gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
NK cells and apoptosis (1999)

Natural killer (NK) cells are a cell of the innate immune system that play an important role in the early response to viral infections and tumours. Natural killer cells are cytolytic, and secrete cytokines that influence the developing antigen-specific immune response. In the present article the NK cell surface molecules regulating effector function, the NK cell effector mechanisms involved in apoptosis, and the role of NK cell effector mechanisms in immune responses are reviewed.
Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy (1981)

This is principally a textbook for undergraduate pharmacy students taking them from basic physical chemistry to the design and use of pharmaceutical drug forms. The text gives the physicochemical back
A Replication-Incompetent PB2-Knockout Influenza A Virus Vaccine Vector (2012)

Vaccination is the primary form of protection from influenza virus infection. We recently developed a replication-incompetent PB2-knockout (PB2-KO) influenza virus that possesses a reporter gene (the green fluorescent protein gene) in the coding region of the PB2 segment. This virus replicated to high titers in PB2-expressing, but not unmodified, cells, suggesting its potential safety and feasibility as a vaccine. Here, we tested its efficacy in a murine model. The levels of IgG and IgA antibodies against influenza virus in sera, nasal washes, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of mice immunized with the PB2-KO virus were higher than those induced by a conventional inactivated vaccine. All PB2-KO virus-immunized mice survived challenges with lethal doses of influenza virus. Moreover, importantly, mice immunized with the PB2-KO virus produced antibodies against the reporter protein, suggesting that the PB2-KO virus has potential as a multivalent vaccine to combat infection with not only influenza virus but also other pathogens.
Fc Receptors Initiate the Arthus Reaction: Redefining the Inflammatory Cascade (1994)

Antibody-antigen complexes initiate the inflammatory response and are central to the pathogenesis of tissue injury. The classical model for this immunopathological cascade, the Arthus reaction, was reinvestigated with a murine strain deficient in Fc receptor expression. Despite normal inflammatory responses to other stimuli, the inflammatory response to immune complexes was markedly attenuated. These results suggest that immune complex-triggered inflammation is initiated by cell bound Fc receptors and is then amplified by cellular mediators and activated complement. These results redefine the inflammatory cascade and may offer other approaches for the study and treatment of immunological injury.
Activated N-ras oncogene and N-ras proto-oncogene act through the same pathway for in vivo tumorigenesis. (1996)

We compared the tumorigenic effects of the N-ras oncogene and the N-ras proto-oncogene in lymphoid and mammary tissues in an in vivo model. For this purpose, we generated transgenic mice with high levels of N-ras oncogene or N-ras proto-oncogene expression, driven by the complete mouse mammary tumor virus LTR (MMTV-LTR) (MMTV/N-rasT and MMTV/N-rasN constructs) and transgenic mice with low levels of N-ras oncogene or N-ras proto-oncogene expression, driven by a truncated MMTV-LTR (TMTV/N-rasT and TMTV/N-rasN constructs). We show that both, the N-ras proto-oncogene and the N-ras oncogene with a C:G-->A:T mutation at codon 61, lead to identical tumor types: lymphoblastic T-cell lymphomas, cleaved B-cell lymphomas and poorly differentiated mammary carcinomas. Nevertheless, there were quantitative differences in tumor incidence and latency and in transgene expression among N-ras oncogene and N-ras proto-oncogene transgenics. Despite these differences in tumor kinetics, the predisposition to identical tumor types is in agreement with the idea that the N-ras oncogene and the N-ras proto-oncogene act through the same pathway for in vivo tumorigenesis in B-cells, T-cells or mammary epithelial cells.
Comparison of relative signal-to-noise ratios of different classes of imaging spectrometer (2005)

The continued development of new and fiindamentally different classes of imaging spectrometer has increased both the scope and the complexity of comparisons of their relative signal-to-noise ratios. Although the throughput and multiplex advantages of Fourier-transform spectrometers were established in the early 1950s, the application of this terminology to imaging spectrometers is often ambiguous and has led to some confusion and debate. For comparisons of signal-collection abilities to be useful to a system designer, they must be based on identical requirements and constraints. We present unambiguous definitions of terminology for application to imaging spectrometers and comparisons of signal-collection abilities and signal-to-noise-ratios on a basis that is useful to a systems designer and inclusive of six fundamentally different classes (both traditional and novel) of imaging spectrometers. © 2005 Optical Society of America.
Improved electroporation and cloning vector system for gram-positive bacteria (1991)

A protocol for transformation of intact Enterococcus faecalis cells by electroporation was developed through a systematic examination of the effects of changes in various parameters, including (i) growth conditions; (ii) composition of the electroporation solution; (iii) electroporation conditions, such as field strength and resistance; (iv) size, concentration, and purity of DNA used for transformation; and (v) conditions used to select for transformants. Key features of this protocol include the use of exponential-phase cells grown in inhibitory concentrations of glycine and the use of an acidic sucrose electroporation solution. Frequencies of greater than 2 x 10(5) transformants per microgram of plasmid DNA were obtained for E. faecalis cells, whereas various strains of streptococci and Bacillus anthracis were transformed at frequencies of 10(3) to 10(4) transformants per microgram of plasmid DNA with the same protocol. A novel Escherichia coli-Streptococcus and Enterococcus shuttle cloning vector, pDL276, was constructed for use in conjunction with the electroporation system. This vector features a multiple cloning site region flanked by E. coli transcription termination sequences, a relatively small size (less than 7 kb), and a kanamycin resistance determinant expressed in both gram-positive and gram-negative hosts. Various enterococcal and streptococcal DNA sequences were cloned in E. coli (including sequences that could not be cloned on other vectors) and were returned to the original host by electroporation. The vector and electroporation system was also used to clone directly into E. faecalis.
A Small-Molecule c-Rel Inhibitor Reduces Alloactivation of T Cells without Compromising Antitumor Activity (2014)

Preventing unfavorable GVHD without inducing broad suppression of the immune system presents a major challenge of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We developed a novel strategy to ameliorate GVHD while preserving graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity by small molecule-based inhibition of the NF-κB family member c-Rel. Underlying mechanisms included reduced alloactivation, defective gut homing, and impaired negative feedback on interleukin (IL)-2 production, resulting in optimal IL-2 levels, which, in the absence of competition by effector T cells, translated into expansion of regulatory T cells. c-Rel activity was dispensable for antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, allowing c-Rel-deficient T cells to display normal GVT activity. In addition, inhibition of c-Rel activity reduced alloactivation without compromising antigen-specific cytotoxicity of human T cells. Finally, we were able to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of systemic c-Rel inhibitor administration. Our findings validate c-Rel as a promising target for immunomodulatory therapy and demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of pharmaceutical inhibition of c-Rel activity.
Effects of systemic multiexon skipping with peptide-conjugated morpholinos in the heart of a dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (2017)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal genetic disorder caused by an absence of the dystrophin protein in bodywide muscles, including the heart. Cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of death in DMD. Exon skipping via synthetic phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) represents one of the most promising therapeutic options, yet PMOs have shown very little efficacy in cardiac muscle. To increase therapeutic potency in cardiac muscle, we tested a next-generation morpholino: arginine-rich, cell-penetrating peptide-conjugated PMOs (PPMOs) in the canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMD<sub>J</sub>) dog model of DMD. A PPMO cocktail designed to skip <i>dystrophin</i> exons 6 and 8 was injected intramuscularly, intracoronarily, or intravenously into CXMD<sub>J</sub> dogs. Intravenous injections with PPMOs restored dystrophin expression in the myocardium and cardiac Purkinje fibers, as well as skeletal muscles. Vacuole degeneration of cardiac Purkinje fibers, as seen in DMD patients, was ameliorated in PPMO-treated dogs. Although symptoms and functions in skeletal muscle were not ameliorated by i.v. treatment, electrocardiogram abnormalities (increased Q-amplitude and Q/R ratio) were improved in CXMD<sub>J</sub> dogs after intracoronary or i.v. administration. No obvious evidence of toxicity was found in blood tests throughout the monitoring period of one or four systemic treatments with the PPMO cocktail (12 mg/kg/injection). The present study reports the rescue of dystrophin expression and recovery of the conduction system in the heart of dystrophic dogs by PPMO-mediated multiexon skipping. We demonstrate that rescued dystrophin expression in the Purkinje fibers leads to the improvement/prevention of cardiac conduction abnormalities in the dystrophic heart.
Serial analysis of gene expression: rapid RT-PCR analysis of unknown SAGE tags (1999)

In a pilot study on SAGE on Reed-Sternberg cells we have sequenced 1055 tags representing 701 genes. Screening of the GenBank database resulted in the identification of a corresponding gene or EST for 490 of them. For 211 of the tags no homology could be detected. A major problem of the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) approach is how to further analyse the unknown tags. We have developed an RT-PCR-based method, rapid analysis of unknown SAGE tags (RAST-PCR), to analyse the expression of the corresponding genes. This approach can be used as a screening method to investigate whether or not the gene is differentially expressed between several cell types of interest.
NK Cell Activation in Human Hantavirus Infection Explained by Virus-Induced IL-15/IL15Rα Expression (2014)

Clinical infection with hantaviruses cause two severe acute diseases, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). These diseases are characterized by strong immune activation, increased vascular permeability, and up to 50% case-fatality rates. One prominent feature observed in clinical hantavirus infection is rapid expansion of natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood of affected individuals. We here describe an unusually high state of activation of such expanding NK cells in the acute phase of clinical Puumala hantavirus infection. Expanding NK cells expressed markedly increased levels of activating NK cell receptors and cytotoxic effector molecules. In search for possible mechanisms behind this NK cell activation, we observed virus-induced IL-15 and IL-15Rα on infected endothelial and epithelial cells. Hantavirus-infected cells were shown to strongly activate NK cells in a cell-cell contact-dependent way, and this response was blocked with anti-IL-15 antibodies. Surprisingly, the strength of the IL-15-dependent NK cell response was such that it led to killing of uninfected endothelial cells despite expression of normal levels of HLA class I. In contrast, hantavirus-infected cells were resistant to NK cell lysis, due to a combination of virus-induced increase in HLA class I expression levels and hantavirus-mediated inhibition of apoptosis induction. In summary, we here describe a possible mechanism explaining the massive NK cell activation and proliferation observed in HFRS patients caused by Puumala hantavirus infection. The results add further insights into mechanisms behind the immunopathogenesis of hantavirus infections in humans and identify new possible targets for intervention.
Osteoclast differentiation factor is a ligand for osteoprotegerin/osteoclastogenesis-inhibitory factor and is identical to TRANCE/RANKL (1998)

Osteoclasts, the multinucleated cells that resorb bone, develop from hematopoietic cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage. Osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) are formed by coculturing spleen cells with osteoblasts or bone marrow stromal cells in the presence of bone-resorbing factors. The cell-to-cell interaction between osteoblasts/stromal cells and osteoclast progenitors is essential for OCL formation. Recently, we purified and molecularly cloned osteoclastogenesis-inhibitory factor (OCIF), which was identical to osteoprotegerin (OPG). OPG/OCIF is a secreted member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and inhibits osteoclastogenesis by interrupting the cell-to-cell interaction. Here we report the expression cloning of a ligand for OPG/OCIF from a complementary DNA library of mouse stromal cells. The protein was found to be a member of the membrane-associated tumor necrosis factor ligand family and induced OCL formation from osteoclast progenitors. A genetically engineered soluble form containing the extracellular domain of the protein induced OCL formation from spleen cells in the absence of osteoblasts/stromal cells. OPG/OCIF abolished the OCL formation induced by the protein. Expression of its gene in osteoblasts/stromal cells was up-regulated by bone-resorbing factors. We conclude that the membrane-bound protein is osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF), a long-sought ligand mediating an essential signal to osteoclast progenitors for their differentiation into osteoclasts. ODF was found to be identical to TRANCE/RANKL, which enhances T-cell growth and dendritic-cell function. ODF seems to be an important regulator in not only osteoclastogenesis but also immune system.
IN HONOUR OF BOJAN SOPTRAJANOV’S 80th BIRTHDAY (2017)

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of his birthday
Simultaneous Changes in Abdominal Adipose and Muscle Tissues Following Treatments by High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) Technology-Based Device: Computed Tomography Evaluation (2019)

Objective: This study investigates the effects of high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology for induction of changes in abdominal muscles and abdominal subcutaneous fat. Methods: 22 male and female subjects (aged 34 to 64, mean BMI, 23.5kg/m2) underwent 8 treatments of the abdomen (2 per week) with a high-intensity focused electromagnetic field device. Subjects were scanned by computed tomography (CT) at baseline and 1 month after the eighth treatment. Sub-umbilical and epi-umbilical slices were used to measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat and abdominal muscles and the abdominal separation. In addition, standardized photographs, weight, and circumference measurements were collected. Results: While comparing baseline to follow-up measurements, CT data showed on average 17.5% (-3.1±1.9mm) reduction in subcutaneous fat and simultaneous 14.8% (+1.5±0.8mm) thickening of the rectus abdominis muscle. Subjects lost on average 3.9±3.1cm in the waist circumference. Most of the waist reduction effect was achieved after the fourth treatment. The width of abdominal separation decreased by 9.5% (-2.0±1.7mm). All results were highly significant (P<0.01) while weight change was insignificant (P<0.05). Digital photographs showed aesthetic improvement in most subjects. The treatments were painless and without adverse events. Conclusion: Results suggest that the investigated device is effective for abdominal body sculpting. This technology produced rectus muscle hypertrophy and a reduction in subcutaneous abdominal fat. Data suggests 4 treatments as the ideal protocol delivering 86% of the observed improvement. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(11):1098-1102.
Electric field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) experiments in the swivel cell: New aspects of an established method (2000)

The EFISH technique is well known and widely used to determine the efficiency of the second harmonic generation (SHG) of liquid samples. In the first part of this paper, a simple and convenient experimental setup for EFISH measurements is presented. A standard photometric cell was used and the cell was swiveled during the experiments. The mathematical treatment of the data included corrections for the SHG of the optical cells and the solvent. The second part of the paper deals with the measurements of compounds which showed notable absorption at the SHG wavelength. In addition to the contributions of the solvent and the cell to the SHG signal the molar absorption coefficient of the compound and the refractive indices for the ground and the second harmonic wave of the solution were included in the processing of the EFISH data. Results of these measurements were in good agreement with those which others have obtained by independent methods. Thus the swivel method allowed estimation of the SHG (in terms of μβ where μ is the dipole moment of the molecule and β is the second-order polarizability) of non-absorbing, weakly absorbing and notably strongly absorbing compounds by easy-to-perform EFISH measurements.
A Comparative Study of Two Computerized Spectrophotometers for the Near-Infrared Analysis of Wheat for Protein (1986)

Samples of hard red spring (HRS) wheat were compared on two computerized spectrophotometers of the same type, the Model 6350 Research Composition Analyzer. One of the instruments was located at the All Union Institute for Agrochemical Services, Moscow, U.S.S.R., the other at the Grain Research Laboratory, Winnipeg, Canada. Spectra, and analytical accuracy and precision, were compared on the two systems. While bands from the Moscow instrument appeared slightly sharper than its Winnipeg counterpart, log 1/ R signals from the two instruments were highly correlated for individual samples at all wavelengths studied, and absorption bands for individual samples occurred at essentially the same wavelengths. Several wavelengths selected for calibration were common to both instruments, and calibrations were developed on both, which enabled accurate analysis of HRS wheat for protein. Calibration constants differed for individual calibrations.
Shock-Tube Study of the Pyrolysis of the Halon Replacement Molecule CF3CHFCF3 (1998)

The kinetics of pyrolysis of CF3CHFCF3 have been studied in dilute mixtures (0.5 and 3 mol %) in argon in a single-pulse shock tube over the temperature range of 1200−1500 K, residence times behind the reflected shock of between 650 and 850 μs, and pressures between 16 and 18 atm. Fluorinated products were quantified with gas chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; identification of unknown fluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons was performed with gas chromatography−mass spectrometry. The most significant products detected were C2F6, CF2CHF, C2F4, C3F6, cyclo-C3F6, and CF3CHFCF2H. Traces of CF3H, CF4, C2F5H, C3F8, C4F6, and isomers of C4F8 were also identified. A detailed kinetic reaction scheme is presented to model the experimental reactant and product yield profiles as a function of temperature. The results of modeling showed that the major initiation reaction was the C−C bond fission reaction. The abstraction of the secondary H atom by F atoms was also predicted to be important, whereas 1,2-HF elimination was slower. From experiments and modeling, the following initiation rate constants were obtained: CF3CHFCF3 → CF3 + CF3CHF (k37 = 1015.9 exp(−355.6 kJ mol-1/RT) s-1), CF3CHFCF3 → C3F6 + HF (k38 = 1012.9 exp(−291.2 kJ mol-1/RT) s-1), and CF3CHFCF3 + F → CF3CFCF3 + HF (k39 = 1013.6 exp(−10.1 kJ mol-1/RT) cm3 mol-1 s-1).
Coupled stripe AlxGa1−xAs-GaAs quantum well lasers defined by impurity-induced (Si) layer disordering (1987)

A high-performance index-guided ten-stripe AlxGa1−xAs-GaAs quantum well heterostructure laser array fabricated using Si diffusion to effect impurity-induced layer disordering between the active region stripes is described. The fine spacing (1 μm) between (3 μm) emitters allows coupled mode laser operation at thresholds (Ith) as low as 3–4 mA per stripe and with stable near- and far-field patterns in spite of band filling (single quantum well). This form of coupled stripe laser is capable of high efficiency and high power output (250 mW at 300 mA) as well as a large excitation range extending from Ith to 9Ith.
Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase gene deletions are common in osteosarcoma. (2002)

The MTAP gene is commonly deleted in osteosarcoma patient samples, leading to an absence of mRNA and protein expression; these results indicate that inhibitors of de novo purine synthesis or methionine depletion may be effective as treatments for osteosarcoma patients whose tumors fail to express MTAP.
Fecal bacterial activity in symptomatic carbohydrate malabsorption: Effect on the fecal short-chain fatty acid ratio*1 (2000)

This study failed to confirm a significant correlation between fecal bacterial activity and the occurrence of symptoms in patients with fructose malabsorption. However, the interesting correlation with the SCFA raises questions regarding possible connections between colonic bacteria, carbohydrate malabsorption, and the beneficial effect of this pattern of SCFA in several colonic diseases.
Post‐translational modification of the RhoGTPase activating protein 21, ARHGAP21, by SUMO2/3 (2012)

ARHGAP21 is a 217 kDa RhoGAP protein shown to modulate cell migration through the control of Cdc42 and FAK activities. In the present work a 250 kDa-ARHGAP21 was identified by mass spectrometry. This modified form is differentially expressed among cell lines and human primary cells. Co-immunoprecipitations and in vitro SUMOylation confirmed ARHGAP21 specific modification by SUMO2/3 and mapped the SUMOylation site to ARHGAP21 lysine K1443. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that ARHGAP21 co-localizes with SUMO2/3 in the cytoplasm and membrane compartments. Interestingly, our results suggest that ARHGAP21 SUMOylation may be related to cell proliferation. Therefore, SUMOylation of ARHGAP21 may represent a way of guiding its function.