gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic stellate cells can form new β-like cells (2009)

Regenerative medicine, including cell-replacement strategies, may have an important role in the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, both of which are associated with decreased islet cell mass. To date, significant progress has been made in deriving insulin-secreting beta-like cells from human ES (embryonic stem) cells. However, the cells are not fully differentiated, and there is a long way to go before they could be used as a replenishable supply of insulin-secreting beta-cells for transplantation. For this reason, adult pancreatic stem cells are seen as an alternative source that could be expanded and differentiated ex vivo, or induced to form new islets in situ. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Mato et al. used drug selection to purify a population of stellate cells from explant cultures of pancreas from lactating rats. The selected cells express some stem-cell markers and can be grown for over 2 years as a fibroblast-like monolayer. When plated on extracellular matrix, along with a cocktail of growth factors that included insulin, transferrin, selenium and the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) analogue exendin-4, the cells differentiated into cells that expressed many of the phenotypic markers characteristic of a beta-cell, and exhibited an insulin-secretory response, albeit weak, to glucose. The ability to purify this cell population opens up the possibility of unravelling the mechanisms that control self-renewal and differentiation of pancreatic cells that share some of the properties of stem cells.
Evolutionary trace analysis of TGF-β and related growth factors: implications for site-directed mutagenesis (2000)

The TGF-beta family of growth factors contains a large number of homologous proteins, grouped in several subfamilies on the basis of sequence identity. These subgroups can be combined into three broader groups of related cytokines, with marked specificities for their cellular receptors: the TGF-betas, the activins and the BMPs/GDFs. Although structural information is available for some members of the TGF-beta family, very little is known about the way in which these growth factors interact with the extra-cellular domains of their multiple cell surface receptors or with the specific protein inhibitors thought to modulate their activity. In this paper, we use the evolutionary trace method [Lichtarge et al. (1996) J. Mol. Biol., 257, 342-358] to locate two functional patches on the surface of TGF-beta-like growth factors. The first of these is centred on a conserved proline (P(36) in TGF-betas 1-3) and contains two amino acids which could account for the receptor specificity of TGF-betas (H(34) and E(35)). The second patch is located on the other side of the growth factor protomer and surrounds a hydrophobic cavity, large enough to accommodate the side chain of an aromatic residue. In addition to two conserved tryptophans at positions 30 and 32, the main protagonists in this potential binding interface are found at positions 31, 92, 93 and 98. Several mutagenesis studies have highlighted the importance of the C-terminal region of the growth factor molecule in TGF-betas and of residues in activin A equivalent to positions 31 and 94 of the TGF-betas for the binding of type II receptors to these ligands. These data, together with our improved knowledge of possible functional residues, can be used in future structure-function analysis experiments.
Characterization of kringle domains of angiostatin as antagonists of endothelial cell migration, an important process in angiogenesis (1998)

Angiogenesis is a complex process that involves endothelial cell proliferation, migration, basement membrane degradation, and neovessel organization. Angiostatin, consisting of four homologous triple-disulfide bridged kringle domains, has previously been shown to exhibit profound inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. It was also demonstrated that angiostatin could suppress the growth of a variety of tumors via the blocking of angiogenesis. The primary aim of our study was to characterize the kringle domains of angiostatin for their inhibitory activities of endothelial cell migration in order to elucidate their contributions to the anti-angiogenic function of angiostatin. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time that the kringles of angiostatin play different roles in inhibiting endothelial cell migration, a crucial process in angiogenesis. Kringle 4, which has only marginal anti-proliferative activity, is among the most potent fragments in inhibiting endothelial cell migration (IC50 of approximately 500 nM). In contrast, kringle 1-3, which is equivalent to angiostatin in inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, manifests only a modest anti-migratory effect. The combination of kringle 1-3 and kringle 4 results in an anti-migratory activity comparable to that of angiostatin. When kringle 1 is removed from kringle 1-3, the resulting kringle 2-3 becomes more potent than kringle 1-3. This implies that kringle 1, although virtually ineffective in inhibiting endothelial cell migration, may influence the conformation of kringle 1-3 to alter its anti-migratory activity. We also show that disruption of the kringle structure by reducing/alkylating agents markedly attenuates the anti-migratory activity of angiostatin, demonstrating the significance of kringle conformation in maintaining the anti-angiogenic activity of angiostatin. Our data suggest that different kringle domains may contribute to the overall anti-angiogenic function of angiostatin by their distinct anti-migratory activities.
The antimicrobial activity of mecillinam, nitrofurantoin, temocillin and fosfomycin and comparative analysis of resistance patterns in a nationwide collection of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in Norway 2010–2011 (2015)

Overall, the in vitro susceptibility to nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, mecillinam and temocillin was high, indicating that these drugs are good options for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli.
Molecular mechanisms of chemopreventive phytochemicals against gastroenterological cancer development (2013)

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Commonly used cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often have side effects and a complete cure is sometimes impossible. Therefore, prevention, suppression, and/or delaying the onset of the disease are important. The onset of gastroenterological cancers is closely associated with an individual's lifestyle. Thus, changing lifestyle, specifically the consumption of fruits and vegetables, can help to protect against the development of gastroenterological cancers. In particular, naturally occurring bioactive compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, isothiocyanates, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and sulforaphane, are regarded as promising chemopreventive agents. Hence, regular consumption of these natural bioactive compounds found in foods can contribute to prevention, suppression, and/or delay of gastroenterological cancer development. In this review, we will summarize natural phytochemicals possessing potential antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities, which are exerted by regulating or targeting specific molecules against gastroenterological cancers, including esophageal, gastric and colon cancers.
The ultimate strength of suture anchors (1995)

Suture anchors of various designs are gaining acceptance for open and arthroscopic procedures. The rapid proliferation of these devices challenges those using them to apply objective criteria for device selection. Comparative data on implant security in different settings, modes of failure, and ultimate failure strengths is lacking. This study was undertaken to independently develop such data for an objective comparison of the suture anchors currently available. Using a fresh never-frozen porcine femur model, 10 samples of each of the 14 different anchors tested were inserted into each of the three different test areas; diaphyseal cortex (usually 3- to 4-mm thick), metaphyseal cortex (usually 1- to 2-mm thick), and a cancellous bone "trough". The suture anchors were threaded with 0.018-inch stainless steel wire or, for anchors requiring a more flexible suture, 0.018-inch stainless steel 1 x 7 wire braid. Tensile stress parallel to the axis of insertion was applied at a rate of 12.5 mm/second by an Instron 1321 (Instron Corp, City, State) until failure. Average failure strength was calculated for each anchor at each test area. The anchors tested were the Mitek G2, Mitek G3, Mitek G4 (Mitek Surgical Products, Norwood, MA), Linvatec Revo screw (Linvatec, Largo, FL), Acufex TAG Wedge, Acufex TAG Rod 2 (Acufex Microsurgical, Mansfield, MA), Statak models 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, and 5.2 (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN), Arthrex ESP (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL), Arthrotek Harpoon, and Arthrotek LactoSorb (Arthrotek, Warsaw, IN). The average failure strength of each of these anchors in the diaphyseal cortex, metaphyseal cortex, and cancellous bone is reported.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Focal plane imaging systems for millimeter wavelengths (1993)

The authors discuss critical aspects of imaging system design and describe several different imaging systems employing focal plane array receivers operating in the 3-mm-2-mm wavelength range. Recent progress in millimeter-wavelength optics, antennas, receivers and other components permits greatly enhanced system performance in a wide range of applications. A radiometric camera for all-weather autonomous aircraft landing capability and a high sensitivity cryogenically cooled array for use in radio astronomical spectroscopy are presented. A near-focus system for identification of plastic materials concealed underneath clothing employs a two element lens, and has been demonstrated in active (transmitting) and passive (radiometric) modes. A dual-mode imaging system for plasma diagnostics utilizes both active and passive modes at its approximately=140-GHz operating frequency to study small-scale structure. The radiometric imaging systems employ between 15 and 256 Schottky barrier diode mixers, while the imaging receivers for the active systems include 64-element video detector arrays.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
Mechanisms of induction of endothelial cell E-selectin expression by smooth muscle cells and its inhibition by shear stress (2007)

E-selectin is a major adhesion molecule expressed by endothelial cells (ECs), which are exposed to shear stress and neighboring smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We investigated the mechanisms underlying the modulation of EC E-selectin expression by SMCs and shear stress. SMC coculture induced rapid and sustained increases in expression of E-selectin and phosphorylation of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-associated kinase glycoprotein-130, as well as the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt. By using specific inhibitors, dominant-negative mutants, and small interfering RNA, we demonstrated that activations of c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 of the MAPK pathways are critical for the coculture-induced E-selectin expression. Gel shifting and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that SMC coculture increased the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-promoter binding activity in ECs; inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by p65-antisense, lactacystin, and N-acetyl-cysteine blocked the coculture-induced E-selectin promoter activity. Protein arrays and blocking assays using neutralizing antibodies demonstrated that IL-1beta and IL-6 produced by EC/SMC cocultures are major contributors to the coculture induction of EC signaling and E-selectin expression. Preshearing of ECs at 12 dynes/cm(2) inhibited the coculture-induced EC signaling and E-selectin expression. Our findings have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the SMC induction of EC E-selectin expression and the shear stress protection against this SMC induction.
Blockade of Interleukin 6 Signaling Induces Marked Neutropenia in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Figure 1. (2009)

Therapies aimed at inhibiting interleukin 6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in the immune response, inflammation, hematopoiesis, and bone metabolism, are effective for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)1,2. We have found that a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody (tocilizumab; Chugai, Japan) induced prompt and potent suppression of neutrophil recruitment into peripheral blood in patients with RA. One day after tocilizumab (8 mg/kg) was first administered to patients with active RA, the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood decreased significantly (Figure 1 … Address reprint requests to Dr. Nakamura; E-mail: ichiclast{at}yugawara-hosp.com
Drying Gels (2003)

There are several reasons why it may be desirable to dry a gel after its use for electrophoresis. First, it is a convenient way of storing the end result of the experiment. Second, drying a gel that is fragile may make it easier to handle (say, during optical scanning or display on an overhead projector). Third, and most important, it may be necessary to dry a gel to allow the most efficient detection of radioactive samples on it by autoradiography or fluorography. The method described in this chapter is rapid and generally applicable to all types of slab gel; although the description applies specifically to a thin (0.5–1-mm thick) polyacrylamide (15%) gel being prepared for fluorography (see Chapter 20 ).
Mef2 gene expression marks the cardiac and skeletal muscle lineages during mouse embryogenesis (1994)

Members of the MEF2 family of transcription factors bind a conserved A/T-rich sequence in the control regions of many skeletal and cardiac muscle genes. To begin to assess the roles of the different Mef2 genes in the control of muscle gene expression in vivo, we analyzed by in situ hybridization the expression patterns of the Mef2a, Mef2c and Mef2d genes during mouse embryogenesis. We first detected MEF2C expression at day 7.5 postcoitum (p.c.) in cells of the cardiac mesoderm that give rise to the primitive heart tube, making MEF2C one of the earliest markers for the cardiac muscle lineage yet described. By day 8.5, MEF2A, MEF2C and MEF2D mRNAs are all detected in the myocardium. By day 9.0, MEF2C is expressed in rostral myotomes, where its expression lags by about a day behind that of myf5 and several hours behind that of myogenin. MEF2A and MEF2D are expressed at a lower level than MEF2C in the myotome at day 9.5 and are detected in more embryonic tissues than MEF2C. Expression of each of the MEF2 transcripts is observed in muscle-forming regions within the limbs at day 11.5 p.c. and within muscle fibers throughout the embryo at later developmental stages. The expression of MEF2C in the somites and fetal muscle is distinct from that of MEF2A, MEF2D and the myogenic bHLH regulatory genes, suggesting that it may represent a distinct myogenic cell type. Neural crest cells also express high levels of MEF2 mRNAs between days 8.5 and 10.5 of gestation. After day 12.5 p.c., MEF2 transcripts are detected at high levels in specific regions of the brain and ultimately in a wide range of tissues. The distinct patterns of expression of the different Mef2 genes during mouse embryogenesis suggest that these genes respond to unique developmental cues and support the notion that their products play roles in the regulation of muscle-specific transcription during establishment of the cardiac and skeletal muscle lineages.
Anionic homo‐ and copolymerization of styrenic triple‐tailed polybutadiene macromonomers (2007)

Abstract A number of well‐defined complex macromolecular architectures have been synthesized using an efficient macromonomer technique. Styrenic triple‐tailed polybutadiene (PBd) macromonomers (sTMMB), synthesized by selective reaction (titration) of living PBd tails with the SiCl groups of 2‐(dichloromethylsilyl)ethylchloromethylsilyl‐4‐styrene (TCDSS), were polymerized in situ without isolation of sTMMB with s ‐BuLi, using high vacuum techniques. Taking advantage of the living character of the anionic polymerization of sTMMB, the following complex macromolecular architectures were prepared: PBd‐ g ‐(PBd) 3 (triple‐combs), PS‐ g ‐(PBd) 3 (triple‐grafts), [PBd‐ g ‐(PBd) 3 ] 3 (3‐arm triple‐comb stars), and triple molecular brushes (tmbPBd) or triple polymacromonomers (tPMMB). Characterization carried out by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), equipped with refractive index and light scattering detectors, indicated that the synthesized novel architectures have a high degree of molecular and compositional homogeneity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3513–3523, 2007
Enhancing data quality in data warehouse environments (1999)

article Free Access Share on Enhancing data quality in data warehouse environments Authors: Donald P. Ballou State Univ. of New York, Albany State Univ. of New York, AlbanyView Profile , Giri Kumar Tayi State Univ. of New York, Albany State Univ. of New York, AlbanyView Profile Authors Info & Claims Communications of the ACMVolume 42Issue 1Jan. 1999 pp 73–78https://doi.org/10.1145/291469.291471Published:01 January 1999Publication History 164citation6,330DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations164Total Downloads6,330Last 12 Months621Last 6 weeks59 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 SiteView all FormatsPDF
Comparison of the metabolic and endocrine effects of 3,5,3'- triiodothyroacetic acid and thyroxine (1993)

To test the hypothesis that 3,5,3'-triiodothyroacetic acid (Triac) is more active as a TSH suppressor than on peripheral parameters of thyroid hormone action, the following parameters were studied: basal metabolic rate, sleeping energy expenditure (SEE), sex hormone-binding globulin, and cholesterol. In a double blind trial, 14 subjects received during 3 weeks (phase 1) 180 micrograms T4 or 1700 micrograms Triac daily, divided into 3 doses, to suppress thyroidal secretion. The dosage was doubled for the next 3 weeks (phase 2). Under T4 treatment, TSH reached 0.11 mU/L during phase 1 and less than 0.03 mU/L during phase 2. With Triac, a marked TSH inhibition occurred after 1 week (0.17 mU/L), followed by an escape during the following 2 weeks (0.63 mU/L). During phase 2, an almost complete TSH suppression was obtained (0.03 mU/L). Both Triac doses suppressed endogenous thyroid hormone secretion, as evidenced by T4 and rT3 levels. Both substances induced a 2-fold stimulation of sex hormone-binding globulin during phase 2. Serum cholesterol decreased similarly, without affecting the high/low density lipoprotein ratio. T4 increased SEE by 4.1% and 8.5% during phases 1 and 2. Triac failed to induce the expected peripheral metabolic responses of the thyroid hormones, as demonstrated by an unchanged SEE and basal metabolic rate. These results clearly show a preferential action of Triac on TSH suppression.
Metal-based formulations with high microbicidal activity (1992)

Substances were evaluated for their relative potencies in inactivating Junin virus, Escherichia coli, and spores of Bacillus subtilis. Under the conditions of our test, glutaraldehyde was the most efficient agent among all substances currently recommended for disinfecting and sterilizing medical devices. Either copper or iron ions by themselves were able to inactivate virus with an efficiency similar to that of substances currently used for disinfection and sterilization. The microbicidal effect of metals, however, was enhanced further by the addition of peroxide. The mixtures of copper and peroxide described here were more efficient than glutaraldehyde in inactivating viruses and bacteria. The addition of a metal chelator to metal-peroxide mixtures further increased the microbicidal potency of the reagent. The formulations described in this study should be harmless to people but able to quickly and efficiently inactivate microorganisms, particularly viruses.
Sensitivity of NS3 Serine Proteases from Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes 2 and 3 to the Inhibitor BILN 2061 (2004)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) displays a high degree of genetic variability. Six genotypes and more than 50 subtypes have been identified to date. In this report, kinetic profiles were determined for NS3 proteases of genotypes 1a, 1b, 2ac, 2b, and 3a, revealing no major differences in activity. In vitro sensitivity studies with BILN 2061 showed a decrease in affinity for proteases of genotypes 2 and 3 (K(i), 80 to 90 nM) compared to genotype 1 enzymes (K(i), 1.5 nM). To understand the reduced sensitivity of genotypes 2 and 3 to BILN 2061, active-site residues in the proximity of the inhibitor binding site were replaced in the genotype-1b enzyme with the corresponding genotype-2b or -3a residues. The replacement of five residues at positions 78, 79, 80, 122, and 132 accounted for most of the reduced sensitivity of genotype 2b, while replacement of residue 168 alone could account for the reduced sensitivity of genotype 3a. BILN 2061 remains a potent inhibitor of these non-genotype-1 NS3-NS4A proteins, with K(i) values below 100 nM. This in vitro potency, in conjunction with the good pharmacokinetic data reported for humans, suggests that there is potential for BILN 2061 as an antiviral agent for individuals infected with non-genotype-1 HCV.
Features for word spotting in historical manuscripts (2004)

For the transition from traditional to digital libraries, the large number of handwritten manuscripts that exist pose a great challenge. Easy access to such collections requires an index, which is currently created manually at great cost. Because automatic handwriting recognizers fail on historical manuscripts, the word spotting technique has been developed: the words in a collection are matched as images and grouped into clusters which contain all instances of the same word. By annotating "interesting" clusters, an index that links words to the locations where they occur can be built automatically. Due to the noise in historical documents, selecting the right features for matching words is crucial. We analyzed a range of features suitable for matching words using dynamic time warping (DTW), which aligns and compares sets of features extracted from two images. Each feature's individual performance was measured on a test set. With an average precision of 72%, a combination of features outperforms competing techniques in speed and precision.
Sustainable Aquaculture in the North Central Region U.S.—A Review of Perceptions and Recommendations from the Aquaculture Community (2013)

Aquaculture remains the fastest growing food commodity in the world and is expected to have an important role in food security in the future. However, for the aquaculture industry to grow, it must do so in a sustainable manner. From an Extension standpoint, this presents many challenges. This article discusses the concept of sustainable aquaculture and how it is perceived regionally and presents a model that allows for increased focus towards three principle components: environmental conservation, social benefits, and economic viability. This article seeks to help further dialogue towards sustainable aquaculture and other industry development in the U.S.