gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Seminiferous Tubule Basement Membrane (1997)

Seminiferous tubule basement membrane (STBM) plays an important role in spermatogenesis. In the present study, the composition and structural organization of type IV collagen of bovine STBM was investigated. STBM was found to be composed of all six alpha-chains of type IV collagen based upon immunocytochemical and biochemical analysis. The content of alpha3(IV) chain (40%) and the alpha4(IV) chain (18%) was substantially higher than in any other basement membrane collagen. The supramolecular structure of the six alpha(IV) chains was investigated using pseudolysin (EC 3.4.24.26) digestion to excise triple-helical molecules, subsequent collagenase digestion to produce NC1 hexamers and antibody affinity chromatography to resolve populations of NC1 hexamers. The hexamers, which reflect specific arrangements of alpha(IV) chains, were characterized for their alpha(IV) chain composition using high performance liquid chromatography, two-dimensional electrophoresis, and immunoblotting with alpha(IV) chain-specific antibodies. Three major hexamer populations were found that represent the classical network of the alpha1(IV) and alpha2(IV) chains and two novel networks, one composed of the alpha1(IV)-alpha6(IV) chains and the other composed of the alpha3(IV)-alpha6(IV) chains. The results establish a structural linkage between the alpha3(IV) and alpha5(IV) chains, suggesting a molecular basis for the conundrum in which mutations in the gene encoding the alpha5(IV) chain cause defective assembly of the alpha3(IV) chain in the glomerular basement membrane of patients with Alport syndrome.
Safety and efficacy of long‐term intraarticular steroid injections in osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (2003)

Our findings support the long-term safety of IA steroid injections for patients with symptomatic knee OA. No deleterious effects of the long-term administration of IA steroids on the anatomical structure of the knee were noted. Moreover, long-term treatment of knee OA with repeated steroid injections appears to be clinically effective for the relief of symptoms of the disease.
Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors (2003)

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is the principal member of the PARP enzyme family consisting of PARP-1 and several recently identified novel poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating enzymes. PARP-1 functions as a DNA damage sensor and signalling molecule. Upon binding to DNA breaks, activated PARP cleaves NAD(+) into nicotinamide and ADP-ribose and polymerizes the latter onto nuclear acceptor proteins including histones, transcription factors and PARP itself. This Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation contributes to inflammatory signal transduction processes. In addition, oxidative stress-induced overactivation of PARP consumes NAD(+) and consequently ATP, culminating in cell dysfunction or necrosis. Activation of PARP has been implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke, myocardial ischemia, diabetes, diabetes-associated cardiovascular dysfunction, shock, traumatic central nervous system injury, arthritis, colitis, allergic encephalomyelitis and various other forms of inflammation. Therefore, inhibition of PARP by pharmacological agents may prove useful for the therapy of these diseases, as has been shown in preclinical animal models. Moreover, PARP inhibitors may have additional, potential utility as anticancer agents, radiosensitizers and antiviral agents. In the present article we overview the structures and pharmacological actions of various pharmacological classes of compounds which inhibit the catalytic activity of PARP.
Comparison of RAG gene expression in normal and transformed precursor lymphocytes (1993)

Analyses of mechanisms that regulate V(D)J recombination have relied heavily on the use of transformed precursor lymphocyte cell lines. We now show that such lines have highly variable and frequently low levels of recombination activating genes (RAG)-1 and -2 gene expression. We also show that expression levels of the RAG genes can vary > 100-fold between different subcloned cells of an individual pre-B line. We discuss these findings in the context of normal regulation of RAG gene expression and the implication for the use of transformed pre-B cell lines as models for studying control of V(D)J recombination activity.
Molecular cloning of cDNA and chromosomal assignment of the gene for human phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, the enzyme for epinephrine biosynthesis. (1988)

Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT; EC 2.1.1.28) catalyzes the synthesis of epinephrine from norepinephrine, the last step of catecholamine biosynthesis. To isolate a cDNA clone for human PNMT, we first isolated a cDNA clone for bovine adrenal medulla PNMT using mixed oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes whose synthesis was based on the partial amino acid sequence of tryptic peptides from the bovine enzyme. By screening a bovine adrenal medulla cDNA library, a cDNA clone with an insert of about 200 base pairs (bp) was isolated. This clone consisted of 84 bp of carboxyl-terminal coding region, which contained amino acid sequences corresponding to two tryptic peptides, and about 100 bp of 3'-untranslated region. Using this cDNA fragment as the probe, we screened a human pheochromocytoma cDNA library and isolated a cDNA clone with an insert of about 1.0 kilobase pairs, which contained the complete coding region of the enzyme. Northern blot analysis of human pheochromocytoma poly(A)+ RNA using this cDNA insert as the probe showed a single RNA species of about 1,000 nucleotides, suggesting that this clone is a full-length cDNA. Determination of the nucleotide sequence revealed that human PNMT consists of 282-amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 30,853, including initial methionine. The amino acid sequence of the human PNMT was highly homologous (88%) to that of the bovine enzyme. Chromosomal assignment of the gene for human PNMT was carried out using mouse-human somatic cell hybrids. The PNMT gene was assigned to chromosome 17.
Quality of Schooling (1988)

The changes in learning which are proceeding very quickly with the introduction of new technology to the learning process are outlined. The need to be accountable, coupled with central government initiatives, has caused LEAs to increase efforts via more local reports. The future will require concentration on the process of learning. It is contended that partnership between providers of education is essential to achieve its objectives.
Membrane Anchored Immunostimulatory Oligonucleotides for In Vivo Cell Modification and Localized Immunotherapy (2011)

Amphiphilic oligonucleotides synthesized by covalent conjugation between a hydrophobic diacyllipid tail and chemically stabilized RNA or DNA oligonucleotides can directly label tumor cells on injection into solid tumors. In a murine melanoma tumor model, cell membrane-anchored CpG ODNs with a nuclease-resistant phophorothioate backbone (row a) exhibited significantly enhanced immunostimulatory activity compared to soluble CpG (row b).
Anl-RNA-based aquaretic agent that inhibits vasopressininvivo (2006)

A class of diuretic/aquaretic agents based on mirror-image oligonucleotides (so-called Spiegelmers) has been identified. These molecules directly bind and inhibit the neuropeptide vasopressin (AVP). AVP is the major regulatory component of body fluid homeostasis mediated through binding to the renal V(2) receptor. Elevated plasma levels of AVP are implicated in several pathological conditions, mainly cardiovascular diseases. In congestive heart failure, AVP is part of a neuroendocrine imbalance that is responsible for progressive worsening of the disease. Employing in vitro selection techniques, RNA aptamers that bind to the unnatural d-configuration of AVP were isolated. The best aptamer displayed an affinity to d-AVP of approximately 560 pM at 37 degrees C. The corresponding Spiegelmer, a 38-mer mirror-image oligonucleotide (l-RNA) termed NOX-F37, inhibits vasopressin-dependent activation of V(1a) as well as V(2) receptors with IC(50) values of 6.1 nM and 1 nM, respectively. NOX-F37 administered to healthy rats effectively neutralized AVP and increased diuresis dose-dependently for 24 h. The mode of action was strictly aquaretic, i.e., the increase in urine volume was not accompanied by an increase in electrolytes. These results clearly prove the in vivo efficacy of NOX-F37 and points out its potential as a drug in the treatment of diseases that are associated with body fluid overload.
Global visibility algorithms for illumination computations (1993)

Article Free Access Share on Global visibility algorithms for illumination computations Authors: Seth Teller View Profile , Pat Hanrahan View Profile Authors Info & Claims SIGGRAPH '93: Proceedings of the 20th annual conference on Computer graphics and interactive techniquesSeptember 1993 Pages 239–246https://doi.org/10.1145/166117.166148Published:01 September 1993Publication History 65citation743DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations65Total Downloads743Last 12 Months27Last 6 weeks2 Get Citation AlertsNew Citation Alert added!This alert has been successfully added and will be sent to:You will be notified whenever a record that you have chosen has been cited.To manage your alert preferences, click on the button below.Manage my AlertsNew Citation Alert!Please log in to your account Save to BinderSave to BinderCreate a New BinderNameCancelCreateExport CitationPublisher SiteeReaderPDF
Altered Calcium Metabolism in Epileptic Children on Anticonvulsants (1971)

A survey of 105 epileptic children aged 10-16 years at a residential school who were taking anticonvulsant drugs showed reduced serum calcium levels in 30% and a raised serum alkaline phosphatase in 24%. Urinary D-glucaric acid excretion, a quantitative index of hepatic enzyme induction, was raised in 94% of the children, and statistical analysis showed a significant inverse correlation with the level of serum calcium. These findings give further support for the view that an important factor in the development of the hypocalcaemia and occasional clinical osteomalacia in epileptics on anticonvulsant drugs is an alteration of vitamin-D metabolism in the liver as a result of microsomal enzyme induction. As a consequence there is an increased requirement for vitamin D which may not be met by average intakes in Britain.
Capacitor-less VAR compensator based on matrix converter (2010)

Reactive power compensation in the electrical utility system employs static VAR compensators (SVCs) and static compensators (STATCOMs). However, these solutions are based upon large banks of capacitors, a component known to have reliability problems. Over decades of service life, these capacitors must be continuously monitored and periodically replaced - adding maintenance and operational costs. This paper proposes a VAR compensator based on a 3/3 matrix converter that uses inductors instead, which are maintenance-free, rugged, and do not suffer from the same wear-out mechanisms that limit the service life of capacitors. The proposed compensator is seen as a better solution to reactive power compensation in view of its higher reliability and long-term levelized cost benefits.
Nucleosides and nucleotides. LXIV. Synthesis of 2'-deoxy-8,2'-ethanoadenosine and 3'-deoxy-8,3'-ethanoadenosine. (1986)

2'-Deoxy-8, 2'-ethanoadenosine and its 3'-isomer were synthesized from 2'- and 3'-keto-adenosine derivatives. Treatment of 3', 5'-O-(tetraisopropyldisiloxane-1, 3-dilyl)-2'-ketoadenosine with ethoxycarbonylmethylenetriphenylphosphorane gave the 2'-ethoxycarbonylmethylene derivative, which was reduced to the 2'-hydroxyethyl derivative. This compound was converted to the 2'-iodoethyl-N6, N6-dibenzoyladenosine, which was cyclized by treatment with tri-n-butyltin hybride, then deprotected to furnish 2'-deoxy-8, 2'-ethanoadenosine. Photocyclization of a 2'-phenylthioethyl derivative also gave the ethano-cycloadenosine. 3'-Deoxy-8, 3'-ethanoadenosine was prepared from 2', 5'-di-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-3'-ketoadenosine via 2', 5'-di-O-acetyl-3'-deoxy-3'-phenylthioethyladenosine by photocyclization. The circular dichroism spectral features of these cycloadenosines are presented.
Influence of lipoproteins on renal cytotoxicity and antifungal activity of amphotericin B (1994)

We examined the influence of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) on the toxicity of amphotericin B (AmpB) to fungal and renal cells. Candida albicans was incubated for 18 h at 37 degrees C with AmpB and deoxycholate (Fungizone) or liposomal AmpB (L-AmpB) (0.1 to 2.0 micrograms of AmpB per ml) in the presence or absence of HDLs or LDLs (0.5 mg of protein per ml). The MICs of AmpB and L-AmpB, whether or not HDLs or LDLs were present, were similar. LLC PK1 renal cells, derived from primary cultures of pig proximal tubular cells, were incubated for 18 h at 37 degrees C in serum-free medium that contained AmpB and deoxycholate or L-AmpB at 20 micrograms of AmpB per ml, HDLs or LDLs at 0.5 mg of protein per ml, mixtures of AmpB with HDLs or LDLs, and mixtures of L-AmpB with HDLs or LDLs. HDL-associated AmpB was less toxic than AmB to LLC PK1 cells (53.0% +/- 2.5% versus 81.3% +/- 3.6% cytotoxicity; P = 0.01), while LDL-associated AmpB was as toxic as AmpB. L-AmpB, HDL-associated L-AmpB, and LDL-associated L-AmpB were less toxic to LLC PK1 cells than was AmpB (48.3% +/- 1.5%, 25.5% +/- 2.2%, and 52.2% +/- 2.5% versus 81.3% +/- 3.6% cytotoxicity; P = 0.02). To further understand why HDL-associated AmpB reduced renal cytotoxic effects, the LLC PK1 cells were examined for the presence of HDL and LDL receptors. LLC PK1 cells expressed high-affinity (K(d) = 0.0538 nanograms/ml; 96,000 sites per cell) and low-affinity (K(d) = 222.22 nanograms/ml; 77 sites per cell) LDL receptors but only a low-affinity HDL receptor (K(d) = 71.43 nanograms/ml; 2 sites per cell). HDL-associated AmpB and LDL-associated AmpB were less toxic than AmpB to trypsinized LLC PK1 cells (46.6% +/- 10.9% and 16.8% +/- 15.98% versus 74.7% +/- 7.7% cytotoxicity; P = 0.02). HDL-associated AmB and LDL-associated L-AmpB were also less toxic than AmpB to the cells (20.4% +/- 6.2% and 13.5% +/- 8.6% versus 74.7% cytotoxicity; P = 0.01). The antifungal activities of AmpB and L-AmpB were not altered in the presence of HDLs or LDLs. We conclude that the reduced nephrotoxicity associated with the use of L-AmpB is related to a decreased uptake of AmpB by renal cells when AmpB is associated with HDLs because of the low level of expression of HDL receptors in these cells.
TGF-β: the sword, the wand, and the shield of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (2011)

Since its rediscovery in the mid-1990s, FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have climbed the rank to become commander-in-chief of the immune system. They possess diverse power and ability to orchestrate the immune system in time of inflammation and infection as well as in time of harmony and homeostasis. To be the commander-in-chief, they must be equipped with both offensive and defensive weaponry. This review will focus on the function of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as the sword, the wand, and the shield of Tregs. Functioning as a sword, this review will begin with a discussion of the evidence that supports how Tregs utilize TGF-β to paralyze cell activation and differentiation to suppress immune response. It will next provide evidence on how TGF-β from Tregs acts as a wand to convert naïve T cells into iTregs and Th17 to aid in their combat against inflammation and infection. Lastly, the review will present evidence on the role of TGF-β produced by Tregs in providing a shield to protect and maintain Tregs against apoptosis and destabilization when surrounded by inflammation and constant stimulation. This triadic function of TGF-β empowers Tregs with the responsibility and burden to maintain homeostasis, promote immune tolerance, and regulate host defense against foreign pathogens.
Effect of faeces trogopterorum extract B1 on the experimental gastric ulcer and gastric secretion in rats. (1997)

B1 is the most effective of the three sections in inhibiting gastric secretion, protecting gastric mucosa and preventing experimental ulceration.
Enhancing P-type Conductivity in Mg-doped GaN Using Oxygen and Nitrogen Plasma Activation (2005)

Plasma-assisted activation (PAA) has been studied in detail to enhance the electrical and optical performance of Mg-doped GaN surface layers. The plasma-assisted activation technique was carried out in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system with various ratios of N 2 to O 2 environments at 400 and 640°C. Plasma energy in our studies was used to decompose the Mg–H complex, and H atoms were absorbed by O 2 gas to form H 2 O. On the other hand, N 2 gas was introduced to compensate for nitrogen vacancies. A hole concentration higher than 2.44×10 17 cm -3 was determined near the GaN surface and a specific contact resistance of 8.6×10 -5 Ω·cm 2 was achieved, this is better than that of conventional 700°C thermal annealing. A 400°C PAA sample exhibits the same specific contact resistance of 2.1×10 -4 Ω·cm 2 as that of a 700°C thermal annealed sample. Moreover, room temperature-photoluminescence (RT-PL) showed that the 400 and 640°C PAA samples had a stronger intensity compared to that of conventional samples. Peak intensities of RT-PL were centered at 438 nm for all samples. The best electrical and optical properties appeared at a N 2 to O 2 ratio of 5:3 in our study. A possible explanation is that a self-compensation mechanism is dominant in our plasma-assisted activation.
The agents of natural genome editing (2011)

The DNA serves as a stable information storage medium and every protein which is needed by the cell is produced from this blueprint via an RNA intermediate code. More recently it was found that an abundance of various RNA elements cooperate in a variety of steps and substeps as regulatory and catalytic units with multiple competencies to act on RNA transcripts. Natural genome editing on one side is the competent agent-driven generation and integration of meaningful DNA nucleotide sequences into pre-existing genomic content arrangements, and the ability to (re-)combine and (re-)regulate them according to context-dependent (i.e. adaptational) purposes of the host organism. Natural genome editing on the other side designates the integration of all RNA activities acting on RNA transcripts without altering DNA-encoded genes. If we take the genetic code seriously as a natural code, there must be agents that are competent to act on this code because no natural code codes itself as no natural language speaks itself. As code editing agents, viral and subviral agents have been suggested because there are several indicators that demonstrate viruses competent in both RNA and DNA natural genome editing.
Effects of sodium butyrate on human colonic adenocarcinoma cells. Induction of placental-like alkaline phosphatase. (1987)

We have examined the effects of the "differentiating agent," sodium butyrate, on the induction of alkaline phosphatase in human colonic tumor cell line LS174T. Culture of these cells in the presence of 2 mM butyrate caused this activity to increase from less than 0.0001 unit/mg of protein to greater than 0.7 unit/mg of protein over an 8-day period. This induction proceeded in a nonlinear fashion with a lag time of 2-3 days occurring before enzymatic activity began to rise. These increases in activity were accompanied by elevations in the content of a placental-like isozyme of alkaline phosphatase as demonstrated by "Western" immunoblots. Dome formation, indicative of differentiation in cultured cells, also required 3 days treatment with butyrate before becoming evident. The rate of biosynthesis of the enzyme, examined using metabolic labeling with L-[35S]methionine and immunoprecipitation, was found to increase continuously between days 2 and 6 of butyrate treatment. "Northern" blot analysis indicated that treatment of these cells with butyrate caused greater than 20-fold induction of a 2700-base mRNA that hybridized to a cDNA probe for placental alkaline phosphatase. The mRNA for alkaline phosphatase produced by these cells upon butyrate treatment was approximately 300-400 bases smaller than the mRNA for alkaline phosphatase found in placenta. Human small intestine also contained two mRNAs that hybridized relatively weakly with the placental alkaline phosphatase probe. These results indicate that a placental alkaline phosphatase-like protein and mRNA are induced by butyrate in LS174T cells with a time course consistent with cellular differentiation preceding induction.
Molecular and functional analysis of the muscle-specific promoter region of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene. (1990)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene transcripts are most abundant in normal skeletal and cardiac muscle and accumulate as normal myoblasts differentiate into multinucleated myotubes. In this report we describe our initial studies aimed at defining the cis-acting sequences and trans-acting factors involved in the myogenic regulation of DMD gene transcription. A cosmid clone containing the first exon of the DMD gene has been isolated, and sequences lying upstream of exon 1 were analyzed for homologies to other muscle-specific gene promoters and for their ability to direct muscle-specific transcription of chimeric chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene constructs. The results indicate that the transcriptional start site for this gene lies 37 base pairs (bp) upstream of the 5' end of the published cDNA sequence and that 850 bp of upstream sequence can direct CAT gene expression in a muscle-specific manner. Sequence analysis indicates that in addition to an ATA and GC box, this region contains domains that have been implicated in the regulation of other muscle-specific genes: a CArG box at -91 bp; myocyte-specific enhancer-binding nuclear factor 1 binding site homologies at -58, -535, and -583 bp; and a muscle-CAAT consensus sequence at -394 bp relative to the cap site. Our observation that only 149 bp of upstream sequence is required for muscle-specific expression of a chimeric CAT gene construct further implicates the CArG and myocyte-specific enhancer-binding nuclear factor 1 binding homologies as important domains in the regulation of this gene. On the other hand, the unique profile of myogenic cell line-specific induction displayed by our DMD promoter-CAT gene constructs suggests that other as yet undefined cis-acting sequences and/or trans-acting factors may also be involved.
Chiral discrimination of monosaccharides by monolayers of a steroidal boronic acid (1994)

The relationship between molecular structure and physical properties of monolayers of complexes between an amphiphilic, steroidal cholesterol-substituted phenylboronic acid (1) and mono-saccharides was studied at the air–water interface. Phase transition, compressibility and limiting molecular area of monolayers of 1 in the presence of monosaccharides are correlated with the calculated structures of the phenylboronic acid–monosaccharide complexes. The monolayer of 1 exhibits chiral discrimination towards optical isomers of monosaccharides. The phase transition during compression of monolayers of 1 is discussed to reflect rearranged binding positions between the boronic acid and monosaccharides.
Car-to-Car Communication (2006)

Car-to-car communication aims at increased driving comfort and safety. Moreover, it changes the role of vehicles from mere transportation means to smart objects. Despite many R&D activities in the last years, this technology still poses multiple challenges on the wireless transmission and network protocols. Aspects like efficient message dissemination, network scalability, and information security mechanisms are still major research areas in the area of vehicular ad hoc networks. In this paper we present the potential of future car-to-car
and car-to-environment communication systems, introduce the major research challenges in this field, and provide a selection of current research results.

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