gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Depolymerization of Cellulose Using Solid Catalysts in Ionic Liquids (2008)

Wood you believe it! Solid acids act as powerful catalysts for the hydrolysis of cellulose dissolved in an ionic liquid. Cellulose undergoes selective depolymerization, yielding cellulose oligomers (cellooligomers) without any substantial formation of side products. Even wood, a lignocellulosic material, is hydrolyzed using this methodology. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2008/z802879_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
Ex Vivo Programming of Dendritic Cells by Mitochondria-Targeted Nanoparticles to Produce Interferon-Gamma for Cancer Immunotherapy (2013)

One of the limitations for clinical applications of dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer immunotherapy is the low potency in generating tumor antigen specific T cell responses. We examined the immunotherapeutic potential of a mitochondria-targeted nanoparticle (NP) based on a biodegradable polymer and zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) photosensitizer (T-ZnPc-NPs). Here, we report that tumor antigens generated from treatment of breast cancer cells with T-ZnPc-NPs upon light stimulation activate DCs to produce high levels of interferon-gamma, an important cytokine considered as a product of T and natural killer cells. The remarkable ex vivo DC stimulation ability of this tumor cell supernatant is a result of an interleukin (IL)-12/IL-18 autocrine effect. These findings contribute to the understanding of how in situ light activation amplifies the host immune responses when NPs deliver the photosensitizer to the mitochondria and open up the possibility of using mitochondria-targeted-NP-treated, light-activated cancer cell supernatants as possible vaccines.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of Amadoriase Isoenzyme (Fructosyl Amine:Oxygen Oxidoreductase, EC 1.5.3) from Aspergillus fumigatus (1997)

Amadoriase is an enzyme catalyzing the oxidative deglycation of Amadori products to yield corresponding amino acids, glucosone, and H2O2. We previously reported the purification and characterization of two amadoriase isozymes from Aspergillus sp. that degrade both glycated low molecular weight amines and amino acids (Takahashi, M., Pischetsrieder, M., and Monnier, V. M. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 3437-3443). To identify the primary structure of the enzymes, we have prepared a cDNA library from Aspergillus fumigatus induced with fructosyl propylamine and isolated a clone using polyclonal anti-amadoriase II antibody. The primary structure of the enzyme deduced from the nucleotide sequence comprises 438 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 48,798 Da. The deduced primary structure exhibits the presence of an ADP-binding motif near the NH2 terminus. The identity of the amadoriase II cDNA was further confirmed by expression in Escherichia coli cells with an inducible expression system. Northern blotting analysis revealed that amadoriase II was induced by fructosyl propylamine in a dose-dependent manner.
Evidence of a vicious cycle in glutamine synthesis and breakdown in pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy–therapeutic perspectives (2013)

There is substantial clinical and experimental evidence that ammonia is a major factor in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. In the article is demonstrated that in hepatocellular dysfunction, ammonia detoxification to glutamine (GLN) in skeletal muscle, brain, and likely the lungs, is activated. In addition to ammonia detoxification, enhanced GLN production may exert beneficial effects on the immune system and gut barrier function. However, enhanced GLN synthesis may exert adverse effects in the brain (swelling of astrocytes or altered neurotransmission) and stimulate catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; valine, leucine, and isoleucine) in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the majority of GLN produced is released to the blood and catabolized in enterocytes and the kidneys to ammonia, which due to liver injury escapes detoxification to urea and appears in peripheral blood. As only one molecule of ammonia is detoxified in GLN synthesis whereas two molecules may appear in GLN breakdown, these events can be seen as a vicious cycle in which enhanced ammonia concentration activates synthesis of GLN leading to its subsequent catabolism and increase in ammonia levels in the blood. These alterations may explain why therapies targeted to intestinal bacteria have only a limited effect on ammonia levels in patients with liver failure and indicate the needs of new therapeutic strategies focused on GLN metabolism. It is demonstrated that each of the various treatment options targeting only one the of the ammonia-lowering mechanisms that affect GLN metabolism, such as enhancing GLN synthesis (BCAA), suppressing ammonia production from GLN breakdown (glutaminase inhibitors and alpha-ketoglutarate), and promoting GLN elimination (phenylbutyrate) exerts substantial adverse effects that can be avoided if their combination is tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
Inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) increases neurite outgrowth on chondroitin sulphate proteoglycanin vitroand axonal regeneration in the adult optic nervein vivo (2007)

Inhibitory molecules derived from CNS myelin and glial scar tissue are major causes for insufficient functional regeneration in the mammalian CNS. A multitude of these molecules signal through the Rho/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway. We evaluated three inhibitors of ROCK, Y- 27632, Fasudil (HA-1077), and Dimethylfasudil (H-1152), in models of neurite outgrowth in vitro. We show, that all three ROCK inhibitors partially restore neurite outgrowth of Ntera-2 neurons on the inhibitory chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan substrate. In the rat optic nerve crush model Y-27632 dose-dependently increased regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons in vivo. Application of Dimethylfasudil showed a trend towards increased axonal regeneration in an intermediate concentration. We demonstrate that inhibition of ROCK can be an effective therapeutic approach to increase regeneration of CNS neurons. The selection of a suitable inhibitor with a broad therapeutic window, however, is crucial in order to minimize unwanted side effects and to avoid deleterious effects on nerve fiber growth.
Blockade of in vivo VEGF-mediated angiogenesis by antisense gene therapy: role of Flk-1 and Flt-1 receptors (2002)

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting ones, is a critical component of various pathologies such as tumor progression, rheumatoid arthritis, and retinopathies. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mitogenic and chimiotactic factor capable of inducing angiogenesis through the activation of its receptors, fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1) and fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1), expressed on endothelial cells. The purpose of the present study was to assess if a treatment with antisense (AS) oligonucleotides directed against VEGF receptors Flk-1 or Flt-1 mRNA could prevent VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. With the use of miniosmotic pumps, phosphate-buffered saline, VEGF, or VEGF combined with AS-Flk-1, AS-Flt-1, or AS-scrambled oligonucleotides were released in mouse testis for 14 days. VEGF (1, 2.5, and 5 microg) increased the formation of new capillary blood vessels by 236, 246, and 287%, respectively. The combination of AS-Flk-1 or AS-Flt-1 (200 microg) to VEGF (2.5 microg) reduced by 87 and 85% the formation of new blood vessels, respectively, and the expression of their corresponding proteins. These data demonstrate the therapeutical potential of AS-Flk-1 or AS-Flt-1 to prevent VEGF-mediated angiogenesis in vivo.
Brief report: electrophoretic separation of oligonucleotides in replenishable polyacrylamide-filled capillaries. (1994)

Linear polyacrylamide at concentrations of 8 to 10% seems to be an excellent matrix for the electrophoretic separation of oligonucleotides and DNA sequencing reactions. However, these solutions, as they are normally prepared, have an enormous viscosity and the polymerization must be done within the capillary. Based on theoretical considerations, we found that linear polyacrylamide of moderate molecular weight and therefore low viscosity could be used instead. We show that the separation of oligonucleotides obtained with such solutions is comparable to those obtained with in situ polymerization of linear or crosslinked polyacrylamide. This method allows easy refilling of the capillaries and might be a step towards automation of oligonucleotide analysis and DNA sequencing.
Up-regulation of a set of glycosyltransferase genes in human colorectal cancer. (1998)

The carbohydrate structures of glycoconjugates of cancer cells change markedly in comparison with those of noncancerous cells. We aimed to determine which glycosyltransferases are up-regulated or down-regulated in human colon cancer tissues in order for the dramatic change in carbohydrate structures to occur. The transcript levels of 12 glycosyltransferase genes were measured by a competitive reverse-transcription-PCR method in noncancerous and cancerous colorectal tissues. Eight well- to moderately differentiated and three poorly differentiated carcinomas were examined in comparison with noncancerous colon epithelial tissues adjacent to the carcinoma tissues. Two of the twelve glycosyltransferase genes, Fuc-TIV and ST3Gal II, were significantly up-regulated in all cancerous tissues regardless of the histologic features. Four genes, ST3Gal I, ST6Gal I, beta1,4GalT, and Core2 GnT, showed a tendency toward up-regulation, and a ST3Gal III gene showed a tendency toward down-regulation. The other genes, Fuc-TIII, Fuc-TVI, and ST3Gal IV, which were most abundantly expressed in colorectal tissues, did not show significant up-regulation except in the poorly differentiated carcinomas. The Fuc-TVII gene was expressed at a very low level and was not up-regulated, and the Fuc-TV gene was not expressed at all in the colorectal tissues. Interestingly, all of the 12 glycosyltransferase genes examined, except the Fuc-TV, Fuc-TVI, Fuc-TVII, and ST3Gal III genes, were markedly up-regulated in all of the poorly differentiated carcinomas. We concluded that multiple glycosyltransferase genes are up-regulated, probably leading to extensive glycosylation of glycoconjugates in colorectal cancer cells. Lastly, sialyl Lewis antigens, ie, sialyl Lewis x and a antigens, which are terminal epitopes of sugar chains and well known as tumor-associated antigens, were quantified by Western blotting analysis. Based on the levels of transcripts of the 12 enzymes together with the amounts of sialyl Lewis antigens, we concluded that Fuc-TIII, Fuc-TVI, and ST3Gal IV are mainly responsible for synthesis of the sialyl Lewis antigens in colon tissues, but are not responsible for the augmented expression of the antigens in colorectal cancers. The amounts of sialyl Lewis x and a epitopes on mucins in colon cancer tissues can thus be determined through combinatorial up-regulation of the multiple glycosyltransferase genes.
Expression of p120, Ki‐67 and PCNA as proliferation biomarkers in imprint smears of prostate carcinoma and their prognostic value (2004)

The cell proliferation markers p120, Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) recognize nuclear antigens. The expression of these proteins by immunostaining methods was reported to be of value in determining the prognosis of patients with malignant diseases. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of the expression of nuclear antigens p120, PCNA and Ki-67 in prostate cancer and compared the results with other prognostic factors. Imprint smear samples obtained from 70 patients immediately after radical prostatectomy for prostatic carcinoma were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against p120, Ki-67 and PCNA. The immunostaining results were correlated with Gleason score, tumour differentiation, stage and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels. Our findings demonstrate that p120, Ki-67 and PCNA expression in prostatic carcinoma smears, correlated significantly with the degree of Gleason score (P < 0.001). When combining p120, Ki-67 and PCNA positivity with tumour differentiation there was a significant association among these parameters (P < 0.001). Overexpression of p120, Ki-67 and PCNA, was also associated with increased PSA serum levels (>4 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). The distribution of p120, Ki-67 and PCNA expression in prostate carcinomas was not statistically significant for Ki-67 (P = 0.69) and p120 (P = 0.22) but was significant for PCNA (P < 0.001) as far as the histological stage (T2a, T2b, T2c, T3a). P120, Ki-67 and PCNA expression had significant prognostic value for disease-free survival. Our results conclude that nuclear antigens p120, Ki-67 and PCNA appear to be additional markers in the field of prognosis of prostatic carcinoma.
Epitopes Required for Antibody‐Dependent Enhancement of Ebola Virus Infection (2007)

We have shown that antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection with Zaire Ebola virus (ZEBOV) is mediated by interaction of virus-specific antibodies with Fc receptors or complement component C1q and its receptors in vitro. ADE activities of the antisera to the viral glycoprotein (GP) were virus species specific and were primarily correlated with immunoglobulin (Ig) G2a and IgM levels but not with IgG1 levels. Interestingly, compared with ZEBOV, Reston Ebola virus (REBOV) had substantially weaker potential to induce ADE antibodies. Using monoclonal antibodies, we identified ZEBOV-specific ADE epitopes. To confirm epitope specificity, we constructed a chimeric ZEBOV GP, the ADE epitopes of which were replaced with the corresponding regions of REBOV GP. We found that mouse antisera to the chimeric ZEBOV GP showed less potential to induce ADE activity than did mouse antisera to wild-type ZEBOV GP, although they retained neutralizing activity. These data suggest that GP lacking the ADE-inducing epitopes may increase the potential of GP as a vaccine antigen.
Optoelectronic microwave oscillator (1996)

We describe a novel oscillator that converts continuous light energy into stable and spectrally pure microwave signals. This optoelectronic microwave oscillator consists of a pump laser and a feedback circuit including an intensity modulator, an optical fiber delay line, a photodetector, an amplifier, and a filter. We develop a quasi-linear theory and obtain expressions for the threshold condition, the amplitude, the frequency, the line width, and the spectral power density of the oscillation. We also present experimental data to compare with the theoretical results. Our findings indicate that the optoelectronic microwave oscillator can generate ultrastable, spectrally pure microwave reference signals up to 75 GHz with a phase noise lower than -140 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz.
Fumonisins, Mycotoxins Produced by Fusarium Species: Biology, Chemistry, and Significance (1993)

Beneficial microbes in the microbiome of plant roots improve plant health. Induced systemic resistance (ISR) emerged as an important mechanism by which selected plant growth–promoting bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere prime the whole plant body for ...Read More
Comparative histomorphometry and resonance frequency analysis of implants with moderately rough surfaces in a loaded animal model (2007)

In conclusion, the benefit of rough surfaces relative to minimally rough ones in this loaded animal model was confirmed histologically. The comparison of different surface treatment modalities revealed no significant differences between the modern moderately rough surfaces. Resonance frequency analysis seems to be influenced in a major part by the transducer used, thus prohibiting the comparison of different implant systems.
Treatment of Experimental Granulomatous Uveitis by Lipoxygenase and Cyclo-oxygenase Inhibitors (1987)

Lens-induced granulomatous uveitis was produced in brown Norway rats. To determine the role of the lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonic acid in the modulation of granulomatous uveitis, one group of experimental animals was treated with nafazatrom, while another group was treated with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (lipoxygenase inhibitors). Both resulted in significant attenuation of granulomatous inflammation, with reduced giant-cell infiltration into the choroid. In contrast, indomethacin (a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor) therapy resulted in increased giant-cell formation. These findings suggest that the lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonic acid play a role in the development of granulomatous uveitis and that such inflammation can be selectively suppressed by lipoxygenase inhibitors.
Differential Responses to IFN-α Subtypes in Human T Cells and Dendritic Cells (2003)

Abstract Type I IFNs (IFN-αβ) constitute a family of cytokines that have important antiviral and immunoregulatory properties and have been successfully used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. There are 12 functional human IFN-α subtypes and one IFN-β subtype that signal through the common cell surface IFN-αβR. To date, virtually no information is available on the specificity of IFN-α responses in immune cells. In this study, Janus kinase/STAT signaling and transcriptional responses to selected IFN-α subtypes in human T cells and dendritic cells were analyzed. Evidence for IFN-α subtype and cell type specificity was found. Also, differences between kinetics of expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) and in the requirements of individual ISGs for additional signaling pathways were observed. In particular, IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), a key chemokine in Th1-type inflammatory diseases, was differentially regulated. In dendritic cells, it was highly induced by IFN-α2 and IFN-α21 but much less efficiently by IFN-α1. It was only marginally induced by these subtypes in T cells. In marked contrast to other ISGs analyzed, optimum induction of IP-10 was dependent on activation of p38 kinase(s). The observed variations (subtype-, cell type-, and ISG-related differentials) provide further insight into the complexity and plasticity of the IFN-αβ response. Furthermore, the novel observation that IFN-α1 poorly induces IP-10 is potentially of clinical importance, because this subtype may be more beneficial in cases where Th1-mediated side effects (e.g., exacerbation of autoimmune diseases) are not desirable.
Tec Kinases Itk and Rlk Are Required for CD8+ T Cell Responses to Virus Infection Independent of Their Role in CD4+ T Cell Help (2006)

Itk and Rlk are members of the Tec kinase family of nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases that are expressed in T cells, NK cells, and mast cells. These proteins are involved in the regulation of signaling processes downstream of the TCR in CD4(+) T cells, particularly in the phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma1 after TCR activation; furthermore, both Itk and Rlk are important in CD4(+) T cell development, differentiation, function, and homeostasis. However, few studies have addressed the roles of these kinases in CD8(+) T cell signaling and function. Using Itk(-/-) and Itk(-/-)Rlk(-/-) mice, we examined the roles of these Tec family kinases in CD8(+) T cells, both in vitro and in vivo. These studies demonstrate that the loss of Itk and Rlk impairs TCR-dependent signaling, causing defects in phospholipase C-gamma1, p38, and ERK activation as well as defects in calcium flux and cytokine production in vitro and expansion and effector cytokine production by CD8(+) T cells in response to viral infection. These defects cannot be rescued by providing virus-specific CD4(+) T cell help, thereby substantiating the important role of Tec kinases in CD8(+) T cell signaling.
Design of a Temperature-Stable RF MEM Capacitor (2004)

This paper presents a novel temperature-compensated two-state microelectromechanical (MEM) capacitor. The principle to minimize temperature dependence is based on geometrical compensation and can be extended to other devices such as MEM varactors. The compensation structure eliminates the effect of intrinsic and thermal stress on device operation. This leads to a temperature-stable device without compromising the quality factor (Q) or the voltage behavior. The compensation structure increases the robustness of the devices, but does not require any modifications to the process. Measurement results verify that the OFF and ON capacitance change is less than 6% and the pull-in voltage is less than 5% when the temperature is varied from -30 to +70/spl deg/C.
Design of a High Performance 2-GHz Direct-Conversion Front-End With a Single-Ended RF Input in 0.13 $\mu$m CMOS (2009)

A 2.1 GHz CMOS front-end with a single-ended low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a double balanced, current-driven passive mixer is presented. The LNA drives an on-chip transformer load that performs single-ended to differential conversion. A detailed comparison in gain, noise, and second and third order linearity performance is presented to motivate the choice of a current-driven passive mixer over an active mixer. The front-end prototype was implemented on a 0.13 mum CMOS process and occupies an active chip area of 1.1 mm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> . It achieves 30 dB conversion gain, a low noise figure of 3.1 dB (integrated from 40 KHz to 1.92 MHz), an in-band IIP3 of -12 dBm, and IIP2 better than 39 dBm, while consuming only 12 mW from a 1.5 V power supply.
Additive and Synergistic Bactericidal Activity of Antibodies Directed against Minor Outer Membrane Proteins of Neisseria meningitidis (2007)

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B is a major cause of bacterial meningitis in younger populations. The available vaccines are based on outer membrane vesicles obtained from wild-type strains. In children less than 2 years old they confer protection only against strains expressing homologous PorA, a major, variable outer membrane protein (OMP). We genetically modified a strain in order to eliminate PorA and to overproduce one or several minor and conserved OMPs. Using a mouse model mimicking children's PorA-specific bactericidal activity, it was demonstrated that overproduction of more than one minor OMP is required to elicit antibodies able to induce complement-mediated killing of strains expressing heterologous PorA. It is concluded that a critical density of bactericidal antibodies needs to be reached at the surface of meningococci to induce complement-mediated killing. With minor OMPs, this threshold is reached when more than one antigen is targeted, and this allows cross-protection.
Space-division multiplexing: the next frontier in optical communication (2014)

Space-division multiplexing (SDM) uses multiplicity of space channels to increase capacity for optical communication. It is applicable for optical communication in both free space and guided waves. This paper focuses on SDM for fiber-optic communication using few-mode fibers or multimode fibers, in particular on the critical challenge of mode crosstalk. Multiple-input&#x2013;multiple-output (MIMO) equalization methods developed for wireless communication can be applied as an electronic method to equalize mode crosstalk. Optical approaches, including differential modal group delay management, strong mode coupling, and multicore fibers, are necessary to bring the computational complexity for MIMO mode crosstalk equalization to practical levels. Progress in passive devices, such as (de)multiplexers, and active devices, such as amplifiers and switches, which are considered straightforward challenges in comparison with mode crosstalk, are reviewed. Finally, we present the prospects for SDM in optical transmission and networking.