gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
A Layered Architecture for Erasure-Coded Consistent Distributed Storage (2017)

Motivated by emerging applications to the edge computing paradigm, we introduce a two-layer erasure-coded fault-tolerant distributed storage system offering atomic access for read and write operations. In edge computing, clients interact with an edge-layer of servers that is geographically near; the edge-layer in turn interacts with a back-end layer of servers. The edge-layer provides low latency access and temporary storage for client operations, and uses the back-end layer for persistent storage. Our algorithm, termed Layered Data Storage (LDS) algorithm, offers several features suitable for edge-computing systems, works under asynchronous message-passing environments, supports multiple readers and writers, and can tolerate $f_1 < n_1/2$ and $f_2 < n_2/3$ crash failures in the two layers having $n_1$ and $n_2$ servers, respectively. We use a class of erasure codes known as regenerating codes for storage of data in the back-end layer. The choice of regenerating codes, instead of popular choices like Reed-Solomon codes, not only optimizes the cost of back-end storage, but also helps in optimizing communication cost of read operations, when the value needs to be recreated all the way from the back-end. The two-layer architecture permits a modular implementation of atomicity and erasure-code protocols; the implementation of erasure-codes is mostly limited to interaction between the two layers. We prove liveness and atomicity of LDS, and also compute performance costs associated with read and write operations. Further, in a multi-object system running $N$ independent instances of LDS, where only a small fraction of the objects undergo concurrent accesses at any point during the execution, the overall storage cost is dominated by that of persistent storage in the back-end layer, and is given by $Θ(N)$.
Open Domain Speech Recognition & Translation:Lectures and Speeches (2006)

For years speech translation has focused on the recognition and translation of discourses in limited domains, such as hotel reservations or scheduling tasks. Only recently research projects have been started to tackle the problem of open domain speech recognition and translation of complex tasks such as lectures and speeches. In this paper we present the on-going work at our laboratory in open domain speech translation of lectures and parliamentary speeches. Starting from a translation system for European parliamentary plenary sessions and a lecture speech recognition system we show how both components perform in unison on speech translation of lectures
An imaging neutron/gamma-ray spectrometer (2013)

We present the test results of a neutron/gamma-ray imaging spectrometer for the identification and location of radioactive and special nuclear materials. Radioactive materials that could be fashioned into a radiation dispersal device typically emit gamma rays, while fissile materials such as uranium and plutonium emit both neutrons and gamma rays via spontaneous or induced fission. The simultaneous detection of neutrons and gamma rays is a clear indication of the presence of fissile material. The instrument works as a double-scatter telescope, requiring a neutron or gamma ray to undergo an interaction in two detectors to be considered a valid event. While this requirement reduces the detector efficiency, it yields information about the direction and energy of the incident particle, which is then used to reconstruct an image of the emitting source. Because of this imaging capability background events can be rejected, decreasing the number of events required for high confidence detection and thereby greatly improving its sensitivity. The instrument is optimized for the detection of neutrons with energies from 1-20 MeV and gamma rays from 0.4 to 10 MeV. Images and energy spectra for neutron and gamma rays are reported for several sources including depleted uranium and plutonium. In addition, the effect of neutron source shielding is investigated.
Corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor antagonists (1998)

AbstractCorticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor antagonists have attracted considerable attention recently as potential therapeutics for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression and anorexia nervosa. Preliminary results suggest the efficacy of CRF antagonists in animal models of anxiety/depression. This review will cover all patent activity up to and including August 1997 and will focus on the most relevant patents and publications relating to small molecule non-peptide CRF antagonists.KeywordsACTHadrenocorticotrophic hormonecorticotrophin-releasing factorcorticotrophin-releasing hormoneCRFCRF1CRF2CRHnon-peptide CRF antagonists
Ultrasound assisted low temperature drying of food materials (2018)

An ultrasonic design based on the indirect transmission of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasound emitter through to the material to be dried was investigated to assist in low temperature drying of food materials. The application of the improved design tested in this work was found to enhance the low temperature drying by shortening the overall drying time of up to 45% (i.e., lower energy consumption and may enable better retention of product quality). This offers a promising approach towards a better applicability of ultrasound in industrial operation, since no direct contact between the sample and the ultrasonic emitter is needed. Keywords: ultrasound; drying; low temperature; drying intensification
Operations of the dominant harmonic active filter (DHAF) under realistic utility conditions (2001)

This paper presents laboratory test results of the dominant harmonic active filter (DHAF) prototype. The DHAF system achieves harmonic isolation at the dominant harmonics using square-wave active filter inverters. The key advantages of the DHAF system are the low rating and low bandwidth requirements of the active filter inverter. Such characteristics allow cost-effective and viable applications of the DHAF system to mitigate harmonic problems for high-power nonlinear loads (10-100 MW and above). Several practical situations, including source-sink resonance, ambient harmonic interferences, and unbalanced grid voltages are applied to the DHAF prototype to validate its performance. The operation principles of the DHAF system and the synchronous-reference-frame-based controller are discussed to explain how harmonic isolation at the dominant harmonics is accomplished. A design example of the DHAF system for a 20 MVA rectifier load at an industrial site is also given to illustrate its application.
Output characteristics of donut shape vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (2002)

We demonstrated a novel VCSEL structure with a donut shaped active area. The devices exhibit interesting mode characteristics and demonstrate the ability to tailor the mode shape in vertical-cavity lasers. Among other applications the lasers could also be useful for two channel single fiber optical transmission systems.
Converting Moist Air Into Water and Power (2008)

A method to process moist air into dry air and water results in a surplus of energy for the process. The sun evaporates water everywhere on earth and expends 2.26 MJ/kg (429.9 Btu/lbm) for each kg (2.204 lbm) of water evaporated. A mass of 1 kg (2.204 lbm) of water with a mixing ratio of 0.3% in dry air represents 2.26 MJ (199 Btu) of latent heat energy distributed in a volume of approximately 333 cubic meters (11,759 cubic feet). A system is described by which ambient water vapor is enriched, condensed with the release of latent heat in a heat-exchange boiler, which vaporizes a working fluid used in a Rankine-cycle turbine generator system. Water vapor enrichment is achieved with a vapor-separation barrier. Fans draw moist air through an air-intake system which brings the air into contact with a large surface-area vapor-separation barrier. The intake of a compressor imposes a vacuum on the extraction side of the barrier at a pressure that is lower than the ambient water-vapor pressure. This pressure difference drives water vapor across the barrier into the compressor. A two-stage compressor is used to maintain the low pressure and convey water vapor at high temperature and near atmospheric pressure to a heat-exchange boiler. Two processes occur in the heat-exchange boiler: 1) water vapor condenses and is pumped out of the boiler, and 2) heat is transferred to a working fluid that vaporizes. The vaporized working fluid drives a turbine in a Rankine cycle with condenser. Exhaust heat from the turbine is dissipated with a water-cooled condenser. An air-cooled rock-bed system is suggested as an alternative, when water cooling is not possible. Current advances in materials, the efficiency of turbomachinery, and the effectiveness of heat exchangers suggest that a system can be conceived that is completely fueled by moist air and produces water and excess shaft horsepower that can be converted into electricity. The analysis treats turbomachinery and heat exchangers as ideal components constrained by the Carnot and isentropic efficiencies. Pumps and fans are treated as components with state-of-the-art efficiency. System computations for an ideal 100% efficient system indicate that approximately 25% of the latent heat can be converted to electricity. For a system made with contemporary state-of-the art components a yield of a few percent is predicted. Principles of operation and engineering details are quantified.
Tunable Mechanical Properties of Ultrasmall Peptide Hydrogels by Crosslinking and Functionalization to Achieve the 3D Distribution of Cells (2013)

A disulfide-crosslinked hydrogel made from ultrasmall peptides is introduced. Crosslinked gels are more elastic and better able to maintain shape integrity. Using facile chemistry, RGD (or other bioactive signals) can be conjugated onto the peptide fibers. Gels formed are biocompatible and support the three-dimensional distribution of cells.
<i>meso</i>-Porphyrinyl-Substituted Porphyrin and Expanded Porphyrins (2004)

[structure: see text] A series of meso-porphyrinyl-substituted expanded porphyrins were prepared from the 1:1 acid-catalyzed condensation reaction of 4-porphyrinyl-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzaldehyde and pyrrole.
Extrinsic versus a Posteriori Probability based iterative LMMSE-IC algorithms for coded MIMO communications: Performance and analysis (2012)

Several studies dealing with iterative Linear Minimum Mean Square Error Interference Cancellation (LMMSEIC) algorithms have concluded that better performances are obtained when soft interference cancellation is performed using Log a Posteriori Probability Ratios (LAPPRs) on coded bits rather than Log Extrinsic Probability Ratios (LEXTPRs) on coded bits. While LMMSE-IC can be rigorously derived and analyzed when it is based on LEXTPRs, things become more complicated when it relies on LAPPRs. The aim of this paper is twofold: (1) Emphasize the underlying assumptions needed for the derivation of (iterative) LAPPR based LMMSE-IC, (2) Propose an improved performance prediction method (or physical layer abstraction) robust when these assumptions do not hold. The latter contribution is a cornerstone for cross-layer design and optimization in presence of advanced turbo receivers in 3GPP.
Interleukin-4 Signaling Plays a Major Role in Urogenital Schistosomiasis-Associated Bladder Pathogenesis (2019)

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is crucial in many helminth infections, but its role in urogenital schistosomiasis, infection with <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> worms, remains poorly understood due to a historical lack of animal models. The bladder pathology of urogenital schistosomiasis is caused by immune responses to eggs deposited in the bladder wall. A range of pathology occurs, including urothelial hyperplasia and cancer, but associated mechanisms and links to IL-4 are largely unknown. We modeled urogenital schistosomiasis by injecting the bladder walls of IL-4 receptor-alpha knockout (<i>Il4ra<sup>-/-</sup></i> ) and wild-type mice with <i>S. haematobium</i> eggs. Readouts included bladder histology and <i>ex vivo</i> assessments of urothelial proliferation, cell cycle, and ploidy status. We also quantified the effects of exogenous IL-4 on urothelial cell proliferation <i>in vitro</i>, including cell cycle status and phosphorylation patterns of major downstream regulators in the IL-4 signaling pathway. There was a significant decrease in the intensity of granulomatous responses to bladder-wall-injected <i>S. haematobium</i> eggs in <i>Il4ra<sup>-/-</sup></i> versus wild-type mice. <i>S. haematobium</i> egg injection triggered significant urothelial proliferation, including evidence of urothelial hyper-diploidy and cell cycle skewing in wild-type but not <i>Il4ra<sup>-/-</sup></i> mice. Urothelial exposure to IL-4 <i>in vitro</i> led to cell cycle polarization and increased phosphorylation of AKT. Our results show that IL-4 signaling is required for key pathogenic features of urogenital schistosomiasis and that particular aspects of this signaling pathway may exert these effects directly on the urothelium. These findings point to potential mechanisms by which urogenital schistosomiasis promotes bladder carcinogenesis.
Induction of antigen-specific human cytotoxic T cells by Toxoplasma gondii. (1990)

To further the understanding of the role of T cells in immunity to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, antigen-specific T cell clones were generated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from seropositive individuals. Whole parasites were used to stimulate a proliferative expansion of antigen-reactive cells, followed by limiting dilution cloning in the presence of irradiated, autologous PBMC and rIL-2. Three parasite antigen-specific T cell clones expressing the CD3+ phenotype were selected for further characterization. Phenotypic analysis with monoclonal antibodies revealed two clones reactive with CD8 (RTg1 and RTg3) while the other (RTg2) phenotyped as CD4+, CD8-. When tested in a proliferation assay using a panel of different T. gondii proteins, clone RTg1 reacted with a single large protein (Mr greater than 180,000) as well as smaller components (less than 12,000), clone RTg2 reacted with a protein of Mr = 28,000 and clone RTg3 reacted with a protein of 116,000 plus smaller components (less than 12,000). Only the 28,000 = Mr antigen recognized by RTg2 was reactive on Western blot with autologous donor antisera. All three clones produced IFN-gamma and IL-2 in varying amounts upon antigenic stimulation in the presence of irradiated APC. Moreover, one clone RTg1, exhibited direct parasite cytotoxicity, inhibiting extracellular T. gondii by greater than 70% when incubated at an effector/target ratio of 40:1. This clone was alpha, beta TCR heterodimer positive and exerted its cytotoxic parasiticidal activity in the apparent absence of MHC restriction. The results provide evidence for the existence of circulating antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells in normal humans who are toxoplasma antibody seropositive.
17.1% efficient truncated-pyramid inversion-layer silicon solar cells (1996)

Metal-insulator-semiconductor inversion-layer (MIS-IL) silicon solar cells can be fabricated in a simple and cost-effective way. In order to exceed the present performance level, the front surface recombination losses have to be reduced for improved open-circuit voltages. With the novel truncated-pyramid concept it is possible to perform the passivation of the front surface prior to the MIS-contact formation. Thus, the restriction to temperatures around 250/spl deg/C for the front surface passivation is eliminated and the effective recombination velocity S/sub eff/ of the inversion-layer emitter can be strongly reduced to 200-400 cm/s. Point-like contact areas are opened at the tips of the random pyramids by means of chemical-mechanical polishing. As a result, V/sub OC/ increases by about 40 mV and the efficiency improves to 17.1%.
Identification of Ebsulfur Analogues with Broad‐Spectrum Antifungal Activity (2016)

Invasive fungal infections are on the rise due to an increased population of critically ill patients as a result of HIV infections, chemotherapies, and organ transplantations. Current antifungal drugs are helpful, but are insufficient in addressing the problem of drug-resistant fungal infections. Thus, there is a growing need for novel antimycotics that are safe and effective. The ebselen scaffold has been evaluated in clinical trials and has been shown to be safe in humans. This makes ebselen an attractive scaffold for facile translation from bench to bedside. We recently reported a library of ebselen-inspired ebsulfur analogues with antibacterial properties, but their antifungal activity has not been characterized. In this study, we repurposed ebselen, ebsulfur, and 32 additional ebsulfur analogues as antifungal agents by evaluating their antifungal activity against a panel of 13 clinically relevant fungal strains. The effect of induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by three of these compounds was evaluated. Their hemolytic and cytotoxicity activities were also determined using mouse erythrocytes and mammalian cells. The MIC values of these compounds were found to be in the range of 0.02-12.5 μg mL(-1) against the fungal strains tested. Notably, yeast cells treated with our compounds showed an accumulation of ROS, which may further contribute to the growth-inhibitory effect against fungi. This study provides new lead compounds for the development of antimycotic agents.
Simultaneous Production of Gas Cap and Oil Column With Water Injection at the Gas/Oil Contact (1999)

Summary The conventional way to produce an oil reservoir that has a gas cap is to produce only from the oil column while keeping the gas cap in place so that it can expand to provide pressure support. Depending upon the geometry, reservoir dip angle, and oil production rates, gas can either cone down to the oil producers or breakthrough as a front, leading to substantial increases in the gas-oil ratios of the oil producers. This paper presents a unique production methodology of simultaneously producing the gas cap and oil column while injecting water at the gas-oil contact to create a water barrier to separate the gas cap and oil column. This methodology has application in reservoirs with a low-dip angle, large gas cap, and a low residual gas saturation to water. It is demonstrated that the net present value of the project is improved if there is an immediate market for gas. Geostatistical reservoir models are used to demonstrate that the gas cap recovery is minimally impacted by heterogeneities.
Epoxy Resin Chemistry (1979)

The importance of epoxy resins in the fabrication of surface coatings is well recognized in the coatings and plastics industry. In fact, the chief use of epoxy resins, amounting to over 100 million pounds last year, was for coating applications (1). Traditionally, these coatings have been applied from solvents and cured by a baking process. Current efforts to reduce the amount of energy required to carry out coating processes as well as an increasing concern for the environment have provided the impetus to begin the search for new curing chemistry and coating application techniques which circumvent these problems.
Combatting bacterial infections by killing persister cells with mitomycin <scp>C</scp> (2015)

Persister cells are a multi-drug tolerant subpopulation of bacteria that contribute to chronic and recalcitrant clinical infections such as cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis. Persisters are metabolically dormant, so they are highly tolerant to all traditional antibiotics which are mainly effective against actively growing cells. Here, we show that the FDA-approved anti-cancer drug mitomycin C (MMC) eradicates persister cells through a growth-independent mechanism. MMC is passively transported and bioreductively activated, leading to spontaneous cross-linking of DNA, which we verify in both active and dormant cells. We find MMC effectively eradicates cells grown in numerous different growth states (e.g. planktonic cultures and highly robust biofilm cultures) in both rich and minimal media. Additionally, MMC is a potent bactericide for a broad range of bacterial persisters, including commensal Escherichia coli K-12 as well as pathogenic species of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also demonstrate the efficacy of MMC in an animal model and a wound model, substantiating the clinical applicability of MMC against bacterial infections. Therefore, MMC is the first broad-spectrum compound capable of eliminating persister cells, meriting investigation as a new approach for the treatment of recalcitrant infections.
AAV Gene Transfer Utilizing Homologous Overlap Vectors Mediates Functional Recovery of Dysferlin Deficiency (S61.004) (2014)

OBJECTIVES: To utilize a novel AAV gene delivery approach requiring homologous recombination to deliver full-length dysferlin safely with restoration of function. BACKGROUND: Dysferlin deficiency causes defects in muscle membrane repair in LGMD2B. The dysferlin gene (DYSF) cannot be packaged in AAV because of size limitations. Pre-clinical studies using adeno-associated virus (AAV) type rh74 show that recombination events can deliver the full-length DYSF gene to dysferlin-null mice (129-Dysf-/-KO). In the present study we compared efficiency and safety of dual vector DYSF delivery in this mouse model and in non-human primates in preparation for clinical trials METHODS: Dysferlin cDNA was packaged into AAVrh74 utilizing a dual vector (DV) strategy. One vector contains the MHCK7 promoter and 5’ half of dysferlin; the second vector contains the 3’ half of dysferlin. To assess membrane repair, ascending vector doses were delivered to the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) of DYSF-null mice. In NHPs dual vector delivery was followed for both gene expression and toxicity using a biomarker (FLAG) to ensure gene delivery. RESULTS: 10wks post-treatment, the FDB was extracted from DYSF-null mice and sarcolemmal damage was induced by laser to individual muscle fibers. DYSF recombination events using AAVrh74 and the MHCK7 promoter corrected membrane repair in a dose-dependent manner comparable to wild-type findings. Importantly, in preparation for clinical trials, there was no evidence of local or systemic toxicity in DYSF-null mice or non-human primates in gene recipients showing overexpression of dysferlin. CONCLUSIONS: Recombination events are required to deliver the full-length transcript of DYSF, too large for AAV packaging. Findings in mice showed clear evidence that functional dysferlin was delivered, transcribed and translated without toxicity. Studies in non-human primates further confirmed both expression and lack of toxicity. These studies lay the foundation for clinical trial. Study Supported by: The Jain Foundation and Nationwide Children's Hospital
The flavonoid cyanidin blocks binding of the cytokine interleukin-17A to the IL-17RA subunit to alleviate inflammation in vivo (2017)

Cyanidin, a key flavonoid that is present in red berries and other fruits, attenuates the development of several diseases, including asthma, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer, through its anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the molecular basis of cyanidin action. Through a structure-based search for small molecules that inhibit signaling by the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A), we found that cyanidin specifically recognizes an IL-17A binding site in the IL-17A receptor subunit (IL-17RA) and inhibits the IL-17A/IL-17RA interaction. Experiments with mice demonstrated that cyanidin inhibited IL-17A-induced skin hyperplasia, attenuated inflammation induced by IL-17-producing T helper 17 (T<sub>H</sub>17) cells (but not that induced by T<sub>H</sub>1 or T<sub>H</sub>2 cells), and alleviated airway hyperreactivity in models of steroid-resistant and severe asthma. Our findings uncover a previously uncharacterized molecular mechanism of action of cyanidin, which may inform its further development into an effective small-molecule drug for the treatment of IL-17A-dependent inflammatory diseases and cancer.