gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Detection of matchings in a sequence of underwater images through texture analysis (2002)

This paper presents an approach to ameliorate the reliability of the correspondence points relating two consecutive images of a sequence. The images are especially difficult to handle, since they have been acquired by a camera looking at the sea floor while carried by an underwater robot. Underwater images are usually difficult to process due to light absorption, changing image radiance and lack of well-defined features. A new approach based on gray-level region matching and selective texture analysis significantly improves the matching reliability.
Manufacture of Powder-Impregnated Thermoplastic Composites (1990)

The use of thermoplastic composites has been limited by the lack of reliable techniques to make prepregs of consistent quality. Dry powder impregnation methods offer a new approach to the solution of this problem. This paper discusses the features that are essential to the development of an acceptable dry powder process The physical principles that govern the manufacture of thermoplastic prepreg tapes of controllable fiber-matrix volume fractions and the consolidation of these tapes to make void-free composite parts are presented A novel powder prepregging process suitable for the manufacture of high-quality powder-impregnated tapes and their subsequent consolidation to make void-free parts is discussed. It is shown that a well-designed dry powder process can achieve fine control over both fiber-matrix composition in the prepreg tape and intimate wetting between in dividual fibers and the thermoplastic matrix Powder prepreg tapes can be consolidated into void-free specimens with simple consolidation cycles developed for a specific fiber- matrix combination
Rapid cell mapping using nanoparticles and SERRS (2008)

Bone marrow-derived immune cells (macrophages) treated with gold and silver nanoparticles before fixation and dye staining have been analysed by multiple wavelength line scanning surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) mapping. The method yields high selectivity and sensitivity within short analysis times, identifying nanoparticle aggregates in secondary lysosomes. Using routine cell stains, the output from fluorescence, Raman and SERRS is quantified at four wavelengths of excitation, demonstrating the potential at longer biologically compatible wavelengths of using nanoparticles with cell stains for superior cell mapping.
The Medical Profession and the State: GPs and the GP Contract in the 1960s and the 1990s (1998)

This paper examines the two major conflicts between general practitioners and the state in the mid‐1960s and again at the end of the 1980s. In the mid‐1960s morale in general practice was low, but GPs emerged with a strong endorsement from government for their professional autonomy. In 1990 morale was high, but government succeeded in imposing a new contract on GPs that sought to increase their accountability. GPs have always defended their status as "independent contractors". However, the paper argues that GPs saw this status as a means of protecting their professional freedom and autonomy. When the government treated them more as independent contractors in 1990 and demanded more specific terms, GPs did not like it. Furthermore, the new GPs’ contract was introduced alongside the new internal market of the NHS, which has had further implications for GPs’ status as independent contractors.
Thermal detectors as x-ray spectrometers (1984)

We show that sensitive thermal detectors should be useful for measuring very small energy pulses, such as those produced by the absorption of x-ray photons. The measurement uncertainty can be very small, making the technique promising for high resolution nondispersive x-ray spectroscopy. We derive the limits to the energy resolution of such thermal detectors. We use these to find the resolution to be expected for a detector suitable for x-ray spectroscopy in the 100–10 000 eV range. If there is no noise in the thermalization of the x-ray, resolution better than 1 eV full width at half maximum (FWHM) is possible for detectors operating at 0.1 K. Energy loss in the conversion of the photon energy to heat is a potential problem. Statistical fluctuations of lost energy would reduce the energy resolution of the detector. The loss mechanisms may include emission of photons or electrons, or the trapping of energy in long-lived metastable states. Fluctuations in the phonon spectrum could also limit the resolution if phonon relaxation times are very long. We give conceptual solutions for each of these possible problems.
Fast Morphological Image Processing Open-Source Extensions for GPU Processing With CUDA (2012)

GPU architectures offer a significant opportunity for faster morphological image processing, and the NVIDIA CUDA architecture offers a relatively inexpensive and powerful framework for performing these operations. However, the generic morphological erosion and dilation operation in the CUDA NPP library is relatively naive, and performance scales expensively with increasing structuring element size. The objective of this work is to produce a freely available GPU capability for morphological operations so that fast GPU processing can be readily available to those in the morphological image processing community. Open-source extensions to CUDA (hereafter referred to as LTU-CUDA) have been produced for erosion and dilation using a number of structuring elements for both 8 bit and 32 bit images. Support for 32 bit image data is a specific objective of the work in order to facilitate fast processing of image data from 3D range sensors with high depth precision. Furthermore, the implementation specifically allows scalability of image size and structuring element size for processing of large image sets. Images up to 4096 by 4096 pixels with 32 bit precision were tested. This scalability has been achieved by forgoing the use of shared memory in CUDA multiprocessors. The vHGW algorithm for erosion and dilation independent of structuring element size has been implemented for horizontal, vertical, and 45 degree line structuring elements with significant performance improvements over NPP. However, memory handling limitations hinder performance in the vertical line case providing results not independent of structuring element size and posing an interesting challenge for further optimisation. This performance limitation is mitigated for larger structuring elements using an optimised transpose function, which is not default in NPP, and applying the horizontal structuring element. LTU-CUDA is an ongoing project and the code is freely available at https://github.com/VictorD/LTU-CUDA.
Geometry compression of 3-D mesh models using predictive two-stage quantization (2000)

In conventional predictive quantization schemes for 3-D mesh geometry, excessively large residuals or prediction errors, although occasional, lead to visually unacceptable geometric distortion. This is due to the fact that they cannot limit the maximum quantization error within a given bound. In order to completely eliminate the visually unacceptable distortion caused by large residuals, we propose a predictive two-stage quantization scheme. This scheme is very similar to the conventional DPCM, except that the embedded quantizer is replaced by a series of two quantizers. Each quantizer output is further compressed by an arithmetic code. When applied to typical 3-D mesh models, the scheme performs much better than the conventional predictive quantization methods and, depending upon the input models, even than the MPEG-4 compression method for 3-D mesh geometry both in rate distortion sense and in subjective viewing.
Lensless anamorphic Fourier transform hologram recorded with prism systems (1997)

A novel configuration for recording a lensless anamorphic Fourier transform hologram of a given object's light distribution is proposed. The method is based on the use of prism anamorphic optical systems coupled with phase cancellation at the hologram plane. Anamorphic systems with cylindrical lenses and prisms are critically evaluated through computer simulations for their suitability in anamorphic Fourier transform holographic configurations. A complete theoretical analysis and experimental demonstration of the recording and reconstruction of a lensless anamorphic Fourier transform hologram are presented.
Dynamic Parameter Identification for Reconfigurable Robot Using Adaline Neural Network (2019)

This paper discusses the issues of the dynamic parameter identification for the reconfigurable robot and presents an identification approach based on the Adaline neural network. The process of the dynamic parameter identification is mainly divided into three steps. The first is to establish the dynamic model of the reconfigurable robot and compensate the joint friction with Coulomb viscous friction model. Moreover, the finite Fourier series is designed by the excitation trajectory and the genetic algorithm is used to optimize the trajectory. The second is to build an Adaline neural network model and to train the weight of the network by the motion and torques information of the reconfigurable robot. The third is to simulate the three-degree-of-freedom reconfigurable robot and compare the predicate value by the Adaline neural network with the one by the linear least squares. Finally, the accuracy of the dynamic parameters is verified by using the simulation results of the torque errors. And the simulation results show that the proposed Adaline neural network can improve the identification precision of the dynamic parameters.
Synthesis and aggregation behavior of four types of different shaped PCL‐PEG block copolymers (2006)

Abstract Biodegradable, amphiphilic, linear (diblock and triblock) and star‐shaped (three‐armed and four‐armed) poly[(ethylene glycol)‐ block ‐(ε‐caprolactone)] copolymers (PEG–PCL copolymers) were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL) with stannous octoate as a catalyst, in the presence of monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), three‐armed poly(ethylene glycol) (3‐arm PEG) or four‐armed poly(ethylene glycol) (4‐arm PEG) as an initiator, respectively. The monomer‐to‐initiator ratio was varied to obtain copolymers with various PEG weight fractions in a range 66–86%. The molecular structure and crystallinity of the copolymers, and their aggregation behavior in the aqueous phase, were investigated by employing 1 H‐NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry, as well as utilizing the observational data of gel–sol transitions and aggregates in aqueous solutions. The aggregates of the PEG–PCL block copolymers were prepared by directly dissolving them in water or by employing precipitation/solvent evaporation technique. The enthalpy of fusion (Δ H m ), enthalpy of crystallization (Δ H crys ) and degrees of crystallinity (χ c ) of PEG blocks in copolymers and the copolymer aggregates in aqueous solutions were influenced by their PEG weight fractions and molecular architecture. The gel–sol transition properties of the PEG–PCL block copolymers were related to their concentrations, composition and molecular architecture. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Connecting actin monomers by iso-peptide bond is a toxicity mechanism of the <i>Vibrio cholerae</i> MARTX toxin (2008)

The Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of a severe diarrheal disease that afflicts three to five million persons annually, causing up to 200,000 deaths. Nearly all V. cholerae strains produce a large multifunctional-autoprocessing RTX toxin (MARTX(Vc)), which contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of cholera in model systems. The actin cross-linking domain (ACD) of MARTX(Vc) directly catalyzes a covalent cross-linking of monomeric G-actin into oligomeric chains and causes cell rounding, but the nature of the cross-linked bond and the mechanism of the actin cytoskeleton disruption remained elusive. To elucidate the mechanism of ACD action and effect on actin, we identified the covalent cross-link bond between actin protomers using limited proteolysis, X-ray crystallography, and mass spectrometry. We report here that ACD catalyzes the formation of an intermolecular iso-peptide bond between residues E270 and K50 located in the hydrophobic and the DNaseI-binding loops of actin, respectively. Mutagenesis studies confirm that no other residues on actin can be cross-linked by ACD both in vitro and in vivo. This cross-linking locks actin protomers into an orientation different from that of F-actin, resulting in strong inhibition of actin polymerization. This report describes a microbial toxin mechanism acting via iso-peptide bond cross-linking between host proteins and is, to the best of our knowledge, the only known example of a peptide linkage between nonterminal glutamate and lysine side chains.
Use of synthetic peptides to map the antigenic determinants of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus (1988)

The predictive algorithm Surfaceplot (J.M.R. Parker, D. Guo, and R.S. Hodges, Biochemistry 25:5425-5432, 1986) was used to examine glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) for amino acid residues with a high probability of being exposed on the molecular surface. Based on these data, 11 different peptides corresponding to 10-residue segments in the primary sequence of glycoprotein D and one 20-residue segment were synthesized, conjugated to carrier proteins, and used to generate specific antisera in rabbits. Two synthetic peptides predicted not to be on the surface of glycoprotein D were included as negative controls. The polyclonal antisera against individual synthetic peptide conjugates were in turn evaluated for their ability to recognize both isolated glycoprotein D and intact HSV-1 virions in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Based on Surfaceplot predictions, eight linear antigenic sites on glycoprotein D were thereby defined from the 12 antipeptide antisera prepared. Four of these sites contained epitopes to which complement-independent neutralizing antibodies could be generated. The latter sites corresponded to sequences 12 to 21, 267 to 276, 288 to 297, and 314 to 323 of the mature protein. An additional peptide sequence, 2 to 21, was found to generate antisera which had potent virus-neutralizing capacity in the presence of complement. Identification of a neutralizing epitope in the sequence 314 to 323 makes it likely that the membrane-spanning region of glycoprotein D is within the subsequent sequence, 323 to 339. Antipeptide antisera prepared in this study from 12 synthetic peptides contained 13 surface sites predicted by Surfaceplot, of which 7 were not predicted by the parameters of Hopp and Woods (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78:3824-3828, 1981). Of these seven sites not predicted by the Hopp and Woods plot, all generated antipeptide antibodies that bound to HSV-1 virions and three of these seven sites generated neutralizing antibodies. In total, 8 of 12 synthetic peptides containing surface regions produced antipeptide antibodies that bound to HSV-1 virions and 5 of these generated neutralizing antibodies. These results suggest the advantages of Surfaceplot in mapping antigenic determinants in proteins.
Groundhog Day (2010)

A few tips and ideas for celebrating a seasonal festival with the children in your setting.
A scan-chain based state retention methodology for IoT processors operating on intermittent energy (2017)

Future IoT systems are tightly constraint by cost and size and will often be operated from an energy harvester's output. Since these batteryless systems operate on intermittent energy they have to be able to retain their state during the power outages in order to guarantee computation progress. Due to the lack of large energy buffers the state needs to be saved quickly using residual energy only. In related work, the state is retained in-place by replacing all flip-flops with state retentive flip-flops (SRFF), which are powered by auxiliary supplies for retention or incorporate non-volatile memory cells. However, these SRFFs increase the power consumption during active operation impairing the overall systems efficiency. In this paper, we present a scan-chain based state retention approach, where the state is moved to memory using only 4.5pJ/b. Since our approach does not introduce any power overhead, this energy cost pays off after an on-time of just 100us compared to state-of-the-art in-place solutions. Moreover, compared to a software mechanism, our approach requires 6.6x less energy to move the state and is 5.8x faster.
Thermus oshimai sp. nov., Isolated from Hot Springs in Portugal, Iceland, and the Azores, and Comment on the Concept of a Limited Geographical Distribution of Thermus Species (1996)

We examined aerobic, thermophilic, gram-negative bacteria that were isolated from hot springs in Portugal and were identified as Thermus strains and placed in phenetic groups on the basis of their phenotypic characteristics. We determined the composition of the peptidoglycan, identified the respiratory quinones, and determined the mean base composition of the DNA, and the levels of DNA-DNA homology were determined by both the filter hybridization and reassociation rate methods. Thermus aquaticus, Thermus brockianus, and Thermus filiformis were not detected in this collection of organisms, although three Thermus thermophilus strains were identified. We propose that the isolates that belonged to phenetic clusters E and F are members of a new species, Thermus oshimai; the type strain of T. oshimai is strain SPS17.
Spin-transfer torque magnetic memory as a stochastic memristive synapse (2014)

Spin-transfer torque magnetic memory (STT-MRAM) is currently under intense academic and industrial development, since it features nonvolatility, high write and read speed and high endurance. In this work, we show that when used in an original regime, it can additionally act as a stochastic memristive device, appropriate to implement a “synaptic” function. We introduce basic concepts relating to STT-MRAM cell behavior and its possible use to implement learning-capable synapses. System-level simulations on a problem of car counting highlight the potential of the technology for learning systems. Monte Carlo simulations show its robustness to device variations. These results open the way for unexplored applications of STT-MRAM in robust, low power, cognitive-type systems.
Urocortin 3: haemodynamic, hormonal, and renal effects in experimental heart failure (2006)

Ucn3 has significant cardiovascular effects in normal and HF sheep, supporting a role for this peptide in circulatory regulation. In HF, more prominent haemodynamic changes were associated with beneficial endocrine and renal effects, suggesting Ucn3 has therapeutic potential in this disease.
Analysis of Reproducing Real‐World Appearance on Displays of Varying Dynamic Range (2006)

Abstract We conduct a series of experiments to investigate the desired properties of a tone mapping operator (TMO) and to design such an operator based on subjective data. We propose a novel approach to the tone mapping problem, in which the tone mapping parameters are determined based on the data from subjective experiments, rather than an image processing algorithm or a visual model. To collect this data, a series of experiments are conducted in which the subjects adjust three generic TMO parameters: brightness, contrast and color saturation. In two experiments, the subjects are to find a) the most preferred image without a reference image (preference task) and b) the closest image to the real‐world scene which the subjects are confronted with (fidelity task). We analyze subjects’ choice of parameters to provide more intuitive control over the parameters of a tone mapping operator. Unlike most of the researched TMOs that focus on rendering for standard low dynamic range monitors, we consider a broad range of potential displays, each offering different dynamic range and brightness. We simulate capabilities of such displays on a high dynamic range (HDR) display. This allows us to address the question of how tone mapping needs to be adjusted to accommodate displays with drastically different dynamic ranges . Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.8 [Computer Graphics]: High dynamic range images, Visual perception, Tone mapping
WHO'S NEXT? THE WHO CLASSIFICATION OF MYELOID NEOPLASMS (2010)

rd edition) of the WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms included, for the first time in any widely used classification scheme, genetic information as diagnostic criteria not only for CML but also for some subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the nearly 8 years that elapsed between the 3 rd and 4 th edition of the classification a number of genetic abnormalities were found to be associated with subgroups of myeloid neoplasms or with specific disease entities, and thus they were incorporated into the updated classification scheme. In some instances, such as the JAK2 V617F mutation which is often associated with the BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), the mutated JAK2 not only provides clues as to the pathogenesis of the disorder but is also used in diagnostic algorithms to provide evidence of the neoplastic nature of the myeloproliferation. In other instances, such as the category of neoplasms associated with rearrangements of PDGFRA or PDGFRB, the genetic defect provides an objective criterion for malignancy and also allows for selection of specific targeted therapy, and thus is a major criterion for naming the disease. However, we are at an early stage in understanding pathways of neoplastic transformation of myeloid cells. As newer techniques such as gene expression profiling and whole genome DNA sequencing become more readily accessible for studying myeloid neoplasms, they will likely reveal that the latest WHO revisions are a step forward, but that they remain imperfect and incomplete, and important genetic factors in the pathogenesis of the myeloid neoplasms remain to be discovered. What these discoveries may be and how they will affect the “next WHO” is impossible to predict, but an understanding of the basic principles of the WHO classification, the rationale for some of the changes in the 4 th edition, and the recognition of controversial and unsettled issues may provide some clues.
Nucleotide variation in Sabin type 2 poliovirus from an immunodeficient patient with poliomyelitis (2003)

The molecular and antigenic properties of a Sabin-like type 2 poliovirus, isolated from the stool samples of a 2-year-old agammaglobulinaemic child who developed paralysis 1 year after receiving the third dose of oral poliovirus vaccine, were analysed. The virus revealed 0.88 % genome variation in the VP1 region compared with the standard reference strain, compatible with replication of the virus in the intestine over approximately 1 year. The typical mutations in the 5'NCR and VP1 associated with reversion to neurovirulence for Sabin type 2 poliovirus were found. Despite this, the virus was characterized by both PCR and ELISA tests as Sabin-like and showed temperature sensitivity and neurovirulence in transgenic mice typical of the Sabin type 2 vaccine strain. Gammaglobulin replacement therapy led rapidly to virus clearance, which, when combined with treatment with the antiviral drug pleconaril, stopped virus excretion; no further virus shedding occurred. This is the first case of poliomyelitis and long-term excretion from an immunodeficient patient to be reported in Italy through the active 'Acute Flaccid Paralysis' surveillance system.