gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
FPGA implementation of a license plate recognition SoC using automatically generated streaming accelerators (2006)

Modern FPGA platforms provide the hardware and software infrastructure for building a bus-based system on chip (SoC) that meet the applications requirements. The designer can customize the hardware by selecting from a large number of pre-defined peripherals and fixed IP functions and by providing new hardware, typically expressed using RTL. Hardware accelerators that provide application-specific extensions to the computational capabilities of a system is an efficient mechanism to enhance the performance and reduce the power dissipation. What is missing is an integrated approach to identify the computationally critical parts of the application and to create accelerators starting from a high level representation with a minimal design effort. In this paper, we present an automation methodology and a tool that generates accelerators. We apply the methodology on an FPGA-based license plate recognition (LPR) system used in law enforcement. The accelerators process streaming data and support a programming model which can naturally express a large number of embedded applications resulting in efficient hardware implementations. We show that we can achieve an overall LPR application speed up from 1.2/spl times/ to 2.6/spl times/, thus enabling real-time functionality under realistic road scenes.
The ability of vegetated floating Islands to improve water quality in natural and constructed wetlands: a review (2012)

Constructed and natural wetlands are widely used to improve many water quality parameters. Vegetated floating islands (VFIs) placed on the surface of these wetlands significantly enhance the efficiency of natural processes that reduce nutrients, suspended solids, heavy metals and other pollutants. Pollutant reduction in VFIs, particularly nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, occurs primarily through the actions of bacterial biofilms growing within the island matrix and on plant roots hanging below the islands. Direct uptake of nutrients by plants is minor, although plants are essential as they provide additional substrate for biofilm development while supplying oxygen and carbon for use by the bacteria. Nitrogen-based nutrients are primarily removed from wetlands as nitrogen gas. Phosphorous is mostly deposited as organic-rich sediment which accumulates within or beneath the floating islands. This material can become anoxic and return its contained phosphorous to the water column, making it biologically available for algal or bacterial blooms that degrade water quality. Physical removal of this P-rich material is an essential wetland management action. VFIs can remove phosphorous at up to 4.6 g/m2/day and ammonia at up to 8.1 g/m2/day with simultaneous denitrification of nitrate to nitrogen gas. VFIs can significantly increase the efficiency of pollutant removal from natural and constructed wetlands.
Structural proteins of Hepatitis C virus induce interleukin 8 production and apoptosis in human endothelial cells (2005)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with inflammation of liver endothelium, which contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis. The mechanism of this endothelitis is not understood, since the virus does not appear to infect endothelial cells productively. Here, an 'innocent bystander' mechanism related to HCV proteins was hypothesized and it was investigated whether the binding of HCV particles to human endothelium induced functional changes in the cells. Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to HCV-like particles (HCV-LPs) resulted in increased interleukin 8 (IL8) production and induction of apoptosis. The IL8 supernatants collected after stimulation of HUVECs with HCV-LPs, BV-GUS (control baculovirus containing beta-glucuronidase) and appropriate controls were used to assay the transendothelial migration of neutrophils. This assay confirmed that HCV-LP-induced IL8 was functionally active. Using specific NF-kappaB inhibitors, it was also shown that HCV-LP-induced NF-kappaB activity mediated IL8 production in HUVECs. Apoptosis appeared to be mediated by the Fas/Fas-L pathway, as neutralizing antibodies for Fas and Fas-L significantly protected HUVECs against HCV-LP-induced apoptosis. Treatment of HUVECs with HCV-LPs also enhanced cellular Fas-L expression and augmented caspase-3 activation. This was confirmed by using a specific caspase-3 inhibitor, Z-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone. As shown by blocking of specific chemokine receptors for IL8 on HUVECs, the induction of IL8 did not appear to contribute to HCV-LP-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that HCV proteins can trigger the release of inflammatory chemokines such as IL8 and cause endothelial apoptosis, thereby facilitating endothelitis.
Prevention of Choking Among Children (2010)

Choking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children, especially those aged 3 years or younger. Food, coins, and toys are the primary causes of choking-related injury and death. Certain characteristics, including shape, size, and consistency, of certain toys and foods increase their potential to cause choking among children. Childhood choking hazards should be addressed through comprehensive and coordinated prevention activities. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) should increase efforts to ensure that toys that are sold in retail store bins, vending machines, or on the Internet have appropriate choking-hazard warnings; work with manufacturers to improve the effectiveness of recalls of products that pose a choking risk to children; and increase efforts to prevent the resale of these recalled products via online auction sites. Current gaps in choking-prevention standards for children's toys should be reevaluated and addressed, as appropriate, via revisions to the standards established under the Child Safety Protection Act, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, or regulation by the CPSC. Prevention of food-related choking among children in the United States has been inadequately addressed at the federal level. The US Food and Drug Administration should establish a systematic, institutionalized process for examining and addressing the hazards of food-related choking. This process should include the establishment of the necessary surveillance, hazard evaluation, enforcement, and public education activities to prevent food-related choking among children. While maintaining its highly cooperative arrangements with the CPSC and the US Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration should have the authority to address choking-related risks of all food products, including meat products that fall under the jurisdiction of the US Department of Agriculture. The existing National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program of the CPSC should be modified to conduct more-detailed surveillance of choking on food among children. Food manufacturers should design new foods and redesign existing foods to avoid shapes, sizes, textures, and other characteristics that increase choking risk to children, to the extent possible. Pediatricians, dentists, and other infant and child health care providers should provide choking-prevention counseling to parents as an integral part of anticipatory guidance activities.
Silica-based nanoparticles: a versatile tool for the development of efficient imaging agents (2014)

This review describes the recent advances in the development of imaging agents based on silica nanoparticles. Different techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, optical imaging, positron emission tomography, X-ray computed tomography, and ultrasound imaging) are described as well as the possibility of combining together different imaging techniques in the same nanoplatform and simultaneously performing imaging and therapy.
Expression of Immunogenic S1 Glycoprotein of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Transgenic Potatoes (2003)

The expression of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) S1 glycoprotein in potatoes and its immunogenicity in mice and chickens were investigated. Potato plants were genetically transformed with a cDNA construct encoding the IBV S1 glycoprotein with the Agrobacterium system. Genomic DNA and mRNA analyses of the transformed plantlets confirmed the integration of the foreign cDNA into the potato genome, as well as its transcription. Mice and chickens vaccinated with the expressed IBV S1 glycoprotein produced antibodies that neutralized IBV infectivity. After three immunizations, vaccinated chickens were completely protected from virulent IBV infection. These results demonstrate that transgenic potatoes expressing IBV S1 glycoprotein can be used as a source of recombinant antigen for vaccine production.
Protoplast Isolation and Regeneration in Streptomyces clavuligerus (1989)

The regeneration of streptomycete protoplasts is a major step following genetic manipulations such as fusion and DNA-mediated transformation. Reports of studies on the regeneration of protoplasts from Streptomyces clavuligerus are limited and for this reason the experiments described in this paper were carried out. An investigation of protoplast formation and cytology was made to gain further insight into the loss of protoplast viability in osmotically stabilized support media. Protoplasts with the highest regeneration frequency were isolated from mycelium, grown in a two-stage culture system (without glycine), using lysozyme dissolved in a sucrose osmoticum containing 1% bovine serum albumin. The latter promoted improved protoplast viability. A systematic survey was made of the components of regeneration medium R5, previously used for S. clavuligerus, and other potentially advantageous components and conditions, in an attempt to raise the regeneration frequency of the protoplasts. An improved regeneration medium (R6) and protocol which supported higher and more consistent levels of regeneration of S. clavuligerus protoplasts resulted from these experiments. These improved procedures for protoplast isolation and regeneration proved to be suitable for other streptomycete species.
Fibrinogen is localized on dark zone follicular dendritic cells in vivo and enhances the proliferation and survival of a centroblastic cell line in vitro (2007)

Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in the germinal centers (GC) of secondary lymphoid organs increase the survival and proliferation of antigen-stimulated B cells and are pivotal for the affinity maturation of an antibody response and for maintenance of B cell immunological memory. The dark zone (DZ) and the light zone (LZ) constitute distinct areas of the GC containing different subtypes of FDC as identified by their morphology and phenotype. Until now, most available FDC-specific reagents identify LZ FDC, and there are no reagents recognizing DZ FDC specifically. Here, we report a new mAb, D46, which stains FDC specifically in the DZ of bovine and ovine GC within the secondary follicles. We identify its ligand as bovine fibrinogen, and using commercially available anti-human fibrinogen antibodies, show that this inflammatory protein is also present on DZ FDC of human GC within palatine tonsils. In vitro, the addition of exogenous fibrinogen stimulates the proliferation and survival of BCR-stimulated L3055 cells, which constitute a clonal population of centroblastic cells and retain important features of normal GC B cells. Together, our results suggest that fibrinogen localized on DZ FDC could support the extensive proliferation and survival of GC B cells within the DZ in vivo.
Temperature dependence of the conductivity of the electronic crystal and the influence of the in-plane magnetic field (2003)

We study the temperature dependence of the conductivity of the 2D electronic solid. In realistic samples, a domain structure forms in the solid and each domain randomly orients in the absence of the in-plane field. At higher temperature, the electron transport is governed by thermal activation form of $\sigma_{xx}(T)\propto e^{-\Delta_0/k_BT}$. The impurities will localize the electron states along the edges of the crystal domains. At sufficient low temperature, another transport mechanism called Mott's variable range hopping mechanism, similar to that in a disorder insulator takes effect. We show that as the temperature decreases, a crossover from the fixed range hopping of the transport to the variable range hopping of transport in the 2D electron system may be experimentally observed.
Nitric Oxide Emissions From a Cooled Porous Disk Burner (1973)

Abstract Nitric oxide emissions from a premixed propane-air flame were controlled by extracting energy from a steady state reaction zone using a cooled flat flame porous metal disk burner. Energy flux variations and, hence, nitric oxide formation rate changes were obtained for specific mixtures by changing the fuel-air inlet velocity. It was possible to stabilize flames for inlet flow velocities of from 3 cm/sec. up to approximately twice the laminar burning velocity of the mixture. Data were obtained for pressures of 5, 25 and 40psig and equivalence ratios from 0.7 to 1.3. Nitric oxide concentrations were reduced by more than a factor of 10 compared to the adiabatic case. However, energy fluxes to the porous disk of over 25 per cent of the lower heating value of the fuel were observed. Hydrocarbon emissions were less than 10 ppm hexane and the carbon monoxide levels were equal to the chemical equilibrium concentrations.
Development of a LC–MS/MS-based method for determining metolazone concentrations in human plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study (2013)

In this study, a method was developed and validated for the quantification of metolazone in human plasma samples. This method involves high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and is more sensitive, selective and rapid than currently available methods. Chromatography was performed using a Phenomenex � Luna C18 column (100 mm � 2.0 mm, 5 mm, 100 A˚ ) with an isocratic mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid:acetonitrile (40:60, v/v) and zaleplon as an internal standard. The drug and internal standard were extracted by liquideliquid extraction and analyzed by mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode by using m/z values of 366.20/259.10 for metolazone and 306.20/235.60 for zaleplon. The calibration curve was linear over metolazone concentrations ranging from 0.02 ng/mL to 15 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification was 0.02 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-assay precisions were 0.9e4.8% and 4.2e6.3%, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay accuracies in quantifying metolazone were 97.5e102.3% and 99.2e104.0%, respectively. Metolazone and zaleplon were eluted within 3.6 minutes, and the retention time was 1.75 minutes for metolazone and zaleplon. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of metolazone in human plasma.
Instability of Pt/C Electrocatalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Mechanistic Investigation (2006)

Abstract not Available.
Determination of Erythrocyte Porphyrins by Epi-Illumination Fluorescence Microscope with Capillary Electrophoresis (1996)

Abstract A micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic (MEKC) method is described for the simultaneous determination of zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) and protoporphyrin (PP) in whole blood. Reproducibility of migration times and peak areas of ZnPP and PP have been shown to improve significantly with the use of an internal standard. Erythrocyte porphyrins were extracted from whole blood with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), followed by sample cleanup and preconcentration on C-18 cartridges. Analytical recoveries of the porphyrins were better than 88%. An epi-illumination fluorescence microscope was used for the detection of these porphyrins. Limits of detection were found to be 50 nM and 8 nM for ZnPP and PP, respectively.
Topical Erythromycin vs Blank Vehicle in a Multiclinic Acne Study (1981)

A stable solution of erythromycin was developed using a vehicle of ethanol, propylene glycol, and citric acid buffer. In a controlled, randomized, double-blind comparison, a 2% solution of erythromycin applied to moderately severe facial acne was found to be superior to the blank vehicle in reducing the number of inflamed papules. During a period of 12 weeks, such papules were reduced by 56% in the erythromycin group, compared with 33% in the blank vehicle group. In the erythromycin group, 62% of the subjects had a good or excellent response, compared with 27% of those in the blank vehicle group. Adverse effects were similar in type in both groups and included redness, scaling, dryness, oiliness, burning, itching, and irritation of the eyes. No allergic reactions or skin infections were encountered.
Understanding the motions of tools and vehicles (2002)

Many types of common objects, such as tools and vehicles, usually move in simple ways when they are wielded or driven. The natural axes of the object tend to remain aligned with the local trihedron defined by the object's trajectory. Based on this observation we use a model called Frenet-Serret motion which corresponds to the motion of a moving trihedron along a space curve. Knowing how the Frenet-Serret frame is changing relative to the observer gives us essential information for understanding the object's motion. This is illustrated here for four examples, involving tools (a wrench and a saw) and vehicles (an accelerating van, a turning taxi).
875. Ribozyme Approaches towards Down-Regulation of Pi*Z Mutant Human A-1 Anti-Trypsin (2004)

Alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT), a 52kDa serine protease inhibitor, is normally secreted from hepatocytes and circulates in the plasma, protecting lung elastin from degradation by neutrophil elastase and related proteases. Deficiency of AAT can lead to pan-acinar emphysema due to destruction of pulmonary interstitial elastin if serum levels fall below ~800mg/ml. Human AAT deficiency is most commonly due to a single base mutation (Glu342Lys) that causes a defect in secretion of the mutant protein from hepatocytes. The PI*Z mutation eliminates a critical salt bridge between Glu342 and Lys290, which results in polymerization of AAT in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Approx 10% patients with AAT deficiency exhibit intracellular liver pathology, resulting from the mutant protein accumulating in the ER of the hepatocyte. This is due to slow or improper folding within the chaperone system of the ER, followed by aggregation of the mutant protein. This intracellular pathology causes progressive cirrhosis and eventual liver failure, and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. In our laboratory, recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have been shown to mediate long-term secretion of therapeutic serum levels of human AAT after a single injection in murine muscle. Similarly, serum levels greater than 1mg/ml were achieved after portal vein injection. While this mode of gene delivery may be useful as a therapy for the lung disease, the minority of patients who also suffer from the liver disease will require increased transduction of hepatocytes and may therefore require down-regulation and/or repair of the mutant PI*Z mRNA. We hypothesized that selectively reduced expression of the PI*Z-AAT protein can be achieved by a group I ribozyme targeted to anneal to and cleave AAT mRNA at various positions, including the 5' UTR and the PI*Z mutation. These ribozymes did not cleave replacement vector-encoded AAT because of a silent “hardening” mutation that will preserve the original amino acid sequence (demonstrated in a cell-free system). Stable transfected IB-3 fibroblast clones expressing PI*Z or PI*M (normal) AAT cDNAs were transduced with AAV expressing either a non-functional control ribozyme (Ctl Rz) or a ribozyme designed to cleave PI*Z AAT (Rz WAR). Our results indicate that Rz WAR is effective at cleaving PI*Z and PI*M AAT mRNA transcripts and reducing levels of secreted AAT protein by 12–30 %, relative to Ctl Rz (as determined by RT-PCR and ELISA). Immunohistochemical staining for intracellular AAT supported our hypothesis that Rz WAR can reduce the amount of intracellularly retained PI*Z AAT. No significant dose response trends were observed, indicating that the effects of Rz WAR reach a plateau at a relatively low MOI. Moreover, Rz WAR was not specific for PI*Z AAT mRNA and appears to actually cleave PI*M AAT more effectively than PI*Z, but again Rz WAR was not able to cleave the hardened PI*M AAT. Future studies include evaluation of these AAV-Rz reagents in human PI*Z AAT-transgenic mice.
Analysis and Classification of Airborne Radar Signal Types Using Time-Frequency Analysis (2014)

An electronic support (ES) system is used by the military for intelligence gathering, threat detection, and as a support to the electronic attack system. Its main feature is to determine the frequency parameters and pulse characteristics of the received radar signal. The estimated signal parameters are then used as input to a classifier network to determine the identity of the received signal. This paper describes airborne radar signal type analysis and classification (ARTAC) system that uses the spectrogram to obtain the time-frequency representation (TFR) and apply analysis tools such as the instantaneous energy, instantaneous frequency and other related tools to estimate various signal parameters. The estimated parameters are used as input to the rule-based classifier which classifies the signal appropriately. Monte-Carlo simulation is then carried out to determine the accuracy of signal classification at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The method used achieves 90 percent classification accuracy at SNR of 6.2dB.
Ultra-compact 320 Gb/s and 160 Gb/s WDM transmitters based on silicon microrings (2014)

We demonstrated 320Gb/s 8-channel and 160Gb/s 4-channel WDM transmitter using silicon microrings based on conventional common-bus architecture and a new “Mod-MUX” architecture respectively. We discuss and compare the two designs and highlight their complementary merits.
Robust bandwidth extension of noise-corrupted narrowband speech (2005)

We present a new bandwidth extension algorithm for converting narrowband telephone speech into wideband speech using a transformation in the mel cepstral domain. Unlike previous approaches, the proposed method is designed specifically for bandwidth extension of narrowband speech that has been corrupted by environmental noise. We show that by exploiting previous research in mel cepstrum feature enhancement, we can create a unified probabilistic framework under which the feature denoising and bandwidth extension processes are tightly integrated using a single shared statistical model. By doing so, we are able to both denoise the observed narrowband speech and robustly extend its bandwidth in a jointly optimal manner. A series of experiments on clean and noise-corrupted narrowband speech is performed to validate our approach.