gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
What consistency does your key-value store actually provide? (2010)

Many key-value stores have recently been proposed as platforms for always-on, globally-distributed, Internet-scale applications. To meet their needs, these stores often sacrifice consistency for availability. Yet, few tools exist that can verify the consistency actually provided by a key-value store, and quantify the violations if any. How can a user check if a storage system meets its promise of consistency? If a system only promises eventual consistency, how bad is it really? In this paper, we present efficient algorithms that help answer these questions. By analyzing the trace of interactions between the client machines and a key-value store, the algorithms can report whether the trace is safe, regular, or atomic, and if not, how many violations there are in the trace. We run these algorithms on traces of our eventually consistent key-value store called Pahoehoe and find few or no violations, thus showing that it often behaves like a strongly consistent system during our tests.
Semantic alignment of LiDAR data at city scale (2015)

This paper describes an automatic algorithm for global alignment of LiDAR data collected with Google Street View cars in urban environments. The problem is challenging because global pose estimation techniques (GPS) do not work well in city environments with tall buildings, and local tracking techniques (integration of inertial sensors, structure-from-motion, etc.) provide solutions that drift over long ranges, leading to solutions where data collected over wide ranges is warped and misaligned by many meters. Our approach to address this problem is to extract “semantic features” with object detectors (e.g., for facades, poles, cars, etc.) that can be matched robustly at different scales, and thus are selected for different iterations of an ICP algorithm. We have implemented an all-to-all, non-rigid, global alignment based on this idea that provides better results than alternatives during experiments with data from large regions of New York, San Francisco, Paris, and Rome.
Wi-Fi Fingerprint-Based Indoor Positioning: Recent Advances and Comparisons (2015)

The growing commercial interest in indoor location-based services (ILBS) has spurred recent development of many indoor positioning techniques. Due to the absence of Global Positioning System (GPS) signal, many other signals have been proposed for indoor usage. Among them, Wi-Fi (802.11) emerges as a promising one due to the pervasive deployment of wireless LANs (WLANs). In particular, Wi-Fi fingerprinting has been attracting much attention recently because it does not require line-of-sight measurement of access points (APs) and achieves high applicability in complex indoor environment. This survey overviews recent advances on two major areas of Wi-Fi fingerprint localization: advanced localization techniques and efficient system deployment. Regarding advanced techniques to localize users, we present how to make use of temporal or spatial signal patterns, user collaboration, and motion sensors. Regarding efficient system deployment, we discuss recent advances on reducing offline labor-intensive survey, adapting to fingerprint changes, calibrating heterogeneous devices for signal collection, and achieving energy efficiency for smartphones. We study and compare the approaches through our deployment experiences, and discuss some future directions.
The Circadian Clock. A Plant's Best Friend in a Spinning World (2003)

The circadian clock is an intricate, even delicate, regulator of plant physiology, yet at least one of the selective pressures that drove its evolution is brutally simple. Plants must be exposed to sunlight for photosynthesis, and sunlight is not available continuously. Therefore, plants are stuck
Using resource-level information into nonadditive negotiation models for cloud Market environments (2010)

Markets arise as an efficient way of organising resources in Cloud Computing scenarios. In Cloud Computing Markets, Brokers that represent both Clients and Service Providers meet in a Market and negotiate for the sales of resources or services. This paper defends the idea that efficient negotiations require of the usage of resource-level information for increasing the accuracy of negotiated Service Level Agreements and facilitating the achievement of both performance and business goals. A negotiation model based on the maximisation of nonadditive utility functions that considers multiple objectives is defined, and its validity is demonstrated in the experiments.
Stem cell collection filter system for human placental/umbilical cord blood processing (2001)

The new filter system was shown to be efficient for PCB processing, encompassing a very simple handling procedure with a good recovery of haematopoietic progenitor cells. Hence, the SCF SYSTEM is potentially useful for the volume reduction of PCB units for cord blood banking.
Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheets: Preparation and Application in Highly Sensitive and Selective DNA Detection (2017)

The ability to prepare ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets (NSs) in high yield is of great importance for the further exploration of their unique properties and potential applications. Herein, by elaborately designing and choosing two flexible molecules with C<sub>3v</sub> molecular symmetry as building units, a novel imine-linked COF, namely, TPA-COF, with a hexagonal layered structure and sheet-like morphology, is synthesized. Since the flexible building units are integrated into the COF skeletons, the interlayer stacking becomes weak, resulting in the easy exfoliation of TPA-COF into ultrathin 2D NSs. Impressively, for the first time, the detailed structural information, i.e., the pore channels and individual building units in the NSs, is clearly visualized by using the recently developed low-dose imaging technique of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As a proof-of-concept application, the obtained ultrathin COF NSs are used as a novel fluorescence sensing platform for the highly sensitive and selective detection of DNA.
Enabling scalable stochastic gradient-based inference for Gaussian processes by employing the Unbiased LInear System SolvEr (ULISSE) (2015)

In applications of Gaussian processes where quantification of uncertainty is of primary interest, it is necessary to accurately characterize the posterior distribution over covariance parameters. This paper proposes an adaptation of the Stochastic Gradient Langevin Dynamics algorithm to draw samples from the posterior distribution over covariance parameters with negligible bias and without the need to compute the marginal likelihood. In Gaussian process regression, this has the enormous advantage that stochastic gradients can be computed by solving linear systems only. A novel unbiased linear systems solver based on parallelizable covariance matrix-vector products is developed to accelerate the unbiased estimation of gradients. The results demonstrate the possibility to enable scalable and exact (in a Monte Carlo sense) quantification of uncertainty in Gaussian processes without imposing any special structure on the covariance or reducing the number of input vectors.
Current status and prospects for the use of optical fibres in chemical analysis. A review (1989)

J. O. W. Norris, Analyst, 1989, 114, 1359 DOI: 10.1039/AN9891401359
RHEOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL STUDY OF POLYPROPYLENE TERNARY BLENDS FOR FOAM APPLICATION (2005)

Melt strength of polymer is one of the main primaries for the success of fabricating low-density extrusion foam and thermoforming process. Polypropylene (PP) as a linear polyolefin has low melt strength for bubble stabilization and sagging. Large molecules and long chain branches of PP cause higher molecular entanglements and increase elongational strength of PP melt. In this paper the rheological behaviour, melt elasticity, mechanical properties, and crystallinity of linear PP blends are studied and compared with blends containing a long chain branched PP resins. It is found that ternary blends of linear PP improve the melt elasticity in a certain composition, comparing to binary blends. Branched PP resins increase molecular entanglements, which it leads to higher melt elasticity. The results of this study help to understand the effects of chain size and chain architecture in increasing the melt strength and melt drawability of PP blends. These are the most important factors for producing low density PP foam and high quality thermoformed products. Yousef Jahani1* and Mehdi Barikani2
De soorten flamingo’s en hun verspreiding (1967)

Aanleiding tot het schrijven van dit overzicht is de toenemende handel in flamingo’s. Nederland is een van de weinige Europese landen, waar elders beschermde diersoorten verhandeld kunnen worden. Ons land is een centrum voor uit natuurbeschermingsoogpunt laakbare praktijken van im- en export. Onze Vogelwet maakt het echter mogelijk om de handel in de soort Phoenicopterus ruber aan banden te leggen. Het lijkt me in dit verband dienstig om een overzicht van de verschillende soorten te geven met hun verspreiding en de meest recente gegevens over de aantallen.
Signal transformation and coding in neural systems (1989)

The subject of signal transformation and coding in neural systems is fundamental in understanding information processing by the nervous system. This paper addresses this issue at the level of neural units (neurons) using nonparametric nonlinear dynamic models. These models are variants of the general Wiener-Bose model, adapted to this problem as to represent the nonlinear dynamics of neural signal transformation using a set of parallel filters (neuron modes) followed by a binary operator with multiple real-valued operands (equal in number to the number of modes). The postulated model constitutes a reasonable compromise between mathematical complexity and current neurophysiological evidence. It incorporates nonlinear dynamics and spike generation mechanisms in a fairly general, yet parsimonious manner. Although this study has objectives limited to a single unit and represents a small contribution in a vast and complex research area, it is hoped that it will facilitate progress in the systematic study of the functional organization of neural systems with multiple units.
Multiple mechanisms for inhibition of low density lipoprotein oxidation by novel cyclic nitrone spin traps. (1994)

Oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) may be a critical atherogenic event owing to the diverse array of biologic effects attributed to modified LDL. Recently, we and others have demonstrated that the lipophilic nitrone spin trap alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) can inhibit Cu(2+)-dependent LDL oxidation while the related, more hydrophilic analog alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butyl nitrone is ineffective. Because the inhibitory activity of PBN is relatively weak as compared to hydrophobic phenolic antioxidants, we have synthesized a number of cyclic analogues of PBN that encompass a wide range of hydrophobicity and examined their ability to inhibit LDL oxidation in vitro. Formation of a six-membered ring by a bond formed from one methyl of the tert-butyl group to the aromatic ring yielded MDL 101,002, which was 3- and 24-fold more active than PBN against Cu2+ and 2,2'-azobis-2-amidinopropane hydrochloride-dependent oxidation, respectively. The effect of aromatic substituents was examined and, in general, activity positively correlated with hydrophobicity, particularly with Cu2+. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy demonstrated that the PBN adduct in oxidized LDL is composed of a mobile component (exposed to the LDL aqueous phase) and an immobilized component, localized in the lipid-protein interface or in the bulk lipid. The most active cyclic nitrones exhibited only highly immobilized adducts, suggesting they are buried within the particle. Studies with MDL 105,185 (which is a chloro-substituted nitrone containing a seven-membered ring rather than six-membered as for MDL 101,002) demonstrated radical trapping in both the lipid and apoprotein fractions. Compounds in which a spirocyclohexyl ring was substituted for the gem-dimethyl methylene (MDL 102,832 and 101,694) formed hydrophobic Cu2+ complexes that were observed in the lipid fraction by ESR. This result was confirmed by fractionation of LDL oxidation reaction mixtures and spectrophotometric quantitation of associated Cu2+. The ability to bind Cu2+ was dependent upon the presence of the spirocyclohexyl ring. These data demonstrate that cyclic nitrones can inhibit LDL oxidation at exceedingly low concentrations by multiple mechanisms: 1) trapping of lipid-derived radicals, 2) trapping of apoprotein B-derived radicals, and 3) binding of Cu2+ ions. It is suggested that this new class of highly potent spin traps may be used as effective radical traps in free radical biology and medicine.
LOW-MELT VISCOSITY POLYIMIDE RESINS FOR RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING (RTM) II (2007)

A series of polyimide resins with low-melt viscosities in the range of 10-30 poise and high glass transition temperatures (Tg s) of 330-370 C were developed for resin transfer molding (RTM) applications. These polyimide resins were formulated from 2,3,3 ,4 -biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (a-BPDA) with 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride endcaps along with either 3,4 - oxyaniline (3,4 -ODA), 3,4 -methylenedianiline, (3,4 -MDA) or 3,3 -methylenedianiline (3,3 -MDA). These polyimides had pot lives of 30-60 minutes at 260-280 C, enabling the successful fabrication of T650-35 carbon fiber reinforced composites via RTM process. The viscosity profiles of the polyimide resins and the mechanical properties of the polyimide carbon fiber composites will be discussed.
Fine grain mapping strategy for multiprocessor systems (1991)

A fine grain mapping strategy for multiprocessor systems especially suitable for RISC and VLIW type MIMD computers is described. The objective of the strategy is to minimise the total execution time of the application algorithms that are to be executed on the target systems. An application algorithm which has been coded as a straight line program is compiled to generate intermediate codes. This code is then represented by a data dependence graph. A node in the graph corresponds to the operation of one intermediate code statement, and arcs between nodes represent the data dependence between operations. The mapping strategy, called SR-mapper, is a generalised list scheduler. When SR-mapper does the mapping procedure, the data dependence between nodes, the pipeline effect of each processing element within the system, and the communication cost between processing elements are considered. SR-mapper uses slot reservation technique to insert send nodes for the immediate successor nodes when a node has been scheduled to maintain the data dependence between nodes and to achieve the synchronisation between processing elements. SR-mapper has been implemented and several scientific application algorithms, such as matrix multiplication, L-U decomposition, weighted median filter, convolution kernel etc. have been used as the testing inputs. Results show that on the average the speedup obtained by SR-mapper is 4.480 times as large as the one obtained by the mapper which does not employ the pipeline effect assuming the weight of operations are 4 for addition and subtraction and 6 for multiplication and division. During the mapping phase, if the slot reservation technique is adopted, the gain of speedup is 21%, on the average, more than the one obtained by the mapper which does not apply the slot reservation technique. If all nodes have an equal weight of 1, the average efficiency of the systems with the number of processing elements ranging from 2 to 32 and communication costs ranging from 0 to 20 is 0.481. These results are encouraging.
Classification of Heart Tissue from Bipolar and Unipolar Intramural Potentials (1985)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well bipolar and intramural potentials are able to classify the state of the myocardium (normal or infarcted) proximal to the electrode recording sites. Nine mongrel dogs with anterior myocardial infarcts were used to generate a database for the study. Classification of the myocardium as normal or infarcted was attempted from potentials recorded in and around the infarcted region using electrodes within plunge needles. In addition to the potentials, the database contains the locations of the plunge needles, the grossly visible borders of the infarcts, and the epicardium and endocardium of both ventricles.
Removal of calcium ions triggers a novel type of intercadherin interaction (1999)

Depletion of Ca(2+) ions from epithelial cell cultures has been shown to result in the rapid destruction of intercellular junctions. To understand the mechanism of this effect we have examined how removal of calcium ions from the culture medium of A-431 epithelial cells affects complexes incorporating the cell-cell adhesive receptors, E-cadherin, desmoglein or desmocollin. Sedimentation and biochemical analysis demonstrated that calcium removal triggers a rapid formation of a novel type of complex formed via direct lateral E-cadherin-desmoglein, E-cadherin-desmocollin and desmoglein-desmocollin dimerization of the extracellular cadherin regions. Replacement of Trp(156) and Val(157) of E-cadherin, that has been shown to abolish lateral and adhesive E-cadherin homodimerization in standard cultures, did not influence the formation of these 'calcium-sensitive' complexes. Furthermore, experiments with this mutant revealed that EGTA induced lateral Trp(156)/Val(157)-independent homodimerization of E-cadherin. Deletion mutagenesis of E-cadherin showed that these complexes are mediated by at least two extracellular cadherin domains, EC3 and EC4. Notably, protein kinase inhibitor H-7 which confers EGTA-independence of the adhesive E-cadherin complexes does not block this association. We propose that this novel type of intercadherin interaction is involved in the assembly of adherens junctions and their disassembly in low-calcium medium.
Cofactor Role of Iodide in Peroxidase Antimicrobial Action Against <i>Escherichia coli</i> (1978)

The mechanism of antimicrobial activity of the peroxidase-hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-iodide (I(-)) system was investigated. Inhibition of respiration and loss of viability of Escherichia coli were used as measures of antimicrobial activity. Because the bacteria destroyed H(2)O(2), peroxidase antimicrobial action depended on the competition for H(2)O(2) between the bacteria and the peroxidase. Utilization of H(2)O(2) by the peroxidase was favored by (i) increasing either the peroxidase or the I(-) concentration, so as to increase the rate of oxidation of I(-), (ii) lowering the temperature to lower the rate of destruction of H(2)O(2) by the bacteria, and (iii) adding H(2)O(2) in small increments so as to avoid a large excess of H(2)O(2) relative to I(-). When utilization of H(2)O(2) by the peroxidase system was favored, the peroxidase system and iodine (I(2)) were equivalent. That is, antimicrobial action per mole of H(2)O(2) equaled that per mole of I(2). Also, identical antimicrobial action was obtained either by incubating the bacteria directly with the peroxidase system or by preincubating the peroxidase system so as to form I(2) and then adding the bacteria. On the other hand, peroxidase antimicrobial action could be obtained at low I(-) concentrations. These I(-) concentrations were lower than the concentration of I(2) that was required for antimicrobial action. It is proposed that peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of I(-) yields I(2), which reacts with bacterial components to yield the oxidized components and I(-). The I(-) that is released can be reoxidized and participate again in the oxidation of bacterial components. In this way, I(-) acts as a cofactor in the peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of bacterial components.
ac-mode atomic force microscope imaging in air and solutions with a thermally driven bimetallic cantilever probe (1997)

An ac imaging mode for atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been developed that employs a thermally driven bimetallic cantilever to sense surface topography. Oscillations are induced in a composite cantilever, comprising a Si3N4 layer and Au overcoat, by local heating with a resistive wire heater placed in close proximity to the cantilever. Cantilever bending occurs upon heating due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficients of the Si3N4 and Au layers. The magnitude of this bending is a function of the heat input, the cantilever geometry, the frequency of the excitation, and the thermal properties of the surrounding medium. A commercially available contact mode AFM has been modified to perform ac mode imaging by driving the cantilever with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 5–15 nm using resistive heating. The heating frequency was typically fixed near the cantilever’s resonance frequency, which was in the range of 15–50 kHz in the air and 2–15 kHz in solution for the cantilevers used here. Simultaneous cantilever deflection and amplitude measurements during sample approach indicate that the cantilever free amplitude is damped upon surface contact. While imaging, a fixed damping of the cantilever oscillation is used as a feedback signal to maintain a constant tip-sample separation. Images with this ac imaging mode were obtained in both air and liquid environments. Results show an improvement in image quality in the ac mode over the corresponding contact images, which is the result of a decrease in lateral forces with an oscillating tip. This provides a simple and robust method for ac-mode AFM imaging in air and solutions that can be achieved with only slight modification to a commercially available contact-mode microscope.
Glucocorticoid Toxicity in the Hippocampus (1986)

Excessive exposure to glucocorticoids can damage neurons of the hippocampus, the principal neural target tissue for the steroid. Glucocorticoids, which are broadly catabolic throughout the body, appear to damage the hippocampus by inducing a metabolic vulnerability in its neurons, impairing their capacity to survive varied neuropathologic challenges which would normally be sublethal. As such, a number of interventions which damage the hippocampus--infusion of an excitotoxin or of an antimetabolite or induction of global ischemia--have their toxicity enhanced in rats with high circulating corticosterone concentrations and attenuated in adrenalectomized animals. The present report examines the temporal parameters with which corticosterone modulates the toxicity of the excitotoxin kainic acid (KA). Rats adrenalectomized and maintained corticosterone-free for 1 week prior to and following microinfusion of KA had minimal volumes of hippocampal damage. Administration of 10 mg/day of corticosterone (which produces circulating concentrations in the upper physiological range for the majority of a day) for as little as 1 day prior to and following KA infusion significantly potentiated damage; increasing periods of exposure to corticosterone bracketing the infusion of the toxin progressively increased damage. Both exposure to corticosterone only during the period prior to KA infusion or only in the aftermath of infusion potentiated damage. Thus, glucocorticoids appear to compromise the capacity of hippocampal neurons to survive KA via both rapid effects (manifest within as little as 24 h) as well as through more persistent actions.