gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
The peptidoglycan-associated protein NapA plays an important role in the envelope integrity and in the pathogenesis of the lyme disease spirochete (2021)

The bacterial pathogen responsible for causing Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is an atypical Gram-negative spirochete that is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. In diderms, peptidoglycan (PG) is sandwiched between the inner and outer membrane of the cell envelope. In many other Gram-negative bacteria, PG is bound by protein(s), which provide both structural integrity and continuity between envelope layers. Here, we present evidence of a peptidoglycan-associated protein (PAP) in B. burgdorferi. Using an unbiased proteomics approach, we identified Neutrophil Attracting Protein A (NapA) as a PAP. Interestingly, NapA is a Dps homologue, which typically functions to bind and protect cellular DNA from damage during times of stress. While B. burgdorferi NapA is known to be involved in the oxidative stress response, it lacks the critical residues necessary for DNA binding. Biochemical and cellular studies demonstrate that NapA is localized to the B. burgdorferi periplasm and is indeed a PAP. Cryo-electron microscopy indicates that mutant bacteria, unable to produce NapA, have structural abnormalities. Defects in cell-wall integrity impact growth rate and cause the napA mutant to be more susceptible to osmotic and PG-specific stresses. NapA-linked PG is secreted in outer membrane vesicles and augments IL-17 production, relative to PG alone. Using microfluidics, we demonstrate that NapA acts as a molecular beacon-exacerbating the pathogenic properties of B. burgdorferi PG. These studies further our understanding of the B. burgdorferi cell envelope, provide critical information that underlies its pathogenesis, and highlight how a highly conserved bacterial protein can evolve mechanistically, while maintaining biological function.
Adaptive hybrid ARQ in wireless ATM networks (2003)

We investigates the adaptation of FEC code rate, specifically Reed-Solomon codes, to channel error conditions in a wireless ATM network environment. A hybrid ARQ adaptive algorithm is introduced and the protocol throughput performance is optimized subject to the satisfaction of key QoS requirements like delay and cell loss ratio of real-time connections. Simulation shows the effectiveness of the algorithm.
A polarization-independent liquid crystal phase modulation using polymer-network liquid crystals in a 90° twisted cell (2012)

A polarization-independent liquid crystal phase modulation using polymer-network liquid crystals in a 90° twisted cell (T-PNLC) is demonstrated. T-PNLC consists of three layers. Liquid crystal (LC) directors in the two layers near glass substrates are orthogonal to each other and those two layers modulate two eigen-polarizations of an incident light. As a result, two eigen-polarizations of an incident light experience the same phase shift. In the middle layer, LC directors are perpendicular to the glass substrate and contribute no phase shift. The phase shift of T-PNLC is electrically tunable and polarization-independent. T-PNLC does not require any bias voltage for operation. The phase shift is 0.28 π rad for the voltage of 30 Vrms. By measuring and analyzing the optical phase shift of T-PNLC at the oblique incidence of transverse magnetic wave, the pretilt angle of LC directors and the effective thickness of three layers are obtained and discussed. The potential applications are spatial light modulators, laser beam steering, and micro-lens arrays.
Proteins at Interfaces II (1995)

Proteins at interfaces are involved in a wide variety of phenomena, including mammalian cell growth in culture, reactions to implanted biomaterials, growth of soil bacteria, and formation of organized layers of proteins at the oil/water and air/water interfaces. This broad range of phenomena has attracted the interest of a correspondingly broad range of scientists and engineers, many with different backgrounds and different perspectives. As a result, the field of proteins at interfaces displays as much breadth as depth, and many of the investigators in this field of research conduct investigations that are unique with respect both to the particular protein/surface system studied and to the methods used. The many different approaches and systems under investigation, and in particular the wide variety of applications towards which the research is directed, means that an overview such as this one which is limited in length, must be selective. In selecting subtopics for discussion
Sensitivity analysis of narrowband photonic crystal filters and waveguides to structure variations and inaccuracy (2003)

Photonic crystal microcavities, formed by local defects within an otherwise perfectly periodic structure, can be used as narrowband optical resonators and filters. The coupled-cavity waveguide (CCW) is a linear array of equally spaced identical microcavities. Tunneling of light between microcavities forms a guiding effect, with a central frequency and bandwidth controlled by the local defects' parameters and spacing, respectively. We employ cavity perturbation theory to investigate the sensitivity of microcavities and CCWs to random structure inaccuracies. For the microcavity, we predict a frequency shift that is due to random changes in the lattice structure and show an approximate linear dependence between the standard deviation of the structure inaccuracy and that of the resonant frequency. The effect of structural inaccuracy on the CCW devices, however, is different; it has practically no effect on the CCW performance if it is below a certain threshold but may destroy the CCW if this threshold is exceeded.
Semantic manifold learning for image retrieval (2005)

Learning the user's semantics for CBIR involves two different sources of information: the similarity relations entailed by the content-based features, and the relevance relations specified in the feedback. Given that, we propose an augmented relation embedding (ARE) to map the image space into a semantic manifold that faithfully grasps the user's preferences. Besides ARE, we also look into the issues of selecting a good feature set for improving the retrieval performance. With these two aspects of efforts we have established a system that yields far better results than those previously reported. Overall, our approach can be characterized by three key properties: 1) The framework uses one relational graph to describe the similarity relations, and the other two to encode the relevant/irrelevant relations indicated in the feedback. 2) With the relational graphs so defined, learning a semantic manifold can be transformed into solving a constrained optimization problem, and is reduced to the ARE algorithm accounting for both the representation and the classification points of views. 3) An image representation based on augmented features is introduced to couple with the ARE learning. The use of these features is significant in capturing the semantics concerning different scales of image regions. We conclude with experimental results and comparisons to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Lead-free, air-stable hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite resistive switching memory with ultrafast switching and multilevel data storage (2018)

Organolead halide perovskites exhibit excellent optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties such as a wide range of light absorption and tunable band gaps. However, the presence of toxic elements and chemical instability under an ambient atmosphere hindered lead halide perovskites from real device applications because of environmental issues and stability. Here, we demonstrate a resistive switching memory device based on a lead-free bismuth halide perovskite (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 (MABI). The active layer of the device can be easily prepared by solvent engineering. The nonvolatile memory based on MABI layers has reliable retention properties (∼104 s), endurance (300 cycles), and switching speed (100 ns), as well as environmental stability. Moreover, the control of the compliance current leads to multilevel data storage with four resistance states, which can be applied to high-density memory devices. These results suggest that MABI has potential applications in information storage.
A Portable 3-D Imaging FMCW MIMO Radar Demonstrator With a $24\times 24$ Antenna Array for Medium-Range Applications (2017)

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radars have been shown to improve target detection for surveillance applications thanks to their proven high-performance properties. In this paper, the design, implementation, and results of a complete 3-D imaging frequency-modulated continuous-wave MIMO radar demonstrator are presented. The radar sensor working frequency range spans between 16 and 17 GHz, and the proposed solution is based on a 24-transmitter and 24-receiver MIMO radar architecture, implemented by time-division multiplexing of the transmit signals. A modular approach based on conventional low-cost printed circuit boards is used for the transmit and receive systems. Using digital beamforming algorithms and radar processing techniques on the received signals, a high-resolution 3-D sensing of the range, azimuth, and elevation can be calculated. With the current antenna configuration, an angular resolution of 2.9° can be reached. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the 1-GHz bandwidth of the system, a range resolution of 0.5 m is achieved. The radio-frequency front-end, digital system and radar signal processing units are here presented. The medium-range surveillance potential and the high-resolution capabilities of the MIMO radar are proved with results in the form of radar images captured from the field measurements.
Glycylsarcosine transport by epithelial cells isolated from chicken proximal cecum and rectum (1990)

The transport of glycylsarcosine (Gly-Sar) has been investigated in cells isolated from the proximal cecum and rectum of the chick, and their characteristics have been compared with those of the jejunal dipeptide transport system. Results show that 1) cecal and rectal cells are capable of actively accumulating Gly-Sar. 2) Gly-Sar initial uptake and steady-state accumulation in cecal and rectal cells were decreased in Na(+)-free mannitol-substituted medium. However, in both cell types, as in jejunal cells, intracellular accumulations higher than one can be observed in the absence of Na+. 3) By lowering the medium pH from 7.4 to 6.0, the Gly-Sar accumulation was stimulated in both cecal and rectal cells. 4) Addition of 1 mM amiloride inhibited Gly-Sar uptake by the cecal and rectal cells. We conclude that proximal cecum and rectum have a dipeptide transport system with properties similar to those found in the jejunum.
α-Azido Acids in Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis: Compatibility with Fmoc Chemistry and an Alternative Approach to the Solid Phase Synthesis of Daptomycin Analogs (2016)

α-Azido acids have been used in solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) for almost 20 years. Here we report that peptides bearing an N-terminal α-azidoaspartate residue undergo elimination of an azide ion when treated with reagents that are commonly used for removing the Fmoc group during SPPS. We also report an alternative solid-phase route to the synthesis of an analog of daptomycin that uses a reduced number of α-azido amino acids and without elimination of an azide ion.
Absence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in retired football players with multiple concussions and neurological symptomatology (2013)

Our case studies highlight that not all athletes with history of repeated concussions and neurological symptomology present neuropathological changes of CTE. These preliminary findings support the need for further research into the link between concussion and CTE as well as the need to expand the research to other possible causes of taupathy in athletes. They point to a critical need for prospective studies with good sampling methods to allow us to understand the relationship between multiple concussions and the development of CTE.
E-Business in Service: Recent Trend and Development in Online College Textbook Sales (2014)

This paper is an attempt to investigate the current issues and development of the marketing strategy for all those online college textbook sales, as the Internet has provided more options for college students across the nation in terms of buying and selling their textbooks in recent years. The primary data for this study are collected through a comprehensive website evaluation and testing, and a questionnaire survey from a selected campuses. The objectives of this research are: (1) to investigate the marketing strategy of current online college textbook business in terms of: price, leadtime, availability, and the likes; (2) to identify major issues and challenges for online college textbook websites in promoting online textbook sales; and (3) to examine college students’ preference in their textbook buying decision regarding online textbook sale options. The data collected from this study show that there is a significant gap between business marketing strategic priority and college students’ perception in their final purchasing decision. The results are presented with graphical displays along with managerial discussion.
Late recovery with cyclosporine-A of an auto-immune sudden sensorineural hearing loss. (2011)

Sensorineural hearing loss of immune-mediated origin may be present as a symptom in systemic autoimmune diseases or may occur as a primary disorder without other organ involvement (auto-immune inner ear disease). The diagnosis of auto-immune inner ear disease is still predicated on clinical features and to date specific diagnostic tests are not available. We report a case of right-sided sudden hearing loss in a female patient in which the clinical manifestations, in addition to ANA positivity and hypocomplementaemia allowed us to hypothesize an auto-immune inner ear disease. The immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine-A was capable of a recovery of the hearing that, however, occurred progressively with normalization of the hearing function after 1 year of treatment. cyclosporine-A could be proposed as a therapeutic option in case of auto-immune inner ear disease allowing the suspension of corticosteroids that, at high dose, expose patients to potentially serious adverse events.
Force Sensing Resistor and Evaluation of Technology for Wearable Body Pressure Sensing (2016)

Wearable technologies are gaining momentum and widespread diffusion. Thanks to devices such as activity trackers, in form of bracelets, watches, or anklets, the end-users are becoming more and more aware of their daily activity routine, posture, and training and can modify their motor-behavior. Activity trackers are prevalently based on inertial sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. Loads we bear with us and the interface pressure they put on our body also affect posture. A contact interface pressure sensing wearable would be beneficial to complement inertial activity trackers. What is precluding force sensing resistors (FSR) to be the next best seller wearable? In this paper, we provide elements to answer this question. We build an FSR based on resistive material (Velostat) and printed conductive ink electrodes on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate; we test its response to pressure in the range 0–2.7 kPa. We present a state-of-the-art review, filtered by the need to identify technologies adequate for wearables. We conclude that the repeatability is the major issue yet unsolved.
Polarization imaging for material classification (2008)

A simple and stable method is proposed for distinguishing dielectric and metal material surfaces from the polarization images captured by a vision system consisting of a linear polarizer and a digital camera. The polarization state is determined by the transmitted light intensity through the polarizer as a function of polarizing orientation. The degree of polarization (DOP) is estimated from the image intensities through the polarizer. The DOP map is quite effective for material classification around specular highlight on an object surface. We prove that the DOP map is convex for a dielectric surface and concave for a metal surface. The problem of material classification is then reduced to a simple judgment of the convexity of the DOP map obtained around the highlight peak. The proposed method is not a pixelwise local method based on thresholding the Fresnel ratio computed at each pixel but an area-based method based on the DOP map in a highlight area. The feasibility of the method is confirmed in experiments under a variety of conditions.
Intelligent Home: Sms Based Home Security System With Immediate Feedback (2012)

A low cost Short Message System (SMS) based Home security system equipped with motion, smoke, temperature, humidity and light sensors has been studied and tested. The sensors are controlled by a microprocessor PIC 18F4520 through the SMS having password protection code for the secure operation. The user is able to switch light and the appliances and get instant feedback. Also in cases of emergencies such as fire or robbery the system will send alert message to occupant and relevant civil authorities. The operation of the home security has been tested on Vodafone- Fiji network and Digicel Fiji Network for emergency and feedback responses for 25 samples. The experiment showed that it takes about 8-10s for the security system to respond in case of emergency. It takes about 18-22s for the occupant to switch and monitor lights and appliances and then get feedback depending upon the network traffic.
Dynamic Three-Dimensional Scoring of Cerebral Perfusion Pressure and Intracranial Pressure Provides a Brain Trauma Index That Predicts Outcome in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (2011)

Calculation of a BTI from continuous digital data predicts outcome in severe TBI and has potential for the design of real-time bedside early warning systems.
<scp>TGF</scp>‐<i>β</i> & <scp>BMP</scp> Receptors Endoglin and <scp>ALK</scp>1: Overview of their Functional Role and Status as Antiangiogenic Targets (2014)

The formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, angiogenesis, is facilitated through a host of different signaling processes. Members of the TGF-β superfamily, TGF-β1, TGF-β3, and BMP9, are key propagators of both inhibition and initiation of angiogenesis. HHT, characterized by AVM and capillary bed defects, is caused by germline mutations in the ENG and ACVRL1/ALK1 genes, respectively. Clinical symptoms include epistaxis and GI hemorrhage. The membranous receptors endoglin and ALK1 activate proliferation and migration of endothelial cells during the angiogenic process via the downstream intracellular SMAD signaling pathway. Endothelial cell senescence or activation is dependent on the type of cytokine, ligand concentration, cell-cell interaction, and a multitude of other signaling molecules. Endoglin and ALK1 receptor levels in tumor vasculature correlate inversely with prognosis in humans, whereas in mice, endoglin deficiency decelerates tumor progression. Therefore, endoglin and ALK1 have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for antibody treatment in various cancers. Early phase clinical trials in humans are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biological therapy targeting endoglin/ALK1-mediated cells signaling.
Facile fabrication of CuO mesoporous nanosheet cluster array electrodes with super lithium-storage properties (2012)

A facile and low-cost approach has been developed to fabricate CuO mesoporous nanosheet cluster arrays (MNCAs) directly grown on a Cu substrate via an ammonia vapor-phase corrosion route. As integrated anodes for lithium-ion batteries without binders and conductivity agents, CuO MNCAs exhibit a high reversible capacity of 639.8 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 1C rate and a high-rate capability of 548.8 mA h g−1 at 10C rate. Excellent lithium-storage properties may be ascribed to the unique MNCA structure, which offers a large surface to volume ratio that favors lithium-storage, and provides a large free space to alleviate the large volume variation during the charge–discharge process. The strategy of vapor-phase corrosion is promising for use in the construction other nanoarchitectured materials for high power applications.
Rheology and Rheometry of Aluminum Alloys: Influence of Shear and Vibration on Aluminum Flow Properties (2006)

Understanding of flow properties and flow effects of liquid and semisolid aluminum became a key solution for know-how of casting process. Therefore such properties must be characterized a priory to layout of flow process parameters in order to predict structure formation of aluminum in flow. In order to reach target of material characterization it becomes essential to analyze materials under as close to real process conditions as possible. This task was solved by strong modification of commercial rotational rheometer and application of high-resolution temperature control. Besides understanding the flow properties it is essential to find the way of interactive structure control during flow process. Therefore controllable effects were generated and studied with the help of structure related rheological flow properties. For triggering structure formation an influence of mechanical vibration on flow properties of highly concentrated semisolid alloy is explored in this work. For that experimental set-up was designed and adapted to conventional rotational rheometer with precise rheological characterization capability. Priory to fundamental experiments with highly concentrated aluminum suspension a number of calibration tests were performed. Also prediction of wall slippage in shear flow under vibration was evaluated. Analysis of boundary conditions shows that no considerable side effects were present during shear experiment under vibration. The research reveals precise detection of transition temperatures with the help of steady and transient shear viscosity measurement besides selective measurement of full rheological curves within liquid and semisolid state temperature range. Rheological characterization was performed under shear flow conditions with and without presence of orthogonal to flow direction mechanical vibration. It was found that superposition of mechanical vibration and shear flow radically decreases shear viscosity but only in semisolid state. Liquid state rheological properties shows structural behavior but kept insensitive to application of mechanical vibration. For semisolid alloys, comparison between reference shear viscosities at specified shear rates and those measured under vibration shows considerable differences in flow properties. Conversion of concentrated suspension from strongly shear-thinning to almost Newtonian flow behavior is reported here. It is suggested to relate such phenomenon to non-equilibrium between structure formation and disintegration under vibration and hydrodynamic forces of shear flow. Influence of vibration on structure formation was also well observed during measurement of solidification process. Comparison to reference data shows how sensitive structure of concentrated suspension is to vibration in general and especially during solidification phase. The reveled effects and observations provide a solid bases for further fundamental investigations of structure formation regularities in flow of any highly concentrated systems.
Analysis of the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station 1-m telescope using annular Zernike polynomials (2003)

The Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station 1-m telescope is evaluated for the addition of adaptive optics capabilities to its instrumentation suite. Zernike decomposition of the optical system based on phase diversity measurements shows that the static optical aberrations are small enough that they will not degrade the performance of the deformable optical element. The analysis makes use of annular pupil Zernike polynomial reconstruction of the wavefront to accommodate the large obscuration in this telescope and compares this with the results from using filled circular Zernike polynomials.