced neovascularization in vivo. These results provide evidence for a novel function of beta2-integrins in postnatal vasculogenesis.
Efficacy and safety of strontium ranelate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: results of a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial (2012)

Treatment with strontium ranelate 1 and 2 g/day is associated with a significant effect on structure in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and a beneficial effect on symptoms for strontium ranelate 2 g/day.
Monoclonal antibodies against three major glycoproteins of varicella-zoster virus (1983)

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) codes for three prominent glycoproteins--gp62, gp98, and gp118--in infected cell cultures. To characterize individually these known immunogens, we first inoculated BALB/c mice with crude VZV extracts, produced hybridoma cultures by Köhler-Milstein cell-fusion technology, and screened culture supernatants by indirect immunofluorescence for reactivity directed against unfixed VZV-infected cells (FAMA assay). Supernatants from five independently derived and subcloned hybridomas with a high VZV-FAMA titer but no reactivity against either uninfected or herpes simplex virus-infected cells were further analyzed by immunoprecipitation of [3H]fucose-labeled and detergent-solubilized VZV antigen preparations. Fractionation of the precipitates by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that four monoclonal antibodies reacted with both gp62 and gp98, and one precipitated only gp118. The profiles were unchanged whether performed under reducing or nonreducing conditions. When assayed for neutralizing activity, the secretory product of the single anti-gp118 hybridoma, but not the supernatants from the four anti-gp62/gp98 clones, inhibited VZV plaque formation by greater than 80%. Thus, at least one of the glycosylated antigens detected by the FAMA assay is a determinant which elicits neutralizing activity.
Voltage-gated sodium channel blockers for the treatment of neuropathic pain (2007)

Pain serves a crucial physiological function, warning the body of impending or actual tissue damage, preventing further damage and aiding the healing process. Neuropathic pain, resulting from nervous system injury or dysfunction, can be a serious medical problem and especially difficult to treat. Although sodium channel blockers are clinically useful for treating pain, they often provide only partial relief and adverse effects associated with nonspecific actions can limit their use. Research on the roles of sodium channels in neuronal excitability and pain shows that specific sodium channel isoforms are crucial determinants of nociception and neuropathic pain, indicating that it should be possible to develop sodium channel blockers with lower toxicity and enhanced efficacy for treating neuropathic pain.
In vivo effect of lipoic acid on lipid peroxidation in patients with diabetic neuropathy. (2000)

The antioxidant therapy with LA improves and may prevent diabetic neuropathy. This improvement is associated with a reduction in the indexes of lipid peroxidation. Oxidative stress appears to be primarily due to the processes of nerve ischemia and hyperglycemia autooxidation.
Immune Therapy for Cancer (2008)

Over the past decade, immune therapy has become a standard treatment for a variety of cancers. Monoclonal antibodies, immune adjuvants, and vaccines against oncogenic viruses are now well-established cancer therapies. Immune modulation is a principal element of supportive care for many high-dose chemotherapy regimens. In addition, immune activation is now appreciated as central to the therapeutic mechanism of bone marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancies. Advances in our understanding of the molecular interactions between tumors and the immune system have led to many novel investigational therapies and continue to inform efforts for devising more potent therapeutics. Novel approaches to immune-based cancer treatment strive to augment antitumor immune responses by expanding tumor-reactive T cells, providing exogenous immune-activating stimuli, and antagonizing regulatory pathways that induce immune tolerance. The future of immune therapy for cancer is likely to combine many of these approaches to generate more effective treatments.
Equilibrium denaturation of insulin and proinsulin (1990)

The guanidine hydrochloride induced equilibrium denaturation of insulin and proinsulin was studied by using near- and far-ultraviolet (UV) circular dichroism (CD). The denaturation transition of insulin is reversible, cooperative, symmetrical, and the same whether detected by near- or far-UV CD. These results are consistent with a two-state denaturation process without any appreciable equilibrium intermediates. Analysis of the insulin denaturation data yields a Gibbs free energy of unfolding of 4.5 +/- 0.5 kcal/mol. Denaturation of proinsulin detected by near-UV CD appears to be the same as for insulin, but if detected by far-UV CD appears different. The far-UV CD results demonstrate a multiphasic transition with the connecting peptide portion unfolding at lower concentrations of denaturant. Similar studies with the isolated C-peptide show that its conformation and susceptibility to denaturation are independent of the rest of the proinsulin molecule. After the proinsulin denaturation results were adjusted for the connecting peptide contribution, a denaturation transition identical with that of insulin was obtained. These results show that for proinsulin, the connecting peptide segment is not a random coil; it is an autonomous folding unit, and the portion corresponding to insulin is identical with insulin in terms of conformational stability.
Constrained inter-layer prediction for single-loop decoding in spatial scalability (2005)

The scalability extension of H.264/AVC uses an oversampled pyramid representation for spatial scalability, where for each spatial resolution a separate motion compensation or MCTF loop is deployed. When the reconstructed signal at a lower resolution is used to predict the next higher resolution, the motion compensation or MCTF loops including the deblocking filter operations of both resolutions have to be executed. This imposes a large complexity burden on the decoding of the higher resolution signals, especially when multiple spatial layers are utilized. In this paper, we investigate the approach to only allow prediction between spatial layers for parts of the lower resolution pictures that are intra-coded in order to avoid decoding that requires multiple motion compensation or MCTF loops. Experimental results evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Sol - gel glasses for nonlinear optics (1996)

In recent years a large amount of activity has been carried out searching for novel or advanced materials which exhibit large nonlinear third-order susceptibility . Emphasis has been put on materials suitable for integrated optical circuits, since the guided-wave format can provide additional routes to the conception and realization of photonic devices. The preparation of nanoparticle-doped glass by the sol - gel technique represents one of the most promising approaches: here we give a short overview of alternative processes to control the size of semiconductor clusters and we present experimental results from CdS- and PbS-doped silica - titania sol - gel films.
Serum procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 for distinguishing bacterial and viral pneumonia in children (2000)

The results indicate that the measurement of serum PCT, CRP and IL-6 has little value in the differentiation of bacterial and viral pneumonia in children. However, in some patients with very high serum PCT, CRP or IL-6 values, bacterial pneumonia is probable.
In vivo endothelial siRNA delivery using polymeric nanoparticles with low molecular weight (2014)

Dysfunctional endothelium contributes to more diseases than any other tissue in the body. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can help in the study and treatment of endothelial cells in vivo by durably silencing multiple genes simultaneously, but efficient siRNA delivery has so far remained challenging. Here, we show that polymeric nanoparticles made of low-molecular-weight polyamines and lipids can deliver siRNA to endothelial cells with high efficiency, thereby facilitating the simultaneous silencing of multiple endothelial genes in vivo. Unlike lipid or lipid-like nanoparticles, this formulation does not significantly reduce gene expression in hepatocytes or immune cells even at the dosage necessary for endothelial gene silencing. These nanoparticles mediate the most durable non-liver silencing reported so far and facilitate the delivery of siRNAs that modify endothelial function in mouse models of vascular permeability, emphysema, primary tumour growth and metastasis.
Update of the drug resistance mutations in HIV-1: 2004. (2004)

ic studies of transmission of drug-resistant virus. A number of amino acid substitutions, particularly minor mutations, represent polymorphisms that in isolation may not reflect prior drug selective pressure or reduced drug susceptibility. In the context of making clinical decisions regarding antiretroviral therapy, evaluating the results of HIV genotypic testing includes: (1) assessing whether the pattern or absence of a pattern in the mutations is consistent with the patient’s antiretroviral history; (2) recognizing that in the absence of drug (selection pressure), resistant strains may be present at levels below the limit of detection of the test (analyzing stored samples, collected under selection pressure, could be useful in this setting); and (3) recognizing that virologic failure of the first regimen typically involves HIV-1 isolates with resistance to only 1 or 2 of the drugs in the regimen (in this setting, resistance most commonly develops to lamivudine or the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors). 1-5
Structure-activity relationships influencing lipid-induced changes in eIF2α phosphorylation and cell viability in BRIN-BD11 cells (2011)

Fatty acids influence the viability of eukaryotic cells differentially such that long chain saturated molecules are poorly tolerated, whereas unsaturated species are less detrimental and can be cytoprotective. The basis for these effects is unclear but studies in yeast imply that they reflect the spatial configuration of the molecules when incorporated into the ER membrane. Using BRIN-BD11 β-cells, we show that a wide range of unsaturated free fatty acids and their methyl-esters (having differing chain length and disposition of the double bonds) elicit cytoprotection and relief of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase-dependent ER stress. Thus, both physical properties and specific signalling events may regulate fatty acid responses in β-cells.
Expressive Speech Synthesis via Modeling Expressions with Variational Autoencoder (2018)

Recent advances in neural autoregressive models have improve the performance of speech synthesis (SS). However, as they lack the ability to model global characteristics of speech (such as speaker individualities or speaking styles), particularly when these characteristics have not been labeled, making neural autoregressive SS systems more expressive is still an open issue. In this paper, we propose to combine VoiceLoop, an autoregressive SS model, with Variational Autoencoder (VAE). This approach, unlike traditional autoregressive SS systems, uses VAE to model the global characteristics explicitly, enabling the expressiveness of the synthesized speech to be controlled in an unsupervised manner. Experiments using the VCTK and Blizzard2012 datasets show the VAE helps VoiceLoop to generate higher quality speech and to control the expressions in its synthesized speech by incorporating global characteristics into the speech generating process.
A novel injectable bioactive bone cement for spinal surgery: A developmental and preclinical study (2000)

The injection of bone cement by minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of vertebral body fractures or for stabilization of an osteoporotic vertebral body is regarded as promising in spinal surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel injectable bioactive bone cement to address such concerns. The cement was composed mainly of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) filler and Bisphenol A Diglycidylether Dimethacrylate (D-GMA) resin. The Sr-HA filler was prepared by precipitation and calcination, then analyzed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Samples of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite cement (SrHAC) were formed by a combination of powder filler and resin matrix, with the setting time and peak temperature recorded. Cell relative growth rate (RGR), Tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and haemolysis tests were used to detect initial in vitro biocompatibility of the new cement. In vitro spinal biomechanical testing and morphological observation after bone cement injection were performed on pig spines. Results indicate that the setting time and peak temperature of the cement was 15 min and 55 degrees C, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the cement was class 1 (no cytotoxicity) and haemolysis was 1% (no haemolysis). Stiffness after cement injection and fatigue loading were 112% and 95% of the intact bone, respectively, which is similar to that of natural bone. Radiopacity of SrHAC allowed easy radiographic imaging. The use of SrHAC cement is, thus, promising in spinal surgery.
The Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope Discovers the Pulsar in the Young Galactic Supernova Remnant CTA 1 (2008)

Energetic young pulsars and expanding blast waves [supernova remnants (SNRs)] are the most visible remains after massive stars, ending their lives, explode in core-collapse supernovae. The Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope has unveiled a radio quiet pulsar located near the center of the compact synchrotron nebula inside the supernova remnant CTA 1. The pulsar, discovered through its gamma-ray pulsations, has a period of 316.86 milliseconds and a period derivative of 3.614 x 10(-13) seconds per second. Its characteristic age of 10(4) years is comparable to that estimated for the SNR. We speculate that most unidentified Galactic gamma-ray sources associated with star-forming regions and SNRs are such young pulsars.
Gourmet boerewors rolls : farm fare (2016)

It is almost time for the December holidays and South Africans are certainly looking forward to spending more time at the braai this summer. To celebrate the warm weather and break from work, why not try out a new recipe such as our gourmet boerewors rolls?
Mobilization of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction (2001)

This is the first clinical demonstration showing that lineage-committed EPCs and MNC(CD34+), their putative precursors, are mobilized during an acute ischemic event in humans.
Interpretation of kinetic data for the decarburization of iron droplets (1968)

A new interpretation is given of data available in the literature for the rate of decarburization of molten iron carbon droplets. These droplets have been levitated in, or allowed to accelerate through, oxidizing atmospheres containing oxygen or carbon dioxide. A model has been developed using the Ranz and Marshall equation which accounts for forced convection and droplet acceleration. The predictions of the diffusion model and the observed rate data for decarburization are in good agreement. Résumé A partir des données de la littérature, une nouvelle interpretation est proposée pour la loi de décarburation des gouttelettes d'alliage liquide fer-carbone. Ces gouttelettes sont, soit maintenues par lévitation, soit placées en chute libre dans des atmosphères oxydantes contenant de l'oxygene ou du dioxyde de carbone. On s'est servi d'un modèle utilisant l'équation de Ranz et Marshall qui tient compte de la convection forcée et de l'accélération des gouttelettes. Les prévisions du modèle de diffusion sont en bon accord avec la loi expérimentale de décarburation.
High dielectric constant strip line band pass filters (1991)

High dielectric constant (K=38) strip line was employed to realize selective bandpass filters. Seven-pole gap coupled filters centered at 6.04 GHz and 8.28 GHz were designed for 140 MHz 3-dB bandwidths. The data show excellent agreement without the need for tuners. Miniaturization of high performance filters is demonstrated. This technique is applicable to MMIC-based microwave systems.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
Lysyl Oxidase Activity Is Dysregulated during Impaired Alveolarization of Mouse and Human Lungs (2009)

Lysyl oxidase expression and activity are dysregulated in BPD in injured developing mouse lungs and in prematurely born infants. In developing mouse lungs, aberrant TGF-beta signaling dysregulated lysyl oxidase expression. These data support the postulate that excessive stabilization of the extracellular matrix by excessive lysyl oxidase activity might impede the normal matrix remodeling that is required for pulmonary alveolarization and thereby contribute to the pathological pulmonary features of BPD.