Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depolarization of Propagating Signals by Narrowband Ricean Fading Channels

In many cases of practical interest, the angle of arrival distribution at the receiver is sufficiently narrow that one can use knowledge of the mean received signal levels, Ricean K-factors and the cross-correlation coefficient that characterize fading signals observed on orthogonally polarized diversity branches to predict the of polarization state dispersion. This allows one to use simple power-only measurements of narrowband polarization diversity to predict the performance of alternative polarization diversity schemes or polarization adaptive antennas in realistic environments. Moreover, our results offer a useful geometric interpretation of how decorrelation between polarization diversity branches arises: As the angular spread of the polarization state distribution on the Poincare sphere broadens, the correlation between branches decreases. However, knowledge of the angular spread alone is not sufficient to predict the cross-correlation coefficient; the Ricean K-factors on the branches must be known as well. Otherwise, the analogy to a similar relationship between the angle of arrival distribution and correlation between branches in space diversity is striking.
The properties of 70 μm-selected high-redshift galaxies in the Extended Groth Strip

We examine the infrared properties of 43 high-redshift (0.1 35, and for a large fraction (similar to 50 per cent) the SED turns over into the Rayleigh-Jeans regime at wavelengths longward of 90 mu m. For comparison, we also fit semi-empirical templates based on local galaxy data; however, these underestimate the far-infrared SED shape by a factor of at least 2 and in extreme cases up to 10 for the majority (similar to 70 per cent) of the sources. Further investigation of SED characteristics reveals that the mid-infrared (70/24 mu m) continuum slope is decoupled from various galaxy properties such as the total infrared luminosity and far-infrared peak, quantified by the L-160/L-70 ratio. In view of these results, we propose that these high-redshift galaxies have different properties to their local counterparts, in the sense that large amounts of dust cause heavy obscuration and are responsible for an additional cold emissive component, appearing as a far-infrared excess in their SEDs.
Wide Baseline Stereo Matching based on Local, Affinely Invariant Regions

‘Invariant regions’ are image patches that automatically deform with changing viewpoint as to keep on covering identical physical parts of a scene. Such regions are then described by a set of invariant features, which makes it relatively easy to match them between views and under changing illumination. In previous work, we have presented invariant regions that are based on a combination of corners and edges. The application discussed then was image database retrieval. Here, an alternative method for extracting (affinely) invariant regions is given, that does not depend on the presence of edges or corners in the image but is purely intensity-based. Also, we demonstrate the use of such regions for another application, which is wide baseline stereo matching. As a matter of fact, the goal is to build an opportunistic system that exploits several types of invariant regions as it sees fit. This yields more correspondences and a system that can deal with a wider range of images. To increase the robustness of the system even further, two semi-local constraints on combinations of region correspondences are derived (one geometric, the other photometric). They allow to test the consistency of correspondences and hence to reject falsely matched regions.
Optimal Rates for Zero-Order Convex Optimization: The Power of Two Function Evaluations

We consider derivative-free algorithms for stochastic and nonstochastic convex optimization problems that use only function values rather than gradients. Focusing on nonasymptotic bounds on convergence rates, we show that if pairs of function values are available, algorithms for d-dimensional optimization that use gradient estimates based on random perturbations suffer a factor of at most √d in convergence rate over traditional stochastic gradient methods. We establish such results for both smooth and nonsmooth cases, sharpening previous analyses that suggested a worse dimension dependence, and extend our results to the case of multiple (m ≥ 2) evaluations. We complement our algorithmic development with information-theoretic lower bounds on the minimax convergence rate of such problems, establishing the sharpness of our achievable results up to constant (sometimes logarithmic) factors.
Welfare-based optimal monetary policy with unemployment and sticky prices: a linear-quadratic framework

We derive a linear-quadratic model that is consistent with sticky prices and search and matching frictions in the labor market. We show that the second-order approximation to the welfare of the representative agent depends on inflation and "gaps" that involve current and lagged unemployment. Our approximation makes explicit how welfare costs are generated by the presence of search frictions. These costs are distinct from the costs associated with relative price dispersion and fluctuations in consumption that appear in standard new Keynesian models. We show the labor market structure has important implications for optimal monetary policy. (JEL E24, E31, E52)
Pitx2c ensures habenular asymmetry by restricting parapineal cell number

Left-right (L/R) asymmetries in the brain are thought to underlie lateralised cognitive functions. Understanding how neuroanatomical asymmetries are established has been achieved through the study of the zebrafish epithalamus. Morphological symmetry in the epithalamus is broken by leftward migration of the parapineal, which is required for the subsequent elaboration of left habenular identity; the habenular nuclei flank the midline and show L/R asymmetries in marker expression and connectivity. The Nodal target pitx2c is expressed in the left epithalamus, but nothing is known about its role during the establishment of asymmetry in the brain. We show that abrogating Pitx2c function leads to the right habenula adopting aspects of left character, and to an increase in parapineal cell numbers. Parapineal ablation in Pitx2c loss of function results in right habenular isomerism, indicating that the parapineal is required for the left character detected in the right habenula in this context. Partial parapineal ablation in the absence of Pitx2c, however, reduces the number of parapineal cells to wild-type levels and restores habenular asymmetry. We provide evidence suggesting that antagonism between Nodal and Pitx2c activities sets an upper limit on parapineal cell numbers. We conclude that restricting parapineal cell number is crucial for the correct elaboration of epithalamic asymmetry.
Column-Oriented Storage Techniques for MapReduce

Users of MapReduce often run into performance problems when they scale up their workloads. Many of the problems they encounter can be overcome by applying techniques learned from over three decades of research on parallel DBMSs. However, translating these techniques to a Map-Reduce implementation such as Hadoop presents unique challenges that can lead to new design choices. This paper describes how column-oriented storage techniques can be incorporated in Hadoop in a way that preserves its popular programming APIs.We show that simply using binary storage formats in Hadoop can provide a 3x performance boost over the naive use of text files. We then introduce a column-oriented storage format that is compatible with the replication and scheduling constraints of Hadoop and show that it can speed up MapReduce jobs on real workloads by an order of magnitude. We also show that dealing with complex column types such as arrays, maps, and nested records, which are common in MapReduce jobs, can incur significant CPU overhead. Finally, we introduce a novel skip list column format and lazy record construction strategy that avoids deserializing unwanted records to provide an additional 1.5x performance boost. Experiments on a real intranet crawl are used to show that our column-oriented storage techniques can improve the performance of the map phase in Hadoop by as much as two orders of magnitude.
T Cell Aging: A Review of the Transcriptional Changes Determined from Genome-Wide Analysis

Age carries a detrimental impact on T cell function. In the past decade, analyses of the genome-scale transcriptional changes of T cells during aging have yielded a large amount of data and provided a global view of gene expression changes in T cells from aged hosts as well as subsets of T cells accumulated with age. Here, we aim to review the changes of gene expression in thymocytes and peripheral mature T cells, as well as the subsets of T cells accumulated with age, and discuss the gene networks and signaling pathways that are altered with aging in T cells. We also discuss future direction for furthering the understanding of the molecular basis of gene expression alterations in aged T cells, which could potentially provide opportunities for gene-based clinical interventions.
Should CAPD be the first choice for dialysis in Romania? Audit of the Iasi 'C. I. Parhon' Dialysis Center: 1995-2000.

Peritoneal dialysis was first introduced in Romania in 1995. We are reporting data on patient and technique outcomes, based on the 5-year experience of one of the first two Romanian continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) centres. During this period, Romania had the highest rate of increase in renal replacement therapy (RRT) and CAPD (28 times over baseline) in Europe: CAPD increase in Romania vs s Eastern Europe was 6.7 compared to a similarly defined ratio of 5.6 for haemodialysis (HD). Between 1995 and 2000, at the C. I. Parhon' Hospital in Iasi, 259 patients were started on HD and 102 on CAPD. The 90 CAPD patients we followed were treated for a total of 1896 months. 86.7% of the patients were alive on 31 July 2000-67.8% continuing on CAPD, 15.6% on HD and 3.3% transplanted. The 61 patients still on PD on that date, represented 11.1% of the actual Romanian CAPD population and 31% of our RRT population (compared to 13.7% nationwide). The gross mortality rate was comparable to the mean calculated for the HD population nationwide. Mean survival of the CAPD patients was 45.4±2.6 months (95% CI=40.4-50.4 months). One-year and 5-year patient survival rates were 97.5% and 52.7% respectively, superior and similar to mean figures nationwide. Mean technique survival was 36.6±0.6 months (95% CI=31.5 41.6 months). One- and 5-year technique survival rates were 83.1% and 34.3% respectively. Technique failure was mainly due to dialysis inefficiency: 50% of cases. Mean weekly Kt V for the 5-year period was 1.92±0.21 while mean weekly creatinine clearance was 61.2±12.4 ml/1.73 m 2 week. Eighty-four episodes of peritonitis were recorded in 46 patients (0.25 episodes/patient/year); mean duration to peritonitis was 23 months (95% CI = 18.2-27.5). Malnutrition was noted (SGA score) in 25.5% of the cases. Blood pressure (assessed by 24-h ABPM) was adequately controlled in 83.3% of the patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy was ubiquitous (77.7%), but left ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction (fractioning shortening index <25%) were rare-4.4% and 3.3% respectively (similar in prevalence to the lasi HD population). No statistically significant changes in echocardiographic parameters were recorded between the first and subsequent years on CAPD treatment. Peritoneal dialysis had a rapid increase in the last 5 years in Romania and particularly in the region of Moldova. Outcomes and complication rates are equal or superior to nationwide HD data and comparable to distinguished centres of CAPD in economically developed countries. We conclude that, provided that optimal medical practice is available, CAPD should be the RRT of choice in Romania, and that it represents the only solution to the country's limited dialysis resources.
Low Level Laser Therapy Reduces the Development of Lung Inflammation Induced by Formaldehyde Exposure

Lung diseases constitute an important public health problem and its growing level of concern has led to efforts for the development of new therapies, particularly for the control of lung inflammation. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been highlighted as a non-invasive therapy with few side effects, but its mechanisms need to be better understood and explored. Considering that pollution causes several harmful effects on human health, including lung inflammation, in this study, we have used formaldehyde (FA), an environmental and occupational pollutant, for the induction of neutrophilic lung inflammation. Our objective was to investigate the local and systemic effects of LLLT after FA exposure. Male Wistar rats were exposed to FA (1%) or vehicle (distillated water) during 3 consecutive days and treated or not with LLLT (1 and 5 hours after each FA exposure). Non-manipulated rats were used as control. 24 h after the last FA exposure, we analyzed the local and systemic effects of LLLT. The treatment with LLLT reduced the development of neutrophilic lung inflammation induced by FA, as observed by the reduced number of leukocytes, mast cells degranulated, and a decreased myeloperoxidase activity in the lung. Moreover, LLLT also reduced the microvascular lung permeability in the parenchyma and the intrapulmonary bronchi. Alterations on the profile of inflammatory cytokines were evidenced by the reduced levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and the elevated levels of IL-10 in the lung. Together, our results showed that LLLT abolishes FA-induced neutrophilic lung inflammation by a reduction of the inflammatory cytokines and mast cell degranulation. This study may provide important information about the mechanisms of LLLT in lung inflammation induced by a pollutant.
Opinion Dynamics and Wisdom under Conformity

We present a model of opinion formation where individuals repeatedly engage in discussion and update their opinion in a social network similarly to the DeGroot model. Abstracting from the standard assumption that individuals always report their opinion truthfully, agents in our model may state an opinion that differs from their true opinion. The incentive to do so is induced by agents' preferences for conformity. We model opinion formation as a dynamic process and identify conditions for convergence to a consensus. Studying the consensus in detail, we show that an agent's social influence on the consensus opinion is increasing in network centrality and decreasing in the level of conformity. Thus, lower conformity fosters opinion leadership. Moreover, assuming that the initial opinion is a noisy signal about some true state of the world, we study how conformity affects the efficiency of information aggregation or the ``wisdom'' of the society. We show that the society becomes wiser, in the sense of a smaller mean squared error of their estimate, if players who are well informed (relative to their network importance) are less conform, while uninformed players (relative to their network importance) conform more with their neighbors.
Injured coliforms in drinking water

Coliforms were enumerated by using m-Endo agar LES and m-T7 agar in 102 routine samples of drinking water from three New England community water systems to investigate the occurrence and significance of injured coliforms. Samples included water collected immediately after conventional treatment, during the backwash cycle, at various points in the distribution system, and 1 week after the break and subsequent repair of a distribution main. Injured coliforms in these samples averaged greater than 95%. m-T7 agar yielded 8- to 38-fold more coliforms than did m-Endo agar LES. The geometric mean of coliforms recovered by m-Endo agar LES was less than 1 confirmed coliform per 100 ml, although m-T7 agar yielded 5.7 to 67.5 confirmed coliforms per 100 ml. In addition, the majority of these samples giving positive results on m-T7 agar produced no detectable counts on m-Endo agar LES. These findings indicated that coliforms were injured and largely undetected by use of accepted analytical media in the systems examined.
Palaeoenvironmental evolution of the Plio-Pleistocene Molise Periadriatic Basin (Southern Apennines, Italy): insight from Montesecco Clays

Integrated sedimentological and micropalaeontological analyses of Montesecco Clays cropping out along the Molise Apennines foothills allow to reconstruct the depositional setting and major palaeoenvironmental changes within the Molise Periadriatic Basin (Apenninic foredeep) during the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene. Sedimentological and palaeocological data from four reference stratigraphic sections document an overall shallowing-upward tendency within Montesecco Clays, which is also confirmed by compositional data analysis of microfaunal assemblages. Lower Montesecco Clays (Ururi and Trigno sections) accumulated from the middle epibathyal/bathyal to lower circalittoral zone, while upper Montesecco Clays (Guglionesi and Colle Favaro-Petacciato sections) contain a microfauna indicative of an outer circalittoral to infralittoral environment. As documented by previous subsurface data, the palaeoecological analysis suggests increasing depths in the Molise Periadriatic Basin from NW to SE.
Street Children in Alexandria: Profile and Psychological Disorders

Background: Today developed and developing countries are facing the problem posed by street children. The continuous and unrestrained exposure to the street and its associated lifestyles makes these children vulnerable to a range of health, social, and other problems. Objective: The aim of the present work was to assess the profile of street children and their living condition from different aspects, in addition to assessment of some psychological disorders among them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 street boys present at El-Horreya institute for Children Community Development, which is a non-governmental organization in Alexandria. An equal control group of 50 school boys were selected at random from the first and second grades of one governmental boys preparatory school of the Middle District of Alexandria. Every child was subjected to an interviewing questionnaire. The Arabic version of Revised Ontario Child Health study scale, children Depression Inventory and the Cooper-Smith Self-Esteem Inventory, were used to identify children with conduct disorder, depression, and assess self-esteem, respectively. Anthropometric measurements including weight and height were measured for each street child and BMI was calculated. Results: The present study revealed that more than half of street children (58.0%) came from large size families, about three-quarters (72.0%) reported insufficient income, most of them had low educated parents and unskilled fathers, 80.0% reported not living with both parents before coming to the institute, and 91.2% reported bad inter-parental relationship. Family history of drug abuse, alcohol intake, smoking, and imprison were significantly higher among street children compared to school children (p<0.001). The present study showed that 74.0% of street children were smokers, 22.0% reported drug abuse, and 90.0% were dropped out of school. Family violence, beating, and beating without reason significantly increase the risk of being a street child (OR= 31.90, 2.0, and 44.58, respectively). The risk of conduct disorder, depression, and low-self esteem were significantly more among street children compared to school children (OR= 44.59, 14.64, and 9.66, respectively). The main cause of leaving home was beating, 80.0% lived in street after leaving home, 72.0% their main source of living was begging, and most of them faced problems in the street especially with the police. The results revealed that 92.0% were satisfied with the institute and 86.0% prefer to stay in the institute than returning to the street. Recommendations: planning programs to prevent, protect, and rehabilitate street children are essential.
Garlic (Allium sativum) Supplementation: Influence on Egg Production, Quality, and Yolk Cholesterol Level in Layer Hens

Forty-eight 40-wk-old Hi-sex laying hens were individually caged in an environmentally controlled house to evaluate the effect of garlic (Allium Sativum) juice administration on egg production, egg quality, and yolk cholesterol. Garlic juice was prepared by blending pealed garlic cloves with distilled water (1:1, w/w). Hens were randomly divided into four equal groups; one served as a control and the other three groups were individually gavaged, 3.75 ml, 7.5 ml, or 15 ml garlic juice, three times a week, which respectively represented 0.25, 0.50 and 1% of body weight. Egg production was recorded on a daily basis; egg weight, albumen height, albumen and yolk pH, Haugh unit, and bacterial count of E. coli-challenged eggs were recorded at day of oviposition (day-1) and after 5 and 10 days of storage at room temperature. Yolk cholesterol content was analyzed for five successive weeks. Garlic juice increased (p<0.05) egg weight and mass with no change in egg production intensity. Garlic juice administration recorded higher (p<0.05) albumen height and improvement in Haugh unit. Also, eggs from garlic-treated hens recorded lower (p<0.05) albumen and yolk pH when compared to eggs collected from control hens. Garlic reduced (p<0.05) the log 10 of bacterial count in egg contents linearly when challenged with E. coli. Egg-yolk cholesterol content was not influenced by garlic juice administration. It is concluded that garlic juice improved performance characteristics and may increase egg shelf life as indicated by egg quality improvement and lower bacterial count of E. coli-challenged eggs. The levels of garlic juice used in this study were insufficient to influence egg yolk cholesterol.
Co-Morbidities of Interstitial Cystitis

Introduction: This study aimed to estimate the proportion of patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/BPS) with systemic dysfunction associated co-morbidities such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia (FM). Materials and Methods: Two groups of subjects with IC/BPS were included: (1) physician diagnosed patients with IC/BPS and (2) subjects meeting NIDDK IC/PBS criteria based on a questionnaire (ODYSA). These groups were compared to healthy controls matched for age and socio-economic status. NIDDK criteria required: pain with bladder filling that improves with emptying, urinary urgency due to discomfort or pain, polyuria >11 times/24 h, and nocturia >2 times/night. The ODYSA instrument evaluates symptoms pertaining to a range of disorders including chronic fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, syncope, IBS, dyspepsia, cyclic vomiting syndrome, headaches and migraines, sleep, Raynaud’s syndrome, and chronic aches and pains. Results: IC/BPS was diagnosed in 26 subjects (mean age 47 ± 16 years, 92% females), 58 had symptoms of IC/BPS by NIDDK criteria (mean age 40 ± 17 years, 79% females) and 48 were healthy controls (mean age 31 ± 14 years, mean age 77%). Co-morbid complaints in the IC/BPS groups included gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of IBS and dyspepsia, sleep abnormalities with delayed onset of sleep, feeling poorly refreshed in the morning, waking up before needed, snoring, severe chronic fatigue and chronic generalized pain, migraines, and syncope. Discussion: Patients with IC/BPS had co-morbid central and autonomic nervous system disorders. Our findings mirror those of others in regard to IBS, symptoms suggestive of FM, chronic pain, and migraine. High rates of syncope and functional dyspepsia found in the IC/BPS groups merit further study to determine if IC/BPS is part of a diffuse disorder of central, autonomic, and sensory processing affecting multiple organs outside the bladder.