gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Texture segmentation using amplitude and phase information of Gabor filters (2003)

Abstract This paper proposes a method in which the amplitude and phase information of a two‐dimensional Gabor filter output are utilized in the supervised segmentation of texture images. The segmentation procedure is as follows. The amplitude and the phase difference between adjacent pixels of the multiple filter outputs are used as the feature parameters. By applying maximum‐likelihood estimation of each pixel in the test image, it is decided to which supervised image the pixel belongs. Then, based on the result of segmentation, maximum a posteriori probability estimation is iteratively applied and the final result of segmentation with region integration is obtained. It is shown that when the number of filters in the frequency space is smaller, the phase difference feature parameter contains information which cannot be obtained by using only the amplitude feature parameter. In particular, it is experimentally shown to be effective to weight the phase difference feature parameters by the amplitude. The accuracy of segmentation can be improved by thus combining the phase difference with the amplitude feature parameter. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 87(4): 66–79, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.10170
Designs of low stress I/O pin attach structures (1992)

Three low-stress pin attachment structures were developed for the glass ceramic-copper multilayer ceramic (MLC) packaging technology used in IBM ES 9000 processors. The structures include the multilayer thin-film I/O pads, taper-headed pin and low-stress solder as the joining alloy. All of them were shown to reduce the pin-joint stress significantly and, consequently, are more compatible with the glass-ceramic module. The authors summarize both experimental and finite-element analysis studies to optimize the stress of the pin-attach system such that the pins can be joined to the glass-ceramic MLC with good reliability. The design goal was to have a pin-joint structure in which the ceramic and the pin-joint will survive a pin-pull test up to 10 lbs with a repairable pin-shank failure mode. The combined stresses generated from the braze, pin loading, and I/O pad should not exceed the fracture strength of the ceramic substrate. Finite-element modeling identified high-stress regions and possible failure modes of each pin joint design. The three approaches taken to reduce the stress of the pin-joint are described.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
Addressing the Unmet Medical Need for Safe and Effective Weight Loss Therapies (2004)

Obesity is a significant healthcare problem worldwide and increases the risk of developing debilitating diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Although the health benefits of weight reduction are well-recognized, weight loss by diet and exercise fail in most patients, and the current marketed drugs have had limited success. It is clear that there is a significant unmet medical need for safe and effective weight-reducing agents. In this review, the current status of potential weight loss approaches that are in development by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry are discussed. This should lead to novel treatments that can be used long-term to effectively treat this serious metabolic disorder.
Rotational Alignment of Femoral Component and Flexion Gap Balance in Patients with Distal Femoral Torsional Deformity Using Navigation-Assisted TKA (2009)

We evaluated the rotational alignment of the femoral component after total knee arthroplasty in 46 patients with distal femoral torsional deformity using a navigation-assisted gap technique. Preoperative distal femoral torsional angle and postoperative rotational deviation of the femoral component were measured using computed tomography. Flexion gap data were obtained from intraoperative navigation measurements. The mean rotational deviation of the femoral component was 4.1 degrees (range, 2 degrees -6 degrees ) internal rotation in reference to transepicondylar axis (TEA). The femoral component was not aligned within 3 degrees in reference to TEA in 30 patients (65.2%). There was no significant difference of rotational deviation of the femoral component between unbalanced and balanced flexion gap groups (P=.65). There was a significant improvement of clinical outcomes after TKA. Navigation-assisted gap technique provided balanced flexion gaps in most patients, although there were wide rotational deviations of femoral components. Using the anatomic bony landmark method can result in excessive external rotation of the femoral component and unbalanced flexion gaps in patients with distal femoral torsional deformity.
Application of neural networks to meltblown process control (1996)

Process modeling is essential for the control of optimization and an on-line prediction is very useful for process monitoring and quality control. Up to now, no satisfactory methods have been found to model an industrial meltblown process since it is of highly dimensional and nonlinear complexity. In this article, back-propagation neural networks (BPNNs) were investigated for modeling the meltblown process and on-line predicting the product specifications such as fiber diameter and web thickness. The feasibility of this application was successfully demonstrated by agreement of the prediction results from the BPNN to the actual measurements of a practical case. The network inputs included extruder temperature, die temperature, melt flow rate, air temperature at die, air pressure at die, and die-to-collector distance (DCD). The output of the fiber diameter was obtained by neural computing. The network training was based on 160 sets of the training samples and the trained network was tested with 70 sets of test samples which were different from the training data. This research is preliminary and of industrial significance and especially valuable for the optimal control of advanced meltblown processes. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Seismic attenuation due to heterogeneities of rock fabric and fluid distribution (2015)

Abstract The study of the influence of rock fabric and porefluid distribution on the seismic wavefield is important for the prediction and detection of reservoir properties such as lithology and fluid saturation. Wave-induced local fluid flow (WILFF), which is affected by local heterogeneities of the pore structure and fluid saturation, is believed to be the main mechanism to explain the measured attenuation levels at different frequency bands. These two types of heterogeneity affect seismic waves as a combined WILFF process. In this work, we consider a double-porosity system, each part with a different compressibility and patchy saturation, and derive the wave equations from Hamilton's principle. A plane-wave analysis yields the properties of the classical P-wave and those of the four slow waves. The examples show that patchy fluid saturation dominates the peak frequency of the relaxation mechanism. The relation between seismic anelasticity (velocity dispersion and attenuation) and saturation depends on frequency and on the geometrical features of the two heterogeneities. The proposed theory constitutes the comprehensive description for wave propagation process through reservoirs rocks of shallow Earth and porous media in general, to estimate fluid content and distribution.
Automatic Coronary Calcium Scoring in Low-Dose Chest Computed Tomography (2012)

The calcium burden as estimated from non-ECG-synchronized computed tomography (CT) exams acquired in screening of heavy smokers has been shown to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. We present a method for automatic coronary calcium scoring with low-dose, non-contrast-enhanced, non-ECG-synchronized chest CT. First, a probabilistic coronary calcium map was created using multi-atlas segmentation. This map assigned an a priori probability for the presence of coronary calcifications at every location in a scan. Subsequently, a statistical pattern recognition system was designed to identify coronary calcifications by texture, size, and spatial features; the spatial features were computed using the coronary calcium map. The detected calcifications were quantified in terms of volume and Agatston score. The best results were obtained by merging the results of three different supervised classification systems, namely direct classification with a nearest neighbor classifier, and two-stage classification with nearest neighbor and support vector machine classifiers.We used a total of 231 test scans containing 45,674 mm³ of coronary calcifications. The presented method detected on average 157/198 mm³ (sensitivity 79.2%) of coronary calcium volume with on average 4 mm false positive volume. Calcium scoring can be performed automatically in low-dose, non-contrast enhanced, non-ECG-synchronized chest CT in screening of heavy smokers to identify subjects who might benefit from preventive treatment.
Horizontally transferred genes as RNA interference targets for aphid and whitefly control (2022)

Summary RNA interference (RNAi)‐based technologies are starting to be commercialized as a new approach for agricultural pest control. Horizontally transferred genes (HTGs), which have been transferred into insect genomes from viruses, bacteria, fungi or plants, are attractive targets for RNAi‐mediated pest control. HTGs are often unique to a specific insect family or even genus, making it unlikely that RNAi constructs targeting such genes will have negative effects on ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial predatory insect species. In this study, we sequenced the genome of a red, tobacco‐adapted isolate of Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and bioinformatically identified 30 HTGs. We then used plant‐mediated virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) to show that several HTGs of bacterial and plant origin are important for aphid growth and/or survival. Silencing the expression of fungal‐origin HTGs did not affect aphid survivorship but decreased aphid reproduction. Importantly, although there was uptake of plant‐expressed RNA by Coccinella septempunctata (seven‐spotted ladybugs) via the aphids that they consumed, we did not observe negative effects on ladybugs from aphid‐targeted VIGS constructs. To demonstrate that this approach is more broadly applicable, we also targeted five Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) HTGs using VIGS and demonstrated that knockdown of some of these genes affected whitefly survival. As functional HTGs have been identified in the genomes of numerous pest species, we propose that these HTGs should be explored further as efficient and safe targets for control of insect pests using plant‐mediated RNA interference.
IMST-15. PHARMACOLOGICAL ANTAGONISM OF CCR2 IMPACTS PROGRESSION OF MURINE GLIOMAS (2016)

While high numbers of microglia/macrophages are found within glioblastoma (GBM), little is known of their specific function within this tumor microenvironment. Mounting evidence indicates a role for these cells in tumor progression and therapy resistance and there is evidence for the positive correlation between numbers of infiltrating microglia/macrophages and tumor proliferation rate. Sources of these mononuclear cells include brain parenchyma (microglia) and bone marrow. Despite the potential significance of GBM-associated microglia/macrophages to tumor progression and decreased therapeutic efficacy, the mechanisms by which these cells infiltrate GBM are unknown. We hypothesize that the intratumoral localization of these cells requires the presence of chemokines within the tumor microenvironment and their cognate receptors expressed on microglia/macrophages. OBJECTIVE: To determine if chemokine receptor CCR2 contributes to GBM progression in pre-clinical mouse models of glioma. Immunohistochemical analyses of murine GL261 and KR158 gliomas in CCR2+/rfp/CX3CR1+/gfp, CCR2+/rfp, and CCR2rfp/rfp mice was performed. The impact of a CCR2 antagonist, CCX598, on the overall survival of glioma-bearing mice was also assessed. Prominent numbers of CCR2+CD11b+ macrophages were found within murine GL261 and KR158 gliomas that were distinct from CX3CR1+CD11b+ cells; ramified CX3CR1+/gfp microglia were found in normal brain while activated CX3CR1+/gfp and CCR2+/rfp were detected within the tumors. The tumor localization of the latter cells in both the GL261 and KR158 models was greatly reduced in CCR2-deficient mice. Pharmacological antagonism of CCR2, with CCX598, slowed the growth of KR158 gliomas when delivered as a monotherapy. CCX598 treatment of GL261 tumor-bearing mice slowed glioma progression when combined with either radiation or anti-PD-L1 administration. Genetic deficiency in CCR2 impacts the presence of glioma-associated macrophages, while pharmacological antagonism of this chemokine receptor slows glioma progression in murine glioma models. Thus, adjunctive therapy with CCR2 antagonists may offer a survival advantage to GBM patients.
On the nature of susceptibility to cancer. The presidential address (1980)

The most prominent factor determining susceptibility to cancer is age. However, there is little evidence that the aging process per se increases susceptibility to cancer. Rather, age provides the time necessary for the accumulation of cellular events required for the development of neoplasia. The variations in the patterns of cancer incidence rates seen with age can be explained by alterations in conditions of exposure to carcinogenic stimuli. There is no evidence that the pool of susceptible individuals in a population is limited. Cancer occurs as a random event in a population with greater or lesser frequency according to the presence of risk factors. In populations with an increased frequency of cancer such as those with genetic abnormalities, immune deficiency syndromes, or altered hormonal states, the risk of developing cancer is never generalized to all tissues but is characteristic of particular tissues at risk. Any circumstance of internal or external origin that disturbs homeostasis of particular tissues at risk. Any circumstance of internal or external origin that disturbs homeostasis over a prolonged period of time increases the susceptibility to cancer for the tissue concerned. Susceptibility to cancer does not mean that cancer is inevitable. Only a small number of those susceptible to cancer by virtue of a special risk factor develop the disease. Furthermore, most patients who develop cancer have no determinable risk factors. Although all evidence points to a multifactorial, multistage process, the rate of somatic mutation appears to be the key determinant factor in susceptibility to cancer. This concept is supported by research studies showing that the onset of atherosclerosis is initiated by somatic mutations, and the finding that the same chemical mutagens can advance the development of both diseases.
A lysine to arginine substitution at position 146 of rabbit aldolase A changes the rate-determining step to Schiff base formation (1996)

Lys146 of rabbit aldolase A [D-fructose-1,6-bis(phosphate): D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate lyase, EC 4.1.2.13] was changed to arginine by site-directed mutagenesis. The kcat of the resulting mutant protein, K146R, was 500 times slower than wild-type in steady-state kinetic assays for both cleavage and condensation of fructose-1,6-bis(phosphate), while the K(m) for this substrate was unchanged. Analysis of the rate of formation of catalytic intermediates showed K146R was significantly different from the wild-type enzyme and other enzymes mutated at this site. Single-turnover experiments using acid precipitation to trap the Schiff base intermediate on the wild-type enzyme failed to show a build-up of this intermediate on K146R. However, K146R retained the ability to form the Schiff base intermediate as shown by the significant amounts of Schiff base intermediate trapped with NaBH4. In the single-turnover experiments it appeared that the Schiff base intermediate was converted to products more rapidly than it was produced. This suggested a maximal rate of Schiff base formation of 0.022 s-1, which was close to the value of kcat for this enzyme. This observation is strikingly different from the wild-type enzyme in which Schiff base formation is > 100 times faster than kcat. For K146R it appears that steps up to and including Schiff base formation are rate limiting for the catalytic reaction. The carbanion intermediate derived from either substrate or product, and the equilibrium concentrations of covalent enzyme-substrate intermediates, were much lower on K146R than on the wild-type enzyme. The greater bulk of the guanidino moiety may destabilize the covalent enzyme-substrate intermediates, thereby slowing the rate of Schiff base formation such that it becomes rate limiting. The K146R mutant enzyme is significantly more active than other enzymes mutated at this site, perhaps because it maintains a positively charged group at an essential position in the active site or perhaps the Arg functionally substitutes as a general acid/base catalyst in both Schiff base formation and in subsequent abstraction of the C4-hydroxyl proton.
An Expanding Role for Interleukin-1 Blockade from Gout to Cancer (2014)

There is an expanding role for interleukin (IL)-1 in diseases from gout to cancer. More than any other cytokine family, the IL-1 family is closely linked to innate inflammatory and immune responses. This linkage is because the cytoplasmic segment of all members of the IL-1 family of receptors contains a domain, which is highly homologous to the cytoplasmic domains of all toll-like receptors (TLRs). This domain, termed "toll IL-1 receptor (TIR) domain," signals as does the IL-1 receptors; therefore, inflammation due to the TLR and the IL-1 families is nearly the same. Fundamental responses such as the induction of cyclo-oxygenase type 2, increased surface expression of cellular adhesion molecules and increased gene expression of a broad number of inflammatory molecules characterizes IL-1 signal transduction as it does for TLR agonists. IL-1β is the most studied member of the IL-1 family because of its role in mediating autoinflammatory disease. However, a role for IL-1α in disease is being validated because of the availability of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to human IL-1α. There are presently three approved therapies for blocking IL-1 activity. Anakinra is a recombinant form of the naturally occurring IL-1 receptor antagonist, which binds to the IL-1 receptor and prevents the binding of IL-1β as well as IL-1α. Rilonacept is a soluble decoy receptor that neutralizes primarily IL-1β but also IL-1α. Canakinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes only IL-1β. Thus, a causal or significant contributing role can be established for IL-1β and IL-1α in human disease.
Detection of eating and drinking arm gestures using inertial body-worn sensors (2005)

We propose a two-stage recognition system for detecting arm gestures related to human meal intake. Information retrieved from such a system can be used for automatic dietary monitoring in the domain of behavioural medicine. We demonstrate that arm gestures can be clustered and detected using inertial sensors. To validate our method, experimental results including 384 gestures from two subjects are presented. Using isolated discrimination based on HMMs an accuracy of 94% can be achieved. When spotting the gestures in continuous movement data, an accuracy of up to 87% is reached.
Velocity-resolved 3D retinal microvessel imaging using single-pass flow imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (2009)

We demonstrate in vivo velocity-resolved, volumetric bidirectional blood flow imaging in human retina using single-pass flow imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SPFI-SDOCT). This technique uses previously described methods for separating moving and non-moving scatterers within a depth by using a modified Hilbert transform. Additionally, a moving spatial frequency window is applied, creating a stack of depth-resolved images of moving scatterers, each representing a finite velocity range. The resulting velocity reconstruction is validated with and strongly correlated to velocities measured with conventional Doppler OCT in flow phantoms. In vivo velocity-resolved flow mapping is acquired in healthy human retina and demonstrate the measurement of vessel size, peak velocity, and total foveal blood flow with OCT.
Differences in the Molecular Epidemiology and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Clostridium difficile Isolates in Pediatric and Adult Patients (2016)

The rising incidence of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) in adults is partly related to the global spread of fluoroquinolone-resistant strains, namely, BI/NAP1/027. Although CDIs are also increasingly diagnosed in children, BI/NAP1/027 is relatively uncommon in children. Little is known about the antibiotic susceptibility of pediatric CDI isolates. C. difficile was cultured from tcdB-positive stools collected from children diagnosed with CDI between December 2012 and December 2013 at an academic children's hospital. CDI isolates were grouped by restriction endonuclease analysis (REA). MICs were measured by agar dilution method for 7 antibiotics. Susceptibility breakpoints were based on guidelines from CLSI and/or the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). MICs and REA groupings of C. difficile isolates from 74 adult patients (29 isolates underwent REA) from a temporally and geographically similar adult cohort were compared to those of pediatric isolates. Among 122 pediatric and 74 adult isolates, respectively, the rates of resistance were as follows: metronidazole, 0% and 0%; vancomycin, 0% and 8% (P = 0.003); rifaximin, 1.6% and 6.7% (P = 0.11); clindamycin, 18.9% and 25.3% (P = 0.29); and moxifloxacin, 2.5% and 36% (P = <0.0001). Only 1 of 122 (0.8%) BI/NAP1/027 isolates was identified among the children, compared to 9 of 29 (31%) isolates identified among the adults (P = <0.0001). The 3 moxifloxacin-resistant pediatric isolates were of REA groups BI and CF and a nonspecific group. The 2 rifaximin-resistant pediatric isolates were of REA groups DH and Y. The 21 clindamycin-resistant pediatric isolates were distributed among 9 REA groups (groups A, CF, DH, G, L, M, and Y and 2 unique nonspecific REA groups). These data suggest that a diverse array of relatively antibiotic-susceptible C. difficile strains predominate in a cohort of children with CDI compared to adults.