gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Piezoelectric Ribbons Printed onto Rubber for Flexible Energy Conversion (2010)

The development of a method for integrating highly efficient energy conversion materials onto stretchable, biocompatible rubbers could yield breakthroughs in implantable or wearable energy harvesting systems. Being electromechanically coupled, piezoelectric crystals represent a particularly interesting subset of smart materials that function as sensors/actuators, bioMEMS devices, and energy converters. Yet, the crystallization of these materials generally requires high temperatures for maximally efficient performance, rendering them incompatible with temperature-sensitive plastics and rubbers. Here, we overcome these limitations by presenting a scalable and parallel process for transferring crystalline piezoelectric nanothick ribbons of lead zirconate titanate from host substrates onto flexible rubbers over macroscopic areas. Fundamental characterization of the ribbons by piezo-force microscopy indicates that their electromechanical energy conversion metrics are among the highest reported on a flexible medium. The excellent performance of the piezo-ribbon assemblies coupled with stretchable, biocompatible rubber may enable a host of exciting avenues in fundamental research and novel applications.
Coalescing Tubes Test for Oil/Water Separators (OWSs) (1998)

Abstract : The U.S. Army major commands (MACOMS) use thousands of gravity oil/water separators (OWSs) that currently require replacement or retrofit. This report summarizes an investigation to determine the effectiveness of vertical coalescing tubes (VCTs) as a retrofit to gravity OWSs.
A study in two-handed input (1986)

Two experiments were run to investigate two-handed input. The experimental tasks were representative of those found in CAD and office information systems. Experiment one involved the performance of a compound selection/positioning task. The two sub-tasks were performed by different hands using separate transducers. Without prompting, novice subjects adopted strategies that involved performing the two sub-tasks simultaneously. We interpret this as a demonstration that, in the appropriate context, users are capable of simultaneously providing continuous data from two hands without significant overhead. The results also show that the speed of performing the task was strongly correlated to the degree of parallelism employed. Experiment two involved the performance of a compound navigation/selection task. It compared a one-handed versus two-handed method for finding and selecting words in a document. The two-handed method significantly outperformed the commonly used one-handed method by a number of measures. Unlike experiment one, only two subjects adopted strategies that used both hands simultaneously. The benefits of the two-handed technique, therefore, are interpreted as being due to efficiency of hand motion. However, the two subjects who did use parallel strategies had the two fastest times of all subjects.
Extending SSD lifetimes with disk-based write caches (2010)

We present Griffin, a hybrid storage device that uses a hard disk drive (HDD) as a write cache for a Solid State Device (SSD). Griffin is motivated by two observations: First, HDDs can match the sequential write bandwidth of mid-range SSDs. Second, both server and desktop workloads contain a significant fraction of block overwrites. By maintaining a log-structured HDD cache and migrating cached data periodically, Griffin reduces writes to the SSD while retaining its excellent performance. We evaluate Griffin using a variety of I/O traces from Windows systems and show that it extends SSD lifetime by a factor of two and reduces average I/O latency by 56%.
Rosacea and its management: an overview (2005)

With the wide variety of oral and topical agents available for the effective management of rosacea, patients no longer need to feel self-conscious because of their disorder.
Genome-Wide Expression Profiling Arabidopsis at the Stage ofGolovinomyces cichoracearumHaustorium Formation (2008)

Compatibility between plants and obligate biotrophic fungi requires fungal mechanisms for efficiently obtaining nutrients and counteracting plant defenses under conditions that are expected to induce changes in the host transcriptome. A key step in the proliferation of biotrophic fungi is haustorium differentiation. Here we analyzed global gene expression patterns in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves during the formation of haustoria by Golovinomyces cichoracearum. At this time, the endogenous levels of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) were found to be enhanced. The responses of wild-type, npr1-1, and jar1-1 plants were used to categorize the sensitivity of gene expression changes to NPR1 and JAR1, which are components of the SA and JA signaling pathways, respectively. We found that the infection process was the major source of variation, with 70 genes identified as having similarly altered expression patterns regardless of plant genotype. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) identified genes responding both to infection and to lack of functional JAR1 (17 genes) or NPR1 (18 genes), indicating that the JA and SA signaling pathways function as secondary sources of variation. Participation of these genes in the SA or JA pathways had not been described previously. We found that some of these genes may be sensitive to the balance between the SA and JA pathways, representing novel markers for the elucidation of cross-talk points between these signaling cascades. Conserved putative regulatory motifs were found in the promoter regions of each subset of genes. Collectively, our results indicate that gene expression changes in response to infection by obligate biotrophic fungi may support fungal nutrition by promoting alterations in host metabolism. In addition, these studies provide novel markers for the characterization of defense pathways and susceptibility features under this infection condition.
The role of ad hoc networking in future wireless communications (2004)

This paper discusses the role of ad hoc networking in future wireless communications. Ad hoc networks are classified as isolated ad hoc networks with large and small sizes, integrated ad hoc networks in various scenarios and cellular ad hoc networks for the future mobile access networks. The very low traffic performance of large-scale ad hoc networks is shown by simulation results, indicating such a king of networks having little commercial potential. Small size ad hoc networks seem to be ubiquitous because of the availability of cheap wireless LAN technologies. Integration of small size ad hoc networks with the global Internet can be realized by ad hoc gateways, which are proposed in this paper. In contrast to large scale isolated ad hoc networks, traffic performance of a cellular ad hoc network is very promising, indicating that cellular ad hoc networking seems to be a promising solution to fulfill the requirements of future wireless communication systems.
Establishing pathological cut-offs of brain atrophy rates in multiple sclerosis (2015)

Our evidence-based criteria provide values able to discriminate the presence or absence of 'pathological' brain volume loss in MS with high specificity. Such results could be of great value in a clinical setting, particularly in assessing treatment efficacy in MS.
Inhibition of angiogenesis in the treatment of tumors. (2001)

Angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression, growth and metastases. Many substances present in a normal organism can inhibit or stimulate the process of new vessel formation in tumors. The use of natural or synthetic angiogenesis inhibitors as anticancer drugs is currently under intense investigation. Such agents can have lower toxicity and are less likely to generate drug resistance than conventional cytotoxic drugs. Clinical trials are now underway to develop optimum treatment strategies for antiangiogenic drugs. This paper reviews the present achievements in preclinical and clinical studies with antitumor drugs based on inhibitors of angiogenesis.
Selection on soil microbiomes reveals reproducible impacts on plant function (2014)

Soil microorganisms found in the root zone impact plant growth and development, but the potential to harness these benefits is hampered by the sheer abundance and diversity of the players influencing desirable plant traits. Here, we report a high level of reproducibility of soil microbiomes in altering plant flowering time and soil functions when partnered within and between plant hosts. We used a multi-generation experimental system using Arabidopsis thaliana Col to select for soil microbiomes inducing earlier or later flowering times of their hosts. We then inoculated the selected microbiomes from the tenth generation of plantings into the soils of three additional A. thaliana genotypes (Ler, Be, RLD) and a related crucifer (Brassica rapa). With the exception of Ler, all other plant hosts showed a shift in flowering time corresponding with the inoculation of early- or late-flowering microbiomes. Analysis of the soil microbial community using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing showed distinct microbiota profiles assembling by flowering time treatment. Plant hosts grown with the late-flowering-associated microbiomes showed consequent increases in inflorescence biomass for three A. thaliana genotypes and an increase in total biomass for B. rapa. The increase in biomass was correlated with two- to five-fold enhancement of microbial extracellular enzyme activities associated with nitrogen mineralization in soils. The reproducibility of the flowering phenotype across plant hosts suggests that microbiomes can be selected to modify plant traits and coordinate changes in soil resource pools.
Cloning and Characterization of the Human Homolog of Mouse Jak2 (1998)

Members of the Jak family play a critical role in signal transduction mediated by cytokine and hormone receptors. In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of human Jak2. The predicted amino acid sequence shows 91% homology to the described murine Jak2, but with a significant difference in the extreme C-terminal sequence. Using the human cDNA as a probe, we localized the gene for human Jak2 to chromosome 9p23-24. Human Jak2 mRNA is highly expressed in the spleen, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). A polyclonal antibody raised against the unique C-terminus of human Jak2 was used to characterize Jak2 protein. Levels of Jak2 protein expression increased significantly in mitogen- and anti-IgM–stimulated B cells and to a lesser degree in activated T cells. In addition, high levels of Jak2 protein were detected in pre-B leukemia cells.
Increasing the Complexity of Periodic Protein Nanostructures by the Rolling‐Circle‐Amplified Synthesis of Aptamers (2007)

The biomachinery of rolling-circle amplification relying on protein–aptamer interactions on DNA scaffolds was used to create one-dimensional DNA–protein/DNA–protein–nanoparticle hierarchical assemblies. These conjugates can serve as further templates for the immobilization of gold nanoparticles.
Lentiviral Vectors Encoding Zinc-Finger Nucleases Specific for the Model Target Locus HPRT1 (2014)

Zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) are artificial proteins designed to induce double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) at predefined chromosomal positions. These site-specific genomic lesions facilitate the study of translocations and cellular DNA repair processes and serve as powerful stimuli for the editing of complex genomes. The delivery of ZFNs into a wide range of cell types is of utmost importance for the broad evaluation and deployment of the technology. Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are versatile gene delivery vehicles that transduce alike transformed and primary cells regardless of their division rate. In this chapter, we describe the generation of conventional and integrase-defective LVs encoding ZFNs targeting the human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1) locus. Furthermore, we introduce a general LV titration method based on a cost-effective quantitative PCR protocol and implement a rapid and simple restriction enzyme site polymorphism assay to detected DSB formation at the HPRT1 target sequence. Owing in part to the small molecule-based clone selection schemes conferred by HPRT1 allelic knockouts, this X-linked gene has become a "classical" target model locus in mammalian cells. The reagents and techniques detailed herein yield LV preparations that induce HPRT1-specific DSBs. As a result, they should constitute a valuable resource to increase the robustness and decrease the timelines of the various protocols based on HPRT1 gene disruption and targeting.
New Opportunities in Micro- and Macro-Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging: Spatial Resolution and Sampling Versatility (2003)

New opportunities exist to obtain chemical images using attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. This paper shows the feasibility of obtaining FT-IR images with a spatial resolution of at least 3-4 microm using a Ge ATR objective coupled with an infrared microscope. The improved spatial resolution compared to FT-IR images obtained by the transmission method is due to the high refractive index of the ATR crystal, which gives a high numerical aperture and hence, a higher spatial resolution. FT-IR imaging with a conventional diamond ATR accessory has been investigated. This is the first time that FT-IR imaging is reported using such a versatile accessory based on a diamond ATR crystal. These results showed that a spatial resolution up to 13 microm can be achieved without the use of infrared microscope objectives. One advantage of the diamond element is that it allows pressure to be applied and hence, good contact to be obtained over the whole field of view.
Reduced levels of dystrophin associated proteins in the brains of mice deficient for Dp71 (1996)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive degenerative lethal muscle disease. A significant proportion of DMD affected children suffer also from mental retardation. The rod shaped protein, dystrophin, which is absent from or defective in the muscle of DMD patients, binds to a number of membrane associated proteins (known collectively as dystrophin associated proteins [DAPs]). The levels of DAPs is greatly reduced in the muscle of DMD patients and mdx mice, which lack dystrophin. In addition to dystrophin isoforms, the DMD gene codes also for several smaller proteins. One of the small proteins, Dp71, is expressed in most or all non-muscle tissues and is the major DMD gene product in the brain. The function of the small DMD gene products is unknown. Here we show that mutant mice which do not express the smaller non-muscle products of the DMD gene have a reduced level of DAPs in their brain. This suggests that Dp71 is important for the formation and/or stabilization of a DAPs complex in brain.
RanBPM associates with CD39 and modulates ecto-nucleotidase activity (2006)

CD39/ecto-NTPDase 1 (nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1) is an ecto-nucleotidase that influences P2 receptor activation to regulate vascular and immune cell adhesion and signalling events pivotal in inflammation. Whether CD39 interacts with other membrane or cytoplasmic proteins has not been established to date. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we note that the N-terminus of CD39 binds to RanBPM (Ran binding protein M; also known as RanBP9), a multi-adaptor scaffolding membrane protein originally characterized as a binding protein for the small GTPase Ran. We confirm formation of complexes between CD39 and RanBPM in transfected mammalian cells by co-immunoprecipitation studies. Endogenous CD39 and RanBPM are also found to be co-expressed and abundant in cell membranes of B-lymphocytes. NTPDase activity of recombinant CD39, but not of N-terminus-deleted-CD39 mutant, is substantially diminished by RanBPM co-expression in COS-7 cells. The conserved SPRY [repeats in splA and RyR (ryanodine receptor)] moiety of RanBPM is insufficient alone for complete physical and functional interactions with CD39. We conclude that CD39 associations with RanBPM have the potential to regulate NTPDase catalytic activity. This intermolecular interaction may have important implications for the regulation of extracellular nucleotide-mediated signalling.
Association of yeast DNA topoisomerase III and Sgs1 DNA helicase: Studies of fusion proteins (2001)

The Sgs1 protein of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a member of the RecQ DNA helicase family that includes the human Bloom, Werner, and Rothmund–Thompson syndrome proteins. The N-terminal region outside the central DNA helicase core of Sgs1, particularly the part containing the first 100 amino acid resiudes of the 1,447-residue protein, is known to be functionally important and has been implicated in Sgs1–DNA topoisomerase III (Top3) interaction. We show in this work that the functionality of a truncated Sgs1 lacking its N-terminal 106 residues can be restored by replacing the truncated region with Top3. Fusion of Top3 to a mutant Sgs1 with a Val-29 to Glu substitution, which interferes with Sgs1–Top3 interaction, similarly restores the functionality of the mutant Sgs1(V29E) protein. The Top3-Sgs1(Δ1–106) and Top3-Sgs1(V29E) fusion proteins behave like wild-type Sgs1 in complementing several aspects of the sgs1 phenotype, including the hypersensitivity of sgs1 cells to methyl methanesulfonate and hydroxyurea. Complementation by the fusion proteins required both the topoisomerase activity of Top3 and the helicase activity of the Sgs1 polypeptide. These results suggest that the sole function of the N-terminal 106 amino acid residues of Sgs1 is for Top3 binding, and that the coordinated actions of Sgs1 and Top3 are important in cellular processes such as the processing of DNA after exposure of cells to DNA-damaging agents.
From a Lab Type to a Product: A Retrospective View on Impella's Assist Technology (2001)

A lab type is best described by its value as a result of its handcrafted uniqueness in small numbers. Logically, there is not one lab type like another, and the fact that it has been realized does not mean that this special effort can be easily reproduced. Furthermore, most lab types have undergone stand alone test runs revealing fingerprints rather than universal results at a 20% effort to 80% effect ratio. A product development, on the other hand, is best described by an 80% effort to 20% effect ratio in terms of measurable results. Products are producible and cost effective goods which are well documented and have undergone numerous test runs and test procedures assuring safety and quality, a basic requirement for market approval and cost effective marking. Based on the intravascular pump technology, comprising a sensorized axial flow pump with an integrated micromotor, the iterative dependence of the product development on lab types is demonstrated showing in particular the importance of having highly developed lab types before initiating the product development. By example, we demonstrated that high product quality has a greater impact on the reduction of blood damage than numerous redesigns. Reengineering issues are addressed, which are part of the product development process. Furthermore, the previously mentioned technology serves as a platform leading directly from the perioperative biventricular system to a 7 day pump as well as a miniaturized 12 Fr version.
Glial Contribution to Glutamate Uptake at Schaffer Collateral–Commissural Synapses in the Hippocampus (1998)

Astrocytes in the hippocampus express high-affinity glutamate transporters that are important for lowering the concentration of extracellular glutamate after release at excitatory synapses. These transporters exhibit a permeability to chaotropic anions that is associated with transport, allowing their activity to be monitored in cell-fee patches when highly permeant anions are present. Astrocyte glutamate transporters are highly temperature sensitive, because L-glutamate-activated, anion-potentiated transporter currents in outside-out patches from these cells exhibited larger amplitudes and faster kinetics at 36 degreesC than at 24 degreesC. The cycling rate of these transporters was estimated by using paired applications of either L-glutamate or D-aspartate to measure the time necessary for the peak of the transporter current to recover from the steady-state level. Transporter currents in patches recovered with a time constant of 11.6 msec at 36 degreesC, suggesting that either the turnover rate of native transporters is much faster than previously reported for expressed EAAT2 transporters or the efficiency of these transporters is very low. Synaptically activated transporter currents persisted in astrocytes at physiological temperatures, although no evidence of these currents was found in CA1 pyramidal neurons in response to afferent stimulation. L-glutamate-gated transporter currents were also not detected in outside-out patches from pyramidal neurons. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that astrocyte transporters are responsible for taking up the majority of glutamate released at Schaffer collateral-commissural synapses in the hippocampus.
Neutrophils from the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis express the high affinity immunoglobulin G receptor, FcγRI (CD64): role of immune complexes and cytokines in induction of receptor expression (1997)

Neutrophils isolated from the synovial fluid of 16/24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis expressed Fc gamma RI (CD64), the high-affinity receptor for monomeric immunoglobulin G (IgG), on their cell surface. Receptor expression ranged from 17% to 168% of the level of expression obtained after incubation of control blood neutrophils with 100 U/ml interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) for 24 hr in vitro. Similarly, mRNA for Fc gamma RI was detected in synovial fluid neutrophils from 12/15 patients and transcript levels ranged from 5% to 200% of the values obtained after treatment of blood neutrophils with IFN-gamma for 4 hr in vitro. No surface expression nor mRNA were detected in freshly isolated blood neutrophils from either patients or from healthy controls. Addition of cell-free synovial fluid to control blood neutrophils induced both mRNA and surface expression of Fc gamma RI to levels that were comparable to those achieved after addition of IFN-gamma. Neither soluble nor insoluble immune complexes appeared to be involved in induction of Fc gamma RI expression in spite of the ability of these complexes to induce protein biosynthesis. Synovial fluid-induced expression of Fc gamma RI was partially blocked by incubation with neutralizing IFN-gamma antibodies, whilst neutralizing interleukin (IL)-6 antibodies had little effect. Levels of IFN-gamma measured within these synovial fluids ranged from 0 to 2.7 U/ml, well within the range known to induce neutrophil Fc gamma RI expression. These data thus indicate that gene expression in synovial fluid neutrophils is selectively activated as the cells enter the diseased joint. Furthermore, these data indicate that induced expression of Fc gamma RI may alter the ability of infiltrating neutrophils to respond to IgG-containing immune complexes present in these joints.
Triticum aestivum spp. vulgare (bread wheat) cv. Sunstate (1994)

Animal Production Science (continuing Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture) publishes original research into applied agriculture including animal production, animal-plant interactions, pasture and fodder crops, field crops, extension and horticulture