gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Turbo codes and zigzag codes: performance analysis and simulation (2000)

Turbo codes were introduced in 1993 and are now considered among the most important developments in coding theory. A Turbo encoder is formed by two parallel concatenated recursive convolutional encoders connected by an interleaver. The interleaver performs permutation of the input sequence. The decoder consists of two iterative maximum a posterior (MAP) decoders connected by an interleaver and a deinterleaver. Turbo codes have excellent bit error rate (BER) performance at low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Performance near Shannon capacity limit can be obtained with large interleavers, and comparatively good performance is possible for any interleaver size. In this thesis, we deal with four important issues of Turbo codes. 
The first issue is the sensitivity of Turbo decoders to noise distribution mismatch. We investigate the sensitivity of Turbo decoders to noise distribution mismatch and propose a simple method for on-line estimation of the noise distribution. The simulation results show that the proposed procedure leads to relatively good performance for the class of memoryless generalized Gaussian noise and the class of multimodal Gaussian noise. 
The second issue is the “error floor” of Turbo codes, which is the flattening of the performance curve for moderate to high SNR. Since simulation is impractical in this range, we analyze the performance of Turbo codes through union bounds. To do this, we propose a simple recursive method to generate the input redundancy weight enumerating function (IRWEF) of time-invariant recursive systematic convolutional encoders. This method is used to determine the union bound of Turbo codes with different puncturing patterns and termination conditions. We find that the Turbo code performance at high SNR can be significantly improved by trellis termination. For a given rate, different puncturing patterns result in different code performance. 
The third issue is the decoding complexity. Standard Turbo decoding is highly complex. To reduce decoding complexity, we introduce a class of error-correcting codes called zigzag codes. A zigzag code is highly structured and can be viewed as a two-state convolutional code. A concatenated zigzag encoder has several encoders connected by several interleavers. The performance is comparable to (though slightly worse than) standard Turbo codes at low SNR. At high SNR, both analysis and simulation results show that parallel concatenated zigzag codes have lower error floor than standard Turbo codes. 
The fourth issue is about the interleaver design for concatenated zigzag codes. Three simple interleavers are proposed and simulations show that the proposed interleavers can significantly lower the error floor of concatenated zigzag codes.
Animal Models Reflecting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Related Respiratory Disorders: Translating Pre-Clinical Data into Clinical Relevance (2019)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lives of an ever-growing number of people worldwide. The lack of understanding surrounding the pathophysiology of the disease and its progression has led to COPD becoming the third leading cause of death worldwide. COPD is incurable, with current treatments only addressing associated symptoms and sometimes slowing its progression, thus highlighting the need to develop novel treatments. However, this has been limited by the lack of experimental standardization within the respiratory disease research area. A lack of coherent animal models that accurately represent all aspects of COPD clinical presentation makes the translation of promising in vitrodata to human clinical trials exceptionally challenging. Here, we review current knowledge within the COPD research field, with a focus on current COPD animal models. Moreover, we include a set of advantages and disadvantages for the selection of pre-clinical models for the identification of novel COPD treatments.
Rhomboid and Star facilitate presentation and processing of the Drosophila TGF-alpha homolog Spitz. (2000)

Activation of the Drosophila epidermal growth factor receptor (DER) by the transmembrane ligand, Spitz (Spi), requires two additional transmembrane proteins, Rhomboid and Star. Genetic evidence suggests that Rhomboid and Star facilitate DER signaling by processing membrane-bound Spi (mSpi) to an active, soluble form. To test this model, we use an assay based on Xenopus animal cap explants in which Spi activation of DER is Rhomboid and Star dependent. We show that Spi is on the cell surface but is kept in an inactive state by its cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains; Rhomboid and Star relieve this inhibition, allowing Spi to signal. We show further that Spi is likely to be cleaved within its transmembrane domain. However, a mutant form of mSpi that is not cleaved still signals to DER in a Rhomboid and Star-dependent manner. These results suggest strongly that Rhomboid and Star act primarily to present an active form of Spi to DER, leading secondarily to the processing of Spi into a secreted form.
Intracellular distribution of input vesicular stomatitis virus proteins after uncoating (1991)

We have examined the fate of input viral proteins following the uncoating of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) by immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy, and cell fractionation. VSV was adsorbed to BHK cells and allowed to become internalized in the presence of 100 mM NH4Cl; the NH4Cl was then removed to initiate synchronized uncoating. The three major structural proteins of VSV, the matrix protein (M), the nucleocapsid protein (N), and the glycoprotein (G), were each distributed uniquely after uncoating. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that both G and N proteins retained a punctate distribution, whereas M protein was diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm, suggesting that it had become soluble. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that N protein was found in clusters (presumably in intact nucleocapsids) associated with the cell cytoskeleton and in unfused virions in endosomes and lysosomes. M protein was found diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm and also in endosomes and lysosomes. G protein was found only in association with endosomes and lysosomes after uncoating. Electrophoretic analysis of the high-speed cytosol fraction from infected cells showed that it contained chiefly M protein. The amount of M protein in the cytosol increased continuously during 90 min of uncoating, confirming its solubilization during uncoating. M protein was not covalently modified by phosphorylation upon uncoating, as evidenced by its mobility on nonequilibrium pH gradient gel electrophoresis. We suggest that those nucleocapsids associating with the cytoskeleton after uncoating may represent the sites of primary viral transcription.
Design of High-Speed Power-Efficient MOS Current-Mode Logic Frequency Dividers (2006)

A methodology to design high-speed power-efficient MOS current-mode logic (MCML) static frequency dividers is proposed. Analytical criteria to exploit the speed potential of MCML gates are first introduced. Then, an analytical strategy is formulated to progressively reduce the bias currents through the stages without affecting the divider operation speed, thereby reducing the overall power consumption. The proposed design approach is general and independent of the process adopted. Due to its simplicity, it can be used in a pencil-and-paper approach, avoiding a tedious and time-consuming trial-and-error approach based on simulations. Moreover, the analytical approach allows for a deeper understanding of the power-delay tradeoff involved in the design. As a design example, a 1:8 frequency divider is designed and simulated by using a 0.18-mum CMOS process
Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy: where are we today? A clinical review (2012)

According to the current guidelines, patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) or non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) at risk for sudden cardiac death should undergo implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Although ICDs effectively terminate ventricular arrhythmias, the arrhythmogenic substrate remains unchanged or may progress over time, resulting in recurrent ICD shocks. Defibrillator shocks increase mortality and worsen quality of life. Evidence from two prospective randomized trials on outcome in patients with ischaemic heart disease undergoing catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) suggests that ablation prevents recurrence of VT and decreases the number of ICD shocks. This review will highlight the recent progress made in the ablative treatment of VT in patients with ICM and NICM.
New materials for optical thin films (1976)

New materials for optical thin films are presented. Zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, cerie oxide, and hafnium oxide in the form of black tablets or cones of various sizes for the electron beam evaporation technique were developed. These materials are oxygen depleted and give an uniform melt during the evaporation to give reproducible evaporation characteristics. A new mixture consisting of ZrO(2) and ZrTiO(4) for the production of high index layers is described. The evaporation conditions of the substance and the properties of thin layers of the mixture are given. The refractive index is 2.15 at 500 nm. The transmittance range is 0.4-7 microm. The layers are optically homogeneous. The application of layers of this mixture in a three-layer antireflection coating is described.
Onboard array-fed reflector antenna for 21-GHZ-band direct broadcasting satellite (2006)

Satellite broadcasting in the 21-GHz band is expected to broadcast wide-band programs such as Super Hi-Vision, which is ultra-high-definition with more than 4000 scanning lines. The 21-GHz band, however, suffers from heavy rain attenuation about three times more than that of the 12-GHz band in terms of decibels. This paper describes a mitigation technique using onboard array-fed reflector antennas that can boost the radiation power only in the areas with heavy rainfall, while keeping a constant level of radiation power in the rest of the service area. The electrical performance of miniature TWTs is also described. Furthermore, we evaluated the power efficiency of the array feed and this is also discussed.
Optical fiber fluoroprobes in clinical analysis. (1983)

Abstract We used quartz optical fibers and laser excitation in developing single-fiber fluoroprobes, to be used to measure molecular fluorescence in minute volumes of body fluids. We illustrate and discuss the analytical capabilities of these fluoroprobes. Limits of detection for the anti-tumor drug doxorubicin are about 10(-7) mol/L, by either conventional fluorescence or sequentially excited fluoroscence modes of detection. We also report the results of preliminary in vivo measurements of doxorubicin in the interstitial fluids of human tumors, heterotransplanted in immune-deficient laboratory mice.
A computer program for the design and analysis of low-speed airfoils (1980)

A conformal mapping method for the design of airfoils with prescribed velocity distribution characteristics, a panel method for the analysis of the potential flow about given airfoils, and a boundary layer method have been combined. With this combined method, airfoils with prescribed boundary layer characteristics can be designed and airfoils with prescribed shapes can be analyzed. All three methods are described briefly. The program and its input options are described. A complete listing is given as an appendix.
Preparation of Semiconducting Titanates by Chemical Methods (1963)

Semiconducting barium titanate has been prepared both by coprecipitating the lanthanum in the preparation of barium titanyl oxalate and by precipitation of lanthanum hydroxide in a slurry of the titanate. Partial substitution of strontium or lead for barium and zirconium for titanium has also been achieved using this oxalate process. The electrical conductivity of these materials was measured and is discussed. The effect of excess titanium on the electrical properties was also determined and an excess of 1 to 2 mole % was found to raise the positive temperature coefficient under the firing conditions employed.
Toward Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells (2016)

Since the first reports of solar cells with power conversion efficiencies around 10% in 2012, the science and technology of perovskite photovoltaics has been progressing at an unprecedented rate. The current certified record efficiency of 22.1% makes perovskites the first solution-processable technology to outperform multicrystalline and thin-film silicon. For this technology to be deployed on a large scale, the two main challenges that need to be addressed are the material stability and the toxicity of lead. In particular, while lead is allowed in photovoltaic modules, it would be desirable to find alternatives which retain the unique optoelectronic properties of lead halide perovskites. Here we offer our perspective on the most exciting developments in the materials science of new halide perovskites, with an emphasis on alternatives to lead. After surveying recent developments of new perovskites and perovskite-related materials, we highlight the potential of halide double perovskites. This new family of compounds constitutes uncharted territory and may offer a broad materials library for solar energy applications.
Aqueous-Venous Shunt in the Rabbit Eye: A Long-term Follow-up (1969)

An aqueous-venus shunt in normal and buphthalmic rabbit eyes had remarkable effects on aqueous humor dynamics 12 months after operation or as long as the shunt Was patent. Improvement in outflow facility did not seem to be associated with an appreciable change in the rate of aqueous formation. The implanted tube was well tolerated. The abnormalities found in angle structures of rabbits with hereditary buphthalmia may be responsible for decreased outflow facility. They were somewhat similar to abnormalities occasionally seen in congenital glaucoma in humans. The method of establishing an aqueous-venous shunt and its early effects on intraocular fluid dynamics in normal and hereditarily buphthalmic rabbits(superscript 1, 2) and in normal monkey eyes(superscript 3) have been described. A decrease in intraocular pressure and increase in outflow facility were observed in eyes with a patent shunt. This report presents later observations of changes in aqueous dynamics and also histological studies of the original eyes one year after operation.
ESD damage of GMR sensors at head stack assembly (2003)

Magnetic performance degradation of giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors in magnetic recording heads often occurs after ESD exposure. This ESD damage phenomenon is not just limited to slider fabrication and head gimbal assembly (HGA) levels. It also can happen at head stack assembly (HSA) level. This study investigates ESD damage phenomena at HSA level under four types of experiments: tribo-charging from insulating parts of the HSA, EMI from external sources, direct charge, and the AC field around the HSA. The results indicate that the design and the connection of the flex printed circuit (FPC) has a significant impact on ESD protection for both HSA manufacturing and disk drive manufacturing.
The effect of nitrogen stress during flowering on seed production in <i>Medicago laciniata</i> (1964)

The effect of available nitrogen during flowering on the pod and seed production in Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. was studied in pot culture in the glasshouse. Nitrogen stress had no effect on the total number of flowers that appeared but lengthened the flowering period, reduced the percentage of flowers that set pods, and markedly reduced seed production. After storage for twelve months, none of the seed from nitrogen deficient plants was hard or viable.
In Vitro Evaluation of Dissolution Properties and Degradation Products of Omeprazole in Enteric-Coated Pellets (1998)

This report describes results of an in vitro study in which capsules containing omeprazole in enteric-coated pellets from different Brazilian manufacturers were evaluated. The original product was the reference in comparison to three similar products (A, B, and C). Samples were submitted to severe conditions (40 degrees C and 75% relative humidity during 120 days), and the tests performed were the omeprazole content, the percentage of omeprazole dissolved from the pellets, and the amount of H 238/85, its main degradation product. The data obtained suggest that these products could not be considered interchangeable. Differences in physical and physicochemical properties of products A, B, and C indicated that they did not maintain the required stability and that bioavailability might be affected by the poor dissolution of omeprazole from the pellets.
Echelle gratings: their testing and improvement (1976)

Tests are described on new master echelles of very large size and on others having unusually high blaze angles, produced on interferometrically controlled ruling engines. Defects arising from the gravitational distortion of large grating blanks during ruling were reduced by the use of calibrated edge-supporting springs to diminish sag. The sixth echelle in a series of the largest yet produced (400 x 600 mm, or 16 x 24 in.), ruled on a fused silica blank 127 mm thick with 79 grooves/mm blazed at 63.4 degrees , gives high speed at resolutions well in excess of 10(6). A series of 254-mm echelles ruled at blaze angles whose tangents range from 2 to 8 were compared. Because an echelle blazed at 63 degrees can theoretically give 90% of the maximum resolving power available at any blaze angle, little resolution is gained by using steeper angles, and optical defects are likely to increase with groove asymmetry. Very high blaze angles are useful for raising intrinsic dispersion, however, making possible construction of echelle spectrometers of extreme compactness.
Removable Bollard Design for the Royal Parks in London (2014)

This report describes a Bachelor Degree project in product development completed in co-operation with the Royal Parks in London and submitted to the University of Skovde. The aim of the project was to design and develop a removable bollard intended to separate traffic in a bi-direction cycle lane in central London. The goal was to develop a lightweight yet robust removable bollard that complimented the historical surroundings and had a simple storage solution.With thorough background research, established ideation methods and strategic evaluation a suitable solution was found. The final design was an innovative bollard made out of recycled plastic and specially adapted for simple removal and storage. It is a bollard that would successfully mark the cycle lane and is both lightweight and stackable.
Further studies on the synthesis of quinazolines from 2‐fluorobenzonitriles (1991)

Abstract Recently, we reported that appropriately substituted 2‐fluorobenzonitriles undergo cyclization with guanidine carbonate to afford 2,4‐diaminoquinazolines usually in good to excellent yield. This paper describes the preparation of a variety of new 2,4‐diaminoquinazolines substituted at positions five or seven. In addition, the reactions of selected 2‐fluorobenzonitriles with formamidine acetate or acetamidine acetate were examined. The results obtained demonstrate that the analogous 4‐amino‐ and 2‐methyl‐4‐aminoquinazolines can be prepared by this approach but that the yields are considerably lower than when guanidine carbonate is employed as the cyclization reagent.
Role of STAT1, NF-κB, and C/EBPβ in the macrophage transcriptional regulation of hepcidin by mycobacterial infection and IFN-γ (2009)

Hepcidin is an antimicrobial peptide involved in regulating iron homeostasis. It is induced by iron overload and decreased by hypoxia and anemia. Hepcidin regulates iron metabolism by inhibiting iron absorption by the duodenum and by inhibiting macrophage iron recycling. Hepcidin is induced in hepatocytes during the acute-phase response by IL-6. Previously, we have shown that hepcidin is not induced in macrophages by IL-6 but is induced by the synergistic interaction of IFN-gamma and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In the present study, we examined the pathways involved in inducing macrophage hepcidin expression. We show that TLRs TLR2 and TLR4 and the transcription factor STAT1 are required for induction of hepcidin mRNA. Hepcidin promoter activity is also synergistically induced in RAW264.7 macrophages by IFN-gamma and M. tuberculosis. NF-kappaB and C/CEBP binding sites are required for promoter activity. Binding of NF-kappaB (p50/p65) to the NF-kappaB site and STAT1 and C/EBPbeta to the C/CEBP site was confirmed by EMSA. Knockdown of STAT1 and C/EBPbeta expression in RAW264.7 cells with siRNA plasmids inhibited hepcidin promoter activity induced by IFN-gamma and M. tuberculosis. Together, these studies demonstrate that macrophage hepcidin expression is induced by the activation of STAT1 and NF-kappaB and the induction of C/EBPbeta expression.
An automatic grasp planning system for service robots (2009)

Service robots need many different informations about the objects, to grasp and manipulate them. Besides the physical information such as the geometry and weight, semantic information of the objects is also needed. To model both of these informations, we have constructed a multimodal object modeling center. It can model the physical properties of the object, such as the textures and the 3D geometry, with a digitizer and movable stereo cameras. Other properties of the objects relevant for grasping can also be automatically computed. Further, a human teacher can communicate with the system with multimodal techniques to bring the semantic information about the grasping to the system. The modeled information in this modeling center covers all the information a grasp planning needs. We have implemented a grasp planning system based on the grasp simulator “GraspIt!” to plan high quality grasps. The semantic information is represented as shape primitives, which are treated by the grasp planning as obstacles or must-touch regions of object to influence the resulted grasps. The modeled physical, semantic and automatically computed information, together with the computed grasps are saved in a database, which provides the service robot the needed knowledge to grasp household objects.
A new concept for a lower cost coal to methanol plant (1982)

The authors have developed a new concept for a coal-to-methanol plant that has the potential to halve the methanol product cost from $7.50 to about $4.08/MMBtu based on higher heating value. They eliminate the conventional cryogenic oxygen plant and substitute a thermochemical plant that can produce both oxygen and hydrogen from water. The hydrogen is used to increase the overall methanol production of the plant by reaction with CO or CO/sub 2/ that is otherwise purged. The coal is burned in a pressurized, fluidized bed combustor which heats to 1144K (1600 F) hot gases that are used to thermally drive the thermochemical cycle. The entire plant is carefully heat integrated to make use of nearly all of the heat throughout its entire temperature range. This is done by using a Brayton cycle to cogenerate electricity, which is sold to improve the economics, and the waste heat is dumped into a steam Rankine bottoming cycle that provides the process pumping power. As a result the thermal efficiency in generating methanol is a high 70% based on higher heating value. More detailed design work is underway.