gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Physiological Regulation of G Protein-Linked Signaling (1999)

Heterotrimeric G proteins in vertebrates constitute a family molecular switches that transduce the activation of a populous group of cell-surface receptors to a group of diverse effector units. The receptors include the photopigments such as rhodopsin and prominent families such as the adrenergic, muscarinic acetylcholine, and chemokine receptors involved in regulating a broad spectrum of responses in humans. Signals from receptors are sensed by heterotrimeric G proteins and transduced to effectors such as adenylyl cyclases, phospholipases, and various ion channels. Physiological regulation of G protein-linked receptors allows for integration of signals that directly or indirectly effect the signaling from receptor-->G protein-->effector(s). Steroid hormones can regulate signaling via transcriptional control of the activities of the genes encoding members of G protein-linked pathways. Posttranscriptional mechanisms are under physiological control, altering the stability of preexisting mRNA and affording an additional level for regulation. Protein phosphorylation, protein prenylation, and proteolysis constitute major posttranslational mechanisms employed in the physiological regulation of G protein-linked signaling. Drawing upon mechanisms at all three levels, physiological regulation permits integration of demands placed on G protein-linked signaling.
Arterial Wall Changes in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects (1994)

Arterial ultrasonic appearances using high resolution ultrasound were studied in 97 subjects with Type 2 diabetes and age- and sex-matched controls. The intima-media thickness of both common carotid arteries was measured 2 cm proximal to the bifurcation and the presence or absence of plaque on both common and femoral bifurcations was recorded. The mean intima-media thickness in subjects with diabetes was 0.82 +/- 0.22 mm while in the controls 0.66 +/- 0.13 mm (p < 0.001). Multiple regression in diabetic subjects only showed no correlation between age, sex, body mass index, smoking, duration of diabetes, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, HbA1 and the common carotid artery intima-media thickness. Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased intima-media thickness which has been found to be a marker of cardiovascular events in the general population.
A treatise on highly twisted artificial muscle : thermally driven shape memory alloy yarn and coiled nylon actuators (2015)

A new perspective in the field of actuators was opened by the demonstration of multiwall carbon nanotube based actuators by Foroughi et al, in 2011. The approach involves applying a high degree of twist to create large torsional actuation in carbon nanotube yarns, and more recently in coiled nylon filaments. In this thesis torsional actuation is further studied in nylon, and extended to shape memory alloys (SMA). Torsional actuation is demonstrated using 25 μm diameter micro strands of shape memory alloy (SMAs) that are twisted together. These form yarns with Young’s modulus of 13.5 GPa in the Martensitic phase and 18 GPa in the Austenite state. In torsion, the SMA yarns show more than 8,000 rpm peak rotational speed with 11 reversible rotations for an 8 cm long yarn. This is observed upon applying 0.47 W/cm electrical input power. Providing more than 5 N.m/kg torque, SMA yarns may be of interest in biomedical and other applications. The mechanical behaviour of coiled nylon actuators is studied by testing elastic modulus and by investigating tensile stroke as a function of temperature. Loads that range from 35 MPa to 155 MPa were applied. For the nylon and the coiling conditions used, active thermal contraction totals 19.5 % when the temperature is raised from -40 ⁰C to 160 ⁰C, with most contraction above the glass transition temperature. Introducing various cooling methods was shown to enable increased rate of actuation up to several Hertz. Nylon coiled actuators potentially provide affordable and viable solutions for driving mechanical devices as recently demonstrated in robotic hands and arms. A new biomimetic arrangement of the nylon actuator is presented that imitates the human pennate muscle in structure, including the ability to vary stiffness by a factor of 9 and to increase isometric force from 19 N to 37 N by recruiting additional fibers.
Enhanced somatic embryogenesis in Theobroma cacao using the homologous BABY BOOM transcription factor (2015)

Our work provides validation that TcBBM is an ortholog to AtBBM and has a specific role in both somatic and zygotic embryogenesis. Furthermore, our studies revealed that TcBBM transcript levels could serve as a biomarker for embryogenesis in cacao tissue. Results from transient expression of TcBBM provide confirmation that transcription factors can be used to enhance SE without compromising plant development and avoiding GMO plant production. This strategy could compliment a hormone-based method of reprogramming somatic cells and lead to more precise manipulation of SE at the regulatory level of transcription factors. The technology would benefit the propagation of elite varieties with low regeneration potential as well as the production of transgenic plants, which similarly requires somatic cell reprogramming.
Live Attenuated Streptococcus pneumoniae Strains Induce Serotype-Independent Mucosal and Systemic Protection in Mice (2007)

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important human pathogen causing both mucosal (otitis media and pneumonia) and systemic (sepsis and meningitis) diseases. Due to increasing rates of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need to improve prevention of pneumococcal disease. Two currently licensed vaccines have been successful in reducing pneumococcal disease, but there are limitations with their use and effectiveness. Another approach for prevention is the use of live attenuated vaccines. Here we investigate the safety and protection induced by live attenuated strains of S. pneumoniae containing combinations of deletions in genes encoding three of its major virulence determinants: capsular polysaccharide (cps), pneumolysin (ply), and pneumococcal surface protein A (pspA). Both the cps and ply/pspA mutants of a virulent type 6A isolate were significantly attenuated in a mouse model of sepsis. These attenuated strains retained the ability to colonize the upper respiratory tract. A single intranasal administration of live attenuated vaccine without adjuvant was sufficient to induce both systemic and mucosal protection from challenge with a high dose of the parent strain. Immunization with cps mutants demonstrated cross-protective immunity following challenge with a distantly related isolate. Serum and mucosal antibody titers were significantly increased in mice immunized with the vaccine strains, and this antibody is required for full protection, as microMT mice, which do not make functional, specific antibody, were not protected by immunization with vaccine strains. Thus, colonization by live attenuated S. pneumoniae is a potentially safe and less complex vaccine strategy that may offer broad protection.
Protein Subunit Vaccines of Parainfluenza Type 3 Virus: Immunogenic Effect in Lambs and Mice (1983)

Protein subunit vaccines were prepared from a mixture of the haemagglutinin (HN) and fusion (F) glycoproteins of parainfluenza type 3 virus (PI-3). The glycoproteins were isolated in three different forms and characterized by their sedimentation coefficients: 30S protein micelles (a complex of several HN and F glycoproteins devoid of detergent and lipid), 18S protein-TX complexes (a complex of several glycoproteins containing the detergent Triton X-100), and 4S protein-TX complexes (probably monomers of the glycoproteins complexed to Triton X-100). These preparations were tested as vaccines in mice and lambs. The immune response in the mice was assayed both in the serum and in extracts from the lungs using an ELISA technique. Both of the multimeric complexes were highly immunogenic. The 30S protein micelles induced a high antibody response after two injections with either 10 or 1 microgram protein. The serum IgG titres reached levels of about 90 micrograms/ml and 40 micrograms/ml respectively. Similar titres were reached with the 18S protein-TX complexes. After two injections of either the 30S or the 18S complexes IgA antibody responses were detected in the lung extracts. The 4S protein-TX complexes were poor immunogens and induced low antibody responses in mice. The lambs were vaccinated with the 30S protein micelles, and the immune response was evaluated serologically and in challenge experiments. The 30S protein micelles in an oil adjuvant induced detectable serum antibody titres as well as protective immunity against the pneumonia caused by the PI-3 virus.
Autoantigen Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes: Unsolved Questions on How to Select Autoantigen and Administration Route (2020)

Autoantigen treatment has been tried for the prevention of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to preserve residual beta-cell function in patients with a recent onset of the disease. In experimental animal models, efficacy was good, but was insufficient in human subjects. Besides the possible minor efficacy of peroral insulin in high-risk individuals to prevent T1D, autoantigen prevention trials have failed. Other studies on autoantigen prevention and intervention at diagnosis are ongoing. One problem is to select autoantigen/s; others are dose and route. Oral administration may be improved by using different vehicles. Proinsulin peptide therapy in patients with T1D has shown possible minor efficacy. In patients with newly diagnosed T1D, subcutaneous injection of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) bound to alum hydroxide (GAD-alum) can likely preserve beta-cell function, but the therapeutic effect needs to be improved. Intra-lymphatic administration may be a better alternative than subcutaneous administration, and combination therapy might improve efficacy. This review elucidates some actual problems of autoantigen therapy in the prevention and/or early intervention of type 1 diabetes.
Bacteriophage λ: the untold story (1999)

The study of bacteriophage lambda has provided key insights into fundamental biological processes. This review recalls some highlights in the history of lambda research, and relates how simple (but elegant) experiments yielded major scientific breakthroughs. What we know about recombination, gene regulation, and protein folding, for example, derives in large part from bacteriophage lambda genetics. Lambda not only represents a model system of scientific logic in a technology-driven age, but continues to reveal new principles of molecular biology.
Solid Supported Chemical 5′-Phosphorylation of Oligodeoxy-Ribonucleotides that can be Monitored by Trityl Cation Releasi Application to Gene Synthesis (1987)

Abstract The gene for human lysozyme was assembled from oligonucleotides that were chemically phosphorylated with a novel phosphorylation reagent.
Specific neuroanatomical changes in chemosensory mutants of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (1977)

Eight of nineteen chemotactic mutants of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have morphological defects in the sensory endings of neurons at the tip of the head. The mutants were obtained as worms swimming away from attractant or found amongst male potency mutants or mutants exhibiting erratic behavior. The nineteen mutants fall into at least twelve complementation groups. Mutants E1034 and E1035, alleles of che-1, show morphological alterations in the sensory endings of amphidial neurons and inner labial type 2 neurons, both prospective chemosensory neurons. Both mutants contain non-complementing ts sterile mutations linked to the chemosensory mutation. E1066 shows abnormalities in all the sheath cells associated with the sensory neurons and in the bundling pattern of the amphidial neurons. E1126 is structurally abnormal only in the sensory endings of inner labial type 2 neurons, supporting a chemosensory role for these neurons. E1033 (che-2) and E1124 (che-3) cause defects in the ciliary structure of all but one type of ciliated sensory neuron in the head. E1062 is grossly defective in head structure and the structure of the male copulatory organ, suggesting these opposite ends of the nematode rich in sensory structures share gene functions in embryogenesis. Our study illustrates the possibilities for genetic dissection of the development of a small set of nerves in a simple organism.
Theoretical and empirical qualification of a mechanical-optical interface for parallel optics links (2015)

As the implementation of parallel optics continues to evolve, development of a universal coupling interface between VCSEL/PD arrays and the corresponding photonic turn connector is necessary. A newly developed monolithic mechanical-optical interface efficiently couples optical transmit/receive arrays to the accompanying fiber optic connector. This paper describes the optical model behind the coupling interface and validates the model using empirical measurements. Optical modeling will address how the interface is adaptable to the broad range of VCSEL/PD optical parameters from commercially available VCSEL hardware manufacturers; the optical model will illustrate coupling efficiencies versus launch specifications. Theoretical modeling will examine system sensitivity through Monte Carlo simulations and provide alignment tolerance requirements. Empirical results will be presented to validate the optical model predictions and subsequent system performance. Functionality will be demonstrated through optical loss and coupling efficiency measurements. System metrics will include characterizations such as eye diagram results and link loss measurements.
Identification of cells that express 5- hydroxytryptamine1A receptors in the nervous systems of the bowel and pancreas (1996)

Although serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors are known to be present on neural elements in both the bowel and the pancreas, the precise location of these receptors has not previously been determined. Earlier investigations have suggested that 5-HT1A receptors are synthesized in enteric, but not pancreatic ganglia, and that they mediate pre-and postjunctional inhibition. Wholemount in situ hybridization was used to identify cells that contain mRNA encoding 5-HT1A receptors, and immunocytochemistry was employed to locate receptor protein. mRNA encoding 5-HT1A receptors was found in the majority of neurons in both submucosal and myenteric plexuses. 5-HT1A immunoreactivity, however, was abundant only on the surfaces of a limited subset of nerve cell bodies and processes. 5-HT-immunoreactive axons were found in close proximity to sites of 5-HT1A immunoreactivity. Myenteric, but not submucosal calbindin-immunoreactive neurons (with Dogiel type II morphology) were surrounded by rings of 5-HT1A immunoreactivity. The cytoplasm of the cell bodies and dendrites of a small subset of Dogiel type I neurons was also intensely 5-HT1A immunoreactive. Most of the Dogiel type I 5-HT1A-immunoreactive myenteric neurons, and some of the type II neurons that were ringed by 5-HT1A immunoreactivity became doubly labeled following injections of the retrograde tracer, FluoroGold (FG), into the submucosal plexus. 5-HT1A-immunoreactive neurons in distant submucosal ganglia also became labeled by retrograde transport of FG. None of the 5-HT1A-immunoreactive cells were labeled by the intraluminal administration of the beta-subunit of cholera toxin, a marker for vasoactive intestinal peptide-containing secretomotor neurons. These observations suggest that some of the myenteric 5-HT1A-immunoreactive neurons project to submucosal ganglia and that the submucosal 5-HT1A-immunoreactive cells are interneurons. In addition to neurons, a subset of 5-HT-containing enterochromaffin cells expressed 5-HT1A immunoreactivity, which was co-localized with 5-HT in secretory granules. In the pancreas, 5-HT1A immunoreactivity was observed in ganglia, acinar nerves, and glucagonimmunoreactive islet cells. Serotonergic enteropancreatic axons have been found to terminate in close proximity to each of these structures, which may thus be the targets of this innervation. The abundance of 5-HT1A receptor immunoreactivity on nerves of the gut and pancreas suggests that drugs designed to interact with these receptors may have unanticipated visceral actions.
Molecular genetics of vaccinia virus: demonstration of marker rescue. (1982)

Two genomic variants of vaccinia virus isolated from serially propagated stocks were used to demonstrate marker rescue. The smaller (S variant) virus contains a 6.3 megadalton (MDal) deletion of unique DNA sequences present in the 123-MDal larger (L variant) virus. The deletion was mapped at 6.85 MDal from the left terminus of the genome, just outside of the inverted terminal repetition. Rescue of the unique deleted DNA sequences by infectious S variant virus was obtained in CV-1 cells by using the calcium orthophosphate precipitation technique of intact or restriction endonuclease-treated L-variant DNA. Restriction fragments that overlapped the deletion allowed marker rescue, but restriction of the L-variant DNA within the unique deleted sequences gave negative results. Restriction endonuclease analysis of the DNA obtained from twice-plaque-purified recombinant virus derived from the rescue of overlap donor fragments gave a restriction pattern identical to that of L-variant virus, indicating that the donor DNA was inserted into the rescuing virus by double recombination. No amplification of the unique sequences was observed from intact L-variant DNA in the absence of infectious S-variant virus, suggesting that deproteinized vaccinia DNA is noninfectious and that the donor DNA was neither integrated into the host DNA nor present as an episomal structure. By using 1 microgram of intact L-variant DNA per CV-1 monolayer in a 6-cm Petri dish, approximately 1--5% of the plaques contained the L-variant genotype, and the dose--response curve was essentially linear from 0.1 to 2 microgram of DNA.
SLOW RELEASE OF ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID BY INTRAVITREAL SILICONE OIL (2001)

Silicone oil is an efficacious delivery system of ASA in vitro and in vivo. Higher concentrations of SA were found in all ocular tissues and fluids when compared to intravenous administration of maximum doses.
Phase separation structure in poly(vinyl alcohol)/silk fibroin blend films (1998)

Blend films of a commercial poly(vinyl alcohol) (a-PVA) derived from vinyl acetate and silk fibroin (SF) obtained from degummed silk were prepared by mixing the aqueous solutions of both samples. A plain weave structure was recognized only in the blend films, whereas no structure was found for the superimposed films of both samples. The phase separation structure of the blend films was examined by microscopic observations elongation, tensile tests, and IR measurements. The microphase separation region increased with increase in the degree of polymerization of the PVA. In the IR spectra of the blend films with high PVA contents cast under certain conditions, the absorption peak attributed to the cross-β-form conformation of SF appeared strongly. Gelatin, a water-soluble and natural polymer, was also used for comparison with SF. The ternary phase diagram in an a-PVA/gelatin/H2O system was obtained experimentally and the critical point was used to estimate the interaction parameter between PVA and gelatin molecules. The phase separation structure and the interaction between PVA and SF molecules were also discussed taking into consideration the results of the a-PVA/gelatin system. © 1998 SCI.
Monocytes and Macrophages as Cellular Targets in Liver Fibrosis (2009)

Although chronic liver disease has many etiologies, including chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune disorders, the cellular and pathological mechanisms leading to hepatic fibrosis and - as an end-stage - cirrhosis are relatively common and uniform. Liver fibrosis is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC), portal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts have been identified as major collagen-producing cells in the injured liver. Experimental models of liver fibrosis highlight the importance of hepatic macrophages, so-called Kupffer cells, for perpetuating an inflammatory phase resulting in the massive release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines as well as activation of HSC. Recent studies demonstrate that these actions are only partially conducted by liver-resident macrophages, but largely depend on recruitment of monocytes into the liver, namely of the inflammatory Gr1+ (Ly6C+) monocyte subset as precursors of tissue macrophages. The chemokine receptor CCR2 and its ligand MCP-1/CCL2 participate in regulating monocyte subset infiltration. Macrophages, on the other hand, display a remarkable plasticity and can differentiate into functionally diverse subtypes, e.g. 'classically activated' M1 and 'alternatively activated' M2 macrophages. Experimental animal models indicate that monocytes/macrophages are not only critical for fibrosis progression, but also for fibrosis regression, because macrophages can also degrade extracellular matrix proteins and exert anti-inflammatory actions. The recently identified cellular and molecular pathways for monocyte subset recruitment, macrophage differentiation and interactions with other hepatic cell types in the injured liver may therefore represent interesting novel targets for future therapeutic approaches in liver fibrosis.
The density of random close packing of spheres (1969)

Models of randomly packed hard spheres exhibit some features of the properties of simple liquids, e.g. the packing density and the radial distribution. The value of the maximum packing density of spheres can be determined from models if care is taken to ensure random packing at the boundary surfaces and if correction is made for volume errors at the boundaries. Experiments for both the random `loose' and the random close-packed densities are reported with fraction one-eighth in. plexiglass, nylon and steel balls in air, and also with steel balls immersed in oil. A series of measurements for the random close-packed density has been made with up to 80 000 steel balls and with the aid of a mechanical vibrator. A computer analysis of the results permits a one-step, two-parameter extrapolation to infinite volume. The figure so obtained for the random close-packed density is 0·6366±0·0005, which represents an improvement in precision over previous results by an order of magnitude.