gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
IFN-γ-dependent activation of the brain’s choroid plexus for CNS immune surveillance and repair (2013)

Infiltrating T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages support central nervous system repair. Although infiltration of leucocytes to the injured central nervous system has recently been shown to be orchestrated by the brain's choroid plexus, the immunological mechanism that maintains this barrier and regulates its activity as a selective gate is poorly understood. Here, we hypothesized that CD4(+) effector memory T cells, recently shown to reside at the choroid plexus stroma, regulate leucocyte trafficking through this portal through their interactions with the choroid plexus epithelium. We found that the naïve choroid plexus is populated by T helper 1, T helper 2 and regulatory T cells, but not by encephalitogenic T cells. In vitro findings revealed that the expression of immune cell trafficking determinants by the choroid plexus epithelium is specifically induced by interferon-γ. Tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ reciprocally controlled the expression of their receptors by the choroid plexus epithelium, and had a synergistic effect in inducing the epithelial expression of trafficking molecules. In vivo, interferon-γ-dependent signalling controlled trafficking through the choroid plexus; interferon-γ receptor knockout mice exhibited reduced levels of T cells and monocyte entry to the cerebrospinal fluid and impaired recovery following spinal cord injury. Moreover, reduced expression of trafficking molecules by the choroid plexus was correlated with reduced CD4(+) T cells in the choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid of interferon-γ receptor knockout mice. Similar effect on the expression of trafficking molecules by the choroid plexus was found in bone-marrow chimeric mice lacking interferon-γ receptor in the central nervous system, or reciprocally, lacking interferon-γ in the circulation. Collectively, our findings attribute a novel immunological plasticity to the choroid plexus epithelium, allowing it to serve, through interferon-γ signalling, as a tightly regulated entry gate into the central nervous system for circulating leucocytes immune surveillance under physiological conditions, and for repair following acute injury.
Derivation of oocyte-like cells from a clonal pancreatic stem cell line (2006)

Adult pancreatic stem cells (PSCs) are able to differentiate spontaneously in vitro into various somatic cell types. Stem cells isolated from rat pancreas show extensive self-renewal ability and grow in highly viable long-term cultures. Additionally, these cells express typical stem cell markers such as Oct-4, nestin and SSEA-1. Although differentiation potential is slightly decreasing in long-term cultures, it is possible to keep cell lines up to passage 140. Clonal cell lines could be established from different passages and showed similar characteristics. Remarkably, one clonal cell line, generated from passage 75, showed deviant properties during further culture. Clonal cells formed aggregates, which built tissue-like structures in suspension culture. These generated 3D aggregates produced permanently new cells at the outside margin. Released cells had remarkable size, and closer examination by light microscopy analysis revealed oocyte-like morphology. A comparison of the gene expression patterns between primary cultures of passages 8 and 75, the clonal cell line and the produced oocyte-like cells (OLCs) from tissue-like structures demonstrated some differences. Expression of various germ cell markers, such as Vasa, growth differentiation marker 9 and SSEA-1, increased in the clonal cell line, and OLCs showed additionally expression of meiosis-specific markers SCP3 and DMC1. We here present a first pilot study investigating the putative germ line potential of adult PSCs.
The cytoplasmic membrane is a primary target for the staphylocidal action of thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal protein (1997)

Thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal protein (tPMP-1) is a small, cationic peptide released from rabbit platelets exposed to thrombin in vitro. tPMP-1 is microbicidal against a broad spectrum of bloodstream pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus. Preliminary evidence suggests that tPMP-1 targets and disrupts the staphylococcal cytoplasmic membrane. However, it is not clear if the cytoplasmic membrane is a direct or indirect target of tPMP-1. Therefore, we assessed the in vitro activity of tPMP-1 versus protoplasts prepared from logarithmic-phase (LOG) or stationary-phase (STAT) cells of the genetically related S. aureus strains 19S and 19R (tPMP-1 susceptible and resistant, respectively). Protoplasts exposed to tPMP-1 (2 microg/ml) for 2 h at 37 degrees C were monitored for lysis (decrease in optical density at 420 nm) and ultrastructural alterations (by transmission electron microscopy [TEM]). Exposure to tPMP-1 resulted in substantial lysis of LOG but not STAT protoplasts of 19S, coinciding with protoplast membrane disruption observed by TEM. Thus, it appears that tPMP-1-induced membrane damage is influenced by the bacterial growth phase but is independent of the staphylococcal cell wall. In contrast to 19S, neither LOG nor STAT protoplasts of 19R were lysed by tPMP-1. tPMP-1-induced membrane damage was further characterized with anionic planar lipid bilayers subjected to various trans-negative voltages. tPMP-1 increased conductance across bilayers at -90 mV but not at -30 mV. Once initiated, a reduction in voltage from -90 to -30 mV diminished conductance magnitude but did not eliminate tPMP-1-mediated membrane permeabilization. Therefore, tPMP-1 appears to directly target the staphylococcal cytoplasmic membrane as a primary event in its mechanism of action. Specifically, tPMP-1 likely leads to staphylococcal death, at least in part by permeabilizing the bacterial membrane in a voltage-dependent manner.
Expression of S100 proteins in normal human tissues and common cancers using tissue microarrays: S100A6, S100A8, S100A9 and S100A11 are all overexpressed in common cancers (2005)

S100A6, S100A8, S100A9 and S100A11 are all expressed in common cancers, especially breast cancer. In addition, S100A11 undergoes a nucleocytoplasmic translocation which may have a direct influence on the proliferation of the cancer cells.
B7‐H3 is a potent inhibitor of human T‐cell activation: No evidence for B7‐H3 and TREML2 interaction (2009)

B7-H3 belongs to the B7 superfamily, a group of molecules that costimulate or down-modulate T-cell responses. Although it was shown that B7-H3 could inhibit T-cell responses, several studies - most of them performed in murine systems - found B7-H3 to act in a costimulatory manner. In this study, we have specifically addressed a potential functional dualism of human B7-H3 by assessing the effect of this molecule under varying experimental conditions as well as on different T-cell subsets. We show that B7-H3 does not costimulate human T cells. In the presence of strong activating signals, B7-H3 potently and consistently down-modulated human T-cell responses. This inhibitory effect was evident when analysing proliferation and cytokine production and affected naïve as well as pre-activated T cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that B7-H3-T-cell interaction is characterised by an early suppression of IL-2 and that T-cell inhibition can be reverted by exogenous IL-2. Since the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells like transcript 2 (TREML2/TLT-2) has been recently described as costimulatory receptor of murine B7-H3 we have extensively analysed interaction of human B7-H3 with TREML2/TLT-2. In these experiments we found no evidence for such an interaction. Furthermore, our data do not point to a role for murine TREML2 as a receptor for murine B7-H3.
A Cyclic β-Strand Tripeptide with an α-Helix Like CD Spectrum (2009)

A protein alpha-helix is defined by 3.6 amino acids per turn. Cyclization of the tripeptide Alanine-Leucine-Glutamate through a side chain to the N-terminus lactam bond produces cyclo-(1,3)-[ALE]-NH(2) which displays a circular dichroism spectrum typical of an alpha-helix backbone. However, proton NMR spectra show a novel cyclic peptide featuring two non-hydrogen-bonded antiparallel beta-strands connected by an Ala-Leu cis-amide bond. This example highlights that the common practice of characterizing alpha-helices by CD spectra alone can be misleading.
Cross-Linking Chitosan Nanofibers (2006)

In the present study, we have electrospun various grades of chitosan and cross-linked them using a novel method involving glutaraldehyde (GA) vapor, utilizing a Schiff base imine functionality. Chemical, structural, and mechanical analyses have been conducted by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Kawabata microtensile testing, respectively. Additionally, the solubilities of the as-spun and cross-linked chitosan mats have been evaluated;solubility was greatly improved after cross-linking. SEM images displayed evidence that unfiltered low, medium, and high molecular weight chitosans, as well as practical-grade chitosan, can be electrospun into nanofibrous mats. The as-spun medium molecular weight chitosan nanofibers have a Young's modulus of 154.9 +/- 40.0 MPa and display a pseudo-yield point that arose due to the transition from the pulling of a fibrous mat with high cohesive strength to the sliding and elongation of fibers. As-spun mats were highly soluble in acidic and aqueous solutions. After cross-linking, the medium molecular weight fibers increased in diameter by an average of 161 nm, have a decreased Young's modulus of 150.8 +/- 43.6 MPa, and were insoluble in basic, acidic, and aqueous solutions. Though the extent to which GA penetrates into the chitosan fibers is currently unknown, it is evident that the cross-linking resulted in increased brittleness, a color change, and the restriction of fiber sliding that resulted in the loss of a pseudo-yield point.
A single transistor EEPROM cell and its implementation in a 512K CMOS EEPROM (1985)

This paper describes an electrically programmable and erasable nonvolatile memory cell employing a single floating gate transistor (1), and its implementation in a 512K CMOS EEPROM memory chip. The single transistor EEPROM cell is based on an innovative device concept, and utilizes proven process techniques. The cell is programmed to a high Vt state by channel hot electron injection like an EPROM cell, and erased to a low Vt state by Fowler Nordheim tunneling from the floating gate to source diffusion. With the proper choice of gate dielectric and cell layout the cell is programmed to high threshold with less than 5 volts on the drain and less than 15 volts on the control gate. Erasing is achieved with less than 15 volts on the source diffusion. A 25 square micron cell has been implemented in a 512K EEPROM memory chip with a die size of 4.3 mm. by 7 mm.
Structure of the Transition State of Gating in the Acetylcholine Receptor Channel Pore:  A Φ-Value Analysis (2002)

The gating mechanism of the acetylcholine receptor channel (AChR) was investigated by using rate equilibrium linear free energy relationships (LFERs) to probe the transition state between the closed and open conformations. The properties of the transition state of gating in the second transmembrane segment (M2) of the delta subunit, one of the five homologous pore-lining segments, was measured on a residue-by-residue basis. Series of point mutations were engineered at individual positions of this domain, and the corresponding constructs were characterized electrophysiologically, at the single-channel level. Fully liganded AChR opening and closing rate constants were estimated, and Phi-values (which are a measure of the extent of the conformational change realized at the transition state) were calculated for each reaction series as the slope of the Brønsted relationship (log rate constant versus log equilibrium constant). Our results indicate that, at the transition state of gating, the extracellular half of deltaM2 partly resembles the open state (Phi-values between 0.24 and 0.38) while the intracellular half completely resembles the closed state (Phi-values between -0.18 and 0.03), with a break point near the middle of the M2 segment. This suggests that during gating the two halves of deltaM2 move asynchronously, with the rearrangement of the extracellular portion preceding (following) that of the intracellular part of deltaM2 during opening (closing). This particular sequence of molecular events indicates that the gating conformational change, which starts at the extracellular acetylcholine-binding sites (when opening), does not propagate exclusively along the primary sequence of the protein. In addition, our data are consistent with the deltaM2 segment bending or swiveling around its central residues during gating. We also elaborate on unsettled aspects of the analysis such as the accuracy of two-point LFERs, the physical interpretation of fractional Phi-values, and the existence of single versus parallel transition states for the gating reaction.
Analog MOS Integrated Circuits for Signal Processing (1986)

Transformation Methods. MOS Devices as Circuit Elements. MOS Operational Amplifiers. Switched-Capacitor Filters. Nonfiltering Applications of Switched-Capacitor Circuits. Nonideal Effects in Switched-Capacitor Circuits. Systems Considerations and Applications. Index.
What is the color of chocolate? Extracting color values of semantic expressions (2012)

We present a statistical framework to automatically determine an associated color for a given arbitrary semantic expression. The expression can not only be a color name but any word or character string. In addition to the color value, we are also able to compute the result’s significance, which determines how meaningful defining the color is for the expression. To demonstrate the framework’s strength we apply it to two well known tasks: assessing memory colors and finding the color values for a given color name (color naming). We emphasize that we solve these tasks fully automatic without any psychophysical experiment or human intervention. Further, we outline the potential of our automatic framework and in particular the significance for the imaging community.
Monoclonal antibodies : principles and applications (1995)

Applications: Therapeutic Applications of Monoclonal Antibodies for Human Disease (D. Scheinberg & P. Chapman). Applications: The Role of Monoclonal Antibodies in the Advancement of Immunoassay Technology (M. Perry). Applications: Immunoaffinity Purification with Monoclonal Antibodies (C. Hill). Genetic Manipulation and Expression of Antibodies (E. Ward & C. Bebbington). Modification of Antibodies by Chemical Methods (J. Upeslacis, et al.). The Production of Monoclonal Antibodies (J. Birch, et al.). Biosafety Considerations (G. Lees & A. Darling). Antibody Patents (P. Crawley). Index.
<title>Method for in-situ detection of tritium in water</title> (1999)

The objective of this project was to design a monitoring system capable of detecting and quantifying tritium in-situ in ground and surface waters, and in water from effluent lines prior to discharge into public waterways. The design work was successfully completed with the predicted capability to detect tritium levels below 20 nanocuries per liter. The designed system was based on the detection of the low energy beta radiation from the radioactive decay of tritium using a special form of scintillating optical fiber directly in contact with the water to be measured. To support the design, laboratory tests were performed in several areas. Different types of scintillating fiber were tested to determine which would provide optimum system performance. The fibers contained a fluor material in a special cladding configuration which optimizes the absorption of beta radiation. The tritium detection system consists of an immersible sensor module containing the optical fiber and detection electronics as well as signal processing electronics. An umbilical cable is used to interconnect the components. The system design goals included optional permanent installation for routine water monitoring in wells, process and effluent lines or as a potential portable survey tool which could be moved from one location to another. Not all the design goals were met due to the large physical size of the immersible sensor module. Discussed in this paper are the design details of the in-situ tritium beta detector, the tests performed, and results obtained. The work was supported by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contract number DE-AC21-96MC33128.
Monoclonal Anti-HMGB1 (High Mobility Group Box Chromosomal Protein 1) Antibody Protection in Two Experimental Arthritis Models (2011)

High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) is a DNA-binding nuclear protein that can be released from dying cells and activated myeloid cells. Extracellularly, HMGB1 promotes inflammation. Experimental studies demonstrate HMGB1 to be a pathogenic factor in many inflammatory conditions including arthritis. HMGB1-blocking therapies in arthritis models alleviate disease and confer significant protection against cartilage and bone destruction. So far, the most successful HMGB1-targeted therapies have been demonstrated with HMGB1-specific polyclonal antibodies and with recombinant A box protein, a fragment of HMGB1. The present study is the first to evaluate the potential of a monoclonal anti-HMGB1 antibody (2G7, mouse IgG2b) to ameliorate arthritis. Effects of repeated injections of this antibody have now been studied in two conceptually different models of arthritis: collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice and in a spontaneous arthritis disease in mice with combined deficiencies for genes encoding for the enzyme DNase type II and interferon type I receptors. These mice are unable to degrade phagocytozed DNA in macrophages and develop chronic, destructive polyarthritis. Therapeutic intervention in CIA and prophylactic administration of anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in the spontaneous arthritis model significantly ameliorated the clinical courses. Anti-HMGB1 mAb therapy also partially prevented joint destruction, as demonstrated by histological examination. The beneficial antiarthritic effects by the anti-HMGB1 mAb in two diverse models of arthritis represent additional proof-of-concept, indicating that HMGB1 may be a valid target molecule to consider for development of future clinical therapy.
Elevated Levels of C-Reactive Protein at Discharge in Patients With Unstable Angina Predict Recurrent Instability (1999)

In unstable angina, CRP may remain elevated for at >/=3 months after the waning of symptoms and is associated with recurrent instability. Elevation of acute-phase reactants in unstable angina could represent a hallmark of subclinical persistent instability or of susceptibility to recurrent instability and, at least in some patients, could be related to chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection.
A single genus in the gut microbiome reflects host preference and specificity (2014)

Delineating differences in gut microbiomes of human and animal hosts contributes towards understanding human health and enables new strategies for detecting reservoirs of waterborne human pathogens. We focused upon Blautia, a single microbial genus that is important for nutrient assimilation as preliminary work suggested host-related patterns within members of this genus. In our dataset of 57 M sequence reads of the V6 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene in samples collected from seven host species, we identified 200 high-resolution taxonomic units within Blautia using oligotyping. Our analysis revealed 13 host-specific oligotypes that occurred exclusively in fecal samples of humans (three oligotypes), swine (six oligotypes), cows (one oligotype), deer (one oligotype), or chickens (two oligotypes). We identified an additional 171 oligotypes that exhibited differential abundance patterns among all the host species. Blautia oligotypes in the human population obtained from sewage and fecal samples displayed remarkable continuity. Oligotypes from only 10 Brazilian human fecal samples collected from individuals in a rural village encompassed 97% of all Blautia oligotypes found in a Brazilian sewage sample from a city of three million people. Further, 75% of the oligotypes in Brazilian human fecal samples matched those in US sewage samples, implying that a universal set of Blautia strains may be shared among culturally and geographically distinct human populations. Such strains can serve as universal markers to assess human fecal contamination in environmental samples. Our results indicate that host-specificity and host-preference patterns of organisms within this genus are driven by host physiology more than dietary habits.
Scanning single-mode fiber optic catheter–endoscope for optical coherence tomography: erratum (1996)

Get PDF Email Share Share with Facebook Tweet This Post on reddit Share with LinkedIn Add to CiteULike Add to Mendeley Add to BibSonomy Get Citation Copy Citation Text G. J. Tearney, S. A. Boppart, B. E. Bouma, M. E. Brezinski, N. J. Weissman, J. F. Southern, and J. G. Fujimoto, "Scanning single-mode fiber optic catheter–endoscope for optical coherence tomography: erratum," Opt. Lett. 21, 912-912 (1996) Export Citation BibTex Endnote (RIS) HTML Plain Text Citation alert Save article
MsmR, a specific positive regulator of the Streptococcus pyogenes FCT pathogenicity region and cytolysin‐mediated translocation system genes (2005)

As a prerequisite for colonization or causing local infections, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci, GAS) need to specifically adhere to eukaryotic cell surfaces. Predominantly responsible adhesin genes are contained in a genotype-specific pattern within the FCT region of the GAS genome. In this study, MsmR, belonging to AraC/XylS type transcriptional regulators, was identified in the FCT region as a positive regulator of the major fibronectin-binding adhesin protein F2 in a serotype M49 strain. Compared with the wild-type strain, the msmR mutant showed reduced binding to immobilized fibronectin and decreased adherence to and internalization into human pharyngeal epithelial cells. These results suggested that altered levels of fibronectin-binding proteins in the mutant affect eukaryotic cell attachment and internalization. Complete transcriptome and reporter fusion assay data revealed that MsmR positively regulates FCT region genes including Nra and cytolysin-mediated translocation system genes. Consistent with the genetic data, the mutant showed attenuated streptolysin O activity and eukaryotic cell cytotoxity. Direct binding of recombinant MsmR to nga, nra/cpa and prtF2 promoter regions was confirmed by EMSA assays. As prior analysis demonstrated the Nra regulator negatively affects gene expression from the FCT region, MsmR and Nra appear to adversely control crucial virulence factor expression in GAS and thus contribute to a fine-tuned balance between local destructive process and metastatic spreading of the bacteria.
The Economic Burden ofCampylobacter‐AssociatedGuillain‐Barré Syndrome (1997)

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by acute neuromuscular paralysis. Of an estimated annual number of 2628-9575 US cases, 526-3830 are triggered by Campylobacter infection. Research objectives were to identify the lifetime consequences of GBS and, when possible, to quantify their economic burden. The cost-of-illness method was used to calculate annual societal resources spent on medical care and lost productivity due to illness or premature death from Campylobacter-associated GBS. Estimated total costs (in US$) of Campylobacter-associated GBS ($0.2-$1.8 billion) were added to previously estimated costs of campylobacteriosis ($1.3-$6.2 billion) for a total annual cost from Campylobacter of $1.5-$8.0 billion (1995 dollars). It is concluded that up to $8.0 billion in US human illness costs are spent annually because of Campylobacter infection. Economic evaluation of the other costs associated with GBS, such as physical and psychological costs, would increase these estimates.