gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Retrospective serological survey of antibodies to porcine circovirus type 1 and type 2. (2000)

A retrospective serological survey was performed to determine the presence of antibodies to porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in serum samples collected from sows at slaughterhouses in Canada in 1985, 1989, and 1997. Each serum sample was tested by indirect immunofluorescence on PCV-free PK15 cells, on PCV1-infected PK15 cells and on PCV2-infected PK15 cells. For the 3 years studied, sera positive to PCV1 and PCV2 were identified and the number of sera positive for PCV2 was greater than the number of sera positive for PCV1. The results indicated 1) that PCV2 appears to be the main PCV type circulating in the Canadian pig population, 2) that PCV2 had been circulating in the Canadian pig population at least 10 years before the postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) was reported, and 3) that serological evaluation using PCV1 underestimates the seroprevalence of PCV2.
Bacterial-algal interactions in polysaccharide production (1998)

The effects of phosphate limitation and of the presence of marine bacteria during phosphate limitation on growth and polysaccharide production in the diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis grown in batch cultures are described in this paper. Growth of C. fusiformis was inhibited under low Pi (inorganic phosphate) conditions, corresponding to an increasing N/P ratio, and higher amounts of polysaccharides were extruded in the medium, in particular during the stationary phase of growth. The presence of bacteria reduced phytoplankton cell density only when the phosphate added corresponded to 1/6 of the initial amount. Even when diatom cell growth was not affected, the presence of bacteria stimulated a higher polysaccharide production. These results are interpreted in the light of the fact that nutrient-stressed phytoplankton cells produced and released a higher amount of polysaccharides and, as bacteria exhibited a better utilization of phosphate than algal cells, their presence accentuated the Pi depletion, resulting in a higher polysaccharide production.
Improved Supersaturation and Oral Absorption of Dutasteride by Amorphous Solid Dispersions (2012)

In this study, amorphous solid dispersions containing dutasteride and various excipients, manufactured by spray-drying processes, were characterized to determine the effects on their ability to form supersaturated solutions and to identify the effects of supersaturation on increasing the bioavailability of dutasteride. The excipients included Eudragit E, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30). A solid dispersion with Eudragit E displayed a high maximum supersaturation with extended supersaturation, compared with a water-soluble polymer. The maximum concentration and the degree of supersaturation increased in the following order: PVP K30<HP-β-CD=HPC<HPMC<Eudragit E. Oral drug absorption of solid dispersions was obviously higher when compared with micronized raw material and physical mixtures, in the following order: HPC<HPMC<Eudragit E. In fact, the AUC(0→24 h) and C(max) of dutasteride increased with supersaturation concentration. These results suggest that amorphous solid dispersions containing Eudragit E, formed by a spray-drying process, offer enhanced supersaturation characteristics, leading to increased oral absorption of dutasteride.
Cellular and clinical pharmacology of the taxanes docetaxel and paclitaxel – a review (2014)

Paclitaxel and docetaxel are active against a range of human cancers. Their antitumor activity is based on stabilization of the microtubule dynamics and thereby disruption of the cell cycle. The taxanes are administered as intravenous solutions in a short administration schedule. Distribution of both taxanes is rapid, with large volumes of distribution and significant binding to plasma proteins. The metabolism of paclitaxel is mediated primarily by the P450 cytochrome enzymes CYP2C8 and CYP3A, whereas docetaxel is only metabolized by CYP3A4. The most common toxicities after intravenous administration are neutropenia, hypersensitivity reactions, neurotoxicity, and alopecia. Several new administration forms are in development; albumin-bound paclitaxel (Abraxane) has recently been registered. Oral formulations of taxanes have been developed, and several are now undergoing phase I trials. New formulations might improve efficacy and safety and could be easier to use.
Vitronectin, a glioma-derived extracellular matrix protein, protects tumor cells from apoptotic death. (1999)

Vitronectin (VN) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, the synthesis of which in vivo by glioma cells correlates with tumor grade. Although the role of VN as a permissive substrate for glioma migration has been well characterized, its role in conferring a survival advantage for tumor cells has not been addressed previously. By using an in vitro assay of DNA fragmentation as a quantitative measure of apoptotic cell death, we sought to determine whether the sensitivity of two human glioma cell lines (D54 and U251) to drug-induced apoptosis could be inhibited by VN. As well, the extent to which apoptosis could be inhibited was correlated with the levels of the Bcl-2 family of proteins that are known to modulate apoptosis and chemoresistance. Results of the study were: (a) VN coatings, in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited topoisomerase (Topo)-induced apoptosis by up to 50% (optimal coating density, 500 ng/cm2); in contrast, fibronectin (FN), an ECM protein present in abundance in the brain, demonstrated no protection; (b) in a dose-response study, VN clearly conferred a survival advantage (LD50 of Topo: on VN, 120 ng/ml; on FN, 35 ng/ml); (c) the protective effect of VN was not due to enhanced cell adhesion or alterations in the cell cycle distribution; (d) both of the classic integrin receptors that bind VN (alpha(v)beta3, alpha(v)beta5) were capable of mediating this protective effect, because ligation of either of the two classic integrins conferred chemoresistance to Topo; and (e) chemoresistance observed with VN was associated with an increase in expression of two antiapoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L), with a consequent increase in the ratios for Bcl-2:Bax and Bcl-X(L):Bax. VN, an ECM protein preferentially expressed at the tumor-brain interface in vivo, may confer a survival advantage to glioma cells at the advancing tumor margin and may thus, in part, underlie the high level of tumor recurrence at this interface.
The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio of the human microbiota changes with age (2009)

In this work we have confirmed that qPCR is a powerful technique in studying the diverse and complex fecal microbiota. Our work demonstrates that the fecal microbiota composition evolves throughout life, from early childhood to old age.
Acid-Labile Subunit of Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein Complex: Measurement, Molecular, and Clinical Evaluation (1997)

Although the acid-labile subunit (ALS) of the ∼150-kDa insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein (IGFBP) complex was described over a decade ago, details of ALS physiology have remained largely uncertain. We evaluated antibodies to synthetic human ALS and constructed a noncompetitive ALS enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whereas uncomplexed ALS is directly measured, determination of total levels required sample pretreatment with SDS, which was found to optimally dissociate complexed ALS and significantly enhance ALS immunoreactivity. ALS in random adult sera was approximately 50% uncomplexed, and samples devoid of complexed ALS by immunoaffinity separation contained about 54% of the total levels. Serum ALS fractionated by gel filtration high performance liquid chromatography eluted in a single peak at approximately 150 kDa with IGF-I and IGFBP-3, but appeared at about 400–500 kDa after sample acidification and fractionation under acidic condition. The unexpected shift in ALS immunoreactivity remained unchanged when acid-neutralized or SDS-treated samples were fractionated under neutral pH and was reproducible when the 150-kDa complex was isolated, treated with acid or SDS, and rechromatographed. ALS in adult sera more tightly correlated with IGFBP-3 than IGF-I or IGF-II. The total levels (mean ± sd) were 16.7 ± 3.7 mg/L in 22 normal subjects, 28.3 ± 8.1 mg/L in 20 acromegalic patients, and 9.5 ± 3.8 in 32 GH-deficient adults. Little or no ALS was detectable in amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, seminal plasma, or milk, whereas high levels were present in synovial fluid. The development of ALS enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay should greatly facilitate further investigations of this unique glycoprotein.
Therapeutic Intervention in Inflammatory Diseases: A Time and Place for Anti‐Adhesion Therapy (2005)

The recruitment of leukocytes from the blood into tissue is central to the development and maintenance of the majority of inflammatory diseases. This multistep process requires a series of leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions, involving several families of adhesion molecules. Molecules that block these interactions have been targeted as potential therapeutic treatments for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, many of the anti-adhesion therapy clinical trials have yielded disappointing outcomes. This review discusses some of the animal models that raise questions about the suitability of anti-adhesion therapy to treat certain inflammatory diseases. The authors suggest that it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms and time lines of leukocyte recruitment in each affected tissue and inflammatory disease to develop more effective anti-adhesion therapy.
Defining Staphylococcus epidermidis cell wall proteins (1990)

Three Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates of differing bacteriophage types were studied to define proteins confined to the cell wall, which were surface exposed and thus available to interact with the host. Three major proteins of 37, 41, and 51 kDa were identified in all whole-cell lysates and cell wall extracts by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. Two additional proteins of 18 and 25 kDa became evident by using 125I labeling to delineate surface-exposed proteins. A classification scheme using P1 to P5 to delineate the 51-, 41-, 37-, 25- and 18-kDa proteins is proposed. Additionally, murine immune sera were used to identify two immunodominant proteins of 51 and 25 kDa (P1 and P4, respectively).
Hemicellulose bioconversion (2003)

Various agricultural residues, such as corn fiber, corn stover, wheat straw, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse, contain about 20-40% hemicellulose, the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature. The conversion of hemicellulose to fuels and chemicals is problematic. In this paper, various pretreatment options as well as enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars is reviewed. Our research dealing with the pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of corn fiber and development of novel and improved enzymes such as endo-xylanase, beta-xylosidase, and alpha- l-arabinofuranosidase for hemicellulose bioconversion is described. The barriers, progress, and prospects of developing an environmentally benign bioprocess for large-scale conversion of hemicellulose to fuel ethanol, xylitol, 2,3-butanediol, and other value-added fermentation products are highlighted.
Computer-assisted selection of coplanar beam orientations in intensity-modulated radiation therapy* (2001)

In intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the incident beam orientations are often determined by a trial and error search. The conventional beam's-eye view (BEV) tool becomes less helpful in IMRT because it is frequently required that beams go through organs at risk (OARs) in order to achieve a compromise between the dosimetric objectives of the planning target volume (PTV) and the OARs. In this paper, we report a beam's-eye view dosimetrics (BEVD) technique to assist in the selection of beam orientations in IMRT. In our method, each beam portal is divided into a grid of beamlets. A score function is introduced to measure the `goodness' of each beamlet at a given gantry angle. The score is determined by the maximum PTV dose deliverable by the beamlet without exceeding the tolerance doses of the OARs and normal tissue located in the path of the beamlet. The overall score of the gantry angle is given by a sum of the scores of all beamlets. For a given patient, the score function is evaluated for each possible beam orientation. The directions with the highest scores are then selected as the candidates for beam placement. This procedure is similar to the BEV approach used in conventional radiation therapy, except that the evaluation by a human is replaced by a score function to take into account the intensity modulation. This technique allows one to select beam orientations without the excessive computing overhead of computer optimization of beam orientation. It also provides useful insight into the problem of selection of beam orientation and is especially valuable for complicated cases where the PTV is surrounded by several sensitive structures and where it is difficult to select a set of `good' beam orientations. Several two-dimensional (2D) model cases were used to test the proposed technique. The plans obtained using the BEVD-selected beam orientations were compared with the plans obtained using equiangular spaced beams. For all the model cases investigated, the use of BEVD-selected beam orientations improved the dose distributions significantly. These examples indicate that the technique has considerable potential for simplifying the IMRT treatment planning process and allows for better utilization of the technical capacity of IMRT.
Passively correcting phase drift in two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2006)

Heterodyned two-dimensional (2D) IR spectra often suffer from inaccurate pulse delays and phase drift. We report a passive method of correcting these two inaccuracies by using wedged optics for subfemtosecond pulse delay resolution and reference measurements for phase corrections. Our approach is easy to implement into existing 2D IR spectrometers and makes experiments requiring long-term phase stability possible, such as the collection of 3D IR spectra.
A distinct strategy to generate high-affinity peptide binders to receptor tyrosine kinases (2005)

We describe a novel and general way of generating high affinity peptide (HAP) binders to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), using a multi-step process comprising phage-display selection, identification of peptide pairs suitable for hetero-dimerization (non-competitive and synergistic) and chemical synthesis of heterodimers. Using this strategy, we generated HAPs with K(D)s below 1 nM for VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and c-Met. VEGFR-2 HAPs bound significantly better (6- to 500-fold) than either of the individual peptides that were used for heterodimer synthesis. Most significantly, HAPs were much better (150- to 800-fold) competitors than monomers of the natural ligand (VEGF) in various competitive binding and functional assays. In addition, we also found the binding of HAPs to be less sensitive to serum than their component peptides. We believe that this method may be applied to any protein for generating high affinity peptide (HAP) binders.
Purification, molecular cloning, and functional expression of the cholecystokinin receptor from rat pancreas. (1992)

The cholecystokinin (CCK) family of peptides and their receptors are widely distributed throughout the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems where they regulate secretion, motility, growth, anxiety, and satiety. The CCK receptors can be subdivided into at least two subtypes, CCKA and CCKB on the basis of pharmacological studies. We report here the purification of the CCKA receptor to homogeneity from rat pancreas by using ion-exchange and multiple affinity chromatographic separations. This allowed partial peptide sequencing after chemical/enzymatic cleavage and synthesis of degenerate oligonucleotide primers. These primers were used for initial cloning of the cDNA from rat pancreas by PCR. The predicted protein sequence of the cDNA clone contained the five partial peptide sequences obtained from the purified protein. Seven putative transmembrane domains suggest its membership in the guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein-coupled receptor superfamily. In vitro transcripts of the cDNA clone were functionally expressed in Xenopus oocytes and displayed the expected agonist and antagonist specificity.
1,2,4‐Triazoles. XXV. The effect of pyridine substitution on the isomerization of s‐Triazolo[4,3‐a] pyridines into s‐Triazolo[1,5‐a] pyridines (1970)

Abstract The isomerization of s ‐triazolo[4,3‐ a ]pyridines into s ‐triazolo[1,5‐ a ]pyridines is greatly facilitated by electron withdrawing nitro substituents in the pyridine ring and retarded by electron donating amino groups.
Relationship between Contact Inhibition and Intranuclear S100c of Normal Human Fibroblasts (2000)

Many lines of evidence indicate that neoplastic transformation of cells occurs by a multistep process. For neoplastic transformation of normal human cells, they must be first immortalized and then be converted into neoplastic cells. It is well known that the immortalization is a critical step for the neoplastic transformation of cells and that the immortal phenotype is recessive. Thus, we investigated proteins downregulated in immortalized cells by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. As a result, S100C, a Ca(2+)-binding protein, was dramatically downregulated in immortalized human fibroblasts compared with their normal counterparts. When the cells reached confluence, S100C was phosphorylated on threonine 10. Then the phosphorylated S100C moved to and accumulated in the nuclei of normal cells, whereas in immortalized cells it was not phosphorylated and remained in the cytoplasm. Microinjection of the anti-S100C antibody into normal confluent quiescent cells induced DNA synthesis. Furthermore, when exogenous S100C was compelled to localize in the nuclei of HeLa cells, their DNA synthesis was remarkably inhibited with increase in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors such as p16(Ink4a) and p21(Waf1). These data indicate the possible involvement of nuclear S100C in the contact inhibition of cell growth.
Fast Backprojections from the Motion to the Primary Visual Area Necessary for Visual Awareness (2001)

Much is known about the pathways from photoreceptors to higher visual areas in the brain. However, how we become aware of what we see or of having seen at all is a problem that has eluded neuroscience. Recordings from macaque V1 during deactivation of MT+/V5 and psychophysical studies of perceptual integration suggest that feedback from secondary visual areas to V1 is necessary for visual awareness. We used transcranial magnetic stimulation to probe the timing and function of feedback from human area MT+/V5 to V1 and found its action to be early and critical for awareness of visual motion.
Use of Botulinum Toxin in Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorder (2002)

Whiplash-associated disorders (WADs) occur as a result of trauma and are often due to motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries. Cervical injury is attributed to rapid extension followed by neck flexion. The exact pathophysiology of WAD is uncertain but probably involves some degree of aberrant muscle spasms and may produce a wide range of symptoms. Initial treatment of pain associated with whiplash usually includes oral medications, such as muscle relaxants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, these agents are limited by potential systemic adverse effects. Some patients with chronic WAD may benefit from radiofrequency neurotomy. A new approach to treatment is the use of botulinum toxin, which acts to reduce muscle spasms. Type A toxin (Botox) has been studied in small trials of patients with WAD and has generally been found to relieve pain and improve range of motion. In addition, recent preliminary data from a small trial showed that type B toxin (Myobloc) produced almost immediate pain relief for most patients with post-whiplash headache. Although botulinum toxin has not been evaluated in large long-term trials, these initial data are promising and suggest a role for this agent in the treatment of WAD. Additional study is needed to identify the subset of patients with WAD who are most likely to respond to treatment with botulinum toxin.
Myocardial infarct size measurement in the mouse chronic infarction model: comparison of area- and length-based approaches (2007)

Efficacy of potential treatments for myocardial infarction (MI) is commonly assessed by histological measurement of infarct size in rodent models. In experiments involving an acute MI setting, measurement of the infarcted area in tissue sections of the left ventricle is a standard approach to determine infarct size. This approach has also been used in the chronic infarct setting to measure infarct area several weeks post-MI. We tested the hypothesis that, because wall thinning is known to occur in the chronic setting, the area measurement approach would be less appropriate. We compared infarct measurements in tissue sections based on 1) infarct area, 2) epicardial and endocardial infarct arc lengths, and 3) midline infarct arc length. Infarct sizes from all three measurement approaches correlated significantly with left ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion abnormality. However, the infarct size values derived from the area measurement approach were significantly smaller than those from the other two measurement approaches, and the range of values obtained was compressed 0.4-fold. The midline method allowed detection of the expected size differences between infarcts of variable severity resulting from proximal vs. distal ligation of the coronary artery. Segmental infarct size was correlated with segmental wall motion abnormality. We conclude that both area- and length-based measurements can be used to determine relative infarct size over a wide range of severity, although the area-based measurements are substantially more compressed due to wall thinning, and that the estimation of infarct midlines is a simple, reliable approach to infarct size assessment.
Multidimensional constellations. II. Voronoi constellations (1989)

For pt.I see ibid., vol.7, no.6, p.877-92 (1989). Voronoi constellations, also called Voronoi codes are implementable N-dimensional constellations based on partitions of N-dimensional lattices ( Lambda ) that can achieve good shape gains and that are inherently suited for use with coded modulation. Two methods are given for specifying Voronoi constellations on the basis of arbitrary lattice partitions Lambda / Lambda /sub s/, where Lambda /sub s/, the shaping lattice, is an N-dimensional sublattice of Lambda . One of the methods is conjectured to be optimum, and the other has desirable symmetries and naturally supports opportunistic secondary channels. When Lambda and Lambda /sub s/ are 2-D-symmetric, the constituent 2-D constellation is itself a Voronoi constellation. The shaping constellation expansion ratio and peak-to-average-power ratio are determined in general and for various Lambda /sub s/. Methods for labeling Voronoi constellations are given. Their complexity is shown to be dominated by that of decoding Lambda /sub s/. It is also shown that coding and shaping are separable and dual. Bounds on the shape gain of Voronoi constellations are given that depend on the depth and normalized informativity of Lambda /sub s/. These bounds suggest the use of lattices Lambda with depth 2 and normalized informativity less than 1, which can achieve near-optimal shape gains with reduced constellation expansion and implementation complexity.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>