gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Extender and centrifugation effects on the motility patterns of slow-cooled stallion spermatozoa. (1991)

Slow-cooled stallion spermatozoa, with and without seminal plasma removed by centrifugation, were diluted in Kenney's extender (KB) containing nonfat dry skim milk with glucose and antibiotics or in KE supplemented by adding a modified high-potassium Tyrode's medium (KMT). Four ejaculates from each of four stallions were collected and divided factorially across these four treatments. Percentage of motile sperm, path velocity, and linearity immediately after treatment (0 h) and after storage at 4°C for 24, 48, and 72 h were evaluated objectively by use of a HTM-2030 sperm motility analyzer. Stallions were a significant source of variation (P < .01) throughout. After sperm had cooled, effects of stallion, extender, centrifugation, and their interactions were all found to be significant (P < .01). The motility at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h for centrifuged KE was 74, 47, 39, and 24%; for uncentrifuged KE was 76, 56, 50, and 37%; for centrifuged KMT was 76, 75, 72, and 64%; and for uncentrifuged KMT was 80, 50, 26, and 13%, respectively. The extender × centrifugation interaction, after 24, 48, and 72 h of storage, accounted for half or more of the variation. Whereas centrifugation of semen extended in KE seemed to be harmful to sperm, motility of sperm extended in KMT after centrifugation was remarkably conserved for 72 h and was superior to all other treatments (P < .05). This extender is promising for preserving liquid stallion semen when it must be transported before use in artificial insemination.
Positioning study of driver's hands in certain areas of the steering wheel (2018)

The aim of this paper is to analyze driver's hands coordinates on the steering wheel for an optimal and safe driving experience. A good coordination of the driver's action on the controls is the result of a comfortable position that leads to an optimal reaction while driving. The presented study implies using a thermal imaging camera for analysing palms temperature changes in the contact area with the steering wheel. The resulting data shows that the optimal driving position of drivers' hands is 0° and 180° associating the steering wheel with and trigonometric circle.
Soft x-ray projection lithography (1990)

Recent advances in x-ray optics have made possible the practical consideration of soft x-ray projection imaging for the fabrication of high density integrated circuits.
Functional Dissection of the Tol2 Transposable Element Identified the Minimal cis-Sequence and a Highly Repetitive Sequence in the Subterminal Region Essential for Transposition (2006)

The Tol2 element is a naturally occurring active transposable element found in vertebrate genomes. The Tol2 transposon system has been shown to be active from fish to mammals and considered to be a useful gene transfer vector in vertebrates. However, cis-sequences essential for transposition have not been characterized. Here we report the characterization of the minimal cis-sequence of the Tol2 element. We constructed Tol2 vectors containing various lengths of DNA from both the left (5') and the right (3') ends and tested their transpositional activities both by the transient excision assay using zebrafish embryos and by analyzing chromosomal transposition in the zebrafish germ lineage. We demonstrated that Tol2 vectors with 200 bp from the left end and 150 bp from the right end were capable of transposition without reducing the transpositional efficiency and found that these sequences, including the terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) and the subterminal regions, are sufficient and required for transposition. The left and right ends were not interchangeable. The Tol2 vector carrying an insert of >11 kb could transpose, but a certain length of spacer, <276 but >18 bp, between the left and right ends was necessary for excision. Furthermore, we found that a 5-bp sequence, 5'-(A/G)AGTA-3', is repeated 33 times in the essential subterminal region. Mutations in the repeat sequence at 13 different sites in the subterminal region, as well as mutations in TIRs, severely reduced the excision activity, indicating that they play important roles in transposition. The identification of the minimal cis-sequence of the Tol2 element and the construction of mini-Tol2 vectors will facilitate development of useful transposon tools in vertebrates. Also, our study established a basis for further biochemical and molecular biological studies for understanding roles of the repetitive sequence in the subterminal region in transposition.
How Clonal Is Staphylococcus aureus ? (2003)

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen and represents a growing public health burden owing to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant clones, particularly within the hospital environment. Despite this, basic questions about the evolution and population biology of the species, particularly with regard to the extent and impact of homologous recombination, remain unanswered. We address these issues through an analysis of sequence data obtained from the characterization by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of 334 isolates of S. aureus, recovered from a well-defined population, over a limited time span. We find no significant differences in the distribution of multilocus genotypes between strains isolated from carriers and those from patients with invasive disease; there is, therefore, no evidence from MLST data, which index variation within the stable "core" genome, for the existence of hypervirulent clones of this pathogen. Examination of the sequence changes at MLST loci during clonal diversification shows that point mutations give rise to new alleles at least 15-fold more frequently than does recombination. This contrasts with the naturally transformable species Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, in which alleles change between 5- and 10-fold more frequently by recombination than by mutation. However, phylogenetic analysis suggests that homologous recombination does contribute toward the evolution of this species over the long term. Finally, we note a striking excess of nonsynonymous substitutions in comparisons between isolates belonging to the same clonal complex compared to isolates belonging to different clonal complexes, suggesting that the removal of deleterious mutations by purifying selection may be relatively slow.
Human p53 and CDC2Hs genes combine to inhibit the proliferation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. (1992)

Human wild-type and mutant p53 genes were expressed under the control of a galactose-inducible promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The growth rate of the yeast was reduced in cells expressing wild-type p53, whereas cells transformed with mutant p53 genes derived from human tumors were less affected. Coexpression of the normal p53 protein with the human cell cycle-regulated protein kinase CDC2Hs resulted in much more pronounced growth inhibition that for p53 alone. Cells expressing p53 and CDC2Hs were partially arrested in G1, as determined by morphological analysis and flow cytometry. p53 was phosphorylated when expressed in the yeast, but differences in phosphorylation did not explain the growth inhibition attributable to coexpression of p53 and CDC2Hs. These results suggest that wild-type p53 has a growth-inhibitory activity in S. cerevisiae similar to that observed in mammalian cells and suggests that this yeast may provide a useful model for defining the pathways through which p53 acts.
Auditory Evoked Potentials in Senescent Forgetfulness (1984)

Two evoked potential (EP) techniques and the selective reminding test were employed to investigate an apparently benign forgetfulness in seven elderly subjects and seven age-matched elderly subjects with normal memory. EPs were also recorded in a group of seven young adults. Latency of the P3 component, which has been demonstrated to increase in primary degenerative dementia, displayed the normal age-related variation in both elderly groups, but did not differ between the forgetful subjects and the elderly controls. Further, no difference in the recovery cycle of the EP, as measured in a two tone stimulation paradigm, was present between forgetful and elderly control groups. Reexamination of memory after nearly a year disclosed no evidence of deterioration in either elderly group. These findings suggest that senescent forgetfulness, as defined herein, may be a nonprogressive memory disorder.
Targeted next generation sequencing identifies somatic mutations and gene fusions in papillary thyroid carcinoma (2017)

138 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) samples were assessed for somatic mutation profile and fusion genes by targeted resequencing using a cancer panel (ThyGenCapTM) targeting 244 cancer-related genes and 20 potential fusion genes. At least one genetic alteration (including mutations and fusion genes) was observed in 118/138 (85.5%) samples. The most frequently mutated gene was BRAF V600E (57.2%). Moreover, we identified 11 fusion genes including eight previously reported ones and three novel fusion genes, UEVLD-RET, OSBPL9-BRAF, and SQSTM1-NTRK3. Alterations affecting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway components were seen in 69.6% of the PTC cases and all of these driver mutations were mutually exclusive. Univariate analysis ascertained that the fusion genes were strongly associated with distinct clinicopathological characteristics, such as young age, local invasion, extensive metastasis, and disease stage. In conclusion, our approach facilitated simultaneous high-throughput detection of gene fusions and somatic mutations in PTC samples.
Conformational gating of dimannose binding to the antiviral protein cyanovirin revealed from the crystal structure at 1.35 Å resolution (2008)

Cyanovirin (CV-N) is a small lectin with potent HIV neutralization activity, which could be exploited for a mucosal defense against HIV infection. The wild-type (wt) protein binds with high affinity to mannose-rich oligosaccharides on the surface of gp120 through two quasi-symmetric sites, located in domains A and B. We recently reported on a mutant of CV-N that contained a single functional mannose-binding site, domain B, showing that multivalent binding to oligomannosides is necessary for antiviral activity. The structure of the complex with dimannose determined at 1.8 A resolution revealed a different conformation of the binding site than previously observed in the NMR structure of wt CV-N. Here, we present the 1.35 A resolution structure of the complex, which traps three different binding conformations of the site and provides experimental support for a locking and gating mechanism in the nanoscale time regime observed by molecular dynamics simulations.
MIMO transmit optimization for wireless communication systems (2003)

In this paper we introduce a new transmit and receive structure for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communications. The major advantage of our structure is that no MIMO signal processing is required at the receiver and therefore a simplified receiver structure is possible. We envisage that our technique could be utilized in the downlink of a wireless communications system, with V-BLAST or similar technique utilized in the uplink, creating a high-speed wireless duplex system with a simplified mobile station transceiver structure. Simulation results reveal that performance is as good or better as receiver based MIMO techniques under realistic conditions.
Efficient DNA Transfection Mediated by the C-Terminal Domain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Viral Protein R (2000)

Viral protein R (Vpr) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 is produced late in the virus life cycle and is assembled into the virion through binding to the Gag protein. It is known to play a significant role early in the viral life cycle by facilitating the nuclear import of the preintegration complex in nondividing cells. Vpr is also able to interact with nucleic acids, and we show here that it induces condensation of plasmid DNA. We have explored the possibility of using these properties in DNA transfection experiments. We report that the C-terminal half of the protein (Vpr(52-96)) mediates DNA transfection in a variety of human and nonhuman cell lines with efficiencies comparable to those of the best-known transfection agents. Compared with polylysine, a standard polycationic transfection reagent, Vpr(52-96) was 10- to 1,000-fold more active. Vpr(52-96)-DNA complexes were able to reach the cell nucleus through a pH-independent mechanism. These observations possibly identify an alternate pathway for DNA transfection.
Biosynthesis of heparin/heparan sulfate. Identification of a 70-kDa protein catalyzing both the D-glucuronosyl- and the N-acetyl-D-glucosaminyltransferase reactions. (1993)

The D-glucuronosyl- (GlcA) and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminyl- (GlcNAc) transferase reactions involved in heparin/heparan sulfate biosynthesis were assayed, measuring transfer of radiolabeled GlcA or GlcNAc monosaccharide units from the corresponding UDP-sugars to the appropriate oligosaccharide acceptors. The assays were applied to enzyme purification from bovine serum. The two activities remained inseparable through a series of different chromatographic steps, resulting in approximately -2000-fold purification. Further purification was achieved by chromatofocusing, which showed an isoelectric point of pH approximately -7.0, similar for both activities. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of subfractions from the chromatofocusing procedure revealed an approximately 70-kDa protein in amounts reflecting enzyme activity. SDS-PAGE followed by extraction of gel segments and renaturation of proteins showed that the GlcA- and GlcNAc-transferase activities were both recovered from the same single segment, corresponding to the 70-kDa component. It is proposed that the two glycosyltransferase reactions are catalyzed by the same Golgi enzyme (see also Lidholt, K., Weinke, J. L., Kiser, C. S., Lugemwa, F. N., Bame, K. J., Cheifetz, S., Massagué, J., Lindahl, U., and Esko, J. D. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 2267-2271).
β-Lactamase Genes of the Penicillin-SusceptibleBacillus anthracisSterne Strain (2003)

Susceptibility to penicillin and other beta-lactam-containing compounds is a common trait of Bacillus anthracis. Beta-lactam agents, particularly penicillin, have been used worldwide to treat anthrax in humans. Nonetheless, surveys of clinical and soil-derived strains reveal penicillin G resistance in 2 to 16% of isolates tested. Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam agents is often mediated by production of one or more types of beta-lactamases that hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring, inactivating the antimicrobial agent. Here, we report the presence of two beta-lactamase (bla) genes in the penicillin-susceptible Sterne strain of B. anthracis. We identified bla1 by functional cloning with Escherichia coli. bla1 is a 927-nucleotide (nt) gene predicted to encode a protein with 93.8% identity to the type I beta-lactamase gene of Bacillus cereus. A second gene, bla2, was identified by searching the unfinished B. anthracis chromosome sequence database of The Institute for Genome Research for open reading frames (ORFs) predicted to encode beta-lactamases. We found a partial ORF predicted to encode a protein with significant similarity to the carboxy-terminal end of the type II beta-lactamase of B. cereus. DNA adjacent to the 5' end of the partial ORF was cloned using inverse PCR. bla2 is a 768-nt gene predicted to encode a protein with 92% identity to the B. cereus type II enzyme. The bla1 and bla2 genes confer ampicillin resistance to E. coli and Bacillus subtilis when cloned individually in these species. The MICs of various antimicrobial agents for the E. coli clones indicate that the two beta-lactamase genes confer different susceptibility profiles to E. coli; bla1 is a penicillinase, while bla2 appears to be a cephalosporinase. The beta-galactosidase activities of B. cereus group species harboring bla promoter-lacZ transcriptional fusions indicate that bla1 is poorly transcribed in B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis. The bla2 gene is strongly expressed in B. cereus and B. thuringiensis and weakly expressed in B. anthracis. Taken together, these data indicate that the bla1 and bla2 genes of the B. anthracis Sterne strain encode functional beta-lactamases of different types, but gene expression is usually not sufficient to confer resistance to beta-lactam agents.
Antisense- and RNA interference-based therapeutic strategies in allergy (2005)

Modern therapeutic methods for manipulation of gene expression in allergic diseases have been receiving increased attention in the emerging era of functional genomics. With the growing application of gene silencing technologies, pharmacological modulation of translation represents a great advance in molecular therapy for allergy. Several strategies for sequence-specific post-transcriptional inhibition of gene expression can be distinguished: antisense oligonucleotides (AS-ONs), ribozymes (RZs), DNA enzymes (DNAzymes), and RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Potential anti-mRNA drugs in asthma and other allergic disorders may be targeted to cell surface receptors (adenosine A1 receptor, high-affinity receptor Fc-epsilon RI-alpha, cytokine receptors), adhesion molecules and ligands (ICAM-1, VLA-4), ion channels (calcium-dependent chloride channel-1), cytokines and related factors (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, SCF, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1), intracellular signal transduction molecules, such as tyrosine-protein kinases (Syk, Lyn, Btk), serine/ threonine-protein kinases (p38 alpha MAPkinase, Raf-1), non-kinase signaling proteins (RasGRP4), and transcription factors involved in Th2 differentiation and allergic inflammation (STAT-6, GATA-3, NF-kappaB). The challenge to scientists is to determine which of the candidate targets warrants investment of time and resources. New-generation respirable AS-ONs, external guide sequence ribozymes, and RNA interference-based therapies have the potential to satisfy unmet needs in allergy treatment, acting at a more proximal level to a key etiopathogenetic molecular process, represented by abnormal expression of genes. Moreover, antisense and siRNA technologies imply a more rational design of new drugs for allergy.
4D Printing: Multi‐Material Shape Change (2014)

Abstract How might 4D printing overcome the obstacles that are hampering the rolling out and scaling up of 3D printing? Skylar Tibbits , Director of the Self‐Assembly Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), describes how the Lab has partnered up with Stratasys Ltd, an industry leader in the development of 4D Printing, and is making the development of self‐assembly programmable materials and adaptive technologies for industrial application in building design and construction its focus.
Optical Properties of Gold Nanorings (2003)

The optical response of ring-shaped gold nanoparticles prepared by colloidal lithography is investigated. Compared to solid gold particles of similar size, nanorings exhibit a redshifted localized surface plasmon that can be tuned over an extended wavelength range by varying the ratio of the ring thickness to its radius. The measured wavelength variation is well reproduced by numerical calculations and interpreted as originating from coupling of dipolar modes at the inner and outer surfaces of the nanorings. The electric field associated with these plasmons exhibits uniform enhancement and polarization in the ring cavity, suggesting applications in near-infrared surface-enhanced spectroscopy and sensing.
Strain Measurements on Individual Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in a Polymer Host: Structure-Dependent Spectral Shifts and Load Transfer (2008)

The fluorescence spectra of individual semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes embedded in polymer films were measured during the application of controlled stretching and compressive strains. Nanotube band gaps were found to shift in systematic patterns that depend on the (n,m) structural type and are in excellent agreement with the predictions of theoretical models. Loss of nanotube−host adhesion was revealed by abrupt irregularities in plots of spectral shift vs strain.
The 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline for High Blood Pressure (2017)

This Viewpoint reviews key recommendations in the 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure authored by the AHA, ACC, and 9 other specialty organizations, and highlights differences from the 2003 JNC 7 guideline.
Structure of silica aerogels and vibrational dynamics in fractal materials and glasses: Electron microscopy and low-frequency Raman scattering (1992)

Abstract Electron microscopy observations are presented to determine the structure of silica aerogels and the fractal domains. The model of Raman scattering from disordered fractal materials is discussed. The localized acoustic modes in glasses are compared with fractons.
Taste responses to saltiness of experimentally prepared tomato juice samples. (1984)

Responses to changes in salt and acid concentration in experimentally prepared tomato juice samples were examined in young and aging adults. Results indicated that perceived saltiness intensity and taste preference ratings were strongly affected by both salt and acid concentration. Addition of acid increased the salt intensity ratings at all salt levels, including the unsalted samples, indicating that the apparent saltiness of the tomato juice was increased by the addition of acid alone. The highest taste preference rating occurred near the 0.6% salt level, with no added acid (equivalent to commercial tomato juice); however, the taste preference rating for the 0.3% salt, 0.3% citric acid sample was not significantly different from that of the higher salt, no added acid sample. Saltiness intensity was similar for the two samples. This offers compelling evidence that a trade-off can be accomplished by substituting acid for some of the salt in tomato juice without affecting its palatability or apparent saltiness, thus providing an acceptable solution for those desiring to limit salt intake. While marked lessening of ability to make discriminations occurred only in the oldest subjects, they showed no evidence of distortion in preference but tended to accept those samples most preferred by the younger subjects.