gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Interference Cartography for Hierarchical Dynamic Spectrum Access (Short paper) (2008)

This paper describes a simple but effective concept in cognitive networks that provides awareness on the radio environment through geo-localized interference measurements: the interference cartography. The purpose of this novel concept is to combine location information with radio measurements carried out over the heterogeneous radio environment, and to provide a complete view of the environment to be used in autonomous decision making in a cognitive context. This is achieved by aggregating the already existing radio measurements that circulate in wireless networks forming the heterogeneous network panorama, combining this aggregated information with geo-localization information, performing advanced signal processing techniques to render the information complete and reliable, and updating the information to provide a viable picture of the environment for efficient detection, analysis and decision. Our focus is on hierarchical access models where licensed spectrum can be accessed by secondary users without creating harmful interference on the primaries. A complete description of a possible network implementation in a hierarchical access scheme is given, with a centralized architecture and a protocol structure that complies with the utilization of interference cartography. A case study of the proposed scheme is also given, demonstrating the utility of the notion of interference cartography.
Failure simulation of nuclear pressure vessel under severe accident conditions: Part II – Failure modeling and comparison with OLHF experiment (2023)

This paper proposes strain-based failure model of A533B1 pressure vessel steel to simulate failure, followed by application to OECD lower head failure (OLHF) test simulation for experimental validation. The proposed strain-based failure model uses simple constant and linear functions based on physical failure modes with the critical strain value determined either using the lower bound of true fracture strain or using the average value of total elongation depending on the temperature. Application to OECD Lower Head Failure (OLHF) tests shows that progressive deformation, failure time and failure location can be well predicted.
Biochemical and Biophysical Properties of Interactions between Subunits of the Peripheral Stalk Region of Human V-ATPase (2013)

Peripheral stalk subunits of eukaryotic or mammalian vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) play key roles in regulating its assembly and disassembly. In a previous study, we purified several subunits and their isoforms of the peripheral stalk region of Homo sapiens (human) V-ATPase; such as C1, E1G1, H, and the N-terminal cytoplasmic region of V(o), a1. Here, we investigated the in vitro binding interactions of the subunits at the stalk region and measured their specific affinities. Surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that the subunit C1 binds the E1G1 heterodimer with both high and low affinities (2.8 nM and 1.9 µM, respectively). In addition, an E1G1-H complex can be formed with high affinity (48 nM), whereas affinities of other subunit pairs appeared to be low (∼0.21-3.0 µM). The putative ternary complex of C1-H-E1G1 was not much strong on co-incubation of these subunits, indicating that the two strong complexes of C1-E1G1 and H-E1G1 in cooperation with many other weak interactions may be sufficiently strong enough to withstand the torque of rotation during catalysis. We observed a partially stable quaternary complex (consisting of E1G1, C1, a1(NT), and H subunits) resulting from discrete peripheral subunit interactions stabilizing the complex through their intrinsic affinities. No binding was observed in the absence of E1G1 (using only H, C1, and a1(NT)); therefore, it is likely that, in vivo, the E1G1 heterodimer has a significant role in the initiation of subunit assembly. Multiple interactions of variable affinity in the stalk region may be important to the mechanism of reversible dissociation of the intact V-ATPase.
Effekte neuer Fettsäure-Rezeptor-Agonisten in insulinsezernierenden Zellen (2010)

Während ein akuter Anstieg der Konzentration an freien Fettsäuren im Plasma die Glucose-induzierte Insulinsekretion potenziert, wirken chronisch erhöhte Fettsäurekonzentrationen hemmend auf die β-Zellfunktion und stimulieren den apoptotischen Zelltod. Bei der Stimulation der Insulinsekretion spielt der Fettsäurerezeptor (GPR40/FFAR1) eine entscheidende Rolle. Fehlt der Rezeptor oder ist er gehemmt, können Fettsäuren die Insulinsekretion nicht mehr stimulieren. Die apoptotische Wirkung hingegen scheinen Fettsäuren über metabolische Signalwege auszuüben. Diese Studie wurde durchgeführt, um zu untersuchen, welche Wirkung spezifische FFAR1-Agonisten auf die Insulinsekretion und den apoptotischen Zelltod in insulinsezernierenden Zellen haben. Es wurde zudem untersucht, ob FFAR1-Agonisten in Zellen wirksam sind, die ihre Glucosesensitivität verloren haben.
Somatic mutation in PIK3CA is a late event in cervical carcinogenesis (2015)

Somatic mutations in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are largely unknown. Here, we profiled 35 cervical carcinomas and 23 CIN grade 2/3 (CIN2/3) for mutations in 48 cancer-related genes using a Next Generation Sequencing-based cancer panel. PIK3CA exon 9 was the most frequently mutated locus in cervical carcinoma and the only mutated locus detected in CIN2/3. These PIK3CA exon 9 mutation findings were verified in a large, independent series (n = 647) covering all stages of cervical carcinogenesis using high resolution melting-guided Sanger sequencing. PIK3CA exon 9 mutation frequency was 37.1% (13/35; 95%CI 21.2-54.0%) in cervical carcinoma, and 2.4% (5/209; 95%CI 0.5-4.7%) in CIN3. No PIK3CA exon 9 mutations were detected in CIN2 (0/144), CIN1 (0/154) and normal cervix (0/105). In a third series of 46 CIN2/3 lesions from women with a known 5-year history of preceding high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection, detection of PIK3CA exon 9 mutation was confined to 2 (5.4%; 95%CI 0.0-13.2%) CIN3 lesions with preceding hrHPV infection ≥5 years, and was absent in those with a short duration (<5 years) of preceding hrHPV infection. In conclusion, somatic mutation in PIK3CA represents a late event during cervical carcinogenesis, detected in a substantial subset of cervical carcinoma, but only in a minority of CIN3.
SAFETY AND REGISTRATION OF MICROBIAL AGENTS FOR CONTROL OF GRASSHOPPERS AND LOCUSTS (1997)

Abstract Microbial control agents offer a method of pest control using organisms that are a natural component of the environment and are usually much more selective than chemical pesticides. Furthermore, they can usually be integrated with other methods of control, and may provide prolonged control by establishment within the host population. However, microbial control agents also possess properties that can pose human and environmental risks depending on the nature of the pathogen and its pattern of use. We present an overview of issues concerning the safety and registration of microbial control agents with emphasis on pathogens of locusts and grasshoppers. The potential safety issues and other consequences of concern from the deployment of microorganisms for pest control are: (1) pathogenicity to non-target organisms, (2) toxigenicity to non-target organisms, (3) competitive displacement of microorganisms, and (4) allergenicity. Inundative control methods pose unique risks because the pathogens must be produced in large quantities, stored, transported, and applied, usually in concentrations much higher than would normally ever occur naturally. The overriding concern in introducing an exotic agent is the risk to non-target beneficial organisms, because once the agent becomes established, it will in most situations be impossible to eradicate. However, if indigenous organisms are used, there is relatively little risk of irreversible, long-term detrimental effects. A synopsis of safety testing results of some of the more promising microbial control agents for grasshoppers and locusts and an evaluation of their potential hazards are presented. Safety to vertebrates is evaluated by a tiered series of laboratory test requirements. Assessments on hazards to non-target invertebrates are based principally on results of laboratory bioassays. Safety tests should be chosen with regard to the biological characteristics of the agent and should not impose standards that are more stringent than those imposed on other forms of pest control. Regulatory oversight should assure the integrity of the environment and safety of the public, while at the same time not unduly hampering the development, registration, and use of more sustainable pest control methods.
MATLAB software for identification of nonlinear autonomous systems : Revision 1 (2014)

This report is intended as a user s manual for a package of MATLAB scripts and functions, developed for recursive and batch identification of nonlinear autonomous state space models of order 2. The core of the package consists of implementations of four algorithms for this purpose. There are two least squares batch schemes and two recursive algorithms based on Kalman filtering techniques. The algorithms are based on a continuous time, structured black box state space model of a nonlinear autonomous system of order 2. The software can only be run off-line, i.e. no true real time operation is possible. The recursive algorithms are however implemented so that true on-line operation can be obtained by extraction of the main algorithmic loops. The user must then provide the real time environment. The software package contains scripts and functions that allow the user to either input live measurements or to generate test data by simulation. The functionality for display of results include scripts for plotting of data and parameters. The estimated model obtained at the end of a run can be simulated and the model output plotted, alone or together with the data used for identification.
An acoustic microscopy technique to assess particle size and distribution following needle-free injection (2010)

Needle-free injection is a novel technique for transdermal drug and vaccine delivery, the efficacy of which depends on the number density and mean penetration depth of particles beneath the skin. To date, these parameters have been assessed optically, which is time-consuming and unsuitable for use in vivo. The present work describes the development of a scanning acoustic microscopy technique to map and size particle distributions following injection. Drug particles were modeled using a polydisperse distribution of polystyrene spheres, mean diameter 30.0 mum, and standard deviation 16.7 mum, injected into agar-based tissue-mimicking material, and later, as polydisperse stainless steel spheres, mean diameter 46.0 mum, and standard deviation 13.0 mum, injected both into agar and into porcine skin. A focused broadband immersion transducer (10-75 MHz), driven in pulse-echo mode, was scanned over the surface of the injected samples. Recorded echo signals were post-processed to deduce particle penetration depth (30-300 mum). Furthermore, post-injection size distribution of the spheres was calculated using a novel, automated spectral analysis technique. Experimental results were validated optically and found to predict penetration depth and particle size accurately. The availability of simultaneous particle penetration depth and particle size information makes it possible for the first time to optimize particle design for specific drug delivery applications.
Dynamic Tyre Responses to Brake Torque Variations (1997)

ABSTRACT An in-plane tyre model to study the tyre responses to brake torque variations is presented. This model conceives a rigid ring (representing the tyre tread band) on an elastic foundation (representing the tyre sidewalls). The contact of the ring with the road is governed by a vertical residual stiffness representing the large deformation of the tyre in the contact patch and a slip model that generates the horizontal forces in the contact patch. This slip model, which is based on the relaxation length principle, is formulated such that it can handle zero velocity conditions. Experiments were carried out on a test drum. The tyre was excited by applying variations of brake torque. The measured frequency response functions of the longitudinal force show clearly two modes of vibration of the tyre at 33 and 77 Hz. The frequency response functions are used to estimate the tyre parameters. Large variations of brake torque are used to validate the tyre model. Two responses are discussed: successive step increases in brake pressure and braking with wheel lock.
A Conformation Change in the Extracellular Domain that Accompanies Desensitization of Acid-sensing Ion Channel (ASIC) 3 (2007)

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are thought to trigger some forms of acid-induced pain and taste, and to contribute to stroke-induced neural damage. After activation by low extracellular pH, different ASICs undergo desensitization on time scales from 0.1 to 10 s. Consistent with a substantial conformation change, desensitization slows dramatically when temperature drops (Askwith, C.C., C.J. Benson, M.J. Welsh, and P.M. Snyder. 2001. PNAS. 98:6459-6463). The nature of this conformation change is unknown, but two studies showed that desensitization rate is altered by mutations on or near the first transmembrane domain (TM1) (Coric, T., P. Zhang, N. Todorovic, and C.M. Canessa. 2003. J. Biol. Chem. 278:45240-45247; Pfister, Y., I. Gautschi, A.-N. Takeda, M. van Bemmelen, S. Kellenberger, and L. Schild. 2006. J. Biol. Chem. 281:11787-11791). Here we show evidence of a specific conformation change associated with desensitization. When mutated from glutamate to cysteine, residue 79, which is some 20 amino acids extracellular to TM1, can be altered by cysteine-modifying reagents when the channel is closed, but not when it is desensitized; thus, desensitization appears to conceal the residue from the extracellular medium. D78 and E79 are a pair of adjacent acidic amino acids that are highly conserved in ASICs yet absent from epithelial Na(+) channels, their acid-insensitive relatives. Despite large effects on desensitization by mutations at positions 78 and 79-including a shift to 10-fold lower proton concentration with the E79A mutant-there are not significant effects on activation.
Extracellular Matrix, Cellular Mechanics and Tissue Engineering (1993)

One of the major recurring themes in this symposium on Tissue Engineering is that to design effective artificial tissues, we must first understand the critical chemical and structural determinants that control tissue development. Current tissue engineering approaches commonly use cell attachment scaffolds that are complex composites of naturally occuring extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules (e.g., collagens, glycosaminoglycans). Unfortunately, these “artificial ECMs” are restricted from an engineering standpoint: they exhibit a limited range of structural and chemical properties and are not easily chemically modified. Also, their large-scale fabrication can be limited by “batch to batch” variability during purification of the individual ECM molecules. An alternative approach for cell transplantation is to develop a completely synthetic attachment foundation that can support a high degree of cell function and yet be highly biocompatible (Vacanti et al., 1988; Cima et al., 1991). To accomplish this objective, recent advances in ECM biology must be merged with new developments in bioengineering and polymer chemistry.
Miniaturized Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Metal–Organic Framework Coatings through Digital Microfluidics (2013)

Digital microfluidics (DMF) was demonstrated as a unique tool to scale down and automate the layer-by-layer deposition (LBL) process for depositing patterned metal-organic frameworks (MOF) coatings by making use of the coordinated movement of individual droplets containing the MOF building blocks. HKUST-1, a MOF material consisting of Cu(II) ions and trimesate (1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate; BTC) linkers, was chosen. In each step, reactant droplets were kept in contact with the substrate to be coated for a few minutes before several washing droplets were used to remove leftover reactants. As could be expected from previous LBL studies, highly uniform dense HKUST-1 coatings are formed that cover the whole surface of the functionalized gold patches. After removing parts of the coating, it can easily be seen that the coating has a uniform thickness of approximately 550 nm after 40 cycles. A similar enhanced increase in layer thickness has been observed in the preparation of HKUST-1 LBL films by spraying the different solutions onto the substrate.
Robotically aligned optical coherence tomography with gaze tracking and retinal image montaging (2022)

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has revolutionized diagnostics in ophthalmology. Montaging of multiple OCT volumes allows for wide field retinal volumes. However, OCT requires an operator to align the scanner and requires patient cooperation to fixate on multiple targets, one for each volume in the montage. We have developed a robot-mounted OCT scanner that automatically aligns with the subjects’ eye by compensating motion and gaze error at multiple entry angles, allowing acquisition of volumes from multiple regions of interest without chin or fore rest stabilization or a fixation target. We demonstrate our system by montaging a retinal volume acquired from a free-standing subject.
A theory-guided deep learning formulation of seismic waveform inversion (2019)

Deep learning techniques appear to be poised to play very important roles in our processing flows for inversion and interpretation of seismic data. The most successful seismic applications of these complex pattern-identifying networks will, presumably, be those that also leverage the deterministic physical models on which we normally base our seismic methods. Motivated by the advantages of recurrent neural networks (RNN) for modelling dynamic processes, a theory-guided RNN is set up to address the forward and inverse problems. Starting from the mathematical form of the RNN, we deduce that, under certain assumptions, the RNN training process can be equivalent at leading order to gradient-based seismic full waveform inversion (FWI). Our numerical analysis shows the Adaptive Moment (or Adam) optimization with learning rate set to match the magnitudes of standard FWI updates appears to produce the most stable and well-behaved waveform inversion results, which is re-confirmed by a multidimensional 2D Marmousi experiment. Presentation Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Session Start Time: 1:50 PM Presentation Time: 3:55 PM Location: 221D Presentation Type: Oral
Polymeric nanoparticulate system augmented the anticancer therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine (2009)

Gemcitabine hydrochloride is an anticancer nucleoside analogue indicated in clinic for the treatment of various solid tumors. Although this drug has been demonstrated to display anticancer activity against a wide variety of tumors, it is needed to be administered at high doses to elicit the required therapeutic response, simultaneously leading to severe adverse effects. We hypothesized that the efficient delivery of gemcitabine to tumors using a biodegradable carrier system could reduce the dose required to elicit sufficient therapeutic response. Thus, we have developed a nanoparticle formulation of gemcitabine suitable for parenteral administration based on the biodegradable polymer poly(octylcyanoacrylate) (POCA). The nanoparticles were synthesized by anionic polymerization of the corresponding monomer. Two drug loading methods were analyzed: the first one based on gemcitabine surface adsorption onto the preformed nanoparticles, and the second method being gemcitabine addition before the polymerization process leading to drug entrapment in the polymeric network. A detailed investigation of the capabilities of the polymer particles to load this drug is described. Gemcitabine entrapment into the polymer matrix yielded a higher drug loading and a slower drug release profile as compared with drug adsorption procedure. The main factors determining the gemcitabine incorporation to the polymer network were the nanoparticles preparation procedure, the monomer concentration, the surfactant concentration, the pH, and the drug concentration. The release kinetic of gemcitabine was found to be controlled by the pH and the type of drug incorporation. The cytotoxicity studies performed on L1210 tumor cells revealed a similar anticancer activity of the gemcitabine-loaded POCA (GPOCA) nanoparticle as free gemcitabine. Following intravenous administration into the mice bearing L1210 wt subcutaneous tumor, the GPOCA nanoparticles displayed significantly greater anticancer activity compared to free gemcitabine; this has been additionally confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry studies, suggesting the potential of GPOCA for the efficient treatment of cancer.
Role of Phosphodiesterases on the Function of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Interacting Protein (AIP) in the Pituitary Gland and on the Evaluation of AIP Gene Variants (2017)

Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) is caused in about 20% of cases by loss-of-function germline mutations in the <i>AIP</i> gene. Patients harboring <i>AIP</i> mutations usually present with somatotropinomas resulting either in gigantism or young-onset acromegaly. <i>AIP</i> encodes for a co-chaperone protein endowed with tumor suppressor properties in somatotroph cells. Among other mechanisms proposed to explain this function, a regulatory effect over the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway seems to play a prominent role. In this setting, the well-known interaction between AIP and 2 different isoforms of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), PDE2A3 and PDE4A5, is of particular interest. While the interaction with over-expressed AIP does not seem to affect PDE2A3 function, the reported effect on PDE4A5 is, in contrast, reduced enzymatic activity. In this review, we explore the possible implications of these molecular interactions for the function of somatotroph cells. In particular, we discuss how both PDEs and AIP could act as negative regulators of the cAMP pathway in the pituitary, probably both by shared and independent mechanisms. Moreover, we describe how the evaluation of the AIP-PDE4A5 interaction has proven to be a useful tool for testing <i>AIP</i> mutations, complementing other in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses. Improved assessment of the pathogenicity of <i>AIP</i> mutations is indeed paramount to provide adequate guidance for genetic counseling and clinical screening in <i>AIP</i> mutation carriers, which can lead to prospective diagnosis of pituitary adenomas.
Does Personality Matter? (2017)

Personality traits have long been shown to contribute to consumer behaviors. Besides the main effect of personality, it seems also plausible that other factors may impact this relationship. To understand such situational effects, in this study we analyze two possible variables, namely, income and needs. We conduct extensive analysis on a large industry dataset across over 100 product categories. For each category, we build a prediction model for consumption decision based on the derived personality features. We experiment with our prediction models under different conditions segmented by both situational factors. Our results suggest that personality's decisive power on consumer behavior varies significantly among different income levels, but non-significantly between consumer needs. Together, income and needs also have significant effect on the association between individual's personality and consumption behavior. We conclude this work by discussing the implications of our experiments and how our finding can benefit the design of more personalized recommender systems in real-world settings.