gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Sustained expansion of NKT cells and antigen-specific T cells after injection of α-galactosyl-ceramide loaded mature dendritic cells in cancer patients (2005)

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are distinct glycolipid reactive innate lymphocytes that are implicated in the resistance to pathogens and tumors. Earlier attempts to mobilize NKT cells, specifically, in vivo in humans met with limited success. Here, we evaluated intravenous injection of monocyte-derived mature DCs that were loaded with a synthetic NKT cell ligand, alpha-galactosyl-ceramide (alpha-GalCer; KRN-7000) in five patients who had advanced cancer. Injection of alpha-GalCer-pulsed, but not unpulsed, dendritic cells (DCs) led to >100-fold expansion of several subsets of NKT cells in all patients; these could be detected for up to 6 mo after vaccination. NKT activation was associated with an increase in serum levels of interleukin-12 p40 and IFN-gamma inducible protein-10. In addition, there was an increase in memory CD8+ T cells specific for cytomegalovirus in vivo in response to alpha-GalCer-loaded DCs, but not unpulsed DCs. These data demonstrate the feasibility of sustained expansion of NKT cells in vivo in humans, including patients who have advanced cancer, and suggest that NKT activation might help to boost adaptive T cell immunity in vivo.
Hemoglobin Scavenger Receptor CD163 Mediates Interleukin-10 Release and Heme Oxygenase-1 Synthesis (2003)

The recently described hemoglobin scavenger receptor CD163 mediates the endocytosis of hemoglobin:haptoglobin (Hb:Hp) complexes and thereby counters Hb-induced oxidative tissue damage after hemolysis. Although CD163 has been indirectly associated with antiinflammatory and atheroprotective activity, no ligand-receptor-effector pathway has yet been described for this receptor. To understand the significance of CD163 and more clearly define downstream pathways linked to inflammatory resolution, we studied the expression and function of CD163 in human monocytes/macrophages using both in vitro and in vivo models. Differentiation of human blood monocytes into macrophages either by in vitro culture or in resolving cantharidin-induced skin blisters led to an equivalent increase (>15x) in CD163 expression. Elevated CD163 levels were also noted on circulating monocytes in cardiac surgical patients during the resolution phase of the systemic inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. In each case, binding of Hb:Hp to CD163-bearing cells elicited potent interleukin-10 secretion, and this was inhibited by the anti-CD163 antibody RM3/1. Release of interleukin-10, in turn, induced heme oxygenase-1 stress protein synthesis via an autocrine mechanism. Such induction of heme oxygenase-1 was observed in vivo 24 to 48 hours after the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. These results identify novel antiinflammatory and cytoprotective effector pathways in human monocytes/macrophages related to Hb scavenging and metabolism, which may have relevance in atheroprotection, wound healing, and patient recovery postoperatively.
The nature of neutralization reaction between effector protein and monoclonal antibody: a quantitative study of neutralization characteristics of anti-interferon antibodies. (1985)

Several monoclonal antibodies to human interferon-alpha and beta were examined quantitatively for neutralization of antigenically homogeneous interferons. The extent of neutralization increased with antibody concentration in each case with a rate considerably lower than in the case of conventional (polyclonal) antibodies, and there often appeared to be a limit to the maximum interferon titre that can be neutralized, even using very high antibody concentrations (there were no such limits with conventional antibodies). This suggests that the interferon in a 1:1 interferon-antibody complex in general retains some activity, to the degree characteristic of that antibody; namely, each monoclonal antibody is considered to have a characteristic efficacy of neutralization, rather than being either neutralizing or non-neutralizing in an all-or-one fashion. The antibody dose-dependence curves were interpreted to be governed by two independent parameters of the antibody: the efficacy of neutralization and the affinity. The former is reflected by the maximum interferon titre neutralizable by high antibody doses and the latter by the minimum antibody dose that can effect detectable neutralization. Thus, quantitative neutralization tests of monoclonal antibodies to an effector protein would give useful information for classifying them as to their affinities and as to whether the epitopes they recognize are important for the biological activity of the effector.
Energy harvesting vibration sources for microsystems applications (2006)

This paper reviews the state-of-the art in vibration energy harvesting for wireless, self-powered microsystems. Vibration-powered generators are typically, although not exclusively, inertial spring and mass systems. The characteristic equations for inertial-based generators are presented, along with the specific damping equations that relate to the three main transduction mechanisms employed to extract energy from the system. These transduction mechanisms are: piezoelectric, electromagnetic and electrostatic. Piezoelectric generators employ active materials that generate a charge when mechanically stressed. A comprehensive review of existing piezoelectric generators is presented, including impact coupled, resonant and human-based devices. Electromagnetic generators employ electromagnetic induction arising from the relative motion between a magnetic flux gradient and a conductor. Electromagnetic generators presented in the literature are reviewed including large scale discrete devices and wafer-scale integrated versions. Electrostatic generators utilize the relative movement between electrically isolated charged capacitor plates to generate energy. The work done against the electrostatic force between the plates provides the harvested energy. Electrostatic-based generators are reviewed under the classifications of in-plane overlap varying, in-plane gap closing and out-of-plane gap closing; the Coulomb force parametric generator and electret-based generators are also covered. The coupling factor of each transduction mechanism is discussed and all the devices presented in the literature are summarized in tables classified by transduction type; conclusions are drawn as to the suitability of the various techniques.
Nootropic drugs in Alzheimer's disease (1991)

The cognitive-enhancing effects of pramiracetam in animal models of learning and memory are characterized by an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. We evaluated antidementia efficacy of this drug in 10 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease employing a 2-phase, placebo-controlled, enrichment-type trial design. Eight patients evidenced a best dose in the dose-finding phase, but in the subsequent replication phase only two again improved to a similar degree. PETs with fluorodeoxyglucose obtained in two individuals showed no definite change. Doses up to 4,000 mg pramiracetam are unlikely to confer symptomatic benefit to Alzheimer's disease patients.
Quantal microbiology (2000)

Quantal microbiology describes a similarity between physics and microbiology. In both sciences there is an apparent dichotomy between the certainty and stability of the macro-subject and the uncertainty/complexity of the individual atom/cell. Classical physics is to quantum mechanics as classical microbiology is to quantal microbiology.
Distinct Mechanisms for Regulation of the Interleukin-8 Gene Involve Synergism and Cooperativity between C/EBP and NF-κB (1993)

The interleukin-8 promoter is transcriptionally activated by interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, phorbol myristate acetate, or hepatitis B virus X protein through a sequence located between positions -91 and -71. This region contains an NF-kappa B-like and a C/EBP-like binding site. We show here that several members of the NF-kappa B family, including p65, p50, p52, and c-Rel, can bind to this region, confirming an authentic NF-kappa B binding site in the interleukin-8 promoter. Further, C/EBP binds only weakly to the interleukin-8 promoter site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with proteins overexpressed in COS cells and with nuclear extracts from tumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated HeLa cells demonstrated a strong cooperative binding of C/EBP to its site when NF-kappa B is bound to its adjacent binding site. Transfection studies lead to a model that suggests a highly complex regulation of interleukin-8 gene expression at multiple levels: independent binding of C/EBP and NF-kappa B to their respective sites, cooperative binding of C/EBP and NF-kappa B to DNA, and positive synergistic activation through the C/EBP binding site and inhibition through the NF-kappa B binding site by combinations of C/EBP and NF-kappa B. Thus, the ultimate regulation of interleukin-8 gene expression depends on the ratio of cellular C/EBP and NF-kappa B.
Targeted Interleukin-2 Therapy for Spontaneous Neuroblastoma Metastases to Bone Marrow (1997)

Targeted IL-2 therapy with a ch14.18-IL-2 fusion protein elicits an effective antitumor response. Our data suggest that a study of ch14.18-IL-2 as an adjuvant treatment in patients with minimal residual disease may be of value.
Recent advances in wire bonding, flip chip and lead‐free solder for advanced microelectronics packaging (2007)

Purpose This paper seeks to review recent advances in wire bonding, flip chip and lead‐free solder for advanced microelectronics packaging. Design/methodology/approach Of the 91 journal papers, 59 were published in 2005‐2007 and topics related to wire bonding, flip chip and lead‐free solder for advanced microelectronics packaging are reviewed. Findings Research on advanced wire bonding is continuously performed for advanced and complex applications such as stacked‐dies wire bonding, wire bonding of low‐ k ultra‐fine‐pitch devices, and copper wire bonding. Owing to its many advantages, flip chip using adhesive has gained more popularity. Research on the reliability of lead‐free solder joints is being conducted world‐wide. The new challenges, solutions and new developments are discussed in this paper. Research limitations/implications Because of page limitation of this review paper and the large number of the journal papers available, only a brief review is conducted. Further reading is needed for more details. Originality/value This review paper attempts to provide introduction to recent developments and the trends in terms of the topics for advanced microelectronics packaging. With the references provided, readers may explore more deeply, focusing on a particular issue.
Production of a recombinant form of early pregnancy factor that can prolong allogeneic skin graft survival time in rats (2000)

Early pregnancy factor (EPF), an extracellular chaperonin 10 homologue, has immunosuppressive and growth factor properties. In order to carry out more extensive studies on the in vivo characteristics of EPF, a recombinant form of the molecule has been prepared. Recombinant human EPF (rEPF) was expressed in Escherichia coli using the plasmid pGEX-2T expression system. Potency of rEPF in vitro in the rosette inhibition test, the bioassay for EPF, was equivalent to that of native EPF (nEPF), purified from human platelets, and synthetic EPF (sEPF). However, the half-life of activity (50% decrease in the log value) in serum, following i.p. injection, was significantly decreased (3.2 h, compared with nEPF 6.2 days, sEPF 5.8 days). This was thought to be due to modification of the N-terminus of the recombinant molecule inhibiting binding to serum carrier proteins. Because EPF can modify Th1 responses, the ability of the recombinant molecule to suppress allogeneic graft rejection was investigated. Following skin grafts from Lewis rats to DA rats and vice versa, rEPF was delivered locally at the graft site and the effect on survival time of the allografts noted. Results demonstrated that rEPF treatment significantly prolonged skin graft survival time by as much as 55% in stringent models of transplantation across major histocompatibility barriers.
Vagal nerve stimulation in prevention and management of coronary heart disease (2011)

Coronary heart disease (CHD) that is due to atherosclerosis is associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. Congestive cardiac failure and arrhythmias that are responsible for mortality in CHD can be suppressed by appropriate vagal stimulation that is anti-inflammatory in nature. Acetylcholine, the principal vagal neurotransmitter, is a potent anti-inflammatory molecule. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) augment acetylcholine release, while acetylcholine can enhance the formation of prostacyclin, lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins from PUFAs, which are anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic molecules. Furthermore, plasma and tissue levels of PUFAs are low in those with CHD and atherosclerosis. Hence, vagal nerve stimulation is beneficial in the prevention of CHD and cardiac arrhythmias. Thus, measurement of catecholamines, acetylcholine, various PUFAs, and their products lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins in the plasma and peripheral leukocytes, and vagal tone by heart rate variation could be useful in the prediction, prevention and management of CHD and cardiac arrhythmias.
The Staphylococcal Superantigen-Like Protein 7 Binds IgA and Complement C5 and Inhibits IgA-FcαRI Binding and Serum Killing of Bacteria (2005)

The staphylococcal superantigen-like proteins (SSLs) are close relatives of the superantigens but are coded for by a separate gene cluster within a 19-kb region of the pathogenicity island SaPIn2. rSSL7 (formally known as SET1) bound with high affinity (K(D), 1.1 nM) to the monomeric form of human IgA1 and IgA2 plus serum IgA from primate, pig, rat, and horse. SSL7 also bound the secretory form of IgA found in milk from human, cow, and sheep, and inhibited IgA binding to cell surface FcalphaRI (CD89) and to a soluble form of the FcalphaRI protein. In addition to IgA, SSL7 bound complement factor C5 from human (K(D), 18 nM), primate, sheep, pig, and rabbit serum, and inhibited complement-mediated hemolysis and serum killing of a Gram-negative organism Escherichia coli. SSL7 is a superantigen-like protein secreted from Staphylococcus aureus that blocks IgA-FcR interactions and inhibits complement, leading to increased survival of a sensitive bacterium in blood.
Statistics Notes: Diagnostic tests 2: predictive values (1994)

The whole point of a diagnostic test is to use it to make a diagnosis, so we need to know the probability that the test will give the correct diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity1 do not give us this information. Instead we must approach the data from the direction of the test results, using predictive values.

Positive predictive value is the proportion of patients with positive test results who are correctly diagnosed.

Negative predictive value is the proportion of patients with negative test results who are correctly diagnosed.

Using the same data as in the previous note,1 we know that 231 of 263 patients with abnormal liver scans had abnormal pathology, giving the proportion of correct diagnoses as 231/263 = 0.88. …
Synthesis of Photoacid Generator-Containing Patternable Diblock Copolymers by Reversible Addition−Fragmentation Transfer Polymerization (2009)

Novel well-defined, patternable diblock copolymers containing photoacid-generating sulfonium and acid-sensitive ester units in one of the blocks were synthesized by reversible addition−fragmentation transfer polymerization, and their self-assembling as well as lithographic properties were investigated.
Nickel- and Palladium-Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Fluorosulfonates with Aryl Boronic Acids Enabled by Sulfuryl Fluoride (2015)

Herein are reported examples of the nickel- and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl fluorosulfonates and aryl boronic acids. These reactions occur in good to excellent yields under mild conditions with excellent functional group compatibility employing either Pd(OAc)2 and inexpensive PPh3 or the inexpensive and readily available NiCl2(PCy3)2. Importantly, the in situ conversion of phenol derivatives to the corresponding aryl fluorosulfonate by reaction with sulfuryl fluoride and a base and subsequent cross-coupling to form biaryls in a single pot are described. The combination of inexpensive sulfuryl fluoride and efficient catalysts reported in these methodologies will enable economical Suzuki coupling of phenols in pharmaceutical and agrochemical processes.
Efficient Recovery of Elemental Mercury from Hg(II)-Contaminated Aqueous Media Using a Redox-Recyclable Ion-Exchange Material (1998)

The use of lithium-intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides, LixES2, as redox-recyclable ion-exchange materials for the extraction of the aqueous heavy metal ions Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ was investigated (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1.9; E = Mo, W, Ti, Ta). For LixTiS2 and LixTaS2, hydrolysis produced S2-(aq) ions, which precipitated Hg(II) as HgS(s). In contrast, the materials LixMoS2 and LixWS2 did not undergo hydrolysis to form S2- ions. Instead, ion-exchanged materials such as Hg0.50MoS2 and Pb0.15MoS2 were isolated. The selectivity of LixMoS2 for the heavy metal ions was Hg2+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+. The affinities for the latter three ions but not for Hg2+ increased when the extractions were performed under anaerobic conditions. When HgyMoS2 was heated under vacuum at 425 °C, an entropy-driven internal redox reaction resulted in deactivation of the extractant, producing essentially mercury-free MoS2 and a near-quantitative amount of mercury vapor (collected in a cold trap). The ratio of the volume of metallic mercury (secondary waste) to the volume of 10.0 mM Hg2+(aq) (primary waste) was 1.5 × 10-4. Samples of MoS2 produced by heating HgyMoS2 were reactivated to LixMoS2 by treatment with n-butyllithium. Some samples were used for three cycles of extraction, deactivation/recovery, and reactivation with a primary waste simulant consisting of 10 mM Hg2+(aq) in 0.1 M HNO3 with no loss in ion-exchange capacity. When the Mo/Hg molar ratio was 5.0 and the initial [Hg2+(aq)] = 1 mM, only 0.033(2) μM mercury (6.5 ppb) was detected in the filtrate after the extraction step. The highest observed capacity of LixMoS2 for Hg2+(aq) was 580 mg of mercury/g of Li1.9MoS2.
Line shapes of atomic hydrogen in a plane-cathode abnormal glow discharge (1992)

Hydrogen Balmer lines were observed in the plasma of a plane-cathode abnormal glow discharge in mixtures of argon or neon with hydrogen and in pure hydrogen. Intense spectral-line wing development was detected whenever argon was present in the plasma. This effect is related to the formation of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ ions in a charge-transfer reaction between metastable ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ molecules.
Powerful beneficial effects of macrophage colony-stimulating factor on -amyloid deposition and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (2008)

Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of dementia in humans. The appearance of cognitive decline is linked to the overproduction of a short peptide called beta-amyloid (Abeta) in both soluble and aggregate forms. Here, we show that injecting macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) to Swedish beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP(Swe))/PS1 transgenic mice, a well-documented model for Alzheimer's disease, on a weekly basis prior to the appearance of learning and memory deficits prevented cognitive loss. M-CSF also increased the number of microglia in the parenchyma and decreased the number of Abeta deposits. Senile plaques were smaller and less dense in the brain of M-CSF-treated mice compared to littermate controls treated with vehicle solution. Interestingly, a higher ratio of microglia internalized Abeta in the brain of M-CSF-treated animals and the phagocytosed peptides were located in the late endosomes and lysosomes. Less Abeta(40) and Abeta(42) monomers were also detected in the extracellular protein enriched fractions of M-CSF-treated transgenic mice when compared with vehicle controls. Finally, treating APP(Swe)/PS1 mice that were already demonstrating installed Abeta pathology stabilized the cognitive decline. Together these results provide compelling evidence that systemic M-CSF administration is a powerful treatment to stimulate bone marrow-derived microglia, degrade Abeta and prevent or improve the cognitive decline associated with Abeta burden in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Traffic control and intelligent vehicle highway systems: a survey (2011)

Traffic congestion in highway networks is one of the main issues to be addressed by today's traffic management schemes.Automation combined with the increasing market penetration of on-line communication, navigation, and advanced driver assistance systems will ultimately result in intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS) that distribute intelligence between roadside infrastructure and vehicles and that -in particular on the longer term -are one of the most promising solutions to the traffic congestion problem.In this paper, we present a survey on traffic management and control frameworks for IVHS.First, we give a short overview of the main currently used traffic control methods for freeways.Next, we discuss IVHS-based traffic control measures.Then, various traffic management architectures for IVHS such as PATH, Dolphin, Auto21 CDS, etc. are discussed and a comparison of the various frameworks is presented.Finally, we sketch how existing traffic control methodologies could fit in an IVHS-based traffic control set-up.communication
Polyomavirus BK Nephropathy: A (Re‐)emerging Complication in Renal Transplantation (2002)

Persisting polyomavirus replication is now widely recognized as a (re-)emerging cause of renal allograft dysfunction. Up to 5% of renal allograft recipients can be affected about 40weeks (range 6-150) post-transplantation. Progression to irreversible failure of the allograft has been observed in up to 45% of all cases. The BK virus strain is involved in the majority of the cases. Risk factors may include treatment of rejection episodes and increasing viral replication under potent immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus, sirolimus or mycophenolate. The diagnosis requires the histological demonstration of nuclear polyomavirus inclusions in affected tubular epithelial cells. Interstitial inflammatory infiltrates and fibrosis become more prominent in the persisting disease and may be difficult to distinguish from (coexisting) rejection. Detection of polyomavirus-inclusion bearing cells ('decoy cells') in the urine and quantification of BK virus DNA in the plasma have been proposed as surrogate markers for polyomavirus replication and allograft disease, respectively. Antiviral treatment is not yet established; however, reports of treatment with cidofovir are encouraging. Current management aims at the judicious modification and/or reduction of immunosuppression which, in view of preceding or concurrent rejection, is not without risk.