gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Antioxidant Therapy (2012)

Oxidant stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In the late 1980s, biological studies demonstrated that oxygen-free radicals oxidize low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, resulting in the creation of foam cells and inciting the cascade of biological events that ultimately result in the formation of atherosclerosis. In vitro studies showed the ability of antioxidant vitamins to scavenge free radicals and block the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. This data was supported in vivo by early observational studies suggesting the benefit of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, in the prevention of coronary artery disease. On the basis of these studies, the use of antioxidant supplements by the general population increased substantially and became a multibillion dollar industry. Despite strong biological evidence and promising observational data, more rigorous scientific evaluation did not support a causational relationship between vitamin supplements and lowering coronary artery disease risk. Several prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials showed no benefit and possibly harmful effects. Therapies such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and statins, which are known to have benefit in preventing and treating atherosclerosis by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, also have a "pleiotropic" effect in reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Advances in molecular biology and the study of ROS led to a better understanding of the mechanisms that govern their production and role in atherogenesis. This progress identified unforeseen pathways by which these drugs favorably alter the balance in ROS production, and have raised possibilities for future targeted therapies in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in a Mexican-American Population (2001)

The prevalence rate of diabetes in this population of Hispanics is high, almost twice that of Caucasians. The prevalence rate of DR is high but similar to reports in a Caucasian population. The prevalence rate of 9% moderate to severe retinopathy in the newly diagnosed group suggests that efforts to improve detection and treatment of diabetes in Hispanics may be warranted.
PRMT5 (Janus Kinase-binding Protein 1) Catalyzes the Formation of Symmetric Dimethylarginine Residues in Proteins (2001)

We have identified a new mammalian protein arginine N-methyltransferase, PRMT5, formerly designated Janus kinase-binding protein 1, that can catalyze the formation of omega-N(G)-monomethylarginine and symmetric omega-N(G),N(G')-dimethylarginine in a variety of proteins. A hemagglutinin peptide-tagged PRMT5 complex purified from human HeLa cells catalyzes the S-adenosyl-l-[methyl-(3)H]methionine-dependent in vitro methylation of myelin basic protein. When the radiolabeled myelin basic protein was acid-hydrolyzed to free amino acids, and the products were separated by high-resolution cation exchange chromatography, we were able to detect two tritiated species. One species co-migrated with a omega-N(G)-monomethylarginine standard, and the other co-chromatographed with a symmetric omega-N(G),N(G')-dimethylarginine standard. Upon base treatment, this second species formed methylamine, a breakdown product characteristic of symmetric omega-N(G),N(G')-dimethylarginine. Further analysis of these two species by thin layer chromatography confirmed their identification as omega-N(G)-monomethylarginine and symmetric omega-N(G),N(G')-dimethylarginine. The hemagglutinin-PRMT5 complex was also able to monomethylate and symmetrically dimethylate bovine histone H2A and a glutathione S-transferase-fibrillarin (amino acids 1-148) fusion protein (glutathione S-transferase-GAR). A mutation introduced into the S-adenosyl-l-methionine-binding motif I of a myc-tagged PRMT5 construct in COS-1 cells led to a near complete loss of observed enzymatic activity. PRMT5 is the first example of a catalytic chain for a type II protein arginine N-methyltransferase that can result in the formation of symmetric dimethylarginine residues as observed previously in myelin basic protein, Sm small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, and other polypeptides.
Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of Certain Grains and of Oat Fractions in the Chick. (1967)

SummaryThe plasma cholesterol-lowering activity of whole ground oats and its components was studied in chicks fed hypercholesterolemic diets. Oat hulls were most effective whereas oat starch and oat oil had no cholesterol-lowering activity. Liver lipids and cholesterol were also significantly reduced by whole oats and oat hulls, and, to a lesser extent, by dehulled oats. In contrast to observations made with pectin or scleroglucan, fecal lipids and sterols were not increased by the feeding of whole oats or oat hulls.
A splice-guided data driven interactive editing (2013)

Image segmentation is one of the most challenging tasks in the field of image processing. Even the best automatic segmentation approaches cannot yet provide accurate segmentation in all situations. Hence, there is a persistent need for interactive editing tools to correct the automatic segmentation results such that they match what would be clinically accepted by an expert. We present an editing approach that uses a user-drawn splice (contour) in 2D to correct any 2D or 3D segmentation that may have been obtained automatically or manually. The algorithm integrates the image data, the existing segmentation (presegmentation), and the user's input into an energy minimization framework. We will show that the proposed segmentation editing approach is general and can be used in multiple applications and for multiple imaging modalities.
Inhibitory Constituents of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Nitric Oxide Production in BV2 Microglia isolated from<i>Amomum tsao-ko</i> (2008)

A methanolic extract of the fruits of AMOMUM TSAO-KO (Zingiberaceae) significantly attenuated nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-simulated BV2 microglia. Two new bicyclic nonanes characterized as 6,7-dihydroxy-indan-4-carbaldehyde ( 1) and 6-hydroxy-indan-4-carbaldehyde ( 2) were isolated with the eleven known compounds 6,7-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethyloct-2-enoic acid ( 3), tsaokoin ( 4), isotsaokoin ( 5), 8-oxogeraniol ( 6), P-menth-1-ene-5,6-diol ( 7), 3alpha-hydroxycarvotagenone ( 8), tsaokoarylone ( 9), 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-4,6-heptadien-3one ( 10), (+)-hannokinol ( 11), MESO-hannokinol ( 12) and hannokinin ( 13), from the fruits of A. TSAO-KO using bioactivity-guided fractionation. All thirteen compounds significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in BV2 microglial cells at concentrations ranging from 1 microM to 100 microM.
A Study on the Optimal Operation of the Intermittently Aerated Fluidized Bed (1997)

The effect of nonaeration/aeration ratio and cycle on the intermittently aerated fluidized bed were studied experimentally. and the obtained results were as follows : 1. Under the intermittent aeration. BOD removal rate was from 98.3% to 88.6% in the range of non-aeration rate 0.4 to 0.75. and the most economic non-aeration rate was 0.5. 2. Under the non-aeration rate of 0.5, effluent BOD improved from 4.2 mg/l to 2.5 mg/l as a non-aeration/aeration period was reduced. Effluent SS was getting better from 4.2 mg/l to 2.5 mg/l, too. 3. The repeating stress such as interception of air supply seems to promote the activity of a microorganism. 4. ratio (0.56) of the intermittent aeration was alike with 0.55 of continuous aeration, and oxygen consumption rate () of a microorganism in intermittent aeration was lower than 0.55 of continuous aeration. 5. Even though a non-aeration/aeration period was reduced to 10/20 min. the prosperity of filamentous bacteria was restrained nicely.
Treatments and compositions targeting α-synuclein: a patent review (2010-2016) (2016)

Abnormal deposition of α-synuclein (ASN) is a hallmark and possible central mechanism of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Their therapy is currently hampered by the lack of early, screening-compatible diagnostic methods and efficient treatments. Areas covered: Patent applications related to synucleinopathies obtained from Patentscope and Espacenet databases are described against the background of current knowledge regarding the regulatory mechanisms of ASN behavior including alternative splicing, post-translational modifications, molecular interactions, aggregation, degradation, and changes in localization. Expert opinion: As the central pathological feature and possibly one of root causes in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, deregulation of ASN is a potentially optimal diagnostic and therapeutic target. Changes in total ASN may have diagnostic value, especially if non-invasive /peripheral tissue tests can be developed. Targeting the whole ASN pool for therapeutic purposes may be problematic, however. ASN mutations, truncation, and post-translational modifications have great potential value; therapeutic approaches selective towards aggregated or aggregation-prone ASN forms may lead to more successful and safe treatments. Numerous ASN interactions with signaling pathways, protein degradation and stress mechanisms widen its potential therapeutic significance dramatically. However, significant improvement in the basic knowledge on ASN is necessary to fully exploit these opportunities.
Cocrystallization of Random Copolymers of ω-Pentadecalactone and ε-Caprolactone Synthesized by Lipase Catalysis (2005)

Random copolymers were prepared by Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozyme-435) catalyzed copolymerization of omega-pentadecalactone (PDL) with epsilon-caprolactone (CL). Over the whole composition range PDL-CL copolymers are highly crystalline (melting enthalpy by differential scanning calorimetry, above 100 J/g; crystallinity degree by wide-angle X-ray scattering, WAXS, 60-70%). The copolymers melt at temperatures that linearly decrease with composition from that of poly(omega-pentadecalactone) (PPDL; 97 degrees C) to that of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL; 59 degrees C). The WAXS profiles of PCL and PPDL homopolymers are very similar, except for the presence in PPDL of the (001) reflection at 2theta = 4.58 degrees that corresponds to a 19.3 angstroms periodicity in the chain direction. In PDL-CL copolymers the intensity of this reflection decreases with increasing content of CL units and vanishes at 50 mol % CL, as a result of randomization of the ester group alignment and loss of chain periodicity. PDL-CL copolymers crystallize in a lattice that gradually changes from that of one homopolymer to that of the other, owing to comonomer isomorphous substitution. Cocrystallization of comonomer units is also shown by a random PDL-CL copolymer obtained in a polymerization/transesterification reaction catalyzed by C. antarctica lipase B (Novozyme-435) starting from preformed PCL and PDL monomer.
Lovastatin-Induced Apoptosis in Macrophages through the Rac1/Cdc42/JNK Pathway (2006)

Statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, have been used successfully in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia for more than a decade. Statins also exhibit overall clinical benefits on cardiovascular diseases independent of their effects on lowering serum cholesterol levels. These beneficial effects of statin therapy are believed to be due, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles of statins. Statin treatment reduces the levels of inflammatory markers, decreases the activation and recruitment of immune cells, and delays the progression of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease. However, little is known about the direct impact of statins on immune cells, particularly on macrophages. We report that lovastatin, a member of the statin family, effectively induces apoptosis in macrophages. Further investigation of the molecular mechanism has revealed that Rac1 and Cdc42, the small GTPase family members, may play an important role in lovastatin-induced macrophage apoptosis. Moreover, the activation of the JNK pathway may contribute to this event. Our findings provide a better understanding of the molecular basis underlying the anti-inflammatory clinical benefits of statin therapy in cardiovascular diseases.
Noninvasive Prenatal Exclusion of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia by Maternal Plasma Analysis: A Feasibility Study (2002)

The presence of fetal DNA in maternal plasma has allowed the development of strategies for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (1). However, because fetal DNA in maternal plasma circulates among a background of maternal DNA, strategies for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis with applications of fetal DNA in maternal plasma have been confined to the detection of autosomal dominant, paternally inherited genetic traits, such as fetal gender (for sex-linked disorders) (1), rhesus D (2)(3), myotonic dystrophy (4), and achondroplasia (5). Using congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) as a model system, we present a strategy for the noninvasive prenatal exclusion of an autosomal recessive condition through the detection of fetal DNA in maternal plasma. The approach described in this study may potentially be applicable to other autosomal recessive conditions.

More than 90% of cases of CAH are a result of deficiency of 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme of the adrenal gland involved in the synthesis of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. 21-Hydroxylase is encoded by CYP21 , a MHC class III gene located on chromosome 6p21.3. Most mutations causing 21-hydroxylase deficiency are caused by either gene deletions or gene conversions, whereby deleterious mutations are transferred from the nearby pseudogene, CYP21P , which shares 98% homology with CYP21 (6). Consequent to profound deficiency or the complete absence of activity of 21-hydroxylase, severe forms of CAH manifest as salt-wasting attributable to impaired synthesis of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. In addition, the excess buildup of metabolic precursors causes excessive androgen production, leading to virilization of female fetuses (6). Hence, dexamethasone therapy is customarily prescribed prenatally to prevent in utero virilization of an affected female fetus through suppression of the excessive …
Chemically induced murine erythroleukemia cell differentiation is severely impaired when cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity is repressed by transfected genes. (1992)

During chemically induced differentiation of murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity increases, and the enzyme's isozyme pattern changes. To examine the enzyme's role during MEL cell differentiation, we stably transfected MEL cells with recombinant plasmids in which the mouse metallothionein I promoter controlled expression of either a mutant form of the type I regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (RI) or the enzyme's specific peptide inhibitor (PKI); expressing either sequence rendered cells cAMP-dependent protein kinase-deficient. Chemically induced differentiation of MEL cells as assessed by beta-globin mRNA and hemoglobin accumulation was inhibited in RI mutant and PKI transfectants; adding zinc further inhibited differentiation in the transfectants but had no effect on parental MEL cells. The inhibition of differentiation correlated with the amount of RI mutant mRNA and protein in the RI mutant transfectants and with the cells' degree of cAMP-dependent protein kinase deficiency in both the RI mutant and PKI transfectants. Overexpression of wild type RI did not interfere with differentiation or enzyme activity. We conclude that cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity is important for chemically induced differentiation of MEL cells and that the down-regulation of RI protein which occurs during MEL cell differentiation is not essential for differentiation to proceed.
A Decision-Support System that Helps Retailers Decide Order Quantities and Markdowns for Fashion Goods (2001)

We developed MARK, a stochastic dynamic-programming model-based decision-support system, specifically to help retail-store buyers of fashion goods decide on optimal merchandise order quantities and markdown prices. We implemented MARK as an interactive software program that runs on users' personal computers and can be integrated with the retailers' point-of-sale (POS) and other information systems. As we show in an actual-case illustration, MARK improved profitability and managers' understanding of the decision problems. MARK also provides valuable insights into the interplay between order-quantity and dynamic-pricing decisions. For example, higher markdown percentages do not necessarily mean lower profits.
Electrically Mediated Membrane Pore Gating via Grafted Polymer Brushes (2019)

Stimuli-responsive membranes that enable the smart control of membrane transport properties represent an interesting class of materials for a wide range of separation processes. In this work, surface-initiated, electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization was used to grow poly(acrylic acid) brushes from the surface of a percolating network of carbon nanotubes coating an ultrafiltration membrane. Brush molecular weights as high as 930 kDa were achieved, with very low dispersivity. When no potential was applied, the material was able to reject 88% of 12 kDa dextran in 50 mM NaCl solution. Membrane rejection and flux were readily changed upon the application of electrical potentials, with positive potentials increasing flux by 85% and reducing rejection by 56%, while negative potentials reduced flux by 30% and increased rejection by 5%. We show evidence that counterion migration, moving in response to the applied electric field, is responsible for the expansion or collapse of the grafted charged polymer brushes, which induced or eliminated pore gating. In addition, atomic force microscopy was used to probe the forces exerted by brush conformational changes in response to the applied field. These materials can find applications in industrial separations where gating is needed and may possess interesting anti-fouling properties.
In Vivo Complex Formation of Oxidized α <sub>1</sub> -Antitrypsin and LDL (2001)

An inactivated form of alpha(1)-antitrypsin (AT) and LDL coelutes in gel permeation chromatography. To characterize and to quantify the amount of this fraction of AT, a monoclonal antibody was established against chloramine T-oxidized AT and named OxAT-4. OxAT-4 recognized the oxidatively modified AT, including hexylaldehyde- or 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified AT, but neither normal active AT nor trypsin/AT complex. Comigration of apoB and oxidized AT was demonstrated by Western blotting analysis of AT-LDL by means of anti-apoB monoclonal antibody and OxAT-4. A complex of oxidized AT and LDL (AT-LDL) was isolated from human plasma LDL by affinity column with an OxAT-4 antibody-coated carrier. AT-LDL was degraded 4 times more effectively by mouse peritoneal macrophages, but this was not mediated by scavenger receptor class A type I. Localization of AT-LDL was detected in human atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary artery, but distribution of it was not completely identical to that of macrophages. In situ hybridization revealed AT expression by macrophages, which were present in intimal layers of the coronary artery. From these findings, we concluded that AT is produced and oxidized by macrophages, then attached to LDL in the intimal layer of the arterial wall. Although AT-LDL that escapes into the blood stream can be cleared by hepatocytes, the remaining AT-LDL may be taken up by macrophages and contribute to the lipid accumulation in arterial wall cells as the early stage of atherogenesis.
In Vivo Perfusion of Human Skin Substitutes With Microvessels Formed by Adult Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells (2008)

BACKGROUND At present, tissue-engineered human skin substitutes (HSSs) mainly function as temporary bioactive dressings due to inadequate perfusion. Failure to form functional vascular networks within the initial posttransplantation period compromises cell survival of the graft and its long-term viability in the wound bed. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to demonstrate that adult circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) seeded onto HSS can form functional microvessels capable of graft neovascularization and perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) underwent CD34 selection and endothelial cell (EC) culture conditions. After in vitro expansion, flow cytometry verified EC phenotype before their incorporation into HSS. After 2 weeks in vivo, immunohistochemical analysis, immunofluorescent microscopy, and microfil polymer perfusion were performed. RESULTS CD34+ PBMCs differentiated into EPC demonstrating characteristic EC morphology and expression of CD31, Tie-2, and E-selectin after TNFα-induction. Numerous human CD31 and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-1) microvessels within the engineered grafts (HSS/EPCs) inosculated with recipient murine circulation. Limitation of murine CD31 immunoreactivity to HSS margins showed angiogenesis was attributable to human EPC at 2 weeks posttransplantation. Delivery of intravenous rhodamine-conjugated UEA-1 and microfil polymer to HSS/EPCs demonstrated enhanced perfusion by functional microvessels compared to HSS control without EPCs. CONCLUSION We successfully engineered functional microvessels in HSS by incorporating adult circulating EPCs. This autologous EC source can form vascular conduits enabling perfusion and survival of human bioengineered tissues.
Complexity Analysis of EEG, MEG, and fMRI in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review (2020)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease with a high and irreversible incidence. In recent years, because brain signals have complex nonlinear dynamics, there has been growing interest in studying complex changes in the time series of brain signals in patients with AD. We reviewed studies of complexity analyses of single-channel time series from electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetoencephalogram (MEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in AD and determined future research directions. A systematic literature search for 2000-2019 was performed in the Web of Science and PubMed databases, resulting in 126 identified studies. Compared to healthy individuals, the signals from AD patients have less complexity and more predictable oscillations, which are found mainly in the left parietal, occipital, right frontal, and temporal regions. This complexity is considered a potential biomarker for accurately responding to the functional lesion in AD. The current review helps to reveal the patterns of dysfunction in the brains of patients with AD and to investigate whether signal complexity can be used as a biomarker to accurately respond to the functional lesion in AD. We proposed further studies in the signal complexities of AD patients, including investigating the reliability of complexity algorithms and the spatial patterns of signal complexity. In conclusion, the current review helps to better understand the complexity of abnormalities in the AD brain and provide useful information for AD diagnosis.
Ceramic Green Sheet Puncher Using Multilayer Piezoelectric Actuator (1987)

A computer controlled ceramic green sheet puncher system was investigated. The punching head was driven by a flight actuator with multilayers of piezoelectric ceramic. The system copes with an arbitrary via hole pattern. It can punch via holes 0.15 mm in diameter through a ceramic green sheet 0.1 mm thick. Punching speed is 40 ms/hole.
Dissection of the Functional Architecture of a Plant Defense Gene Promoter Using a Homologous in vitro Transcription Initiation System (1993)

Jonathan A. Arias, Richard A. Dixon, Christopher J. Lamb, Dissection of the Functional Architecture of a Plant Defense Gene Promoter Using a Homologous in vitro Transcription Initiation System, The Plant Cell, Vol. 5, No. 4 (Apr., 1993), pp. 485-496