gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Magnetic poly(ε-caprolactone)/iron-doped hydroxyapatite nanocomposite substrates for advanced bone tissue engineering (2013)

In biomedicine, magnetic nanoparticles provide some attractive possibilities because they possess peculiar physical properties that permit their use in a wide range of applications. The concept of magnetic guidance basically spans from drug delivery and hyperthermia treatment of tumours, to tissue engineering, such as magneto-mechanical stimulation/activation of cell constructs and mechanosensitive ion channels, magnetic cell-seeding procedures, and controlled cell proliferation and differentiation. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to develop fully biodegradable and magnetic nanocomposite substrates for bone tissue engineering by embedding iron-doped hydroxyapatite (FeHA) nanoparticles in a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix. X-ray diffraction analyses enabled the demonstration that the phase composition and crystallinity of the magnetic FeHA were not affected by the process used to develop the nanocomposite substrates. The mechanical characterization performed through small punch tests has evidenced that inclusion of 10 per cent by weight of FeHA would represent an effective reinforcement. The inclusion of nanoparticles also improves the hydrophilicity of the substrates as evidenced by the lower values of water contact angle in comparison with those of neat PCL. The results from magnetic measurements confirmed the superparamagnetic character of the nanocomposite substrates, indicated by a very low coercive field, a saturation magnetization strictly proportional to the FeHA content and a strong history dependence in temperature sweeps. Regarding the biological performances, confocal laser scanning microscopy and AlamarBlue assay have provided qualitative and quantitative information on human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and viability/proliferation, respectively, whereas the obtained ALP/DNA values have shown the ability of the nanocomposite substrates to support osteogenic differentiation.
Antibodies specific to the retinoic acid human nuclear receptors alpha and beta. (1989)

Two cDNAs encoding two human receptors for retinoic acid (RA), RAR-alpha and RAR-beta, have been characterized recently. Synthetic peptides corresponding to the cDNA-deduced amino acid sequences unique to RAR-alpha and RAR-beta were used to generate anti-RAR-alpha antiserum (SP171) and anti-RAR-beta antisera (SP172 and SP248). The specificity of these antisera was confirmed both by immunocytochemical detection of these receptors in COS-1 cells transfected with RAR-alpha and RAR-beta expression vectors and by immunoblot analyses performed with whole extracts of these cells. We also demonstrate that these antisera recognize RAR-alpha and RAR-beta endogenously expressed in the RA-responsive human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60.
Gold Immunochromatographic Assay for Rapid On‐Site Detection of Lincosamide Residues in Milk, Egg, Beef, and Honey Samples (2019)

Lincosamides (LMs), include clindamycin (CLIN), lincomycin (LIN), and pirlimycin (PIR), that are widely used as veterinary drugs. LM residues in edible animal origin foods endanger human health and are in urgent need of establishing fast, simple, and highly sensitive detection methods. A gold immunochromatographic strip is prepared to detect CLIN, LIN, and PIR residues simultaneously with a single monoclonal antibody. This antibody is obtained with the design of a novel Hapten and can simultaneously recognize CLIN, LIN, and PIR. Under optimized conditions, the strip results can be semi-quantitatively evaluated with the naked eye within 15 min, with cut-off values in phosphate-buffered saline of 1 ng mL<sup>-1</sup> for CLIN, 10 ng mL<sup>-1</sup> for LIN, and 25 ng mL<sup>-1</sup> for PIR, respectively. Besides, the strip can also be quantified using a hand-held strip scanner, and the spiked samples are used for establishing matrix curves. The limits of detection for CLIN, LIN, and PIR in spiked milk, egg, beef, and honey samples can satisfy the detection requirement. The utility of this strip is also confirmed by positive honey sample. In short, this strip should be expected to be a useful tool for the rapid on-site screening of lincosamide residues in milk, egg, beef, and honey samples.
Tailoring of the resonant mode properties of optical nanocavities in two-dimensional photonic crystal slab waveguides (2001)

Optically thin dielectric slabs, in which a fully etched-through two-dimensional patterning is applied, are used to form high-Q optical cavities with modal volumes approaching the theoretical limit of a cubic half-wavelength. Resonant cavities are formed from local defect regions within the photonic lattice. Simple group theoretical techniques are developed to design cavities which support resonant modes with a particular polarization and radiation pattern. Numerical simulations using the finite-difference time-domain method are then used to study the detailed emission and loss properties of these modes. The cavities are probed spectroscopically through photoluminescence measurements, which when compared with numerical results show the presence of both donor and acceptor type modes. These experimental results show the predictive power of the modest symmetry analysis presented here in describing highly localized defect states within photonic crystals.
A p16 <sup>INK4a</sup> -Insensitive CDK4 Mutant Targeted by Cytolytic T Lymphocytes in a Human Melanoma (1995)

A mutated cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) was identified as a tumor-specific antigen recognized by HLA-A2. 1-restricted autologous cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in a human melanoma. The mutated CDK4 allele was present in autologous cultured melanoma cells and metastasis tissue, but not in the patient's lymphocytes. The mutation, an arginine-to-cysteine exchange at residue 24, was part of the CDK4 peptide recognized by CTLs and prevented binding of the CDK4 inhibitor p16INK4a, but not of p21 or of p27KIP1. The same mutation was found in one additional melanoma among 28 melanomas analyzed. These results suggest that mutation of CDK4 can create a tumor-specific antigen and can disrupt the cell-cycle regulation exerted by the tumor suppressor p16INK4a.
Effect of Alloying Elements on Fracture Toughness and Ductility in Magnesium Binary Alloys; A Review (2019)

The development of magnesium alloys, which exhibit high strength and high ductility (fracture toughness), is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability in structural applications. It is well-known that grain refinement and/or alloying are impressive strategies to attain such properties in metallic materials. In the former case, grain boundaries of magnesium and its alloys have unique characteristics, e.g., sites for non-basal dislocation activity and occurrence of partial grain boundary sliding. As a result, strength as well as ductility (fracture toughness) tend to increase and improve with grain refinement. In the latter case, 29 types of solid solution elements, which have a maximum solubility of more than 0.1 at%, can dissolve in magnesium. Several elements are generally added to magnesium simultaneously to achieve good mechanical properties via a synergistic effect. In industrial fields, ternary magnesium alloys such as Mg–Al–Zn and Mg–Zn–Zr alloys, which have fine-grained structures, have been widely used; however, there is no still clear and systematic understanding of the impact of various alloying elements on properties for magnesium. In this paper, we review recent studies on the effect of solid solution alloying elements on ductility (fracture toughness), with focusing on polycrystalline binary magnesium alloys. With regard to the toughness, the crack-propagation behavior and/or fracture behavior are quite sensitive to the alloying element, regardless of grain size. Twin boundaries in particular are recognized as harmful defects, because they act as crack-propagation sites. Nevertheless, changing the electric bonding behavior through alloying has the potential to increase the toughness. As for the ductility, the alloying elements also dramatically affect the room-temperature plastic deformation. In addition to the activation of the non-basal dislocation slip, grain boundary sliding also plays a notable role in enhancing the elongation-to-failure in tension.
Activation of PPARα enhances astroglial uptake and degradation of β-amyloid (2021)

Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that are activated in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s disease to induce the accumulation of amyloid (Aβ). We previously found that a combination of low-dose gemfibrozil (GFB; a drug approved to treat high cholesterol) and retinoic acid (RA; a vitamin A derivative) induces lysosomal bio-genesis through peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα)–mediated transcription of the gene encoding transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. Here, we found that the same combination (GFB-RA) enhanced the uptake of Aβ from the extracellular space and its subsequent degradation in astrocytes through a PPARα-dependent pathway. GFB-RA stimulated the abundance of both low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and TFEB in astrocytes through PPARα. LDLR was critical for Aβ uptake, whereas TFEB was critical for its degradation. GFB-RA treatment also increased autophagic flux and lysosomal activity in astrocytes. Consistent with these effects and in a manner dependent on astroglial PPARα, oral administration of GFB-RA switched astroglial activation to a neuroprotective state, lowered Aβ burden in the brain, and improved spatial learning and memory in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. These findings uncover a new function of PPARα in stimulating astroglial uptake and degradation of Aβ and suggest possible repurposing of GFB-RA combination therapy for AD.
On-chip integrated spectrometer using nanobeam photonic crystal cavities (2012)

We demonstrate an integrated on-chip spectrometer employing photonic crystal nanobeam photonic crystal cavities for telecom wavelength. Acetylene absorption line was successfully measured by thermo-optic tuning of a single device.
TU-D-BRB-05: Three-Dimentional Dosimetric and Thermal Properties of a Newly Developed Ferromagnetic Core Thermobrachytherapy Seed for Treatment of Solid Tumors (2010)

Purpose: Studies of the curative effects of hyperthermia and radiation therapy on treatment of cancer show a strong evidence of a synergistic enhancement when two modalities are applied simultaneously. Varieties of tissue heating approaches developed up to date still fail to overcome such essential limitations as an inadequate temperature control, temperature non-uniformity, and prolonged time delay between hyperthermia and radiation treatments. We propose a new self-regulating Thermobrachytherapy seed, which serves as a source of both radiation and heat for concurrent administration of brachytherapy and hyperthermia. Methods: The proposed seed is based on the BEST Model 2301-I125, where tungsten marker is replaced with a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic core produces heat when subjected to alternating electro-magnetic (EM) field and effectively shuts off after reaching its Curie temperature thus realizing the temperature self-regulation. We studied a model consisting 32 seeds, placed in the central region of a cylindrical water phantom. The temperature distribution thorough the volume surrounding the seeds was modeled using a finite-element partial differential equation solver package “COMSOL Multiphysics” for different EM field parameters. Results: Temperature of the thermoseed surface rises rapidly and stays constant around Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic material (Cu-Ni alloy) used. The amount of heat produced by the ferromagnetic core is sufficient for raising the temperature of the surrounding volume to the therapeutic range. The volume of the therapeutic temperature range increases with increase of frequency or magnetic field. The temperature distribution is tunable based on the number of seeds used, their locations, magnetic field strength, and its frequency. Conclusion: The amount of heat produced by the seeds is sufficient for achieving the therapeutic temperature range in the surrounding volume when the appropriate frequency and magnetic field is applied. Our study demonstrates feasibility of the proposed combinational seed for clinical implementation of concurrent brachytherapy and hyperthermia.
Modification of An Amino Acid Solution for Peritoneal Dialysis to Reduce Risk of Acidemia (1997)

The results suggest that patients are less prone to develop acidemia when receiving MF as opposed to CF. Further studies will be necessary to determine the long-term effects and the relative nutritional benefits of the two solutions.
High power VCSEL systems for tailored intensity distributions (2011)

Arrays of high power VCSELs offer a unique opportunity to create a target intensity distribution which is tailored to the needs of a specific application. The concept presented here images the near field of the VCSEL onto the target. This is achieved by a combination of micro-lenses and field lenses in order to superimpose many VCSELs in an array. The optical system can be simple and the freedom to realize a wide variety of different intensity distributions with one and the same optics is large. The total power can be scaled by using arrays of VCSELs and due to the superposition of many emitters the illumination pattern has low speckle and is robust against single emitter failures.
Fibroblast subtypes define a metastatic matrisome in breast cancer (2020)

Small primary breast cancers can show surprisingly high potential for metastasis. Clinical decision-making for tumor aggressiveness, including molecular profiling, relies primarily on analysis of the cancer cells. Here we show that this analysis is insufficient - that the stromal microenvironment of the primary tumor plays a key role in tumor cell dissemination and implantation at distant sites. We previously described 2 cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that either express (CD146+) or lack (CD146-) CD146 (official symbol MCAM, alias MUC18). We now find that when mixed with human breast cancer cells, each fibroblast subtype determines the fate of cancer cells: CD146- fibroblasts promoted increased metastasis compared with CD146+ fibroblasts. Potentially novel quantitative and qualitative proteomic analyses showed that CD146+ CAFs produced an environment rich in basement membrane proteins, while CD146- CAFs exhibited increases in fibronectin 1, lysyl oxidase, and tenascin C, all overexpressed in aggressive disease. We also show clinically that CD146- CAFs predicted for likelihood of lymph node involvement even in small primary tumors (<5 cm). Clearly small tumors enriched for CD146- CAFs require aggressive treatments.
Small Molecule Inhibition of Chemokine Receptor ‘CCR9’ Combined With Anti-α4β7 Blocking Antibody Confers Synergistic Protection Against Piroxicam-Accelerated Colitis in Mice (2014)

Introduction: Homing of circulating cells into various tissues is a highly coordinated process involving specific chemokine receptors and cellular adhesion molecule. Trafficking of cells into the gut requires chemokine receptor CCR9-mediated chemotaxis towards the chemokine known as CCL25, as well adhesion of cell surface α4 and β7 integrins with MAdCAM-expressing venules. Vedolizumab®, a humanized antibody against α4β7, was recently approved to treat patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. However, its effects in combination with an antagonist of the gut homing chemokine receptor CCR9 have not been explored. Methods: Our luminex analysis of human colonic biopsies obtained from patients with colonic Crohn’s disease showed strong positive correlation between CCR9 gene expression and that of the genes for TNF-α, as well as α4 and β7 integrins. To test the effects of α4β7 and CCR9 blockade on colitis induction we employed CCX507, a highly potent and selective CCR9 antagonist, in combination with an α4β7 blocking antibody in vivo, using the piroxicam-accelerated model of spontaneous colitis. Results: We showed that combinatorial dosing with CCX507 and anti- α4β7 blocking antibodies effectively reduced the severity of colitis compared to monotherapy treatment with either CCX507 small molecule inhibitor or anti- α4β7 blocking antibodies alone. One measure of colitis severity is shown below, where the ratio of colon weight vs. length (the higher the ratio, the more severe the colitis) is plotted across treatment groups. Conclusion: In summary, these results suggest that the regulation of genes implicated in gut inflammation is highly associated and tightly regulated in the colon. Furthermore, treatment with CCR9 inhibitor CCX507 in addition to anti-α4β7 therapy conferred greater protection against colitis induction compared to monotherapy with either the chemokine receptor or the anti-integrin antibody alone. Studies of CCX507 in combination with an anti-TNF-α blocking antibody are ongoing, but preliminary data suggest a similar synergistic effect. Disclosure - All authors are currently employees of ChemoCentryx.Figure 1: Colon vs. weight ratio in piroxicam-accelerated colitis model.
GPS Position Aiding in a Cellular Telephone without the Network (2008)

Standardised methods of providing assistance to a GPS
receiver make use of a network-based server with access
to GPS information which can be sent on request to a
mobile terminal. Such information includes satellite
position information (almanac and ephemeris), but may
also include time, frequency and position information to
centre and bound the satellite signal acquisition windows.
GPS receivers need such assistance when operating in
challenging environments, such as inside a building, in
order to provide the user with a fast-enough position and
without draining the battery too much. The challenge
faced by terminals of GSM and W-CDMA systems is that
the network transmitters are unsynchronised and hence
cannot support methods employed, for example, in
CDMA and CDMA-2000 systems. Furthermore, network
operators often consider that their network details are
commercially sensitive, so that it may not be possible to
obtain, for example, a database of base-station
coordinates.
At a recent ION meeting, we described a method for
obtaining and maintaining accurate GPS time in a cellular
telephone (GSM/W-CDMA), for the purpose of aiding a
GPS receiver, which was autonomous in the sense that it
needed no support from a network server and did not
require knowledge in the terminal of base-station
positions. In this paper, we extend the method to include
the provision of position aiding, and hence position
fallback, to a GPS receiver. The distinctive feature is that
assistance (time, frequency and position) is provided to
the GPS receiver without requiring participation by the
network operator in any sense, neither needing a network
server, nor a database of base station positions, nor the
collaboration nor consent of the network operator and in
particular incurs no data communications costs with the
network. We support this using real data collected from a
prototype system.
Decomposing the bony thorax in X-ray images (2016)

The identification and segmentation of target objects from medical images is often confused by other more salient objects in the image. This is a specific problem for X-ray projection images where the shadows of semi-transparent objects are overlaid. A bone shadow may confuse the automated detection of other crossing bones and of important soft tissue findings in the lung like lung nodules. We present a method to identify and remove such bone shadows from a chest radiograph for the purpose of suppressing all bone shadows overlapping with the lung field in a standard posterior-anterior view. In this context an elegant novel approach to the problem of identifying and segmenting overlaid objects is followed: Disturbing objects are identified first and literally removed from the image, therefore no longer confusing the detection of other more subtle objects. This method allowed the identification, segmentation, and suppression of the clavicles, the posterior and the anterior parts of the ribs - one after another. In a clinical study the detection of lung nodules by experienced radiologists was improved after bone suppression. © 2016 IEEE.
Human Melanocytes as a Model System for Studies of Alzheimer Disease (1997)

The aging process leads to increased vulnerability to injury and disease, resulting in a decline in 1 or more organ systems that is incompatible with life. One of the most devastating age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer disease, is characterized by neuronal loss and the extracellular deposition in the brain of beta-amyloid peptide, which is presumed to be causally related. Using cultured neural crest-derived cutaneous melanocytes, we find that in the presence of beta-amyloid, melanocytes, like neurons, undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). Nerve growth factor, which has been reported to attenuate the loss of cholinergic neurons in Alzheimer disease, protects melanocytes from apoptosis induced by beta-amyloid. Moreover, beta-amyloid is a ligand for the 75-kD transmembrane neurotrophin receptor that belongs to the family of apoptotic receptors that generates a cell-death signal on activation. Our data suggest that neuronal death in Alzheimer disease is mediated by the interaction of beta-amyloid with the 75-kD neurotrophin receptor. Human melanocytes provide a valuable in vitro model for studies of Alzheimer disease and for development of potential therapies.
PASTA: PASsword-based Threshold Authentication. (2018)

Token-based authentication is commonly used to enable a single-sign-on experience on the web, in mobile applications and on enterprise networks using a wide range of open standards and network authentication protocols: clients sign on to an identity provider using their username/password to obtain a cryptographic token generated with a master secret key, and store the token for future accesses to various services and applications. The authentication server(s) are single point of failures that if breached, enable attackers to forge arbitrary tokens or mount offline dictionary attacks to recover client credentials. Our work is the first to introduce and formalize the notion of password-based threshold token-based authentication which distributes the role of an identity provider among n servers. Any t servers can collectively verify passwords and generate tokens, while no t-1 servers can forge a valid token or mount offline dictionary attacks. We then introduce PASTA, a general framework that can be instantiated using any threshold token generation scheme, wherein clients can sign-on using a two-round (optimal) protocol that meets our strong notions of unforgeability and password-safety. We instantiate and implement our framework in C++ using two threshold message authentication codes (MAC) and two threshold digital signatures with different trade-offs. Our experiments show that the overhead of protecting secrets and credentials against breaches in PASTA, i.e. compared to a naive single server solution, is extremely low (1-5%) in the most likely setting where client and servers communicate over the internet. The overhead is higher in case of MAC-based tokens over a LAN (though still only a few milliseconds) due to public-key operations in PASTA. We show, however, that this cost is inherent by proving a symmetric-key only solution impossible.