gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Biological attachment devices: exploring nature's diversity for biomimetics (2008)

Many species of animals and plants are supplied with diverse attachment devices, in which morphology depends on the species biology and the particular function in which the attachment device is involved. Many functional solutions have evolved independently in different lineages of animals and plants. Since the diversity of such biological structures is huge, there is a need for their classification. This paper, based on the original and literature data, proposes ordering of biological attachment systems according to several principles: (i) fundamental physical mechanism, according to which the system operates, (ii) biological function of the attachment device, and (iii) duration of the contact. Finally, we show a biomimetic potential of studies on biological attachment devices.
Reachability-based safe learning with Gaussian processes (2014)

Reinforcement learning for robotic applications faces the challenge of constraint satisfaction, which currently impedes its application to safety critical systems. Recent approaches successfully introduce safety based on reachability analysis, determining a safe region of the state space where the system can operate. However, overly constraining the freedom of the system can negatively affect performance, while attempting to learn less conservative safety constraints might fail to preserve safety if the learned constraints are inaccurate. We propose a novel method that uses a principled approach to learn the system's unknown dynamics based on a Gaussian process model and iteratively approximates the maximal safe set. A modified control strategy based on real-time model validation preserves safety under weaker conditions than current approaches. Our framework further incorporates safety into the reinforcement learning performance metric, allowing a better integration of safety and learning. We demonstrate our algorithm on simulations of a cart-pole system and on an experimental quadrotor application and show how our proposed scheme succeeds in preserving safety where current approaches fail to avoid an unsafe condition.
Ghrelin is neuroprotective in Parkinson’s disease: molecular mechanisms of metabolic neuroprotection (2013)

Ghrelin is a circulating orexigenic signal that rises with prolonged fasting and falls postprandially. Ghrelin regulates energy homeostasis by stimulating appetite and body weight; however, it also has many nonmetabolic functions including enhanced learning and memory, anxiolytic effects as well as being neuroprotective. In Parkinson's disease, ghrelin enhances dopaminergic survival via reduced microglial and caspase activation and improved mitochondrial function. As mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to Parkinson's disease, any agent that enhances mitochondrial function could be a potential therapeutic target. We propose that ghrelin provides neuroprotective effects via AMPK (5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) activation and enhanced mitophagy (removal of damaged mitochondria) to ultimately enhance mitochondrial bioenergetics. AMPK activation shifts energy balance from a negative to a neutral state and has a role in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and reducing reactive oxygen species production. Mitophagy is important in Parkinson's disease because damaged mitochondria produce reactive oxygen species resulting in damage to intracellular proteins, lipids and DNA predisposing them to neurodegeneration. Many genetic mutations linked to Parkinson's disease are due to abnormal mitochondrial function and mitophagy, for example LRRK2, PINK1 and Parkin. An interaction between ghrelin and these classic Parkinson's disease markers has not been observed, however by enhancing mitochondrial function, ghrelin or AMPK is a potential therapeutic target for slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms, both motor and nonmotor.
Modeling Communication on Multi-GPU Systems (2009)

Coupling commodity CPUs and modern GPUs give you heterogeneous systems that are cheap, high-performance with incredible FLOPS counts. Recent evolution of GPGPU models and technologies make these systems even more appealing as compute devices for a range of HPC applications including image processing, seismic processing and other physical modeling, as well as linear programming applications. In fact, graphics vendor such as NVIDIA and AMD are now targeting HPC with some of their products. Due to the power and frequency walls, the trend is now to use multiple GPUs on a given system, much like you will find multiple cores on CPU-based systems. However, increasing the hierarchy of resource wides the spectrum of factors that may impact on the performance of the system. The lack of good models for GPU-based, heterogeneous systems also makes it harder to understand which factors impact performance the most. The goal of this thesis is to analyze such factors by investigating and benchmarking NVIDIA's multi-GPU solution, their recent NVIDIA Tesla S1070 Computing System. This system combines four T10 GPUs making available up to 4 TFLOPS of computational power. Based on a comparative study of fundamental parallel computing models and on the specific heterogeneous features exposed by the system, we define a test space for performance analysis. As a case study, we develop a red-black, SOR PDE solver for Laplace equations with Dirichlet boundaries, well known for requiring constant communication in order to exchange neighboring data. To aid both design and analysis, we propose a model for multi-GPU systems targeting communication between the several GPUs. The main variables exposed by the benchmark application are: domain size and shape, kind of data partitioning, number of GPUs, width of the borders to exchange, kernels to use, and kind of synchronization between the GPU contexts. Among other results, the framework is able to point out the most critical bounds of the S1070 system when dealing with applications like the one in our case study. We show that the multi-GPU system greatly benefits from using all its four GPUs on very large data volumes. Our results show the four GPUs almost four times faster than a single GPU, and twice as fast as two. Our analysis outcomes also allow us to refine our static communication model, enriching it with regression-based predictions.
A VANET-based emergency vehicle warning system (2009)

One often cited use case for vehicular networks are applications that relate to emergency vehicles. In addition to the traditional siren, they could use radio communication to warn other vehicles or to preempt traffic lights. Such an application can reduce accident risks during emergency response trips and also help save valuable time. We outline a comprehensive design of such an emergency vehicle warning system that makes full use of inter-vehicle communication, but also encompasses roadside infrastructure like traffic lights. In our system, other vehicles are not simply warned of an approaching emergency vehicle; they also receive detailed route information. Based on this information, timely and appropriate reaction of other drivers is possible. A prototype of our system has been tested in a traffic environment including emergency vehicles and traffic lights. To identify requirements and evaluate our system, we also conducted a detailed analysis of videos from emergency response trips and an expert survey among members of a local emergency response organization.
Soluble Antigen Fluorescent-Antibody Technique (1965)

An indirect fluorescent-antibody (FA) procedure employing soluble antigen fixed onto an artificial matrix was developed, and a mechanical means for reading of test results was devised. The method employs two small cellulose acetate paper discs for each test. One disc contains soluble antigen diluted in 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA); the other contains only 1% BSA and serves as a control. After testing by the indirect FA procedure, the results of the tests are read on a fluorometer fitted with a paper chromatogram door. The instrument is set at zero with the control disc as a blank, and the specific fluorescence of the antigen disc is determined. Findings obtained with homologous and heterologous antisera indicated that the method yields excellent results. The soluble antigen fluorescent-antibody technique has definite advantages over the conventional indirect FA procedures. (i) The investigator may objectively select the antigen to be employed. (ii) It is possible to obtain objective mechanical reading of test results rather than the highly subjective readings required by conventional methods. (iii) The system compensates for any nonspecific fluorescence contributed either by the serum (e.g., drugs) or by free fluorescein in the conjugated antiserum.
Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (2002)

Needle core biopsy (NCB) has been the standard procedure for histopathologic diagnosis of hepatic lesions for more than 50 years. In recent years fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has emerged as a minimally invasive, relatively inexpensive and a rapid method of pathologic evaluation of primary or metastatic hepatic masses. The specificity and the positive predictive value of FNAC is very high however, the sensitivity of the procedure widely ranges between 67% to 93%. The two major areas of diagnostic difficulties are differentiation of benign and non-neoplastic hepatic nodules from well differentiated HCC and identification of obviously malignant cells as HCC, cholangiocarcinoma, or metastasis. Preparation of cell blocks, immunohistochemical stains and application of other ancillary techniques are often helpful in difficult cases. In presence of characteristic features a diagnosis of HCC can be established on FNAC however, a negative result does not exclude malignancy. The role of pathologic diagnosis in the assessment of large hepatic masses is well established however, its role in the evaluation of small hepatic nodules (<3 cm) detected during surveillance of high risk patients is still evolving. Considering the overall advantages and cost-analysis, FNAC can be suggested as the initial method of choice for evaluation of hepatic masses in most clinical settings. However, the final choice of the diagnostic procedure should be decided on the basis of working clinical diagnosis and the institutional experience.
Simultaneous concentration and detection of biomarkers on paper (2014)

The lateral-flow immunoassay (LFA) is an inexpensive point-of-care (POC) paper-based diagnostic device with the potential to rapidly detect disease biomarkers in resource-poor settings. Although LFA is inexpensive, easy to use, and requires no laboratory equipment, it is limited by its sensitivity, which remains inferior to that of gold standard laboratory-based assays. Our group is the only one to have previously utilized various aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) to enhance LFA detection. In those studies, the sample was concentrated by an ATPS in a test tube and could only be applied to LFA after it had been extracted manually. Here, we bypass the extraction step by seamlessly integrating a polyethylene glycol-potassium phosphate ATPS with downstream LFA detection in a simple, inexpensive, power-free, and portable all-in-one diagnostic device. We discovered a new phenomenon in which the target biomarkers simultaneously concentrate as the ATPS solution flows through the paper membranes, and our device features a 3-D paper well that was designed to exploit this phenomenon. Studies with this device, which were performed at room temperature in under 25 min, demonstrated a 10-fold improvement in the detection limit of a model protein, transferrin. Our next-generation LFA technology is rapid, affordable, easy-to-use, and can be applied to existing LFA products, thereby providing a new platform for revolutionizing the current state of disease diagnosis in resource-poor settings.
The Optical Design of the Human Eye: a Critical Review (2009)

Cornea, lens and eye models are analyzed and compared to experimental findings to assess properties and eventually unveil optical design principles involved in the structure and function of the optical system of the eye. Models and data often show good match but also some paradoxes. The optical design seems to correspond to a wide angle lens. Compared to conventional optical systems, the eye presents a poor optical quality on axis, but a relatively good quality off-axis, thus yielding higher homogeneity for a wide visual field. This seems the result of an intriguing combination of the symmetry design principle with a total lack of rotational symmetry, decentrations and misalignments of the optical surfaces. En este trabajo, los modelos de córnea, de cristalino y de ojo se analizan y se comparan con los datos experimentales para evaluar las propiedades y, eventualmente, para desvelar los principios del diseño óptico que afectan a la estructura y al funcionamiento del sistema óptico del ojo humano. A menudo encontramos una coincidencia razonable entre los modelos y los datos experimentales, pero también se ponen de manifiesto algunas paradojas. El diseño óptico parece corresponderse con el de un gran angular. En comparación con los sistemas ópticos convencionales, el ojo tiene una mala calidad óptica en eje pero, por el contrario, presenta una calidad relativamente buena fuera de eje, proporcionando así una gran homogeneidad a una amplia extensión del campo visual. Este hecho parece ser el resultado de una curiosa combinación del principio de diseño simétrico con una total ausencia de simetría de rotación, con descentramientos y con una deficiente alineación de las superficies ópticas.
Second-order gradient noise-cancelling microphone (2005)

A piezoelectric, second-order gradient, noise-cancelling microphone has been developed for an advanced narrow-band digital voice terminal (ANDVT). It has much greater capability to reject acoustical noise from distant sources than does the conventional first-order type. Precise balancing of the phase and amplitude response of the acoustical components is required. Four sound ports are arranged in a square configuration, providing a second-order characteristic and 4- leaved-rose polar response. The lowest resonance frequency is 20 kHz, well above the speech band. There are no damping components which tend to compromise acoustical symmetry. The noise-cancelling performance conforms closely to theory.
Common genetic variants in <i>TERT</i> contribute to risk of cervical cancer in a Chinese population (2012)

adjusted OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.06-1.72; rs2736100, CC vs. AC/AA: adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.11-1.73). However, no association was found between CLPTM1L rs402710 and cervical cancer. These results suggest that genetic variants in 5p15.33, especially in TERT, may be markers for susceptibility to cervical cancer.
Synthesen von 4‐Hydroxyderivaten von β‐Apo‐carotinalen und β‐Apo‐carotinsäuren sowie Darstellung von 3,4‐Dehydro‐β‐apo‐carotinalen und 3,4‐Dehydro‐β‐apo‐carotinsäuren XXVIII. Mitteilung über Carotinoidsynthesen (1960)

Abstract Es werden die Synthesen folgender Verbindungen beschrieben: 4‐Hydroxy‐β‐apo‐8′‐carotinal(C 30 ), 3,4‐Dehydro‐β‐apo‐8′‐carotinal(C 30 ), 4‐Hydroxy‐β‐apo‐8′‐carotinsäure(C 30 ) und ihres Methylesters, 3,4‐Dehydro‐β‐apo‐8′‐carotinsäure(C 30 ) und ihres Methylesters, 4‐Hydroxy‐15,15′‐dehydro‐β‐apo‐8′‐carotinal(C 30 ), 3,4;15,15′‐Dehydro‐β‐apo‐8′‐carotinal(C 30 ), 4‐Hydroxy‐15,15′‐dehydro‐β‐apo‐carotinsäure(C 30 ) und ihres Methylesters, 3,4;15,15′‐Dehydro‐β‐apo‐8′‐carotinsäure(C 30 ) und ihres Methylesters.
Polarimetric pixel using Seebeck nanoantennas (2014)

Optical nanoantennas made of two metals are proposed to produce a Seebeck voltage proportional to the Stokes parameters of a light beam. The analysis is made using simulations in the electromagnetic and thermal domains. Each Stokes parameter is independently obtained from a dedicated nanoantenna configuration. S1 and S2 rely on the combination of two orthogonal dipoles. S3 is given by arranging two Archimedian spirals with opposite orientations. The analysis also includes an evaluation of the error associated with the Seebeck voltage, and the crosstalk between Stokes parameters. The results could lead to the conception of polarization sensors having a receiving area smaller than 10λ(2). We illustrate these findings with a design of a polarimetric pixel.
Network analysis of immunotherapy-induced regressing tumours identifies novel synergistic drug combinations (2015)

Cancer immunotherapy has shown impressive results, but most patients do not respond. We hypothesized that the effector response in the tumour could be visualized as a complex network of interacting gene products and that by mapping this network we could predict effective pharmacological interventions. Here, we provide proof of concept for the validity of this approach in a murine mesothelioma model, which displays a dichotomous response to anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint blockade. Network analysis of gene expression profiling data from responding versus non-responding tumours was employed to identify modules associated with response. Targeting the modules via selective modulation of hub genes or alternatively by using repurposed pharmaceuticals selected on the basis of their expression perturbation signatures dramatically enhanced the efficacy of CTLA4 blockade in this model. Our approach provides a powerful platform to repurpose drugs, and define contextually relevant novel therapeutic targets.
Relation of renin-angiotensin system activity to left ventricular hypertrophy and function in experimental and human hypertension. (1987)

This article examines available data concerning the hypothesis that the renin-angiotensin system directly stimulates cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction in hypertension. Several experiments support a direct effect of angiotensin on myocardial protein synthesis and suggest that this may be independent of adrenergic influences. However, the role played by the renin system in the pathogenesis of hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy may be small, for left ventricular (LV) muscle mass is not systematically greater in high-renin as opposed to low-renin forms of experimental or human hypertension. In animal studies, regression of LV hypertrophy is more consistently observed in response to drugs that inhibit as opposed to those that stimulate renin-angiotensin system activity (i.e., converting enzyme inhibitors or beta-adrenoceptor blockers vs. diuretics or direct vasodilators), although the difference is more quantitative than absolute. Similarly, significant reductions in LV mass occurred in 13 of 16 human trials with converting enzyme inhibitors or beta blockers as opposed to 2 of 10 trials with diuretics or vasodilators (mean = 7.11; p less than 0.01). However, uncertainties regarding the degree of reduction in angiotensin II and adrenergic effects, possible interactions between these systems, and incomplete characterization of induced changes in hemodynamic load on the heart all limit the interpretation of available studies. Preliminary data suggest that an inverse relation exists between renin-angiotensin system activity and LV systolic performance in primary and secondary human hypertension, a possibility that merits further study.
Diffraction efficiency of an index grating in a Fabry-Perot resonator (2003)

Summary form only given. The diffraction efficiency of refractive index modulation can be increased by using a Fabry-Perot resonator. We present here a detailed analytical study of diffraction by such a structure and show that it offers some more advantages.
New Nondiscoloring Stabilizer System for SBR and Stereospecific Diene Polymers (1968)

Abstract This article discloses the discovery and use of a class of imidazolidine-4-thiones as new stabilizers for unsaturated rubbers. Also reported is the preparation of the acid salts of one of these, 7, 14-diazadispiro[5.1.5.2]pentadecane-15-thione (DDPT) and its 7- and 14-nitroso derivatives. Several alkylated derivatives of DDPT were found to be equivalent to DDPT in nondiscoloring stabilization activity. The 7-nitroso derivative was found to be an active stabilizer and was found to counteract some slight cure activation inherent in the imidazolidine-4-thione structure. DDPT was shown to be an efficient polymer stabilizer providing excellent nondiscoloring polymers for use in various tire compounds. This compound was fully equivalent or superior to similar polymers prepared from other commercially available nondiscoloring stabilizers and antioxidants.
A road traffic simulator to analyze layout and effectiveness of rapid charging infrastructure for electric vehicle (2011)

We have developed the road traffic simulator to analyze the location of EV running out of electricity and the number of charging EV at each charging station(ST). We also have proposed the search algorithm for the effective layout of charging STs based on the location of EV running out of electricity by the road traffic simulator. That algorithm has been installed into the traffic simulator. The layout of charging STs is successfully determined to reduce the number of EV running out of electricity, and it does not depend on the initial input of the location of the charging ST and the complexity of the road network.
Adaptive Speculative Processing of Out-of-Order Event Streams (2014)

Distributed event-based systems are used to detect meaningful events with low latency in high data-rate event streams that occur in surveillance, sports, finances, etc. However, both known approaches to dealing with the predominant out-of-order event arrival at the distributed detectors have their shortcomings: buffering approaches introduce latencies for event ordering, and stream revision approaches may result in system overloads due to unbounded retraction cascades. This article presents an adaptive speculative processing technique for out-of-order event streams that enhances typical buffering approaches. In contrast to other stream revision approaches developed so far, our novel technique encapsulates the event detector, uses the buffering technique to delay events but also speculatively processes a portion of it, and adapts the degree of speculation at runtime to fit the available system resources so that detection latency becomes minimal. Our technique outperforms known approaches on both synthetical data and real sensor data from a realtime locating system (RTLS) with several thousands of out-of-order sensor events per second. Speculative buffering exploits system resources and reduces latency by 40% on average.
On the Noise Reduction Performance of a Spherical Harmonic Domain Tradeoff Beamformer (2012)

In this letter, we derive an expression for the expected incoherent noise reduction factor of a spherical harmonic domain (SHD) tradeoff beamformer. The tradeoff beamformer attempts to reduce noise while minimizing speech distortion, and includes the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) and multichannel Wiener filters as special cases. For the open spherical microphone array, we find a number of analogies between the expressions for the expected noise reduction factor of the SHD and spatial domain MVDR beamformers. In an anechoic environment we find that the performance of the SHD MVDR beamformer with an open array depends almost entirely on the number of microphones, as in the spatial domain.