gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Automatic detection of shape parts using maximal inscribed disks (2022)

In this work, we propose a novel method for computing a part representation of 2D shapes using average outward flux (AOF) skeletal representations. In our method, we compute the flux of the gradient of the Euclidean distance function to the object’s boundary through a shrinking region averaged by the area of that region. Each skeletal point is a representation of a maximal inscribed disk bounded within that shape. We trace all skeletal segments, i.e., skeletal contours that connect endpoints to endpoints, endpoints to junction-points, and junction-points to junction-points. We use the traced contours and their connectivity topology to guide how we assemble our representation later. Now, we consider the degree to which the area reconstructed by the maximal disk associated with a skeletal point is unique. Specifically, for each skeletal point, we compute the fraction of area of its maximal disk that does not overlap with the disk of a skeletal point on any other branch. The measure decreases monotonically as one approaches a junction point. We compute this measure for all skeletal points that lie on a skeletal branch that has an endpoint at least on one of its sides. We now remove the regions that can be reconstructed by these skeletal points uniquely and then repeat this process until there are no unique skeletal fragments to be removed. By this process, we achieve a hierarchical representation that uniquely represents shapes in terms of their parts and how they are attached to each other. Our medial representation enables us to make a graph representation of shapes, predict how their part attachments can deform, and allow for top-down analysis of parts. Unlike boundary-to-axis ratio based measures that are delicate to compute, our measure is stable to perturbations to the boundary and offers a robust representation of shapes.
Combined optimization of transmitting and receiving filters for crosstalk suppression on twisted-pair wirings (2002)

The optimal transmitting and receiving filters are jointly designed for twisted-pair channels in presence of intersymbol interference (ISI), additive white Gaussian noise and crosstalk. As a design criterion the signal-to-noise ratio at the decision point is maximized under the zero-ISI constraint. The case of non-synchronous interfering data signals is considered, so that the crosstalk can be modeled as an additive colored Gaussian noise independent from the transmitted signal and a continuous-time analysis can be carried out. This makes the proposed solution valid for analog communication systems too. Some basic design parameters which optimize the transmission system are then easily computed, and the resulting performance is evaluated.
Fan<i>et al.</i>Reply: (2012)

A Reply to the Comment by P. Brommer and N. Mousseau.Received 30 December 2011DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.219602© 2012 American Physical Society
Calcium Dialkylamine Diazeniumdiolates: Synthesis, Stability, and Nitric Oxide Generation (2020)

The therapeutic application of nitric oxide, an endogenous cellular signaling molecule, has been limited due to the difficulty of developing stable pro-drugs with slow kinetics of NO release. Diazeniumdiolates are valuable NO donors; however, synthetic challenges have hampered their use. O<sup>2</sup>-alkylation or arylation of diazeniumdiolates form stable pro-drugs which have found application in hypertension, cancer, and as antimicrobial agents. The synthesis of sodium diazeniumdiolates has proven to be challenging due to hazardous reaction conditions (high N<sub>2</sub>O concentrations, and flammable solvents), which can lead to detonation and suffered from limited scope. We have previously disclosed that synthesis of calcium diazeniumdiolate salts are a safer and more scalable alternative. Herein, we report the expanded scope of calcium diazeniumdiolates from benzylic amines, amides, and sterically bulky amines hitherto inaccessible and a comparison of their reactivity in comparison to sodium diazeniumdiolate.
Init-LOAM: LiDAR-based Localization and Mapping with a Static Self-Generated Initial Map (2021)

In GPS-denied environments, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is a key technology for the navigation of autonomous robots. 3D LiDAR sensors are particularly suitable in this context as they enable accurate localization and high-quality mapping of a previously unknown environment. In this work, we propose an approach to improve 3D LiDAR-based SLAM performance by creating an initial map of the environment prior to exploration by rotating a 3D LiDAR sensor while the robot, on which the sensor is mounted, is still static. Our approach assumes a static environment and is implemented as a modification of the well-known LOAM framework. We provide a detailed algorithm description of the initial map creation using LOAM. The approach is validated on three simulated datasets with a 3D LiDAR sensor mounted on a UAV via a 1-DoF gimbal. The datasets feature indoor and outdoor visual inspection scenarios. We compare the case where the entries of the initial map remain unchanged during exploration with the case where the initial map is updated during the movement of the mobile platform. Our results show a reduction in trajectory error when creating an initial map before exploration compared to state-of-the-art LOAM and superior results when using an unchangeable initial map.
Suppression of the ELO-2 FA Elongation Activity Results in Alterations of the Fatty Acid Composition and Multiple Physiological Defects, Including Abnormal Ultradian Rhythms, in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> (2003)

While the general steps of fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis are well understood, the individual enzymes involved in the elongation of long chain saturated and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) are largely unknown. Recent research indicates that these enzymes might be of considerable physiological importance for human health. We use Caenorhabditis elegans to study FA elongation activities and associated abnormal phenotypes. In this article we report that the predicted C. elegans F11E6.5/ELO-2 is a functional enzyme with the FA elongation activity. It is responsible for the elongation of palmitic acid and is involved in PUFA biosynthesis. RNAi-mediated suppression of ELO-2 causes an accumulation of palmitate and an associated decrease in the PUFA fraction in triacylglycerides and phospholipid classes. This imbalance in the FA composition results in multiple phenotypic defects such as slow growth, small body size, reproductive defects, and changes in rhythmic behavior. ELO-2 cooperates with the previously reported ELO-1 in 20-carbon PUFA production, and at least one of the enzymes must function to provide normal growth and development in C. elegans. The presented data indicate that suppression of a single enzyme of the FA elongation machinery is enough to affect various organs and systems in worms. This effect resembles syndromic disorders in humans.
Analytical Investigation on Squeal Phenomena Generated in Bicycle Disc Brakes (2011)

The squeal phenomenon is often generated in bicycle disc brakes. This paper deals analytically with the generation mechanism and the criterion of whether or not the squeal occurs. According to the experimental studies, it has been made clear that the squeal is mainly in-plane vibration in the direction of disc surface with the frequency about 1kHz caused by frictional characteristics with negative slope with respect to the relative velocity. An analytical model of the bicycle disc brake system has been devised to confirm the experimental results, in which a coupled in-plane and out-of-plane vibrating system is composed of the disc, hub, caliper and spokes. The resulting frequency of squeal and the unstable vibration modes of the disc and spokes from the analytical model agreed well with the experimental results.
Fusarium. A newly recognized fungal pathogen in immunosuppressed patients (1986)

Two cases of disseminated fungal infection due to Fusarium species, that occurred during a 4-month period, are reported. Both patients had a myeloproliferative disorder for which they had received intensive cytotoxic and immunosuppressive therapy, and both died despite treatment with amphotericin B. This report and review of the recent literature suggest that Fusarium is emerging as a newly recognized fungal pathogen in immunosuppressed patients.
Role of Bicarbonate Ions in Oil Sands Extraction Systems with a Poor Processing Ore (2009)

This article is dedicated to Dr. Per Stenius, a prominent surface and colloid scientist. In this study, colloidal science was applied to understanding of the role of bicarbonate ions, a dominant anionic component in industrial recycle process water, in bitumen extraction from oil sands. Denver cell flotation tests, zeta potential measurements, water chemistry analysis, and atomic force microscope colloidal force measurements were performed. The results demonstrated that bicarbonate ions were good process aids in buffering extraction slurry pH, precipitating calcium ions from the extraction process water, dispersing fine solids, and decreasing solid-bitumen adhesion, indicating they are beneficial for bitumen extraction.
Enantioselective Enolate Protonations: Friedel–Crafts Reactions with α‐Substituted Acrylates (2008)

Templates rule: A Zn(NTf2)2/1 catalyzed tandem Friedel–Crafts alkylation/enantioselective protonation of pyrroles with isoxazolidinone-derived α-substituted α,β-unsaturated imides, provides high levels of rotamer control and enantioselectivity in the tandem sequence, and affords pyrrole derivatives in good-to-excellent yields (68–98 %) and enantioselectivities (43–98 % ee). Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
Running Shoe Experience (2021)

Running is one of the most popular sports worldwide. While considerable research has been conducted on how various aspects of running shoes may affect a runner, research on why runners wear the shoes they choose is limited. Running shoe manufacturers do not possess a reliable method with which to purposely customize and prescribe functional shoe characteristics to meet the requirements of a specific user group. This research aimed to determine if more detailed shoe market segmentation is possible for runners. The survey of 1,472 runners determined that runners are primarily concerned with their perceived comfort in a shoe. More research would be recommended on the topic; and it is possible to define comprehensive shoe market segmentation for runners. Customization of running shoes to correctly fit runners faithfully has the prospect of being the next big running shoes innovation.
Maximizing performance of thermally constrained multi-core processors by dynamic voltage and frequency control (2009)

In this paper a precise formulation of the problem of minimizing the maximum completion time of tasks on a multi-core processor, subject to thermal constraints is presented. The power model used in this work, accounts for the leakage dependence on temperature, while the thermal model is based on the HotSpot model. The general problem is shown to be a non-linear optimization problem that includes cyclic constraints between temperature and power. The derived policy of dynamic frequency and voltage control results in a performance improvement of 19.6% over an optimal policy which performs speed-only control.
Performances of the Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry System for Rapid Identification of Bacteria in Routine Clinical Microbiology (2012)

Rapid and cost-effective matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based systems will replace conventional phenotypic methods for routine identification of bacteria. We report here the first evaluation of the new MALDI-TOF MS-based Vitek MS system in a large clinical microbiology laboratory. This system uses an original spectrum classifier algorithm and a specific database designed for the identification of clinically relevant species. We have tested 767 routine clinical isolates representative of 50 genera and 124 species. Vitek MS-based identifications were performed by means of a single deposit on a MALDI disposable target without any prior extraction step and compared with reference identifications obtained mainly with the VITEK2 phenotypic system; if the identifications were discordant, molecular techniques provided reference identifications. The Vitek MS system provided 96.2% correct identifications to the species level (86.7%), to the genus level (8.2%), or within a range of species belonging to different genera (1.3%). Conversely, 1.3% of isolates were misidentified and 2.5% were unidentified, partly because the species was not included in the database; a second deposit provided a successful identification for 0.8% of isolates unidentified with the first deposit. The Vitek MS system is a simple, convenient, and accurate method for routine bacterial identification with a single deposit, considering the high bacterial diversity studied and as evidenced by the low prevalence of species without correct identification. In addition to a second deposit in uncommon cases, expanding the spectral database is expected to further enhance performances.
Genetic Dissection of Fe-Dependent Signaling in Root Developmental Responses to Phosphate Deficiency (2018)

The inhibition of primary root (PR) growth is a major developmental response of Arabidopsis (<i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>) to phosphate (Pi) deficiency. Previous studies have independently uncovered key roles of the LOW PHOSPHATE RESPONSE1 (LPR1) ferroxidase, the tonoplast-localized ALUMINUM SENSITIVE3 (ALS3)/SENSITIVE TO ALUMINUM RHIZOTOXICITY1 (STAR1) transporter complex, and the SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIZOTOXICITY1 (STOP1; a transcription factor)-ALUMINUM-ACTIVATED MALATE TRANSPORTER1 (ALMT1; a malate transporter) regulatory module in mediating this response by controlling iron (Fe) homeostasis in roots, but how these three components interact to regulate PR growth under Pi deficiency remains unknown. Here, we dissected genetic relationships among these three key components and found that (1) STOP1, ALMT1, and LPR1 act downstream of ALS3/STAR1 in controlling PR growth under Pi deficiency; (2) ALS3/STAR1 inhibits the STOP1-ALMT1 pathway by repressing STOP1 protein accumulation in the nucleus; and (3) STOP1-ALMT1 and LPR1 control PR growth under Pi deficiency in an interdependent manner involving the promotion of malate-dependent Fe accumulation in roots. Furthermore, this malate-mediated Fe accumulation depends on external Pi availability. We also performed a detailed analysis of the dynamic changes in the tissue-specific Fe accumulation patterns in the root tips of plants exposed to Pi deficiency. The results indicate that the degree of inhibition of PR growth induced by Pi deficiency is not linked to the level of Fe accumulated in the root apical meristem or the elongation zone. Our work provides insights into the molecular mechanism that regulates the root developmental response to Pi deficiency.
Use of encapsulation to inhibit oxidation of lipid ingredients in foods. (2010)

Encapsulation is an effective method to protect unsaturated lipids against oxidation. This chapter discusses the principles of lipid encapsulation. It covers the design of encapsulant systems to improve the oxidative stability of encapsulated lipids during storage and applications of encapsulated lipids in manufactured food products.
Using Thin Films to Study Capacity Fade Mechanisms Observed in Conventional LiV<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8 </sub>cathodes (2016)

Capacity fade mechanisms can be difficult to pinpoint in conventional composite cathodes for Li-ion batteries. Capacity fade associated with the cathode can be caused by: (1) irreversible reactions involving the active material, possibly with the electrolyte, (2) degraded integrity of the composite structure, or (3) anode contamination by cathode dissolution products. Post-cycling characterization can be difficult, because these potential capacity fade mechanisms would occur in a complicated cathode structure with: porosity, possible microcracks, irregular surfaces, and multiple particulate phases (active material, binder, and conducting additive). Thin film cathodes were used to study how LiV 3 O 8 (LVO) microstructure affects cycling performance without the added complications associated with a conventional composite cathode structure. Thin film cathodes were produced by magnetron sputtering a Pt current collector layer and an LVO layer onto alumina disks. The thin film geometry with its uniform layered structure was well suited for analysis of pristine and cycled LVO cathodes by several characterization techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The cycling performance of heat-treated thin film cathodes was directly compared to that of conventional composite cathodes with heat-treated sol-gel derived LVO powder. Thin film and sol-gel derived LVO cathodes showed excellent microstructural and electrochemical agreement as a function of heat-treatment temperature. Depending on heat-treatment temperature, the microstructure ranged from amorphous (as-deposited or low temperature heat-treatment) to coarse-grained crystalline material (higher temperature). The maximum specific capacity and the maximum capacity fade were both observed for LVO nanocrystalline material fired at intermediate temperature, where reduced capacity and reduced capacity fade were observed for higher and lower firing temperatures. Capacity fade was linked to vanadium dissolution, where amorphous LVO cathodes showed much lower vanadium dissolution than nanocrystalline LVO material. This work was supported as part of the Center for Mesoscale Transport Properties, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences under Award # DE-SC0012673.
Electromagnetic and Mechanical Design of a Hermetically Sealed Magnetic Gear for a Marine Hydrokinetic Generator (2018)

This paper presents a new type of hermetically sealed magnetically geared generator typology for a marine hydrokinetic application. The proposed magnetically geared generator is composed of two series connected magnetic gearbox stages with the second stage having an integrated stator. This paper focuses only on presenting the electromagnetic design for the first stage magnetic gearbox with a 5kW (at 40RPM) rating. A volumetric and mass torque density tradeoff analysis is utilized in order to arrive at a high torque density design. The designed magnetic gearbox uses a unique laminated flux concentration inner rotor and Halbach array outer rotor typology with a 6.67:1 gear ratio. A mechanical deflection analysis is performed to verify that the proposed magnetic gearbox is mechanically robust.
The <i>S2</i> Gene of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus Is a Highly Conserved Determinant of Viral Replication and Virulence Properties in Experimentally Infected Ponies (2000)

Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is genetically one of the simplest lentiviruses in that the viral genome encodes only three accessory genes, tat, rev, and S2. Although serological analyses demonstrate the expression of the S2 protein in persistently infected horses, the role of this viral gene remains undefined. We recently reported that the S2 gene is not essential for EIAV replication in primary equine macrophages, as EIAV mutants lacking the S2 gene replicate to levels similar to those of the parental virus (F. Li, B. A. Puffer, and R. C. Montelaro, J. Virol. 72:8344-8348, 1998). We now describe in vivo studies that examine the evolution and role of the S2 gene in ponies experimentally infected with EIAV. The results of these studies reveal for the first time that the S2 gene is highly conserved during persistent infection and that deletion of the S2 gene reduces viral virulence and virus replication levels compared to those of the parental virus containing a functional S2 gene. These data indicate that the EIAV S2 gene is in fact an important determinant of viral replication and pathogenic properties in vivo, despite the evident lack of S2 influence on viral replication levels in vitro. Thus, these observations suggest in vivo functions of EIAV S2 that are not adequately reflected in simple infections of cultured cells, including natural target macrophages.
A wavelength tunable semiconductor amplifier/filter for add/drop demultiplexing in WDM networks (1996)

The ability to add and drop wavelength channels in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) network is of great importance to achieve successful routing of wavelengths [1]. Several types of add/drop multiplexers have been demonstrated such as those using fiber grating filters and circulators [2], and those using arrayed waveguide technology [3]. The function of these add/drop multiplexers is to provide optical selection (drop) and addition (add) of a particular wavelength channel without interference from adjacent channels. The filter is a key building block for use in the drop demultiplexer as well as in wavelength, selective receivers [4]. A fast tuning semiconductor filter may be the best practical solution since it can combine the filter functionality with compactness, low cost and low polarization dependent loss. Additionally, through integration more functionality such as amplification and detection can be provided on a single chip. Here we present a semiconductor amplifier/filter which can be used an element in an add/drop multiplexer to provide gain and electrical tunability over 9.5 nm. Channel dropping and high receiver sensitivity is demonstrated using a circulator and the amplifier/filter in a five channel WDM system operating at 50 Mbits/s.
Stress Relaxation in Powder Metallurgy Superalloy Disks (2004)

The objective of this study was to assess the relaxation of stresses at increasing temperatures in several PM superalloy disks. The effects of temperature, time, and plasticity were examined.
Onset of competence to respond to activin A in isolated eight‐cell stage <i>Xenopus</i> animal blastomeres (1995)

Single animal hemisphere blastomeres isolated from the eight-cell stage Xenopus embryos differentiate into mesoderm when treated with activin A, whereas when cultured without activin they form atypical epidermis. The mesoderm tissue induced by activin is different between dorsal and ventral blastomeres. In the present study, the duration and timing of activin treatment was varied, in order to identify the critical stage when animal blastomeres acquire competence to respond to activin A. It was shown that the critical time was 45 min after blastomere isolation, which corresponds approximately to NF stage 6 (32-cell stage) of normal development. The competence gradually increased during the morula stages.