gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
A real-time e-learning system via satellite based on JMF and Windows Media (2002)

In this paper we present the design and development of a real-time e-learning system at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. The main novelty of this multimedia virtual classroom is the integration of Windows Media, Java Media Framework (JMF) and MPEG4 in a web-based environment. The communication network used in this real-time e-learning system is a satellite network for the multicasting of high-quality video from the teachers to the students using RTP, together with Internet/ISDN as return channel from the remote classrooms for low-quality video questions transmission. The system is fully operational and in the following year will be used as support for an e-learning co-operation project between Spain and South-America by a satellite communications operator.
Cardiac tumours: an update (2007)

Cardiologists evaluate cardiac masses after clinical symptoms lead to a positive imaging study, or because of an incidental mass found at imaging, usually echocardiography. Cardiac masses range from non-neoplastic lesions to high grade malignancies (box 1) and occur over a wide range of ages (table 1). Ninety per cent of primary cardiac tumours are either myxomas, which are cured by resection, or sarcomas, which have a dismal prognosis regardless of treatment (table 1).1–5

View this table:

Table 1 Incidence of primary cardiac tumours* by mean age at presentation†

Although the vast majority of heart tumour patients are readily referred to the surgeon (and eventually oncologist in the case of sarcoma), the rare patient with a heart tumour causes great interest among clinical cardiologists. Cardiac myxomas have a wide range of clinical presentations that may mimic a variety of non-neoplastic conditions. Most cardiac masses are not amenable to percutaneous biopsy; therefore definitive diagnosis often awaits surgical excision and allows for a time of suspense during which differential diagnoses are discussed. The 10% of heart tumours that are not myxoma or sarcoma comprise a quite varied group of lesions.

Cardiac masses that are discovered by imaging can be considered in three groups: paediatric tumours, which are mostly hamartomas and are associated in many cases with genetic syndromes; benign tumours, both non-neoplastic masses and benign neoplasms, which are generally cured by surgery; and malignancies, which are mostly primary cardiac sarcomas, but which include lymphoma and metastases (with known or occult primary) (box 1). In this article, tumours will be presented based on usual site in the heart, as differential diagnosis varies greatly by site (table 2). Primary tumours may arise in adults most frequently from the endocardium, followed by the cardiac muscle, and, most infrequently, the pericardium. Interestingly, the rate of metastatic lesions is the reverse; the pericardium is by far the most common …
Nonlinear optics in nonlocal nanowire metamaterials(Conference Presentation) (2016)

Plasmonic nanowire metamaterials, arrays of aligned plasmonic nanowires grown inside an insulating substrate, have recently emerged as a flexible platform for engineering refraction, diffraction, and density of photonic states, as well as for applications in bio- and acoustic sensing. Majority of unique optical phenomena associated with nanowire metamaterials have been linked to the collective excitation of cylindrical surface plasmons propagating on individual nanowires. From the effective medium standpoint, this collective excitation can be described as an additional electromagnetic wave, emanating from nonlocal effective permittivity of metamaterial. The electromagnetic fields associated with such mode can are strongly inhomogeneous on the scale of the unit cell. In this work we analyze the effect of the strong field variation inside nanowire metamaterial on second harmonic generation (SHG). We show that second harmonic generation is strongly enhanced in the frequency region where metamaterial is nonlocal. Overall, the composite is predicted to outperform its homogeneous metal counterparts by several orders of magnitude. Quantitative description of SHG in nanowire medium is developed. The results suggest that bulk second harmonic polarizability emerges as result of collective surface-enhanced SHG by individual components of the composite.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) scoring system for the individualized prediction of liver cancer in 1080 HCV-related compensated cirrhosis included in the French multicenter prospective cohort ANRS CO12 CirVir (2015)

66th Annual Meeting of the American-Association-for-the-Study-of-Liver-Diseases (AASLD). San Francisco, CA, nov 2015
Generalized space shift keying modulation for MIMO channels (2008)

A fundamental component of spatial modulation (SM), termed generalized space shift keying (GSSK), is presented. GSSK modulation inherently exploits fading in wireless communication to provide better performance over conventional amplitude/phase modulation (APM) techniques. In GSSK, only the antenna indices, and not the symbols themselves (as in the case of SM and APM), relay information. We exploit GSSKpsilas degrees of freedom to achieve better performance, which is done by formulating its constellation in an optimal manner. To support our results, we also derive upper bounds on GSSKpsilas bit error probability, where the source of GSSKpsilas strength is made clear. Analytical and simulation results show performance gains (1.5-3 dB) over popular multiple antenna APM systems (including Bell Laboratories layered space time (BLAST) and maximum ratio combining (MRC) schemes), making GSSK an excellent candidate for future wireless applications.
Hydrogen peroxide attenuates store-operated calcium entry and enhances calcium extrusion in thyroid FRTL-5 cells (2000)

Redox modulation participates in the regulation of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in several cell types. In thyroid cells, including FRTL-5 cells, changes in [Ca2+]i regulate several important functions, including the production of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide). As H2O2 is of crucial importance for the production of thyroid hormones, we investigated the effects of H2O2 on [Ca2+]i in thyroid FRTL-5 cells. H2O2 itself did not modulate basal [Ca2+]i. However, H2O2 attenuated store-operated calcium entry evoked by thapsigargin, both in a sodium-containing buffer and in a sodium-free buffer. The effect of H2O2 was abrogated by the reducing agent β-mercaptoethanol. H2O2 also attenuated the thapsigargin-evoked entry of barium and manganese. The effect of H2O2 was, at least in part, mediated by activation of protein kinase C (PKC), as H2O2 enhanced the binding of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. H2O2 also stimulated the translocation of the isoenzyme PKCε from the cytosolic fraction to the particulate fraction. Furthermore, H2O2 did not attenuate store-operated calcium entry in cells treated with staurosporine or calphostin C, or in cells with down-regulated PKC. H2O2 depolarized the membrane potential in bisoxonol-loaded cells and when patch-clamp in the whole-cell mode was used. The depolarization was attenuated in cells with down-regulated PKC. This depolarization, at least in part, explained the H2O2-evoked inhibition of calcium entry. In addition, H2O2 enhanced the extrusion of calcium from cells stimulated with thapsigargin and this effect was abolished in cells with down-regulated PKC and after treatment of the cells with the reducing agent β-mercaptoethanol. In conclusion H2O2 attenuates an increase in [Ca2+]i. As H2O2 is produced in thyroid cells in a calcium-dependent manner, our results suggest that H2O2 may participate in the regulation of [Ca2+]i in these cells via a negative-feedback mechanism involving activation of PKC.
Proposed Methodology for Determining Reverse Osmosis Unit Integrity for Pathogen Removal Credit (2018)

It is intuitive to suggest that reverse osmosis (RO), which is used for the removal of dissolved solutes (salts), can also be used to achieve the removal of virus, Giardia , and Cryptosporidium . The challenge is that the use of conductivity for water quality monitoring of the RO process lacks sufficient sensitivity, and a direct integrity test that translates water quality performance to regulatory compliance for pathogen removal has not been established or accepted as a practice. The basis of this article is as follows: It is proposed for a production‐level (e.g., 1 mgd or larger) RO system that the sensitivity can be increased by using the results of a conductivity profile, which is an existing diagnostic tool used to identify integrity defects within an RO unit. The proposed direct integrity test methodology uses the results of a conductivity profile to (1) determine that RO unit integrity exists within statistical limits, (2) isolate and differentiate between the conductivity associated with diffusion and with a defect, and (3) calculate the log removal value (LRV) that would be associated with an RO membrane defect. The resulting calculation approach significantly increases the sensitivity of the LRV calculation and is supported by full‐scale testing data using MS2 coliphage as the challenge organism.
Biodosimetry For a Radiation Worker Using Multiple Assays (1992)

Four state-of-the-art biodosimeters--GPA mutations, chromosome translocations, micronuclei, and dicentrics--were used to evaluate a radiation worker who believed that the official dosimetry records substantially underestimated his actual dose. Dosimetry records indicated that the worker received 0.56 Sv during a 36-y employment history, always within the dose limits. In contrast, the worker believed that his dose equivalent may have been more than 2.5 Sv because much of the exposure was received during the early days of health physics when dosimetry capabilities and practices were not as good as they are today. Because there are no biodosimetric assays that have been fully validated for the long-term low-level exposures received by the worker, we did not expect to obtain particularly useful point-estimates of dose. However, because the discrepancy between the dosimetry records and the worker's belief was so large, we believed that biodosimetry using multiple assays together with probabilistic assessment of the uncertainties would provide useful insight. Results showed that the frequencies of chromosome translocations and GPA mutations (stable biodosimeters) were significantly elevated when compared with those for unexposed controls. Our analysis suggests that dose-equivalent estimates in the approximately 0.4 to approximately 2 Sv range (which include the value in the dosimetry records) cannot be confidently excluded at this time based on biodosimetry; however, a value greater than 2.5 Sv appears unlikely. Important new information on the temporal stability of chromosome translocations is also presented.
Failure from Large Grains in Polycrystalline Ceramics: Transitions in Fracture Toughness (2002)

This paper addresses issues of fracture for materials in which large grains, exist in a matrix of much smaller grains. Polycrystalline ZnS and ZnSe, used for optical components, frequently fall into this category. For material microstructures of this character failure can occur from flaws contained within the isolated large grains so that the governing fracture toughness is that of a single crystal of the material, rather than that of the polycrystalline matrix. I point out that there are currently limitations and uncertainties associated with the most popular experimental procedure available to determine the fracture toughness for small crystals. As an alternative to testing, I discuss the state of our ability to predict fracture toughness based solely on knowledge of lattice parameters and elastic properties. The historical background and examples of such a prediction technique are demonstrated. Second, the role of microstructure in governing the transition from single crystal to polycrystalline values of toughness is shown. I postulate that mixed mode fracture mechanics expressions can be used to explain the transition in fracture toughness.
Informatics and Computing (2014)

This software application is for use with new and existing multichannel verification systems (MVS) and enables MVS users to track and manage the performance of their automated liquid handlers. ArtelWare aggregates the standardized measurements from the MVS for all of a user’s liquid handlers, providing detailed, actionable performance information and insight for the management of these critical laboratory tools.
Mesenchymal cells with leukocyte and lymphendothelial characteristics in murine embryos (2006)

The development of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) from deep embryonic veins or mesenchymal lymphangioblasts is controversially discussed. Studies employing quail-chick grafting experiments have shown that various mesodermal compartments of the embryo possess lymphangiogenic potential, whereas studies on murine embryos have been in favor of a venous origin of LECs. We have investigated NMRI mice from embryonic day (ED) 9.5 to 13.5 with antibodies against the leukocyte marker CD45, the pan-endothelial marker CD31, and the lymphendothelial markers Prox1 and Lyve-1. Early signs of the development of lymphatics are the Lyve-1- and Prox1-positive segments of the jugular and vitelline veins. Then, lymph sacs, which are found in the jugular region of ED 11.5 mice, express Prox1, Lyve-1, and CD31. Furthermore, scattered cells positive for all of the four markers are present in the mesenchyme of the dermatomes and the mediastinum before lymphatic vessels are present in these regions. Their number increases during development. A gradient of increasing CD31 expression can be seen the closer the cells are located to the lymph sacs. Our studies provide evidence for the existence of scattered mesenchymal cells, which up-regulate lymphendothelial and down-regulate leukocyte characteristics when they integrate into growing murine lymphatics. Such stem cells may also be present in the human and may be the cell of origin in post-transplantation Kaposi sarcoma.
A qPCR assay for Bordetella pertussis cells that enumerates both live and dead bacteria (2019)

Abstract Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough, commonly referred to as pertussis. Although the incidence of pertussis was reduced through vaccination, during the last thirty years it has returned to high levels in a number of countries. This resurgence has been linked to the switch from the use of whole-cell to acellular vaccines. Protection afforded by acellular vaccines appears to be short-lived compared to that afforded by whole cell vaccines. In order to inform future vaccine improvement by identifying immune correlates of protection, a human challenge model of B. pertussis colonisation has been developed. Accurate measurement of colonisation status in this model has required development of a qPCR-based assay to enumerate B. pertussis in samples that distinguishes between viable and dead bacteria. Here we report the development of this assay and its performance in the quantification of B. pertussis from human challenge model samples. This assay has future utility in diagnostic labs and in research where a quantitative measure of both B. pertussis number and viability is required.
Inferring domain plans in question-answering (1986)

The importance of plan inference in models of conversation has been widely noted in the computational-linguistics literature, and its incorporation in question-answering systems has enabled a range of cooperative behaviors. The plan inference process in each of these systems, however, has assumed that the questioner (Q), whose plan is being inferred, and the respondent (R), who is drawing the inference, have identical beliefs about the actions in the domain. I demonstrate that this assumption is too strong and that it often results in failure not only of the plan-inference process, but also of the communicative process that plan inference is meant to support. In particular, it precludes the principled generation of appropriate responses to queries that arise from invalid plans. I present a model of plan inference in conversation that distinguishes between the beliefs of the questioner and the beliefs of the respondent. This model rests on an account of plans as mental phenomena: "having a plan" is analyzed as having a particular configuration of beliefs and intentions. Judgements that a plan is invalid are associated with particular discrepancies between the beliefs that R ascribes to Q, when R believes that Q has some particular plan, and the beliefs that R herself holds. I define several types of invalidities from which a plan may suffer, relating each to a particular type of belief discrepancy, and show that the types of any invalidities judged to be present in the plan underlying a query can affect the content of a cooperative response. The plan inference model has been implemented in SPIRIT, a System for Plan Inference that Reasons about Invalidities Too, which reasons about plans underlying queries in the domain of computer mail.
Closed Loop Micromanipulators for Optical Metrology (2006)

The use of light beam micromanipulators in space subsystems has received particular attention in recent years. To compensate for changes in system parameters during the flight, these devices require closed loop control. This paper reports on an integrated feedback mechanism devised for flexural tortional devices. It consists in using monolithically embedded photodetectors to measure the portion of incident light crossing an aperture created in the manipulator. The manipulator position is determined from the detector section shadowed by the displaced aperture. A model is presented for the electrostatically actuated manipulator, predicting effects of structural parameters on angular displacement and resolution. As proof of concept, photodiode assisted closed loop manipulators were microfabricated in varying configurations on Si wafer. Their characteristics of deflection versus actuation voltage were better than those predicted by the model. The feedback mechanism was validated in light of the good agreement between differential photocurrents measured from contiguous photodiodes and theoretical prediction. Details on device modeling, microfabrication, and characterization are reported.
Association between ABO haplotypes and the risk of venous thrombosis: impact on disease risk estimation (2020)

Genetic risk score (GRS) analysis is a popular approach to derive individual risk prediction models for complex diseases. In venous thrombosis (VT), such type of analysis shall integrate information at the ABO blood group locus, which is one of the major susceptibility loci. However, there is no consensus about which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) must be investigated when properly assessing association between ABO locus and VT risk. Using comprehensive haplotype analyses of ABO blood group tagging SNPs in 5425 cases and 8445 controls from 6 studies, we demonstrate that using only rs8176719 (tagging O1) to correctly assess the impact of ABO locus on VT risk is suboptimal, because 5% of rs8176719-delG carriers do not have an increased risk of developing VT. Instead, we recommend the use of 4 SNPs, rs2519093 (tagging A1), rs1053878 (A2), rs8176743 (B), and rs41302905 (O2), when assessing the impact of ABO locus on VT risk to avoid any risk misestimation. Compared with the O1 haplotype, the A2 haplotype is associated with a modest increase in VT risk (odds ratio, ∼1.2), the A1 and B haplotypes are associated with an ∼1.8-fold increased risk, whereas the O2 haplotype tends to be slightly protective (odds ratio, ∼0.80). In addition, although the A1 and B blood groups are associated with increased von Willebrand factor and factor VIII plasma levels, only the A1 blood group is associated with ICAM levels, but in an opposite direction, leaving additional avenues to be explored to fully understand the spectrum of biological effects mediated by ABO locus on cardiovascular traits.
Fast Cloth Animation on Walking Avatars (2001)

This paper describes a fast technique for animating clothing on walking humans. It exploits a mass-spring cloth model but applies a new velocity directional modification approach to overcome its super-elasticity. The algorithm for cloth-body collision detection and response is based on image-space interference tests, unlike the existing ones that use object-space checks. The modern workstations' graphics hardware is used not only to compute the depth maps of the body but also to interpolate the body normal vectors and velocities of each vertex. As a result the approach is very fast and makes it possible to produce animation at a rate of three to four frames per second.
Structural and Functional Insights of RANKL–RANK Interaction and Signaling (2010)

Bone remodeling involves bone resorption by osteoclasts and synthesis by osteoblasts and is tightly regulated by the receptor activator of the NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of the NF-kappaB (RANK)/osteoprotegerin molecular triad. RANKL, a member of the TNF superfamily, induces osteoclast differentiation, activation and survival upon interaction with its receptor RANK. The decoy receptor osteoprotegerin inhibits osteoclast formation by binding to RANKL. Imbalance in this molecular triad can result in diseases, including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we report the crystal structures of unliganded RANK and its complex with RANKL and elucidation of critical residues for the function of the receptor pair. RANK represents the longest TNFR with four full cysteine-rich domains (CRDs) in which the CRD4 is stabilized by a sodium ion and a rigid linkage with CRD3. On association, RANK moves via a hinge region between the CRD2 and CRD3 to make close contact with RANKL; a significant structural change previously unseen in the engagement of TNFR superfamily 1A with its ligand. The high-affinity interaction between RANK and RANKL, maintained by continuous contact between the pair rather than the patched interaction commonly observed, is necessary for the function because a slightly reduced affinity induced by mutation produces significant disruption of osteoclast formation. The structures of RANK and RANKL-RANK complex and the biological data presented in the paper are essential for not only our understanding of the specific nature of the signaling mechanism and of disease-related mutations found in patients but also structure based drug design.
Lactokinins: Whey protein-derived ACE inhibitory peptides (1999)

Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) has been classically associated with the renin-angiotensin system which regulates peripheral blood pressure. Peptides derived from the major whey proteins, i.e. alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-la) and beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg) in addition to bovine serum albumin (BSA), inhibit ACE. Some of these inhibitory peptides, i.e. alpha-lactorphin (alpha-la f(50-53)), beta-lactorphin (beta-lg f(102-105)), beta-lactotensin (beta-lg f(146-149) and albutensin A (BSA f(208-216)), have other bioactivities. The most potent lactokinin reported to date, (beta-lg f(142-148)), has an ACE IC50 of 42.6 mumol/l. While they do not have the inhibitory potency of synthetic drugs commonly used in the treatment of hypertension, these naturally occurring peptides may represent nutraceutical/functional food ingredients for the prevention/treatment of high blood pressure. Studies with gastric and pancreatic proteinase digests of whey proteins indicate that enzyme specificity rather than extent of hydrolysis dictates the ACE inhibitory potency of whey hydrolysates.