gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
The Extended Cohn-Kanade Dataset (CK+): A complete dataset for action unit and emotion-specified expression (2010)

In 2000, the Cohn-Kanade (CK) database was released for the purpose of promoting research into automatically detecting individual facial expressions. Since then, the CK database has become one of the most widely used test-beds for algorithm development and evaluation. During this period, three limitations have become apparent: 1) While AU codes are well validated, emotion labels are not, as they refer to what was requested rather than what was actually performed, 2) The lack of a common performance metric against which to evaluate new algorithms, and 3) Standard protocols for common databases have not emerged. As a consequence, the CK database has been used for both AU and emotion detection (even though labels for the latter have not been validated), comparison with benchmark algorithms is missing, and use of random subsets of the original database makes meta-analyses difficult. To address these and other concerns, we present the Extended Cohn-Kanade (CK+) database. The number of sequences is increased by 22% and the number of subjects by 27%. The target expression for each sequence is fully FACS coded and emotion labels have been revised and validated. In addition to this, non-posed sequences for several types of smiles and their associated metadata have been added. We present baseline results using Active Appearance Models (AAMs) and a linear support vector machine (SVM) classifier using a leave-one-out subject cross-validation for both AU and emotion detection for the posed data. The emotion and AU labels, along with the extended image data and tracked landmarks will be made available July 2010.
Regulation of collecting duct water channel expression by vasopressin in Brattleboro rat. (1994)

AQP-CD is a vasopressin-regulated water channel expressed exclusively in the renal collecting duct. We have previously shown that AQP-CD is present in the apical plasma membrane and subapical vesicles of collecting duct cells, consistent with membrane-shuttling mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the short-term action of [Arg8] vasopressin (AVP) to regulate apical water permeability. We propose here that AVP may also have long-term actions on the collecting duct to regulate the expression of the AQP-CD water channel. We used immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and in vitro perfusion of renal tubules to investigate water channel regulation in collecting ducts of diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro) rats treated with a 5-day infusion of AVP or vehicle. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that collecting ducts of vehicle-infused Brattleboro rats had markedly reduced expression of AQP-CD relative to normal rats. In response to AVP infusion there was a nearly 3-fold increase in AQP-CD expression as detected by immunoblotting. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that the increased expression was predominantly in the apical plasma membrane and subapical vesicles of collecting duct cells. Inner medullary collecting ducts of AVP-infused Brattleboro rats displayed a 3-fold increase in osmotic water permeability relative to vehicle-infused controls, in parallel with the change in AQP-CD expression. Based on these findings, we conclude that (i) long-term infusion of AVP, acting either directly or indirectly, regulates expression of the AQP-CD water channel and (ii) AQP-CD is the predominant AVP-regulated water channel.
The immunotherapy of prostate cancer (2003)

In recent years immunotherapy of prostate cancer has developed into an innovative field of investigation. Nevertheless, in contrast to some other human tumors in which immunotherapy has been demonstrated to be effective, no breakthrough has been achieved with respect to a successful clinical application of this modality to prostate cancer. So far studies focus either on immunologically specific or nonspecific treatment concepts. Based on this, the modes of action of monoclonal antibodies, adoptive immunotherapy techniques, tumor cell vaccination, various biological response modifiers and substances with immunological as well as tumoritoxic/-static attributes are studied. Not all of the results obtained so far offer new insights into tumor biology. Ongoing studies in all fields continue to pursue immunological mechanisms for effective systemic therapy of prostate cancer. Major impulses may be seen only via immunologically specific concepts. Through these, new therapeutic modalities for patients with advanced prostate cancer may be developed which are more efficacious than androgen ablation.
Accentuated complement activation in patient plasma during the adult respiratory distress syndrome: a potential mechanism for pulmonary inflammation. (1989)

The adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents an acute inflammatory lung disorder, characterized by both refractory hypoxemia and a mortality rate approaching 95%. Researchers have proposed that activation of the complement (C) system may play a role in the development of the pulmonary inflammation associated with ARDS. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether complement activation occurs to a greater extent in patients with ARDS than in patients without ARDS, thereby providing a potential mechanism for the acute inflammation seen in ARDS. In this study, we assessed plasma complement activation by measuring complement activation by-products: C1rC1s-C1 inhibitor complex and C3b-P complex, generated subsequent to activation of the classical and alternative pathways, respectively, and also the terminal complement complex, formed after activation of either the classical or alternative complement pathway. Multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that these three complement activation complexes could distinguish patients with ARDS from those without ARDS (p less than 0.04). Furthermore, these three complexes provided a more sensitive discriminator of ARDS than did plasma levels of C3a desarginine (p greater than 0.30), C5a desarginine (p greater than 0.41) and total hemolytic complement activity (CH50) (p greater than 0.72). We conclude that a temporal association exists between the complement activation and the development of ARDS. Therefore, we suggest that complement activation by-products be included in the armamentarium for ARDS.
Coherent summation of laser beams using binary phase gratings (1986)

A method for coherent addition of lasers is presented that uses binary phase-only gratings. It is shown that a grating that splits a single beam into N equal orders with high efficiency can be used in reverse to convert N laser beams into a single beam with the same efficiency. Experiments to demonstrate the conversion of seven beams to one beam are performed with a resulting conversion efficiency of 75%. An experimental apparatus is described that adds the power from both two and three He–Ne lasers (wavelength, 3.39 μm) with efficiencies as high as 83%.
Overexpression of IL-15 In Vivo Increases Antigen-Driven Memory CD8+ T Cells Following a Microbe Exposure (2002)

To elucidate potential roles of IL-15 in the maintenance of memory CD8+ T cells, we followed the fate of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells directly visualized with MHC class I tetramers coupled with listeriolysin O (LLO)(91-99) in IL-15 transgenic (Tg) mice after Listeria monocytogenes infection. The numbers of LLO(91-99)-positive memory CD8+ T cells were significantly higher at 3 and 6 wk after infection than those in non-Tg mice. The LLO(91-99)-positive CD8+ T cells produced IFN-gamma in response to LLO(91-99), and an adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells from IL-15 Tg mice infected with L. monocytogenes conferred a higher level of resistance against L. monocytogenes in normal mice. The CD44+ CD8+ T cells from infected IL-15 Tg mice expressed the higher level of Bcl-2. Transferred CD44+ CD8+ T cells divided more vigorously in naive IL-15 Tg mice than in non-Tg mice. These results suggest that IL-15 plays an important role in long-term maintenance of Ag-specific memory CD8+ T cells following microbial exposure via promotion of cell survival and homeostatic proliferation.
Expression and function of FGFs-4, -8, and -9 suggest functional redundancy and repetitive use as epithelial signals during tooth morphogenesis (1998)

To elucidate the roles of fibroblast growth factors (FGF) in the regulation of tooth morphogenesis we have analyzed the expression patterns of Fgf-4, -8, and -9 in the developing mouse molar and incisor tooth germs from initiation to completion of morphogenesis by in situ hybridization analysis. The expression of these Fgfs was confined to dental epithelial cells at stages when epithelial-mesenchymal signaling regulates critical steps of tooth morphogenesis. Fgf-8 and Fgf-9 mRNAs were present in the oral epithelium of the first branchial arch at E10 and 1 day later expression became more restricted to the area of presumptive dental epithelium and persisted there until the start of epithelial budding. Fgf-8 mRNAs were not detected later in the developing tooth. Fgf-4 and Fgf-9 expression was upregulated in the primary enamel knot, which is a putative signaling center regulating tooth shape. Subsequently, Fgf-4 and Fgf-9 were expressed in the secondary enamel knots at the sites of tooth cusps. Fgf-9 expression spread from the primary enamel knot within the inner enamel epithelium where it remained until E18. In the continuously growing incisors Fgf-9 expression persisted in the epithelium of the cervical loops. The effects of FGFs were analyzed on the expression of the homeobox-containing transcription factors Msx-1 and Msx-2, which are associated with tissue interactions and regulated by the dental epithelium. Locally applied FGF-4, -8, and -9 stimulated intensely the expression of Msx-1 but not Msx-2 in the isolated dental mesenchyme. We suggest that the three FGFs act as epithelial signals mediating inductive interactions between dental epithelium and mesenchyme during several successive stages of tooth formation. This data suggest roles for FGF-8 and FGF-9 during initiation of tooth development, and for FGF-4 and FGF-9 during regulation of tooth shape. FGF-9 may also be involved in differentiation of odontoblasts. The coexpression of Fgfs with other signaling molecules including Shh and several Bmps and their partly similar effects suggest that the FGFs participate in the signaling networks during odontogenesis.
Plasma cell membrane glycoprotein PC-1. cDNA cloning of the human molecule, amino acid sequence, and chromosomal location. (1990)

The murine cell membrane glycoprotein PC-1 is a homodimer with restricted tissue distribution, being first characterized in plasma cells. We now describe the isolation of cDNA clones encoding the human homolog of the murine PC-1 protein, its complete amino acid sequence, and its chromosomal location. Overall, the amino acid sequence of the human protein is about 80% identical to the murine protein, although the extent of homology varies in different domains. It had not been possible to assign a definitive amino terminus to the murine protein. Comparison of the murine and human sequence necessitates reassignment of the amino terminus, resulting in a cytoplasmic tail of 24 amino acids rather than 58 amino acids as previously published for the mouse. The sequence of several independently obtained cDNA clones indicates that the 3' end of the mRNA is subject to alternative splicing. Southern blots suggest a single copy gene. In situ chromosomal hybridization localizes the gene for human PC-1 to chromosome 6q22-q23, a common site for deletions in human lymphoid neoplasia.
Use of a Picosecond Pulse Duration Laser With Specialized Optic for Treatment of Facial Acne Scarring (2014)

Treatment of facial acne scars with a diffractive lens array and 755-nm picosecond laser produced improvement in appearance and texture at 3 months after the last treatment, with objective findings similar to those published for a series of fractional ablative laser treatments. Histologic findings suggest that improvement in scarring from this treatment goes beyond remodeling of collagen.
Noncatalytic Conversion of Cellulose in Supercritical and Subcritical Water. (1993)

This paper describes the noncatalytic conversion of cellulose in supercritical and subcritical water. First, it was demonstrated that even without any acid catalyst, cellulose was rapidly converted to water soluble species with a relatively high glucose yield in near critical water and glucose yield increased with elevating temperature. Then the rate constants for cellulose decomposition and glucose decomposition were evaluated at a pressure of 25 MPa over a temperature ranging from 473 K to 673 K by using semi-batch reactor and a flow reactor, respectively. From the reported cellulose pyrolysis rate constant and the evaluated cellulose decomposition rate constant, cellulose hydrolysis rate constant was evaluated. By using the cellulose hydrolysis rate, cellulose pyrolysis rate and the glucose decomposition rate, glucose yield obtained in the semi-batch experiment was reasonably explained.
Chromosomal Microarray versus Karyotyping for Prenatal Diagnosis (2012)

In the context of prenatal diagnostic testing, chromosomal microarray analysis identified additional, clinically significant cytogenetic information as compared with karyotyping and was equally efficacious in identifying aneuploidies and unbalanced rearrangements but did not identify balanced translocations and triploidies. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01279733.).
Association of the status of interstitial cells of Cajal and electrogastrogram parameters, gastric emptying and symptoms in patients with gastroparesis (2009)

Our goal was to investigate associations between the status of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and electrogastrogram (EGG) parameters, gastric emptying and symptoms in a large cohort of patients with gastroparesis. Forty-one patients with refractory gastroparesis who were referred for gastric electrical stimulation (GES) underwent full thickness gastric (antrum) biopsy during the surgery to place the GES device. The biopsy samples were stained with c-kit and scored for the presence of ICC based on criteria obtained from 10 controls. All patients underwent EGG recordings, a 4-h standardized scintigraphic gastric emptying study and symptom assessment prior to the surgery. Based on antral biopsy, 15 patients (36%) had almost no ICC (ICC- group) and 26 patients had adequate cell numbers (ICC+ group). EGG recordings in the ICC- group displayed significantly less normal slow waves than in the ICC+ group both in the fasting and fed states. Tachygastria in the ICC- group was significantly more than in the ICC+ group both in the fasting (32 +/- 8%vs 11 +/- 2%) and fed states (27 +/- 9%vs 12 +/- 2%). There was no statistical difference in gastric emptying, symptom severity of gastroparesis, aetiology, age and gender between the two groups. Severely depleted ICC occurs in up to 36% of gastroparetic patients and significantly correlates with an abnormal EGG. Severely depleted ICC does not correlate with the severity of gastroparesis as assessed by gastric emptying or symptom status but did result in a poorer symptomatic response to GES. These data suggest that the EGG may have a role for predicting ICC status during clinical evaluation of gastroparetic patients.
A chemical synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) (1999)

A practical synthesis of nicotinamide mononucleotide (β-NMN) and a high yield coupling with AMP-morpholidate that also provides NAD+ in an efficient manner are reported.
Lysis of bovine platelets by Pasteurella haemolytica leukotoxin (1991)

Pasteurella haemolytica A1 culture supernatants caused rapid cytolysis (less than 5 minutes) of isolated bovine platelets as measured by leakage of the cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LD). The platelet lytic factor had several features similar to P haemolytica leukotoxin. Like P haemolytica leukotoxin, the platelet lytic factor was produced by P haemolytica during logarithmic growth phase, was heat-labile, and was active against target cells (platelets) from ruminant species (cattle and sheep), but not from non-ruminant species (horses, pigs, and human beings). Additionally, the platelet lytic factor was neutralized with antileukotoxin rabbit serum. The amount of LD leaked by a fixed concentration of bovine platelets was proportional to the amount of toxin added at low toxic doses and became maximal at 88 +/- 11% of the total platelet LD activity for high doses of toxin. When a fixed dose of toxin was used and the platelet concentration was varied, LD leakage was initially proportional to the platelet concentration, but plateaued at higher platelet concentrations. The platelet lytic factor required Ca2+ and was inhibited by addition of the Ca2+ chelator ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. Toxin-mediated platelet damage may be important in thrombi formation and fibrin exudation typically associated with P haemolytica pleuropneumonia of cattle.
Tea and Cancer (1993)

Tea is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide. The relationship between tea consumption and human cancer incidence is an important concern. This topic has been studied in different populations by many investigators, but no clear-cut conclusion can be drawn. Whereas some studies have shown a protective effect of tea consumption against certain types of cancers, other studies have indicated an opposite effect. Our purpose is to provide a critical review of this topic, covering basic chemistry and biochemical activity of tea, epidemiologic investigations, and laboratory studies, as well as possible directions for future research. Studies have demonstrated either a lack of association between tea consumption and cancer incidence at specific organ sites or inconsistent results. On the other hand, many laboratory studies have demonstrated inhibitory effects of tea preparations and tea polyphenols against tumor formation and growth. This inhibitory activity is believed to be mainly due to the antioxidative and possible antiproliferative effects of polyphenolic compounds in green and black tea. These polyphenolics may also inhibit carcinogenesis by blocking the endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds, suppressing the activation of carcinogens, and trapping of genotoxic agents. The effect of tea consumption on cancer is likely to depend on the causative factors of the specific cancer. Therefore, a protective effect observed on a certain cancer with a specific population may not be observable with a cancer of a different etiology. On the basis of this concept, we suggest future laboratory and epidemiologic studies to elucidate the relationship between tea consumption and human cancer risk.
NETRA (2010)

We introduce an interactive, portable, and inexpensive solution for estimating refractive errors in the human eye. While expensive optical devices for automatic estimation of refractive correction exist, our goal is to greatly simplify the mechanism by putting the human subject in the loop. Our solution is based on a high-resolution programmable display and combines inexpensive optical elements, interactive GUI, and computational reconstruction. The key idea is to interface a lenticular view-dependent display with the human eye in close range - a few millimeters apart. Via this platform, we create a new range of interactivity that is extremely sensitive to parameters of the human eye, like refractive errors, focal range, focusing speed, lens opacity, etc. We propose several simple optical setups, verify their accuracy, precision, and validate them in a user study.
Hypermodified bases in DNA (1995)

Modified DNA bases are widespread in nature. They can be found in eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and bacteriophages. They may completely replace the standard base or replace only a small fraction. Their substituents vary from simple methyl or hydroxy groups to large moieties like amino acids and multiply hexosylated side chains. This review gives an overview of the modified DNA bases identified thus far, with emphasis on the "very unusual" or hypermodified DNA bases. Although these have been detected mainly in bacteriophages, recent work has shown the presence of a novel hypermodified DNA base in the eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei. We speculate on the biosynthesis and function of this novel base beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethyluracil.
Rational development of high-affinity T-cell receptor-like antibodies (2009)

T-cell interaction with a target cell is a key event in the adaptive immune response and primarily driven by T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes. TCR avidity for a given pMHC is determined by number of MHC molecules, availability of coreceptors, and TCR affinity for MHC or peptide, respectively, with peptide recognition being the most important factor to confer target specificity. Here we present high-resolution crystal structures of 2 Fab antibodies in complex with the immunodominant NY-ESO-1(157-165) peptide analogue (SLLMWITQV) presented by HLA-A*0201 and compare them with a TCR recognizing the same pMHC. Binding to the central methionine-tryptophan peptide motif and orientation of binding were almost identical for Fabs and TCR. As the MW "peg" dominates the contacts between Fab and peptide, we estimated the contributions of individual amino acids between the Fab and peptide to provide the rational basis for a peptide-focused second-generation, high-affinity antibody library. The final Fab candidate achieved better peptide binding by 2 light-chain mutations, giving a 20-fold affinity improvement to 2-4 nM, exceeding the affinity of the TCR by 1,000-fold. The high-affinity Fab when grafted as recombinant TCR on T cells conferred specific killing of HLA-A*0201/NY-ESO-1(157-165) target cells. In summary, we prove that affinity maturation of antibodies mimicking a TCR is possible and provide a strategy for engineering high-affinity antibodies that can be used in targeting specific pMHC complexes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
The nature of the autoimmune antibody repertoire in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. (1994)

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seropositive donors typically have high serum antibody titers to a range of autoantigens, and the corresponding autoantibodies have been suggested to be of importance in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. We have prepared 38 IgG human monoclonal autoantibodies from asymptomatic HIV-1 seropositive donors with elevated serum titers to autoantigens by construction of Fab combinatorial libraries on the surface of phage and affinity selection using a range of autoantigens, including double-stranded DNA, major histocompatibility complex class II, CD14, epidermal growth factor receptor, and ganglioside GD2. The autoantibodies are shown to be of moderate affinity and exhibit marked cross-reactivity with a range of antigens. This contrasts with the specific high-affinity antibodies selected (i) against infectious agents using the same libraries and (ii) against one of the autoantigens using a library from a donor with established autoimmune disease. The results lend no support to the presence of specific autoantibodies in HIV-1 infection and instead suggest attention should be focused on the pathological significance of high serum levels of antibodies capable of interacting with multiple molecular species.