Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrast sensitivity model of the human eye

In this paper, we propose a mathematical model of human photopic contrast sensitivity. The model is based on a novel functional block diagram, focusing more on the information theoretical nature of human contrast sensitivity. At the same time, several other aspects of human vision are also considered. In order to obtain an estimate of the nonlinear projection of the retinal image, the numerical results of Drasdo and Fowler were used. Cone density measurements along the major meridians of the retina, performed by Curcio & Allen, were also used. Retinal midget ganglion cell receptive field density was extended to the far periphery, based on the results of Drasdo and colleagues and Curcio & Allen. Considering cell densities and optical properties of the human eye, the low-pass filtering components of human contrast sensitivity have been characterized by a simple but adequate mathematical formula. The high-pass filtering of neural origin was also estimated based on midget receptive field densities as well as other experimental results. Further models are presented for the calculation of photon noise, neural noise and spatial integration, according to the previous results in the literature. The model presented in this paper has been validated by several experimental measurements, both for foveal and peripheral vision, at several luminance levels and experimental set-ups. Results were shown to be better fitting than the model of Barten [2] and Rovamo et al [37].
Design of bipolar differential opamps with unity gain bandwidth up to 23 GHz

We compare the RF performance of fully differential opamps developed in 0.25 mum SiGe complementary (pnp/npn) technology and 0.13 mum SiGe BiCMOS (with npn only). Using the same compensation technique, the frequency response of these opamps is analyzed with emphasis on the phase margin (PM) and gain margin (GM). The pnp/npn opamp has advantage in unity gain bandwidth (UGB) and current consumption in comparison to the 0.13 mum BiCMOS design (supply voltage of 4 V). For the pnp/npn opamp a 23 GHz UGB can be achieved with PM of 57 degrees. In case of the pnp/npn opamp the supply voltage can be reduced to 3 V using a new topology with resistor for tail current. The optimized RF pnp/npn opamp allows the design of a differential line driver (50 Ohm) with 24 GHz bandwidth and a second order 2 GHz biquad bandpass filter.
Knowledge mediates the timeframe of covariation assessment in human causal induction

How do humans discover causal relations when the effect is not immediately observable? Previous experiments have uniformly demonstrated detrimental effects of outcome delays on causal induction. These findings seem to conflict with everyday causal cognition, where humans can apparently identify long-term causal relations with relative ease. Three experiments investigated whether the influence of delay on adult human causal judgements is mediated by experimentally induced assumptions about the timeframe of the causal relation in question, as suggested by Einhorn and Hogarth (1986). Causal judgements generally decreased when a delay separated cause and effect. This decrease was less pronounced when the thematic context of the causal relation induced participants to expect a delay. Experiment 3 ruled out an alternative explanation of the effect based on variations of cue and outcome saliencies, and showed that detrimental effects of delay are reduced even more when instructions explicitly mentioned the timeframe of the causal relation in question. Knowledge thus mediates the impact of delay on human causal judgement. Implications for contemporary theories of human causal induction are discussed.
Biomechanical loading in the triple jump

The triple jump is a demanding field event in which a jumper must tolerate extremely high impact forces while maintaining high horizontal speed. The present study was designed to clarify the mechanical loading characteristics and the role of neuromuscular function in the triple jump. Seven national triple jumpers (4 males, 3 females) volunteered to perform 3-6 jumps. The mean best performances were 14.32 - 0.45 m and 11.90 - 0.28 m for males and females, respectively. The three longest triple jumps for each jumper were selected for final analysis. The mean contact times were 0.139 s (hop), 0.157 s (step) and 0.177 s (jump). The largest ground reaction forces were observed in the step (15.2 times body weight), while the highest peak pressures were recorded under the heel and forefoot. The plantar pressure of the lateral side of the forefoot was highly related to the length of the triple jump ( P ≪ 0.05-0.01). In addition, electromyograms of both legs suggested that mechanical loading places high demands on the neuromuscular system, as characterized by the high rate of activation in the pre-activity phase followed by high eccentric activity. Thus, the high activities of the gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis and hip extensor muscles seem to play an important role in preventing unnecessary yielding of the jumper during the braking phase.
Effect of Soil Density and Suction on the Elastic and Plastic Parameters of Unsaturated Silty Soil

AbstractThis paper presents the results of an experimental study on the effect of suction and compaction pressure on the elastic and plastic parameters of unsaturated silty soil. The experimental tests were performed in a specially designed double-walled Bishop and Wesley triaxial cell on dense and loose samples of an unsaturated silty soil. In the experiments, each soil sample was consolidated isotropically to a virgin state, followed by unloading under constant suction. Furthermore, some experiments were undertaken with constant net stress and varying suction. The results were used to study the effect of suction and soil fabric on the elastic and plastic parameters of soil. It was concluded from the experimental results that the plastic parameters are generally dependent on suction and soil fabric (except for suction change tests). The elastic parameters related to the variation of specific volume are independent of suction and the fabric of the soil. The elastic parameters related to the variation of s.
Microsatellite instability and BRAF mutation testing in colorectal cancer prognostication.

BRAF mutation in colorectal cancer is associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) through its relationship with high-level CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) and MLH1 promoter methylation. MSI and BRAF mutation analyses are routinely used for familial cancer risk assessment. To clarify clinical outcome associations of combined MSI/BRAF subgroups, we investigated survival in 1253 rectal and colon cancer patients within the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study with available data on clinical and other molecular features, including CIMP, LINE-1 hypomethylation, and KRAS and PIK3CA mutations. Compared with the majority subtype of microsatellite stable (MSS)/BRAF-wild-type, MSS/BRAF-mutant, MSI-high/BRAF-mutant, and MSI-high/BRAF-wild-type subtypes showed multivariable colorectal cancer-specific mortality hazard ratios of 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] =1.12 to 2.28; P = .009), 0.48 (95% CI = 0.27 to 0.87; P = .02), and 0.25 (95% CI = 0.12 to 0.52; P < .001), respectively. No evidence existed for a differential prognostic role of BRAF mutation by MSI status (P(interaction) > . 50). Combined BRAF/MSI status in colorectal cancer is a tumor molecular biomarker for prognosic risk stratification.
Comparison of Mouse and Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Gene Expression Profiles: Potential Implications for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Background The human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of age related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. There is currently no effective treatment available. Preclinical studies in AMD mouse models are essential to develop new therapeutics. This requires further in-depth knowledge of the similarities and differences between mouse and human RPE. Methods We performed a microarray study to identify and functionally annotate RPE specific gene expression in mouse and human RPE. We used a meticulous method to determine C57BL/6J mouse RPE signature genes, correcting for possible RNA contamination from its adjacent layers: the choroid and the photoreceptors. We compared the signature genes, gene expression profiles and functional annotations of the mouse and human RPE. Results We defined sets of mouse (64), human (171) and mouse–human interspecies (22) RPE signature genes. Not unexpectedly, our gene expression analysis and comparative functional annotation suggested that, in general, the mouse and human RPE are very similar. For example, we found similarities for general features, like “organ development” and “disorders related to neurological tissue”. However, detailed analysis of the molecular pathways and networks associated with RPE functions, suggested also multiple species-specific differences, some of which may be relevant for the development of AMD. For example, CFHR1, most likely the main complement regulator in AMD pathogenesis was highly expressed in human RPE, but almost absent in mouse RPE. Furthermore, functions assigned to mouse and human RPE expression profiles indicate (patho-) biological differences related to AMD, such as oxidative stress, Bruch’s membrane, immune-regulation and outer blood retina barrier. Conclusion These differences may be important for the development of new therapeutic strategies and translational studies in age-related macular degeneration.
Pathologic fibrosis and connective tissue matrix in left ventricular hypertrophy due to chronic arterial hypertension in humans

Objective To investigate pathologic fibrosis and connective tissue matrix in left ventricular hypertrophy due to chronic arterial hypertension in humans. Design and methods Seventeen human hearts were studied. Group 1 consisted of control hearts (four hearts, weighing 280 ± 40 g each), from subjects who had had no evidence of heart disease and for whom the diagnoses of death were noncardiac. Groups 2 (five hearts, weighing 440 ± 50 g each), 3 (five hearts, weighing 560 ± 50 g each), and 4 (three hearts, weighing 680 ± 60 g each) consisted of hearts from subjects who had had a history of systemic hypertension. All hearts had no valvular deformities and no evidence of ischemic disease at the postmortem examination. A cell-maceration method was employed to evaluate the myocardial connective matrix after removal of the nonfibrous elements of myocardial tissue, leaving behind a noncollapsed matrix, thus allowing a better three-dimensional view. Myocardial tissue was also processed for conventional light microscopic and morphometric studies. Results The minor transverse diameter of myocytes from hearts in groups 1–4 hearts were 13.7 ± 7.8, 23.7 ± 3.4, 26.6 ± 3.7, and 32.8 ± 5.8 μm, respectively. The volume fraction of fibrosis of the controls was 6.5%, whereas the volume fractions in hypertensive hearts increased progressively according to heart weight: 15.4, 22.9, and 31.1% for hearts in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The most striking feature was the diffuse marked increase in amount of pericellular collagen weave fibers (endomysial matrix), parallel to the increase of heart weight. The hypertrophied myocytes were encased in a dense weave of collagen fibrils continuous with those of adjacent myocytes. The muscle fibers in hypertrophied hearts were markedly larger than normal, although this was extremely variable from an area to another. Besides, a diffuse increase in the number of thick collagen fibers constituting broad bands and sheets of collagen surrounding disorganized muscle bundles (perimysial matrix) was observed. Scattered dense scar-like foci, apparently replacing areas of myocyte loss, could be seen, mainly on the periphery of muscle bundles. This latter finding was more commonly observed among hypertrophied hearts from group 3 and, mainly, among hypertrophied hearts of group 4. Importantly, a progressive disarray of the connective tissue skeleton of the myocardium could be seen in parallel to the progressive increase of cardiac hypertrophy. Conclusions The progressive accumulation of interstitial collagen fibers in left ventricular hypertrophy, in parallel to an increase in heart weight, can be expected to contribute to a spectrum of ventricular dysfunction involving either the diastolic or systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, or both, that is associated with the greater than normal arrhythmogenic risk for a hypertensive heart. Moreover, the methodology used is useful for studying the spatial organization of the collagen fibrils of the myocardium under normal and pathologic conditions.
Can Economic Ethics Be Taught

Recent business scandals and economic upheavals have prompted calls for ethics education. This paper reports the results of three studies that explore possible effects of different types of economic ethics, i.e., ethics instruction in an economic context. Study 1 examines possible effects on fairness views of mandatory justice instruction. Study 2 measures generosity and cooperation among students in economics classes following lectures on professional ethics. Study 3 examines whether distributive and reciprocal preferences are correlated with current or past volunteering activities. The findings are mixed, tentatively suggesting that the existence and type of effect depend on the method employed.
Specific Binding of the Karyopherin Kap121p to a Subunit of the Nuclear Pore Complex Containing Nup53p, Nup59p, and Nup170p

We have identified a specific karyopherin docking complex within the yeast nuclear pore complex (NPC) that contains two novel, structurally related nucleoporins, Nup53p and Nup59p, and the NPC core protein Nup170p. This complex was affinity purified from cells expressing a functional Nup53p–protein A chimera. The localization of Nup53p, Nup59p, and Nup170p within the NPC by immunoelectron microscopy suggests that the Nup53p-containing complex is positioned on both the cytoplasmic and nucleoplasmic faces of the NPC core. In association with the isolated complex, we have also identified the nuclear transport factor Kap121p (Pse1p). Using in vitro binding assays, we showed that each of the nucleoporins interacts with one another. However, the association of Kap121p with the complex is mediated by its interaction with Nup53p. Moreover, Kap121p is the only β-type karyopherin that binds Nup53p suggesting that Nup53p acts as a specific Kap121p docking site. Kap121p can be released from Nup53p by the GTP bound form of the small GTPase Ran. The physiological relevance of the interaction between Nup53p and Kap121p was further underscored by the observation that NUP53 mutations alter the subcellular distribution of Kap121p and the Kap121p- mediated import of a ribosomal L25 reporter protein. Interestingly, Nup53p is specifically phosphorylated during mitosis. This phenomenon is correlated with a transient decrease in perinuclear-associated Kap121p.
Subexponential parameterized algorithms on graphs of bounded-genus and H-minor-free graphs

We introduce a new framework for designing fixed-parameter algorithms with subexponential running time---2<sup><i>O</i>(√<i>k</i>)</sup><i>n</i><sup><i>O</i>(1)</sup>. Our results apply to a broad family of graph problems, called <i>bidimensional problems</i>, which includes many domination and covering problems such as vertex cover, feedback vertex set, minimum maximal matching, dominating set, edge dominating set, clique-transversal set, and many others restricted to bounded-genus graphs. Furthermore, it is fairly straightforward to prove that a problem is bidimensional. In particular, our framework includes as special cases all previously known problems to have such subexponential algorithms. Previously, these algorithms applied to planar graphs, single-crossing-minor-free graphs, and map graphs; we extend these results to apply to bounded-genus graphs as well. In a parallel development of combinatorial results, we establish an upper bound on the treewidth (or branchwidth) of a bounded-genus graph that excludes some planar graph <i>H</i> as a minor. This bound depends linearly on the size |<i>V</i> (<i>H</i>)| of the excluded graph <i>H</i> and the genus <i>g</i>(<i>G</i>) of the graph <i>G</i>, and applies and extends the graphminors work of Robertson & Seymour.Building on these results, we develop subexponential fixedparameter algorithms for dominating set, vertex cover, and set cover in any class of graphs excluding a fixed graph <i>H</i> as a minor. In particular, this general category of graphs includes planar graphs, bounded-genus graphs, single-crossing-minor-free graphs, and any class of graphs that is closed under taking minors. Specifically, the running time is 2<sup><i>O</i>(√<i>k</i>)</sup><i>n</i><sup><i>h</i></sup>, where <i>h</i> is a constant depending only on <i>H</i>, which is polynomial for <i>k</i> = <i>O</i>(log<sup>2</sup><i>n</i>). We introduce a general approach for developing algorithms on <i>H</i>-minor-free graphs, based on structural results about <i>H</i>-minor-free graphs at the heart of Robertson & Seymour's graph-minors work. We believe this approach opens the way to further development for problems on <i>H</i>-minor-free graphs.
Accretion discs models with the β-viscosity prescription derived from laboratory experiments

We examine under which conditions one may apply, to steady state Keplerian accretion discs, the -viscosity prescription which has been derived from rotating shear flow experiments ( = R 2 ,w here is the angular velocity at radius R and is a constant of order 10 5 ; Richard & Zahn 1999). Using a vertically averaged model, we show that this law may be suitable for all three families of known systems: in young stellar objects, evolved binary stars and Active Galactic Nuclei discs (except in their outer gas pressure dominated regions where turbulence becomes hypersonic). According to the standard criterion for viscous stability, -discs are always stable throughout. Using realistic opacities and equation of state, we demonstrate that these discs are thermally unstable in the temperature domain where hydrogen recombines, when they are optically thick, and this could lead to limit cycle behavior. Radiation pressure dominated regions are thermally stable, in contrast with -discs. This results in a fully stable solution for the innermost parts of AGN discs.
On Modal Subjectivity

Epistemic modals have long been observed to be ambiguous between a speaker-oriented interpretation (Lyon’s 1977 ‘subjective’ interpretation) and an interpretation that reflects general knowledge (the ‘objective’ interpretation). In recent work, Papafragou (2006) argues that subjectively interpreted epistemics are non-truth conditional, and that this results from them being indexical to the speaker and time of utterance. I argue against Papafragou’s claim and end by presenting an alternative perspective of the facts based on a distinction between determinate and indeterminate modal bases.
On the significance of diopside and oldhamite in enstatite chondrites and aubrites

Abstract— Enstatite is the primary silicate phase of equilibrated enstatite chondrites (EECs). The CaO contents of these enstatites lie close to or on the enstatite‐diopside phase boundary, yet, curiously, diopside has always been absent from EEC assemblages. In contrast, aubrites contain abundant diopside even though they are thought to be derived from an E chondrite‐like protolith.
New York City Cabdrivers’ Labor Supply Revisited: Reference-Dependent Preferences with Rational-Expectations Targets for Hours and Income

This paper reconsiders whether cabdrivers' labor supply decisions reflect reference-dependent preferences. Following Botond Koszegi and Matthew Rabin (2006), we construct a model with targets for hours as well as income, both determined by rational expectations. Estimating using Henry S. Farber's (2005, 2008) data, we show that the reference-dependent model can reconcile his 2005 finding that drivers' stopping probabilities are significantly related to hours but not income with the negative wage elasticity of hours found by Colin Camerer et al. (1997) and Farber (2005, 2008). The model yields sensible estimates that avoid Farber's (2008) criticism that drivers' income targets are too unstable to allow a useful reference-dependent model of labor supply.
Basolateral Sorting Signals Regulating Tissue‐Specific Polarity of Heteromeric Monocarboxylate Transporters in Epithelia

Many solute transporters are heterodimers composed of non‐glycosylated catalytic and glycosylated accessory subunits. These transporters are specifically polarized to the apical or basolateral membranes of epithelia, but this polarity may vary to fulfill tissue‐specific functions. To date, the mechanisms regulating the tissue‐specific polarity of heteromeric transporters remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the sorting signals that determine the polarity of three members of the proton‐coupled monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) family, MCT1, MCT3 and MCT4, and their accessory subunit CD147. We show that MCT3 and MCT4 harbor strong redundant basolateral sorting signals (BLSS) in their C‐terminal cytoplasmic tails that can direct fusion proteins with the apical marker p75 to the basolateral membrane. In contrast, MCT1 lacks a BLSS and its polarity is dictated by CD147, which contains a weak BLSS that can direct Tac, but not p75 to the basolateral membrane. Knockdown experiments in MDCK cells indicated that basolateral sorting of MCTs was clathrin‐dependent but clathrin adaptor AP1B‐independent. Our results explain the consistently basolateral localization of MCT3 and MCT4 and the variable localization of MCT1 in different epithelia. They introduce a new paradigm for the sorting of heterodimeric transporters in which a hierarchy of apical and BLSS in the catalytic and/or accessory subunits regulates their tissue‐specific polarity.
P-wave crustal tomography of Greece with use of an accurate two-point ray tracer

The three-dimensional velocity structure of the crust in the Aegean sea and the surrounding regions (34.0o-42.OoN, 19.0oE-29.0oE) is investigated by inversion of about 10000 residuals of arrival times of P-wave from local events. The resulting velocity structure shows strong horizontal variations due to the complicated crustal structure and the variations of crustal thickness. The northern part of the region generally shows high velocities. In the inner part of the volcanic arc (Southern Aegean area), relatively low velocities are observed, suggesting a large-scale absorption of seismic energy as confirmed by the low seismicity of the region. A low velocity zone was observed along the subduction zone of the region, up to a depth of 4 km. The existence of such a zone could be due to granitic or other intrusions in the crust during the uplift of the region during Alpidic orogenesis.
A Bayesian framework to integrate knowledge-based and data-driven inference tools for reliable yield diagnoses

This paper studies the issues of designing a Bayesian framework for the reliable diagnosis of various yield-loss factors induced in semiconductor manufacturing. The proposed framework integrates both the results from knowledge-based and data-driven inference tools as input data, where the former resembles expert¿s knowledge on diagnosing pre-known yield-loss factors while the latter serves for exploring new yield-loss factors. Three modules with specific designs for yield diagnosis applications are addressed: pre-process for generating candidate factors and corresponding prior distributions, Bayesian inference for calculating posterior distributions, and post-process for deriving reliable rankings of candidate factors. The final output, a bubble diagram with Pareto frontier, provides visual interpretations on the integral results from data-driven, knowledge-based and Bayesian inference tools. Specific issues addressed in the proposed Bayesian framework provide directions for implementing a real system.