gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
IL-6 and IL-1α together, but not alone, are key modulators of regulatory T cell suppressive function: insights from computational and in vitro studies. (49.11) (2010)

Abstract Modulation of the susceptibility of effector T cells to suppression by naturally-arising regulatory T cells (Treg) influences the development of autoimmune diseases, cancer, and transplant outcome. However, our understanding of the factors that underlie this modulation is limited. We aimed to identify the inflammatory mediators that are released by innate immune cells following their exposure to danger signals, and that reduce T cell susceptibility to suppression. A CFSE-based, in vitro mouse T cell activation system was employed to quantify Treg function and to measure the influence of the supernatant of dendritic cells sampled at multiple times after stimulation with the TLR4 ligand LPS. In parallel, 24 cytokines were quantified using Luminex™ in each sample tested. ‘Principal Component Analysis’ was utilized to assess the likely role of these cytokines with the extent of Treg suppression. This analysis suggested that IL-6, IL-1α, and TNFα were possible inhibitory mediators working in synergy. Using the CFSE dilution assay, we found that no single cytokine was capable of reducing Treg suppression. However, combinations of cytokines, in particular IL-6 and IL-1α, resulted in pronounced modulation of suppression. Our results suggest that combining computation with experimentation may help to dissect the complex milieu that determines T cell susceptibility to suppression, and specifically to identify the synergy between IL-6 and IL-1α as target for immunomodulatory therapies.
Model compounds for microbial iron-transport compounds. Part 1. Solution chemistry and Mössbauer study of iron(<scp>II</scp>) and iron(<scp>III</scp>) complexes from phenolic and catecholic systems (1981)

The iron complexes found in the systems FeCl3–phenol, FeCl3–catechol, FeCl3-2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, FeCl3–2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and FeCl3–salicylic acid have been investigated by pH and conductance titrations together with Mössbauer spectroscopy. On the basis of further studies using ascorbic acid and salicylaldehyde, a mechanism for the reduction of FeIII to FeII and the reverse oxidation via a phenolic or catecholic radical is discussed. The properties of enterobactin are explored in the light of the chemistry of the model systems. The Mössbauer spectra of frozen aqueous solutions of hydroxybenzene compounds containing iron cations show that those complexes that are green or blue at acid pH contain FeII, whereas those that are purple or red contain FeIII. It is proposed that these results make the colour of the complex a good indication of the oxidation state of the iron in phenolic and catecholic systems.
Rapid Microfluidic Assay for the Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Animal Sera (2016)

Potent Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) represent a threat to public health and safety. Botulism is a disease caused by BoNT intoxication that results in muscle paralysis that can be fatal. Sensitive assays capable of detecting BoNTs from different substrates and settings are essential to limit foodborne contamination and morbidity. In this report, we describe a rapid 96-well microfluidic double sandwich immunoassay for the sensitive detection of BoNT-A from animal sera. This BoNT microfluidic assay requires only 5 μL of serum, provides results in 75 min using a standard fluorescence microplate reader and generates minimal hazardous waste. The assay has a <30 pg·mL(-1) limit of detection (LOD) of BoNT-A from spiked human serum. This sensitive microfluidic BoNT-A assay offers a fast and simplified workflow suitable for the detection of BoNT-A from serum samples of limited volume in most laboratory settings.
GisPy: A Tool for Measuring Gist Inference Score in Text (2022)

Decision making theories such as Fuzzy-Trace Theory (FTT) suggest that individuals tend to rely on gist, or bottom-line meaning, in the text when making decisions. In this work, we delineate the process of developing GisPy, an open-source tool in Python for measuring the Gist Inference Score (GIS) in text. Evaluation of GisPy on documents in three benchmarks from the news and scientific text domains demonstrates that scores generated by our tool significantly distinguish low vs. high gist documents. Our tool is publicly available to use at: https://github.com/phosseini/GisPy.
Central Dopamine D2 Receptors Regulate Growth-Hormone-Dependent Body Growth and Pheromone Signaling to Conspecific Males (2013)

Competition between adult males for limited resources such as food and receptive females is shaped by the male pattern of pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion that determines body size and the production of urinary pheromones involved in male-to-male aggression. In the brain, dopamine (DA) provides incentive salience to stimuli that predict the availability of food and sexual partners. Although the importance of the GH axis and central DA neurotransmission in social dominance and fitness is clearly appreciated, the two systems have always been studied unconnectedly. Here we conducted a cell-specific genetic dissection study in conditional mutant mice that selectively lack DA D2 receptors (D2R) from pituitary lactotropes (lacDrd2KO) or neurons (neuroDrd2KO). Whereas lacDrd2KO mice developed a normal GH axis, neuroDrd2KO mice displayed fewer somatotropes; reduced hypothalamic Ghrh expression, pituitary GH content, and serum IGF-I levels; and exhibited reduced body size and weight. As a consequence of a GH axis deficit, neuroDrd2KO adult males excreted low levels of major urinary proteins and their urine failed to promote aggression and territorial behavior in control male challengers, in contrast to the urine taken from control adult males. These findings reveal that central D2Rs mediate a neuroendocrine-exocrine cascade that controls the maturation of the GH axis and downstream signals that are critical for fitness, social dominance, and competition between adult males.
Comparison of Traditional Upper Airway Surgery and Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (2020)

UAS offers significantly better control of AHI severity than traditional sleep surgery. Quality life improvements were similar between groups.
Molecular Diagnostic Methods Versus Conventional Urine Culture for Diagnosis and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2022)

Urine culture has low sensitivity in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are culture-independent molecular methods available for commercial use to diagnose UTI. To systematically evaluate the evidence comparing the diagnostic and therapeutic values of molecular diagnostic methods to urine culture in the management of UTI in adults. We performed a critical review of Embase, Ovid, and PubMed in February 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses statement. Studies involving pregnant women, ureteral stones, ureteral stents, and percutaneous nephrostomy tubes were excluded. Risk of bias and methodological quality were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Fifteen publications were selected for inclusion. Included reports compared NGS (nine studies) and PCR (six studies) to urine culture. A meta-analysis of seven similar studies utilizing NGS demonstrates that NGS is more sensitive in the identification of urinary bacteria and detects greater species diversity per urine sample than culture. PCR protocols designed to detect a diverse range of microbes had increased sensitivity and species diversity compared with culture. Phenotypic and genotypic resistomes are concordant in approximately 85% of cases. There is insufficient evidence to compare patient symptomatic responses to antibiotic therapy guided by molecular testing versus standard susceptibility testing. Moderately strong evidence exists that molecular diagnostics demonstrate increased sensitivity in detecting urinary bacteria at the expense of poor specificity in controls. Additional data comparing patient symptoms and cure rates following antibiotic selection directed by molecular methods compared with culture are needed to elucidate their place in UTI care. We compare culture-independent molecular methods with urine culture in the management of urinary tract infection. We found good evidence that molecular methods detect more bacteria than culture; however, the clinical implications to support their routine use are unclear.
Preparation and Properties of High Performance Nanocomposite Bipolar Plate for Fuel Cell (2007)

This DOI is not currently attached to any metadata records. DOIs can’t actually ever be deleted (they’re persistent), but sometimes our members create DOIs in error. We do have a process to approximate deletion which we follow only in rare cases where the DOI has been genuinely created in error, and most crucially, if the DOI has never been published anywhere online or in print and never otherwise distributed to or communicated with anyone (authors, readers, reviewers, etc.
Rotaviruses: Immunological Determinants of Protection Against Infection and Disease (1994)

Although studies of rotavirus immunity in experimental animals and humans have often yielded conflicting data, a preponderance of evidence supports the following answers to the questions initially posed. 1. What is the importance of virus serotype in formulating an optimal vaccine? Both vp4 and vp7 induce virus-neutralizing antibodies after either natural infection or immunization; the capacity of vp4 to induce rotavirus-specific neutralizing antibodies is probably greater than that of vp7. However, protection against disease after immunization of infants and young children is induced by strains heterotypic to the challenge virus (e.g., immunization with WC3 induces protection against disease induced by serotypically distinct human G1 strains). In addition, oral inoculation of infants with primate or bovine reassortant rotaviruses containing genes that encode human vp7 has not consistently induced a higher level of protection against challenge than that induced by parent animal rotaviruses (see Table I). Therefore, although vp4 or vp7 or both are probably important in inducing protection against challenge, it has not been clearly demonstrated that inclusion of the epidemiologically important human (as distinct from animal) P or G type is important in protection against human disease. 2. Which immunological effector arm most likely protects against rotavirus disease? No immunological effector arm clearly explains protection against heterotypic challenge. Protection against disease is not predicted by rotavirus-specific neutralizing antibodies in serum. Rotavirus-specific, binding sIgA in feces [detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] induced after natural infection does correlate with protection against disease induced by subsequent infection. However, protection after immunization with WC3 may occur in the absence of a detectable fecal sIgA response. The relationship between rotavirus-binding sIgA and sIgA-mediated neutralizing activity directed against the challenge virus remains to be determined. Binding rotavirus-specific sIgA in feces detected by ELISA may only be a correlate of other events occurring at the intestinal mucosal surface. The presence of broadly cross-reactive, rotavirus-specific CTLs at the intestinal mucosal surface of mice acutely after infection is intriguing. It would be of interest to determine the degree to which the presence of cross-reactive, rotavirus-specific CTLs in the circulation is predictive of the presence of virus-specific CTLs among intestinal lymphocytes and protection against challenge. Unfortunately, studies of virus-specific CTLs are difficult to perform in children. 3. By what means is virus antigen best presented to the host to elicit a protective immune response? Oral inoculation may not be necessary to induce a protective, virus-specific immune response at the intestinal mucosal surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Combustion fume structure and dynamics. [Quarterly report], August 16, 1990--February 16, 1991 (1991)

The experimental program is based upon model systems that allow precise control of the aerosol concentrations and properties to promote a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of agglomerate aerosols. By avoiding the complications of heterogeneous coal minerals and the associated property variations and uncertainty in fume source rates, precise measurements of fume evolution becomes possible. Metal alkoxides are being pyrolyzed to produce single component metal oxide fumes. Initial experiments have employed a small reactor to synthesize TiO{sub 2} fumes by pyrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide. The aerosols produced in this low residence time reactor will be allowed to agglomerate at room temperature to make coagulation rate measurements. During the start-up phase of this research, The nature of the particles produced by this small reactor have been probed using the scanning electrical mobility spectrometer (SEMS) developed at Caltech by Wang and Flagan. Preparations are also being made for the characterization of the particle structures by in situ small angle light scattering.
Hemochromatosis associated with ferroportin gene (<i>SLC40A1</i>) mutations (2010)

Mutations in the SLC40A1 (FPN1) gene that encodes ferroportin (OMIM *604653) cause an uncommon, heterogeneous group of iron overload disorders characterized by an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance (OMIM #606069). Ferroportin hemochromatosis has been described worldwide in a variety of race/ethnicity groups. SLC40A1 mutations cause two major iron overload phenotype patterns, each depending on the particular mutation and its effect on the function of the transcribed ferroportin protein. In many ferroportin hemochromatosis kinships, serum iron measures and complications of iron overload typical of other types of hemochromatosis are relatively uncommon. The collective term “ferroportin disease” or “hemochromatosis type 4” is sometimes used to describe the clinical manifestations of ferroportin mutations.
Mechanisms Underlying the Selection and Function of Macrophage-Specific Enhancers (2015)

Macrophages populate every tissue of the body and play vital roles in homeostasis, pathogen elimination, and tissue healing. These cells possess the ability to adapt to a multitude of abruptly changing and complex environments. Furthermore, different populations of resident tissue macrophages each show their own defining gene signatures. The enhancer repertoire of these cells underlies both the cellular identity of a given subset of resident macrophage population and their ability to dynamically alter, in an efficient manner, their gene expression programs in response to internal and external signals. Notably, transcription is pervasive at active enhancers and enhancer RNAs, or eRNAs, are tightly correlated to regulated transcription of protein-coding genes. Furthermore, selection and establishment of enhancers is a dynamic and plastic process in which activation of intracellular signaling pathways by factors present in a macrophage's environment play a determining role. Here, we review recent studies providing insights into the distinct mechanisms that contribute to the selection and function of enhancers in macrophages and the relevance of studying these mechanisms to gain a better understanding of complex human diseases.
Repairing Annulus Fibrosus Fissures Using Methacrylated Gellan Gum Combined with Novel Silk (2023)

Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation often causes severe pain and is frequently associated with the degeneration of the IVD. As the IVD degenerates, more fissures with increasing size appear within the outer region of the IVD, the annulus fibrosus (AF), favoring the initiation and progression of IVD herniation. For this reason, we propose an AF repair approach based on methacrylated gellan gum (GG-MA) and silk fibroin. Therefore, coccygeal bovine IVDs were injured using a biopsy puncher (⌀ 2 mm) and then repaired with 2% GG-MA as a filler material and sealed with an embroidered silk yarn fabric. Then, the IVDs were cultured for 14 days either without any load, static loading, or complex dynamic loading. After 14 days of culture, no significant differences were found between the damaged and repaired IVDs, except for a significant decrease in the IVDs’ relative height under dynamic loading. Based on our findings combined with the current literature that focuses on ex vivo AF repair approaches, we conclude that it is likely that the repair approach did not fail but rather insufficient harm was done to the IVD.
White-Tailed Sea Eagle (&lt;em&gt;Haliaeetus Albicilla&lt;/em&gt;) Die-Off due to Infection with Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus, Subtype H5N8, in Germany (2018)

In contrast to previous incursions of highly pathogenic H5 viruses, H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b caused numerous lethal infections in white-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Germany during the winter 2016/2017. Until April 2017, 17 HPAIV H5N8-positive white-tailed sea eagles had been detected (three alive and 14 dead). Mainly young eagles died (before reaching the adult plumage at 5 years), often with severe neurological symptoms, where histopathology revealed mild to moderate, oligo- to multifocal necrotizing polioencephalitis. Lethal lead (Pb) concentrations, proven as main mortality factor of the sea eagles could be ruled out since values measured in liver or kidney tissue were all within background levels (&amp;lt; 1 ppm). Since the fall of 2016, the epizootic of HPAIV H5 clade 2.3.4.4b reportedly induced, for the first time, fatal disease in European white-tailed see eagles. The virus strain may become a new threat to a highly protected species across its distribution range in Eurasia. Positive cloacal swaps have proven that the eagles can spread the virus with their faeces.
Recent Developments in Electromechanical Probing on the Nanoscale: Vector and Spectroscopic Imaging, Resolution, and Molecular Orientation Mapping (2005)

Strong coupling between electrical and mechanical phenomena and the presence of switchable polarization have enabled applications of ferroelectric materials for nonvolatile memories (FeRAM), data storage, and ferroelectric lithography. Understanding the local functionality of inorganic ferroelectrics including crystallographic orientation, piezoresponse, elasticity, and mechanisms for polarization switching, requires probing material structure and properties on the level of a single ferroelectric grain or domain. Here, I present recent studies on electromechanical, mechanical, and spectroscopic characterization of ferroelectric materials by Scanning Probe Microscopy. Three-dimensional electromechanical imaging, referred to as Vector Piezoresponse Force Microscopy, is presented. Nanoelectromechanics of PFM, including the structure of coupled electroelastic fields and tip-surface contact mechanics, is analyzed. This establishes a complete continuum mechanics description of the PFM and Atomic Force Acoustic Microscopy imaging mechanisms. Mechanism for local polarization switching is analyzed. The hysteresis loop shape is shown to be determined by the formation of the transient domain below the tip, the size of which increases with the tip bias. Spectroscopic imaging that allows relevant characteristics of switching process, such as imprint bias, pinning strength, remanent and saturation response, is introduced. Finally, resolution in PFM and vector PFM imaging of local crystallographic and molecular orientation and disorder is introduced.
P640 Serologic response and safety after third dose of the COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (2023)

Abstract Background Vaccines are pivotal for control of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α have lower serologic response after two COVID-19 vaccine doses. Data regarding a 3rd vaccine are scarce. Methods Aim: To assess immune responses to, and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with IBD, stratified according to therapy, and compared to healthy controls (HC). Subjects were recruited before the 1st vaccine (BNT162b2, Pfizer) and prospectively evaluated after the 2nd and 3rd vaccine doses. Evaluation included: disease activity, anti-spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N), anti-TNFα drug levels and adverse events (AE) Results Of 198 subjects having the 3rd vaccine dose, 125 had IBD: average age: 39.1±14.8 years; 40.8% females; 82- Crohn’s disease (CD), 33 ulcerative colitis (UC), 6 pouch, 3 IBD-U. There were 73 HC: average age 39.4±12.5 years, 69.9% females. Among patients with IBD: 51 and 74 (40.8%, 59.2%)) were treated or not with anti-TNFα, respectively. A month after the 3rd vaccine dose IBD activity was comparable in all patients regardless of treatment, and no increase in C-reactive protein or white blood cells was observed. Higher but not significant AE rate was registered in all subjects after the 3rd compared to 2nd vaccine dose (81% vs. 76%, respectively). AE rate in IBD and HC was comparable. No serious AE detected. There was a significant increase in anti-S levels one month after compared to pre 3rd vaccine dose in all participants. Furthermore, increase was 2-3 folds higher than that observed one month after the 2nd dose. Importantly, patients treated with anti-TNFα compared to non-anti-TNFα treated had significantly lower responses: 9219 (6347-13390) vs 16955 (13721-20951) (GMC (95%CI)), p&amp;lt;0.05. Serologic response did not correlate with anti-TNFα drug levels, antibodies or interval between drug and vaccine administration. During extended follow-up post 3rd dose, we found that lower serologic response predicts infection over time. Conclusion This prospective study shows that a 3rd dose of BNT162b2 vaccine is effective and safe in patients with IBD. Furthermore, patients treated with anti-TNFα had significantly lower serologic responses compared to anti-TNFα untreated ones. Lack of correlation between anti-TNFα drug levels and immune responses suggests there is no need to modify vaccination timing relatively to anti-TNFα administration. The significantly steeper increase in anti-S levels between 2nd and 3rd doses, suggests the 3rd dose is crucial in anti-TNFα treated patients, specifically due to the fact that higher serologic response predicts better defense from infection.
Cup‐Stacked Carbon Nanotube Schottky Diodes for Photovoltaics and Photodetectors (2014)

High-performance optoelectronic devices based on cup-stacked carbon nanotubes are realized. Based on a Schottky barrier model, rectifying behaviors and high photo­response are observed by using growth catalysts as nanoscale electronic contacts. Similar performances are also obtained and furthermore tuned by using the nanotube's defective surface as effective decoration sites, transforming nanotube resistors into Schottky diodes.
MEMS Integrated and Micromachined Antenna Elements, Arrays, and Feeding Networks (2007)

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction RF-MEMS Switches and Micromachining Technologies Reconfigurable Antennas Using RF-MEMS Switches Mechanically Movable Antennas MEMS Phase Shifters in Antenna Feed Networks Micromachining to Improve Antenna Performance Design Considerations and Development Flow Summary References