Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADAM15 participates in fertilization through a physical interaction with acrogranin.

Mammalian fertilization is completed by direct interaction between sperm and egg. This process is primarily mediated by both adhesion and membrane-fusion proteins found on the gamete surface. ADAM1, 2, and 3 are members of the ADAMs protein family, and have been involved in sperm-egg binding. In this study, we demonstrate the proteolytic processing of ADAM15 during epididymal maturation of guinea pig spermatozoa to produce a mature form a size of 45 kDa. We find that the size of the mature ADAM15, 45 kDa, in cauda epididymal spermatozoa indicates that the pro-domain and metalloprotease domain are absent. In addition, using indirect immunofluorescence, ADAM15 was found throughout the acrosome, at the equatorial region and along the flagellum of guinea pig spermatozoa. After acrosome reaction, ADAM15 is lost from the acrosomal region and retained in the equatorial region and flagellum. In this study, we also report the first evidence of a complex between ADAM15 and acrogranin. By immunoprecipitation, we detected a protein band of 65 kDa which co-immunoprecipated together ADAM15. Analysis of the N-terminal sequence of this 65 kDa protein has revealed its identity as acrogranin. In addition, using cell-surface labeling, ADAM15 was found to be present on the cell surface. Assays of heterologous fertilization showed that the antibody against acrogranin inhibited the sperm-egg adhesion. Interestingly, ADAM15 and acrogranin were also found associated in two breast cancer cell lines. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that ADAM15 and acrogranin are present on and associated with the surface of guinea pig spermatozoa; besides both proteins may play a role during sperm-egg binding.
L-Tyrosine-based backbone-modified poly(amino acids)

Tyrosine-based pseudo-peptide polymers, first introduced in 1987 by Kohn and Langer, have been identified for potential biomaterial applications. These materials combine the desired polypeptide properties of biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and non-immunogenicity with good processing properties including solubility, thermal stability, and moldability which arise from alternating non-amide bonds along the polymer backbone. This paper focuses on the analysis of two such polymers based on the natural amino acid L-tyrosine. Starting from L-tyrosine and its deaminated analogue, 3-(4-para-hydroxy)-phenylpropionic acid, a diphenolic structure containing an amide linkage, was synthesized following standard procedures of peptide synthesis. This diphenolic structure was then used as a monomer to synthesize a polyiminocarbonate using a cyanogen bromide-initiated reaction and a polycarbonate using a triphosgene-initiated reaction. The polyiminocarbonate has iminocarbonate linkages and the polycarbonate has carbonate linkages alternating with amide linkages in the respective polymer backbone. Analytical studies were performed regarding the feasibility of the reaction procedures, the physical properties of the polymers, and their degradation processes, to gain insight into the potential biomaterial applications of these polymers. These results independently reaffirm the studies published by Kohn et al. working on similar polymeric systems.
Hydrophobic interactions of group A streptococci with hexadecane droplets

The adherence of Streptococcus pyogenes cells to hexadecane droplets was measured by vortexing water suspensions of streptococci with hexadecane. It was found that adherence of the organisms to hexadecane droplets was abolished by pretreating the organisms with trypsin, pepsin at pH 4.5, or HCl solutions at 95 degrees C. Streptococcal adherence was best expressed in organisms harvested during the stationary phase of growth and was inhibited by fatty acid-free albumin because of the interaction of the protein with the streptococcal surfaces. The data suggest that adherence to hexadecane droplets measures the availability on the surface of S. pyogenes cells of lipophilic residues that are either hydrophobic regions of surface protein structures or, more likely, glycolipids complexed with and oriented by surface proteins.
Mesoscale Mapping of Mouse Cortex Reveals Frequency-Dependent Cycling between Distinct Macroscale Functional Modules

Connectivity mapping based on resting-state activity in mice has revealed functional motifs of correlated activity. However, the rules by which motifs organize into larger functional modules that lead to hemisphere wide spatial-temporal activity sequences is not clear. We explore cortical activity parcellation in head-fixed, quiet awake GCaMP6 mice from both sexes by using mesoscopic calcium imaging. Spectral decomposition of spontaneous cortical activity revealed the presence of two dominant frequency modes (<1 and ∼3 Hz), each of them associated with a unique spatial signature of cortical macro-parcellation not predicted by classical cytoarchitectonic definitions of cortical areas. Based on assessment of 0.1–1 Hz activity, we define two macro-organizing principles: the first being a rotating polymodal-association pinwheel structure around which activity flows sequentially from visual to barrel then to hindlimb somatosensory; the second principle is correlated activity symmetry planes that exist on many levels within a single domain such as intrahemispheric reflections of sensory and motor cortices. In contrast, higher frequency activity >1 Hz yielded two larger clusters of coactivated areas with an enlarged default mode network-like posterior region. We suggest that the apparent constrained structure for intra-areal cortical activity flow could be exploited in future efforts to normalize activity in diseases of the nervous system. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Increasingly, functional connectivity mapping of spontaneous activity is being used to reveal the organization of the brain. However, because the brain operates across multiple space and time domains a more detailed understanding of this organization is necessary. We used in vivo wide-field calcium imaging of the indicator GCaMP6 in head-fixed, awake mice to characterize the organization of spontaneous cortical activity at different spatiotemporal scales. Correlation analysis defines the presence of two to three superclusters of activity that span traditionally defined functional territories and were frequency dependent. This work helps define the rules for how different cortical areas interact in time and space. We provide a framework necessary for future studies that explore functional reorganization of brain circuits in disease models.
Protective equipment affects balance abilities differently in younger and older firefighters.

INTRODUCTION Firefighters must work on roofs, in smoky places, and on slippery surfaces while using fire-protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), together termed "fire-protective equipment" (FPE). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FPE on the functional and postural balance abilities of younger and older firefighters. METHODS The subjects were professional firefighters in age groups 33-38 and 43-56 yr. Postural balance was tested with a force platform, and functional balance was measured during walking on a wooden plank with and without FPE. RESULTS Wearing FPE significantly impaired both postural and functional balance. Postural balance with eyes closed was more negatively affected among the older subjects than the younger ones. Among the older subjects, the mean values for mediolateral velocity were 3.4 +/- 0.8 and 4.8 +/- 2.1 mm x s(-1) without and with FPE, respectively. The corresponding figures for velocity moment were 11.4 +/- 5.1 and 20.7 +/- 15.1 mm2 x s(-1). In the younger age group, the corresponding results were 3.6 +/- 1.0 and 4.1 +/- 1.4 mm x s(-1), in mediolateral velocity and 10.8 +/- 5.0 and 13.9 +/- 8.1 mm2 x s(-1) in velocity moment. SCBA was the most significant single piece of equipment to decrease performance in the functional balance test. CONCLUSIONS These findings should be taken into consideration for preventing balance-related injuries in firefighting and rescue work, especially for older firefighters. Furthermore, balance should be considered in developing FPE and training protocols for firefighter fitness.
Illness Representations: Mapping the Experience of Lupus

Lupus, a chronic illness that mainly affects women, presents numerous challenges to health professionals due to the unpredictable nature of the disease course. To provide appropriate educational interventions for those living with lupus, health educators must develop methods best suited to individuals’current mental representations of their illness. A cognitive mapping strategy was used in this study to ascertain the patients’own perceptions of living with lupus. The participants (N = 20) identified 192 unduplicated concepts in their maps, which were ultimately collapsed into 12 major categories. The results of this study indicate that, although diagnosed with the same illness, the women presented with different mental representations of their illness. Consequently, cognitive mapping could serve as a useful tool to initiate tailored educational interventions for those living with lupus.
Deep neural networks for Markovian interactive scene prediction in highway scenarios

In this paper, we compare different deep neural network approaches for motion prediction within a highway entrance scenario. The focus of our work lies on models that operate on limited history of data in order to fulfill the Markov property1 and be usable within an integrated prediction and motion planning framework for automated vehicles. We examine different model structures and feature combinations in order to find a model with a good tradeoff between accuracy and computational performance. We evaluate all models with standard metrics like the negative log-likelihood (NLL) and evaluate the performance of each model within a closed-loop simulation. We find a neural network only operating on spatial features of the current state to have the best closed-loop prediction performance, despite the NLL suggesting otherwise.
Three-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis After Sinus Grafts

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the augmentation volume of a sinus graft according to the time and graft materials based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and to assess efficacy of a bioabsorbable membrane. Methods:Fourteen patients were investigated, and volumetric analysis was performed using OnDemand 3DTM software (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea). CBCT scans were performed on patients before surgery, immediately after surgery, 6 months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery. Following this analysis, the volumetric data were compared with the actual grafted volumes. Bioabsorbable membranes were used in all patients to promote the protection of sinus membranes and to guide bone regeneration. Results:Overall, the average percent volume of graft material that remained 6 months after implantation was 82.0%, and the average percent volume of graft material that remained 1 year after surgery was 60.4%. These reductions in the volume of graft material from immediately after surgery until 6 months or 1 year after surgery were shown to be statistically significant (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion:The slight differences observed among the data indicate that volumetric analysis performed using CBCT can provide highly accurate data. A significant difference was observed in volumetric change over time, but no significant differences were observed between materials. No significant relationship was observed between the resorption of grafted bone and the success rate.
Design of a dual-band printed slot antenna with utilizing a band rejection element for the 5G wireless applications

A design and analysis of a proximity-fed printed slot antenna with 28/38 GHz dual band characteristics for future 5G wireless applications are presented. To obtain a dual-band at 28/38 GHz that covers 5G applications, an elliptical patch is etched non-concentrically inside a ground plane elliptical slot. The antenna is proximity-fed by a microstrip on the other side of the substrate. Results indicate that the proposed antenna yields a broadband impedance bandwidth greater than 20 GHz (from 20 to more than 40 GHz) defined by S11 <; -10 dB that covers both 5G bands. To reduce the interference between the 5G system and other applications, L-shaped slot is etched off in the feed line to create a notched band of 30-35 GHz. Simulated results show that the designed antenna has dual band at 28 and 38 GHz for 5G system with band notched at 33 GHz. The antenna provides almost omni-directional patterns, relatively flat gain, and high radiation efficiency through the frequency band excluding the rejected band.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging for Aortic Stent-Graft Surveillance

Purpose: To compare unenhanced and enhanced ultrasound imaging to computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for surveillance of aortic endografts. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients (29 men; mean age 69 years, range 50–82) who underwent endovascular aortic aneurysm repair agreed to participate in a follow-up program. Patients underwent CTA (26/30) or MRA (4/30), plain abdominal radiography, and unenhanced and enhanced ultrasound examinations at 3, 12, and 24 months to evaluate aneurysm diameter, endoleaks, and graft patency. The accuracy of ultrasound was compared with CTA or MRA as the reference standards. Results: Twenty-six patients reached the 24-month assessment (mean follow-up 30 months, range 6–60). All endoleaks detected by CTA or MRA were confirmed by enhanced ultrasound; the aneurysm diameter in these patients remained unchanged or increased. In patients without endoleaks on any imaging method, the sac diameter remained unchanged or decreased. Endoleaks disclosed by enhanced ultrasound alone, all type II, numbered 16 at 3 months, 6 at 12 months, and 3 at 24 months. In this group, the aneurysm diameter remained unchanged or increased. Enhanced ultrasound yielded 100% sensitivity in detecting endoleaks, but compared with CTA and MRA, all endoleaks detected by enhanced ultrasound alone were false positives (mean specificity 65%). Nevertheless, because changes in the postoperative aneurysm diameter were similar in patients with endoleaks detectable on CTA/MRA and on enhanced ultrasound (“true positives”) and in those with endoleaks detectable only on enhanced ultrasound (“false positives”), some endoleaks were possibly “true positive” results. Conclusions: Enhanced ultrasound is a useful method in the long-term surveillance of endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs, possibly in association with CTA or MRA. Enhanced ultrasound also seems able to identify endoleaks missed by other imaging techniques, but this conclusion awaits further investigation.
Discontinuation of Atripla as first-line therapy in HIV-1 infected individuals

Background:Central nervous system (CNS) adverse events are common with initiation of efavirenz, but these are often described as transient. We aimed to describe the outcomes of individuals commencing Atripla (Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, California; Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Princeton, New Jersey, USA) as a first-line regimen. Methods:We performed a retrospective case-based analysis of all individuals within our HIV cohort who had received Atripla as their first antiretroviral combination. In individuals who discontinued Atripla data was collected on evolution of adverse events. Results:Four hundred and seventy-two individuals commenced Atripla as first-line therapy at 12 months, 383 individuals (81%) remained on Atripla with 98% achieving HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/ml (on treatment analysis). CNS toxicity was the commonest reason for switching therapy in 63 (71%) cases. The median duration of first reported CNS toxicity was 27 days (IQR 7–104 days) and the commonest reported symptoms were nightmares or vivid dreams in 28 (44%), insomnia in 27 (43%) and depression in 22 (35%). In those with CNS toxicity, six (10%) switched at 0–4 weeks, four (6%) at 4–12 weeks, 30 (48%) at 12–52 weeks and 23 (36%) changed regimen 52–96 weeks after commencing Atripla. Among those with available documentation 25 of 63 (40%) had reported improvement or resolution of their CNS side effects. Discussion:One-fifth of all individuals commencing Atripla will need to switch therapy, often for adverse events. The commonest reason for switch in our cohort was CNS toxicity, which although it may develop shortly after initiation may persist, ultimately leading to discontinuation of Atripla months or years later.
Age‐dependent decline in bone nodule formation stimulating activity in rat serum is mainly due to the change in the corticosterone level

The replacement of fetal bovine serum with rat serum in a culture medium brought about a marked increase in the formation of mineralized bone nodules (BN) in primary cultures of rat calvarial cells. These effects of rat serum were most prominent when added during the early phase of the culture, indicating that the serum factor mainly acts on the cells during the growing phase. A significant increase in BN formation was observable at final rat serum concentration as low as 1%, and the effect was dependent on serum concentration, at least up to 10%. The addition of rat serum also increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen synthesis, and DNA synthesis in calvarial cells. BN formation stimulating activity was extractable with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was purified by TSK‐GEL OH‐120 column chromatography by monitoring the stimulation of ALP activity in ROS 17/2.8 cells. The chromatographic behavior of the ALP activity was found to be identical to that of corticosterone, the major glucocorticoid in rodents and the preincubation of the purified fraction with anticorticosterone antibody abolished the ALP stimulating activity. These results suggest that BN formation stimulating activity in rat serum is mainly attributable to corticosterone. The concentration of serum corticosterone decreased with age in parallel with BN formation stimulating activity, which suggests that the physiological level of corticosterone may have a regulatory role in the maintenance of osteoblast function. J. Cell. Biochem. 81:547–556, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical activity behavior predicts endogenous pain modulation in older adults

Abstract Older adults compared with younger adults are characterized by greater endogenous pain facilitation and a reduced capacity to endogenously inhibit pain, potentially placing them at a greater risk for chronic pain. Previous research suggests that higher levels of self-reported physical activity are associated with more effective pain inhibition and less pain facilitation on quantitative sensory tests in healthy adults. However, no studies have directly tested the relationship between physical activity behavior and pain modulatory function in older adults. This study examined whether objective measures of physical activity behavior cross-sectionally predicted pain inhibitory function on the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) test and pain facilitation on the temporal summation (TS) test in healthy older adults. Fifty-one older adults wore an accelerometer on the hip for 7 days and completed the CPM and TS tests. Measures of sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were obtained from the accelerometer. Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to determine the relationship of TS and CPM with levels of physical activity, while controlling for demographic, psychological, and test variables. The results indicated that sedentary time and LPA significantly predicted pain inhibitory function on the CPM test, with less sedentary time and greater LPA per day associated with greater pain inhibitory capacity. Additionally, MVPA predicted pain facilitation on the TS test, with greater MVPA associated with less TS of pain. These results suggest that different types of physical activity behavior may differentially impact pain inhibitory and facilitatory processes in older adults.
Health literacy and vision-related quality of life

Background: Non-visual factors influence a person’s vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between health literacy and VRQoL in glaucoma patients. Methods: One hundred and ninety-five subjects with open-angle glaucoma participated in a cross-sectional patient survey and chart review. Subjects were administered a test of health literacy, an assessment of physical and mental well-being, and an assessment of VRQoL, the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). Charts were reviewed for visual acuity and visual field results. Results: In univariate analyses, older age (p<0.001), non-White race (p<0.001), worse visual acuity (p<0.001), worse visual field scores (p<0.001), lower level of education (p<0.001), worse health literacy (p<0.001) and worse score on the mental health component of the SF-12 (p = 0.005) were associated with worse VFQ-25 scores. In multivariate analyses, only older age was associated with worse total VFQ-25 scores (p<0.001), although the association between health literacy and the VFQ subscale of dependency remained significant (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Individuals with a lower health literacy do not appear to have a worse overall VRQoL compared with those with a higher literacy, but worse health literacy is associated with increased dependency.
Expression of Full-length Polyglutamine-expanded Huntingtin Disrupts Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Cells*

We reported previously that normal Huntingtin is associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF) signaling complex (Liu, Y. F., Deth, C. R., and Devys, D. (1997)J. Biol. Chem. 272, 8121–8124). To investigate the potential role of normal and polyglutamine-expanded Huntingtin in the regulation of growth factor receptor-mediated cellular signaling and biological function, we stably transfected full-length Huntingtin containing 16, 48, or 89 polyglutamine repeats into PC12 cells where cellular signaling mechanisms, mediated by nerve growth factor (NGF) or EGF receptors, are well characterized. Expression of polyglutamine-expanded Huntingtin, but not normal Huntingtin, leads to a dramatic morphological change. In clones carrying the mutated Huntingtin, both NGF and EGF receptor-mediated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and Akt are significantly attenuated, and NGF receptor-mediated neurite outgrowth is blocked. Co-immunoprecipitation studies show that the associations of NGF or EGF receptors with growth factor receptor-binding protein 2 (Grb2) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase are significantly inhibited. NGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of NGF receptors (TrkA) is also consistently suppressed. Our data demonstrate that polyglutamine-expanded Huntingtin disrupts cellular signaling mediated by both EGF and NGF receptors in PC12 cells. It is known that Huntington's disease patients exhibit an extremely low incidence of a variety of cancers and are deficient in glucose metabolism. Thus, our results may reflect an important molecular mechanism for the pathogenesis of the disease.