Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bistatic synthetic aperture imaging of proud and buried targets from an AUV

The use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for the detection of buried mines is an area of current interest to the Mine CounterMeasures (MCM) community. AUVs offer the advantages of lower cost, stealth, reduced operator risk, and potentially improved coverage rates over more traditional mine hunters. However, AUVs also come with their own set of difficulties, including significant error in navigation and low communication rates with the mother platform and each other. In the case of bistatic detection scenarios, AUVs will therefore have difficulty knowing where exactly in space they are and the trigger time of sources on other platforms, be they ships or other AUVs. However, the potential improvement in detection and coverage rates offered by bistatic sonar concepts makes resolution of these issues a high priority. In this paper, the problems of inaccurate navigation and source timing information are addressed for the Generic Oceanographic Array Technology data set. In this experiment, conducted off Marciana Marina during June 1998, a MIT AUV with a SACLANTCEN acoustic array and acquisition system was used together with a TOPAS parametric sonar to explore issues of buried target detection using AUVs. In this paper, solutions to the navigation and timing problems are proposed which enable the effective use of bistatic synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) concepts for the detection of buried objects in the mid-frequency regime of 2-20 kHz.
Saccadic Eye Movements and the Generalized Pareto Distribution

We describe a statistical analysis of the eye tracker measurements in a database with 15 observers viewing 1003 images under free-viewing conditions. In contrast to the common approach of investigating the properties of the fixation points we analyze the properties of the transition phases between fixations. We introduce hyperbolic geometry as a tool to measure the step length between consecutive eye positions. We show that the step lengths, measured in hyperbolic and euclidean geometry, follow a generalized Pareto distribution. The results based on the hyperbolic distance are more robust than those based on euclidean geometry. We show how the structure of the space of generalized Pareto distributions can be used to characterize and identify individual observers.
On the Entropy of a Noisy Function

Let 0 <; ϵ <; 1/2 be a noise parameter, and let Tϵ be the noise operator acting on functions on the Boolean cube {0,1}<sup>n</sup>. Let f be a nonnegative function on {0,1}<sup>n</sup>. We upper bound the entropy of Tϵ f by the average entropy of conditional expectations of f, given sets of roughly (1-2ϵ)<sup>2</sup> n variables. In information-theoretic terms, we prove the following strengthening of Mrs. Gerber's Lemma: let X be a random binary vector of length n, and let Z be a noise vector, corresponding to a binary symmetric channel with crossover probability ϵ. Then, setting v = (1-2ϵ)<sup>2</sup> · n, we have (up to lower order terms): H(X⊕Z) ≥ n · H<sub>2</sub> (ϵ+ (1-2ϵ) · H<sub>2</sub><sup>-1</sup> E<sub>|B| = v</sub> H ({X<sub>i</sub>}<sub>iϵB</sub>}/v))). Assuming ϵ ≥ 1/2 - δ, for some absolute constant δ > 0, this inequality, combined with a strong version of a theorem of Friedgut et al., due to Jendrej et al., shows that if a Boolean function f is close to a characteristic function g of a subcube of dimension n-1, then the entropy of T<sub>ϵ</sub>f is at most that of Tϵg. Taken together with a recent result of Ordentlich et al., this shows that the most informative Boolean function conjecture of Courtade and Kumar holds for high noise ϵ ≥1/2 - δ. Namely, if X is uniformly distributed in {0,1}<sup>n</sup> and Y is obtained by flipping each coordinate of X independently with probability ϵ, then, provided ϵ ≥ 1/2 - δ, for any Boolean function f holds I (f(X);Y) ≤ 1 - H(ϵ).
Honest Importance Sampling With Multiple Markov Chains

Importance sampling is a classical Monte Carlo technique in which a random sample from one probability density, π1, is used to estimate an expectation with respect to another, π. The importance sampling estimator is strongly consistent and, as long as two simple moment conditions are satisfied, it obeys a central limit theorem (CLT). Moreover, there is a simple consistent estimator for the asymptotic variance in the CLT, which makes for routine computation of standard errors. Importance sampling can also be used in the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) context. Indeed, if the random sample from π1 is replaced by a Harris ergodic Markov chain with invariant density π1, then the resulting estimator remains strongly consistent. There is a price to be paid, however, as the computation of standard errors becomes more complicated. First, the two simple moment conditions that guarantee a CLT in the iid case are not enough in the MCMC context. Second, even when a CLT does hold, the asymptotic variance has a complex form and is difficult to estimate consistently. In this article, we explain how to use regenerative simulation to overcome these problems. Actually, we consider a more general setup, where we assume that Markov chain samples from several probability densities, π1, …, πk, are available. We construct multiple-chain importance sampling estimators for which we obtain a CLT based on regeneration. We show that if the Markov chains converge to their respective target distributions at a geometric rate, then under moment conditions similar to those required in the iid case, the MCMC-based importance sampling estimator obeys a CLT. Furthermore, because the CLT is based on a regenerative process, there is a simple consistent estimator of the asymptotic variance. We illustrate the method with two applications in Bayesian sensitivity analysis. The first concerns one-way random effect models under different priors. The second involves Bayesian variable selection in linear regression, and for this application, importance sampling based on multiple chains enables an empirical Bayes approach to variable selection.
The rise and fall of excess male infant mortality

The male disadvantage in infant mortality underwent a surprising rise and fall in the 20th century. Our analysis of 15 developed countries shows that, as infant mortality declined over two centuries, the excess male mortality increased from 10% in 1751 to >30% by approximately 1970. Remarkably, since 1970, the male disadvantage in most countries fell back to lower levels. The worsening male disadvantage from 1751 until 1970 may be due to differential changes in cause-specific infant mortality by sex. Declines in infant mortality from infections and the shift of deaths to perinatal conditions favored females. The reduction in male excess infant mortality after 1970 can be attributed to improved obstetric practices and neonatal care. The additional male infants who survived because of better conditions were more likely to be premature or have low birth weight, which could have implications for their health in later life. This analysis provides evidence of marked changes in the sex ratio of mortality at an age when behavioral differences should be minimal.
Modeling Packet Traffic with Chaotic Maps

We investigate the application of deterministic chaotic maps to model traffic sources in packet based networks, motivated in part by recent measurement studies which indicate the presence of significant statistical features in packet traffic more characteristic of fractal processes than conventional stochastic processes. We outline one approach whereby traffic sources can be modeled by chaotic maps, and illustrate the traffic characteristics that can be generated by analyzing three maps. We show that low order nonlinear maps can capture several of the fractal properties observed in actual data. Finally, we outline a potential performance analysis approach based on chaotic maps that can be used to assess the traffic significance of fractal properties. It is our conclusion that while there are considerable analytical difficulties, chaotic maps may allow accurate, yet concise, models of packet traffic, with some potential for transient and steady state analysis.
Association of a Rare Haplotype in Kinesin Light Chain 1 Gene with Age-Related Cataract in a Han Chinese Population

Purpose The causal genes for congenital cataract are good candidates for the genetic susceptibility for age-related cataract (ARC). The aim of this study was to investigate association between the polymorphisms in the causal genes for congenital cataract and ARC in a Chinese population. Meanwhile, we performed the replication study for previous identified risk genes for ARC. Methods We recruited 212 sporadic Han Chinese patients with age-related cataracts (ARC) and 172 normal controls in this study. We analyzed 31 SNPs from 13 genes which mostly possible contributes the progress of ARC in a Chinese population, comprising 212 cataract patients and 172 controls. Polymorphism-spanning fragments were amplified by using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genotyped using primer extension method in MassARRAY platform. Allelic and haplotypic difference in the frequencies were estimated using the SHEsis software platform. P-value was adjusted by the Bonferroni correction. Results There was no difference in the frequencies of the genotype and allele of the all SNPs between the patients with ARC and the controls. In the haplotypic analysis, the haplotypes consisting of rs7154572, rs7150141 and rs12432994 in Kinesin Light Chain 1 Gene (KLC1) showed significant association with ARC (p = 0.000878). A rare haplotype CGT was more frequent in patients (p = 0.000106, and p = 0.00795 after corrected for 75 tests). Conclusions Our study provides evidence that the combined effect of three variants within the KLC1 gene may predispose to ARC, but the precise mechanism needs further investigating.
Textile Electrodes for EEG Recording — A Pilot Study

The overall aim of our research is to develop a monitoring system for neonatal intensive care units. Long-term EEG monitoring in newborns require that the electrodes don’t harm the sensitive skin of the baby, an especially relevant feature for premature babies. Our approach to EEG monitoring is based on several electrodes distributed over the head of the baby, and since the weight of the head always will be on some of them, any type of hard electrode will inevitably cause a pressure-point that can irritate the skin. Therefore, we propose the use of soft conductive textiles as EEG electrodes, primarily for neonates, but also for other kinds of unobtrusive long-term monitoring. In this paper we have tested two types of textile electrodes on five healthy adults and compared them to standard high quality electrodes. The acquired signals were compared with respect to morphology, frequency distribution, spectral coherence, correlation and power line interference sensitivity, and the signals were found to be similar in most respects. The good measurement performance exhibited by the textile electrodes indicates that they are feasible candidates for EEG recording, opening the door for long-term EEG monitoring applications.
Pathology review of sudden and unexpected death in aboriginal and non-aboriginal infants.

Previous research showed that the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rate for Aboriginal infants significantly increased during the 1980s in Western Australia (WA) and raised the possibility of a diagnostic transfer of Aboriginal infant deaths from other causes to SIDS over this period. Here, therefore we review the pathology of SIDS and other sudden and unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants in WA between 1980 and 1988. The aim was to investigate whether there had been differences in the diagnosis and/or classification of SIDS according to whether the infants were Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal. The study population comprised: (1) all Aboriginal cases of SIDS and other SUDI between 1980 and 1988, and (2) corresponding random samples of non-Aboriginal cases. A two-stage process was employed for the review. First, histology slides were reviewed for each case where the aboriginality of the infant was Aboriginal and the original cause of death were unknown to the pathologists. Second, all paper records (i.e. death scene investigations, laboratory tests and medical reports) except for the original cause of death information were reviewed by the pathologists. The results showed that there was excellent agreement between the final review diagnosis and the original diagnosis for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal SUDI. Thus, there was no evidence for a diagnostic shift among Aboriginal infant deaths and the review supported the observed increase in the SIDS rate for Aboriginal infants.
Blunted ACTH and Cortisol Responses to Systemic Injection of Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone (CRH) in Fibromyalgia

Abstract: Thirteen female patients suffering from fibromyalgia (FM) and thirteen female age‐matched controls were intravenously injected with a bolus dose of 100 μg corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), and the evoked secretion pattern of ACTH, cortisol, somatostatin, and growth hormone (GH) was followed up for two hours, together with the plasma levels of CRH. The increases of ACTH and cortisol following CRH were not significantly different between controls and FM patients. The increase of plasma CRH following its injection was significantly higher in FM patients and lasted about 45 min, paralleled by an increase of somatostatin with a similar time course. Basal GH levels were significantly lower in FM patients. GH increased in FM patients 90 min after injection of CRH, coincident with decreasing CRH and somatostatin levels, while GH levels in controls rather decreased with the lowest values occurring 90 min after CRH. The results support the concept that the hormonal secretion pattern frequently observed in FM patients is primarily caused by CRH, possibly as a response to chronic pain and stress. The elevated levels of CRH in the circulation of FM patients suggest elevated levels of CRH‐binding protein, which could explain why the levels of ACTH and cortisol between controls and FM following CRH do not differ.
Renal Transplantation: Relationship between Hospital/Surgeon Volume and Postoperative Severe Sepsis/Graft-Failure. A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Background and objects: We explored the relationship between hospital/surgeon volume and postoperative severe sepsis/graft-failure (including death). Methods: The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database claims data for all patients with end-stage renal disease patients who underwent kidney transplantation between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2007, were reviewed. Surgeons and hospitals were categorized into two groups based on their patient volume. The two primary outcomes were severe sepsis and graft failure (including death). The logistical regressions were done to compute the Odds ratios (OR) of outcomes after adjusting for possible confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the cumulative survival rates of graft failure after kidney transplantation during follow-up (1999-2008). Results: The risk of developing severe sepsis in a hospital in which surgeons do little renal transplantation was significant (odds ratio [OR]; p = 0.0115): 1.65 times (95% CI: 1.12-2.42) higher than for a hospital in which surgeons do many. The same trend was true for hospitals with a low volume of renal transplantations (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.62-3.52; p < 0.0001). The likelihood of a graft failure (including death) within one year for the low-volume surgeon group was 3.1 times higher than for the high-volume surgeon group (p < 0.0001); the trend was similar for hospital volume. Female patients had a lower risk than did male patients, and patients ≥ 55 years old and those with a higher Charlson comorbidity index score, had a higher risk of severe sepsis. Conclusions: We conclude that the risk of severe sepsis and graft failure (including death) is higher for patients treated in hospitals and by surgeons with a low volume of renal transplantations. Therefore, the health authorities should consider exporting best practices through educational outreach and regulation and then providing transparent information for public best interest.
Milk Production, Milk Composition, Live Weight Change and Milk Fatty Acid Composition in Lactating Dairy Cows in Response to Whole Linseed Supplementation

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of whole linseed supplementation on performances and milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows. Thirty six Holstein Friesian crossbred lactating dairy cows were blocked by milking days first and then stratified random balanced for milk yields and body weight into three groups of 12 cows each. The control group received 300 g of palm oil. The second group was supplemented with 344 g/d of top-dressed whole linseed plus 150 g of palm oil and the third group was supplemented with 688 g/d of top-dressed whole linseed. All cows also received ad libitum grass silage (Brachiaria ruziziensis), had free access to clean water and were individually housed in a free-stall unit and individually fed according to treatments. Residual feeds were collected on 2 consecutive days weekly and at the end of the experiment. Feed samples were pooled to make representative samples for proximate and detergent analyses. Daily milk yields were recorded. Milk samples were collected on 2 consecutive days weekly. Live weights were recorded at the start and at the end of the experiment. Milk samples were taken on d 56 of the experiment and subjected to milk fatty acid composition. The results showed no statistical significant differences in intakes, live weight change, milk yields and milk compositions, however, C18:1, C18:3 and unsaturated FAs were increased while saturated FAs were reduced by whole linseed supplementation. It is recommended that the addition of 300 g/d oil from whole linseed could be beneficial to lactating dairy cows in early lactation.
Perception of Visual Variables on Tiled Wall-Sized Displays for Information Visualization Applications

We present the results of two user studies on the perception of visual variables on tiled high-resolution wall-sized displays. We contribute an understanding of, and indicators predicting how, large variations in viewing distances and viewing angles affect the accurate perception of angles, areas, and lengths. Our work, thus, helps visualization researchers with design considerations on how to create effective visualizations for these spaces. The first study showed that perception accuracy was impacted most when viewers were close to the wall but differently for each variable (Angle, Area, Length). Our second study examined the effect of perception when participants could move freely compared to when they had a static viewpoint. We found that a far but static viewpoint was as accurate but less time consuming than one that included free motion. Based on our findings, we recommend encouraging viewers to stand further back from the display when conducting perception estimation tasks. If tasks need to be conducted close to the wall display, important information should be placed directly in front of the viewer or above, and viewers should be provided with an estimation of the distortion effects predicted by our work-or encouraged to physically navigate the wall in specific ways to reduce judgement error.
Is Helicobacter pylori the cause of dyspepsia?

OBJECTIVE--To determine the association between infection with Helicobacter pylori and dyspepsia. DESIGN--Cross sectional study of dyspeptic subjects and age and sex matched controls identified by a questionnaire survey of all inhabitants aged 20-69. (Endoscopy, histological examination, and microbiological examinations of biopsies from the gastric mucosa were performed blind.) SETTING--Population based survey in Sørreisa, Norway. SUBJECTS--All 782 dyspeptic subjects (excluding those with a previous history of peptic ulcer, gall stones or kidney stones, and coronary heart disease) and controls were offered an endoscopy, of whom 309 dyspeptic subjects and 310 controls attended. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Prevalences of endoscopic and histological diagnoses and of cultures positive for H pylori. RESULTS--A high prevalence of positive cultures, increasing with age, was found in both dyspeptic subjects (48%) and non-dyspeptic controls (36%) (p = 0.004). Positive cultures in both dyspeptic subjects and controls were strongly associated with histological gastritis (70%, 95% confidence interval 65.5 to 85.3; 60%, 52.7 to 67.7, respectively) and peptic ulcer (92%, 61.5 to 99.8; 64.1, 9.4 to 99.2, respectively). Only 3% of subjects with a histologically non-inflamed gastric mucosa had this infection (dyspeptic subjects 2%, 0.2 to 7.0; controls 4%; 1.2 to 8.8). CONCLUSIONS--The relation between dyspeptic symptoms and H pylori is dubious; H pylori seems to have a pathogenetic role in gastritis and may be a contributing factor but not a cause of peptic ulcer.
MerTK regulates thymic selection of autoreactive T cells

T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D) are believed to be the result in part of inefficient negative selection of self-specific thymocytes. However, the events regulating thymic negative selection are not fully understood. In the current study, we demonstrate that nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice lacking expression of the Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) have reduced inflammation of the pancreatic islets and fail to develop diabetes. Furthermore, NOD mice deficient in MerTK expression (Mer−/−) exhibit a reduced frequency of β cell-specific T cells independent of immunoregulatory effectors. The establishment of bone marrow chimeric mice demonstrated that the block in β cell autoimmunity required hematopoietic-derived cells lacking MerTK expression. Notably, fetal thymic organ cultures and self-peptide administration showed increased thymic negative selection in Mer−/− mice. Finally, thymic dendritic cells (DC) prepared from Mer−/− mice exhibited an increased capacity to induce thymocyte apoptosis in a peptide-specific manner in vitro. These findings provide evidence for a unique mechanism involving MerTK-mediated regulation of thymocyte negative selection and thymic DC, and suggest a role for MerTK in contributing to β cell autoimmunity.
Non-backtracking random walks mix faster

We compute the mixing rate of a non-backtracking random walk on a regular expander. Using some properties of Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind, we show that this rate may be up to twice as fast as the mixing rate of the simple random walk. The closer the expander is to a Ramanujan graph, the higher the ratio between the above two mixing rates is. As an application, we show that if G is a high-girth regular expander on n vertices, then a typical non-backtracking random walk of length n on G does not visit a vertex more than times, and this result is tight. In this sense, the multi-set of visited vertices is analogous to the result of throwing n balls to n bins uniformly, in contrast to the simple random walk on G, which almost surely visits some vertex Ω(log n) times.