gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
A three-dimensional reconstruction of coal microstructure using the Cryo-FIB-SEM technique (2020)

Two basic homogeneous lithotypes, defined as elementary coal layers, within the seam of lignite can be distinguished: xylitic and detritic coal. As each of them exhibits various features, including structure, mechanical, technological properties, and chemical ash composition, the share of lithotypes within a lignite deposit provides important information regarding the applicability of this fuel. This study describes a unique three-dimensional reconstruction of a lignite microstructure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to acquire images of subsequent coal cross-sections which are exposed by focused ion beam (FIB) milling at cryogenic temperatures. Because of the organic origin and high moisture content, the fully hydrated lignite sample was frozen in nitrogen slush for the SEM observation in its frozen native state in order to avoid dehydration and other sample modifications. The acquired data cube contained distinguished petrographic phases, identified with coaly macerals of xylitic and detritic coal along with the fragment of the gelified leaf tissue, typical for ortho-lignite structure. The 3D reconstruction and phase segmentation process was performed using the Avizo software to constitute a cuboid model with an edge length of ca. 10 µm. Lignite exhibits low local uniformity, therefore to draw generally valid conclusions, a statistical relevant number of similar three dimensional reconstructions at representative locations for the different lithotypical and petrographic coal compositions within the analysed fragment would be demanded.
Whole-body lipolysis and triglyceride-fatty acid cycling in cachectic patients with esophageal cancer. (1990)

Whole-body lipolytic rates and the rate of triglyceride-fatty acid cycling (reesterification of fatty acids released during lipolysis) were measured with stable isotopic tracers in the basal state and during beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol infusion in five cachectic patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, five cachectic cancer-free, nutritionally-matched control patients, and 10 healthy volunteers. Resting energy expenditure and plasma catecholamines were normal in all three groups. The basal rate of glycerol appearance in blood in the patients with cancer (2.96 +/- 0.45 mumol.kg-1.min-1) was similar to that in the nutritionally matched controls (3.07 +/- 0.28 mumol.kg-1.min-1), but 48% greater than in the normal-weight volunteers (2.00 +/- 0.16 mumol.kg-1.min-1) (P = 0.028). The antilipolytic effect of propranolol and the rate of triglyceride-fatty acid cycling in the patients with cancer were also similar in the cachectic control group and approximately 50% greater than in the normal-weight volunteers, but the differences were not statistically significant because of the variability in the data. We conclude that the increase in lipolysis and triglyceride-fatty acid cycling in "unstressed" cachectic patients with esophageal cancer is due to alterations in their nutritional status rather than the presence of tumor itself. Increased beta-adrenergic activity may be an important contributor to the stimulation of lipolysis.
Bclx regulates the survival of double-positive thymocytes. (1995)

The bclx gene has been shown to regulate programmed cell death in vitro. We now show that Bclx expression increases dramatically when T cells differentiate from CD4- CD8- (double negative) thymocytes to CD4+ CD8+ [double positive (DP)] thymocytes. In contrast single-positive (SP) thymocytes express negligible amounts of Bclx protein. This expression pattern contrasts with that of Bcl2, which is present in double-negative thymocytes, down-regulated in DP thymocytes, and reinduced upon maturation to SP thymocytes. Elimination of Bclx by gene targeting dramatically shortens the survival of DP thymocytes but not the survival of SP thymocytes or peripheral SP T cells. These data suggest that the induction of Bclx during thymic maturation plays a critical role in regulating the length of time DP thymocytes survive in the absence of selection.
Automatic facial feature detection for model-based coding (2000)

This paper presents an automatic facial feature detection system for 3D model based coding applications. This proposed system is based on simple image processing techniques, which can be easily implemented using parallel algorithms is parallel processing hardware. Model Based Face Coding can be used in remote teaching to enhance the quality of remote teaching, where by reducing the barrier between teacher and student. In this case, only a selected set of control points of the face is transmitted to the remote terminal instead of sending video signal. In order to extract this set of control points a predefined 3D generic wire frame model is used. In this paper, automatic extraction process of the feature points of facial images needed for 3D model fitting is discussed. The proposed detection methods for all the facial features utilize filtering, thresholding, edge detection and edge counting without any manual adjustments or initialization. Head top, chin points, eye center, mouth center and nose center were detected using vertical integral projection method. The centroid method was used successfully for eyebrow center detection. Four points of the mouth features were detected with both Canny edge detection method and amplitude projection method. The first one had limited success and second gave very satisfactory results. On the whole, the results obtained are encouraging and could be used in automatic registration of 2D facial images into 3D face models. Subsequent tracking of some of these feature points lead us to automatic facial expression recognition using optical flow.
A New Compression Intermediate Strain Rate Testing Apparatus (2010)

A new apparatus for testing in compression at intermediate strain rates is introduced. The apparatus consists of a loading hydraulic actuator and a very long (40 m) transmitter bar. The specimen is placed with one end touching the end surface of the long bar and the other end free. The specimen is loaded by the actuator that impacts the specimen’s free end directly. Once loaded, the specimen deforms between the actuator and the transmitter bar. As the specimen is loaded and deformed, a compression wave propagates into the transmitter bar. The amplitude of this wave is measured with strain gages that are placed on the transmitter bar at a distance of about five diameters from the specimen. The wave in the transmitter bar propagates all the way to the end of the bar and then reflects back toward the specimen. The experiment can continue until the reflected wave reaches the strain gages (milliseconds). The strain in the specimen (full field) is measured directly on the specimen using Digital Image Correlation with high speed cameras.
Web document searching using enhanced hyperlink semantics based on XML (2002)

We present a system that aims at increasing the flexibility and accuracy of information retrieval tasks in the World Wide Web. The system offers extended searching capabilities by enriching information related to hyperlinks between documents. It offers to document authors the ability to attach additional information to hyperlinks and also provides suggestions on the information to be attached. In an effort to increase the integrity of hyperlink information, a conversion module extracts, from the pages, metadata concerning the linked documents as well as the link itself. The hyperlink metadata is appended to the original document metadata and an XML document is created. Another module allows the end users to query the XML-document base, taking advantage of the enhanced hyperlink information. We present an overview of the system and the solutions it provides in problems found to similar approaches.
An object-oriented framework for interactive data graphics (1987)

Ida is an object-oriented framework for interactive data graphics. It can be used for independent data examination or integrated into application user interfaces. Ida's model of graphics is composed of five basic elements: Presentations, Assemblies, Data Sources, Data Displays , and Scales . Presentations and assemblies address display layout. A sharp distinction is maintained between drawing and the management of already drawn images. Data sources are responsible for drawing while data displays are image managers. Data displays are complex structures consisting of multiple layers that may be larger than the visible regions they underlie. Scales represent coordinate transformations. An object-oriented architecture proves valuable in supporting taxonomic hierarchies with inheritance, part-whole structures for composition, message passing implementation of graphic operations and late attribute binding.
A System for Monitoring Workers' Safety in an Unhealthy Environment by means of Wearable Sensors (2008)

This paper describes a system for monitoring the safety of workers who are exposed to unhealthy environments. The system is based on a low-cost wireless network of smart wearable buttons that can be applied inside the protective suits and that embed the measurement device along with a 2.4 GHz radio. The proposed solution is conceived to be employed with elements that use textile fibres as intrinsic sensors and with discrete sensors as well. The network allows both the measurement strategy and the program code of the wearable sensors to be remotely updated in order to adapt and optimize the power consumption. The real-time operability is also permitted by introducing proxy elements that allow the network area to be extended in a solution similar to that of the Zigbee but optimized for the required architecture. The system can be employed in a wide class of indoor medical applications; an example is provided that is intended to monitor temperature and humidity for workers inside refrigerated chambers.
Feedback on the Rate and Depth of Chest Compressions during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Using Only Accelerometers (2016)

Accurate feedback on chest compression depth and rate during CPR is possible using exclusively the chest acceleration signal. The algorithm based on spectral analysis showed the best performance. Despite these encouraging results, further research should be conducted to asses the performance of these algorithms with clinical data.
Management Compensation and Payback Method in Capital Budgeting: A Path Analysis (1994)

Abstract While discounted cash flow techniques, such as net present value, are the primary normative models of capital budgeting recommended by finance theory, our survey suggests that one of the so-called ‘naive methods’, the payback (PB) criterion, is widely used in practice. About 85% of the responding firms make some use of the payback criterion. Almost 50% of the responding firms indicate that the payback method plays a relatively important role in capital budgeting decisions, and the degree of the importance varies among firms. This study uses path analysis to empirically identify links between the use of payback and management compensation contracts. Controlling for uncertainty in estimating future cash flows and firm size, we find that the use of the payback method is positively related to the degree to which management compensation depends on accounting earnings. Furthermore, this study finds two indirect links between management compensation and the use of payback. The more management compensation depends on accounting earnings: the more important management perceives the earnings objective and, consequently, the greater the use of the payback method; and the less important management perceives the shareholder wealth objective and, consequently, the greater the use of the payback method. We conclude that owner-management conflict and management's self-interest behaviour induced by employment contracts are factors that promote the use of payback method.
Colored dual-functional photovoltaic cells (2016)

In this article, we review our recent efforts on multi-functional photovoltaic (PV) cells that can produce desired reflective, transmissive, or neutral colors, by controlling light interaction with semiconductors and electrode structures in a desired manner. The PV cells integrated with plasmonic color filtering schemes using subwavelength gratings, and other approaches exploiting photonic resonances in an optical nanocavity consisting of highly absorbing semiconductor media are described. For further enhancement of optical and electrical performance characteristics of the multi-functional PV cells, possible difficulties and the outlook for future work are discussed.
Suitability of the microagglutination test for detection of post-infection and post-vaccination Q fever antibodies in human sera. (1981)

Serological examination by the microagglutination (MA) and complement-fixation (CF) tests of human sera collected before and after vaccination with Q fever chemovaccine revealed a higher sensitivity of the MA test for detecting both pre-vaccination antibodies reflecting a previous exposure to Q fever and post-vaccination antibodies reflecting vaccine immunogenicity. In persons serologically positive before vaccination the level of post-vaccination MA antibody response was indirectly proportional to the titres of prevaccination MA antibodies.
Total endoscopic computer enhanced coronary artery bypass grafting (2000)

Objective: In an effort to minimize access in coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery, a total endoscopic approach using computer enhanced technology was developed. Methods: By July 1999 the da Vinci telemanipulation system (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA) was used in 66 patients with coronary artery disease. In 12 patients undergoing routine coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (group 1) the internal thoracic artery (ITA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) anastomosis was performed remotely using the system. In 32 patients (group 2) endoscopic dissection of the ITA was performed followed by a conventional minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) operation. In 22 patients (group 3) the complete operation was performed endoscopically through 4 ports (total endoscopic coronary artery bypass, TECAB). Port-Access cardiopulmonary bypass with cardioplegic arrest was used for TECAB. Results: In group 1 the time for performing the ITA to LAD anastomosis was 17±10 min. Mean graft flow was 38±25 ml/min. One anastomosis leaked and was repaired manually. In group 2 in 31/32 patients (96%) the ITA harvest was successfully performed with the system at mean of 61±27 min. There was a substantial learning curve associated with ITA take-down. In one patient a dissection caused insufficient free ITA graft flow which necessated additional vein grafting. Postoperative angiography demonstrated graft patency in all cases. In the TECAB group, the operation could be completed through four ports in 18 of the 22 patients (82 %) with operating times in the range 220–507 min. In four patients, elective conversion to a minithoracotomy was required due to failure to identify the LAD (1), bleeding from the anastomosis (1), grafting of a diagonal branch (1) and torsion of the pedicle (1). One patient required reoperation for bleeding from an ITA side-branch. Median intubation time was 13 h and stay on ICU and hospitalization were 20 h and 7 days, respectively. A 3-month follow-up angiography revealed patent grafts in all TECAB patients. Conclusion: Endoscopic ITA harvesting and performing of arterial anastomoses can be safely performed with the da Vinci™ system. TECAB is possible on the arrested heart with good functional results. However, a substantial learning curve has to be overcome which is reflected in long operation times and an initial significant conversion rate.
Maintenance of beta-cell function and survival following islet isolation requires re-establishment of the islet-matrix relationship (1999)

Islet transplantation is associated with a high rate of early graft failure, a problem that remains poorly understood. It is probable that the destruction of the islet microenvironment and loss of tropic support that occur during isolation lead to compromised survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of matrix-integrin interactions on beta-cell survival and function following islet isolation. Canine islets were obtained by conventional methods. Immediately after isolation, the peri-insular basement membrane (BM) was absent. The ability of islets maintained in suspension culture to attach to a collagen matrix declined progressively over 6 days. Attachment could be blocked by an arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) motif-presenting synthetic peptide, thereby implicating an integrin-mediated process. Characterization of cell surface integrins by immunocytochemistry (ICC) demonstrated that the expression of integrins alpha3, alpha5 and alphaV diminished during the culture period. This change was coincident with both a decrease in beta-cell function (proinsulin gene expression, islet insulin content and stimulated insulin release) and a rise in beta-cell death from apoptosis, as determined by in situ cell death detection (TUNEL) assay. These adverse events were prevented or delayed by exposure of islets to matrix proteins. In conclusion, routine islet isolation disrupts the cell-matrix relationship leading to a variety of structural and functional abnormalities, including apoptotic cell death. These alterations can be diminished by restoration of a culture microenvironment that includes matrix proteins.
miR in melanoma development: miRNAs and acquired hallmarks of cancer in melanoma (2013)

Melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer with increasing incidence worldwide. MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression of targeted gene(s). The hallmark of cancer model outlined by Hanahan and Weinberg offers a meaningful framework to consider the roles of microRNAs in melanoma development and progression. In this systematic review of the literature, we associate what is known about deregulation of microRNAs and their targeted genes in melanoma development with the hallmarks and characteristics of cancer. The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of microRNAs for future melanoma management will also be discussed.
Digital Microarrays: Single-Molecule Readout with Interferometric Detection of Plasmonic Nanorod Labels (2018)

DNA and protein microarrays are a high-throughput technology that allow the simultaneous quantification of tens of thousands of different biomolecular species. The mediocre sensitivity and limited dynamic range of traditional fluorescence microarrays compared to other detection techniques have been the technology's Achilles' heel and prevented their adoption for many biomedical and clinical diagnostic applications. Previous work to enhance the sensitivity of microarray readout to the single-molecule ("digital") regime have either required signal amplifying chemistry or sacrificed throughput, nixing the platform's primary advantages. Here, we report the development of a digital microarray which extends both the sensitivity and dynamic range of microarrays by about 3 orders of magnitude. This technique uses functionalized gold nanorods as single-molecule labels and an interferometric scanner which can rapidly enumerate individual nanorods by imaging them with a 10× objective lens. This approach does not require any chemical signal enhancement such as silver deposition and scans arrays with a throughput similar to commercial fluorescence scanners. By combining single-nanoparticle enumeration and ensemble measurements of spots when the particles are very dense, this system achieves a dynamic range of about 6 orders of magnitude directly from a single scan. As a proof-of-concept digital protein microarray assay, we demonstrated detection of hepatitis B virus surface antigen in buffer with a limit of detection of 3.2 pg/mL. More broadly, the technique's simplicity and high-throughput nature make digital microarrays a flexible platform technology with a wide range of potential applications in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
Adding forward chaining and truth maintenance to Prolog (1989)

A description is given of Pfc, a simple package which supplies a forward chaining facility in Prolog. P fc is intended to be used in conjunction with ordinary Prolog programs, allowing the programmer to decide whether to encode a rule as a forward-chaining Pfc rule or a backward-chaining Prolog one. Like other programming languages, Pfc programs have a declarative interpretation as well as a clear and predictable procedural one. A truth maintenance system built into P fc system maintains consistency and makes derivations available for applications. Finally, Pfc is designed to be relatively efficient and unobtrusive
Allelic imbalance at 1p36 may predict prognosis of chemoradiation therapy for bladder preservation in patients with invasive bladder cancer (2004)

Invasive bladder cancers have been treated by irradiation combined with cis-platinum (CDDP) as a bladder preservative option. The aim of this study was to find a marker for predicting patient outcome as well as clinical response after chemoradiation therapy (CRT) by investigating allelic loss of apoptosis-related genes. A total of 67 transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder treated by CRT (median dose: 32.4 Gy of radiation and 232 mg of CDDP) were studied. We investigated allelic imbalances at 14 loci on chromosomes 17p13 and 1p36 including the p53 and p73 gene regions by fluorescent multiplex PCR based on DNA from paraffin-embedded tumour specimens and peripheral blood. The response to CRT was clinical response (CR) in 21 patients (31%), partial response (PR) in 31 (46%), and no change(NC) in 15 (22%). There was no statistical correlation between treatment response and clinical parameters, such as tumour grade, stage, radiation dose, or CDDP dose. The frequencies of allelic imbalance for TP53 and TP73 were 21 and 56%, respectively; neither was correlated with clinical treatment response and tumour stage or grade. There was no statistical correlation between treatment response and allelic imbalance at the other 12 loci. We found a significant correlation between cancer-specific survival and an imbalance of D1S243 (P=0.0482) or TP73 (P=0.0013) using a Log-rank test, although other loci including TP53 did not correlate with survival (P=0.4529 Multivariate analysis showed performance status (P=0.0047), recurrence (P=0.0017), and radiation doses (P=0.0468) were independent predictive factors for cancer-specific survival. However, an allelic imbalance of TP73 was the most remarkable independent predictive factor of poor patient survival (P=0.0002, risk ratio: 3382). Our results suggest that the allelic loss of the p73 gene predicts a clinical outcome of locally advanced bladder cancer when treated by CRT.
Volatile Organic Compound Sensing by Gold Nanoparticles Capped with Calix[4]arene Ligand (2011)

Abstract Gold nanoparticles capped with calix[4]arene ligands have been designed and synthesized for highly sensitive and selective VOC sensing. Mass sensors coated with porous nanoparticle films displayed a good response toward toluene gas.