19 research outputs found

    Modelling bispecific monoclonal antibody interaction with two cell membrane targets indicates the importance of surface diffusion

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    We have developed a mathematical framework for describing a bispecific monoclonal antibody interaction with two independent membrane-bound targets that are expressed on the same cell surface. The bispecific antibody in solution binds either of the two targets first, and then cross-links with the second one whilst on the cell surface, subject to rate-limiting lateral diffusion step within the lifetime of the monovalently engaged antibody-antigen complex. At experimental densities, only a small fraction of the free targets is expected to lie within the reach of the antibody binding sites at any time. Using ordinary differential equation and Monte Carlo simulation-based models, we validated this approach against an independently published anti-CD4/CD70 DuetMab experimental data set. As a result of dimensional reduction, the cell surface reaction is expected to be so rapid that, in agreement with the experimental data, no monovalently bound bispecific antibody binary complexes accumulate until cross-linking is complete. The dissociation of the bispecific antibody from the ternary cross-linked complex is expected to be significantly slower than that from either of the monovalently bound variants. We estimate that the effective affinity of the bivalently bound bispecific antibody is enhanced for about four orders of magnitude over that of the monovalently bound species. This avidity enhancement allows for the highly specific binding of anti-CD4/CD70 DuetMab to the cells that are positive for both target antigens over those that express only one or the other We suggest that the lateral diffusion of target antigens in the cell membrane also plays a key role in the avidity effect of natural antibodies and other bivalent ligands in their interactions with their respective cell surface receptors

    The Abuse of the Author\u27s Moral Rights* by the Heirs

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    This study examines the applicability of the abuse of right doctrine in the field of the author\u27s moral right. This right is distinguished by its special nature as it reflects and is attached to the author\u27s personality. This makes it difficult for any person except the author to determine the actual benefits and advantages of such a right. However, when this moral right moves to the heirs, it can be a subject of conflict of interests that requires the reasonable use of this right by the heirs. The subject of this study is dealt with under both the Jordanian and French laws. It is divided into two parts: firstly, the theoretical ground for the applicability of the abuse of right doctrine in the field of the author\u27s moral rights and, secondly, the applicability of the doctrine in certain cases. The study concludes that the general rule of abuse of right may not be helpful in the area of moral rights and, therefore, it is submitted that there is a need for a swift legislative modification of the Jordanian copyright law so as to prevent the abuse of the author\u27s moral rights by the heirs

    Pearl Millet Seed Surface Modification and Improved Germination by Non-thermal Plasma Discharge: Understanding the Role of Reactive Species

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    International audienceIn this work, we investigated the impacts of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), i.e., plasma treatment, on pearl millet seeds germination and plant growth. The effect of plasma discharge on water activation, by introducing the reactive species, was explored. We evidenced that about 30 min plasma treated pearl millet seeds exhibited 20% higher germination rate than the control seed watered with tap water. The HR-SEM study revealed that the plasma treatment increased the roughness and FTIR study showed that new oxygen functional groups were introduced on the seed surface. Moreover, it was observed that the water contact angle decreased for plasma treated seeds (50%) and the water uptake also increased considerably as compared to control seeds. These findings indicate that the seed surface has turned more hydrophilic after plasma treatment. A cylindrical double dielectric barrier discharge (D-DBD) reactor was employed for water activation, and 30 min of treatment under air has decreased the pH of deionized water from 7.4 to 4.5 and produced about 1.78 ppm of nitrate (NO3-) and 4.2 ppm of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Interestingly, the plasma activated water (PAW) improved the pearl millet seed germination by 30% (after 24 h of sowing) and plant growth as compared to tap water and deionized water. Remarkably, when PAW and plasma-treated seeds were combined, a beneficial impact in seed germination (95 +/- 2%) and seedling growth have been evidenced owing to synergistic effect. We evidenced that among the long-lived species in PAW, NO3- enhanced the seed germination and plant growth under similar conditions. These findings demonstrate that the proposed cold plasma reactors could be utilized to boost seed germination and plant growth.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 4 Given name: [Amine Aymen] Last name [Assadi]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.Yes, all author names are correctly editted

    Providing Essential Services: Canada\u27s Constitutional Commitment Under Section 36

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    This paper explores the history of constitutional negotiations that have led to the entrenchment of section 36 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The author argues that the intention of the federal proponents of this section was to entrench the federal spending power. The author further demonstrates that section 36 entails not just constitutional recognition of the spending power, but also a constitutional commitment or obligation for the exercise of that power to provide essential public services of a reasonable quality to all Canadians s. 36 (1)(c)

    Sustainable Development of the Nile River at Greater Khartoum

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    Sudan is the largest country in Africa, but there is poverty and a lack of infrastructure, skills and opportunity despite its substantial natural resources. The capital of Sudan is Khartoum City, located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile Rivers. Unfortunately development on Nile River Front is limited due to the risk of flooding and erosion. There is a danger that rapid economic development may take place in this unique area without sustainable development planning. This research project aims to develop strategies to protect the Nile River banks by suitable stabilization methods so that development can take place safely. Data has been collected about hydrology, morphology, geotechnical factors, soil classifications, river pattern systems, driving forces, and the main problems restricting sustainable development and engineering works for the Nile River. In addition the following have been reviewed: historical background, existing land uses, current environmental situations, and the economic and social conditions of the study areas. Research identified Cairo, Egypt as a similar case study, where data collected by the author included historical background, current situations, strategic visions and development plan for Nile River Shores. Further information was collected about sustainable development from a general literature review. From these collected data a set of guidelines and indicators for sustainable development was established related to environmental, economic and social factors. Based on those guidelines and indicators, methods of stabilization of the banks for each shore were specified and a proposed development plan was established. Methods of stabilization of banks and the development plan were refined and evaluated to establish a final version of the development plan: Sustainable Development of the Nile River Front (SDNRF) at Greater Khartoum. From refinement and evaluations, barriers and constraints for implementation were specified with their suggested solutions. Finally, conclusions and recommendations related to the SDNRF Manual about development and regulations were established

    A QoS Based Service Selection for Smart Cloud Access

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    AbstractMany individuals and organizations have started to consume cloud services in their daily work because of many advantages, such as unlimited resources, flexibility, low-cost and especially the pay-as-you-go model. In this new context, Cloud computing is expected to play a significant role in providing QoS to a new services such as Smart Cities. This paper presents a new context aware framework based on cloud computing to offer converged infrastructure and shared services. Our solution improves efficiency, reduce cost and raise environmental awareness when building adapted city services such as healthcare, traffic, police and municipal operations
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