gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Ribozymes in gene therapy of HIV-1 (1999)

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the primary etiologic agent for Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV-1 is a lentivirus, a separate genus of the Retroviridae, which are complex RNA viruses that integrate into the genome of host cells and replicate intracellularly. Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules with enzyme-like cleavage properties, that can be designed to target specific RNA sequences within the HIV-1 genome. In addition to the genomic RNA, several RNA intermediates, including splice variants, can be targeted by a single ribozyme. We and others have demonstrated the ability of ribozymes to suppress HIV-1 replication in a variety of cultured cells. Ribozyme gene therapy for HIV-1 infection is a therapeutic approach that offers several potential advantages over conventional therapies in that it can potentially impact on both viral load and restoration of the immune system. Ribozyme gene therapy may be used as an adjunct to chemotherapeutic drugs, effecting viral suppression, and facilitating immune restoration without problems of patient compliance. Currently, an anti-HIV-1 ribozyme is being tested in two separate Phase I Clinical Trials.
A novel subset of CD4+ TH2 memory/effector cells that produce inflammatory IL-17 cytokine and promote the exacerbation of chronic allergic asthma (2010)

The inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. However, the identity and functions of IL-17-producing T cells during the pathogenesis of allergic diseases remain unclear. Here, we report a novel subset of T(H)2 memory/effector cells that coexpress the transcription factors GATA3 and RORγt and coproduce T(H)17 and T(H)2 cytokines. Classical T(H)2 memory/effector cells had the potential to produce IL-17 after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-21. The number of IL-17-T(H)2 cells was significantly increased in blood of patients with atopic asthma. In a mouse model of allergic lung diseases, IL-17-producing CD4(+) T(H)2 cells were induced in the inflamed lung and persisted as the dominant IL-17-producing T cell population during the chronic stage of asthma. Treating cultured bronchial epithelial cells with IL-17 plus T(H)2 cytokines induced strong up-regulation of chemokine eotaxin-3, Il8, Mip1b, and Groa gene expression. Compared with classical T(H)17 and T(H)2 cells, antigen-specific IL-17-producing T(H)2 cells induced a profound influx of heterogeneous inflammatory leukocytes and exacerbated asthma. Our findings highlight the plasticity of T(H)2 memory cells and suggest that IL-17-producing T(H)2 cells may represent the key pathogenic T(H)2 cells promoting the exacerbation of allergic asthma.
Detection and estimation of pointing gestures in dense disparity maps (2002)

We describe a real-time system for detecting pointing gestures and estimating the direction of pointing using stereo cameras. Previously, similar systems were implemented using color-based blob trackers, which relied on effective skin color detection; this approach is sensitive to lighting changes and the clothing worn by the user. In contrast, we used a stereo system that produces dense disparity maps in real-time. Disparity maps are considerably less sensitive to lighting changes. Our system subtracts the background, analyzes the foreground pixels to break the body into parts using a robust mixture model, and estimates the direction of pointing. We have tested the system on both coarse and fine pointing by selecting the targets in a room and controlling the cursor on a wall screen, respectively.
Surface impedance measurements of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ thin films in stripline resonators (1991)

The microwave surface impedance of thin films of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ is measured as a function of temperature, frequency, and RF magnetic field, H/sub RF/, using a stripline-resonator technique. The films were deposited in situ by single-target off-axis magnetron sputtering. The frequency range was from 0.4 to 20 GHz, the temperature range from 4.2 K to T/sub c/, and the RF magnetic field range from 0 to 30 Oe. The surface resistance R/sub S/ at 4.2 K and 1.5 GHz is 4*10/sup -6/ Omega . The penetration depth is determined to be 0.167 mu m in the best film, In some films, R/sub S/ shows a linear dependence on H/sub RF/ and rises rapidly at large fields, showing no evidence of saturation. In others, R/sub S/ shows weak dependence on H/sub RF/ before rising rapidly. These behaviors differ from those observed in bulk ceramic YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ and in unpatterned films measured in microwave cavities. However, the shape of R/sub S/(H/sub RF/) for the YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ films is similar to that of Nb and NbN films measured in the same stripline geometry. The authors also present measurements of the intermodulation products in the resonators and discuss the implications of the R/sub S/ and intermodulation measurements for microwave device applications.
The presence of a FLT3 internal tandem duplication in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) adds important prognostic information to cytogenetic risk group and response to the first cycle of chemotherapy: analysis of 854 patients from the United Kingdom Medical Research Council AML 10 and 12 trials (2001)

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), further prognostic determinants are required in addition to cytogenetics to predict patients at increased risk of relapse. Recent studies have indicated that an internal tandem duplication (ITD) in the FLT3 gene may adversely affect clinical outcome. This study evaluated the impact of a FLT3/ITD mutation on outcome in 854 patients, mostly 60 years of age or younger, treated in the United Kingdom Medical Research Council (MRC) AML trials. An FLT3/ITD mutation was present in 27% of the patients and was associated with leukocytosis and a high percentage of bone marrow blast cells (P <.001 for both). It had a borderline association with a lower complete remission rate (P =.05) and a higher induction death rate (P =.04), and was associated with increased relapse risk (RR), adverse disease-free survival (DFS), event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) (P <.001 for all). In multivariate analysis, presence of a mutation was the most significant prognostic factor predicting RR and DFS (P <.0001) and was still significant for OS (P =.009) and EFS (P =.002). There was no evidence that the relative effect of a FLT3/ITD differed between the cytogenetic risk groups. More than one mutation was detected in 23% of FLT3/ITD(+) patients and was associated with worse OS (P =.04) and EFS (P =.07). Biallelic disease or partial/complete loss of wild-type alleles was present in 10% of FLT3/ITD(+) patients. The suggestion is made that detection of a FLT3/ITD should be included as a routine test at diagnosis and evaluated for therapeutic management.
Decomposition of a Key Intermediate in Ruthenium-Catalyzed Olefin Metathesis Reactions (2004)

Dinuclear ruthenium complex, with a bridging carbide and a hydride ligand, and methyltricyclohexylphosphonium chloride result from thermal decomposition of olefin metathesis catalyst, (IMesH2)(PCy3)(Cl)2Ru=CH2. Involvement of dissociated phosphine in the decomposition is proposed. The dinuclear complex has catalytic olefin isomerization activity, which can be responsible for competing isomerization processes in certain olefin metathesis reactions.
Encoders and Decoders for Braided Block Codes (2006)

We consider construction and realization aspects of encoders and decoders for braided block codes (BBCs), which are a powerful class of iteratively decodable codes. An efficient encoder is proposed as well as a pipeline decoder realization. Also, upper and lower bounds on the free distance of BBCs are derived
Increased airway iron as a potential factor in the persistence ofPseudomonas aeruginosainfection in cystic fibrosis (2007)

Iron availability is critical to many bacteria and increased iron has been described in airway secretions in cystic fibrosis (CF). The main aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between iron in CF sputum and the quantitative bacterial burden. Iron, ferritin and total cell counts (TCC) were assessed in sputum samples obtained from 15 clinically stable CF patients chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sputum samples were also obtained at the commencement of episodes of acute exacerbation in 10 subjects and analyses were repeated in six of these exacerbation cases after i.v. antibiotic treatment. The relationship between iron indices and the presence of P. aeruginosa, as well as total anaerobic bacterial load, was determined. Sputum was also obtained from 10 CF patients with no evidence of infection with P. aeruginosa and 11 normal healthy controls. Sputum iron, ferritin and TCC were significantly elevated in all CF patients, even in those not infected with P. aeruginosa, compared with healthy controls. There was a strong positive relationship between sputum iron and P. aeruginosa in clinically stable patients, but not in samples obtained during an acute exacerbation. There was no relationship between sputum iron and anaerobic bacterial load. Antibiotic treatment significantly reduced sputum TCC and anaerobic bacterial load, but not iron, ferritin or the presence of P. aeruginosa during an exacerbation. In conclusion, the present study suggests that increased airway iron may be important to Pseudomonas aeruginosa persistence in cystic fibrosis.
Investigation of Channel Hot Electron Injection by Localized Charge-Trapping Nonvolatile Memory Devices (2004)

A novel measurement method to extract the spatial distribution of channel hot electron injection is described. The method is based on characterization of localized trapped-charge in the nitride read-only memory (NROM) device. The charge distribution is determined by iteratively fitting simulated subthreshold and gate induced drain leakage (GIDL) currents to measurements. It is shown that the subthreshold and the GIDL measurements are sensitive to charge trapped over the n+ junction edge. Their characteristics are determined by the trapped charge width, density and location and the associated fringing field. Extremely high sensitivity of the GIDL measurement to localized charge over the n+ junction is demonstrated. The extracted charge distribution width is shown to be /spl sim/40 nm, located over the junction edge.
Reduced-Complexity Delayed-Decision Algorithm for Context-Based Image Processing Systems (2007)

It is well known that the performance of context-based image processing systems can be improved by allowing the processor (e.g., an encoder or a denoiser) a delay of several samples before making a processing decision. Often, however, for such systems, traditional delayed-decision algorithms can become computationally prohibitive due to the growth in the size of the space of possible solutions. In this paper, we propose a reduced-complexity, one-pass, delayed-decision algorithm that systematically reduces the size of the search space, while also preserving its structure. In particular, we apply the proposed algorithm to two examples of adaptive context-based image processing systems, an image coding system that employs a context-based entropy coder, and a spatially adaptive image-denoising system. For these two types of widely used systems, we show that the proposed delayed-decision search algorithm outperforms instantaneous-decision algorithms with only a small increase in complexity. We also show that the performance of the proposed algorithm is better than that of other, higher complexity, delayed-decision algorithms.
Microscale Field-Flow Fractionation: Theory and Practice (2007)

The last decade has seen exponential growth in the development of lab-on-a-chip or micro-total-analysis system (μ-TAS) components to create better, faster, and cheaper chemical and biological analysis platforms [1]. Lab-on-a-chip type analysis systems typically include a separation-based sample preparation unit to achieve this objective or to prepare the sample for further interrogation using orthogonal techniques. Researchers have employed a host of sample preparation techniques based on electrophoresis [2, 3], ultrasound [4, 5], flow [6, 7], mechanical ratchets [8, 9], electrokinetics [10, 11], packed bed systems [12], membranes [13] magnetics [14, 15], temperature [16], optics [17], dielectrophoresis [18, 19], and so forth. Microscale field-flow fractionation (FFF) techniques have been an integral part of these efforts. Most of these techniques are simply miniaturized versions of conventional macroscale units with the rationale being that the reduction in physical size of the instrument results in smaller sample volumes and faster analysis times. While, many of these systems work well when miniaturized, this approach proves inadequate for systems that do not scale well. FFF, at least for many subtypes, has been shown to scale very well and FFF meets many of the design challenges for a successful separation module in a μ-TAS including (a) ease of manufacturing, (b) low power, (c) wide range of sample type and size, (d) integration to fluidic components, and (e) material compatibility. Thus, FFF is potentially an important solution to many problems in microfluidic system design.
PD-1 and CTLA-4 combination blockade expands infiltrating T cells and reduces regulatory T and myeloid cells within B16 melanoma tumors (2010)

Vaccination with irradiated B16 melanoma cells expressing either GM-CSF (Gvax) or Flt3-ligand (Fvax) combined with antibody blockade of the negative T-cell costimulatory receptor cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) promotes rejection of preimplanted tumors. Despite CTLA-4 blockade, T-cell proliferation and cytokine production can be inhibited by the interaction of programmed death-1 (PD-1) with its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 or by the interaction of PD-L1 with B7-1. Here, we show that the combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade is more than twice as effective as either alone in promoting the rejection of B16 melanomas in conjunction with Fvax. Adding alphaPD-L1 to this regimen results in rejection of 65% of preimplanted tumors vs. 10% with CTLA-4 blockade alone. Combination PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade increases effector T-cell (Teff) infiltration, resulting in highly advantageous Teff-to-regulatory T-cell ratios with the tumor. The fraction of tumor-infiltrating Teffs expressing CTLA-4 and PD-1 increases, reflecting the proliferation and accumulation of cells that would otherwise be anergized. Combination blockade also synergistically increases Teff-to-myeloid-derived suppressor cell ratios within B16 melanomas. IFN-gamma production increases in both the tumor and vaccine draining lymph nodes, as does the frequency of IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha double-producing CD8(+) T cells within the tumor. These results suggest that combination blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1- and CTLA-4-negative costimulatory pathways allows tumor-specific T cells that would otherwise be inactivated to continue to expand and carry out effector functions, thereby shifting the tumor microenvironment from suppressive to inflammatory.
Juvéderm: a hyaluronic acid dermal filler. (2007)

Over the past decade, the use of nonsurgical products and devices to correct facial contour defects and signs of skin aging has exploded with new lasers, toxins for muscle relaxation, and dermal fillers revolutionizing aesthetic medicine. Of all the nonsurgical modalities employed during this period, the dermal filler industry has seen the most growth in demand. In 2006, the worldwide market for dermal fillers increased by 19%; and the US market is expected to increase a further 20% to 25%. This is due in large part to new products, particularly the hyaluronic acids such as Juvéderm, which now promise greater longevity, fewer side effects, a more natural appearance, and easier administration.
Inhibition of lipoprotein oxidation by prenylated xanthones derived from mangostin (2000)

Oxidative damage is thought to play a critical role in cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. This has led to considerable interest in the antioxidant activity of dietary compounds. Flavonoids have received the most attention and much is known about the structural requirements for antioxidant activity. However, little is known about the antioxidant activity of other plant derived phenolic compounds such as the xanthones. We have previously shown that the prenylated xanthone, mangostin, can inhibit the oxidation of low density lipoprotein. In order to examine the effects of structure modification on antioxidant activity of this class of compound we have prepared a number of derivatives of mangostin and tested antioxidant activity in an isolated LDL and plasma assay. The results of this study show that structural modification of mangostin can have a profound effect on antioxidant activity. Derivatisation of the C-3 and C-6 hydroxyl groups with either methyl, acetate, propane diol or nitrile substantially reduces antioxidant activity. In contrast, derivatisation of C-3 and C-6 with aminoethyl derivatives enhanced antioxidant activity, which may be related to changes in solubility. Cyclisation of the prenyl chains had little influence on antioxidant activity.
A Controlled Trial of Natalizumab for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (2003)

In a placebo-controlled trial, treatment with natalizumab led to fewer inflammatory brain lesions and fewer relapses over a six-month period in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Antibody mimics based on human fibronectin type three domain engineered for thermostability and high-affinity binding to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor two (2005)

The tenth human fibronectin type three domain ((10)Fn3) is a small (10 kDa), extremely stable and soluble protein with an immunoglobulin-like fold, but without cysteine residues. Selections from (10)Fn3-based libraries of proteins with randomized loops have yielded high-affinity, target-specific antibody mimics. However, little is known about the biophysical properties of such antibody mimics, which will determine their suitability for in vitro and medical applications. We characterized target binding and biophysical properties of two related (10)Fn3-based antibody mimics that bind vascular endothelial growth factor receptor two (VEGF-R2). The first antibody mimic, which has a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 13 nM, is highly stable [melting temperature (T(m))=62 degrees C] and soluble, whereas the second, which binds VEGF-R2 with 40 x higher affinity, is less stable (T(m) < 40 degrees C) and relatively insoluble. We used our understanding of these two (10)Fn3 derivatives and of wild-type (10)Fn3 structure to engineer the next generation of antibody mimics, which have an improved combination of high affinity (K(d)=0.59 nM), stability (T(m)=53 degrees C) and solubility. Our findings illustrate that (10)Fn3-based antibody mimics can be engineered for favorable biophysical properties even when 20% of the wild-type (10)Fn3 sequence is mutated in order to satisfy target-binding requirements.
Human interleukin 4 receptor confers biological responsiveness and defines a novel receptor superfamily. (1990)

IL-4, a pleiotropic cytokine produced by T lymphocytes, plays an important role in immune responsiveness by regulating proliferation and differentiation of a variety of lymphoid and myeloid cells via binding to high affinity receptors. In this report we describe the isolation and functional expression of a human IL-4-R cDNA. When transfected into COS-7 cells, the cDNA encodes a 140-kD cell-surface protein. After transfection into a murine T cell line, the cDNA encodes a protein that binds human IL-4 with high affinity and can confer responsiveness to human IL-4. The predicted extracellular domain of the IL-4-R exhibits significant amino acid sequence homology with the beta subunit of the IL-2-R (p75), and the receptors for IL-6, erythropoietin, and prolactin. These receptors comprise a novel superfamily with extracellular domains characterized by four conserved cysteine residues and a double tryptophan-serine (WSXWS) motif located proximal to the transmembrane region.
Transvaginal Ultrasound and Digital Examination in Predicting Successful Labor Induction (2001)

In Brief OBJECTIVE To compare transvaginal ultrasound and digital cervical examination in predicting successful induction in post-term pregnancy. METHODS Transvaginal ultrasound and digital vaginal examinations were performed on 122 women at 41 or more weeks' gestation, immediately before labor induction. Ultrasound assessments of cervical length, dilatation, and presence of funneling were compared with the components of the Bishop score. The primary outcome was the rate of vaginal delivery. Secondary outcomes assessed included the rates of active labor in 12 hours, vaginal delivery in 12 and 24 hours, mean duration of latent phase, and induction to vaginal delivery interval. Linear and multiple logistic regression models were generated to identify factors independently associated with successful induction. RESULTS No ultrasound characteristic predicted primary or secondary outcomes. Bishop score (odds ratio [OR] 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71, 5.20), cervical position (OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.41, 12.50), and maternal age (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01, 1.30) independently predicted vaginal delivery. Maternal weight (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94, 0.98), cervical dilatation (OR 6.08, 95% CI 1.70, 21.68), and effacement (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.16, 4.73) independently predicted active labor in 12 hours. Independent predictors of vaginal delivery in 12 hours were induction method (P < .001), cervical dilatation (OR 11.16, 95% CI 3.17, 39.29), gravidity (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.13, 3.77), and maternal weight (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93, 0.99). Cervical effacement (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.59, 4.57) and parity (OR 7.10, 95% CI 2.22, 22.72) independently predicted vaginal delivery in 24 hours. Maternal weight, cervical position, and cervical dilatation were independently associated with latent phase labor duration. Factors independently associated with length of induction to delivery interval were parity, cervical effacement, and maternal weight. CONCLUSION Transvaginal ultrasound does not predict successful labor induction in post-term pregnancy as well as digital cervical examination. Transvaginal ultrasound does not predict successful labor induction in post-term pregnancy as well as digital cervical examination.