gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
A Laboratory Study of the Effect of Installation of Reticulated Expandable Liners on Sand Production in Weakly Consolidated Sandstone Formations (2005)

Abstract Using novel physical model experiments involving large size sandstone specimens, an investigation was conducted on the effect of reticulated expandable liners with various perforation sizes on the rate of sand production. A series of experiments were conducted using Hollow Cylinder Samples (HCS) completed with no internal support and with support using reticulated liners, or stiffener. The main objective of the investigation performed was to observe whether sanding could occur in wellbores supported by stiffeners and if so, what would be the role of the mesh opening size to the grain size on the onset and severity of sanding. Quantification of the effects of supporting the wellbore by the stiffener on wellbore productivity is another objective of the paper. The experiments on weakly-consolidated sandstones showed that the stiffener is effective in preventing any shear failure around the wellbore. Under excessive drawdown / depletion, however, pore collapse was seen as a potential failure mechanism in the material. Despite this, much less sanding occurred compared to an openhole case and this improvement was attributed to (1) an enhanced grain-to-grain friction resistance due to higher effective stress state at the wellface, and (2) reduced loss of sand face integrity in a state where the material undergoes pore collapse. Other useful findings include the role of the stiffener on increasing the mean effective stress around the wellbore which in turn reduces the porosity and permeability of the material in that region due to compaction. This is in spite of the fact that dilation due to shear failure can substantially increase the permeability and porosity of the material within the near vicinity of the well opening and perforation tunnels. As a result of material compaction, the overall porosity and permeability of the sample showed a declining trend during the experiments. However, this gradual decline of permeability can be compensated by applying a greater drawdown with little increase of the potential of sanding. The findings of this study provide a deeper insight into the role of reticulated liners as a cost effective measure for sand control. Such potential applications will be discussed in this paper.
Immobilization of Active Bacteriophages on Polyhydroxyalkanoate Surfaces (2015)

A rapid, efficient technique for the attachment of bacteriophages (phages) onto polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) surfaces has been developed and compared to three reported methods for phage immobilization. Polymer surfaces were modified to facilitate phage attachment using (1) plasma treatment alone, (2) plasma treatment followed by activation by 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS), (3) plasma-initiated acrylic acid grafting, or (4) plasma-initiated acrylic acid grafting with activation by EDC and sulfo-NHS. The impact of each method on the surface chemistry of PHA was investigated using contact angle analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Each of the four treatments was shown to result in both increased hydrophilicity and in the modification of the surface functional groups. Modified surfaces were immersed in suspensions of phage T4 for immobilization. The highest level of phage binding was observed for the surfaces modified by plasma treatment alone. The change in chemical bond states observed for surfaces that underwent plasma treatment is suspected to be the cause of the increased binding of active phages. Plasma-treated surfaces were further analyzed through phage-staining and fluorescence microscopy to assess the surface density of immobilized phages and their capacity to capture hosts. The infective capability of attached phages was confirmed by exposing the phage-immobilized surfaces to the host bacteria Escherichia coli in both plaque and infection dynamic assays. Plasma-treated surfaces with immobilized phages displayed higher infectivity than surfaces treated with other methods; in fact, the equivalent initial multiplicity of infection was 2 orders of magnitude greater than with other methods. Control samples - prepared by immersing polymer surfaces in phage suspensions (without prior plasma treatment) - did not show any bacterial growth inhibition, suggesting they did not bind phages from the suspension.
Structure and Reactivity of Mixed Alkali Metal Alkoxide/Aryloxide Catalysts (2001)

The average solution aggregation state of the ester interchange catalyst 1, obtained by mixing 1 equiv of NaOt-Bu and 3 equiv of NaOC(6)H(4)-4-t-Bu, was determined to be 4.0 by vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) in THF. Low-temperature (1)H NMR spectra of 1 indicated that the THF solution contained a mixture of tetrameric clusters. On the basis of symmetry arguments and the sensitivity of the different species to the alkoxide/aryloxide ratio, the compounds were determined to be mixed clusters with 0:4, 1:3, 2:2, and 3:1 mixtures of the NaOt-Bu and NaOC(6)H(4)-4-t-Bu components. On a per -Ot-Bu basis, each cluster has a similar absolute activity, though the aryloxide-rich catalysts are significantly longer-lived. Unlike 1, catalysts containing ortho-substituted aryloxides, 2, do not give a strictly statistical distribution of clusters, and the activities of these catalysts depend on steric and electronic factors, though the absolute rate differences are not large.
Extraction of carboxylic acids by amine extractants (1989)

This work examines the chemistry of solvent extraction by long-chain amines for recovery of carboxylic acids from dilute aqueous solution. Long-chain amines act as complexing agents with the acid, which facilitates distribution of the acid into the organic phase. The complexation is reversible, allowing for recovery of the acid from the organic phase and regeneration of the extractant. Batch extraction experiments were performed to study the complexation of acetic, lactic, succinic, malonic, fumaric, and maleic acids with Alamine 336, an aliphatic, tertiary amine extractant, dissolved in various diluents. Results were interpreted by a ''chemical'' model, in which stoichiometric ratios of acid and amine molecules are assumed to form complexes in the solvent phase. From fitting of the extraction data, the stoichiometry of complexes formed and the corresponding equilibrium constants were obtained. The results of the model were combined with infrared spectroscopic experiments and results of past studies to analyze the chemical interactions that are responsible for extraction behavior. The information from the equilibrium studies was used to develop guidelines for large-scale staged extraction and regeneration schemes. A novel scheme, in which the diluent composition is shifted between extraction and regeneration, was developed which could achieve both high solute recovery and high product concentration. 169 refs., 57 figs., 15 tabs.
Characterization and modeling of geometric variations in McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles (2013)

This paper presents experimental data on the actuation properties of McKibben muscles constructed with varying bladder pre-strain and thickness. The tests determine quasi-static force-length relationships during extension and contraction, for muscles constructed with unstretched bladder lengths 50%, 67%, and 100% of the stretched muscle length, as well as two different wall thicknesses of the rubber. Existing models do not adequately describe the effects of these variations, making it difficult to determine the best geometry for an application. The quasi-static actuator force and maximum contraction length are found to depend strongly on the thickness and modulus of the rubber, as well as the amount of pre-strain. A model is presented to better predict force-length characteristics from geometric parameters. It accounts for the nonlinear elastic properties of the bladder as well as friction. It includes axial force generated by stretching the bladder during construction, and it also describes the hoop stress created by radial expansion of the bladder, which partially counteracts the internal fluid pressure that presses outward on the mesh, thus reducing both axial force and friction between the mesh and bladder. The hyperelastic rubber bladder is modeled as a Mooney-Rivlin incompressible solid. The axial force generated by the mesh is found directly from contact forces rather than from potential energy. The model closely matches the experimental data on wall thickness, while the effects of bladder pre-stretching are not fully explained. A thick-walled bladder model is shown to improve the fit.
High Variability in Rabbit Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Cell Preparations (1999)

The rabbit has been extensively used for preclinical models, especially in orthopedic applications. One of the more troubling features of this model is the high interindividual variability that is encountered and that requires a careful experimental design with sufficient sample size to make judgments valid. We have processed 241 individual preparations of rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) over the last 3 years and have kept detailed records of the performance of these cells in various assays. This communication details the lack of correlation between the analyzed parameters. Bone marrow was harvested from 4-month-old rabbits; the cells were centrifuged, resuspended, and cultured. When cells reached 80% of confluence, they were removed from the plates with trypsin and assayed for their osteo- and chondrogenic potential. The average yield of the 241 individual MPC preparations exhibited a coefficient of variation of 77. An in vivo implantation assay with porous calcium phosphate ceramic cubes exhibited scores with a coefficient of variation of 65. Lastly, an in vitro assay of alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity exhibited the most variability with a coefficient of variation of 132. All of the cell preparations tested in an in vitro aggregate culture assay underwent chondrogenic differentiation. No relationships between any of these parameters were found. The variability of the results within the different assays is interpreted to be the result of the heterogeneity of the preparations. The lack of correlation between the parameters studied shows the importance of the conditions intrinsic to the different assays. These results serve to emphasize that any experimental design involving rabbit progenitor cells must include a sufficiently large sample size to allow statistically significant and rigorous conclusions.
Secretion Signal and Protein Targeting in Bacteria: a Biological Puzzle (2010)

Protein targeting in bacterial cells should be a rather simple process, since few subcellular compartments exist compared to eukaryotic cells, where targeting to the nucleus, mitochondria, peroxisomes, endoplasmic reticulum, or chloroplasts is required. In most cases of bacterial protein targeting, the idea is that a tag is contained within the protein, and this label gives the cell information about where the protein should be delivered. This is reminiscent of the tagging of your luggage at the airport to have it delivered where appropriate.
Quorum Sensing Inhibitors as Anti-Biofilm Agents (2014)

Biofilms are microbial sessile communities characterized by cells that are attached to a substratum or interface or to each other, are embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances and exhibit an altered phenotype compared to planktonic cells. Biofilms are estimated to be associated with 80% of microbial infections and it is currently common knowledge that growth of micro-organisms in biofilms can enhance their resistance to antimicrobial agents. As a consequence antimicrobial therapy often fails to eradicate biofilms from the site of infection. For this reason, innovative anti-biofilm agents with novel targets and modes of action are needed. One alternative approach is targeting the bacterial communication system (quorum sensing, QS). QS is a process by which bacteria produce and detect signal molecules and thereby coordinate their behavior in a cell-density dependent manner. Three main QS systems can be distinguished: the acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) QS system in Gram-negative bacteria, the autoinducing peptide (AIP) QS system in Gram-positive bacteria and the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) QS system in both Gram-negative and -positive bacteria. Although much remains to be learned about the involvement of QS in biofilm formation, maintenance, and dispersal, QS inhibitors (QSI) have been proposed as promising antibiofilm agents. In this article we will give an overview of QS inhibitors which have been shown to play a role in biofilm formation and/or maturation.
Birefringence dispersion measurement in optical fibers by wavelength scanning (1995)

We describe a method for measuring modal birefringence in optical fibers. It combines an interferometric technique with wavelength scanning and permits a precise nondestructive measurement of the birefringence along different sections of a long optical fiber. The experimental results for high-birefringence fibers, 10 and 100 m long, are presented. An accuracy of approximately 0.1% is achieved in the spectral range of 600-850 nm.
Molecular characterization of a class IV human alcohol dehydrogenase gene (<i>ADH7</i>) (1994)

Class IV alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is a form preferentially expressed in stomach. We report here the isolation and sequence determination of a novel human ADH gene (ADH7). Phylogenetic analysis strongly suggests that ADH7 is a functional class IV ADH gene.
Dynamic direct-access memory utilizing fiber waveguides (1985)

It is suggested for the first time that fiber waveguides can be used to construct memory devices and the first prototype of such a device is described. The operating principles are presented and ways of constructing dynamic direct-access memory devices are considered. It is shown that the storage capacity of such memory devices may be in excess of 106 bits. Physical factors governing the principal parameters of fiber waveguides are analyzed. The results are given of experiments on a prototype memory device utilizing a graded-index waveguide of 5 km length.
Comparison of 12-chloroscoulerine enantiomers on animal behavior to dopamine receptors. (1999)

CSL enantiomers are antagonists to DA receptors: l-CSL > dl-CSL >> d-CSL.
Simulation of a Single-Element Lean-direct Injector Combustor Using Arbitrary Polyhedral Mesh (2012)

This paper summarizes procedures of generating the arbitrary polyhedral mesh as well as presents sample results from its application to the numerical solution of a single-element LDI combustor using a preliminary version of the new OpenNCC.
Synthetic-aperture experiment in the visible with on-axis digital heterodyne holography (2001)

We have developed a new on-axis digital holographic technique, heterodyne holography. The resolution of this technique is limited mainly by the amount of data recorded on two-dimensional photodetectors, i.e., the number of pixels and their size. We demonstrate that it is possible to increase the resolution linearly with the amount of recorded data by aperture synthesis as done in the radar technique but with an optical holographic field.
History and clinical signs. (1998)

An 8-year-old, Thoroughbred gelding was examined by the ophthalmology service at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The horse had a 2-year history of recurring blepharospasm, lacrimation, redness of the right eye, and recent right vision loss. The menace response was absent in the right eye, but present in the left, and the palpebral and oculocephalic reflexes were present bilaterally. The left direct and left-to-right consensual pupillary light reflexes were present, but the right direct and the right-to-left consensual pupillary light reflexes were absent. Schirmer tear test (Schirmer Tear Test Strips; Alcon Canada, Mississauga, Ontario) values were within normal reference ranges in both eyes. The intraocular pressures, estimated with an applanation tonometer (Tonopen XL; Biorad Ophthalmic Division, Santa Clara, California, USA), were 9 and 19 mm Hg in the right and left eyes, respectively. A miotic right pupil was noted on direct examination. The pupils were dilated with tropicamide (Mydriacyl; Alcon Canada). Biomicroscopic examination (Osram 64222; Carl Zeiss Canada, Don Mills, Ontario) revealed mild right corneal edema, pigment deposition on the right anterior lens capsule, moderate right aqueous flare, incipient right anterior and posterior cortical cataract, and inflammatory exudates in the right vitreous. A photograph of the anterior segment of the right eye is provided for your assessment (Figure 1). Indirect ophthalmoscopic (Heine Omega 200; Heine Instruments Canada, Kitchener, Ontario) examination was completed. A photograph of the fundus of the right eye is provided for your assessment (Figure 2).



Figure 1

Photograph of the anterior segment of the right eye of an 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding.





Figure 2

Photograph of the fundus of the right eye of an 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding.
Adaptable Automation Interface for Multi-Unmanned Aerial Systems Control (2013)

With advances in automation technologies, systems are now being considered wherein a single operator supervises multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. Supervisory control of highly autonomous systems will require a new interface design. The present effort extends a delegation control concept to enable a pilot to flexibly change the role of automation during the course of a mission, seamlessly transitioning between four different control modes ranging from manual (pilot controls the vehicle’s flight with stick and throttle control) to high level “plays” (pilot’s command initiates a series of automated tasks). This novel concept was instantiated into a dynamic laptop simulation to support a usability evaluation in which participants employed the multi-level control architecture during ninety minute sessions. Data include comments recorded with a think-aloud paradigm and questionnaire responses. Results indicated that this adaptable pilot-automation interface for multi-unmanned systems control is promising. The findings include perspectives from both pilot and gamer participants that will help advance design of multi-level control for future aviation systems.
Electrochemical Performances of Nanosized Intermetallic Compound CoSb[sub 2] Prepared by the Solvothermal Route (2004)

Nanosized powder was prepared by the solvothermal route and studied as a new candidate for anode material for secondary lithium-ion batteries. The powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray analyses. It was found that the reversible capacity of the nanosized in the first cycle reached and a capacity of was still maintained for more than 20 cycles. The experimental results of nanosized were compared with that of a micrometer-sized one prepared by the levitation-melting/ballmilling route, which exhibited lower reversible capacity and poor cycling behavior. The superior electrochemical performance of solvothermally prepared is related to the microstructure and nanoscaled particle size. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Genetic Testing (2002)

Classic genetic tests indicate, either directly or indirectly, the presence of DNA variants associated with rare but highly penetrant disorders such as Huntington's disease or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. This article not only reviews these classic tests but also shows how novel genetic tests can reveal the presence of DNA variants that are more logically considered risk factors for a given condition.
Joining plasmonics with microfluidics: from convenience to inevitability (2012)

Along the advances in optofluidics, functionalities based on the surface plasmon-polariton have also been finding an increasing level of involvement within micro/nano-fluidic systems, gradually forming a new field of plasmo-fluidics. This survey of the burgeoning field reveals that judicious selection and combination of plasmonic and micro/nano-fluidic features render the plasmo-fluidic integration useful and mutually beneficial to the point of inevitability. We establish categories for the level of integration and utilize them as a framework for surveying existing work and extracting future perspectives.
The Dual Role of Lipopolysaccharide as Effector and Target Molecule (1999)

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are major integral components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria being exclusively located in its outer leaflet facing the bacterial environment. Chemically they consist in different bacterial strains of a highly variable O-specific chain, a less variable core oligosaccharide, and a lipid component, termed lipid A, with low structural variability. LPS participate in the physiological membrane functions and are, therefore, essential for bacterial growth and viability. They contribute to the low membrane permeability and increase the resistance towards hydrophobic agents. They are also the primary target for the attack of antibacterial drugs and proteins such as components of the host's immune response. When set free LPS elicit, in higher organisms, a broad spectrum of biological activities. They play an important role in the manifestation of Gram-negative infection and are therefore termed endotoxins. Physico-chemical parameters such as the molecular conformation and the charges of the lipid A portion, which is responsible for endotoxin-typical biological activities and is therefore termed the 'endotoxic principle' of LPS, are correlated with the biological activity of chemically different LPS.
Salinity Stress Increases Cytoplasmic Ca Activity in Maize Root Protoplasts (1989)

High concentrations of NaCl immediately elevated cytoplasmic Ca activity in maize (Zea Mays L. cv Pioneer 3377) root protoplasts, as measured with the fluorescent probe Indo-1. The effect of salinity was inhibited by Li pretreatment but restored by inositol, suggesting that phosphoinositides mediate the stress response.
Structured Feature Similarity with Explicit Feature Map (2016)

Feature matching is a fundamental process in a variety of computer vision tasks. Beyond the standard L <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> metric, various methods to measure similarity between features have been proposed mainly on the assumption that the features are defined in a histogram form. On the other hand, in a field of image quality assessment, SSIM [27] produces effective similarity between images, taking the place of L <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> metric. In this paper, we propose a feature similarity measurement method based on the SSIM. Unlike the previous methods, the proposed method is built on not a histogram form but a tensor structure of a feature array extracted such as on spatial grids, in order to construct effective SSIM-based similarity measure of high robustness which is a key requirement in feature matching. In addition, we provide the explicit feature map such that the proposed similarity metric is embedded as a dot product. It contributes to significant speedup in similarity measurement as well as to feature transformation toward an effective vector form to which linear classifiers are directly applicable. In the experiments on various tasks, the proposed method exhibits favorable performance in both feature matching and classification.