gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Effect of magnesium on the osteogenesis of normal human osteoblasts (2017)

Biomaterials containing magnesium are used for implants and bone regeneration. However, mechanisms underlying the biologic effects of magnesium are still largely unknown and have not been examined on normal human osteoblasts. This study was designed to test the effect of supplemented Mg<sup>2+</sup> concentrations between 0.5 mM and 16 mM on the osteogenic behaviors of normal human primary osteoblasts. Human primary osteoblasts were cultured in the groups with various concentrations of supplemented magnesium for various time intervals. Cell proliferation was measured using crystal violet staining. Degree of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured by fluorometric assay. Expression of osteocalcin was measured by immunosorbent assay. Mineralization of cultures was determined by Alizarin Red S staining. Results showed that initial cell attachment efficiency was not affected by supplemented Mg<sup>2+</sup> (P > 0.05). At 21 days, proliferation rates increased in groups containing 0.5 mM-4 mM supplemented Mg<sup>2+</sup> and decreased in groups of supplemented 8 mM and 16 mM Mg<sup>2+</sup>. ALP activity and osteocalcin expression were upregulated in groups of supplemented Mg<sup>2+</sup> between 0.5 mM-2.0 mM (P < 0.05), but downregulated in groups with supplemented Mg<sup>2+</sup> concentrations of 4mM and above (P < 0.05). Cultures with 1 mM and 2 mM supplemented Mg<sup>2+</sup> showed upregulated mineralization activity compared to the control (P < 0.05), but downregulated in groups with supplemented Mg<sup>2+</sup> concentrations of 4 mM and above (P < 0.05). The present study based on an experimental design demonstrated the impact of 2 mM supplemented Mg<sup>2+</sup> on induced-proliferation and differentiation of normal human osteoblasts.
Detection and determination of interfering 5–hydroxymethylfurfural in the analysis of caramel–coloured pharmaceutical syrups (1993)

A comparison between different caramels described for use in the pharmaceutical industry is presented. An interfering substance, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), was detected in some caramels. Conditions and proofs for the formation of 5-HMF are presented. Interference by 5-HMF during the analysis of the active drugs and the possibility of interaction with the active drugs during the shelf-life of the drug formulation are discussed. A limit test for 5-HMF in caramel was developed. The test depends on measuring the difference in absorbance between two equimolar solutions of caramel, one of which contains sodium borohydride. The test is sensitive and selective for the detection and determination of trace amounts of 5-HMF without interference from the brown products of caramel.
Nonsurgical Breast Enlargement Using an External Soft-Tissue Expansion System (2000)

Less than 1 percent of the women interested in having larger breasts elect to have surgical augmentation mammaplasty with insertion of breast implants. The purpose of this report is to describe and test the efficacy of a nonsurgical method for breast enlargement that is based on the ability of tissues to grow when subjected to controlled distractive mechanical forces. Seventeen healthy women (aged 18 to 40 years) who were motivated to achieve breast enlargement were enrolled in a single-group study. The participants were asked to wear a brassiere-like system that applies a 20-mmHg vacuum distraction force to each breast for 10 to 12 hours/day over a 10-week period. Breast size was measured by three separate methods at regular intervals during and after treatment. Breast tissue water density and architecture were visualized before and after treatment by magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained in the same phase of the menstrual cycle. Twelve subjects completed the study; five withdrawals occurred due to protocol noncompliance. Breast size increased in all women over the 10-week treatment course and peaked at week 10 (final treatment); the average increase per woman was 98 +/- 67 percent over starting size. Partial recoil was seen in the first week after terminating treatment, with no significant further size reduction after up to 30 weeks of follow-up. The stable long-term increase in breast size was 55 percent (range, 15 to 115 percent). Magnetic resonance images showed no edema and confirmed the proportionate enlargement of both adipose and fibroglandular tissue components. A statistically significant decrease in body weight occurred during the course of the study, and scores on the self-esteem questionnaire improved significantly. All participants were very pleased with the outcome and reported that the device was comfortable to wear. No adverse events were recorded during the use of the device or after treatment. We conclude that true breast enlargement can be achieved with the daily use of an appropriately designed external expansion system. This nonsurgical and noninvasive alternative for breast enlargement is effective and well tolerated.
Thrombospondins as matricellular modulators of cell function (2001)

Thrombospondins (TSPs) are a small family of secreted, modular glycoproteins whose functions, at a mechanistic level, are not well understood, despite increasing scrutiny in recent years. TSP1 and TSP2 form one subgroup and are trimers with a chain molecular mass of about 145 kDa. The pentameric TSPs 3-5 are significantly smaller, with a subunit molecular mass of about 100 kDa (1), and their physiological roles are probably distinct. This Perspective will concern itself with TSP1 and TSP2.
Appropriation et gestion de la rente forestière en Côte-d’Ivoire (1994)

Appropriation and management of the ivory coast forest capital. The Ivorian economy relies on forestry, associating wood, coffee and cocoa. Forest capital is the source of the Ivorian miracle and of the stability of the political system. It is threatened by the dilapidation of forest ressources, the agricultural colonization of pioneer fronts, politicking strategies and the quest for immediate profit. To regenerate it the State and peasants must undertake a global and concerted policy of forest rehabilitation.
Energy expenditure in chronic alcohol abuse (2000)

Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with energy wasting and inhibition of adipose tissue accumulation. This may explain why alcoholics are not obese despite high total energy intakes.
Amplification of fibre Bragg grating reflectivityby post-writingexposure with a 193 nm ArF laser (1994)

The reflectivity of weak in-fibre gratings (a few percent reflectivity) written by an ArF laser illuminated phase mask can be dramatically enhanced (reaching ≥ 95%) by subsequent exposure using a uniform ArF laser beam. This new effect offers the possibility of post-writing control of grating properties.
Performance differences in the fingers, wrist, and forearm in computer input control (1997)

Recent work in computer input control has sought to maximize the use of the fingers in the operation of computer pointing devices. The main rationale is the hypothesis that the muscle groups conmolling the fingers have a higher bandwidth than those controlling other segments of the human upper limb. Evidence which supports this, however, is inconclusive. We conducted an experiment to determine the relative bandwidths of the fingers, wrist, and forearm and found that the fingers do not necessarily outperform the other limb segments. Our results indicate that the bandwidth of the unsupported index finger is approximately 3.0 bits/s while the wrist and forearm have bandwidths of about 4.1 bits/s. We also show that the thumb and index finger working together in a pinch grip have an information processing rate of about 4.5 bits/s. Other factors which influence the relative performance of the different limbs in manipulation tasks are considered.
mdx muscle pathology is independent of nNOS perturbation (1998)

In skeletal muscle, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is anchored to the sarcolemma via the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. When dystrophin is absent, as in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and in mdx mice, nNOS is mislocalized to the interior of the muscle fiber where it continues to produce nitric oxide. This has led to the hypothesis that free radical toxicity from mislocalized nNOS may contribute to mdx muscle pathology. To test this hypothesis directly, we generated mice devoid of both nNOS and dystrophin. Overall, the nNOS-dystrophin null mice maintained the dystrophic characteristics of mdx mice. We evaluated the mice for several features of the dystrophic phenotype, including membrane damage and muscle morphology. Removal of nNOS did not alter the extent of sarcolemma damage, which is a hallmark of the dystrophic phenotype. Furthermore, muscle from nNOS-dystrophin null mice maintain the histological features of mdx pathology. Our results demonstrate that relocalization of nNOS to the cytosol does not contribute significantly to mdx pathogenesis.
Common Botanical Compounds Inhibit the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer (2010)

Many botanical compounds have been proposed to prevent cancer. We investigated the cancer treatment and prevention abilities of apigenin, baicalein, curcumin, epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), genistein, quercetin, and resveratrol both in vivo in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice as well as in vitro in prostate cancer cell lines. In our experiments, these seven compounds act similarly to the Hedgehog antagonist cyclopamine, a teratogenic plant alkaloid, which had been previously shown to "cure" prostate cancer in a mouse xenograft model. With IC(50) values ranging from <1 to 25 mumol/L, these compounds can inhibit Gli1 mRNA concentration by up to 95% and downregulate Gli reporter activity by 80%. We show that four compounds, genistein, curcumin, EGCG, and resveratrol, inhibit Hedgehog signaling as monitored by real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis of Gli1 mRNA concentration or by Gli reporter activity. Three compounds, apigenin, baicalein, and quercetin, decreased Gli1 mRNA concentration but not Gli reporter activity. Our results show that these compounds are also able to reduce or delay prostate cancer in vivo in TRAMP mice. All seven compounds, when fed in combination as pure compounds or as crude plant extracts, inhibit well-differentiated carcinoma of the prostate by 58% and 81%, respectively. In vitro, we show that all seven compounds also inhibit growth in human and mouse prostate cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, we propose the Hedgehog signaling pathway to be a direct or indirect target of these compounds. These botanicals at pharmacologic concentrations are potentially safer and less expensive alternatives to cyclopamine and its pharmaceutical analogues for cancer therapy.
Periodontal disease and perinatal outcomes: a case‐control study (2006)

Results do not support the hypothesis of association observed in previous studies after appropriate controlling for confounding variables. Negative peri-natal outcomes are better explained by determinants other than periodontal health. This study adds to the growing body of literature on the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health.
Novel Fiber-Optic Distributed Strain and Temperature Sensor with Very High Resolution (2006)

A novel technique is proposed for measuring the distributed strain and temperature in a fiber with a very high resolution. This technique makes use of the jagged appearance of Rayleigh backscatter traces from a single-mode fiber measured by using a coherent OTDR with a precisely frequency-controlled light source. Our preliminary experiment indicated the possibility of measuring temperature with a resolution of better than 0.01°C and a spatial resolution of one meter. This temperature resolution is two orders of magnitude better than that provided by Brillouin-based distributed sensors.
A putative RNA editing from U to C in a mouse mitochondrial transcript (2002)

Recently, we isolated and characterized a new mouse mitochondrial RNA molecule containing the mitochondrial 16S RNA plus 121 nt joined to the 5' end of the RNA. This fragment arises from the L strand of the same gene and we have named this transcript chimeric RNA. At position 121 of the RNA there is a C, which, according to the sequence of the mitochondrial 16S RNA gene, should be a U. We hypothesized that this RNA is synthesized having a U at position 121, which is later substituted to a C by a putative editing reaction. Based on the presence of sites for the restriction endonucleases RsaI and Fnu4HI around position 121, both forms of the RNA were detected in mouse tissues. To confirm the presence of the non-edited and putative edited RNA, a fragment containing the first 154 nt of the RNA was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned. The substitution of U for C was demonstrated by sequencing these clones. In vitro transcription experiments demonstrated that the substitution of U for C is not due to artifact of amplification or cloning. Moreover, in mitochondria from testis only the non-edited form was found. This, together with other experimental evidence, demonstrated that the base substitution was not due to polymorphism of the mitochondrial 16S RNA gene. This is the first demonstration of a substitution reaction from U to C in a mammalian mitochondrial transcript.
Development of interferon-specific monoclonal antibody for in vitro interferon assays. (1986)

In this study, monoclonal antibodies (MABs) to human interferon alpha (HuIFN alpha) were evaluated for their suitability for the quantification of different HuIFN alpha preparations by conventional immunoassay methods. The results obtained using four different MABs were compared and suggest that whilst immunoassays can be highly sensitive and reproducible to perform, calibration of antigen content in relation to units of biological activity remains a problem, particularly because of the molecular and biological heterogeneity of HuIFN alpha preparations. Nevertheless, the judicious selection of MABs specific for an individual HuIFN alpha subtype has indicated that immunoassays may be accurately calibrated in units of biological activity for potency estimations of that HuIFN alpha subtype.
Fabrication of α-chitin whisker-reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite nanofibres by electrospinning (2006)

The present contribution reports, for the first time, the successful fabrication of α-chitin whisker-reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite nanofibres by electrospinning. The α-chitin whiskers were prepared from α-chitin flakes from shrimp shells by acid hydrolysis. The as-prepared chitin whiskers exhibited lengths in the range 231–969 nm and widths in the range 12–65 nm, with the average length and width being about 549 and 31 nm, respectively. Successful incorporation of the chitin whiskers within the as-spun PVA/chitin whisker nanocomposite nanofibres was verified by infrared spectroscopic and thermogravimetric methods. The incorporation of chitin whiskers within the as-spun nanocomposite fibre mats increased the Young's modulus by about 4–8 times over that of the neat as-spun PVA fibre mat.
Insulin Production by Engineered Muscle Cells (1999)

Type 1 diabetic patients depend dramatically on insulin replacement therapy, which involves the administration of intermediate- or long-acting insulin, together with short-acting insulin to mimic physiological insulin profiles. However, the delayed-action preparations available are not generally able to produce smooth background levels of insulin. Muscle cells were tested for long-term delivery of active human insulin as an approach to achieve a constant basal level of insulin. Thus, C2C12 mouse myoblast cells were stably transfected with a chimeric gene obtained by linking the myosin-light chain 1 (MLC1) promoter to the human proinsulin gene, containing genetically engineered furin endoprotease cleavage sites (MLC1/Insm). When differentiated, C2C12Insm myotube cells expressed high levels of insulin mRNA and protein, whereas no insulin was detected in myoblast cells. HPLC fractionation of culture medium and cell extracts from differentiated C2C12Insm cells revealed that about 90% of the proinsulin was processed to mature insulin. In addition, these cells released significant levels (about 100 microU/10(6) cells/hr) of mature insulin to the medium. The hormone was biologically active since it increased glucose consumption and utilization by the differentiated C2C12Insm cells and was able to block the expression of the endogenous phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene in FTO-2B rat hepatoma cells. Furthermore, when C2C12Insm myoblast cells were transplanted into diabetic mice an increase in insulinemia and a decrease in hyperglycemia were observed. Thus, our results suggest that the use of engineered myotube cells continuously secreting a defined level of insulin might be a useful approach to improve the efficacy of insulin injection treatment.
Sobre las causas de una ruptura y la vida después de ésta: Publicis y Omnicom no han logrado superar sus diferencias culturales, los desacuerdos sobre organización y los problemas regulatorios que hacían problemática su anunciada fusión (2014)

Lo que un fin de semana de verano en Paris parecia una idea fantastica que iba a revolucionar el mercado publicitario, diez meses despues se ha traducido en abandono de la iniciativa y en frustracion. Publicis y Omnicom han abandonado su cacareado plan de fusion entre iguales que iba dar lugar al mayor grupo publicitario del mundo. En las siguientes lineas se comentan algunas de las causas conocidas de esta decision y lo que puede esperar a ambos grupos en un futuro inmediato. Representantes de companias de ambos grupos en Espana con los que se ha puesto en contacto Anuncios han declinado hacer comentarios sobre lo sucedido.
Inhibition of Hepatitis C Replicon RNA Synthesis by β-D-2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′-C-Methylcytidine: A Specific Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus Replication (2006)

beta-D-2'-Deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylcytidine (PSI-6130) is a cytidine analogue with potent and selective anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity in the subgenomic HCV replicon assay, 90% effective concentration (EC90)=4.6 +/- 2.0 microM. The spectrum of activity and cytotoxicity profile of PSI-6130 was evaluated against a diverse panel of viruses and cell types, and against two additional HCV-1b replicons. The S282T mutation, which confers resistance to 2'-C-methyl adenosine and other 2'-methylated nucleosides, showed only a 6.5-fold increase in EC90. When assayed for activity against bovine diarrhoea virus (BVDV), which is typically used as a surrogate assay to identify compounds active against HCV, PSI-6130 showed no anti-BVDV activity. Weak antiviral activity was noted against other flaviviruses, including West Nile virus, Dengue type 2, and yellow fever virus. These results indicate that PSI-6130 is a specific inhibitor of HCV. PSI-6130 showed little or no cytotoxicity against various cell types, including human peripheral blood mononuclear and human bone marrow progenitor cells. No mitochondrial toxicity was observed with PSI-6130. The reduced activity against the RdRp S282T mutant suggests that PSI-6130 is an inhibitor of replicon RNA synthesis. Finally, the no-effect dose for mice treated intraperitoneally with PSI-6130 for six consecutive days was > or =100 mg/kg per day.
Pharmacological characterization of desensitization in a human mGlulα‐expressing non‐neuronal cell line co‐transfected with a glutamate transporter (1996)

1. Stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by human mGlu1 alpha (HmGlu1 alpha) was examined in a non-neuronal cell line (AV12-664) co-expressing both HmGlu1 alpha and a rat glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST). 2. Desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha could be elicited by inhibition of the GLAST transporter with the glutamate uptake inhibitor, L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (trans-PDC). Maximal inhibition of HmGlu1 alpha-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was induced upon 24 h pretreatment with trans-PDC. The concentration of glutamate in the extracellular medium also rose significantly in cells pretreated with trans-PDC. Glutamate levels increased upon incubation with trans-PDC in a time-dependent manner, with maximal glutamate levels attained after 24 h incubation with trans-PDC. 3. The time required for desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha by trans-PDC was compared to the time course for desensitization elicited by the direct-acting mGlu receptor agonists, 1-aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) and (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (3,5-DHPG). Both direct-acting mGlu receptor agonists elicited desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha more rapidly than did trans-PDC, with maximal inhibition of agonist-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis upon 12 h pretreatment. Agonist-induced desensitization could be fully reversed upon washout of agonist for 12 h. 4. Both mGlu receptor agonist- and trans-PDC-induced desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha could be blocked by inclusion of (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG), an mGlu receptor antagonist, in the pretreatment medium. 5. Agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis by HmGlu1 alpha was found to parallel closely agonist-induced desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha. Thus, the EC50 values for 1S,3R-ACPD- and 3,5-DHPG-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis were similar to the EC50 values for eliciting desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha. 6. These studies demonstrate desensitization of recombinant human mGlu1 alpha receptor in a non-neuronal cell line in which the receptor can be regulated by direct activation or by manipulation of glutamate transporter activity. Desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha was found to be mediated by activation of the receptor since the mGlu receptor antagonist, MCPG, blocked both mGlu receptor agonist- and trans-PDC-induced desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha. Furthermore, agonist-induced desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha was found to parallel receptor-mediated stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis.
Solid-state polymer electrolytes for high-performance lithium metal batteries (2019)

Electrochemical cells based on alkali metal anodes are receiving intensive scientific interest as potentially transformative technology platforms for electrical energy storage. Chemical, morphological, mechanical and hydrodynamic instabilities at the metal anode produce uneven metal electrodeposition and poor anode reversibility, which, are among the many known challenges that limit progress. Here, we report that solid-state electrolytes based on crosslinked polymer networks can address all of these challenges in cells based on lithium metal anodes. By means of transport and electrochemical analyses, we show that manipulating thermodynamic interactions between polymer segments covalently anchored in the network and "free" segments belonging to an oligomeric electrolyte hosted in the network pores, one can facilely create hybrid electrolytes that simultaneously exhibit liquid-like barriers to ion transport and solid-like resistance to morphological and hydrodynamic instability.