gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Estimation of Active Contour Parameters Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Texture Analysis (2016)

In this paper, we propose a generalization of the level set segmentation approach by supplying a novel method for adaptive estimation of active contour parameters. The presented segmentation method is fully automatic once the lesion has been detected. First, the location of the level set contour relative to the lesion is estimated using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The CNN has two convolutional layers for feature extraction, which lead into dense layers for classification. Second, the output CNN probabilities are then used to adaptively calculate the parameters of the active contour functional during the segmentation process. Finally, the adaptive window size surrounding each contour point is re-estimated by an iterative process that considers lesion size and spatial texture. We demonstrate the capabilities of our method on a dataset of 164 MRI and 112 CT images of liver lesions that includes low contrast and heterogeneous lesions as well as noisy images. To illustrate the strength of our method, we evaluated it against state of the art CNN-based and active contour techniques. For all cases, our method, as assessed by Dice similarity coefficients, performed significantly better than currently available methods. An average Dice improvement of 0.27 was found across the entire dataset over all comparisons. We also analyzed two challenging subsets of lesions and obtained a significant Dice improvement of 0.24 with our method (p <;0.001, Wilcoxon).
Application of REI Equivalent in Reactive Power Optimization Control in Regional Power Grid (2011)

Aiming at regional power grid whose power supply is a substation that connects the upper and lower grid, REI (Radial Equivalent Independent) equivalent is applied to voltage and reactive power optimization control, and varying-intercept linear regression method is proposed to obtain equivalent parameters according to local data taking into account the difficulty of getting the upper grid operating parameters. Without the information of the upper grid, this model can reflect the characteristics of voltage and reactive power of the boundary bus; enable the lower grid to regulate the voltage of the boundary bus; and make the calculated voltage of the whole grid more accurate. Compared with conventional model, this model only adds one node in optimization calculation, so it's simple and practical.
CPU MISER: A Performance-Directed, Run-Time System for Power-Aware Clusters (2007)

Performance and power are critical design constraints in today's high-end computing systems. Reducing power consumption without impacting system performance is a challenge for the HPC community. We present a runtime system (CPU MISER) and an integrated performance model for performance-directed, power-aware cluster computing. CPU MISER supports system-wide, application-independent, fine-grain, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) based power management for a generic power-aware cluster. Experimental results show that CPU MISER can achieve as much as 20% energy savings for the NAS parallel benchmarks. In addition to energy savings, CPU MISER is able to constrain performance loss for most applications within user-specified limits. These constraints are achieved through accurate performance modeling and prediction, coupled with advanced control techniques.
Avatar Selection for Live Performance in Virtual Reality: A Case Study (2019)

With the increasing number of commercial and open-source platforms for networked, multiplayer virtual reality, it is easier than ever to set up a virtual space where people from any geographic location can come together for shared immersive experiences, including live performance events. Very little UX research has been done on the specific needs of performers for such events. In this case study we explore how different types of avatars affect actors' experience of their own performance in VR. We observed that, counter-intuitively, more abstract avatars may make it easier for actors to connect with their character, although we also found that, with sufficient rehearsal, actors can learn to perform fluently through a wide variety of different kinds of avatars.
Structure of a Human Carcinogen-converting Enzyme, SULT1A1 (2003)

Sulfonation catalyzed by sulfotransferase enzymes plays an important role in chemical defense mechanisms against various xenobiotics but also bioactivates carcinogens. A major human sulfotransferase, SULT1A1, metabolizes and/or bioactivates many endogenous compounds and is implicated in a range of cancers because of its ability to modify diverse promutagen and procarcinogen xenobiotics. The crystal structure of human SULT1A1 reported here is the first sulfotransferase structure complexed with a xenobiotic substrate. An unexpected finding is that the enzyme accommodates not one but two molecules of the xenobiotic model substrate p-nitrophenol in the active site. This result is supported by kinetic data for SULT1A1 that show substrate inhibition for this small xenobiotic. The extended active site of SULT1A1 is consistent with binding of diiodothyronine but cannot easily accommodate beta-estradiol, although both are known substrates. This observation, together with evidence for a disorder-order transition in SULT1A1, suggests that the active site is flexible and can adapt its architecture to accept diverse hydrophobic substrates with varying sizes, shapes and flexibility. Thus the crystal structure of SULT1A1 provides the molecular basis for substrate inhibition and reveals the first clues as to how the enzyme sulfonates a wide variety of lipophilic compounds.
NANOPARTICULATE SYSTEMS FOR NUCLEIC ACID DELIVERY (2011)

Development of carrier systems with controllable physicochemical and delivery properties has opened up the possibility of nanomedicines containing nucleic acids. In the last decades, much effort has been dedicated to two exciting approaches in biomedicine, namely gene and RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics. These two approaches have faced many hurdles as far as delivery issues are concerned, as an efficient cytosolic delivery of siRNA and nuclear delivery of plasmid DNA is necessary for RNAi and gene therapy, respectively. In this PhD project, several biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymeric delivery systems such as TMC, TMC-SH, pHPMA-MPPM, QNPHOS, pDMAEMA, PEI and also carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were studied for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo. All these carrier systems were able to form nanoparticles with siRNA. However, based on characteristics of the carrier systems such as their chemical structure and cationic charges, the size, zeta potential and colloidal stability of the particles were different. It was shown those polymers with two cationic groups per monomer unit and the polymers which formed disulfide bonds (due to presence of thiol groups in the structure) were able to form stronger complexes with nucleic acid. However, based on the data presented in this thesis, it was concluded that formation of strong siRNA complexes is indeed advantageous, since it enhances the stability of the polyplexes in biological fluids, contributing to an improved siRNA delivery resulting in a high gene silencing activity. On the other hand, formation of too stable polyplexes with DNA with a limited release, resulted in lack of gene expression. The results of this PhD project show high gene silencing activity of thiolated TMC (TMC-SH) (up to 70%), with a low cytotoxicity (less than 20%). Formation of disulfide bonds in the polyplexes based on this polymer, improved the colloidal stability of the particles. Also, pHPMA-MPPM and non thiolated TMC showed high gene silencing activity (up to 70%) after application of endosomal escape methods such as photochemical internalization (PCI). Functionalized CNTs showed a low silencing activity (up to 20%) and a high cytotoxicity (more than 50%). The biodegradable polymers studied in this thesis showed a much lower cytotoxicity than non-biodegradable carrier systems.
The role of Synaptobrevin1/VAMP1 in Ca<sup>2+</sup>‐triggered neurotransmitter release at the mouse neuromuscular junction (2011)

Synaptobrevin (Syb)/vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) is a small, integral membrane protein of synaptic vesicles. Two homologous isoforms of synaptobrevin, Syb1/VAMP1 and Syb2/VAMP2, exhibit distinct but partially overlapping patterns of expression in adult mammalian neurons: Syb1 is predominantly expressed in the spinal cord, especially in motor neurons and motor nerve terminals of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), whereas Syb2 is primarily expressed in central synapses in the brain. Whereas many studies have focused on the function of Syb2 in the brain, few studies have examined the role of Syb1. Here we report that Syb1 plays a critical role in neuromuscular synaptic transmission. A null mutation of Syb1 resulting from a spontaneous, nonsense mutation in mice significantly impairs the function, but not the structure, of the NMJ. In particular, both spontaneous and evoked synaptic activities in Syb1 mutant mice are reduced significantly relative to control mice. Short-term synaptic plasticity in Syb1-deficient NMJs is markedly altered: paired-pulse facilitation is significantly enhanced, suggesting a reduction in the initial release probability of synaptic vesicles. Furthermore, Syb1-deficient NMJs display a pronounced asynchrony in neurotransmitter release. These impairments are not due to an alteration of the size of the readily releasable pool of vesicles, but are attributable to reduced sensitivity and cooperativity to calcium (Ca2+) due to the absence of Syb1. Our findings demonstrate that Syb1 plays an essential, non-redundant role in Ca2+-triggered vesicle exocytosis at the mouse NMJ.
RSK-Mediated Phosphorylation in the C/EBPβ Leucine Zipper Regulates DNA Binding, Dimerization, and Growth Arrest Activity (2010)

The bZIP transcription factor C/EBPbeta is a target of Ras signaling that has been implicated in Ras-induced transformation and oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). To gain insights into Ras-C/EBPbeta signaling, we investigated C/EBPbeta activation by oncogenic Ras. We show that C/EBPbeta DNA binding is autorepressed and becomes activated by the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK-p90(RSK) cascade. Inducible phosphorylation by RSK on Ser273 in the leucine zipper was required for DNA binding. In addition, three other modifications (phosphorylation on Tyr109 [p-Tyr109], p-Ser111, and monomethylation of Arg114 [me-Arg114]) within an N-terminal autoinhibitory domain were important for Ras-induced C/EBPbeta activation and cytostatic activity. Apart from its role in DNA binding, Ser273 phosphorylation also creates an interhelical g<-->e' salt bridge with Lys268 that increases attractive electrostatic interactions between paired leucine zippers and promotes homodimerization. Mutating Ser273 to Ala or Lys268 to Glu decreased C/EBPbeta homodimer formation, whereas heterodimerization with C/EBPgamma was relatively unaffected. The S273A substitution also reduced the antiproliferative activity of C/EBPbeta in Ras(V12)-expressing fibroblasts and decreased binding to target cell cycle genes, while a phosphomimetic substitution (S273D) maintained growth arrest function. Our findings identify four novel C/EBPbeta-activating modifications, including RSK-mediated phosphorylation of a bifunctional residue in the leucine zipper that regulates DNA binding and homodimerization and thereby promotes cell cycle arrest.
An Original Correction Method for Indoor Ultra Wide Band Ranging-based Localisation System (2016)

During this decade, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) brought an increasing interest in the industrial and research world. One of their applications is the indoor localization. The ranging, i.e. the distance evaluation mechanism between nodes, is required to determine the position of the nodes. The research work presented in this article aims to use Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radio links to achieve an efficient ranging, based on Time of Flight (ToF) measurement. A good solution consists in integrating ranging traffic into the usual network mes-sages. However, the ToF ranging process is based on information exchanges which are temporally constrained. Once this information is encapsulated into the usual messages, the temporal constraint cannot be honoured, resulting in important ranging errors due to clock drifts. To mitigate these errors, we have introduced an original dynamic correction technique which enables a precision of twenty centimetres allowing the inclusion of ranging traffic in usual traffic
Derivation of Cortical Spheroids from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in a Suspension Bioreactor (2017)

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) emerge as a promising source to construct human brain-like tissues, spheroids, or organoids in vitro for disease modeling and drug screening. A suspension bioreactor can be used to generate large size of brain organoids from hiPSCs through enhanced diffusion, but the influence of a dynamic bioreactor culture environment on neural tissue patterning from hiPSCs has not been well understood. The objective of this study is to assess the influence of a suspension bioreactor culture on cortical spheroid (i.e., forebrain-like aggregates) formation from hiPSCs. Single undifferentiated hiPSK3 cells or preformed embryoid bodies were inoculated into the bioreactor. Aggregate size distribution, neural marker expression (e.g., Nestin, PAX6, β-tubulin III, and MAP-2), and cortical tissue patterning markers (e.g., TBR1, BRN2, SATB2, and vGlut1) were evaluated with static control. Bioreactor culture was found to promote the expression of TBR1, a deep cortical layer VI marker, and temporally affect SATB2, a superficial cortical layer II-IV marker that appears later according to inside-out cortical tissue development. Prolonged culture after 70 days showed layer-specific cortical structure in the spheroids. Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -3 was also observed for bioreactor and static culture. The altered expression of cortical markers by a suspension bioreactor indicates the importance of culture environment on cortical tissue development from hiPSCs.
A parallel simulated annealing algorithm for the design of magnetic structures (1994)

A new parallel global optimization algorithm is presented and evaluated. It is based on simulated annealing and on speculative computation. It is particularly suited for parallel architectures from some units to some tens of processors and for problems characterized by a cost function whose evaluation takes a long time, features that fit well with the design of magnetic structures. Comparative tests with respect to traditional sequential SA is presented on the design of a magnet for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
Screening concepts, characterization and structural analysis of microbial-derived bioactive lipopeptides: a review (2016)

Lipopeptide biosurfactants are surface active biomolecules that are produced by a variety of microorganisms. Microbial lipopeptides have gained the interest of microbiologists, chemists and biochemists for their high biodiversity as well as efficient action, low toxicity and good biodegradability in comparison to synthetic counterparts. In this report, we review methods for the production, isolation and screening, purification and structural characterization of microbial lipopeptides. Several techniques are currently available for each step, and we describe the most commonly utilized and recently developed techniques in this review. Investigations on lipopeptide biosurfactants in natural products require efficient isolation techniques for the characterization and evaluation of chemical and biological properties. A combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques offer opportunities for a better characterization of lipopeptide structures, which in turn can lead to the application of lipopeptides in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, agricultural and bioremediation industries.
Using mobile phones to measure adolescent diabetes adherence. (2011)

Mobile phones provide a feasible method to measure glucose monitoring and insulin administration in adolescents, given a limited assessment duration. The method provided novel insights regarding patterns of adherence and should be explored in clinical settings for targeting or tailoring interventions.
Modulation of the Innate Immune Response by Targeting Toll-like Receptors: A Perspective on Their Agonists and Antagonists (2020)

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damaged-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and they are involved in the regulation of innate immune system. These transmembrane receptors, localized at the cellular or endosomal membrane, trigger inflammatory processes through either myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) or TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) signaling pathways. In the last decades, extensive research has been performed on TLR modulators and their therapeutic implication under several pathological conditions, spanning from infections to cancer, from metabolic disorders to neurodegeneration and autoimmune diseases. This Perspective will highlight the recent discoveries in this field, emphasizing the role of TLRs in different diseases and the therapeutic effect of their natural and synthetic modulators, and it will discuss insights for the future exploitation of TLR modulators in human health.
Properties of Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>:Sn/CIGS for visible light sensors (2015)

A Ga2O3/Ga2O3:Sn/CuIn1-xGax(Se1-ySy)2(CIGS) structure is proposed for use in visible light sensors. CIGS thin films have been investigated for high efficiency thin-film solar cells. The typical structure of CIGS solar cells consists of ZnO/CdS/CIGS. However, the quantum efficiency of this structure at short wavelengths is decreased due to optical absorption loss from the CdS layer. In this study, a Ga2O3 layer was adopted instead of a CdS layer. Ga2O3 has a wide band gap and high transmittance in the visible region. Furthermore, it was assumed that it could function as a hole-blocking layer to suppress hole injection from the anode. Additionally, a Ga2O3:Sn thin layer was laid on the CIGS layer to spread the depletion region to the CIGS layer, because the carrier density of the undoped Ga2O3 layer was much lower than that of the CIGS layer. In this structure, signal current multiplication and quantum efficiency greater than unity were observed at applied voltages over 3.5 V.
Three‐dimensional ultrasound improves the interobserver reliability of antral follicle counts and facilitates increased clinical work flow (2008)

3D ultrasound significantly improves the interobserver reliability of antral follicle counts. While this is at the expense of time overall, the duration of the actual ultrasound examination and patient exposure is significantly reduced using 3D compared with real-time 2D ultrasound.
Hybrid Pervasive Mobile Cloud Computing: Toward Enhancing Invisibility (2014)

Vanishing computers into background toward invisible, distraction-free pervasive computing was envisioned by Mark Weiser which is yet remained unfulfilled. Current pervasive systems feature insufficient infrastructures to accurately perceive, infer context, tune the spaces, and prevent cyber threats. Convergence of wireless networks and cloud computing with smartphones alleviate issues and promote the Weiser’s vision. We outline Hybrid Pervasive Mobile Cloud Computing (HPMCC) as the state-of-the-art convergent paradigm comprises of pervasive artifacts, cloud resources, and smartphones. Multidimensional perception and localized elastic scalability are particular advantages of HPMCC that ensure spontaneous distraction-free human-machine interaction. Seamless application portability and multipoint data bridging are some of the open discussed issues.
Unsaturated Polyester Resin for Specialty Applications (2012)

O CH 2 CH CH 2 +CH 2 = CH O O COOH 1.1.4. Unsaturated polyester resin Unsaturated polyester resins are the condensation products of unsaturated acids or anhydrides and diols with/without diacids. The unsaturation present in this type of polyesters provides a site for subsequent cross-linking [23-24]. Since 1930, unsaturated polyester resins have been used remarkably for wide range of applications making them a thermosetting system of major importance [25-26]. These resins are compounded with varied fillers, reinforcements and cured by using free radical initiators to yield thermoset articles having a wide range of chemical and mechanical properties depending upon the choice of diacids, diols, cross-linking agents, initiators and other additives [27]. This versatility in the properties of the final thermoset product associated with comparatively low cost has renewed the interest in these resins as an important matrix material for wide range of applications. In 1929, Arvin and Carothers [28] developed unsaturated polyester resins from maleic acid and ethylene glycol reacted at temperature 175 0 -185 0 C. Ford Motor Co. Ltd.[29] synthesized unsaturated polyester resin by reacting maleic anhydride and phthalic anhydride with propylene glycol at 100 0 C and then at 250 0 C till the acid number diminished to the value less than 50 (mg of KOH per gm of sample). Corrado and his assistants [30] synthesized low viscosity unsaturated polyester resins by reacting maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride and dipropylene glycol at 200 0 C. Ochsenbein and Olliver [31]
Development of microLED (2020)

This perspective provides an overview of early developments, current status, and remaining challenges of microLED (μLED) technology, which was first reported in Applied Physics Letters in 2000 [S. X. Jin, J. Li, J. Z. Li, J. Y. Lin and H. X. Jiang, "GaN Microdisk Light Emitting Diodes," Appl. Phys. Lett. 76, 631 (2000)]. Today, microLED is recognized as the ultimate display technology and is one of the fastest-growing technologies in the world as technology giants utilize it on a wide range of products from large flat panel displays and televisions, wearable displays, and virtual reality displays to light sources for the neural interface and optogenetics. It is anticipated that the collective R&D efforts worldwide will bring microLED products not only to the mass consumer electronic markets but also to serve the society on the broadest scale by encompassing sectors in medical/health, energy, transportation, communications, and entertainment.
The Politics of CEOs (2019)

Abstract This article studies the political preferences of chief executive officers (CEOs) of public companies. We use Federal Election Commission records to compile a comprehensive database of the political contributions made by more than 3800 individuals who served as CEOs of Standard & Poor’s 1500 companies between 2000 and 2017. We find a substantial preference for Republican candidates. We identify how this pattern is related to the company’s industry, region, and CEO gender. In addition, we show that companies led by Republican CEOs tend to be less transparent to investors with respect to their political spending. Finally, we discuss the policy implications of our analysis.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Benzoyl Peroxide Resembling Impetigo (2015)

A 17-year-old boy presented with recurring severe dermatitis of the face of 5-months duration that resembled impetigo. He had been treated with several courses of antibiotics without improvement. Biopsy showed changes consistent with allergic contact dermatitis and patch testing later revealed sensitization to benzoyl peroxide, which the patient had been using for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Reconfigurable Viterbi Decoder for Mobile Platform Reconfigurable Viterbi Decoder for Mobile Platform (2005)

International audience