gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Human Perceptions of Nonverbal Behavior Presented Using Synthetic Humans (2012)

Synthetic humans are computer-generated characters that are designed to behave like humans for the purpose of training or entertainment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of subjects interacting with synthetic humans to determine their responses to nonverbal behaviors, realism, and character personality. This study was part of a research program to develop a virtual game to train awareness of nonverbal communication for cross-cultural competency (3C). Three synthetic humans were created with different levels of realism with respect to their facial movements and skin textures. Low realism characters were defined as models purchased from the company Evolver, with additional facial action units (FAU) added to the character’s face. High realism characters were created based on a model of a real person’s head using 3D imaging cameras and a digital video camera. The same FAUs available in the Evolver characters were also coded into the high realism character as well as more realistic skin texture. During a virtual scenario the subject was asked to interview three characters in the U.S. Army. The subject interviewed each character one-on-one. The three computer characters included two white males, and one black female. The results of this study showed that it is possible to create synthetic humans that include nonverbal behaviors and personalities that are perceived by subjects, and that the subject’s own personal lens affected how they perceive the character. For example, the character Brent was rated similarly by most subjects with respect to personality traits as defined by the Big Five Factor Model. However, half the subjects indicated they liked him (friendly and confident), while about half the subjects did not like him (too confident as to be arrogant).
Novel Class Discovery for 3D Point Cloud Semantic Segmentation (2023)

Novel class discovery (NCD) for semantic segmentation is the task of learning a model that can segment unlabelled (novel) classes using only the supervision from labelled (base) classes. This problem has recently been pioneered for 2D image data, but no work exists for 3D point cloud data. In fact, the assumptions made for 2D are loosely applicable to 3D in this case. This paper is presented to advance the state of the art on point cloud data analysis in four directions. Firstly, we address the new problem of NCD for point cloud semantic segmentation. Secondly, we show that the transposition of the only existing NCD method for 2D semantic segmentation to 3D data is suboptimal. Thirdly, we present a new method for NCD based on online clustering that exploits uncertainty quantification to produce prototypes for pseudo-labelling the points of the novel classes. Lastly, we introduce a new evaluation protocol to assess the performance of NCD for point cloud semantic segmentation. We thoroughly evaluate our method on SemanticKITTI and SemanticPOSS datasets, showing that it can significantly outperform the baseline. Project page at this link: https://github.com/LuigiRiz/NOPS.
Polyurethane composites based on silsesquioxane derivatives of different structures (2018)

A series of siloxane–silsesquioxane resins with Q8 structures, as network nodes containing reactive Si–H groups in the siloxane backbone, connecting silsesquioxane moieties, were prepared in a hydrolytic condensation process and successfully functionalized by hydrosilylation of allyl alcohol. The proposed material being an alternative to the well-defined silsesquioxanes has been characterized and used for preparation of a series of polyurethane (PU)-based composites by simple reaction of 3-hydroxypropyl groups of siloxane–silsesquioxane resin with 1,6-diisocyanatohexane and subsequently with 1,6-hexanediol to get polyurethane composite. A series of composites based on PU and octakis(3-hydroxypropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane were prepared in the same manner to investigate the influence of the filler amount (1, 3 or 5%) and its structure on thermal properties of the obtained materials.
First use of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of bacteria at Hopital Principal de Dakar (Senegal) (2014)

Background: The “MALDITOF” is a potential tool in routine microbiology for the rapid identification of bacteria, viruses, fungi and arthropods. By testing colonies, it only takes a few minutes to obtain a precise identification. In the context of scientific cooperation between the HPD, the IRD and the Mediterranée Infection Foundation, a mass spectrometry “MALDITOF”, the first specimen in Sub-Saharian region, has been installed at the Hôpital Principal (HPD). We present here its main characteristics and results after one year of use. Methods & Materials: Mass spectrometry is an emerging interest technology, and results depend of quality of database. It allows the best identification of bacteria by analyzing their total proteins. Two spots were realized for each colony. Each deposit was covered with 1 μL of the solution matrix. The sample is then vaporized and ionized by laser shots. Generated ions are then subjected to a strong electric field which separates them according to their mass and their “time of flight”. The spectrum obtained is compared to a database of spectra developed from many microbial species. The interpretation that follows leads to the precise identification of the pathogen of interest with a high level of confidence. Results: From July 2012 to June 2013, 2,689 strains of pathogens have been identified. The most common bacteria detected were: E. coli (22%), Klebsiella (13%), Streptococcus (10%), Acinetobacter (7%), Staphylococcus aureus (5%), Pseudomonas (6%), Enterobacter (4%), Enterococci (4%) and fungi as Candida (7%). These pathogens were isolated from 2,938 various samples including: Urine (37%), suppurations (18%), vaginal specimens (15%), blood cultures (11%), gastric levies (4%), lungs levies (6%), saddles (2%) and others (7%). Fourteen strains were unidentifiable by mass spectrometry and may thus correspond to new species so requiring further investigation including molecular biology, targeting the 16S RNA. Conclusion: Mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF is a fast and reliable method for the identification of pathogens. The introduction of this device allows substantial savings in reagents and time reporting of results, enabling a more optimal management of patients in clinical services.
Reversible conjugation of biomembrane vesicles with magnetic nanoparticles using a self-assembled nanogel interface: single particle analysis using imaging flow cytometry (2022)

Nanoscale biomembrane vesicles such as liposomes and extracellular vesicles are promising materials for therapeutic delivery applications. However, modification processes that disrupt the biomembrane affect the performance of these systems. Non-covalent functionalization approaches that are facile and easily reversed by environmental triggers are therefore being widely investigated. In this study, liposomes were successfully hybridized with magnetic iron oxide particles using a cholesterol-modified pullulan nanogel interface. Both the magnetic nanoparticles and the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer interacted with the hydrophobic cholesteryl moieties, resulting in stable hybrids after simple mixing. Single particle analysis by imaging flow cytometry showed that the hybrid particles interacted in solution. Calcein loaded liposomes were not disrupted by the hybridization, showing that conjugation did not affect membrane stability. The hybrids could be magnetically separated and showed significantly enhanced uptake by HeLa cells when a magnetic field was applied. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the hybridization mechanism involved hydrophobic cholesteryl inserting into the biomembrane. Furthermore, exposure of the hybrids to fetal bovine serum proteins reversed the hybridization in a concentration dependent manner, indicating that the interaction was both reversible and controllable. This is the first example of reversible inorganic material conjugation with a biomembrane that has been confirmed by single particle analysis. Both the magnetic nanogel/liposome hybrids and the imaging flow cytometry analysis method have the potential to significantly contribute to therapeutic delivery and nanomaterial development.
Neurohumoral and Metabolic Response to Exercise in Water (2010)

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) stimulates lipid mobilization and lipid oxidation in humans. The mechanism appears to promote lipid mobilization during exercise. We tested the hypothesis that water immersion augments exercise-induced ANP release and that the change in ANP availability is associated with increased lipid mobilization and lipid oxidation. In an open randomized and cross-over fashion we studied 17 men (age 31+/-3.6 years; body mass index 24+/-1.7 kg/m(2); body fat 17+/-6.7%) on no medication. Subjects underwent two incremental exercise tests on a bicycle ergometer. One test was conducted on land and the other test during immersion in water up to the xiphoid process. In a subset (n=7), we obtained electromyography recordings in the left leg. We monitored gas exchange, blood pressure, and heart rate. In addition, we obtained blood samples towards the end of each exercise step to determine ANP, norepinephrine, epinephrine, lactate, free fatty acids, insulin, and glucose concentrations. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold and during peak exercise were similar on land and with exercise in water. The respiratory quotient was mildly reduced when subjects exercised in water. Glucose and lactate measurements were decreased whereas free fatty acid concentrations were increased with exercise in water. Water immersion attenuated epinephrine and norepinephrine and augmented ANP release during exercise. Even though water immersion blunts exercise-induced sympathoadrenal activation, lipid mobilization and lipid oxidation rate are maintained or even improved. The response may be explained by augmented ANP release.
Classification and Nucleotide Sequence of cDNA Encoding the Small Subunit of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase from Rice (1988)

Fifteen cDNA clones for the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase from rice were grouped into two classes based on restriction enzyme maps. One cDNA insert hybridized to a few DNA fragments from a restriction digest of rice genomic DNA. The results indicate that there are different kinds of mRNAs for the small subunit of this enzyme. Two sequences belonging to different classes were determined and compared. Both cDNA sequences contained a 528-bp open reading frame capable of coding for a polypeptide with 175 amino acids. The coding sequences share 91% homology and the deduced amino acid sequences of the precursors to the SSu are 95% homologous. The homology between sequences for the mature protein region is extremely high (99%), and only one amino acid exchange occurs. Comparison with the structures of small subunits from other plants revealed that the small subunit from rice is similar to that from wheat. Extreme codon bias was detected in the cDNAs, and similar codon preferences can be identified for the small subunit and the light harvesting Chi a/b binding protein from other monocot plants, but not from dicot plants. The results suggest that preferential codon usage occurs in the case of genes expressed at high levels on monocot leaves.
Pathogenesis ofEutypa latain Grapevine: Identification of Virulence Factors and Biochemical Characterization of Cordon Dieback (2008)

Eutypa lata is a vascular pathogen of woody plants. In the present study we (i) determined which component(s) of the cell wall polymers were degraded in naturally infected grapevines and in artificially inoculated grape wood blocks; (ii) compared the pattern of wood decay in the tolerant grape cv. Merlot versus the susceptible cv. Cabernet Sauvignon; and (iii) identified secondary metabolites and hydrolytic enzymes expressed by E. lata during wood degradation. Biochemical analyses and a cytochemical study indicated that glucose-rich polymers were primary targets of E. lata. Structural glucose and xylose of the hemicellulose fraction of the plant cell wall and starch were depleted in infected woods identically in both cultivars. Moreover, the more tolerant cv. Merlot always had more lignin in the wood than the susceptible cv. Cabernet Sauvignon, indicating that this polymer may play a role in disease resistance. In vitro assays demonstrated the production by E. lata of oxidases, glycosidases and starch degrading enzymes. Phytotoxic secondary metabolites were also produced but our data suggest that they may bind to the wood. Finally, we demonstrated that free glucose in liquid cultures repressed primary but not secondary metabolism.
Clinical Analysis of Cat Scratch Disease (2010)

We analyzed the clinical background of 63 patients with serologically confirmed cat scratch disease (CSD), Age range of the patients was 0 to 83 years old and mean age was 35.0 years old. Seasonal patterns of cases was observed. A number of patients with CSD was increased during the summer and fall. The peak incidence of CSD occurred in October. Infection followed direct cat or dog contact. Cat contact occurred in 61 cases (96.8%) and dog contact in 2 cases (3.2%). A specific contact with kittens occurred in 39 cases (61.9%). About 49.2% of patients had a cat scratch, 3.2% had a cat bite, 3.2% had a cat flea bite, 41.2% had no history of animal bite. The papule of inoculation site were seen in 27 cases (42.9%) of CSD. The upper extremities were the most likely locations for scratches. Sixty cases (95.2%) of CSD developed lymphadenopathy, 51.7% of the involved nodes were in the axillary, 31.7% were in the inguinal, 21.7% were in the cervical, 16.7% were in the elbow. The mean incubation period of patients with CSD was 18.9 days. The mean duration of lymphadenopathy after the treatment of antibiotics was 44.2 days. The mean value of white blood cell counts was 8130/microL. The mean value of C-reactive protein level was 2.83 mg/dL.
Inhibition of the inflammatory response to stress by targeting interaction between PKR and its cellular activator PACT (2017)

Abstract PKR is a cellular kinase involved in the regulation of the integrative stress response (ISR) and pro-inflammatory pathways. Two N-terminal dsRNA Binding Domains (DRBD) are required for activation of PKR, by interaction with either dsRNA or PACT, another cellular DRBD-containing protein. A role for PKR and PACT in inflammatory processes linked to neurodegenerative diseases has been proposed and raised interest for pharmacological PKR inhibitors. However, the role of PKR in inflammation is subject to controversy. We identified the flavonoid luteolin as an inhibitor of the PKR/PACT interaction at the level of their DRBDs using high-throughput screening of chemical libraries by homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence. This was further validated using NanoLuc-Based Protein Complementation Assay. Luteolin inhibits PKR phosphorylation, the ISR and the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human THP1 macrophages submitted to oxidative stress and toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist. Similarly, luteolin inhibits induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in murine microglial macrophages. In contrast, luteolin increased activation of the inflammasome, in a PKR-independent manner. Collectively, these data delineate the importance of PKR in the inflammation process to the ISR and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pharmacological inhibitors of PKR should be used in combination with drugs targeting directly the inflammasome.
Tracking the Genomic Evolution of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma through Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (2015)

This work illustrates dynamic mutational processes occurring during esophageal adenocarcinoma evolution and following selective pressures of platinum exposure, emphasizing the iatrogenic impact of therapy on cancer evolution. Identification of amplifications encoding targetable oncogenes maintained through NAC suggests the presence of stable vulnerabilities, unimpeded by cytotoxics, suitable for therapeutic intervention.
Self-Reported Spatial Hearing Abilities Across Different Cochlear Implant Profiles (2014)

This study suggests that there are substantial differences in perceived spatial hearing ability among unilateral and bimodal CI users compared with bilateral and short electrode CI users.
A Trusted Handoff Decision Scheme for the Next Generation Wireless Networks (2008)

Fourth Generation Wireless Networks (FGWN) consists of heterogeneous networks managed by different operators (or service providers). The provision of continuous services for mobile nodes is a main issue for the FGWN, Thus, it is necessary to provide seamless handover while moving in such environment. Moreover, the establishment of trust relationships between FGWN’s entities poses a major challenge. In this regard, exchanging trust information between networks and mobile nodes is an important factor which guarantees a trusted handoff decision. In this paper, we will present a Trusted Distributed Vertical Handoff Decision (T-DVHD) scheme, which provides trusted and seamless vertical handover. The simulation outputs show good performance of the T-DVHD in term of handoff delay, blocking rate and throughput. Key words:
On the Structure at Infinity and the Structure of an Interactor (1995)

Since an interactor is defined as a polynomial matrix which cancels all zeros at infinity of a given plant transfer matrix by multiplying from the left, an interactor can be regarded as an alternative representation of the structure at infinity of a plant. This implies that there is a direct relationship between the structure at infinity of a plant and the structure of degrees of its interactor. In this paper, we will discuss this relationship. For this purpose, we define a regular interactor by an interactor whose row degrees coincide with the multiplicities of zeros at infinity of a plant. Then, it will be shown that an interactor is regular if and only if it is row proper. We will also give a procedure for calculating a regular interactor from a given transfer matrix.
Controlling spam emails at the routers (2005)

Like it or not, unsolicited bulk commercial Email (aka "spam") has become a regular menu item on the Internet information diet. Every day, millions of people find their Email in-boxes clogged with vast quantities of spam. Moreover, the daily replenishment of all those in-boxes with new spam also consumes significant amount of network bandwidth. Dealing with spam is like fighting a battle against a large army; the most effective approach is to employ multiple tactics. However, almost all spam control methods that have been proposed and implemented follow the same basic theme of establishing a "front line" of defense at the end-user level. Thus, in this paper we propose a method for blocking the supply lines. More specifically, we identify spam at the router level and control it via rate limiting. Spam identification is done in two phases. In the first phase, we identify the bulk stream of Email messages and in second phase we apply Bayesian classifier to identify whether it is a spam. If a bulk Email stream is classified as a spam then we rate limit it (e.g. no more than one copy per minute). Our proposed method exploits the short timespan delivery and bulkiness of spam Emails. We use publicly available spam corpus to evaluate our proposed scheme and in the other set of experiments, we work on one month sanitized log of our department Emails to provide the representative results.
Integrated Electronics for a 1cm3 Robot for Micro and Nanomanipulation Applications: MiCRoN (2006)

Micro and nanomanipulation are one of the key processes in bioengineering applications. Traditionally, standalone, static, expensive and big devices have been used for this purpose. In this paper, an innovative approach based on the use of a limited cluster of specialized microrobots working cooperatively is proposed and the driving electronics developed are presented. There are three types of specialized microrobots: manipulators (provided with a gripper), actuators (provided with a syringe) and scanners (provided with an AFM). Each robot is assembled and programmed depending on the specialized task that must perform in the cluster. To do that, a versatile and common electronics on board solution based on full custom integrated circuits has been developed for all the robots. Depending on the assigned task, the selected robot of the cluster gets the necessary orders to proceed whereas the rest can be programmed in a different way to do a complementary job in order to implement the cooperative approach
Jazz Piano Trio Synthesizing System Based On Hmm And Dnn (2017)

(Abstract to follow)
Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Eyes After Corneal Refractive Surgery (2000)

For correct assessment of keratometric readings to be entered into more than one modern third-generation IOL power calculation formula (but not a regression formula), the clinical history method should be applied whenever refraction and keratometric diopters before the keratorefractive procedure are available to the cataract surgeon. If preoperative keratometric diopters and refraction are not known, average central power on the postoperative videokeratograph may be used after RK, but refined calculation of keratometric diopters from radius of anterior and posterior corneal surface should be used after PRK and/or LASIK.
A distance measure between plant architectures (2000)

In many biological fields (e.g. horticulture, forestry, botany), a need exists to quantify different types of variability within a set of plants. In this paper, we propose a method to compare plant individuals based on a detailed comparison of their architectures. The core of the method relies on an adaptation of an algorithm for comparing rooted tree graphs, recently proposed by Zhang in theoretical computer science. Using this algorithm a distance between two plants is defined as the cost of transforming one into the other (using basic "edit operations"). We illustrate this method in three application fields and then compare it with other methods for quantifying plant similarity.
Analysis of accessibility to emergency rooms by dynamic population from mobile phone data: Geography of social inequity in South Korea (2020)

Accessibility of emergency medical care is one of the crucial factors in evaluating national primary medical care systems. While many studies have focused on this issue, there was a fundamental limit to the measurement of accessibility of emergency rooms, because the commonly used census-based population data are difficult to provide realistic information in terms of time and space. In this study, we evaluated the geographical accessibility of emergency rooms in South Korea by using dynamic population counts from mobile phone data. Such population counts were more accurate and up-to-date because they are obtained by aggregating the number of mobile phone users in a 50-by-50 m grid of a locational field, weighted by stay time. Considering both supply and demand of emergency rooms, the 2-step floating catchment analysis was implemented. As a result, urban areas, including the capital city Seoul, showed lower accessibility to emergency rooms, whereas rural areas recorded higher accessibility. This result was contrary to the results analyzed by us based on census-based population data: higher accessibility in urban areas and lower in rural. This implies that using solely census data for accessibility analysis could lead to certain errors, and adopting mobile-based population data would represent the real-world situations for solving problems of social inequity in primary medical care.