gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Video Streaming Transport: Measurements and Advances (2020)

Video streaming data forms the largest portion of the current Internet and is expected to rise even further. Providing and maintaining a high-quality experience for video is in the interest of both consumers and providers. However, the nature of network requirements for video traffic is different from other types of web traffic, and hence the goal requires a constant effort to advance video protocols in line with the changing Internet. This consists of not only developing new protocols and techniques to optimise the use of the Internet for video traffic but also developing meaningful video measurements that reflect user experience. &#13;\nIn this thesis, we propose extensions and mechanisms to existing Internet protocols that enhance video quality and experience. We present results from experimentation that show how slight modifications to current protocols can be done to significantly improve the video streaming experience: (1) by introducing multiple path awareness (e.g. 3G, WiFi, Ethernet) to RTP, and (2) by using out of order delivery over TCP to improve timeliness for adaptive streaming. We also present a framework for enhancing current edge network measurements to encompass video experience using active testing while keeping the tests computationally light and easily deployable for large-scale network measurements. &#13;\nThis thesis contributes to an evolving Internet, where video traffic has gained an equal if not higher importance to other web traffic. The large-scale video tests provide a mechanism where subscribers and Internet providers can better gauge performance from a video perspective, whereas, the work on adaptive video streaming over partially reliable and out of order transport paves the way for newer Internet protocols, which are now widely being recognised as a need of the hour in the heavily ossified and somewhat inflexible Internet.
Content Aware Image Pre-Compensation (2018)

The goal of image pre-compensation is to process an image such that after being convolved with a known kernel, will appear close to the sharp reference image. In a practical setting, the pre-compensated image has significantly higher dynamic range than the latent image. As a result, some form of tone mapping is needed. In this paper, we show how global tone mapping functions affect contrast and ringing in image pre-compensation. We further enhance contrast and reduce ringing by considering the visual saliency. Specifically, we prioritize contrast preservation in salient regions while tolerating more blurriness elsewhere. For quantitative analysis, we design new metrics to measure the contrast of an image with ringing. Specifically, we set out to find its "equivalent ringing-free" image that matches its intensity histogram and uses its contrast as the measure. We illustrate our approach on projector defocus compensation and visual acuity enhancement. Compared with the state-of-the-art, our approach significantly improves the contrast. We also perform user studies to demonstrate that our method can effectively improve the viewing experience for users with impaired vision.
Patient Outcomes Following Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Implant of the Lesser Metatarsals (2020)

Category: Lesser Toes; Other Introduction/Purpose: Lesser toe metatarsal phalangeal (MTP) joint pathology presents a challenge for surgical treatment. Recently, synthetic cartilage implants have been shown to be safe and efficacious in treating hallux ridigus, offering pain relief while preserving motion at the MTP joint. At our institution, metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implant has been utilized in the 2nd and 3rd MTP joints for advanced arthritis, failed management of Freiberg’s infraction, and osteochondral defects. We present a case series describing the clinical outcomes of 12 patients following PVA implantation of the 2nd or 3rd MTP. Methods: We retrospectively identified 12 consecutive patients (13 joints) who underwent PVA hydrogel implantation of the 2nd (n=12) or 3rd (n=1) metatarsal head between 2017 and 2019. PVA implant was indicated for advanced arthritis in 6 patients (7 joints), Freiberg’s infraction in 4 patients, and osteochondral defect in 2 patients. Average age was 51 years (range, 20-67), with 100% females. Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) scores were collected preoperatively and at latest follow-up, with an average follow-up of 20.4 months (range, 8.3 to 29.2). Retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate postoperative complications, including need for revision, implant removal, and persistent pain. Results: Overall, patients demonstrated mean improvement in all PROMIS domains, with a significant improvement in Pain Intensity of 11.9 points (p=0.03) postoperatively. A total of 4 postoperative complications occurred in the 12 patients: one case of AVN at 2 years postoperatively, one revision with removal of the implant and bone grafting of the second metatarsal head at 1 year postoperatively, one periprosthetic fracture at 9 months postoperatively, and one recurrence of pain requiring ultrasound- guided injection at 7 months postoperatively. Three additional patients reported persistent pain postoperatively. Conclusion: This study represents the largest case series to date evaluating the use of PVA hydrogel implant in the surgical correction of lesser toe MTP joint pathology. While the PVA implant presents a viable option in the setting of advanced arthritis, Freiberg’s infraction, and certain osteochondral defects, it is not without complications. The specific indications for use of the PVA implant should be carefully considered before implantation.
Effect of Date and Location on Maximum Achievable Altitude for a Solar Powered Aircraft (1997)

The maximum altitude attainable for a solar powered aircraft without any energy storage capability is examined. Mission profiles for a solar powered aircraft were generated over a range of latitudes and dates. These profiles were used to determine which latitude-date combinations produced the highest achieavable altitude. Based on the presented analysis the results have shown that for a given time of year lower latitudes produced higher maximum altitudes. For all the cases examined the time and date which produced the highest altitude was around March at the equator.
Trajectory Planning Using Enhanced Vector form A* Algorithm with Trapezoidal Velocity Profile for Wheeled Mobile Robot (2015)

This paper includes A* algorithm in vector map, using map's corners as the nodes. In traditional A* algorithm, nodes are considered as the condition of bringing up moving paths. By this way, there are a large number of turning points in the algorithm. For this reason, this paper modifies the process in A* algorithm and adds a function to check the feasible moving paths between nodes. And to avoid moving paths being too near obstacles and collisions, this paper includes image erosion processing to erase the region too close to the obstacles so that the robot can keep suitable distance from obstacles while moving. Besides, this paper also adds arc-shaped path optimization to make the paths smoother, so the robot can cross each node in curve path, and reduce the cost time.
How 3D Virtual Reality Stores Can Shape Consumer Purchase Decisions: The Roles of Informativeness and Playfulness (2019)

The recent rise of consumer virtual reality (VR) hardware raises important questions in the field of online marketing: what makes 3D VR more informative and playful than conventional 2D media such as a still image and a video, and how it affects the online purchase decision-making process. In this study, we mainly focus on three interface features—interactivity, visual–spatial cues, and graphics quality. We explore how each of these three interface features enhances playfulness and informativeness of shopping interface and further influences subsequent product evaluation and purchase intention. The results of the study provide two meaningful insights. First, interactivity and visual–spatial cues significantly enhance perceived informativeness and playfulness; however, the role of graphics quality was found to be more critical for 2D displays than for 3D VR environment. Second, informativeness and playfulness influence the purchase decision-making process in distinct ways. More specifically, a playful interface may enhance consumers’ preference for hedonic product benefits (e.g., a stylish and attractive design), whereas informativeness is a more important explanatory variable for subsequent purchase intentions. We discuss the theoretical contribution and managerial insights the research provides for online retailers and designers.
A high density linkage map and quantitative trait loci for tree growth for New Zealand mānuka ( Leptospermum scoparium ) (2018)

ABSTRACT A high‐density linkage map was constructed for mānuka ( Leptospermum scoparium ) genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and a segregating population developed using accessions from the East Cape region of New Zealand. Parental maps were constructed using 1140 and 1509 SNPs markers grouped into 11 linkage groups for both parents spanning a total of 1242.8 and 1616.2 cM, respectively. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed for tree height. In total, 10 QTLs were detected after the measured variable was adjusted for the block effect in the field. The significant QTLs were inherited from both parents (five each) and were located on LG2, 3, 6, 7, 9 and 10. This is the first high‐density linkage map constructed using thousands of genetic markers obtained by GBS, the first QTL reported for a New Zealand native tree species, which represents a model for future genetic analysis of indigenous New Zealand species.
A Slanting Light-Guide Analog Decoding High Resolution Detector for Positron Emission Tomography Camera (1987)

Current high resolution PET cameras require the scintillation crystals to be much narrower than the smallest available photomultipliers. In addition, the large number of photomultiplier channels constitutes the major component cost in the camera. Recent new designs use the Anger camera type of analog decoding method to obtain higher resolution and lower cost by using the relatively large photomultipliers. An alternative approach to improve the resolution and cost factors was proposed by W. H. Wong, with a system of slanting light-guides between the scintillators and the photomultipliers. In the Anger camera schemes, the scintillation light is distributed to several neighboring photomultipliers which then determine the scintillation location. In the slanting light-guide design, the scintillation is metered and channeled to only two photomultipliers for the decision making. This paper presents the feasibility and performance achievable with the slantinig light-guide detectors. With a crystal/photomultiplier ratio of 6/1, the intrinsic resolution was found to be 4.0 mm using the first non-optimized prototype light-guides on BGO crystals. The axial resolution will be about 5-6 mm.
A Modeled Approach for Online Adversarial Test of Operational Vehicle Safety (extended version) (2020)

The scenario-based testing of operational vehicle safety presents a set of principal other vehicle (POV) trajectories that seek to force the subject vehicle (SV) into a certain safety-critical situation. Current scenarios are mostly (i) statistics-driven: inspired by human driver crash data, (ii) deterministic: POV trajectories are pre-determined and are independent of SV responses, and (iii) overly simplified: defined over a finite set of actions performed at the abstracted motion planning level. Such scenario-based testing (i) lacks severity guarantees, (ii) has predefined maneuvers making it easy for an SV with intelligent driving policies to game the test, and (iii) is inefficient in producing safety-critical instances with limited and expensive testing effort. We propose a model-driven online feedback control policy for multiple POVs which propagates efficient adversarial trajectories while respecting traffic rules and other concerns formulated as an admissible state-action space. The approach is formulated in an anchor-template hierarchy structure, with the template model planning inducing a theoretical SV capturing guarantee under standard assumptions. The planned adversarial trajectory is then tracked by a lower-level controller applied to the full-system or the anchor model. The effectiveness of the methodology is illustrated through various simulated examples with the SV controlled by either parameterized self-driving policies or human drivers.
New reporting items and recommendations for randomized trials impacted by COVID-19 and force majeure events: a targeted approach (2023)

Our recommendations were proposed to improve the reporting of randomized clinical trials impacted by COVID-19 and force majeure events that are broadly applicable to different areas of medical research.
An efficient transport service for slow wireless telephone links (1997)

Modern digital cellular telephones and portable computers have created a new platform for distributed information processing. However, the characteristics of wireless telephone links are different from those of wireline links. With standard TCP/IP protocols, this can lead to severe performance problems; some are related to the control of the wireless link, some to the cooperation of the wireless link and the fixed network. One possible solution is to split the end-to-end communication path into two parts, and to establish a separate control for each part. The Mowgli communication architecture is a sophisticated elaboration of this basic idea covering several data communication layers. One of its main components is the Mowgli data channel service (MDCS), which transparently replaces the standard TCP/IP core protocols over the slow wireless link. We discuss how the Mowgli approach, using the MDCS, alleviates the problems encountered with TCP/IP protocols over slow wireless links. The results of our performance tests indicate the merits of the Mowgli approach. The transfer times and the response times become more stable, transfer times for multiple parallel bidirectional transfers are substantially reduced, and response times in interactive work can be kept at a low and predictable level, even when there is other traffic on the wireless link.
Patellofemoral Kinematics After Limited Resurfacing of the Trochlea (2009)

Patellofemoral kinematics after a limited resurfacing of the trochlea was investigated. Patellofemoral contact pressure, area, and force were measured for intact state; after creation of a 20-mm full-thickness trochlear defect; and after trochlear resurfacing implant (Arthrosurface) in serial flexion positions (45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees). In the defect state, edge loading and peak contact forces were highest at the periphery. The chondral defect increased peak contact force (13 to 18 N, P < .01) and peak contact pressure (23 to 31 kg/cm2, P < .02) compared with the intact state. Peak contact pressure and force were restored to 90% (P < .01) and 88% (P < .01). Implantation of the device restored contact area to 85% of the intact state. Limited resurfacing of the trochlea restores contact area, peak pressure, and peak force to the intact state. These findings highlight the potential clinical use of limited patellofemoral resurfacing in trochlear chondral defects.
Granule-bound starch synthase I in isolated starch granules elongates malto-oligosaccharides processively (1999)

Isoforms of starch synthase belonging to the granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) class synthesize the amylose component of starch in plants. Other granule-bound isoforms of starch synthase, such as starch synthase II (SSII), are unable to synthesize amylose. The kinetic properties of GBSSI and SSII that are responsible for these functional differences have been investigated using starch granules from embryos of wild-type peas and rug5 and lam mutant peas, which contain, respectively, both GBSSI and SSII, GBSSI but not SSII and SSII but not GBSSI. We show that GBSSI in isolated granules elongates malto-oligosaccharides processively, adding more than one glucose molecule for each enzyme-glucan encounter. Granule-bound SSII can elongate malto-oligosaccharides, but has a lower affinity for these than GBSSI and does not elongate processively. As a result of these properties GBSSI synthesizes longer malto-oligosaccharides than SSII. The significance of these results with respect to the roles of GBSSI and SSII in vivo is discussed.
Significant Improved Performance of Photovoltaic Cells Made from a Partially Fluorinated Cyclopentadithiophene/Benzothiadiazole Conjugated Polymer (2012)

A partially fluorinated low bandgap polymer, poly[2,6-(4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta [2,1-b;3,4-b′]dithiophene)-alt-4,7-(5-fluoro-[2,1,3]-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTFBT) was synthesized through a microwave-assisted Stille polymerization. It was found that PCPDTFBT has better π–π stacking in solution than its nonfluorinated analogue, poly[2,6-(4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b;3,4-b′]dithiophene)-alt-4,7-([2,1,3]-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT), resulting in 2 times higher hole mobility. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device using PCPDTFBT/PC71BM as active layer (5.51%) is much higher than the device using PCPDTBT/PC71BM (2.75%) that was fabricated under the same condition without using any solvent additive to modify the morphology. The significantly enhanced PCE is the result of improved open circuit voltage and short circuit current coming from the lower lying HOMO energy level and the appropriate morphology of PCPDTFBT. In addition, the device with PCPDTFBT/PC71BM could also be processed from nonchlorinated organic solvents such as o-xylene to obtain high PCE of 5.32% (which is the highest value for PCPDTBT type polymers processed without using chlorinated solvents). Further device optimization by inserting a thin layer of fullerene-containing surfactant between the active layer and Ag cathode resulted in even higher PCE of 5.81%. These encouraging results showed that PCPDTFBT has the potential to be used as a low bandgap polymer to provide complementary absorption in tandem solar cells.
Stochastic Resonance in Bioinspired Electronic Device Using Polymer Field Effect Transistors (2018)

Stochastic resonance (SR) phenomenon is emerged in organic field effect transistors (OFETs) using $\pi$-conjugated polymer, where application of external noise to the OFET system enhances signal/information processing performance which is often found in biological systems.The channel conductivity of the OFET is slightly increased by spin-coating using heated semiconductor polymer solution with heated glass substrate.In order to improve frequency responses of OFET, optimal width of the gate electrode is explored. Furthermore, it turns out that scratching and removing semiconductor film outside the source-drain electrodes and the channel enhances the On-Off current ratio of the device. These fabrication processes lead to steeper nonlinearity on the $I_{\rm DS}$ {\it vs.} $V_{\rm GS}$ curve, resulting in emergence of SR, which is fingerprinted in increase of correlation value between input and output signals with increase of intensity of external noise.
Sensitive Spectrophotometric Assay for Plasma Oxalate (2005)

Precise measurement of plasma oxalate is difficult because the concentration in healthy humans is fairly low (1–3 μmol/L) (1)(2). A colorimetric enzymatic assay that uses oxalate oxidase is commonly used for oxalate detection (2)(3). This assay is fairly straightforward for detecting urinary oxalate, which occurs at concentrations in the millimolar range. Plasma oxalate, however, occurs at concentrations in the micromolar range, and signals generated by oxidase degradation are difficult to detect. Our reference laboratory previously used an oxalate oxidase–based assay that required enzyme immobilization on a nylon coil and uses an HPLC with spectrophotometric detection (1). This method has several disadvantages, including limited automation potential, and requires subjective estimation of peak size. We therefore took advantage of the enhanced sensitivity of currently available spectrophotometers (absorbance measured down to a sensitivity of 0.0001) to develop a plasma assay that uses soluble oxalate oxidase (1)(2)(3)(4).

The reagents used were as follows: oxalate reagents A and B and the Oxalate Urine Control Elevated, purchased from Trinity Biotech; hydrochloric acid (0.01 and 12 mol/L), sodium hydroxide (10 mol/L), potassium citrate monohydrate (crystalline; formula weight 324.22), EDTA disodium salt dihydrate (crystalline powder; formula weight 372.24), citric acid monohydrate (granular; formula weight 210.14), and sodium nitrite (crystalline; formula weight 69.00) from Fisher; and oxalic acid dihydrate (formula weight 126.07) and Triton from Sigma. Disposable polystyrene semimicro (1.5 mL) cuvettes were purchased through Fisher. Absorbance was measured with the Beckman Coulter DU800 UV/Visible Spectrophotometer.

Stock citrate buffer (0.33 mol/L) was prepared by dissolving 30.5 g of potassium citrate, 50 g of citric acid, and 2 g of EDTA disodium salt in 1 L of distilled, deionized H2O, with a mean (SD) resulting pH of 3.3 (0.2). Working citrate buffer (0.066 mol/L) was prepared from …
Activation of oxygen molecules by 1070  nm laser radiation in aerated solvents (2021)

Population of the chemically active singlet <sup>1</sup><i>Δ</i><sub>g</sub>(0) state of molecular oxygen occurring due to direct laser excitation of the <sup>1</sup><i>Δ</i><sub>g</sub>(1)←<sup>3</sup><i>Σ</i><i>g</i>-(0) transition has been observed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, in oxygen molecules dissolved in organic solvents saturated with air under natural conditions (room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure). The data were obtained in 1 cm spectrophotometric cells due to the application of a set of high-power IR fiber and diode lasers. The rate of laser generation of the singlet (<sup>1</sup><i>Δ</i><sub>g</sub>(0)) states in oxygen molecules was monitored by a chemical trapping method. It was found that the action spectra of singlet oxygen generation have one distinct band with a maximum at 1070 nm and half-width of ∼10<i>n</i><i>m</i>. The absorption coefficients at 1070 nm were shown to be 100-110-fold lower than those at the main oxygen absorption peak (1273 nm) corresponding to the <sup>1</sup><i>Δ</i><sub>g</sub>(0)←<sup>3</sup><i>Σ</i><i>g</i>-(0) transition. Under excitation at 810-1061 nm, very low trapping rates were observed, which did not depend on excitation wavelengths being probably caused by thermal effects. There was no reliable increase in the trapping rate under irradiation at 810 and 920 nm corresponding to the <sup>1</sup><i>Δ</i><sub>g</sub>(2,3)←<sup>3</sup><i>Σ</i><i>g</i>-(0) transitions. This fact suggests that absorbance corresponding to these transitions is much lower than that at 1070 nm. The obtained results are important for both spectroscopy of oxygen and mechanistic studies of biological and therapeutic action of laser radiation.
Nonequilibrium pH Gel Electrophoresis (NEPHGE) (2003)

Nonequilibrium pH gel electrophoresis (NEPHGE) is a technique developed to resolve proteins with extremely basic isoelectric points (pH 7.5-11.0) (,). These proteins are difficult to resolve using standard IEF, because the presence of urea in IEF gels has a buffering effect and prevents the pH gradient from reaching the very basic values (with a pH above 7.3-7.6) (3). In addition, cathodic drift causes many very basic proteins to run off the end of the gel. During NEPHGE, proteins are not focused to their isoelectric point, but instead move at different rates across the gel owing to charge. For this reason, the accumulated volt hours actually determine the pattern spread across the gel. It is therefore imperative that volt hours be consistent to assure reproducible patterns.