gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Receptor-like function of heparin in the binding and uptake of neutral lipids. (1988)

Molecular mechanisms regulating the binding, amphipathic stabilization, and metabolism of the major neutral lipids (e.g., cholesteryl esters, triglycerides, and fatty acids) are well studied, but the details of their movement from a binding compartment to a metabolic compartment deserve further attention. Since all neutral lipids must cross hydrophilic segments of plasma membranes during such movement, we postulate that a critical receptor-like site exists on the plasma membrane to mediate a step between binding and metabolism and that membrane-associated heparin is a key part of this mediator. For example, intestinal brush border membranes containing heparin bind homogeneous human pancreatic 125I-labeled cholesterol esterase (100 kDa) and 125I-labeled triglyceride lipase (52 kDa). This interaction is enzyme concentration-dependent, specific, and saturable and is reversed upon addition of soluble heparin. Scatchard analysis demonstrates a single class of receptors with a Kd of 100 nM and a Bmax of approximately 50-60 pmol per mg of vesicle protein. In contrast, enzymes associated with the hydrolysis of hydrophilic compounds such as amylase, phospholipase A2, and deoxyribonuclease do not bind to intestinal membranes in this manner. Human pancreatic cholesterol esterase also binds specifically and saturably to cultured intestinal epithelial cells (CaCo-2), and soluble heparin significantly diminishes the cellular uptake of the resultant hydrophobic reaction products (cholesterol and free fatty acids). We conclude that a physiological role for intestinal heparin is that of a mediator to bind neutral lipolytic enzymes at the brush border and thus promote absorption of the subsequent hydrolyzed nutrients in the intestine. This mechanism may be a generalizable pathway for transport of neutral lipids into endothelial and other cells.
Transient Method for Lifetime Characterization of Monocrystalline Si Ingots (2014)

We developed our own realization of photoconductance decay (PCD) lifetime measurement setup optimized for high carrier lifetime mono-Si ingots. The eddy current technique is used to sense the change of the photoconductance, while a 980nm long pulse laser is responsible for the excess charge carrier generation. The system is able to record lines-cans along the ingots. In the case of long carrier diffusion length, the shapes of the recorded transients are not exponential due to the recombination at the surface and due to the continuous in-diffusion of the carriers towards the bulk. It makes the proper extraction of bulk lifetime difficult by applying analytical formulas or simulations. Based on a phenomenological approach we suggest a simple empirical formula to fit the recorded photoconductance decay curves. The exponential decay component of the fitting function is associated with carrier lifetime. It is shown, that the extracted carrier lifetime is sensitive to metallic contamination in the sample, additionally, the extracted curve is independent of the surface conditions of the sample. Thus, this method is fast, simple and reliable, so applicable in industrial quality control protocols.
Status of High Impedance Fault Detection (1985)

This paper presents the issues associated with the detection and clearing of high impedance faults on distribution feeders. High impedance faults are those faults with current too low to be reliably cleared by conventional overcurrent protection. These faults commonly occur as fallen conductor faults and pose a hazard to the public. The status of research on this subject is reviewed, and possible improvements are evaluated. The several complex technical, legal, economic and operational problems involved in high impedance fault detection are discussed. A complete solution to the high impedance fault problem does not exist at this time, but it is important that utilities take steps to address the problem.
Synthesis of Novel Halopyridinylboronic Acids and Esters. Part 4. Halopyridin‐2‐yl‐boronic Acids and Esters Are Stable, Crystalline Partners for Classical Suzuki Cross‐Coupling. (2004)

Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Amniotic fluid stem cells and their application in cell-based tissue regeneration. (2012)

Advances in stem cell biotechnology hold great promise in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Of interest are marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In addition, amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) have attracted attention as a viable choice following the search for an alternative stem cell source. Investigators are interested in these cells because they come from the amniotic fluid that is routinely discarded after birth. There have been multiple investigations conducted worldwide in an attempt to better understand AF-SCs in terms of their potential use in regenerative medicine. In this review we give a brief introduction of amniotic fluid followed by a description of the cells present within this fluid. Their history related to stem cell discovery in the amniotic fluid as well as the main characteristics of AF-SCs are discussed. Finally, we elaborate on the potential for these cells to promote regeneration of various tissue defects, including fetal tissue, the nervous system, heart, lungs, kidneys, bones, and cartilage.
Ultraviolet InGaN and GaN Single-Quantum-Well-Structure Light-Emitting Diodes Grown on Epitaxially Laterally Overgrown GaN Substrates (1999)

Ultraviolet (UV) InGaN and GaN single-quantum-well-structure light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were grown on epitaxially laterally overgrown GaN (ELOG) and sapphire substrates. When the emission wavelength of UV InGaN LEDs was shorter than 380 nm, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the LED on ELOG was much higher than that on sapphire only under high-current operation. At low-current operation, both LEDs had the same EQE. When the active layer was GaN, EQE of the LED on sapphire was much lower than that on ELOG even under low-and high-current operations, due to the lack of localized energy states formed by alloy composition fluctuations. When the emission wavelengths were in the blue and green regions, EQE was almost the same between LEDs on both ELOG and sapphire due to a large number of deep localized energy states formed by large alloy composition fluctuations. The localized energy states are responsible for the high efficiency of InGaN-based LEDs in spite of a large number of dislocations.
A study of interactive 6 DOF docking in a computerised virtual environment (2002)

The study investigated the ability to interactively perform a combined positioning and orientation task in a three-dimensional computer environment using a six degree of freedom input device. Two different visual feedback modes were tested: fixed viewpoint monoscopic perspective and fixed viewpoint stereoscopic perspective. Targets were located at one of six positions at plus and minus 10 cm along the X, Y or Z axes from a fixed starting location. Targets were oriented in one of seven orientations, a default orientation and at plus and minus 45 degrees from the default orientation about each axis. The results indicate that stereoscopic viewing improves trial completion time and positioning accuracy along the Z axis, but has no effect upon rotation accuracy. A significant variation in trial completion time across the target position and target orientation conditions was also found. Rotation error appears biased towards the X and Z axes.
Identification and characterization of podocalyxin--the major sialoprotein of the renal glomerular epithelial cell. (1984)

The glomerular epithelial polyanion is a specialized cell surface component found on renal glomerular epithelial cells (podocytes) that is rich in sialoprotein(s), as detected by staining with cationic dyes (colloidal iron, alcian blue) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). We have isolated rat glomeruli and analyzed their protein composition by SDS PAGE in 5-10% gradient gels. When the gels were stained with alcian blue or "Stains All," a single band with an apparent Mr of 140,000 was detected that also stained very prominently with silver, but not with Coomassie Blue. This band predominated in fluorograms of gels of isolated glomeruli that had been labeled in their sialic acid residues by periodate-[3H]borohydride. In lectin overlays, the 140-kilodalton (kd) band was virtually the only one that bound [125I]wheat germ agglutinin, and this binding could be prevented by predigestion with neuraminidase. [125I]Peanut lectin bound exclusively to the 140-kd band after neuraminidase treatment. An antibody was prepared that specifically recognizes only the 140-kd band by immunoprecipitation and immuneoverlay. By immunoperoxidase and immunogold techniques, it was localized to the surface coat of the glomerular epithelium and, less extensively, to that of endothelial cells. When analyzed (after electroelution from preparative SDS gels), the 140-kd band was found to contain approximately 20% hexose and approximately 4.5% sialic acid. These findings indicate that the 140-kd protein is the major sialoprotein of the glomerulus, and it is the only component of glomerular lysates with an affinity for cationic dyes and lectins identical to that defined histochemically for the epithelial polyanion in situ. Since this molecule is a major component of the cell coat or glycocalyx of the podocytes, we have called it "podocalyxin."
DNA-binding transferrin conjugates as functional gene-delivery agents: synthesis by linkage of polylysine or ethidium homodimer to the transferrin carbohydrate moiety (1991)

We have previously demonstrated that transferrin-polycation conjugates are efficient carrier molecules for the introduction of genes into eukaryotic cells. We describe here a more specific method for conjugation of transferrin with DNA-binding compounds involving attachment at the transferrin carbohydrate moiety. We used the polycation poly(L-lysine) or the DNA intercalator, ethidium homodimer as DNA-binding domains. Successful transferrin-receptor-mediated delivery and expression of the Photinus pyralis luciferase gene in K562 cells has been shown with these new transferrin conjugates. The activity of the transferrin-ethidium homodimer (TfEtD) conjugates is low relative to transferrin-polylysine conjugates; probably because of incomplete condensation of the DNA. However, DNA delivery with TfEtD is drastically improved when ternary complexes of the DNA with TfEtD and the DNA condensing agent polylysine are prepared. The gene delivery with the carbohydrate-linked transferrin-polylysine conjugates is equal or superior to described conjugates containing disulfide linkage. The new ligation method facilitates the synthesis of large quantities (greater than 100 mg) of conjugates.
Domains of tau protein, differential phosphorylation, and dynamic instability of microtubules. (1995)

The dynamic instability of microtubules is thought to be regulated by MAPs and phosphorylation. Here we describe the effect of the neuronal microtubule-associated protein tau by observing the dynamics of single microtubules by video microscopy. We used recombinant tau isoforms and tau mutants, and we phosphorylated tau by the neuronal kinases MARK (affecting the KXGS motifs within tau's repeat domain) and cdk5 (phosphorylating Ser-Pro motifs in the regions flanking the repeats). The variants of tau can be broadly classified into three categories, depending on their potency to affect microtubule dynamics. "Strong" tau variants have four repeats and both flanking regions. "Medium" variants have one to three repeats and both flanking regions. "Weak" variants lack one or both of the flanking regions, or have no repeats; with such constructs, microtubule dynamics is not significantly different from that of pure tubulin. N- or C-terminal tails of tau have no influence on dynamic instability. The two ends of microtubules (plus and minus) showed different activities but analogous behavior. These results are consistent with the "jaws" model of tau where the flanking regions are considered as targeting domains whereas the addition of repeats makes them catalytically active in terms of microtubule stabilization. The dominant changes in the parameters of dynamic instability induced by tau are those in the dissociation rate and in the catastrophe rate (up to 30-fold). Other rates change only moderately or not at all (association rate increased up to twofold, rates of rescue or rapid shrinkage decreased up to approximately twofold). The order of repeats has little influence on microtubule dynamics (i.e., repeats can be re-arranged or interchanged), arguing in favor of the "distributed weak binding" model proposed by Butner and Kirschner (1991); however, we confirmed the presence of a "hotspot" of binding potential involving Lys274 and Lys281 observed by Goode and Feinstein, 1994. Phosphorylation of Ser-Pro motifs by cdk5 (mainly Ser 202, 235, and 404) in the flanking regions had a moderate effect on microtubule dynamics while phosphorylation at the "Alzheimer"-site Ser262 MARK eliminated tau's interactions with microtubules. In both cases the predominant effects of phosphorylation are on the rates of tubulin dissociation and catastrophe whereas the effects on the rates of association or rescue are comparatively small.
Reference Range of Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants: Preliminary Data (2009)

We sought to determine the reference range for urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (UNGAL) in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants with uncomplicated clinical courses. Samples of urine from 53 VLBW infants between 3 and 28 days of life were prospectively collected weekly for measurement of UNGAL. A subset of 22 infants with uncomplicated medical courses without risk factors for renal impairment was selected for study. Mean +/- standard deviation and range for birth weight and gestational age of study infants were 1156 +/- 191, 790 to 1440 g and 29 +/- 2, 27 to 33 weeks, respectively. The 95th and 99th percentiles for UNGAL concentration from this group of infants were 25 ng/mL and 75 ng/mL, respectively. Bootstrapped mean 95th and 99th percentile values and their standard errors and 95 percent confidence intervals in ng/mL were 33.1 +/- 13.0 (7.7, 58.6) and 67.5 +/- 15.1 (37.9, 97.1), respectively. These values fall within the adult reference range. UNGAL values were stable across the ranges of gestational and postnatal age of the study infants. A preliminary reference range for UNGAL in VLBW infants has been established. Further investigation with more frequent urine collections in a larger population of VLBW infants that includes those with birth weights < 750 g and gestational ages < 27 weeks is necessary to confirm this reference range.
New therapeutic advances in the management of progressive thyroid cancer (2009)

The spectrum of thyroid cancers ranges from one of the most indolent to one of the most aggressive solid tumors identified. Conventional therapies for thyroid cancers are based on the histologic type of thyroid cancers such as papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)), medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), or anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). While surgery is one of the key treatments for all such types of thyroid cancers, additional therapies vary. Effective targeted therapy for DTC is a decades-old practice with systemic therapies of thyroid stimulating hormone suppression and radioactive iodine therapy. However, for the iodine-refractory DTC, MTC, and ATC there is no effective systemic standard of care treatment. Recent advances in understanding pathogenesis of DTC and development of molecular targeted therapy have dramatically transformed the field of clinical research in thyroid cancer. Over the last five years, incredible progress has been made and phases I-III clinical trials have been conducted in various types of thyroid cancers with some remarkable results that has made an impact on lives of patients with thyroid cancer. Such history-making events have boosted enthusiasm and interest among researchers, clinicians, patients, and sponsors and we anticipate ongoing efforts to develop more effective and safe therapies for thyroid cancer.
Overexpression of cIAP2 contributes to 5-FU resistance and a poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (2011)

These novel findings demonstrate that cIAP2 may represent a potentially useful therapeutic target for improving the treatment and survival of OSCC patients, particularly in the setting of 5-FU resistance.
VEGF receptors on PC12 cells mediate transient activation of ERK1/2 and Akt: comparison of nerve growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor (2006)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endostatin are angiogenic and anti-angiogenic molecules, respectively, that have been implicated in neurogenesis and neuronal survival. Using alkaline phosphatase fusion proteins, we show that the PC12 neuronal cell line contains cell membrane receptors for VEGF but not for endostatin and the collagen XV endostatin homologue. Immunocytochemistry confirmed that proliferating and differentiated PC12 cells express VEGF receptors 1, 2 and neuropilin-1. While no functional effects of VEGF on PC12 cell proliferation and differentiation could be observed, a slight VEGF-induced reduction of caspase-3 activity in differentiated apoptotic PC12 cells was paralleled by transient activation of ERK1/2 and Akt. In direct comparison, nerve growth factor proved to be a strikingly more potent neuroprotective agent than VEGF.
Monobodies: Antibody Mimics Based on the Scaffold of the Fibronectin Type III Domain (2006)

We developed the use of the 10th fibronectin type III domain of human fibronectin (FNfn10) as a scaffold to display multiple surface loops for target binding. We termed FNfn10 variants with novel binding function "monobodies." FNfn10 is a small (94 residues) protein with a beta-sandwich structure similar to the immunoglobulin fold. It is highly stable without disulfide bonds or metal ions, and it can be expressed in the correctly folded form at a high level in bacteria. These desirable physical properties render the FNfn10 scaffold compatible with virtually any display technologies. This chapter describes methods for library construction and screening and for the production of monobodies.
Report on a disease-adapted treatment in a patient with severe factor X deficiency resulting from a homozygous factor X gene mutation (2007)

Report on a disease-adapted treatment in a patient with severe factor X deficiency resulting from a homozygous factor X gene mutation -
Synthesis and Structure of Nickel(II) Complex with N-Benzylisonitrosoacetylacetone Imine (1988)

A nickel(Ⅱ) complex, Ni(IAA-NBz) (IAA-NBz') with ligand, N-benzylisonitrosoacetyl acetone imine (H-IAA-NBz) has been synthesized. This complex is very stable at room temperature and has cis-form and trans-form isomers. The ratio of nickel (Ⅱ) ion and ligand combined is 1 : 2. The elemental analysis, ir, nmr. electronic spectra and mass spectra have been studied. It is suggested from these studies that the isonitroso group of one ligand, H-IAA-NBz coordinates to nickel(Ⅱ)ion through the nitrogen atom to form five-membered ring, while that of the other ligand, H-IAA-NBz coordinates to nickel (Ⅱ) ion through the oxygen atom to form six-membered ring in square-planar complex.
Adenosine inhibits IL‐12 and TNF‐α production via adenosine A 2a receptor‐dependent and independent mechanisms (2000)

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a crucial cytokine in the regulation of T helper 1 vs. T helper 2 immune responses. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the endogenous purine nucleoside adenosine on the production of IL-12. In mouse macrophages, adenosine suppressed IL-12 production. Although the order of potency of adenosine receptor agonists suggested the involvement of A2a receptors, data obtained with A2a receptor-deficient mice showed that the adenosine suppression of IL-12 and even TNF-alpha production is only partly mediated by A2a receptor ligation. Studies with adenosine receptor antagonists or the adenosine uptake blocker dipyridamole showed that adenosine released endogenously also decreases IL-12. Although adenosine increases IL-10 production, the inhibition of IL-12 production is independent of the increased IL-10. The mechanism of action of adenosine was not associated with alterations of the activation of the p38 and p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinases or the phosphorylation of the c-Jun terminal kinase. Adenosine failed to affect steady-state levels of either IL-12 p35 or p40 mRNA, but augmented IL-10 mRNA levels. In summary, adenosine inhibits IL-12 production via various adenosine receptors. These results support the notion that adenosine-based therapies might be useful in certain autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases.
B cells in rheumatoid arthritis: from hypothesis to the clinic (2005)

Rituximab (MabThera/Rituxan) is a therapeutic monoclonal antibody against CD20, an antigen expressed by B cells but not B-cell progenitor or plasma cells. It is currently approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and is well tolerated and efficacious. A small open-label study (conducted by Edwards and Cambridge) indicated that selective depletion of B cells using rituximab led to sustained benefits for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. A 24-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was carried out to confirm these initial observations. In total, 161 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were randomized to one of four treatment groups: rituximab monotherapy; rituximab plus methotrexate (R+MTX); rituximab plus cyclophosphamide (R+CTX); or methotrexate alone (MTX). Rituximab was administered as two 1000 mg infusions on days 1 and 15. An analysis at 24 weeks showed that the proportion of patients achieving an ACR20 response was significantly greater (P < or = 0.025 for all three comparisons) in all the rituximab groups compared with the MTX control group (rituximab alone, 65%; R+CTX, 76%; R+MTX, 73%; MTX alone, 38%). Both ACR50 (43 vs 13%; P = 0.005) and ACR70 (23 vs 5%; P = 0.048) responses were also significantly higher for the R+MTX group compared with the MTX group. The rituximab groups showed no significant safety differences compared with the MTX arm. The majority of adverse events were of mild to moderate intensity. Rituximab is a novel targeted therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and it appears to be highly effective, safe and well tolerated.
Functional Reconstruction of Structurally Complex Epitopes using CLIPS™ Technology (2009)

This review summarizes an illustrative set of data from our research on the reconstruction of structurally complex protein surfaces, i.e. those that fail to be mimicked properly by linear peptides. In the past 5 years, our newly developed CLIPS™ technology has proven an extremely valuable tool for 1) binding site mapping of therapeutically relevant mAbs, 2) generating hyperimmune sera via immunization with CLIPS peptides, and 3) the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) via the use of hybridoma technology. We currently have data available for more than 50 therapeutic targets. The examples described in this review illustrate the potential of this powerful new technology.
Atomic beam collimation using a laser diode with a self-locking power-buildup cavity (1988)

We have demonstrated a self-locking power-buildup cavity for laser diodes. This device requires only a few simple optical elements and can provide a standing wave containing as much as 1000 times the power emitted by the laser diode. With this device we have obtained an intense standing wave of tunable light that was used to collimate a cesium atomic beam. We have studied the power and frequency dependence of the beam collimation.