gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Delineation of a toxin-encoding segment of a Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein gene. (1985)

Crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1-Dipel contain a Mr 134,000 protoxin which can be cleaved by proteolysis to a peptide of Mr approximately 70,000; this peptide is lethal to lepidopteran larvae. We have analyzed the peptides produced by recombinant Escherichia coli strains bearing deletions and fusions of the protoxin gene in order to delineate the portion of the gene which encodes the toxic peptide. The recombinant strains produced the toxic peptide as well as larger peptides whose size was related to the length of the deleted gene. The results indicate that the amino-terminal 55% of the protoxin protein is sufficient for toxicity. While two different gene fusions to the 10th codon allowed the synthesis of toxic polypeptides, fusions to the 50th codon did not. 3' end deletions up to the 645th codon allowed synthesis of the toxic peptide whereas a deletion to the 603rd codon yielded a non-toxic peptide. Some of the 5' and 3' end alterations to the gene caused changes in the proteolytic cleavage patterns of the polypeptides synthesized by E. coli, suggesting that the alterations led to conformational changes in the proteins. The presence of different 3' end segments affected the levels of synthesis of the altered crystal proteins.
Increased interstitial concentrations of pyruvate and lactate in the trapezius muscle of patients with fibromyalgia - a microdialysis study (2010)

Different mechanisms that may increase pyruvate and lactate in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome are discussed. Improved understanding of peripheral muscle alterations in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome could lead to mechanism-based rehabilitation.
Immunogenicity and safety of a tetravalent dengue vaccine in healthy adults in India: A randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial (2015)

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is endemic in India. We evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of recombinant, live-attenuated, tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) in Indian adults. In this observer-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase II study, adults aged 18-45 years were randomized 2:1 to receive CYD-TDV or placebo at 0, 6 and 12 months in sub-cutaneous administration. Immunogenicity was assessed using a 50% plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50) at baseline and 28 days after each study injection. 189 participants were enrolled (CYD-TDV [n = 128]; placebo, [n = 61]). At baseline, seropositivity rates for dengue serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 ranged from 77.0% to 86.9%. Seropositivity rates for each serotype increased after each CYD-TDV injection with a more pronounced increase after the first injection. In the CYD-TDV group, geometric mean titres (GMTs) were 2.38 to 6.11-fold higher after the third injection compared with baseline but remained similar to baseline in the placebo group. In the CYD-TDV group, the GMTs were 1.66 to 4.95-fold higher and 9.23 to 24.6-fold higher after the third injection compared with baseline in those who were dengue seropositive and dengue seronegative, respectively. Pain was the most commonly reported solicited injection site reaction after the first injection in both the CYD-TDV (6.3%) and placebo groups (4.9%), but occurred less frequently after subsequent injections. No serious adverse events were vaccine-related, no immediate unsolicited adverse events, and no virologically-confirmed cases of dengue, were reported during the study. The immunogenicity and safety of CYD-TDV was satisfactory in both dengue seropositive and seronegative Indian adults.
A rat monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to mouse T lymphoblasts and inhibits IL 2 receptor functions: a putative anti-IL 2 receptor antibody. (1984)

To obtain an anti-interleukin 2 (IL 2) receptor antibody, we immunized rats with phorbol myristate acetate-pulsed mouse T lymphoblasts. The spleen cells of the rats were fused with rat myeloma cells. Several stable clones of hybridoma cells were obtained that produced monoclonal antibodies (mAb) reacting specifically with mouse T lymphoblasts. One of these mAb, AMT-13, showed characteristics of a putative anti-IL 2 receptor antibody. As tested by FACS analysis, the mAb AMT-13 binds to murine T lymphoblasts or to IL 2-dependent T cell lines, but not to B lymphoblasts, thymocytes, splenocytes, lymph node cells, or bone marrow cells. The mAb AMT-13 inhibited in a species-specific and dose-dependent manner: i) the capacity of mouse T lymphoblasts to absorb IL 2 activity, and ii) the capacity of mouse T lymphoblasts to proliferate in response to IL 2. The function of T lymphoblasts of rat origin was not affected by the mAb AMT-13. The time course of the acquisition by mitogen-stimulated spleen cells of the capacity to absorb IL 2 activity was paralleled by that of their capacity to bind the mAb AMT-13. Preliminary biochemical analysis of the antigen recognized by AMT-13 revealed a major component with an apparent m.w. of 50,000 to 60,000. According to these data, the mAb AMT-13 seems to be directed against an antigenic determinant of the murine IL 2 receptor molecule.
Self-Focusing in Gradient Liquid Adsorption Chromatography of Polymers (2001)

We point out the specificities of the separation process at work during liquid chromatography of polymers in a gradient of composition of the eluent. The main feature is that, after a transient regime, the concentration profile tends to move as a front, i.e., without diffusive spreading in time. This results in relatively sharp peaks and the uselessness of long columns. We propose a simple analytical model for this self-focusing process that allows us to anticipate optimal conditions of operation. This analysis is supported by experimental tests.
Development of formaldehyde-free agar/gelatin microcapsules containing berberine HCl and gallic acid and their topical and oral applications (2012)

The safety issues of biomedical applications have been a major concern in recent years. Drug delivery associated with microencapsulation technology has been focused on as microencapsulated drugs are believed to promote comparative therapeutic efficiency on human absorption and prolong the life cycle of drugs. The most commonly applied crosslinker is formaldehyde in a gelatin microencapsulation system, which is considerably toxic to the human body. To reduce the risks involved when using formaldehyde, agar was associated with gelatin as the wall matrix materials of microcapsules as it could crosslink with gelatin to give a gel network in the microcapsules formation. Here we report the development, characterization and safe use of agar–gelatin microcapsules. We further demonstrate that both oral and topical applications are possible using the berberine HCl and gallic acid loaded microcapsules respectively. Microcapsules containing both drugs were prepared combining the optimal parameters identified. The mean drug loading efficiency and the mean particle sizes of the berberine HCl loaded microcapsules were 78.16% and 16.75 μm respectively, while those of gallic acid loaded microcapsules were 70.28% and 21.98 μm respectively. The compositions and surface morphology of berberine HCl and gallic acid containing microcapsules were examined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro controlled release models demonstrated that the drugs could be gradually released from the microcapsules. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity also proved that the berberine HCl loaded microcapsules exhibited better antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus when compared with those of the original drugs. The in vitro drug delivery model also demonstrated the delivery of berberine HCl from microcapsule treated textiles into nude mice skin. The in vivo mice disease model also showed that gallic acid loaded microcapsules were helpful in the treatment of acute liver and kidney toxicity after an overdose administration of acetaminophen. The development of agar–gelatin microcapsules was demonstrated to be an efficient, deliverable tool for both oral and topical applications.
Peptide Biosynthesis and Processing (1991)

The Biosynthesis of Biologically Active Peptides: A Perspective (Donald F. Steiner). Themes in Neuropeptide Gene Regulation (Carolyn D. Minth and Jack E. Dixon). Signals for Intracellular Protein Sorting: Implications for Peptide Hormone Precursor Processing and Secretion (Dennis Shields). Tissue-Specific Peptide Processing (Ian Dickerson and Gilles Noel). Glycosylation, Phosphorylation, and Sulfation of Peptide Hormones and Their Precursors (Hugh P.J. Bennett). Peptide Processing Proteinases with Selectivity for Paired Basic Residues (Iris Lindberg and John C. Hutton). Peptide Processing at Monobasic Sites (Lakshmi Devi). Peptide Processing Exopeptidases: Amino- and Carboxypeptidases Involved with Peptide Biosynthesis (Lloyd D. Fricker). Modification of the N- and C-Termini of Bioactive Peptides: Amidation and Acetylation (Alan F. Bradbury and Derek G. Smyth). Extracellular Processing of Peptides (Chris J. Molineaux and Sherwin Wilk).
Dendritic-cell-associated C-type lectin 2 (DCAL-2) alters dendritic-cell maturation and cytokine production (2005)

Dendritic-cell (DC)-associated C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) take up antigens to present to T cells and regulate DC functions. DCAL-2 is a CLR with a cytosolic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM), which is restricted to immature DCs (iDCs), monocytes, and CD1a+ DCs. Cross-linking DCAL-2 on iDCs induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation and MAPK activation as well as receptor internalization. To test if DCAL-2 is involved in DC maturation and cytokine expression, we stimulated iDCs with anti-DCAL-2 mAb with or without LPS, zymosan, or CD40L. While anti-DCAL-2 did not induce iDCs to mature, it did up-regulate CCR7 expression and IL-6 and IL-10 production. DCAL-2 signals augmented DC maturation induced by LPS or zymosan, increasing both CCR7 and DC-LAMP expression. Of interest, DCAL-2 ligation had the opposite effects on TLR versus CD40L signaling: anti-DCAL-2 suppressed TLR-induced IL-12 expression, but significantly enhanced CD40L-induced IL-12 production. DCAL-2 ligation also suppressed the ability of TLR-matured DCs to induce IFN-gamma-secreting Th1 cells but augmented the capacity of CD40L-matured DCs to polarize naive T cells into Th1 cells. Thus, DCAL-2 may program DCs differently depending on whether DCs are signaled via TLRs or by T cells. DCAL-2 may be a potential immunotherapeutic target for modulating autoimmune diseases or for developing vaccines.
A dual microscale glucose sensor on a contact lens, tested in conditions mimicking the eye (2011)

We report a microscale dual (signal and control) glucose sensor on a contact lens, and test its performance using a physiologically accurate eye model built on a polymer platform complete with fluidic channels mimicking tear ducts. We show that the sensor incorporated into a contact lens has enough sensitivity to detect glucose at levels found in the tear film. We also demonstrate that the differential design can be used to reject the impact of interfering chemicals found in the tear film such as ascorbic acid, lactate and urea. The test platform presented here enables the testing of contact lenses in a controlled environment that mimics the surface of the eye.
Thymosin alpha 1 down-regulates the growth of human non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. (1993)

The effect of thymosin alpha 1 (THN alpha 1) and its NH2-terminal fragment (THN1-14) and COOH-terminal fragment (THN15-28) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth was evaluated. Using an anti-THN alpha 1 antibody, receptors were identified on NSCLC cells that were pretreated with 10(-6) M THN alpha 1. [3H]Arachidonic acid was readily taken up by NSCLC cells and THN alpha 1 significantly increased the rate of arachidonic acid release. THN1-15 slightly stimulated but THN15-28 and THN beta 4 did not alter arachidonic acid release from NCI-H1299 cells. In clonogenic growth assays in vitro, THN alpha 1 (10(-6) M) significantly decreased NSCLC colony number whereas THN1-14, THN15-28, and THN beta 4 were less potent. Using growth assays in vivo, THN alpha 1 (10 micrograms s.c./day) but not THN1-14, THN15-28, or THN beta 4 inhibited significantly NSCLC xenograft formation in nude mice. These data suggest that biologically active THN alpha 1 receptors are present on NSCLC cells and that native THN alpha 1 inhibits the growth of human NSCLC.
Review of theoretical methods and research aspects for detecting leaf water content using terahertz spectroscopy and imaging (2018)

The water content in vegetative leaves is an important indicator to plant science. It reveals the physiological status of plants and provides valuable information in irrigation management. Terahertz (THz) as a state-of-the-art technology shows great potential in measuring and monitoring the water status in plant leaves. This paper reviewed the theoretical models for calculating water content in the plant leaves, the methods for eliminating the scattering loss caused by the surface roughness of leaf, the applications of THz spectroscopy and THz imaging for monitoring leaf water content and describing leaf water distribution. The survey of the researches presents the considerable advantages of this emerging and promising THz technology in agriculture. Keywords: terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, terahertz imaging, leaf water content, leaf water distribution, theoretical models, eliminating scattering loss, agriculture DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181105.3952 Citation: Qu F F, Nie P C, Lin L, Cai C Y, He Y. Review of theoretical methods and research aspects for detecting leaf water content using terahertz spectroscopy and imaging. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(5): 27–34.
A Generic Strategy To Analyze the Spatial Organization of Multi-Protein Complexes by Cross-Linking and Mass Spectrometry (1999)

Most cellular functions are performed by multi-protein complexes. The identity of the members of such complexes can now be determined by mass spectrometry. Here we show that mass spectrometry can also be used in order to define the spatial organization of these complexes. In this approach, components of a protein complex are purified via molecular interactions using an affinity tagged member and the purified complex is then partially cross-linked. The products are separated by gel electrophoresis and their constituent components identified by mass spectrometry yielding nearest-neighbor relationships. In this study, a member of the yeast nuclear pore complex (Nup85p) was tagged and a six-member sub-complex of the pore was cross-linked and analyzed by 1D SDS-PAGE. Cross-linking reactions were optimized for yield and number of products. Analysis by MALDI mass spectrometry resulted in the identification of protein constituents in the cross-linked bands even at a level of a few hundred femtomoles. Based on these results, a model of the spatial organization of the complex was derived that was later supported by biological experiments. This work demonstrates, that the use of mass spectrometry is the method of choice for analyzing cross-linking experiments aiming on nearest neighbor relationships.
Multichannel Hadamard Transform Raman Microscopy (1990)

Spatial multiplexing is combined with multichannel detection in a Hadamard transform Raman microscope which provides 127 × 128 pixel images with 12 cm −1 spectral resolution. Spatial resolution of 0.6 μm per pixel has been achieved. A spatial multiplex advantage of better that 10 4 is demonstrated. Instrumental design details and spectroscopic images are presented.
[Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on the development of mouse preimplantation embryos]. (1996)

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is known to be a mesoderm inducer of the Xenopas embryo, although the role of this factor in mammalian preimplantation embryos is not known. This study was performed to examine possible roles of bFGF in murine preimplantation development. To determine the expression of bFGF and FGF receptor 1 (FGFR 1) mRNA in mouse embryos and uterine endometrial epithelial cells, a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was used. In the mouse embryos, bFGF mRNA was not detected but FGFR 1 mRNA was expressed in the blastocyst stage. Long and short forms of FGFR1 mRNA generated by alternative splicing were expressed. Both bFGF and two forms of FGFR 1 mRNA were detected in mouse endometrial epithelial cells. Immunoblot analysis indicated that bFGF protein was present in the uterine luminal fluid during the preimplantation period, and the level of expression of the protein was relatively constant. The addition of bFGF to the culture medium had no effects on the rate of blastocyst formation of 2 cell stage embryos, but it significantly increased the protein synthesis in blastocysts. These results suggest that bFGF derived from the mouse uterine endometrium affects the development of preimplantation embryos in a paracrine fashion.
Virus Attenuation by Genome-Scale Changes in Codon Pair Bias (2008)

As a result of the redundancy of the genetic code, adjacent pairs of amino acids can be encoded by as many as 36 different pairs of synonymous codons. A species-specific "codon pair bias" provides that some synonymous codon pairs are used more or less frequently than statistically predicted. We synthesized de novo large DNA molecules using hundreds of over-or underrepresented synonymous codon pairs to encode the poliovirus capsid protein. Underrepresented codon pairs caused decreased rates of protein translation, and polioviruses containing such amino acid-independent changes were attenuated in mice. Polioviruses thus customized were used to immunize mice and provided protective immunity after challenge. This "death by a thousand cuts" strategy could be generally applicable to attenuating many kinds of viruses.
Biological Effects of Various Doses of Vaginally Administered Conjugated Equine Estrogens in Postmenopausal Women* (1983)

To determine whether vaginal administration of conjugated equine estrogens (VCE) could provide physiological replacement while avoiding effects on hepatic function, as occurs with oral administration, a study was conducted in which 20 postmenopausal women were evaluated before and after the vaginal administration of CE. The dosages studied were 0.3, 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/day for 4 weeks. Twenty premenopausal women were also studied, and their values were presumed to reflect normal physiological function. The findings in the postmenopausal women were compared with previously reported results obtained in a similar group of subjects given oral CE (OCE). Vaginal cytology returned to premenopausal values with 0.3 mg VCE. This response was similar to that exerted with 1.25 mg OCE. Stepwise increases in circulating estrone and estradiol occurred with increasing dosages. The 2.5-mg dosage of VCE raised estrone levels to values similar to those in premenopausal women in the late follicular phase, and estradiol concentrations were similar to early follicular phase concentrations. Limited or no responses of the systemic markers of estrogen action occurred with all doses of VCE. Small decreases in LH and FSH levels occurred, but no dosage significantly reduced the level of either gonadotropin. Although the urinary calcium to creatinine ratio was significantly reduced by the two largest dosages of VCE, the effect of the 2.5-mg dosage was less than that observed with 0.625 mg OCE, the lowest dosage that protects against osteoporosis. Hepatic protein synthesis was significantly increased only by the higher dosages tested. No dosage had a significant effect on circulating levels of triglycerides or total or fractionated cholesterol levels. These data suggest that the vaginal administration of CE exerts mainly a local effect, with limited or no measurable changes in systemic markers of the action of estrogen.
Enzyme immunoassay for detection of Salmonellae in foods (1982)

An enzyme immunoassay was developed to detect Salmonella in foods. Indirect test protocols were developed for use with microtitration plates or Gilford microcuvettes. Samples from enrichment cultures were mixed with H-specific immunoglobulin G and allowed to react; unbound antibody was removed by three 5-min centrifugation washes; goat anti-rabbit antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase was added and allowed to react; and unbound conjugate was removed by centrifugation washing as before. Salmonella-positive samples were indicated by the production of a chromogenic reaction product after the addition of alkaline phosphatase substrate. The color could be read visually or quantified by absorbance. Ninety-eight food samples were examined to compare the enzyme immunoassay with enrichment serology, immunofluorescence, and the Food and Drug Administration pure culture technique. The enzyme immunoassay was sensitive and specific, and it possessed advantages over methods currently in use. Furthermore, when the enzyme immunoassay was used to screen preenrichment media, the results indicated that it might be decidedly more sensitive than the conventional pure culture technique.
Is Impedance a Parameter to be Taken intoAccount in Spinal Cord Stimulation? (2007)

No correlation was found between impedance and posture. When the results for R and E were analyzed by sex and age, no statistical differences were found in any of the values in any position. The analysis of time since implant greater than or less than 6 months did not find differences in the energy requirement, although there was a significant difference in the impedance value when patients were in the S position. No significant differences were observed in the analysis by age groups.
ir-laser-addressed thermo-optic smectic liquid-crystal storage displays (1973)

Thermally induced optical storage and erasure (local and nonlocal) of scattering centers in thin films of smectic liquid crystals has been demonstrated. These new thermo-optic and electrothermo-optic effects provide the basis for what is believed to be the first practical application of smectic liquid crystals, an infrared-laser-addressed light valve for the recording, storage, and display of high-resolution graphic images.
Primary structure of human placental anticoagulant protein (1987)

The primary structure of human placental anticoagulant protein was determined by a combination of amino acid and nucleotide sequencing techniques. The carboxymethylated protein was digested with cyanogen bromide, and the resulting peptides were separated by gel filtration and high-performance liquid chromatography. A total of 239 out of 319 amino acid residues were identified from 7 cyanogen bromide fragments. A full-length cDNA clone encoding placental anticoagulant protein was isolated from a human placenta cDNA library. This clone was 1.6 kilobases long and contained a translation initiation site coding for methionine, 957 nucleotides encoding for the mature protein, a stop codon, a poly(A) recognition site, and a poly(A) tail. Analysis of the tryptic-blocked peptide that originated from the NH2-terminus of the protein showed that the terminal methionine was removed and the adjacent alanine residue was acetylated by posttranslational events. Placental anticoagulant protein is composed of 319 amino acids with acetylalanine as the NH2-terminus and has a high degree of sequence identity with lipocortins I and II. It contains four internal repeats, each including a sequence corresponding to a putative Ca2+-dependent phospholipid binding site. Placental anticoagulant protein is a member of the lipocortin/calpactin family.