gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Growth Differentiation Factor-9 Stimulates Inhibin Production and Activates Smad2 in Cultured Rat Granulosa Cells (2002)

Ovarian inhibin production is stimulated by FSH and several TGFbeta family ligands including activins and bone morphogenetic proteins. Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) derived by the oocyte is a member of the TGFbeta/activin family, and we have previously shown that GDF-9 treatment stimulates ovarian inhibin-alpha content in explants of neonatal ovaries. However, little is known about GDF-9 regulation of inhibin production in granulosa cells and downstream signaling proteins activated by GDF-9. Here, we used cultured rat granulosa cells to examine the influence of GDF-9 on basal and FSH-stimulated inhibin production, expression of inhibin subunit transcripts, and the GDF-9 activation of Smad phosphorylation. Granulosa cells from small antral follicles of diethylstilbestrol-primed immature rats were cultured with FSH in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of GDF-9. Secreted dimeric inhibin A and inhibin B were quantified using specific ELISAs, whereas inhibin subunit RNAs were analyzed by Northern blotting using (32)P-labeled inhibin subunit cDNA probes. Similar to FSH, treatment with GDF-9 stimulated dose- and time-dependent increases of both inhibin A and inhibin B production. Furthermore, coincubation of cells with GDF-9 and FSH led to a synergistic stimulation of both inhibin A and inhibin B production. GDF-9 treatment also increased mRNA expression for inhibin-alpha and inhibin-beta subunits. To investigate Smad activation, granulosa cell lysates were analyzed in immunoblots using antiphosphoSmad1 and antiphosphoSmad2 antibodies. GDF-9 treatment increased Smad2, but not Smad1, phosphorylation with increasing doses of GDF-9 leading to a dose-dependent increase in phosphoSmad2 levels. To further investigate inhibin-alpha gene promoter activation by GDF-9, granulosa cells were transiently transfected with an inhibin-alpha promoter-luciferase reporter construct and cultured with different hormones before assaying for luciferase activity. Treatment with FSH or GDF-9 resulted in increased inhibin-alpha gene promoter activity, and combined treatment with both led to synergistic increases. The present data demonstrate that oocyte-derived GDF-9, alone or together with pituitary-derived FSH, stimulates inhibin production, inhibin subunit mRNA expression, and inhibin-alpha promoter activity by rat granulosa cells. The synergistic stimulation of inhibin secretion by the paracrine hormone GDF-9 and the endocrine hormone FSH could play an important role in the feedback regulation of FSH release, thus leading to the modulation of follicle maturation and ovulation.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its determinants in Australian adults aged 25 years and older: a national, population‐based study (2011)

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Australia affecting nearly one-third of adults aged ≥25 years. This indicates that strategies are needed at the population level to improve vitamin D status of Australians.
Inversion Electron Mobility Affected by Phase Separation in High-Permittivity Gate Dielectrics (2003)

We have examined the effects of phase separation on the inversion electron mobility of metal-insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors with high-permittivity (high-κ) gate dielectrics. On the basis of experimental data of hafnium silicate films, we developed a phase separation model of a high-κ film that contains crystal grains of high permittivity in an amorphous film of low permittivity. Using this model, we calculated the electron mobility by applying a linear response theory and found that the phase separation results in a significant reduction of the electron mobility. We also discuss the differences in the calculated electron mobility between the phase-separated hafnium silicate and hafnium aluminate.
Fe Thin Film Coated Optics for Monitoring Internal Corrosion in Natural Gas Pipelines (2018)

Abstract Internal corrosion can occur in the natural gas transmission pipelines when aqueous electrolytes are present. The presence of water results from the condensation of wet gas or liquid water from upstream plant upsets. Dissolved contaminants such as salts, CO2, and H2S make the electrolyte more corrosive. The ability to monitor internal corrosion in natural gas transmission pipelines before it occurs could have a significant impact on preventing methane leaks as well as catastrophic events resulting from corrosion. A recent concept for early corrosion on-set detection involves the use of proxy materials integrated with the optical fiber sensor platform that corrode at a rate which provides insight into the conditions for which pipeline corrosion is expected to occur. Successful realization of this class of sensors requires a detailed understanding of the corrosion behavior of relevant thin film systems. In support of this goal, Fe thin film of different thicknesses (25, 50, 100 nm) on quartz substrates were tested in CO2 saturated 3.5%wt. NaCl solutions at 30 °C. The effects of CO2 and thickness on the corrosion of Fe thin films were studied using optical transmission technique and in situ electrochemical method. The increase in light transmission corresponded to the corrosion of Fe thin films. CO2 accelerated the corrosion of Fe thin films due to the lower pH and promoted corrosion reactions, resulting in a faster increase of light transmission over time than without CO2. While the corrosion rate (CR) increased with the film thickness, the CR of Fe thin films were of the same order of magnitude with the API 5L X65 bulk pipeline material, verifying that Fe thin films can serve as a corrosion proxy when integrated with the optical fiber based sensing platform.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Julia Olefination Mediated by Magnesium in Ethanol. (1995)

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Xanthine oxidase inhibitors: an emerging class of drugs for heart failureThe opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the Editors of the European Heart Journal or of the European Society of Cardiology. (2005)

This editorial refers to ‘Transient reduction in myocardial free oxygen radical levels is involved in the improved cardiac function and structure after long-term allopurinol treatment initiated in established chronic heart failure’† by V. Mellin et al. , on page 1544 

Mellin et al. 1 report that short- and long-term xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition with allopurinol, initiated in rats with chronic heart failure due to myocardial infarction, improves cardiac haemodynamics and function and reverses left ventricular remodelling. Rats with established left ventricular dysfunction induced by left coronary artery ligation received a 5-day or 10-week treatment with allopurinol starting 18 or 8 weeks, respectively, after the initial injury. Both short- and long-term allopurinol treatment increased cardiac output without changing arterial pressure consistent with an afterload reducing effect, but only long-term allopurinol treatment reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and the left ventricular time-constant of relaxation. Importantly, chronic allopurinol produced clear reverse remodelling, decreasing left-ventricular systolic and diastolic diameters, weight, and collagen density.

Interestingly, a reduction in reactive oxygen species determined using electron spin resonance spectroscopy was detectable only in the group receiving 5 days of allopurinol, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were not reduced in either group. These findings substantially extend prior work performed in mouse models in which XO inhibition administered immediately following infarction had beneficial effects on remodelling prevention2 and mortality.3 Although the effects following acute infarction were predictable based on findings from stunned myofilaments,4 the effects on reverse remodelling of established ischaemic cardiomyopathy had not been previously addressed. The current study not only raises extremely interesting questions regarding the role of oxidative stress in heart failure, but also offers new support for a novel class of heart failure therapeutics: the XO inhibitors.

There is strong evidence supporting a pathophysiological role for the XO pathway in heart failure. … 

*Corresponding author. Tel: +1 410 614 4161; fax: +1 443 287 7945. E-mail address : jhare{at}mail.jhmi.edu
Data from Sonic Hedgehog and Gli1 Expression Predict Outcome in Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (2023)

&lt;div&gt;Abstract&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Purpose:&lt;/b&gt; Aberrant activation of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway is implicated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumorigenesis. We investigated the prognostic and predictive value of four Hh signaling proteins and of the tumor stromal density.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Experimental Design:&lt;/b&gt; Using tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry, the expression of Shh, Gli1, SMO, and PTCH1 was assessed in 567 patients from three independent cohorts who underwent surgical resection for PDAC. In 82 patients, the tumor stromal index (SI) was calculated, and its association with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was investigated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Shh and Gli1 protein abundance were independent prognostic factors in resected PDACs; low expressors for those proteins experiencing a better OS and DFS. The combination of Shh and Gli1 levels was the most significant predictor for OS and defined 3 clinically relevant subgroups of patients with different prognosis (Gli1 and Shh low; HR set at 1 vs. 3.08 for Shh or Gli1 high vs. 5.69 for Shh and Gli1 high; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). The two validating cohorts recapitulated the findings of the training cohort. After further stratification by lymph node status, the prognostic significance of combined Shh and Gli1 was maintained. The tumor SI was correlated with Shh levels and was significantly associated with OS (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.023).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Shh and Gli1 are prognostic biomarkers for patients with resected PDAC. &lt;i&gt;Clin Cancer Res; 21(5); 1215–24. ©2014 AACR&lt;/i&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
ChemInform Abstract: Indolyl Participation in the Mitsunobu Reaction: Retention of Stereochemistry. (1992)

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Improved Zinc-Catalyzed Simmons–Smith Reaction: Access to Various 1,2,3-Trisubstituted Cyclopropanes (2014)

The Simmons-Smith reaction of zinc carbenoids with alkenes is a powerful method to access cyclopropanes containing various substitution patterns. This work exploits the high reactivity of aryldiazomethanes toward zinc halides to generate aryl-substituted carbenoids catalytically. These carbenoids are able to cyclopropanate various alkenes diastereoselectively, including unfunctionalized substrates such as styrenes. The zinc catalyst can be modified to tolerate the use of free allylic alcohols.
Avidin acylation prevents the complement-dependent lysis of avidin-carrying erythrocytes (1991)

Non-covalent binding of avidin to biotinylated erythrocytes results in complement-dependent haemolysis. Biotinylated erythrocytes, as well as native cells, are not lysed by complement. Complement activation requires a tight contact between avidin and the erythrocyte membrane, since avidin does not in itself activate complement and does not inhibit lysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes. The efficiency of haemolysis depends on avidin's surface density. When the avidin concentration in the reaction mixture is less than 15 micrograms/ml, erythrocyte lysis is not induced. However, the attachment of biotinylated antibodies to avidin-carrying erythrocytes decreases dramatically. Acylation of avidin with succinic anhydride strongly decreases its ability to induce complement-dependent haemolysis. However, the ability of avidin to cross-link the biotin-containing structures decreases after acylation. A 50% modification of avidin by succinic anhydride (pI about 7.0) allows preparation of 'immunoerythrocytes', which retain their affinity to antigen and stability in the presence of complement.
Failure scenario as a service (FSaaS) for Hadoop clusters (2012)

As the use of cloud computing resources grows in academic research and industry, so does the likelihood of failures that catastrophically affect the applications being run on the cloud. For that reason, cloud service providers as well as cloud applications need to expect failures and shield their services accordingly. We propose a new model called Failure Scenario as a Service (FSaaS). FSaaS will be utilized across the cloud for testing the resilience of cloud applications. In an effort to provide both Hadoop service and application vendors with the means to test their applications against the risk of massive failure, we focus our efforts on the Hadoop platform. We have generated a series of failure scenarios for certain types of jobs. Customers will be able to choose specific scenarios based on their jobs to evaluate their systems.
Progress in SiC and GaN microwave devices fabricated on semi-insulating 4H-SiC substrates (2003)

The two technologies being studied are SiC MESFETs based on homoepitaxially grown epilayers, primarily targeted for applications from UHF up to 10 GHz, and GaN/AlGaN HEMTs that are grown via heteroepitaxial MOCVD which can operate at frequencies potentially up to 35 GHz. As a result of the use of 4H-SiC semi-insulating substrates, impressive demonstrations of microwave power have been made in both types of devices. This paper will describe progress made in SiC substrates, and some of the resulting microwave device demonstrations in both SiC MESFETs and in GaN/AlGaN devices grown on SiC.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of TBC: An Alternative Process for Gas Turbine Components (2000)

This paper deals with the development of a new process for the deposition of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) based on chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The research program started in September 1998 under a BRITE/Euram III project. The CVD process involves the evaporation of zirconium and yttrium starting from metal-organic precursors and their reaction with oxygen in a hot wall reactor in order to deposit TBC layers. The influence of different deposition parameters such as evaporation temperature, pressure, and substrate temperature on structure, deposition rate, and process yield are described. The characterization of different precursors behavior is also described. Preliminary results, obtained with optimized conditions, have shown ZrO2-Y2O3 columnar layers with deposition rates of interest from an industrial point of view.
Guiding neuron development with planar surface gradients of substrate cues deposited using microfluidic devices (2010)

Wiring the nervous system relies on the interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic signaling molecules that control neurite extension, neuronal polarity, process maturation and experience-dependent refinement. Extrinsic signals establish and enrich neuron-neuron interactions during development. Understanding how such extrinsic cues direct neurons to establish neural connections in vitro will facilitate the development of organized neural networks for investigating the development and function of nervous system networks. Producing ordered networks of neurons with defined connectivity in vitro presents special technical challenges because the results must be compliant with the biological requirements of rewiring neural networks. Here we demonstrate the ability to form stable, instructive surface-bound gradients of laminin that guide postnatal hippocampal neuron development in vitro. Our work uses a three-channel, interconnected microfluidic device that permits the production of adlayers of planar substrates through the combination of laminar flow, diffusion and physisorption. Through simple flow modifications, a variety of patterns and gradients of laminin (LN) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated poly-l-lysine (FITC-PLL) were deposited to present neurons with an instructive substratum to guide neuronal development. We present three variations in substrate design that produce distinct growth regimens for postnatal neurons in dispersed cell cultures. In the first approach, diffusion-mediated gradients of LN were formed on cover slips to guide neurons toward increasing LN concentrations. In the second approach, a combined gradient of LN and FITC-PLL was produced using aspiration-driven laminar flow to restrict neuronal growth to a 15 microm wide growth zone at the center of the two superimposed gradients. The last approach demonstrates the capacity to combine binary lines of FITC-PLL in conjunction with surface gradients of LN and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to produce substrate adlayers that provide additional levels of control over growth. This work demonstrates the advantages of spatio-temporal fluid control for patterning surface-bound gradients using a simple microfluidics-based substrate deposition procedure. We anticipate that this microfluidics-based patterning approach will provide instructive patterns and surface-bound gradients to enable a new level of control in guiding neuron development and network formation.
Business-oriented management of Web services (2003)

Using tools and abstractions for monitoring and controlling Web services.
Human neural stem cells drug product: Microsatellite instability analysis (2022)

We showed that genetic stability at microsatellite loci is maintained by the cells even at high passages adding a further demonstration of the safety of our hNSCs GMP culture method.
Feasibility of laparoscopic liver resection for giant hemangioma of greater than 6 cm in diameter (2014)

The resection of giant hemangioma demands meticulous surgical technique due to high vascularity and the concomitant risk of intraoperative hemorrhage. Laparoscopic liver resection is feasible with minimal operative complication. Therefore, laparoscopic liver resection can be considered as an option for surgical treatment for giant hemangioma.
Radial modulation contrast imaging using a 20-mhz single-element intravascular ultrasound catheter (2014)

Contrast-enhanced intravascular ultrasound imaging is a promising tool for the characterization of coronary vasa vasorum proliferation, which has been identified as a marker of, and possible etiologic factor in, the development of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. Resonance-based nonlinear detection methods have required the development of prototype catheters which are not commercially available, thus limiting clinical translation. In this study, we investigated the performances of a radial modulation imaging approach (25/3 MHz combination) using simulations, implemented it on a clinical 20-MHz rotating catheter, and tested it in a wall-less tissuemimicking flow phantom perfused with lipid-encapsulated microbubbles (MBs). The effects of the phase lag, low-frequency pressure, and MB concentration on the envelope subtracted radial modulation signals were investigated as a function of depth. Our dual-pulse dual-frequency approach produced contrast- specific images with contrast-to-tissue improvements over B-mode of 15.1 ± 2.1 dB at 2 mm and 6.8 ± 0.1 dB at 4 mm depths. Using this imaging strategy, 200-μm-diameter cellulose tubing perfused with MBs could be resolved while surrounding tissue scattering was suppressed. These results raise promise for the detection of coronary vasa vasorum and may ultimately facilitate the detection of plaque at risk for rupture.
Production of monovalent antisera by induction of immunological tolerance for capsular typing ofStreptococcus pneumoniae (1992)

Hyperimmune and high-titered polyclonal pneumococcal antisera, specific for cross-reactive types within groups, were produced in adult rabbits. Purified capsular polysaccharide was injected intravenously into adult rabbits. One week later, these rabbits were given multiple intravenous injections of formalin-inactivated pneumococci of the cross-reactive type by an established method. Each of the resultant antisera were specific for the cross-reactive type indicating that the previous injection of the polysaccharide had induced epitope-specific tolerance. This method was successful for production of antisera against pneumococcal types 6A, 6B, 9N, 9V, 19F and 19A. Polyclonal rabbit pneumococcal antisera have some advantages over murine monoclonal antibodies for serologic studies and this method should be applicable for producing type-specific antibodies to cross-reactive polysaccharides of clinical interest. Further, this method is simpler and generally produces higher titered monovalent (factor) reagents than absorbed antisera.
Micro-optical elements with arbitrary surfaces (2000)

We present a comparison of three different technologies for the fabrication of microoptical elements with arbitrary surfaces. We used direct laser writing, binary mask lithography in combination with reactive ion etching, and graytone lithography.
Thousands of samples are needed to generate a robust gene list for predicting outcome in cancer (2006)

Predicting at the time of discovery the prognosis and metastatic potential of cancer is a major challenge in current clinical research. Numerous recent studies searched for gene expression signatures that outperform traditionally used clinical parameters in outcome prediction. Finding such a signature will free many patients of the suffering and toxicity associated with adjuvant chemotherapy given to them under current protocols, even though they do not need such treatment. A reliable set of predictive genes also will contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanism of metastasis. Several groups have published lists of predictive genes and reported good predictive performance based on them. However, the gene lists obtained for the same clinical types of patients by different groups differed widely and had only very few genes in common. This lack of agreement raised doubts about the reliability and robustness of the reported predictive gene lists, and the main source of the problem was shown to be the small number of samples that were used to generate the gene lists. Here, we introduce a previously undescribed mathematical method, probably approximately correct (PAC) sorting, for evaluating the robustness of such lists. We calculate for several published data sets the number of samples that are needed to achieve any desired level of reproducibility. For example, to achieve a typical overlap of 50% between two predictive lists of genes, breast cancer studies would need the expression profiles of several thousand early discovery patients.