gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
B7-H1 (Programmed Death-1 Ligand) on Dendritic Cells Is Involved in the Induction and Maintenance of T Cell Anergy (2003)

In an effort to identify immunoregulatory molecules on dendritic cells (DC), we generated and screened for mAbs capable of modulating the T cell stimulatory function of DC. A particularly interesting mAb was mAb DF272. It recognizes monocyte-derived DC, but not blood monocytes or lymphocytes, and has profound immunomodulatory effects on DC. Treatment of DC with intact IgG or Fab of mAb DF272 enhanced their T cell stimulatory capacity. This effect on DC was accompanied by neither an up-regulation of costimulatory molecules such as B7.1 (CD80), B7.2 (CD86), and MHC class II molecules nor by an induction of cytokine production, including IL-1, TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-12. Moreover, the well-established inhibitory function of IL-10-treated DC could be reverted with mAb DF272. Even T cells, anergized because of stimulation with IL-10-treated DC, could be reactivated and induced to proliferate upon stimulation with mAb DF272-treated DC. Furthermore, mAb DF272-treated DC favored the induction of a type-1 cytokine response in T cells and inhibited IL-10 production. By using a retrovirus-based cDNA expression library generated from DC, we cloned and sequenced the mAb DF272-defined cell surface receptor and could demonstrate that it is identical with B7-H1 (programmed death-1 ligand), a recently identified new member of the B7 family of costimulatory molecules. Our results thus demonstrate that the mAb DF272-defined surface molecule B7-H1 represents a unique receptor structure on DC that might play a role in the induction and maintenance of T cell anergy.
Safety and immunologic effects of IL-15 administration in nonhuman primates (2009)

The administration of cytokines that modulate endogenous or transferred T-cell immunity could improve current approaches to clinical immunotherapy. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is used most commonly for this purpose, but causes systemic toxicity and preferentially drives the expansion of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells, which can inhibit antitumor immunity. IL-15 belongs to the gamma(c) cytokine family and possesses similar properties to IL-2, including the ability to induce T-cell proliferation. Whereas IL-2 promotes apoptosis and limits the survival of CD8(+) memory T cells, IL-15 is required for the establishment and maintenance of CD8(+) T-cell memory. However, limited data are available to guide the clinical use of IL-15. Here, we demonstrate in nonhuman primates that IL-15 administration expands memory CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood, with minimal increases in CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. Daily administration of IL-15 resulted in persistently elevated plasma IL-15 levels and transient toxicity. Intermittent administration of IL-15 allowed clearance of IL-15 between doses and was safe for more than 3 weeks. These findings demonstrate that IL-15 has profound immunomodulatory properties distinct from those described for IL-2, and suggest that intermittent administration of IL-15 should be considered in clinical studies.
Reductive-Oxidation Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence (ECL) Generation at a Transparent Silver Nanowire Electrode (2011)

We present the fabrication of a conductive, transparent electrode composed of Ag nanowires (NW) for spectroelectrochemical studies. Reductive-oxidation electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)3(2+) is generated at the Ag NW electrode in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and collected through the new transparent electrode. The ECL performance at the new nanostructured electrode is compared with several other electrodes, including bulk silver wire, glassy carbon disk, and thermally reduced transparent graphene oxide (tr-GO) electrodes. The Ag NW electrode is found to be the best electrode for the reductive-oxidation ECL generation because of its catalytic properties with respect to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and its high surface area.
Nanotechnology and Cancer (2007)

The biological picture of cancer is rapidly advancing from models built from phenomenological descriptions to network models derived from systems biology, which can capture the evolving pathophysiology of the disease at the molecular level. The translation of this (still academic) picture into a clinically relevant framework can be enabling for the war on cancer, but it is a scientific and technological challenge. In this review, we discuss emerging in vitro diagnostic technologies and therapeutic approaches that are being developed to handle this challenge. Our discussion of in vitro diagnostics is guided by the theme of making large numbers of measurements accurately, sensitively, and at very low cost. We discuss diagnostic approaches based on microfluidics and nanotechnology. We then review the current state of the art of nanoparticle-based therapeutics that have reached the clinic. The goal of the presentation is to identify nanotherapeutic strategies that are designed to increase efficacy while simultaneously minimizing the toxic side effects commonly associated with cancer chemotherapies.
A practical guide to biometric security technology (2001)

As organizations search for more secure authentication methods for user access, e-commerce. and other security applications, biometrics is gaining increasing attention. But should your company use biometrics? And, if so, which ones should you use and how do you choose them? There is no one best biometric technology. Different applications require different biometrics. To select the right biometric for your situation, you will need to navigate through some complex vendor products and keep an eye on future developments in technology and standards. Your options have never been more diverse. After years of research and development, vendors now have several products to offer. Some are relatively immature, having only recently become commercially available, but even these can substantially improve your company's information security posture. We briefly describe some emerging biometric technologies to help guide your decision making.
Recombinant replication protein A: expression, complex formation, and functional characterization (1994)

Replication protein A (RPA) is a multisubunit, single-stranded DNA-binding protein that is absolutely required for replication of SV40 DNA. The three cDNAs encoding the subunits of human replication protein A (70, 32, and 14 kDa) have been expressed individually and in combination in Escherichia coli. When subunits were expressed individually, appropriately sized polypeptides were synthesized, but were found to be either insoluble or aggregated with other proteins. We examined the interactions between individual RPA subunits by expressing pairs of subunits and determining if they formed stable complexes. Only the 32- and 14-kDa subunits formed a soluble complex when coexpressed. This complex was purified and characterized. The 32-14 kDa subcomplex did not have any effect on DNA replication and was not phosphorylated efficiently in vitro. We believe that the 32.14-kDa subcomplex may be a precursor in the assembly of the complete RPA complex. Coexpression of all three subunits of RPA resulted in a significant portion of each polypeptide forming a soluble complex. We have purified recombinant RPA complex from E. coli and demonstrated that it has properties similar to those of human RPA. Recombinant human RPA has the same subunit composition and the same activities as the authentic complex from human cells. Recombinant human RPA binds single-stranded DNA and is capable of supporting SV40 DNA replication in vitro. In addition, recombinant RPA became phosphorylated when incubated under replication conditions.
A systematic review of mechanisms by which natural products of plant origin evoke vasodilatation (2006)

This article reviews the body of work aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of action by which natural products of plant origin exert a vasodilatory effect at the level of the vasculature. The search was restricted to 4 mechanisms: the nitric oxide system and (or) reactive oxygen species, the eicosanoid system, potassium channel function, and calcium channel function. The National Library of Medicine database was searched using "PubMed" without restriction to language. The search generated 266 references on 15 November 2005. Most studies were in vitro in nature and of these, most involved studies in the rat aorta. Many of the natural products evoked vasodilatation through an endothelium-dependent mechanism. The vasodilatation was attenuated or abolished by a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and, in some of these studies, by an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. A few studies reported a cyclooxygenase component, but most found no effect of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin. The vasorelaxation evoked by several natural products was attenuated by various potassium channel blocking agents, suggesting that some natural products exerted their effect either directly or indirectly through activation of potassium channels. Finally, a significant number of natural products evoked vasodilatation either through blockade of calcium channels or by inhibiting the release of calcium from intracellular stores. Many natural products evoked vasodilatation through multiple mechanisms. The information in this review on mechanisms of action should facilitate good clinical practice by increasing the predictive capabilities of the practitioner, notably the ability to predict adverse effects and interactions among medications. The knowledge should also help to provide leads to the ultimate goal of developing new therapeutic medications.
The dendritic cell advantage: New focus for immune-based therapies (2000)

Dendritic cells (DCs) provide a much earlier and antigen-specific means for manipulating the immune response. The best-studied function of DCs is to convert antigens into immunogens for T cells. The "DC advantage" entails a myriad of functions. DCs are more than antigen-presenting cells; they are accessories or adjuvants or catalysts for triggering and controlling immunity. Another special feature of DCs is their location and movement in the body; DCs are stationed at surfaces where antigens gain access to the body. The events that make up the life history of DCs are now being unraveled in molecular terms. As research on DCs expands, more potential functions and more sites for their manipulation are becoming apparent.
Photonic Polyethylene from Self-Assembled Mesophases of Polydisperse Olefin Block Copolymers (2009)

We have discovered a synthetic process capable of producing olefin block copolymers (OBCs) with controlled block length polydispersity. Certain compositions of these OBCs self-assemble in the melt to form ordered mesophases. The morphologies and dielectric contrast of the semicrystalline and amorphous blocks produce transparent films exhibiting a partial photonic band gap for frequencies in the visible spectrum. The domain spacings are not only much larger than expected for monodisperse block copolymers of similar molecular weight, but they also exceed the predictions of recent theories for polydisperse block copolymers. An extension to Strong Segregation Theory demonstrates that many molecules have a weak preference for segregation to the interface versus the center of a domain. Minor perturbations can then produce highly swollen but relatively stable domains.
A classification system for seed dormancy (2004)

The proposal is made that seed scientists need an internationally acceptable hierarchical system of classification for seed dormancy. Further, we suggest that a modified version of the scheme of the Russian seed physiologist Marianna G. Nikolaeva be adopted. The modified system includes three hierarchical layers – class, level and type; thus, a class may contain levels and types, and a level may contain only types. The system includes five classes of dormancy: physiological dormancy (PD), morphological dormancy (MD), morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), physical dormancy (PY) and combinational dormancy (PY + PD). The most extensive classification schemes are for PD, which contains three levels and five types (in the non-deep level), and MPD, which contains eight levels but no types. PY is not subdivided at all but probably should be, for reasons given. Justifications are presented for not including mechanical dormancy or chemical dormancy in the modified scheme. PD (non-deep level) is the most common kind of dormancy, and occurs in gymnosperms ( Coniferales , Gnetales ) and in all major clades of angiosperms. Since, first, this is the class and level of dormancy in seeds of wild populations of Arabidopsis thaliana and, secondly, Type 1 (to which seeds of A. thaliana belong) is also common, and geographically and phylogenetically widespread, it seems that biochemical, molecular and genetic studies on seed dormancy in this model species might have rather broad application in explaining the basic mechanism(s) of physiological dormancy in seeds.
Receding horizon path planning with implicit safety guarantees (2004)

This paper extends a recently developed approach to optimal path planning of autonomous vehicles, based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP), to account for safety. We consider the case of a single vehicle navigating through a cluttered environment which is only known within a certain detection radius around the vehicle. A receding horizon strategy is presented with hard terminal constraints that guarantee feasibility of the MILP problem at all future time steps. The trajectory computed at each iteration is constrained to end in a so called basis state, in which the vehicle can safely remain for an indefinite period of time. The principle is applied to the case of a UAV with limited turn rate and minimum speed requirements, for which safety conditions are derived in the form of loiter circles. The latter need not be known ahead of time and are implicitly computed online. An example scenario is presented that illustrates the necessity of these safety constraints when the knowledge of the environment is limited and/or hard real-time restrictions are given.
Recurrence of Neisserial Meningococcemia Due to Deficiency of Terminal Complement Component (1992)

Recurrent infections with Neisseria meningitidis are attributed to deficiencies of terminal complement components. The serotype most commonly responsible for recurrent N meningitidis infections is serotype Y. We have reported a case of recurrent meningitis due to N meningitidis in a patient who was found to be deficient in the sixth component of complement. Complement deficiencies should be considered in any patient with recurrent infections caused by N meningitidis.
Discovery of Dapagliflozin: A Potent, Selective Renal Sodium-Dependent Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (2008)

The C-aryl glucoside 6 (dapagliflozin) was identified as a potent and selective hSGLT2 inhibitor which reduced blood glucose levels in a dose-dependent manner by as much as 55% in hyperglycemic streptozotocin (STZ) rats. These findings, combined with a favorable ADME profile, have prompted clinical evaluation of dapagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Next Year in Jerusalem: Constructions of Israeli Nationalism in High Holiday Rituals (2011)

This article explores the intersection of nationalism and Jewish identity maintenance with High Holiday celebrations carried out in the Diaspora. Using directed interviews and participant observation, I took part in the rituals of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) to uncover the way that American Jews and Israelis living in the Jewish Diaspora create and sustain a dialogue with their “traditional” homeland, Israel. However, the connections between Jews and this homeland have shifted dramatically in recent times. Although Israel encourages all persons of Jewish descent to immigrate to the Holy Land, a complex web of multiple nationalities and identities is at play in the lives of Jews who live in the Diaspora. Through religious rituals, members of the Jewish faith -- whether Orthodox, secular, or something in between -- develop and preserve a philosophy of a world Jewish identity with surprising results. Although the rituals themselves may be used to encourage solidarity with the state of Israel, individual Jews now find themselves re-negotiating their sense of belonging. As toasts of "Next year in Jerusalem!" are made, the complexities of national loyalty, ethnicity, and religious practice merge to form a question on the lips of many Jewish people: What is a Jew, and who decides?
The Role of Viscoelastic Properties in the Design of Pressure-sensitive Adhesives (1997)

Recent studies on the correlation of the viscoelastic properties of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) with adhesion performance (peel, tack and shear) are used to demonstrate the role of viscoelastic properties in PSA design. By separating PSA adhesion into bonding and debonding steps, very good correlations ofadhesion performance are obtained with the dynamic storage modulus, G', and the dynamic loss modulus, G, measured at the bonding and debonding frequencies, respectively. The relationship between such viscoelastic properties and PSA performance is further demonstrated by using a four-quadrant viscoelastic window concept to characterize and help development of different types of PSAs.
Gone with the Wnts: β-Catenin, T-Cell Factor, Forkhead Box O, and Oxidative Stress in Age-Dependent Diseases of Bone, Lipid, and Glucose Metabolism (2007)

The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway affects several biological processes ranging from embryonic development, patterning, and postembryonic stem cell fate, to bone formation and insulin secretion in adulthood. beta-Catenin mediates canonical Wnt signaling by binding to and activating members of the T-cell factor (TCF) transcription factor family. Similar to the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, oxidative stress influences fundamental cellular processes including stem cell fate and has been linked to aging and the development of age-related diseases. However, the molecular details of the pathogenetic effects of oxidative stress on the homeostasis of many different tissues remain unclear. beta-Catenin has been recently implicated as a pivotal molecule in defense against oxidative stress by serving as a cofactor of the forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors. In addition, it has been shown that oxidative stress is a pivotal pathogenetic factor of age-related bone loss and strength in mice, leading to, among other changes, a decrease in osteoblast number and bone formation. These particular cellular changes evidently result from diversion of the limited pool of beta-catenin from TCF- to FOXO-mediated transcription in osteoblastic cells. Fascinatingly, attenuation of Wnt-mediated transcription, resulting from an autosomal-dominant missense mutation in LRP6, a coreceptor for the Wnt-signaling pathway, has been linked recently genetically not only to premature osteoporosis, but also to coronary artery disease as well as several features of the metabolic syndrome including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, but not obesity. In this minireview, we highlight evidence linking the age-associated oxidative stress with FOXOs, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, osteoblastogenesis, adipogenesis, osteoporosis, and several features of the metabolic syndrome. We hypothesize that antagonism of Wnt signaling by oxidative stress with increasing age may be a common molecular mechanism contributing to the development not only of involutional osteoporosis, but several pathologies such as atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia, all of which become more prevalent with advancing age.
Human antibody response to Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 is serogroup specific and predominantly of the immunoglobulin G3 subclass (1995)

MSP2 is a merozoite surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum and, as such, is a potential component of a malaria vaccine. In this study, we have used a panel of recombinant MSP2 antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to investigate the recognition of MSP2 by antibodies from malaria-immune human serum. These recombinant antigens include full-length proteins of serogroups A and B and fragments representing the conserved, group-specific, or repeat regions of each serogroup. Ninety-five percent of the serum samples tested contained MSP2-specific antibodies: 81% of serum samples tested responded to serogroup A, and 86% responded to serogroup B. The antibody response is directed almost exclusively towards dimorphic and polymorphic regions of MSP2; the conserved regions are rarely recognized, and antibodies to serogroups A and B do not cross-react. Interestingly, the antibody response is predominately of the cytophilic and complement-fixing subclass immunoglobulin G3.
Domain Interactions of the Mannose 6-Phosphate/Insulin-like Growth Factor II Receptor (2005)

The mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (M6P/IGF2R) forms oligomeric structures important for optimal function in binding and internalization of Man-6-P-bearing extracellular ligands as well as lysosomal biogenesis and growth regulation. However, neither the mechanism of inter-receptor interaction nor the dimerization domain has yet been identified. We hypothesized that areas near the ligand binding domains of the receptor would contribute preferentially to oligomerization. Two panels of minireceptors were constructed that involved truncations of either the N- or C-terminal regions of the M6P/IGF2R encompassing deletions of various ligand binding domains. alpha-FLAG or alpha-Myc-based immunoprecipitation assays showed that all of the minireceptors tested were able to associate with a full-length, Myc-tagged M6P/IGF2R (WT-M). In the alpha-FLAG but not alpha-Myc immunoprecipitation assays, the degree of association of a series of C-terminally truncated minireceptors with WT-M showed a positive trend with length of the minireceptor. In contrast, length did not seem to affect the association of the N-terminally truncated minireceptors with WT-M, except that the 12th extracytoplasmic repeat appeared exceptionally important in dimerization in the alpha-FLAG assays. The presence of mutations in the ligand-binding sites of the minireceptors had no effect on their ability to associate with WT-M. Thus, association within the heterodimers was not dependent on the presence of functional ligand binding domains. Heterodimers formed between WT-M and the minireceptors demonstrated high affinity IGF-II and Man-6-P-ligand binding, suggesting a functional association. We conclude that there is no finite M6P/IGF2R dimerization domain, but rather that interactions between dimer partners occur all along the extracytoplasmic region of the receptor.