gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Innate Antifungal Immunity: The Key Role of Phagocytes (2011)

Fungal diseases have emerged as significant causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in immune-compromised individuals, prompting greater interest in understanding the mechanisms of host resistance to these pathogens. Consequently, the past few decades have seen a tremendous increase in our knowledge of the innate and adaptive components underlying the protective (and nonprotective) mechanisms of antifungal immunity. What has emerged from these studies is that phagocytic cells are essential for protection and that defects in these cells compromise the host's ability to resist fungal infection. This review covers the functions of phagocytes in innate antifungal immunity, along with selected examples of the strategies that are used by fungal pathogens to subvert these defenses.
Different superantigens interact with distinct sites in the Vbeta domain of a single T cell receptor. (1996)

CD4 T cell receptors (TCRs) recognize antigenic peptides presented by self major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules as well as non-self MHC class II molecules. The TCRs can also recognize endogenous retroviral gene products and bacterial toxins known collectively as superantigens (SAGs) that act mainly on the Vbeta gene segment-encoded portion of the Vbeta domain; most SAGs also require MHC II class for presentation. We have studied the interaction of the TCR from a well-characterized CD4 T cell line with SAGs by mutational analysis of its Vbeta domain. This appears to separate viral (v)SAG from bacterial (b)SAG recognition. T cells having a TCR with glycine to valine mutation in amino acid residue 51 (G51V) in complementarity determining region 2 of the TCR Vbeta domain fail to respond the bSAGs staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), SEC1, SEC2, and SEC3, whereas they retain the ability to respond to non-self MHC class II molecules and to foreign peptides presented by self MHC class II molecules. It is interesting to note that T cells expressing mutations of both G51V and G53D of V beta regain the response to SEB and partially that to SEC1, but do not respond to SEC2, and SEC3, suggesting that different bacterial SAGs are viewed differently by the same TCR. These results are surprising, because it has been generally believed that SAG recognition by T cells is mediated exclusively by hypervariable region 4 on the exposed, lateral face of the TCR Vbeta domain. Response to the vSAG Mtv-7 was generated by mutation in Vbeta residue 24 (N24H), confirming previously published data. These data show that the vSAG Mtv-7 and bSAGs are recognized by different regions of the TCR Vbeta domain. In addition, various bSAGs are recognized differently by the same TCR. Thus, these mutational data, combined with the crystal structure of the TCR beta chain, provide evidence for distinct recognition sites for vSAG and bSAG.
A role for S1P signalling in axon guidance in the<i>Xenopus</i>visual system (2007)

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a lysophospholipid, plays an important chemotactic role in the migration of lymphocytes and germ cells, and is known to regulate aspects of central nervous system development such as neurogenesis and neuronal migration. Its role in axon guidance, however, has not been examined. We show that sphingosine kinase 1, an enzyme that generates S1P, is expressed in areas surrounding the Xenopus retinal axon pathway, and that gain or loss of S1P function in vivo causes errors in axon navigation. Chemotropic assays reveal that S1P elicits fast repulsive responses in retinal growth cones. These responses require heparan sulfate, are sensitive to inhibitors of proteasomal degradation, and involve RhoA and LIM kinase activation. Together, the data identify downstream components that mediate S1P-induced growth cone responses and implicate S1P signalling in axon guidance.
A fast maximum power point tracker for photovoltaic power systems (2003)

In this paper, the authors proposed a novel maximum power point controller, which not only can track the maximum power of an array quickly without perturbation and observation process but also can be implemented easily. The main idea is based on the graphical interpretation of the maximum power point as the intersecting point of two curves on the phase plane corresponding to the solution of two algebraic equations. In other words, the operating point is the intersecting point of the PV-array characteristic curve and the maximum power line. A circuit is constructed based on a boost circuit and a three phase full bridge inverter.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Luminescence‐Spectroscopic Properties of 4‐(5‐Aryloxazol‐ 2‐yl)benzoic Acids and Their Derivatives. (1987)

Abstract The aryloxazolylbenzoic acids (V) are obtained by condensation of the terephthalic ester monochloride (I) with the ω‐aminomethyl aryl ketones (II) and cyclodehydration of the amides (III), followed by hydrolysis of the ester group.
Presence of neurotrophic factors in skeletal muscle correlates with survival of spinal cord motor neurons (2005)

To determine which combination of skeletal muscle-derived neurotrophic factors may be important for the survival of specific subpopulations of developing spinal cord motor neurons, we used Myf5 and MyoD (myogenic regulatory factors) knockouts, containing differentially committed myogenic precursor cells (MPCc) and immunohistochemistry against several muscle-secreted neurotrophic factors. At the peak of motor neuron cell death, skeletal muscle development is delayed in the back and body wall muscles of Myf5-/- embryos and in the limb muscles of MyoD-/- embryos. We hypothesized that, if the skeletal muscle was indeed an important source of survival factors for motor neurons, the back, the abdominal wall, and the forelimb MPCs of Myf5-/- or MyoD-/- embryos should produce at least some neurotrophic factors necessary for the survival of motor neurons. In this report, we demonstrate that (1) different MPCs lacking Myf5, MyoD, or Myf5/MyoD have different capabilities in providing factors potentially required for the survival of motor neurons and intramuscular nerve branching, (2) MPCs in double-mutant embryos do not contain neurotrophic factors in the absence of myogenic specification, and (3) different subpopulations of MPCs contain different combinations of neurotrophic factors potentially required for the survival of the specific subpopulations of innervating motor neurons.
INCREASED BACTERIAL UREASE ACTIVITY IN FAECES IN JUVENILE CHRONIC ARTHRITIS: EVIDENCE OF ALTERED INTESTINAL MICROFLORA? (1996)

The intestinal microflora was indirectly evaluated in juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) by analysing enzyme activities--urease, beta-glucosidase and beta-glucuronidase--in faeces. In 18 out of 26 JCA patients, the illness had been diagnosed during the past year. The control group was composed of eight age-matched control patients and 18 family members of JCA patients (3-36 yr). The mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] urease activity, but not the activities of beta-glucosidase and beta-glucuronidase, in faeces from the JCA group differed from that in the control group: 32.3 (26.6-38.1) nmol/min/mg protein vs 24.0 (16.8-31.6), P = 0.07. The difference was more marked in a comparison of JCA patients with family members (P = 0.03). In a subgroup of subjects, the effect of 10 days oral bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus GG on faecal enzyme activities was then investigated (n = 8 JCA patients, n = 8 control patients). This short-term oral bacteriotherapy reduced the increased urease activity in faeces of JCA patients. Keeping in mind the small number of subjects, it may be inferred from the present results that the increased urease activity in JCA is specific for the disease, suggesting altered intestinal microflora in JCA.
Microbial volatile communication in human organotypic lung models (2017)

We inhale respiratory pathogens continuously, and the subsequent signaling events between host and microbe are complex, ultimately resulting in clearance of the microbe, stable colonization of the host, or active disease. Traditional in vitro methods are ill-equipped to study these critical events in the context of the lung microenvironment. Here we introduce a microscale organotypic model of the human bronchiole for studying pulmonary infection. By leveraging microscale techniques, the model is designed to approximate the structure of the human bronchiole, containing airway, vascular, and extracellular matrix compartments. To complement direct infection of the organotypic bronchiole, we present a clickable extension that facilitates volatile compound communication between microbial populations and the host model. Using Aspergillus fumigatus, a respiratory pathogen, we characterize the inflammatory response of the organotypic bronchiole to infection. Finally, we demonstrate multikingdom, volatile-mediated communication between the organotypic bronchiole and cultures of Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Vesiculation of platelets during in vitro aging (1991)

Membranous microparticles (MP) appearing in the supernatant plasma of stored platelet concentrates (PC) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Two populations of MP were arbitrarily delineated by light scatter as larger or smaller than 0.5 micron fluorescent beads. An estimate of MP concentration was obtained by adding a known amount of fluorescent beads to each sample before analysis of a set number of counts on the flow cytometer. The addition of platelet activation inhibitors (prostaglandin E-1, theophylline, and aprotinin) to the anticoagulant during preparation of PC combined with a reduction in surface area of the storage container caused approximately a 40% reduction in the number of MP appearing during storage relative to donor-matched controls. In addition, the inhibited concentrates had 84% less platelet factor 3 (PF3) activity in the supernatant and 61% less released lactic dehydrogenase. A reduction in surface area of the container in the controls partially offset these differences. A significant correlation was found (rs = .748) between PF3 levels and the concentration of larger MP. The inhibitors did not reduce the small number of MP found in stored platelet-poor plasma. Surface antigen analysis showed that the majority of MP in PC were platelet-derived; most were positive for glycoprotein (GP) IIbIIIa (73%) and/or for GPIb (43% to 46%). We conclude that procoagulant MP are released from platelets during storage as a result of platelet activation augmented by interaction of platelets with the bag wall.
Overview of Findings (2017)

This chapter presents an overview of findings from the qualitative data analysis according to the research questions. The aim of this overview is not to provide answers to the research questions, but to provide a voice for design leaders’ experiences in transitioning to design leadership and management positions in Singapore and to generate theory on this phenomenon.
Rattle‐Type Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@SiO<sub>2</sub> Hollow Mesoporous Spheres as Carriers for Drug Delivery (2009)

Rattle-type Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2) hollow mesoporous spheres with different particle sizes, different mesoporous shell thicknesses, and different levels of Fe(3)O(4) content are prepared by using carbon spheres as templates. The effects of particle size and concentration of Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2) hollow mesoporous spheres on cell uptake and their in vitro cytotoxicity to HeLa cells are evaluated. The spheres exhibit relatively fast cell uptake. Concentrations of up to 150 microg mL(-1) show no cytotoxicity, whereas a concentration of 200 microg mL(-1) shows a small amount of cytotoxicity after 48 h of incubation. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), an anticancer drug, is loaded into the Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2) hollow mesoporous spheres, and the DOX-loaded spheres exhibit a somewhat higher cytotoxicity than free DOX. These results indicate the potential of Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2) hollow mesoporous spheres for drug loading and delivery into cancer cells to induce cell death.
Design aspects of once through systems for heat recovery steam generators for base load and cyclic operation (2001)

The paper describes a once-through approach to the design of heat recovery steam generators, thereby eliminating boiler drums, and many other items of equipment. Two pressure operation is possible. To enable the steam generator to start up from dry, high creep strength Incoloy type materials are used for all of the tubing. This also enables the system to cope with fluctuations in the water-to-steam transition point. Such a design is therefore highly suitable for cyclic operation. One of the features of this particular design is the ability to operate dry, that is with no water flow through the tubing, even though the gas turbine is at full output. Materials specifications for operation with dirty fuels, particularly in a corrosive marine environment, are discussed. Some details of water treatments needed and typical start up schedules are given. The paper also comments briefly on some of the limitations of conventional HRSGs.
EF-4 bacteremia in a patient with hepatic carcinoid (1983)

An organism similar to EF-4, a member of the unclassified group of unusual gram-negative bacilli of Elizabeth O. King, was isolated from the blood of a 65-year-old female with previously diagnosed carcinoid of the liver. We believe this to be the first report of systemic infection with this organism.
(Me<sub>3</sub>Si)<sub>3</sub>SiH-Mediated Intermolecular Radical Perfluoroalkylation Reactions of Olefins in Water (2010)

Perfluoroalkyl-substituted compounds are regarded as important components of fluorophors and for the introduction of fluorous tags into organic substrates. Their syntheses in organic solvents are achieved through different methods, among which, the addition of perfluoroalkyl radicals to unsaturated bonds represents a convenient choice. On the other hand, intermolecular radical reactions in water have attracted the attention of synthetic chemists as a strategic route to carbon-carbon bond formation reactions. In this paper we undertook the intermolecular addition of perfluoroalkyl radicals on electron rich alkenes and alkenes with electron withdrawing groups in water, mediated by silyl radicals, and obtained perfluoroalkyl-substituted compounds in fairly good yields. The radical triggering events employed consist of the thermal decomposition of an azo compound and the dioxygen initiation. Our results indicate that for intermolecular carbon-carbon bond formation reactions mediated by (Me(3)Si)(3)SiH, the decomposition of the azo compound 1,1'-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) (ACCN) is the best radical initiator. We also found that water exerts a relevant solvent effect on the rates of perfluoroalkyl radical additions onto double bonds and the H atom abstraction from the silane. Our account provides a versatile and convenient method to achieve perfluoroalkylation reactions of alkenes in water to render perfluoroalkylated alkanes as key intermediates in the synthesis of fluorophors and other fluorinated materials. This is the first report where perfluoroalkyl-substituted alkanes are synthesized through intermolecular radical carbon-carbon bond formation reactions in water, mediated by silyl radicals.
Development of Low Phytate Rice by RNAi Mediated Seed-Specific Silencing of Inositol 1,3,4,5,6-Pentakisphosphate 2-Kinase Gene (IPK1) (2013)

Phytic acid (InsP(6)) is considered to be the major source of phosphorus and inositol phosphates in most cereal grains. However, InsP(6) is not utilized efficiently by monogastric animals due to lack of phytase enzyme. Furthermore, due to its ability to chelate mineral cations, phytic acid is considered to be an antinutrient that renders these minerals unavailable for absorption. In view of these facts, reducing the phytic acid content in cereal grains is a desired goal for the genetic improvement of several crops. In the present study, we report the RNAi-mediated seed-specific silencing (using the Oleosin18 promoter) of the IPK1 gene, which catalyzes the last step of phytic acid biosynthesis in rice. The presence of the transgene cassette in the resulting transgenic plants was confirmed by molecular analysis, indicating the stable integration of the transgene. The subsequent T4 transgenic seeds revealed 3.85-fold down-regulation in IPK1 transcripts, which correlated to a significant reduction in phytate levels and a concomitant increase in the amount of inorganic phosphate (Pi). The low-phytate rice seeds also accumulated 1.8-fold more iron in the endosperm due to the decreased phytic acid levels. No negative effects were observed on seed germination or in any of the agronomic traits examined. The results provide evidence that silencing of IPK1 gene can mediate a substantial reduction in seed phytate levels without hampering the growth and development of transgenic rice plants.
Structural Basis for Eculizumab-Mediated Inhibition of the Complement Terminal Pathway (2016)

Eculizumab is a humanized mAb approved for treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Eculizumab binds complement component C5 and prevents its cleavage by C5 convertases, inhibiting release of both the proinflammatory metabolite C5a and formation of the membrane attack complex via C5b. In this study, we present the crystal structure of the complex between C5 and a Fab fragment with the same sequence as eculizumab at a resolution of 4.2 Å. Five CDRs contact the C5 macroglobulin 7 domain, which contains the entire epitope. A complete mutational scan of the 66 CDR residues identified 28 residues as important for the C5-eculizumab interaction, and the structure of the complex offered an explanation for the reduced C5 binding observed for these mutant Abs. Furthermore, the structural observations of the interaction are supported by the reduced ability of a subset of these mutated Abs to inhibit membrane attack complex formation as tested in a hemolysis assay. Our results suggest that eculizumab functions by sterically preventing C5 from binding to convertases and explain the exquisite selectivity of eculizumab for human C5 and how polymorphisms in C5 cause eculizumab-resistance in a small number of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
Applying electric-magnetic-electric (EME) composite metal strips to reduce the size of patch antennas (2002)

This paper presents a novel technology to reduce the size of microstrip patch antennas. Utilizing this recently developed periodic structure ( EME metal strips), we can increase the slow-wave factor of microstrip lines. This benefit can help us to reduce the size of patch antennas. According to our experimental results, the resonant length and area of the EME patch can be reduced to be 76% and 57% when compared with the conventional one.
Collagen cross‐linking: a new treatment paradigm in corneal disease – a review (2010)

The last 2 years has seen a marked increase in the prominence of corneal collagen cross-linking as a treatment strategy for progressive keratoconus. This interest has arisen from a body of laboratory evidence documenting the biomechanical and cellular changes induced by cross-linking. The findings of this research provide a plausible rationale for its use in keratoconus to retard the progression of this common disease. The rapidly growing number of clinical reports suggests, not only a consistent stabilizing effect of cross-linking, but that a variable improvement in corneal shape and visual function may also occur in some patients. However, the marked variation in the clinical course of keratoconus, together with the challenges of accurately evaluating refractive error, visual acuity and even corneal shape in this condition, demands further evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials. The aim of this review is to summarize the theoretical basis and risks of corneal collagen cross-linking, along with the available evidence for its use in keratoconus and other corneal disease states.
Genome-Wide Distribution of RNA-DNA Hybrids Identifies RNase H Targets in tRNA Genes, Retrotransposons and Mitochondria (2014)

During transcription, the nascent RNA can invade the DNA template, forming extended RNA-DNA duplexes (R-loops). Here we employ ChIP-seq in strains expressing or lacking RNase H to map targets of RNase H activity throughout the budding yeast genome. In wild-type strains, R-loops were readily detected over the 35S rDNA region, transcribed by Pol I, and over the 5S rDNA, transcribed by Pol III. In strains lacking RNase H activity, R-loops were elevated over other Pol III genes, notably tRNAs, SCR1 and U6 snRNA, and were also associated with the cDNAs of endogenous TY1 retrotransposons, which showed increased rates of mobility to the 5'-flanking regions of tRNA genes. Unexpectedly, R-loops were also associated with mitochondrial genes in the absence of RNase H1, but not of RNase H2. Finally, R-loops were detected on actively transcribed protein-coding genes in the wild-type, particularly over the second exon of spliced ribosomal protein genes.
Optical data storage in semi-insulating GaAs (1998)

We observe a light-induced on–off switching of the selective donor–acceptor pair excitation in bulk-grown semi-insulating GaAs. The spectral dependence of the switching process is related to the metastability of the EL2 defect. In the ground state, this As-antisite related midgap donor compensates the shallow acceptors and is responsible for the semi-insulating properties of the material. The loss of the shallow acceptor compensation, that accompanies the transfer of the EL2 to its metastable state leads to the observed absorption and luminescence quench of the shallow donor–acceptor pairs. We exploit these effects in demonstrating optical data storage in semi-insulating GaAs.
Valsartan and coronary haemodynamics in early post‐myocardial infarction in rats (1999)

Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockade (AT1-) has been shown to prolong survival in post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure in rats. In this study, we investigated whether an early AT1-induced improvement in coronary vasodilatation reserve (CVR) might be involved in this beneficial effect. Wistar rats with MI were treated daily and orally for 6 weeks with valsartan, 5 (MI-V5) or 50 mg/kg (MI-V50). MI-controls and sham-operated rats (S-controls) received no treatment. Subsequently, systemic and coronary haemodynamics (at baseline and at maximal vasodilatation, CVR fluospheres) were investigated in the conscious state, and cardiac remodelling (hypertrophy and fibrosis) was assessed. As compared to MI-controls. valsartan (5 mg/kg), had no effect on systemic haemodynamics or myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis development, gave slightly improved basal left and right ventricular coronary flow and resistance values, but decreased left and right CVR values. Valsartan (50 mg/kg), decreased blood pressure (-11%) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (-32%), limited the development of cardiac hypertrophy (19%) but not that of fibrosis, slightly improved basal left ventricular flow and resistance values but only the right ventricular CVR value was increased. We conclude that in rats with post-MI. an early AT1-induced improvement in coronary haemodynamics is not responsible for the long-term survival prolongation observed. Furthermore. that cardiac hypertrophy was prevented whereas fibrosis was not, suggests that the latter is a pivotal determinant of CVR.
Investigate the Effect of Using Sunflower Oil as a Lubricant During Turning Operation of Stainless Steel (2014)

The study was focused on the effect of using Sunflower Oil as a lubricant during turning operation of Stainless Steel. Cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were set as the control factor for the machining operation. An Orthogonal Array of L4 (2³) was used. Then ANOVA analyses were carried out to identify the significant factors affecting surface roughness, Ra and tool wear, Vb, and determined the optimal cutting combination design by seeking the responses and signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, the confirmations run can optimize the optimal parameters and cutting fluid for surface roughness and tool wear