gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Multiple Molecular Analyses From Minimal Cell Quantities by Sequential Isolation and Preamplification of DNA and RNA (2007)

Molecular analyses of single or very few cells are often handicapped by low amounts of DNA or RNA from starting material. Specimens like biopsies, embryonic stem cells, or laser-microdissected tissues often do not provide nucleic acid quantities required for robust amplification and verification by diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analyses. A simultaneous isolation procedure for both RNA and DNA from a single sample would greatly facilitate demanding molecular studies. Here, we describe a new method that combines the isolation of mRNA using commercially available oligo (dT)-bound magnetic beads with the precipitation of DNA from the remaining cell lysate. Both types of nucleic acids can then be separately preamplified by improved primer extension preamplification and subsequently used for multiple molecular analyses. With this procedure we were able to reliably gain DNA for PCR from as few as 5 cells. RNA suitable for various reverse transcription-PCR approaches and sequencing analyses could simultaneously be isolated even from single cell preparations.
Targeting atherosclerosis by using modular, multifunctional micelles (2009)

Subtle clotting that occurs on the luminal surface of atherosclerotic plaques presents a novel target for nanoparticle-based diagnostics and therapeutics. We have developed modular multifunctional micelles that contain a targeting element, a fluorophore, and, when desired, a drug component in the same particle. Targeting atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE-null mice fed a high-fat diet was accomplished with the pentapeptide cysteine-arginine-glutamic acid-lysine-alanine, which binds to clotted plasma proteins. The fluorescent micelles bind to the entire surface of the plaque, and notably, concentrate at the shoulders of the plaque, a location that is prone to rupture. We also show that the targeted micelles deliver an increased concentration of the anticoagulant drug hirulog to the plaque compared with untargeted micelles.
Proteoglycans in health and disease: novel roles for proteoglycans in malignancy and their pharmacological targeting (2010)

The expression of proteoglycans (PGs), essential macromolecules of the tumor microenvironment, is markedly altered during malignant transformation and tumor progression. Synthesis of stromal PGs is affected by factors secreted by cancer cells and the unique tumor‐modified extracellular matrix may either facilitate or counteract the growth of solid tumors. The emerging theme is that this dual activity has intrinsic tissue specificity. Matrix‐accumulated PGs, such as versican, perlecan and small leucine‐rich PGs, affect cancer cell signaling, growth and survival, cell adhesion, migration and angiogenesis. Furthermore, expression of cell‐surface‐associated PGs, such as syndecans and glypicans, is also modulated in both tumor and stromal cells. Cell‐surface‐associated PGs bind various factors that are involved in cell signaling, thereby affecting cell proliferation, adhesion and motility. An important mechanism of action is offered by a proteolytic processing of cell‐surface PGs known as ectodomain shedding of syndecans; this facilitates cancer and endothelial cell motility, protects matrix proteases and provides a chemotactic gradient of mitogens. However, syndecans on stromal cells may be important for stromal cell/cancer cell interplay and may promote stromal cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Finally, abnormal PG expression in cancer and stromal cells may serve as a biomarker for tumor progression and patient survival. Enhanced understanding of the regulation of PG metabolism and the involvement of PGs in cancer may offer a novel approach to cancer therapy by targeting the tumor microenvironment. In this minireview, the implication of PGs in cancer development and progression, as well as their pharmacological targeting in malignancy, are presented and discussed.
The use of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of strabismus. (1985)

Alteration of the position of the eye within the orbit is conventionally achieved by surgery on the extraocular muscles; a new method, selective weakening of one of the muscles with Botulinum Toxin A is described. Results in the first 85 cases treated show that it is a safe, and effective treatment, particularly suited to certain cases of strabismus.
ROLE OF THE MICROCOMPUTER IN WATER MANAGEMENT (1980)

As with the management of other types of resources, data on water quantity and quality play a major role in decision making processes. Data on water quantity are essential for judicious allocation of available water resources to various types of users such as farmers, utilities and municipalities and for flood plain management to control property and other damage arising from abnormally high peak flows. Data on water quality are important in assessing the suitability of the water for various uses, and for enforcing compliance with laws enacted to protect the environment.Until recently, the assembly and maintenance of a meaningful data base for water management was costly and difficult to implement. The recent developments in microcomputer technology have not only made the maintenance of a local data base economically feasible but have also aided in the automation of data collection.It is now practical and economically feasible to connect measuring instruments at a data collection site to an intelligent data collection terminal which in turn can be controlled by a microcomputer located in a central office via telephone or radio links. It is also possible to control data collection at relatively inaccessible sites by satellite communication.At present, the main limiting factor is the availability of appropriate measuring instruments to measure different kinds of parameters. The instruments not only have to be able to operate automatically but they should also be rugged and reliable.Thus, microcomputer technology will enable the local water managers to have access to reliable and fresh information to aid them in their decision making.
Microbial survival and odor in laundry (2001)

Abstract The survival and distribution of microflora during laundering at 30 or 40°C in commercial U.S. and European Union (E.U.) detergents were determined in laboratory wash experiments. Four test strains— Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Escherichia coli , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa —were evaluated on cotton textile. A significant survival and transfer between textiles were found for all four test strains washed in E.U. and U.S. color detergents (without bleach), whereas no survival was observed in bleach‐containing detergents. Gram‐negative strains generally survived in greater numbers than Gram‐positive strains. A greater survival was observed in U.S. detergents at U.S. conditions (30°C, 12 min) than in E.U. detergents at E.U. conditions (40°C, 30 min). The adhesion of odorants to cotton and polyester textiles during washing and drying was studied using six previously identified odorants in laundry [ethylbutanoate, (Z)‐4‐heptenal, ( E )‐2‐nonenal, 3‐methylbutanoic acid, 2‐methoxyphenol (guaiacol) and 4‐methyloctanoic acid]. All odorants were effectively removed from cotton during wash, whereas the odorants were more strongly associated with polyester fibers. During wash, hydrophobic odorants [(Z)‐4‐heptenal, ( E )‐2‐nonenal, and guaiacol] adhered more strongly to polyester than the acids. The odor formed by surviving skin microflora attached to textiles soiled with human sebum and sweat after laundering at 30°C was studied by sensory evaluation and aroma extract dilution analysis. Intensive odor was formed in both cotton and polyester textiles during prolonged drying. Generally, the odor formation in cotton swatches and the bacterial count of the wash liquor from cotton swatches were greater than the odor formation and bacterial count from polyester swatches. Odorants with animal notes (branched fatty acids) dominated the odor profile after prolonged drying. Polyester swatches possessed a more complex odor profile than cotton; in particular, aldehydes were more dominating in polyester than in cotton. A high‐impact and malodorous component, 3‐methylindole, was formed during prolonged drying in cotton. The study demonstrates that microbial odor formation is a dominating factor determining the odor impression of laundered cotton and polyester textiles dried under slow drying conditions. The initial soiling with aromatic components has an additional impact on the odor profile of polyester textiles after wash, due to strong adherence of odorants during the wash cycle.
Identification of Factor Xa Residues Critical for Interaction with Protein Z-dependent Protease Inhibitor (2005)

Protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI) is a plasma serpin, which can rapidly inactivate factor Xa (fXa) in the presence of protein Z (PZ), negatively charged phospholipids, and Ca2+. To investigate the mechanism by which ZPI inactivates fXa, we expressed the serpin in mammalian cells and characterized its reactivity with both wild-type and selected mutants of fXa that 1) contained substitutions in the autolysis loop and the heparin binding exosite, 2) lacked the first EGF-like domain (fXa-des-EGF-1), or 3) contained the Gla domain of protein C (fXa/PC-Gla). Inhibition studies in both the presence and absence of PZ revealed that Arg-143, Lys-147, and Arg-154 of the autolysis loop and Lys-96, Lys-169, and Lys-236 of the heparin binding exosite are required for recognition of ZPI, with Arg-143 being essential for the interaction. Similar studies with fXa-des-EGF-1 and fXa/PC-Gla suggested that protein-protein interaction with either the Gla or the EGF-1 domain may not play a dominant role in the PZ-dependent recognition of fXa by the serpin on phospholipid vesicles. Further studies showed that an inactive Ser-195 to Ala mutant of fXa effectively competes with wild-type fXa for binding to the non-serpin inhibitors tissue factor pathway inhibitor and recombinant tick anticoagulant peptide, but does not compete for binding to ZPI. This suggests that the catalytic residue of fXa is required for interaction with ZPI.
Active filters and energy storage systems operated under non-periodic conditions (2002)

This paper describes power electronics technology relevant to active filtering and energy storage for the purpose of power conditioning. The combination of active filtering and energy storage leads to a versatile system in terms of compensation under nonperiodic conditions. However, energy storage is much more difficult and costly in realization than active filtering because modern science offers only chemical action, electromagnetic or electrostatic field, and kinetic or potential energy as viable ways of energy storage. This paper is focused on the present status of active filters, and energy storage systems for power conditioning, along with a 200 MJ/20-MW flywheel energy storage system which was commercially installed on a 66 kV power system for the purpose of line-frequency regulation in 1996.
The shape Jacobian of a manipulator with hyper degrees of freedom (2003)

The shape Jacobian, which is the counterpart of the manipulator Jacobian, plays a key role to control the shape of a manipulator with extraordinarily many degrees of freedom. In this paper, we show some significant properties of the shape Jacobian, the structure, boundedness, determinant and singularity, in geometric aspects.
Expression of Extracellular Matrix Components Fibronectin and Laminin in the Human Fetal Heart. (1999)

It has been well documented that the extracellular matrix components fibronectin and laminin promote or regulate morphogenesis of the myocardial cells in mammalian heart. However, their chronological change of expression (or localization) in the human heart remains elusive. In this study, fibronectin and laminin in the left ventricle of forty-two human fetuses aged from 8 to 26 weeks gestation and left ventricular tissues obtained from a 2-week old infant and two adults were investigated by Western blot analyses and indirect immunofluorescence technique with monoclonal antibodies. In the fetal heart, fibronectins were present along the endocardium, epicardium, and linings of larger blood vessels. In 14-16 weeks gestation, fibronectin immunofluorescence became stronger but not evenly dispersed in the interstitium. After 24 weeks gestation, they were strongly positive only in the relatively larger blood vessels, as well as those in the infant and adult cardiac tissues. Laminins were strongly positive along the endocardium and basement membrane of the myocardial cells and fibroblasts during fetal life. After birth, laminins formed fine fibrillar network along the basement membrane in association with the transverse tubules of myocardial cell; these morphological characteristics remained in the adult cardiac tissues. These results indicate that fibronectin expression is relatively constant during fetal life but decreases after birth; in contrast, laminin expression is not age-dependent and constant throughout the life.
Adenosine deaminase activity in thymus and other human tissues. (1976)

Adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) has been estimated in human tissues. Levels in the thymus during childhood were very much higher than in any of the other 6 tissues studied. Intermediate activities were obtained from spleen and lymph nodes and also skin. Cerebral cortex, liver and kidney had relatively low levels. ADA activity in lymphocytes from peripheral blood was significantly increased after antigenic stimulation by TAB immunization. The available evidence appears to be consistent with T-lymphocyte growth and development in the thymus being dependant on ADA.
Fast DCT domain filtering using the DCT and the DST (1999)

A method for efficient spatial domain filtering, directly in the discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain, is developed and proposed. It consists of using the discrete sine transform (DST) and the DCT for transform-domain processing on the in JPEG basis of the previously derived convolution-multiplication properties of discrete trigonometric transforms. The proposed scheme requires neither zero padding of the input data nor kernel symmetry. It is demonstrated that, in typical applications, the proposed algorithm is significantly more efficient than the conventional filtered spatial domain and earlier proposed DCT domain methods. The proposed method is applicable to any DCT-based image compression standard, such as JPEG, MPEG, and H.261.
Electronic Job Search Revolution: Win With the New Technology That's Reshaping Today's Job Market (1993)

From the Publisher:
One of today's most widely read career experts, Kennedy presents a novel approach to job hunting by explaining, in plain English, how to use electronic resources utilizing the latest databases, agencies as well as general `how-tos' of commonsense job seeking. Not only does this convenient guide demonstrate how to use employment-tracking software but it describes the types of software and how they work. Outlines computer and video-driven interviews and updates chapters on in-house tracking systems, on-line and employer databases.
Tumor immunotherapy: preclinical and clinical activity of anti-CTLA4 antibodies. (2005)

Cancer immunotherapy utilizing vaccines has relied upon the patients' pre-existing immune activation capabilities, augmented by existing adjuvants, to promote tumor-antigen specific immune responses. Generating effective antitumor responses in this way requires overcoming multiple mechanisms of tumor evasion of the immune system. In addition, the generation of tumor immunity must overcome tolerance to tumor antigens, which in most cases are self-antigens. One approach to generate more effective immune responses to tumors is through the manipulation of co-stimulatory molecules that control T-cell reactivity through both positive and negative signaling mechanisms. This review will focus on the T-cell co-stimulatory molecule CTLA4. Engagement of CTLA4 by the ligands B7-1 and B7-2 imparts a negative signal to T-cells and results in alteration of T-cell activity and selection. In murine tumor models, antibodies to CTLA4 can promote tumor rejection and tumor immunity. Antibodies to human CTLA4 have entered clinical trials and demonstrated objective clinical responses, initially for metastatic melanoma. Interestingly, CTLA4 blockade has been associated with organ-specific inflammatory adverse events. These events usually respond readily to short-term anti-inflammatory treatment and cessation of drug treatment, and even when suppressed in this manner appear to correlate with clinically significant and durable antitumor responses.
Use of second-site suppressor mutations in Drosophila to identify components of the transcriptional machinery. (1990)

Isolation of second-site suppressor mutations provides a powerful method for identifying (i) genes that encode proteins that interact and (ii) domains within the interacting proteins that contact each other. Flies conditionally lethal because they carry mutations in the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II were mutagenized; ten million progeny were then screened for compensatory mutations. Eight intragenic and 10 extragenic suppressor mutations were recovered. Both the conditional lethality and premature termination of transcription caused by one mutation in the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II are compensated by an allele-specific suppressor mutation in the second-largest subunit of the enzyme.
For Articular Fractures of the Distal Radius - A "Semi-INV Asive" Method with Dynamic External Fixation - A Preliminary Report (1989)

An external fixation device which allows motion of the wrist joint without disruption of the anatomic alignment was used for the articular fractures of distal radius. From July 1985 to March 1988 during a 32 month period there were forty eight patients, fifty distal radial articular fractures in which Melone’s type I fractures were 16 () cases, type II were 25() cases, type III were 9 () cases were prospectively treated with this device after close reduction in full supination of the forearm. Excellent anatomic reduction near 90% of the sound side as well as satisfactory functional results around 85% of the sound side were achieved at the 18 months’ follow-up. We recommend that if combined with the distal radioulnar joint dislocation, supplementary kirschner wire fixation to both radius and ulna for 6 weeks is beneficial for function recovery.
Acquisition of membrane lipids by differentiating glyoxysomes: role of lipid bodies. (1991)

Glyoxysomes in cotyledons of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L.) seedlings enlarge dramatically within 48 h after seed imbibition (Kunce, C.M., R.N. Trelease, and D.C. Doman. 1984. Planta (Berl.). 161:156-164) to effect mobilization of stored cotton-seed oil. We discovered that the membranes of enlarging glyoxysomes at all stages examined contained a large percentage (36-62% by weight) of nonpolar lipid, nearly all of which were triacylglycerols (TAGs) and TAG metabolites. Free fatty acids comprised the largest percentage of these nonpolar lipids. Six uncommon (and as yet unidentified) fatty acids constituted the majority (51%) of both the free fatty acids and the fatty acids in TAGs of glyoxysome membranes; the same six uncommon fatty acids were less than 7% of the acyl constituents in TAGs extracted from cotton-seed storage lipid bodies. TAGs of lipid bodies primarily were composed of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids (together 70%). Together, these three major storage fatty acids were less than 10% of both the free fatty acids and fatty acids in TAGs of glyoxysome membranes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) constituted a major portion of glyoxysome membrane phospholipids (together 61% by weight). Pulse-chase radiolabeling experiments in vivo clearly demonstrated that 14C-PC and 14C-PE were synthesized from 14C-choline and 14C-ethanolamine, respectively, in ER of cotyledons, and then transported to mitochondria; however, these lipids were not transported to enlarging glyoxysomes. The lack of ER involvement in glyoxysome membrane phospholipid synthesis, and the similarities in lipid compositions between lipid bodies and membranes of glyoxysomes, led us to formulate and test a new hypothesis whereby lipid bodies serve as the dynamic source of nonpolar lipids and phospholipids for membrane expansion of enlarging glyoxysomes. In a cell-free system, 3H-triolein (TO) and 3H-PC were indeed transferred from lipid bodies to glyoxysomes. 3H-PC, but not 3H-TO, also was transferred to mitochondria in vitro. The amount of lipid transferred increased linearly with respect to time and amount of acceptor organelle protein, and transfer occurred only when lipid body membrane proteins were associated with the donor lipid bodies. 3H-TO was transferred to and incorporated into glyoxysome membranes, and then hydrolyzed to free fatty acids. 3H-PC was transferred to and incorporated into glyoxysome and mitochondria membranes without subsequent hydrolysis. Our data are inconsistent with the hypothesis that ER contributes membrane lipids to glyoxysomes during postgerminative seedling growth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Mechanisms of chemical injury of thyroid gland. (1994)

Many goitrogenic xenobiotics that increase the incidence of thyroid tumors in rodents exert a direct effect on the thyroid gland to disrupt one of several steps in the biosynthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. This includes 1) inhibition of the iodine-trapping mechanism (thiocyanate or perchlorate), 2) blockage of organic binding of iodine and coupling of iodothyronines to form thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) (e.g., sulfonamides, thiourea, methimazole, and aminotriazole, among others), and 3) inhibition of thyroid hormone secretion by an effect on proteolysis of active hormone from the colloid (lithium or an excess of iodide). Another large group of goitrogenic chemicals disrupts thyroid hormone economy by increasing the peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones through an induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. This group includes CNS-acting drugs (phenobarbital, benzodiazepines), calcium channel blockers (nicardipine, nifedipine), steroids (spironolactone), retinoids, chlorinated hydrocarbons (chlordane, DDT, TCDD), polyhalogenated biphenyls (PCB, PBB), and enzyme inducers. Thyroid hormone economy also can be disrupted by xenobiotics that inhibit the 5'monodeiodinase, which converts T4 in peripheral sites (e.g., liver and kidney) to biologically active T3. Inhibition of this enzyme by FD&C Red No. 3, amiodarone, and iopanoic acid lowers circulating T3 levels, which results in a compensatory increased secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and an increased incidence of follicular cell tumors in 2-year or lifetime studies in rats. Physiologic perturbations alone such as the feeding of an iodine-deficient diet, partial thyroidectomy, natural goitrogens in certain foods, and transplantation of TSH-secreting pituitary tumors in rodents also can disrupt thyroid hormone economy and, if sustained, increase the development of thyroid tumors in rats. A consistent finding with all of these goitrogens, be they either physiologic perturbations or xenobiotic chemicals, is the chronic hypersecretion of TSH, which by receptor-mediated events places the rodent thyroid gland at greater risk of developing tumors through a secondary mechanism of thyroid oncogenesis.