gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Development of stereo camera methodologies to improve pelagic fish biomass estimates and inform ecosystem management in marine waters (2017)

To understand and manage marine ecosystems, long-term monitoring of fish biomass is needed. A challenge in estimating fish biomass using sampling nets is varying catchability with habitat, weather, or vessel traffic conditions. Underwater stereo cameras have shown promise in providing a non-lethal, efficient, and cost-effective method to observe and measure fish in areas that cannot be sampled otherwise. These methods, however, have yet to be demonstrated for mid-water pelagic or semi-pelagic fishes. We designed, built, and tested a stereo camera for its potential to augment survey assessments of pelagic fish biomass in areas where trawl net samples cannot be collected. In a pilot test, the stereo camera was used to identify fish species and to measure fish length, depth, tilt, and yaw. Five paired stereo camera deployments and pelagic midwater trawl hauls were compared during an acoustic survey in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia. Fish sometimes moved in response to the stereo camera deployment, but acclimated quickly to its presence at depth. Pacific hake, Merluccius productus, and walleye pollock, Gadus chalcogrammus, were the two dominant species in both midwater trawl haul catches and stereo camera images, but fish sizes were significantly larger in most cases in stereo camera images compared to trawl haul catches. Fish length measurements were most accurate when yaw angles were < 30. Higher abundances of fish in the stereo camera images were associated with higher midwater trawl catch-per-unit-effort values. Fish orientation was close to horizontal for pollock, but slightly downward for hake (15.56), which could have implications for acoustics-based biomass estimates. The challenges of using stereo cameras in acoustic surveys include smaller sample sizes than those of midwater trawl catches, time required for processing of images, and identification of small fish. However, stereo cameras can be viable tools for acoustic target verification of fish species and measurements of fish lengths, with the advantages of additional information on specific fish depth, tilt, and yaw. Cameras can also sample non-lethally in areas where trawling is not logistically possible, such as in shipping lanes, or permitted, such as marine protected areas. Our results suggest that stereo camera technology is a useful tool for studying fish in the water column.
Experiences with tracing causality in networked services (2010)

Unlike device-centric monitoring, task-centric tracing enables an operator to causally trace the complete execution of a networked system across the boundaries of applications, protocols, and administrative domains. In this paper, we argue that causal, end-to-end tracing should be an integral part of network services. Moreover, it is not fundamentally difficult to achieve, given a primitive that propagates task metadata alongside logical execution and communication paths. X-Trace is a framework that relies on such propagation to provide comprehensive causal tracing. We report on our experience integrating X-Trace into several production networked services—including 802.1X authentication, Web content distribution, and DNS-based replica selection—to illustrate benefits of causal tracing, and to discuss the instrumentation of different protocols and component architectures. We highlight the challenges we encountered and techniques we developed to better integrate causal tracing into network services. 1
Comparison of approaches for instrumentally predicting the quality of text-to-speech systems (2010)

In this paper, we compare and combine different approaches for instrumentally predicting the perceived quality of Text-to-Speech systems. First, a log-likelihood is determined by comparing features extracted from the synthesized speech signal with features trained on natural speech. Second, parameters are extracted which capture quality-relevant degradations of the synthesized speech signal. Both approaches are combined and evaluated on three auditory test databases. The results show that auditory quality judgments can in many cases be predicted with a sufficiently high accuracy and reliability, but that there are considerable differences, mainly between male and female speech samples.
Effect of pharmacological suppression of insulin secretion on tissue sensitivity to insulin in subjects with moderate obesity. (1983)

After informed consent we studied effect of pharmacological suppression of insulin secretion on tissue sensitivity to insulin in eight subjects with moderate obesity (relative body weight 133 +/- 6 per cent). Glucose tolerance (100 g oGTT) and insulin sensitivity were studied on two separate days before and after treatment with 500 mg diazoxide/d for a period of 4 d. Insulin sensitivity was determined by means of a 1-h priming dose-constant insulin infusion technique (two 30-min periods of 8 and 16 mU/kg, insulin MC-Actrapid, initiated by a start injection of 1 and 2 mU/kg, respectively). The relative decrease of plasma glucose and nonesterified fatty acid concentration at comparable steady-state insulin levels has been taken as an estimate of body sensitivity to insulin. Diazoxide treatment resulted in a significant suppression of glucose-stimulated early (insulin area 0-30 min) (P less than 0.05), late (insulin area 30-120 min) (P less than 0.01) and total insulin response (insulin area 0-120 min) (P less than 0.01) as well as a mild deterioration of glucose tolerance. Insulin sensitivity increased by about 50 per cent in comparison to the pretreatment value. Similarly, there was a marked increase of the antilipolytic effect of insulin after short-term treatment with diazoxide (P less than 0.05). The results support the concept that decreased sensitivity to insulin in obesity may be secondary due to hyperinsulinaemia.
Placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine as an adjunct to relapse prevention in alcoholics (1995)

Fluoxetine at a dose of 60 mg/day is probably not of use for relapse prevention in alcoholics with mild to moderate alcohol dependence and no comorbid depression. In alcoholics with major depression, the drug may reduce depressive symptoms. Subsequent studies with fluoxetine should probably focus on more severely alcohol-dependent subjects or those with comorbid depression.
Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in an Indigenous North American Population (2007)

The results of the present study showed that serological evidence of HEV infection was present in 3% of the observed Canadian Inuit population; the presence of IgM anti-HEV suggested recent infection and HEV did not appear to coinfect with other common hepatotropic viruses. The source of HEV infection in the population remains unclear. These findings are interesting but preliminary. Additional data are required to determine whether HEV infections are responsible for otherwise unexplained acute hepatitis in the Canadian Inuit population and visitors returning from northern North American communities.
A linear-time algorithm for computing the memory access sequence in data-parallel programs (1995)

Data-parallel languages, such as High Performance Fortran, are widely regarded as a promising means for writing portable programs for distributed-memory machines. Novel features of these languages call for the development of new techniques in both compilers and run-time systems. In this paper, we present an improved algorithm for finding the local memory access sequence in computations involving regular sections of arrays with cyclic(k) distributions. After establishing the fact that regular section indices correspond to elements of an integer lattice, we show how to find a lattice basis that allows for simple and fast enumeration of memory accesses. The complexity of our algorithm is shown to be lower than that of the previous solution for the same problem. In addition, the experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of our method in practice.
Functional interaction of megalin with the megalinbinding protein(MegBP), a novel tetratrico peptide repeat-containing adaptor molecule (2002)

Megalin is a member of the LDL receptor gene family that plays an important role in forebrain development and in cellular vitamin D metabolism through endocytic uptake of vitamin D metabolites. Similar to other receptors in this gene family, megalin is believed to functionally interact with intracellular proteins through adaptors that bind to the receptor tail and regulate its endocytic and signal transducing activities. Using yeast two-hybrid screens, we identified a novel scaffold protein with tetratrico peptide repeats, the megalin-binding protein (MegBP) that associates with the receptor. The binding site of MegBP was mapped to an N-terminal region on the receptor tail harboring a proline-rich peptide element. MegBP binding did not block the endocytic activity of the receptor; however, overexpression resulted in cellular lethality. In further screens, we identified proteins that bound to MegBP and thus might be recruited to the megalin tail. MegBP-interacting partners included several transcriptional regulators such as the SKI-interacting protein (SKIP), a co-activator of the vitamin D receptor. These finding suggest a model whereby megalin directly participates in transcriptional regulation through controlled sequestration or release of transcription factors via MegBP.
Targeted mutagenesis of DNA with alkylating RecA assisted oligonucleotides (1999)

Site-specific mutation was demonstrated in a shuttle vector system using nitrogen mustard-conjugated oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs). Plasmid DNA was modified in vitro by ODNs containing all four DNA bases in the presence of Escherichia coli RecA protein. Up to 50% of plasmid molecules were alkylated in the targeted region of the supF gene and mutations resulted upon replication in mammalian cells. ODNs conjugated with either two chlorambucil moieties or a novel tetrafunctional mustard caused interstrand crosslinks in the target DNA and were more mutagenic than ODNs that caused only monoadducts.
Classification of Hydrometeors Based on Polarimetric Radar Measurements: Development of Fuzzy Logic and Neuro-Fuzzy Systems, and In Situ Verification (2000)

A fuzzy logic and neuro-fuzzy system for classification of hydrometeor type based on polarimetric radar measurements is described in this paper. The hydrometeor classification system is implemented by using fuzzy logic and a neural network, where the fuzzy logic is used to infer hydrometeor type, and the neural network learning algorithm is used for automatic adjustment of the parameters of the fuzzy sets in the fuzzy logic system according to prior knowledge. Five radar measurements, namely, horizontal reflectivity (ZH), differential reflectivity (ZDR), differential propagation phase shift (KDP), correlation coefficient [ρHV(0)], and linear depolarization ratio (LDR), and corresponding altitude, have been used as input variables to the neuro-fuzzy network. The output of the neuro-fuzzy system is one of the many possible hydrometeor types: 1) drizzle, 2) rain, 3) dry and low density snow, 4) dry and high-density crystals, 5) wet and melting snow, 6) dry graupel, 7) wet graupel, 8) small hail, 9) large hail, and 10) a mixture of rain and hail. The neuro-fuzzy classifier is more advantageous than a simple neural network or a fuzzy logic classifier because it is more transparent (instead of a “black box”) and can learn the parameter of the system from the past data (unlike a fuzzy logic system). The hydrometeor classifier has been applied to several case studies and the results are compared against in situ observations.
<title>Photoanisotropic films: physics and applications in LCDs</title> (1995)

Pure dye layers, dyes embedded into polymer matrix and pure photopolymer films (e.g. PVC- polyvinyl 4-methoxy-cinnamate) form the so called Photoanisotropic Films (PAFs), which undergo molecular and structural transformations under the action of the external polarized UV-illumination. The spectral sensitivity, spatial resolution, thermostability and reversibility of such processes strongly depend on the chemical nature of PAFs. Various applications of PAFs in LCD technology are envisaged such as: (1) the alignment of LC molecules without rubbing operation thus avoiding electrostatic charges and impurities; (2) possibility to make delicate structure of the preferred azimuth of LC director on the substrate to improve LCD viewing angles; (3) forming of phase retardation plates with local orientations of optical axes and optical path length varying from pixel to pixel; (4) implementation of B/W and color supertwist high information content displays based on birefringent colors; and (5) modification of the configuration of subtractive color supertwist cells for projection displays. The paper presents a brief introduction of physical phenomena in PAFs and its application in LCDs.
Elevation of intracellular calcium by muscarinic receptor activation induces a block of voltage-activated rat ether-à-go-go channels in a stably transfected cell line. (1996)

We have studied the properties of r-eag voltage-activated potassium channels in a stably transfected human embryonic kidney cell line. It was found that r-eag channels are rapidly and reversibly inhibited by a rise in intracellular calcium from 30 to 300 nM. The inhibition does not appear to depend on the activity of calcium-dependent kinases and phosphatases. The effect of calcium on r-eag channel activity was studied in inside-out membrane patches. Calcium inhibited r-eag channel activity with a mean IC50 of 67 nM. Activation of muscarinic receptors, generating calcium oscillations in the transfected cells, induced a synchronous inhibition of r-eag mediated outward currents. This shows that calcium can mediate r-eag current inhibition following muscarinic receptor activation. The data indicate that r-eag channels are calcium-inhibitable voltage-activated potassium channels.
Molecular Characterization of the Human NANOG Protein (2009)

NANOG is a key transcriptional regulator of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) self-renewal. NANOG occupies promoters that are active and others that are repressed during self-renewal; however, the mechanisms by which NANOG regulates transcriptional repression and activation are unknown. We hypothesized that individual protein domains of NANOG control its interactions with both the promoters and its coregulators. We performed a detailed characterization of the functional domains in the human (h) NANOG protein, using a panel of deletion-mutant and point-mutant constructs. We determined that six amino acids in the homeodomain ((136)YKQVKT(141)) are sufficient for the nuclear localization of hNANOG. We also determined that the tryptophan-rich region (W) of hNANOG contains a CRM1-independent signal for nuclear export, suggesting a possible cellular shuttling behavior that has not been reported for hNANOG. We also show that at least four tryptophans are required for nuclear export. We also determined that similar to murine (m) NANOG, the W region of hNANOG contains a homodimerization domain. Finally, in vitro transactivation analyses identified distinct regions that enhance or diminish activity at gene promoters that are active during self-renewal. Specifically, the N-terminal region interferes with transcription and removal of this region that produced a "super-active" hNANOG with enhanced transcriptional activity. We also confirmed that the transcriptional activator in hNANOG is contained in the C-terminal region, similar to murine NANOG. In summary, this study has characterized the structure and function of hNANOG protein leading to an increased understanding of the mechanism by which hNANOG regulates both transcriptional activation and repression during PSC self-renewal.
Successful Treatment of Ceftazidime‐Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Ventriculitis with Intravenous Meropenem and Intraventricular Polymyxin B: Case Report and Review (1999)

Increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms has led to a rise in clinically significant infections with these organisms and an increasing therapeutic dilemma. We present a case of a neurosurgical patient who developed ventriculoperitoneal shunt-associated ventriculitis due to ceftazidime-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae susceptible to cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, and polymyxin B only. Successful management was accomplished by removal of the shunt and therapy with systemic meropenem and intraventricular polymyxin B. Rapid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sterilization occurred, with CSF bactericidal titers of 1:32 to 1:128. Polymyxin B should be considered as adjunctive therapy for life-threatening multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections. Prior literature on use of intrathecal polymyxin B in therapy for meningitis supports its potential efficacy.
Tin Alloy Plating (1994)

Abstract Electrodeposition of tin alloys is used to protect steel against corrosion or wear, to impart resistance to etching, and to facilitate soldering. This article focuses on the compositions, operating conditions, advantages, and limitations of methane sulfonic acid plating solutions and fluoborate plating solutions for tin-lead. It briefly describes the solution compositions and operating conditions of tin-bismuth, tin-nickel, and tin-zinc.
Increased Anticholinergic Sensitivity Following Closed Skull Impact and Controlled Cortical Impact Traumatic Brain Injury in the Rat (1994)

Evidence suggests that prolonged memory deficits in several neurodegenerative diseases are attributable to deficits in central cholinergic neurotransmission. In traumatic brain injury (TBI), such cholinergic deficits also may contribute to prolonged memory disturbances. This study determined whether moderate magnitudes of TBI produced by controlled cortical impact and mild magnitudes of experimental TBI produced by a new closed head impact technique in rats would produce an enhanced vulnerability to the memory disruptive effects of scopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist. Water maze performance was used to determine changes in cholinergic hippocampal function following TBI. In the first experiment, rats received a moderate level of TBI by means of a controlled cortical impact. A Morris water maze task assessed spatial memory function on days 30–34 postinjury. During the 5 day assessment period, statistical analyses showed a group main effect for swim latency. Subsequent post hoc analyses indicated that injured rats had significantly longer latencies on days 30 and 31 (p < 0.05, injury vs sham controls). By days 32–35, injured rats showed no statistically significant deficits in spatial memory performance. On day 35, scopolamine (1 mg/kg, IP) was injected into injured rats and sham-injured rats 15 min prior to being retested in the maze. Results showed that although the scopolamine had no effects on the performance of the sham-injured rats, the same dose significantly (p < 0.05) increased the latency to find the hidden platform in the injured group. In the second experiment, rats received a mild concussive closed head impact. Water maze performance was assessed on days 8–12 postinjury. No significant water maze performance deficits were observed. On day 13, injured and uninjured rats were pharmacologically challenged with scopolamine (1 mg/kg) and retested. Similar to the first experiment, injured rats manifested a significantly greater (p < 0.05) sensitivity to scopolamine than sham controls. The results from both experiments suggest that concussive and more severe levels of TBI can produce an enhanced vulnerability to disruption of cholinergically mediated memory function, even when memory function appears normal in the absence of secondary challenges. These data demonstrate that covert deficits can persist after the recovery of normal function. These deficits may be attributable to a decrease in the ability of cholinergic neurons to function properly. These data also provide important insights into features of receptor-coupled disturbances that could contribute to the maintenance of enduring cognitive deficits following TBI.
Biocomposites of polyamide 4.10 and surface modified microfibrillated cellulose (MFC): influence of processing parameters on structure and thermomechanical properties (2015)

Novel bio-polyamides obtained from renewable resources, e.g. PA4.10, are considered nowadays as promising ‘green’ engineering materials consisting of building blocks derived from castor oil. In this work the composites of heterogeneously acetylated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and biopolyamide 4.10 have been prepared by melt blending. Thermoplastic processing of PA4.10/MFC composites was possible in a narrow temperature window due to significant improvement of thermal stability of acetylated MFC as compared to raw MFC. The increase of thermooxidative stability of filler was due to removal of non-cellulosic components from the raw material and introduction of acetic moieties that had additional slight stabilizing effect on MFC. Moreover, the modified MFC showed significant changes in morphology that favoured its dispersibility in viscous polymer melt. Combined treatment of MFC by chemical agents, which caused partial hydrolysis of amorphous regions, and physical disintegration by ultrasonic waves resulted in formation of fibrous material with low degree of entanglement and submicron or nanometric diameters. In the tested range of screw speeds it was found that at screw speed of 100 rpm the shearing forces were sufficient for dispersing MFC agglomerates and the melt pressure secured evacuation of gases introduced to plasticizing system of extruder with MFC-Ac aerogel. The dynamic mechanical properties of obtained (nano)composites were influenced by both mechanical strengthening of rigid cellulose micro and nanofibers as well as susceptibility of biopolymers towards oxidation and thermomechanical degradation during processing.
Multigrain Parallel Processing on Compiler Cooperative Chip Multiprocessor (2005)

This paper describes multigrain parallel processing on a compiler cooperative chip multiprocessor. The multigrain parallel processing hierarchically exploits multiple grains of parallelism such as coarse grain task parallelism, loop iteration level parallelism and statement level near-fine grain parallelism. The chip multiprocessor has been designed to attain high effective performance, cost effectiveness and high software productivity by supporting the optimizations of the multigrain parallelizing compiler, which is developed by Japanese Millennium Project IT21 "Advance Parallelizing Compiler". To achieve full potential of multigrain parallel processing, the chip multiprocessor integrates simple single-issue processors having distributed shared data memory for both optimal use of data locality and scalar data transfer, local data memory for processor private data, in addition to centralized shared memory for shared data among processors. This paper focuses on the scalability of the chip multiprocessor having up to eight processors on a chip by exploiting of the multigrain parallelism from SPECfp95 programs. When microSPARC like the simple processor core is used under assumption of 90 nm technology and 2.8 GHz, the evaluation results show the speedups for eight processors and four processors reach 7.1 and 3.9, respectively. Similarly, when 400 MHz is assumed for embedded usage, the speedups reach 7.8 and 4.0, respectively.