gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Learning Robotic Manipulation of Granular Media (2017)

In this paper, we examine the problem of robotic manipulation of granular media. We evaluate multiple predictive models used to infer the dynamics of scooping and dumping actions. These models are evaluated on a task that involves manipulating the media in order to deform it into a desired shape. Our best performing model is based on a highly-tailored convolutional network architecture with domain-specific optimizations, which we show accurately models the physical interaction of the robotic scoop with the underlying media. We empirically demonstrate that explicitly predicting physical mechanics results in a policy that out-performs both a hand-crafted dynamics baseline, and a value-network, which must otherwise implicitly predict the same mechanics in order to produce accurate value estimates.
Optimal distortion measures for the high rate vector quantization of LPC parameters (2002)

This paper presents a class of quadratically weighted distortion measures which provide optimal performance for the high rate vector quantization (VQ) of linear predictive coding (LPC) parameters. It is shown that the quantization distortion of a high rate VQ converges to a quadratically weighted measure, where the quadratic weighting matrix is a "sensitivity" matrix, which is a generalization of the scalar sensitivity concept to the vector case. The sensitivity matrix is the second order term of the Taylor series expansion of the original distortion measure. Closed form expressions and computationally efficient methods for computing the sensitivity matrices of the different LPC parameterizations are given, which involve no numerical integration and can be implemented in real-time on modern DSP chips. In the general case, the "sum of sensitivity weighted scalar errors" is not equivalent to the original distortion measure. However the sensitivity matrix of the line spectral pair (LSP) frequencies is exactly diagonal, demonstrating that for LSPs only a "sum of sensitivity weighted scalar errors" will result in optimal performance.
Exploring the Influence of the Protein Environment on Metal-Binding Pharmacophores (2014)

The binding of a series of metal-binding pharmacophores (MBPs) related to the ligand 1-hydroxypyridine-2-(1H)-thione (1,2-HOPTO) in the active site of human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) has been investigated. The presence and/or position of a single methyl substituent drastically alters inhibitor potency and can result in coordination modes not observed in small-molecule model complexes. It is shown that this unexpected binding mode is the result of a steric clash between the methyl group and a highly ordered water network in the active site that is further stabilized by the formation of a hydrogen bond and favorable hydrophobic contacts. The affinity of MBPs is dependent on a large number of factors including donor atom identity, orientation, electrostatics, and van der Waals interactions. These results suggest that metal coordination by metalloenzyme inhibitors is a malleable interaction and that it is thus more appropriate to consider the metal-binding motif of these inhibitors as a pharmacophore rather than a "chelator". The rational design of inhibitors targeting metalloenzymes will benefit greatly from a deeper understanding of the interplay between the variety of forces governing the binding of MBPs to active site metal ions.
Very Near Specular Scatter Measurements (1992)

Near specular scatter from imaging optics can be the key factor limiting resolution. This is especially true for large diameter space based telescopes that do not have to contend with atmospheric distortion and are capable (in principle) of resolving very tight diffraction limited points. This paper discusses a laboratory technique to measure, and/or calculate, the near specular BRDF of such optics so that manufacturing techniques of low scatter mirrors can be optimized and final product can be checked. The technique was conceived in response to a government lab interested in measuring to "a few arc seconds from specular."
Synthesis and biological evaluation of isomeric dinucleoside monophosphates and monomethylphosphonates of 9-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyladenine and related analogs (1988)

The 3'----5',3'----3' and 5'----5' dinucleoside monophosphates and methylphosphonates of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine, as well as its 5'-(hydrogen phosphonate) and 5'-(methyl methylphosphonate) derivatives have been the subject of a systematic synthesis and examination of their biological, i.e. antiviral and cytostatic, properties. First the properly protected monomeric building blocks were prepared and then condensed to give fully protected intermediates. These latter were then deblocked to afford the unprotected compounds, which were fully characterized. Only the 3'----5' phosphodiester isomers 13 and 16 and, to a lesser extent, the 5'-(hydrogen phosphonate) derivative 21 showed marked biological activity.
Market Microstructure Design and Flash Crashes: A Simulation Approach (2012)

We study consequences of regulatory interventions in limit order markets that aim at stabilizing the market after an occurrence of a flash crash. We use a simulation platform that creates random arrivals of trade orders, that allows us to analyze subtle features of liquidity and price variability under various market structures. The simulations are performed under continuous double-auction microstructure, and under alternatives, including imposing minimum resting times, shutting off trading for a period of time, and switching to call auction mechanisms. We find that the latter is the most effective in restoring the liquidity of the book and recovery of the price level. However, one has to be cautious about possible long term consequences of the intervention on the traders’ strategies.
The benefit of split nonlinearity compensation for single channel optical fiber communications (2016)

In this Letter we analyze the benefit of digital compensation of fiber nonlinearity, where the digital signal processing is divided between the transmitter and receiver. The application of the Gaussian noise model indicates that, where there are two or more spans, it is always beneficial to split the nonlinearity compensation. The theory is verified via numerical simulations, investigating transmission of single channel 50 GBd polarization division multiplexed 4- and 256-ary quadrature amplitude modulation signals over 100 km standard single mode fiber spans, using lumped amplification. It is shown, theoretically, that the SNR gain for long distances and high bandwidth transmission is 1.5 dB versus transmitter- or receiver-based nonlinearity compensation.
Prostaglandin E2 and 4‐Aminopyridine Prevent the Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Outwardly Rectifying Potassium Current and Interleukin‐1β Production in Cultured Rat Microglia (1998)

Brain inflammation includes microglial activation and enhanced production of diffusible chemical mediators, including prostaglandin E2. Prostaglandin E2 is generally considered a proinflammatory molecule, but it also promotes neuronal survival and down-regulates some aspects of microglial activation. It remains unknown, however, if and how prostaglandin E2 prevents microglial activation. In primary culture, microglial activation is predicted by a characteristic pattern of whole-cell potassium currents and interleukin-1beta production. We investigated if prostaglandin E2 could alter these currents and, if so, whether these currents are necessary for microglial activation. Microglia were isolated from mixed cell cultures prepared from neonatal rat brains and exposed to 0-10 microM prostaglandin E2 and lipopolysaccharide for 24 h. Currents were elicited by using standard patch-clamp technique, and interleukin-1beta production was measured by ELISA. Peak outward current densities in microglia treated with lipopolysaccharide plus prostaglandin E2 (10 nM) were reduced significantly from those of cells treated with lipopolysaccharide alone. Prostaglandin E2 and 4-aminopyridine (a blocker of outward potassium currents) also significantly reduced interleukin-1beta production. Thus, although prostaglandin E2 is classified generally as a proinflammatory chemical, it has complex roles in brain inflammation that include preventing microglial activation, perhaps by reducing the outward potassium current.
A Table-Based Approach to Study the Impact of Process Variations on FinFET Circuit Performance (2010)

This paper presents a novel table-based approach for efficient statistical analysis of Finfield effect transistor circuits. The proposed approach uses a new scheme for interpolation of look-up tables (LUTs) with respect to process parameters. The effect of various process parameters, viz., channel length, fin width, and effective oxide thickness is studied for three circuits: buffer chain, static random access memory cell, and high-gain low-voltage op-amp. Compared to mixed-mode (device-circuit) simulation, the proposed LUT-based approach is shown to be much faster, thus making it practically a feasible and attractive option for variability analysis especially for emerging technologies where compact models are not available for circuit simulation.
Foil field lundell alternator with rotating power electronics (2006)

The power requirements of automotive alternators are increasing significantly due to the introduction of new vehicle electrical loads. We aim to improve alternator power density with the use of a foil field winding in the Lundell or claw-pole alternator. Foil field windings are shown to provide higher conductor packing factors than conventional wire wound fields (e.g. 73% as opposed to 64% for a typical wire wound design) and offer improved thermal transfer properties. These advantages are demonstrated to enable significant increases in field ampere turns and achievable alternator output power. However, realizing these advantages requires a new field excitation circuit that can deliver high field current at a low voltage, without exceeding the limited current ratings of alternator brushes.
Relationship between equine herpesvirus‐1 myeloencephalopathy and viral genotype (2010)

International audience
Development and Research on the Mechanism of Novel Mist Etching Method for Oxide Thin Films (2012)

A novel etching process with etchant mist was developed and applied to oxide thin films such as zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc magnesium oxide (ZnMgO), and indium tin oxide (ITO). By using this process, it was shown that precise control of the etching characteristics is possible with a reasonable etching rate, for example, in the range of 10–100 nm/min, and a fine pattern of high accuracy can also be realized, even though this is usually very difficult by conventional wet etching processes, for ZnO and ZnMgO. The mist etching process was found to be similarly and successfully applied to ITO. The mechanism of mist etching has been studied by examining the etching temperature dependence of pattern accuracy, and it was shown that the mechanism was different from that of conventional liquid-phase spray etching. It was ascertained that fine pattern etching was attained using mist droplets completely (or partly) gasified by the heat applied to the substrate. This technique was applied to the fabrication of a ZnO thin-film transistor (TFT) with a ZnO active channel length of 4 µm. The electrical properties of the TFT were found to be excellent with fine uniformity over the entire 4-in. wafer.
Electrochemical and DFT Analysis of Deactivation of Pt Supported on Niobia (2010)

The catalytic deactivation of platinum supported on NbRuyOz mixed metal oxide support has been investigated. 60% Pt/NbRuyOz was synthesized in a single step using spray pyrolysis, followed by reductive thermal post-treatment. The catalyst was deposited onto a tabbed, Au TEM grid and rapidly cycled between anodic and cathodic potentials in 0.1M HClO4 and 1M KOH to observe mechanisms of corrosion and deactivation. After 3600 cycles, TEM shows a thin film of oxygen-rich niobia with the potential to block ion transport covering the catalyst and support particles. Density Functional Theory calculations indicate that the rate of oxygen diffusion across the Pt(111) surface is in good agreement with experimental observations of the period of catalyst deactivation (several weeks) when exposed to open atmosphere. This suggests that the mechanism of catalytic deactivation could involve the capture and release of oxygen as Nb2O5 breaks down into reduced fragments of NbOx.
Tuning liquid absorption and ink spreading by polyelectrolyte multilayering on substrates with different levels of internal sizing (2014)

The effect of base paper hydrophobicity and polyelectrolyte multilayer surface treatment on the subsequent liquid absorption and ink&#x2013;substrate interaction was studied. It was found that the internal sizing degree affects the inkjet print quality, but that it is dependent on deposited polyelectrolyte layer chemistry and composition. A rather different ink absorption and spreading behavior was seen with dyes than with pigment-based inks.
Identification of epitopes in ovalbumin that provide insights for cancer neoepitopes (2019)

MHC I-restricted epitopes of chicken ovalbumin (OVA) were originally identified using CD8 T cells as probes. Here, using bioinformatics tools, we identify four additional epitopes in OVA in addition to a cryptic epitope. Each new epitope is presented in vivo, as deduced from the lack of CD8 response to it in OVA-transgenic mice. In addition, CD8 responses to the known and novel epitopes are examined in C57BL/6 mice exposed to the OVA-expressing tumor E.G7 in several ways. No responses to any epitope including SIINFEKL are detected in mice with growing E.G7 or mice immunized with the tumor. Only in E.G7-bearing mice treated with an anti-CTLA4 antibody which depletes tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells, CD8 responses to SIINFEKL and the novel epitope EKYNLTSVL are detected. Finally, all epitopes fails to treat mice with pre-existing tumors. These observations force an important re-consideration of the common assumptions about the therapeutic value of neoepitopes detected by CD8 responses in tumor-bearing hosts.
Plasminogen Binding Proteins and Plasmin Generation on the Surface ofLeptospiraspp.: The Contribution to the Bacteria-Host Interactions (2012)

Leptospirosis is considered a neglected infectious disease of human and veterinary concern. Although extensive investigations on host-pathogen interactions have been pursued by several research groups, mechanisms of infection, invasion and persistence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. remain to be elucidated. We have reported the ability of leptospires to bind human plasminogen (PLG) and to generate enzimatically active plasmin (PLA) on the bacteria surface. PLA-coated Leptospira can degrade immobilized ECM molecules, an activity with implications in host tissue penetration. Moreover, we have identified and characterized several proteins that may act as PLG-binding receptors, each of them competent to generate active plasmin. The PLA activity associated to the outer surface of Leptospira could hamper the host immune attack by conferring the bacteria some benefit during infection. The PLA-coated leptospires obstruct complement C3b and IgG depositions on the bacterial surface, most probably through degradation. The decrease of leptospiral opsonization might be an important aspect of the immune evasion strategy. We believe that the presence of PLA on the leptospiral surface may (i) facilitate host tissue penetration, (ii) help the bacteria to evade the immune system and, as a consequence, (iii) permit Leptospira to reach secondary sites of infection.
The dynamics of the dissociative adsorption of methane on Pt(533) (2003)

The influence of well-defined steps on the dynamics of the dissociative chemisorption of methane on Pt(533) has been investigated using molecular beam techniques. The initial dissociative chemisorption probability S0 has been determined as a function of incident energy Ei, angle of incidence θi, and surface temperature TS. For incident kinetic energies in the range 26&amp;lt;Ei(meV)&amp;lt;1450, the initial dissociation probability of CH4 on the Pt(533) surface is higher than on Pt(111), for all surface temperatures investigated. This enhancement in dissociation is associated with the additional direct sticking mediated by the step sites, with no evidence for any additional indirect dynamical channel to dissociation induced by the step sites in the range of energies studied. The Ei dependence can be separated into the contributions of the (111) terraces and the (100) steps. The latter exhibits an effective activation barrier for dissociation ≈300 meV lower than the (111) terraces. The angular dependence can also be interpreted as having two contributions, one associated with the (111) terraces, and the second associated with the steps. The angular dependence associated with the step sites is broader than the dependence expected for the (111) terraces, and has a maximum for incident trajectories with an angle between the angles corresponding to the normal directions of the (111) and (100) facets. An enhanced TS dependence is also observed on the Pt(533) surface over Pt(111). This is also associated with the influence of the step sites, and results either from the lower barrier to dissociation, or more likely a more effective coupling of the energy from the surface into the reaction coordinate.
Data from MHC Class I Loss Is a Frequent Mechanism of Immune Escape in Papillary Thyroid Cancer That Is Reversed by Interferon and Selumetinib Treatment <i>In Vitro</i> (2023)

&lt;div&gt;Abstract&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Purpose:&lt;/b&gt; To evaluate MHC class I expression on papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and analyze changes in MHC expression and associated immune activation with current and experimental treatments for thyroid cancer using &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; PTC cell lines.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Experimental Design:&lt;/b&gt; MHC class I expression and assessment of tumor-infiltrating leukocyte populations were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. PTC cell lines were analyzed for HLA-ABC expression by flow cytometry following tyrosine kinase inhibitor, IFNα or IFNγ, or radiation treatment. Functional changes in antigenicity were assessed by coculture of allogeneic donor peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) with pretreated or untreated PTC cell lines and measurement of T-cell activation and cytokine production.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Both MHC class I and β2-microglobulin expression was reduced or absent in 76% of PTC specimens and was associated with reduced tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including effector (CD3&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;, CD8&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;, CD16&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;) and suppressor (FoxP3&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;) populations. Treatment of PTC cell lines with the MEK1/2 inhibitor selumetinib or IFN increased HLA-ABC expression. This phenotypic change was associated with increased T-cell activation (�25&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; of CD3&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;) and IL2 production by PBL cocultured with treated PTC cell lines. Additive effects were seen with combination selumetinib and IFN treatment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; MHC class I expression loss is frequent in human PTC specimens and represents a significant mechanism of immune escape. Increased antigenicity following selumetinib and IFN treatment warrants further study for immunotherapy of progressive PTC. &lt;i&gt;Clin Cancer Res; 20(23); 6034–44. ©2014 AACR&lt;/i&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of (+) and (‐) Epibatidine. (1995)

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Mechanical deformation of elastomer medical devices can enable microbial surface colonization (2023)

Elastomers such as silicone are common in medical devices (catheters, prosthetic implants, endoscopes), but they remain prone to microbial colonization and biofilm infections. For the first time, our work shows that rates of microbial surface attachment to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone can be significantly affected by mechanical deformation. For a section of bent commercial catheter tubing, bacteria (P. aeruginosa) show a strong preference for the 'convex' side compared to the 'concave' side, by a factor of 4.2. Further testing of cast PDMS materials in bending only showed a significant difference for samples that were manually wiped (damaged) beforehand (1.75 × 10<sup>4</sup> and 6.02 × 10<sup>3</sup> cells/mm<sup>2</sup> on the convex and concave sides, respectively). We demonstrate that surface microcracks in elastomers are opened under tensile stress (convex bending) to become 'activated' as sites for microbial colonization. This work demonstrates that the high elastic limit of elastomers enables these microcracks to reversibly open and close, as 'dynamic defects'. Commercial catheters have relatively high surface roughness inherent to manufacturing, but we show that even manual wiping of newly-cast PDMS is sufficient to generate surface microcracks. We consider the implication for medical devices that feature sustained, surgical, or cyclic deformation, in which localized tensile conditions may expose these surface defects to opportunistic microbes. As a result, our work showcases serious potential problems in the widespread usage and development of elastomers in medical devices.
Correlation of anthropometry with CT in Mexican-American women (1999)

Measurement of regional fat has commonly been accomplished by extrapolation from anthropometric measures. Recent studies of White and Black women have demonstrated differences in intra-abdominal fat, using computerized tomographic (CT) techniques. These same estimates were computed for 48 Mexican American women who were undergoing CT for diagnostic purposes. Waist-hip ratios, waist-thigh ratios, and sagittal diameter index were also calculated. Four (7mm) CT slices between L-4 and L - 5 were analyzed with imaging software. The volume of both subcutaneous and visceral fat was estimated. Like other minority women, Mexican American women had less intra-abdominal fat than subcutaneous fat, which is important because of the association of excess intra-abdominal fat with cardiovascular risk. Intra-abdominal fat volume was significantly predicted by only one variable, sagittal abdominal diameter, while subcutaneous fat volume was predicted by hip and thigh circumferences.
Studying Pellet Formation of a Filamentous Fungus Rhizopus oryzae to Enhance Organic Acid Production (2007)

Using pelletized fungal biomass can effectively improve the fermentation performance for most of fugal strains. This article studied the effects of inoculum and medium compositions such as potato dextrose broth (PDB) as carbon source, soybean peptone, calcium carbonate, and metal ions on pellet formation of Rhizopus oryzae. It has been found that metal ions had significantly negative effects on pellet formation whereas soybean peptone had positive effects. In addition PDB and calcium carbonate were beneficial to R. oryzae for growing small smooth pellets during the culture. The study also demonstrated that an inoculum size of less than 1.5×109 spores/L had no significant influence on pellet formation. Thus, a new approach to form pellets has been developed using only PDB, soybean peptone, and calcium carbonate. Meanwhile, palletized fungal fermentation significantly enhanced organic acid production. Lactic acid concentration reached 65.0 g/L in 30 h using pelletized R. oryzae NRRL 395, and fumeric acid concentration reached 31.0 g/L in 96 h using pelletized R. oryzae ATCC 20344.