gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of the Poa p IX group of basic allergens of Kentucky bluegrass pollen (1991)

We reported previously the primary structure of three full-length cDNA clones that encode a new group of IgE-binding proteins of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) pollen, designated as Poa p IX. In the present study we have further characterized the cloned Poa p IX proteins, identified the corresponding proteins in KBG pollen extract, and determined their antigenic relationships with other known grass pollen allergens. A recombinant IgE-binding polypeptide rKBG7.2 that represents the C-terminal fragment, conserved in Poa p IX proteins, appeared to contain epitopes unique to these proteins and served as an immunosorbent for the isolation of the corresponding human IgE antibodies. On two-dimensional PAGE blots these IgE antibodies bound selectively to five distinct KBG pollen proteins with molecular mass 28 to 34 kDa and isoelectric point greater than 9.5. These proteins differ in size and charge from known allergens, but are very similar to those of the recombinant Poa p IX proteins. The rKBG3.1, which represents the N-terminal region of the Poa p IX clone KBG31, as well as the corresponding natural allergens were shown to possess epitopes that crossreact with the acidic group V allergens of Timothy. Comparison of amino acid sequences of recombinant Poa p IX proteins with those of Lol p I isoallergens revealed no significant sequence similarities. In contrast, partial homology was demonstrated between the N-terminal sequences of these proteins and the Phl p V proteins. Our results confirm that the Poa p IX clones represent a distinct and major group of allergens of KBG pollen, and demonstrate structural similarities and antigenic cross-reactivities among different groups of allergenic proteins in grass pollens.
Sonography with Sonicated Albumin in the Detection of Vesicoureteral Reflux (1993)

The primary radiological procedures for diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux are fluoroscopic and radionuclide cystography. Ultrasonography, with no ionizing radiation, would be useful as a screening tool for the diagnosis of reflux due to its absence of radiation exposure. We evaluated the usefulness of ultrasonography with sonicated albumin in the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux. Sonicated albumin contains approximately 3 to 5 x 10(8) microspheres per ml., which are echogenic. Sonicated albumin was tested in vitro, alone, and in human and porcine urine to assess microsphere stability. Urine dilutions, specific gravity, temperature and pH were used as variables. The mode of delivery was also tested in vitro and in vivo. These studies showed that sonicated albumin microspheres were stable over a wide range of chemical variables and urine composition. Sonicated albumin produced an image of uniform echogenicity when it was pre-loaded into a Foley catheter and followed by saline infusion in vitro. Fluoroscopic cystograms, using standard radiopaque contrast media, in 5 Hanford mini-swine in which unilateral reflux had been created previously confirmed the presence of reflux unilaterally. Sonographic cystograms with various dilutions of sonicated albumin in 0.9% sodium chloride (1:100, 1:250, 1:500, 1:750 and 1:1,000) were performed. At a dilution of 1:100 sonicated albumin produced dramatic echogenicity in the bladder and refluxing ureters during sonographic imaging. The microspheres appeared to be stable for prolonged periods (more than 40 minutes), thus allowing for a careful sonographic assessment of the entire genitourinary tract. Sonicated albumin may be valuable for the sonographic detection of vesicoureteral reflux.
Factors determining the maintenance dose of warfarin in Chinese patients (1996)

Chinese patients are reportedly more sensitive than Caucasians to the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. We examined warfarin dose requirements and their determinants in 151 Chinese out-patients on stable maintenance dose of warfarin with international normalized ratio of 2 to 2.5. Mean daily warfarin requirement was 3.3 +/- 1.4 mg, much lower than reported doses in Caucasian patients. The most important determinant was age (r = -0.43, p < 0.001), with progressively lower warfarin requirement with increasing age (p = 0.0001). There was a weaker association with body weight (r = 0.20, p = 0.01). Patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease tended to require a smaller dose than those with heart valve replacements (2.94 +/- 1.24 vs. 3.69 +/- 1.42 mg, p < 0.01). We confirm that Chinese patients require a smaller dose of warfarin for the same degree of anticoagulation. Age is the most important factor affecting dose requirement, although body weight and underlying disease also play a role.
Performance of composite glass slab laser (1992)

Three-layer composite glass slab lasers were fabricated using optical contact and thermal fusion methods, and their characteristics were examined in an attempt to develop a high-peak-power glass laser able to deliver a high-quality beam at a high repetition rate operation. The optical characteristics, laser characteristics, and limitation of the output of these composite slabs and the monolithic slab are compared. It is found that thermal birefringence effects were reduced in the case of the composite slabs in comparison to the monolithic slab at the same output during repetitive operation, thereby maintaining a high level of beam quality. A doping amount of Nd/sub 2/O/sub 3/ of 6 wt.% was optimum for increasing the single pass gain of the composite slabs. An optimum thickness of doping layer exists for keeping gain high while maintaining thermal birefringence effects at a low level.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
Mechanisms of Muscle Degeneration, Regeneration, and Repair in the Muscular Dystrophies (2008)

To withstand the rigors of contraction, muscle fibers have specialized protein complexes that buffer against mechanical stress and a multifaceted repair system that is rapidly activated after injury. Genetic studies first identified the mechanosensory signaling network that connects the structural elements of muscle and, more recently, have identified repair elements of muscle. Defects in the genes encoding the components of these systems lead to muscular dystrophy, a family of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle wasting. Although the age of onset, affected muscles, and severity vary considerably, all muscular dystrophies are characterized by muscle necrosis that overtakes the regenerative capacity of muscle. The resulting replacement of muscle by fatty and fibrous tissue leaves muscle increasingly weak and nonfunctional. This review discusses the cellular mechanisms that are primarily and secondarily disrupted in muscular dystrophy, focusing on membrane degeneration, muscle regeneration, and the repair of muscle.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2‘-Carbamate-Linked and 2‘-Carbonate-Linked Prodrugs of Paclitaxel:  Selective Activation by the Tumor-Associated Protease Plasmin (2000)

The nontoxic paclitaxel-2'-carbamate prodrugs 2-5 and paclitaxel-2'-carbonate prodrug 6 were synthesized and tested for activation by the tumor-associated enzyme plasmin. A generally applicable method for the synthesis of paclitaxel-2'-carbamates was developed. In buffer solution, prodrug 2, which contained an unsubstituted ethylenediamine spacer, was not stable, whereas prodrugs 3-6 were highly stable. Prodrugs 3-6 showed on average a decrease in cytotoxicity of more than 8000-fold in comparison with the parent drug in seven human tumor cell lines. Prodrugs 5 and 6 are the most nontoxic prodrugs of paclitaxel that yield the free parent drug upon selective activation currently reported. Enzyme hydrolysis and spacer elimination rates were determined by incubation of prodrugs 5 and 6 in the presence of human plasmin. From these results, prodrug 6 was selected as the promising prodrug for further in vivo studies.
Synthesis of amphiphilic multiblock and triblock copolymers of polydimethylsiloxane and poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (2008)

Abstract The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a new family of amphiphilic multiblock and triblock copolymers is described. The synthetic methodology rests on the preparation of telechelic multifunctional and difunctional chain transfer agents easily available in two synthetic steps from commercially available polydimethylsiloxane‐containing starting materials. Telechelic polymers thus synthesized are used as macromolecular chain transfer agents in the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of N , N ‐dimethylacrylamide (DMA) enabling the synthesis of (AB) n ‐type multiblock and ABA‐type triblock copolymers of varying compositions possessing monomodal molecular weight distribution. (AB) n multiblock copolymers [(PDMA‐ b ‐PDMS) n ] were prepared with between 52 and 95 wt % poly(dimethylacrylamide) with number average molecular weights ( M n ) between 14,000 and 86,000 (polydispersities of 1.20–2.30). On the other hand, ABA block copolymers with DMA led to amphiphilic block copolymers (PDMA‐ b ‐PDMS‐ b ‐PDMA) with M n values between 9000 and 44,000 (polydispersities of 1.24–1.62). © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7033–7048, 2008
Human parainfluenza virus type 3: messenger RNAs, polypeptide coding assignments, intergenic sequences, and genetic map (1986)

cDNA clones of mRNAs for the major nucleocapsid protein (NP), the nucleocapsid P protein plus the nonstructural C protein (P+C), and the matrix protein (M) of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PF3) were identified by hybrid arrest and hybrid selection of in vitro translation. Previously, cDNA clones were identified and sequenced for the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase glycoprotein (HN) and the fusion glycoprotein (F) mRNAs (N. Elango, J. E. Coligan, R. C. Jambou, and S. Venkatesan, J. Virol. 57:481-489, 1986; M. K. Spriggs, R. A. Olmsted, S. Venkatesan, J. E. Coligan, and P. L. Collins, Virology 152:241-251, 1986). Synthetic oligonucleotides, designed from nucleotide sequences of the cDNAs, were used to direct dideoxynucleotide sequencing of gene junctions in PF3 genomic RNA (vRNA). From sequencing of vRNA, a sixth viral gene was detected and identified as the large nucleocapsid protein (L) gene by hybridization of a synthetic oligonucleotide to intracellular PF3 mRNAs separated by gel electrophoresis. The order of the six PF3 genes on vRNA was 3'-NP-P+C-M-F-HN-L-5'. The five intergenic regions consisted of the trinucleotide 3'-GAA. The PF3 genes initiated with semiconserved 10-nucleotide gene-start sequences and terminated with semiconserved 12-nucleotide gene-end sequences. The M gene terminated with an aberrant gene-end sequence; analysis of intracellular mRNA showed that this aberrant sequence correlated with a disproportionately high accumulation of readthrough mRNA. These studies showed that PF3 encodes six unique mRNAs (NP, P+C, M, F, HN, and L) that encode seven proteins (NP, P, C, M, F, HN, and L) and provided evidence of a close relationship between PF3 and Sendai (murine parainfluenza type 1) viruses.
Biomarker Development in Psoriatic Arthritis (2012)

Biomarkers can provide insights into disease pathogenesis and assist clinicians in screening patients with psoriasis for arthritis. They can also help to stratify patients who are at risk for progression to bone destruction or ankylosis. Biomarkers in psoriatic disease are still in the discovery phase, but the field is advancing at a rapid pace. This review discusses definitions of the different types of biomarkers and the development of markers that reflect preclinical and early psoriatic arthritis along with those that may be able to predict disease severity and response to anti-tumor necrosis factor agents.
Differential Requirement of a Motif within the Carboxyl-terminal Domain of α-Platelet-derived Growth Factor (αPDGF) Receptor for PDGF Focus Forming Activity Chemotaxis, or Growth (1995)

To determine the molecular basis for the transforming function of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A in NIH/3T3 cells, we have constructed chimerae consisting of the extracellular domain of the human CSF-1R (fms) linked to the cytoplasmic domain of the alpha PDGF receptor (alpha R) containing a series of deletion or point mutations. The ability of fms/alpha R chimerae to mediate CSF-1-dependent anchorage-independent growth, focus formation, and chemotaxis of NIH/3T3 cells was then examined. Our results provide evidence that a domain encompassing amino acid residues 977-1024 of the alpha PDGFR is required for ligand-dependent focus formation, but not chemotaxis or anchorage-independent growth, and that tyrosine residues within this domain constitute the major binding site for phospholipase C gamma. Therefore, our findings suggest that: (i) the focus forming function of alpha PDGFR correlates well with the ability of the receptor to bind phospholipase C gamma, and (ii) the mechanism of focus formation mediated by alpha PDGFR may be distinguished from that required for chemotaxis or anchorage-independent growth.
Brain wave recognition of words (1997)

Electrical and magnetic brain waves of seven subjects under three experimental conditions were recorded for the purpose of recognizing which one of seven words was processed. The analysis consisted of averaging over trials to create prototypes and test samples, to both of which Fourier transforms were applied, followed by filtering and an inverse transformation to the time domain. The filters used were optimal predictive filters, selected for each subject and condition. Recognition rates, based on a least-squares criterion, varied widely, but all but one of 24 were significantly different from chance. The two best were above 90%. These results show that brain waves carry substantial information about the word being processed under experimental conditions of conscious awareness.
Mechanisms and Physiological Significance of the Cholinergic Control of Pancreatic β-Cell Function (2001)

Abstract Acetylcholine (ACh), the major parasympathetic neurotransmitter, is released by intrapancreatic nerve endings during the preabsorptive and absorptive phases of feeding. In β-cells, ACh binds to muscarinic M3 receptors and exerts complex effects, which culminate in an increase of glucose (nutrient)-induced insulin secretion. Activation of PLC generates diacylglycerol. Activation of PLA2 produces arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine. These phospholipid-derived messengers, particularly diacylglycerol, activate PKC, thereby increasing the efficiency of free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) on exocytosis of insulin granules. IP3, also produced by PLC, causes a rapid elevation of [Ca2+]c by mobilizing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum; the resulting fall in Ca2+ in the organelle produces a small capacitative Ca2+ entry. ACh also depolarizes the plasma membrane of β-cells by a Na+- dependent mechanism. When the plasma membrane is already depolarized by secretagogues such as glucose, this additional depolarization induces a sustained increase in [Ca2+]c. Surprisingly, ACh can also inhibit voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and stimulate Ca2+ efflux when [Ca2+]c is elevated. However, under physiological conditions, the net effect of ACh on [Ca2+]c is always positive. The insulinotropic effect of ACh results from two mechanisms: one involves a rise in [Ca2+]c and the other involves a marked, PKC-mediated increase in the efficiency of Ca2+ on exocytosis. The paper also discusses the mechanisms explaining the glucose dependence of the effects of ACh on insulin release.
Photoluminescence of Undoped GaN Grown on c-Plane Al2O3 by Electron Cyclotron Resonance Molecular Beam Epitaxy (1995)

We report results on the 77 K photoluminescence (PL) of undoped GaN epilayers grown on c -plane sapphire substrate by electron cyclotron resonance molecular beam epitaxy (ECR-MBE). It was found that the PL properties of undoped GaN epilayers are strongly affected by the growth conditions such as nitrogen pressure, growth temperature and ECR plasma power. The intensities of the donor-to-acceptor (D-A) pair emission peak at about 3.2 eV and of the deep-level emission peak at around 2.3 eV change with the variation of these three growth conditions. Assuming that the D-A peak and deep-level emission peak are related to native defects and carbon impurities, respectively, the systematic change of the PL spectra with growth conditions can be reasonably interpreted. At the optimum growth conditions, the PL spectra at 77 K are dominated by excitonic peak at 3.47 eV and the intensity of deep-level emission peak is one order of magnitude less than that of the excitonic peak. However, since the region regarded as optimum is relatively narrow, it is important to control the growth conditions precisely.
Human genes encoding U3 snRNA associate with coiled bodies in interphase cells and are clustered on chromosome 17p11.2 in a complex inverted repeat structure (1997)

Coiled bodies (CBs) are nuclear organelles whose morphological structure and molecular composition have been conserved from plants to animals. Furthermore, CBs are often found to co-localize with specific DNA loci in both mammalian somatic nuclei and amphibian oocytes. Much as rDNA sequences are called nucleolus organizers, we term these coiled body-associated sequences 'coiled body organizers' (CBORs). The only sequences that have been shown to be CBORs in human cells are the U1, U2 and histone gene loci. We wanted to determine whether other snRNA genes might also act as CBORs. In this paper we show that human U3 genes (the RNU3 locus) preferentially associate with CBs in interphase cells. In addition, we have analyzed the genomic organization of the RNU3 locus by constructing a BAC and P1 clone contig. We found that, unlike the RNU1 and RNU2 loci, U3 genes are not tandemly repeated. Rather, U3 genes are clustered on human chromosome 17p11.2, with evidence for large inverted duplications within the cluster. Thus all of the CBORs identified to date are composed of either tandemly repeated or tightly clustered genes. The evolutionary and cell biological consequences of this type of organization are discussed.
Fabry disease: enzyme replacement therapy (2003)

Fabry disease is a multisystem disorder associated with wide variability in clinical expression. Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A. The enzyme defect leads to the systemic accumulation of glycosphingolipids with alpha-galactosyl moieties consisting predominantly of globotriaosylceramide, galabiosylceramide and two additional glycosphingolipids. Four hemizygotes patients with a family history of Fabry disease and deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A were selected. Each patient received purified alpha-galactosidase by intravenous infusion (0.2 mg/kg). The infusion was administered every 2 weeks, for 40 min, for a total of 12 months. Outcome measures include neurological manifestations (acroparaesthesia, hypohidrosis, vasomotion), kidney function, cardiac manifestations, angiokeratomas, and corneal dystrophy. alpha-Galactosidase A prepared from human fibroblast is safe and well tolerated. After 12 months of therapy the mean creatinine clearance increased, there was significant improvement in the acroparaesthesias and in the hypohidrosis. Physical stigmata, such as angiokeratomas in the skin, and characteristic benign corneal abnormalities remained stable. Enzyme replacement therapy would therefore represent a significant advance in treatment of patients with Fabry disease. Enzyme replacement therapy is safe and likely to improve the prognosis of Fabry disease.
A novel Usher protein network at the periciliary reloading point between molecular transport machineries in vertebrate photoreceptor cells (2007)

The human Usher syndrome (USH) is the most frequent cause of combined deaf-blindness. USH is genetically heterogeneous with at least 12 chromosomal loci assigned to three clinical types, USH1-3. Although these USH types exhibit similar phenotypes in human, the corresponding gene products belong to very different protein classes and families. The scaffold protein harmonin (USH1C) was shown to integrate all identified USH1 and USH2 molecules into protein networks. Here, we analyzed a protein network organized in the absence of harmonin by the scaffold proteins SANS (USH1G) and whirlin (USH2D). Immunoelectron microscopic analyses disclosed the colocalization of all network components in the apical inner segment collar and the ciliary apparatus of mammalian photoreceptor cells. In this complex, whirlin and SANS directly interact. Furthermore, SANS provides a linkage to the microtubule transport machinery, whereas whirlin may anchor USH2A isoform b and VLGR1b (very large G-protein coupled receptor 1b) via binding to their cytodomains at specific membrane domains. The long ectodomains of both transmembrane proteins extend into the gap between the adjacent membranes of the connecting cilium and the apical inner segment. Analyses of Vlgr1/del7TM mice revealed the ectodomain of VLGR1b as a component of fibrous links present in this gap. Comparative analyses of mouse and Xenopus photoreceptors demonstrated that this USH protein network is also part of the periciliary ridge complex in Xenopus. Since this structural specialization in amphibian photoreceptor cells defines a specialized membrane domain for docking and fusion of transport vesicles, we suggest a prominent role of the USH proteins in cargo shipment.
Lexical ambiguity resolution in Chinese sentence processing (2006)

The resolution of lexical ambiguity has been a main focus for the investigation of context effects in word recognition for the past twenty-five years (e.g. Hogaboam & Perfetti, 1975; Onifer & Swinney, 1981; Sereno, 1995; Simpson, 1981; Simpson & Burgess, 1985; Simpson & Krueger, 1991; Swinney, 1979; Tabossi, 1988; Tanenhaus, Leiman & Seidenberg, 1979). Most studies have been done on Indo-European languages (e.g. Dutch, English, and Italian), with little on non-Indo-European languages. In this chapter, we review studies on lexical ambiguity resolution in Chinese, a major Sino-Tibetan language, and show how they can contribute to our understanding of language processing. We begin with a review of models of lexical ambiguity resolution that have formed the main framework for studies on lexical ambiguity. Next we examine the different approaches used in this area. And then we discuss some linguistic properties of Chinese relevant to the study of lexical ambiguity, together with some recent studies conducted in our laboratories. Finally, we propose some directions for future studies.
Nonvolatile Memory Based on Phase Change in Se–Sb–Te Glass (2003)

The phase transitions from the amorphous to crystalline states, and vice versa, of Se–Sb–Te films by applying electrical pulses have been studied. This material can be used as nonvolatile memory. The reversible phase transition between the amorphous and crystalline states, which is accompanied by a considerable change in electrical resistivity, is exploited as a means to store bits of information. The nonvolatile memory cells are composed of a simple sandwich structure (metal/chalcogenide thin film/metal). More than 104 write/erase cycles were attained by applying electric pulses. In this case, the voltage and pulse width of crystallization and amorphization processes were 2.4 V, 2.0 µs, 2 V and 0.1 µs, respectively. The melting point of the Se–Sb–Te system is lower than that of the Ge–Sb–Te system, so that the current density for the amorphization process can be decreased to about 30 mA/µm2.