gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Intracellular Complement Activation Sustains T Cell Homeostasis and Mediates Effector Differentiation (2013)

Complement is viewed as a critical serum-operative component of innate immunity, with processing of its key component, C3, into activation fragments C3a and C3b confined to the extracellular space. We report here that C3 activation also occurred intracellularly. We found that the T cell-expressed protease cathepsin L (CTSL) processed C3 into biologically active C3a and C3b. Resting T cells contained stores of endosomal and lysosomal C3 and CTSL and substantial amounts of CTSL-generated C3a. While "tonic" intracellular C3a generation was required for homeostatic T cell survival, shuttling of this intracellular C3-activation-system to the cell surface upon T cell stimulation induced autocrine proinflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, T cells from patients with autoimmune arthritis demonstrated hyperactive intracellular complement activation and interferon-γ production and CTSL inhibition corrected this deregulated phenotype. Importantly, intracellular C3a was observed in all examined cell populations, suggesting that intracellular complement activation might be of broad physiological significance.
Biofilms and Inflammation in Chronic Wounds (2013)

Characterization of microbiomes of clinically well characterized chronic human wounds is now under way. The use of <i>in vivo</i> models of biofilm-infected cutaneous wounds will permit the study of the mechanisms needed for biofilm formation, persistence, and potential synergistic interactions among bacteria. A more complete understanding of bacterial survival mechanisms and how microbes influence host repair mechanisms are likely to provide targets for chronic wound therapy.
From regular periodic micro-lens arrays to randomized continuous phase profiles (2015)

Abstract Illumination systems for various industrial applications, e.g., in semiconductor industries and medical treatment techniques, require a specific and well-adapted intensity distribution with maximum efficiency, best achievable accuracy, and highest flexibility in the selection of the target light field. Additionally, for particular applications, all these aspects have to be fulfilled simultaneously for different wavelengths. In most of these situations, the challenging optical specifications are accompanied by the requirement of a cost-efficient fabrication technique, suitable at least for batch or small series production. In the present contribution, we first retrace the development steps and performance progress of micro-optical-based beam shaping setups. Secondly, we discuss the possibilities resulting from a combination of both refractive and diffractive optical characteristics. Especially, we show that a well-adapted combination of refractive and diffractive properties in a single element allows us to create achromatic diffusers with exceptional flexibility and high conversion efficiency.
Primordial germ cells, stem cells and testicular cancer (1998)

Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) arise in the mouse embryo as a small population of cells some way from the gonad anlagen. In order for the embryo to develop into a fully fertile adult animal the PGCs must increase in number and reach the gonad. Mutations causing sterility in the mouse have identified some of the genes involved in regulating PGC development and some of these genes have been molecularly cloned. Similarly, mutations affecting the development and differentiation of PGC-derived tumors (teratomas and teratocarcinomas) have been identified in certain strains of mice and these identify genes involved in the normal growth and differentiation of PGCs. These studies should help to define the role of growth factors in PGC development and in the development of germ-cell-derived tumors.
A Multiplexer Design for Position-Sensitive Avalanche Photodiode Detectors in a PET Scanner (2008)

A small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) scanner using PS-APD (position-sensitive avalanche photodiode) detectors has been developed for simultaneous PET/MRI imaging. In this scanner, up to 16 detector modules (one PS-APD per module) are used, and each detector module produces 4 signals to be digitized with their peak values. This leads to as many as 64 analog outputs to the data acquisition (DAQ) system, requiring 64 DAQ channels. In the future, the system will be extended to 32 modules, resulting in 128 channels. It is possible to sample all channels simultaneously, but most of them do not contain useful data, since only one coincidence event (producing data on 8 channels) is identified each time. The purpose of this work was to develop a general-purpose method for reducing the number of analog inputs to the data acquisition for the sparse fast analog signals produced in a PET scanner. To achieve this, a multiplexer board was designed to sample coincidence events from the PET scanner. The effect of the multiplexer on signal quality was evaluated and the average peak-to-valley ratios in detector flood histograms with and without multiplexer were 2.97 and 3.02 respectively. On-board coincidence, pile-up rejection and multiple coincidence rejection functions were implemented and worked as expected. The dead time performance was also characterized.
Development of an Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Method To Quantify Cisplatin 1,2 Intrastrand Guanine−Guanine Adducts (2009)

Platinum chemotherapeutic agents have been widely used in the treatment of cancer. Cisplatin was the first of the platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents and therefore has been extensively studied as an antitumor agent since the late 1960s. Because this agent forms several DNA adducts, a highly sensitive and specific quantitative assay is needed to correlate the molecular dose of individual adducts with the effects of treatment. An ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) assay for quantification of 1,2 guanine-guanine intrastrand cisplatin adducts [CP-d(GpG)], using (15)N(10) CP-d(GpG) as an internal standard, was developed. The internal standard was characterized by MS/MS, and its concentration was validated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Samples containing CP-d(GpG) in DNA were purified by enzyme hydrolysis, centrifugal filtration, and HPLC with fraction collection prior to quantification by UPLC-MS/MS in the selective reaction monitoring mode [m/z 412.5-->248.1 for CP-d(GpG); m/z 417.5-->253.1 for [(15)N(10)] CP-d(GpG)]. The recovery of standards was >90%, and quantification was unaffected by increasing concentrations of calf thymus DNA. This method utilizes 25 mug of DNA per injection. The limit of quantification was 3 fmol or 3.7 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides, which approaches the sensitivity of the (32)P postlabeling method for this adduct. These data suggested that this method is suitable for in vitro and in vivo assessment of CP-d(GpG) adducts formed by cisplatin and carboplatin. Subsequently, the method was applied to studies using ovarian carcinoma cell lines and C57/BL6 mice to illustrate that this method is capable of quantifying CP-d(GpG) adducts using biologically relevant systems and doses. The development of biomarkers to determine tissue-specific molecular dosimetry during treatment will lead to a more complete understanding of both therapeutic and adverse effects of cisplatin and carboplatin. This will support the refinement of therapeutic regimes and appropriate individualized treatment protocols.
A cDNA encoding feline CD4 has a unique repeat sequence downstream of the V-like region. (1992)

We have cloned, sequenced and expressed a cDNA encoding the feline CD4 glycoprotein. This clone, termed FT121, contains a unique repeat sequence downstream of the V-like region which has not been reported in other mammalian CD4 cDNA. In addition, the cysteine residues at positions 45 and 175 have an unusual pattern. On the other hand, regions other than the unique sequence share significant homology with human CD4 and mouse L3T4 cDNA in the amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence, especially in the putative cytoplasmic region. Here, we show that FT121 has a complete open reading frame and efficiently expresses feline CD4 molecules on COS cells. Further we found that the cytoplasmic components, lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase p56lck binding sites and phosphorylation site (serine resides), are well conserved, though the extracellular region of the feline CD4 molecule deduced from FT121 is probably different from that of human CD4 and mouse L3T4.
Influence of Nonswelling Clay Minerals (Illite, Kaolinite, and Chlorite) on Nonaqueous Solvent Extraction of Bitumen (2015)

Artificial mixtures of bitumen with three natural clay standards, dominated by illite, kaolinite, and chlorite, were reacted for several days and washed three times each with cyclohexane to remove bitumen from the clays. The main goal was to determine and better understand the effect of nonswelling clay minerals (illite, kaolinite, and chlorite) on nonaqueous solvent bitumen extraction. The experimental results showed that the total amount of residual cyclohexane insoluble organic carbon (CIOC) measured for clay–bitumen mixtures after nonaqueous solvent bitumen removal is a function of intrinsic resistance of high molecular weight (MW) organic compounds to cyclohexane extraction and the nature of nonswelling clays. The intrinsic resistance of high MW organic compounds to cyclohexane extraction accounted for 42–80% of the total CIOC content. The nonswelling clays retained from 20 to 58% of CIOC of the total CIOC content primarily on the external surfaces (basal planes and edges) of clay mineral particles in the form of patches rather than continuous coatings. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) and specific surface area (SSA) were reduced by the reaction with bitumen due to organic coatings on the clay mineral surfaces and/or due to bridging of clay particles to aggregates. The results indicate that the SSA is the primary controlling parameter affecting the amount of CIOC retained on the nonswelling clays within the studied experimental conditions. Higher amounts of CIOC resist on clays which have larger SSAs. CEC and layer charge density (LCD) are contributing parameters possibly affecting the extractability of bitumen from studied clays. It seems that, with increasing CEC and LCD, the CIOC was bonded more strongly to the clay mineral surface; consequently, more CIOC resisted nonaqueous solvent bitumen removal.
The Diagnostic Validity of the Serum Tumor Marker Phosphohexose Isomerase (PHI) in Patients with Gastrointestinal, Kidney, and Breast Cancer (1990)

The diagnostic validity of the glycolytic enzyme phosphohexose isomerase (PHI) as a serum tumor marker was evaluated. For this purpose the sensitivity of PHI was determined in 435 patients with histopathologically defined, malignant gastrointestinal, kidney, and mammary tumors prior to primary treatment. To assess the specificity, PHI serum activities were measured in 181 patients with benign diseases and disorders from an internal practice. In gastrointestinal and kidney cancer, PHI reached an overall diagnostic sensitivity of about 70%, and a specificity of 92% was obtained. Even in early stages without metastasis, elevated PHI serum levels were found in about 60% of the patients. In mammary cancer, however, a sensitivity of only 40% was observed. PHI activity can be measured without the need for highly technical skills and equipment, in a short time and at low cost. These data suggest that serum PHI can be a useful indicator in the preventive checkup of gastrointestinal and renal cancer in medical practice.
Chemoattractant factors (IP‐10, MIP‐1α, IL‐16) mRNA expression in mononuclear cells from different tissues during acute SIVmac251 infection of macaques (1997)

We have used semiquantitative RT-PCR to monitor the expression of mRNA encoding chemoattractant factors IP-10, MIP-1alpha, and IL-16 in freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), lymph node mononuclear cells (LNMCs), and mononuclear cells obtained after bronchoalveolar lavages (BALMCs) of two cynomolgus macaques inoculated intravenously with a pathogenic isolate of simian immunodeficiency virus, SIVmac251. Concomitant with the peak of systemic viral replication (two weeks after experimental inoculation) and proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 mRNA expression, high levels of MIP-1alpha and IP-10 mRNA were produced in LNMCs and BALMCs. In BALMCs, in which we have reported a marked progressive overexpression of IFN-gamma mRNA coinciding with an increase in the CD8+ lymphocyte percentages, we noticed a progressive overexpression of IL-16 mRNA. Our results suggest the role of chemokines IP-10, MIP-1alpha, and IL-16 in the development of inflammatory and immune responses during the early stages of lentiviral infection.
Multistage cryogenic treatment of X153CrMoV12 cold work steel (2018)

The article presents the influence of multistage cryogenic treatment (MCT) on the microstructure and properties of X153CrMoV12 cold work steel. Basic mechanical properties of steel, such as hardness and wear resistance (3 rolls-cone system) were tested. The microstructure of steel was observed by means of scanning microscopy. Test results were compared with the properties of steel subjected to conventional heat treatment and deep cryogenic treatment (DCT). The cryogenic processes of X153CrMoV12 steel influenced on the percentage of strengthening phases in the material matrix microstructure. In the case of MCT and DCT, similar changes in the microstructure were observed, consisting in increasing of the amount, more uniform distribution and refinement of carbide phases. Changes in the microstructure of steel affected the mechanical properties of the material.
Vision-based 2.5D terrain modeling for humanoid locomotion (2004)

We present an integrated humanoid locomotion and online terrain modeling system using stereo vision. From a 3D depth map, a 2.5D probabilistic description of the nearby terrain is generated. The depth map is calculated from a pair of stereo camera images, correlation-based localization is performed, and candidate planar walking surfaces are extracted. The results are used to update a probabilistic map of the terrain, which is input to an online footstep planning system. Experimental results are shown using the humanoid robot H7, which was designed as a research platform for intelligent humanoid robotics.
<title>Color conversion using neural networks</title> (1998)

Neural network methods are described for color coordinate conversion between color systems. We present solutions for two problems of (1) conversion between two color-specification systems and (2) conversion between a color-specification system and a device coordinate system. First we discuss the color-notation conversion between the Munsell and CIE color systems. The conversion algorithms are developed for both directions of Munsell-to-L*a*b* and L*a*b*-to-Munsell. Second we discuss a neural network method for color reproduction on a printer. The color reproduction problem on the printer using more than four inks is considered as the problem of controlling an unknown system. The practical algorithms are presented for realizing the mapping from the L*a*b* space to the CMYK space. Moreover the method is applied to the color control using CMYK plus light cyan and light magenta.
Certificateless Cryptographic Protocols for Efficient Drone-Based Smart City Applications (2017)

Smart cities aim to improve the quality of urban services and their energy efficiency by utilizing information and communication technologies. In such context, drones can be utilized to support various services, such as traffic monitoring, search/rescue, and surveillance, by communicating with many different smart objects like sensors. Securing such communications is crucial to making correct decisions and requires efficient cryptographic protocols. However, the design of such protocols must consider: 1) the mobility and the limited battery of drones and 2) the constrained resources of smart objects. In this paper, a suite of cryptographic protocols is presented to deal with three different communication scenarios: one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-one. For one-to-one, we propose an efficient Certificateless Signcryption Tag Key Encapsulation Mechanism (eCLSC-TKEM) that supports authenticated key agreement, non-repudiation, and user revocation. eCLSC-TKEM reduces the time required to establish a shared key between a drone and a smart object by minimizing the computational overhead at the smart object. For one-to-many, we propose a Certificateless Multi-Recipient Encryption Scheme (CL-MRES) by which a drone can efficiently send privacy-sensitive data to multiple smart objects. For many-to-one, we present a Certificateless Data Aggregation (CLDA) protocol, which allows drones to efficiently collect data from hundreds of smart objects. Also, for efficiency, we propose a dual channel strategy that allows many smart objects to concurrently execute our protocols. We evaluate eCLSC-TKEM via a smart parking management test-bed. Also, we have implemented CL-MRES and CLDA on a board with a graphics processing unit (GPU) and show their GPU-accelerated performance.
Allergic Airway Inflammation Inhibits Pulmonary Antibacterial Host Defense (2006)

The innate immune system of the lung is a multicomponent host defense system and in addition has an instructing role in regulating the quality and quantity of the adaptive immune response. When the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity is disturbed, pathological conditions such as asthma can develop. It was the aim of the study to investigate the effect of the allergic inflammation of the lung on the innate host defense during bacterial infection. Human bronchial epithelial cells were preincubated with Th2 cytokines and infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The effect of the Th2 cytokines on the mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides and the antimicrobial activity of HBEC was determined. To investigate the influence of an allergic inflammation on pulmonary host defense in vivo, mice sensitized and challenged with OVA were infected with P. aeruginosa, and the number of viable bacteria in the lungs was determined together with markers of inflammation like cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. Exposure of airway epithelial cells to Th2 cytokines resulted in a significantly decreased antimicrobial activity of the cells and in suppressed mRNA levels of the antimicrobial peptide human beta-defensin 2. Furthermore, mice with allergic airway inflammation had significantly more viable bacteria in their lungs after infection. This was consistent with reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and of the antimicrobial peptide cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide. These results show that an allergic airway inflammation suppresses the innate antimicrobial host defense. The adaptive immune system modulates the functions of the pulmonary innate immune system.
Combining ACK rate control and AQM to enhance TCP performance over 3G links (2006)

When TCP is carried over 3G links, overbuffering and buffer overflow at the RLC layer degrades its performance. In order to prevent these undesired interactions, we propose an algorithm that combines two strategies. If the congestion state of the downlink buffer is moderate, the protocol uses ACK rate control to adjust the sending rate of the source. If the buffer occupancy reaches certain threshold, a single packet is discarded to trigger TCP congestion control measures. By means of extensive simulation experiments, we disclose the influence of each parameter on TCP performance, finding several configurations that improve end-to-end goodput while reducing the delay. The proposal is compared to other approaches, showing a better and more stable behaviour. The operation of the algorithm is deterministic; it does not require changes in 3G specifications nor in end user's protocol stack, and preserves TCP end-to-end semantics
<title>Thin-film graded optical filters for mini-spectrometers</title> (2007)

The thin-film technology allows the fabrication of optical filters which behaviour is not uniform along the surface of the device. Such intentional non uniformity permits the selection of different wavelengths of the spectrum with a single small-dimension optical component. Each wavelength is transmitted at a given position over the component surface and this effect is obtained by depositing a graded coating on a glass substrate. This narrow-band transmission filter is based on the combination of metal and dielectric thin films, in fact this choice allows a wide operating wavelength range with a low number of layers. The optical filter coupled to an array detector gives a spectral sensor that is useful for the fabrication of small-dimension and low-weight spectrometers.
Two-Dimensions Vernier Time-to-Digital Converter (2010)

A two-dimensions Vernier algorithm applied to a time to digital converter (TDC) is presented. The solution proposed minimizes the length of the delay lines used to perform the digital conversion leading to a better efficiency compared to traditional linear approaches. A 7-bits TDC prototype, targeted for all digital PLL application, was realized in 65 nm CMOS technology with a time resolution of 4.8 ps and a power consumption of 1.65 mW for a conversion rate of 50 Msps. The longest delay line used in such a prototype is one third than what would have been required for a standard Vernier TDC.
Novel Approach: Clustered Cache Parallel NFS and Implementing Across Wide Area Network: Disaster Recovery Centers (2014)

Bulk Data transfer is not a primary concern, network latency still impacts performance over wide area network using the traditional data sharing protocols. Many communications protocols, including common file sharing protocols such as network file system (NFS) and common Internet file system (CIFS), were designed to work in a local area network (LAN) environment where latency is extremely low. Even simple actions, such as retrieving the attributes of a file, can require numerous round trips across the network. In a WAN environment, each of those round-trips carries a latency penalty, dramatically slowing operations; here is a new approach of using the CpNFS extension to the popular NFS standard, to overcome the latency and bulk carriage across data center facility for disaster management computing system and between primary and backup disaster recovery centers.
EXPERIMENTAL AND SURVEY BASED EVALUATION OF A LOW-COST ABS-SYSTEM (ABS-COMPACT) (1995)

has been developed providing full ABS-functionality combined with two typical characteristics: the operational duration of an ABS-braking is limited (in ABS-mode to standstill from 150 km/h on wet or dry roads, 135 km/h on snowed up roads and 65 km/h on icy roads) and during an ABS-braking the brake pedal is slowly moving downwards (receding brake pedal) by the driver but without the ABS-typical pulsation. Braking experiments on a test track were carried out with a sample of 64 naive drivers in a subcompact car. In addition to that a survey with 500 representative quoted subjects - again all subcompact car drivers - was carried out. Objectives of the study have been the determination of driver- and system behaviour with ABS-compact, the overall product acceptance of the system and the differences to the usual ABS-system. During the braking with usual ABS a higher level of brake pressure was observed. Although there was less brake pressure input with the ABS-compact system, exactly the same deceleration and stopping distance rates for both systems were detected on low friction. With both systems a similar learning process was observed. From the first to the fifth braking the pressure input was increasing continually. The acceptance of ABS-compact is on the whole determined by three factors: the price difference, the duration of ABS-function and the perception of the system especially of the pedal characteristic. The statements of the subjects concerning these factors let expect a high product acceptance. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 882109.