Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping Three-Dimensional Surface Deformation by Combining Multiple-Aperture Interferometry and Conventional Interferometry: Application to the June 2007 Eruption of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Surface deformation caused by an intrusion and small eruption during June 17-19, 2007, along the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, was three-dimensionally reconstructed from radar interferograms acquired by the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) phased-array type L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) (PALSAR) instrument. To retrieve the 3-D surface deformation, a method that combines multiple-aperture interferometry (MAI) and conventional interferometric SAR (InSAR) techniques was applied to one ascending and one descending ALOS PALSAR interferometric pair. The maximum displacements as a result of the intrusion and eruption are about 0.8, 2, and 0.7 m in the east, north, and up components, respectively. The radar-measured 3-D surface deformation agrees with GPS data from 24 sites on the volcano, and the root-mean-square errors in the east, north, and up components of the displacement are 1.6, 3.6, and 2.1 cm, respectively. Since a horizontal deformation of more than 1 m was dominantly in the north-northwest-south-southeast direction, a significant improvement of the north-south component measurement was achieved by the inclusion of MAI measurements that can reach a standard deviation of 3.6 cm. A 3-D deformation reconstruction through the combination of conventional InSAR and MAI will allow for better modeling, and hence, a more comprehensive understanding, of the source geometry associated with volcanic, seismic, and other processes that are manifested by surface deformation.
Compression, noise removal and comparison in digital mammography using LabVIEW

In the present paper we are interested in compression and noise removal as a preprocessor for the identification of microcalcification clusters in mammograms. LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) is a graphical programming language that uses icons instead of lines of text to create programs. We propose a general strategy for constructing algorithms and implementing them in LabVIEW for compression, noise removal and extracting microcalcification clusters. The comparison method presented in this paper aims to improve mammogram comparison by estimating the underlying geometric transformation for any mammogram sequence. It takes into consideration the various temporal changes that may occur between successive scans of the same woman and is designed too overcome the inconsistencies of mammogram image formation.
Dynamics kin deformation based on biomechanical modeling

Animating the human body with realistic skin deformation is a big challenge. Current approaches rely on approximations by using simple techniques such as skinning. We propose an approach based on the simulation of the deformation of the underlying musculoskeletal model. Our approach is based on subject-specific models that are constructed from medical images, 3D body scanner data and motion capture data. We explain the combination of these models to achieve physics-based simulation and show results of realistic skin deformation.
Sequence-Aware Watermark Design for Soft IP Embedded Processors

This paper describes a design approach for incorporating sequence-aware watermarks in soft intellectual property (IP) embedded processors. The influence of watermark sequence parameters on detection, area, and power overheads is examined, and consequently a method for incorporating sequence-aware watermarks in soft IP embedded processors is proposed. The intrinsic parameters of sequences, such as the activity factor and the overlapping factor, are introduced, and their impact on correlation results is demonstrated. Measurement and application-specified integrated circuits validate the design approach and demonstrate the resulting IP protection and subsequent costs for constrained embedded processors. Results presented in this paper show that the tradeoff occurs between the watermark robustness against third-party IP attacks and hardware implementation costs. The analysis of this tradeoff is provided, and an application specific watermark implementation is proposed.
Lopsided Galaxies, Weak Interactions, and Boosting the Star Formation Rate

To investigate the link between weak tidal interactions in disk galaxies and the boosting of their recent star formation, we obtain images and spatially integrated spectra (3615 Å ≤ λ ≤ 5315 Å) for 40 late-type spiral galaxies (Sab-Sbc) with varying degrees of lopsidedness (a dynamical indicator of weak interactions). We quantify lopsidedness as the amplitude ⟨1⟩ of the m = 1 Fourier component of the azimuthal surface brightness distribution averaged over a range of radii. The median spectrum of the most lopsided galaxies shows strong evidence for a more prominent young stellar population (i.e., strong Balmer absorption, strong nebular emission, a weak 4000 Å break, and a blue continuum) when compared to the median spectrum of the most symmetric galaxies. We compare the young stellar content, quantified by EW(Hδabs) and the strength of the 4000 Å break (D4000), with lopsidedness and find a 3-4 σ correlation between the two. We also find a 3.2 σ correlation between EW(Hβemission) and lopsidedness. Using the evolutionary population synthesis code of Bruzual & Charlot we model the spectra as an "underlying population" and a superimposed "boost population" with the aim of constraining the fractional boost in the SFR averaged over the past 0.5 Gyr (the characteristic lifetime of lopsidedness). From the difference in both EW(Hδabs) and the strength of the 4000 Å break (D4000) between the most and least symmetric thirds of our sample, we infer that ~1 × 109 M☉ of stars are formed over the duration of a lopsided event in addition to the "underlying" star formation history (assuming a final galactic stellar mass of 1010 M☉). This corresponds to a factor of 8 increase in the star formation rate over the past 5 × 108 years. For the nuclear spectra, all of the above correlations except D4000 versus ⟨1⟩ are weaker than for the disk, indicating that in lopsided galaxies, the star formation boost is not dominated by the nucleus.
Ab initio folding of proteins using restraints derived from evolutionary information

We present our predictions in the ab initio structure prediction category of CASP3. Eleven targets were folded, using a method based on a Monte Carlo search driven by secondary and tertiary restraints derived from multiple sequence alignments. Our results can be qualitatively summarized as follows: The global fold can be considered “correct” for targets 65 and 74, “almost correct” for targets 64, 75, and 77, “half‐correct” for target 79, and “wrong” for targets 52, 56, 59, and 63. Target 72 has not yet been solved experimentally. On average, for small helical and alpha/beta proteins (on the order of 110 residues or smaller), the method predicted low resolution structures with a reasonably good prediction of the global topology. Most encouraging is that in some situations, such as with target 75 and, particularly, target 77, the method can predict a substantial portion of a rare or even a novel fold. However, the current method still fails on some beta proteins, proteins over the 110‐residue threshold, and sequences in which only a poor multiple sequence alignment can be built. On the other hand, for small proteins, the method gives results of quality at least similar to that of threading, with the advantage of not being restricted to known folds in the protein database. Overall, these results indicate that some progress has been made on the ab initio protein folding problem. Detailed information about our results can be obtained by connecting to http://www.bioinformatics. danforthcenter.org/CASP3. Proteins Suppl 1999;3:177–185. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Image retrieval using Contourlet based interest points

In this work we present the method for image retrieval based on the Non-Subsampled Contourlet Transform (NSCT) and the Harris corner detector. The NTSC-based interest point detector is proposed by combination of NTSC and Harris corner detector called the Contourlet Harris detector. We also present the method how to extract the image features using this Contourlet Harris detector that is applied for image retrieval. Experiments are implemented on the WANG database aiming to compare retrieval effectiveness of proposed method to some methods have announced. Results demonstrate that the proposed method shows a quite improvement in the retrieval effectiveness.
Surface modification of implants in long bone

Coatings of orthopedic implants are investigated to improve the osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of the implant surfaces and thus to enhance periimplant bone formation. By applying coatings that mimic the extracellular matrix a favorable environment for osteoblasts, osteoclasts and their progenitor cells is provided to promote early and strong fixation of implants. It is known that the early bone ongrowth increases primary implant fixation and reduces the risk of implant failure. This review presents an overview of coating titanium and hydroxyapatite implants with components of the extracellular matrix like collagen type I, chondroitin sulfate and RGD peptide in different small and large animal models. The influence of these components on cells, the inflammation process, new bone formation and bone/implant contact is summarized.
Dynamics of Aggregate Purchases of an Illiquid Durable Good with Risky Assets and Heterogeneous Agents

This paper studies a model in which agents, identical in preferences and heterogeneous in initial endowments, derive utility from a service ‡ow of a durable good and a consumption ‡ow of a nondurable good. In order to change levels of durable good stock, an agent must pay a . xed transaction cost. The . xed cost implies an inaction region where agents do not adjust their levels of the durable good. More importantly, agents adjust consumption of the nondurable over the inaction region. When wealth is relatively high they reduce consumption and when wealth is relatively low they increase consumption. The key result is that this non-linearity in consumption is large enough that not only do agents move at di¤erent rates at di¤erent points in the state space, agents su¢ciently close to a barrier may move opposite to the direction taken by most agents. Clearly, the predictions of this model for aggregate variables di¤ers signi.cantly from one with a single representative agent.
Generalizations and Properties of the Principal Eigenvalue of Elliptic Operators in Unbounded Domains

Using three different notions of the generalized principal eigenvalue of linear second‐order elliptic operators in unbounded domains, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the validity of the maximum principle, as well as for the existence of positive eigenfunctions for the Dirichlet problem. Relations between these principal eigenvalues, their simplicity, and several other properties are further discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethnicity and falls in older men: low rate of falls in Italian-born men in Australia.

BACKGROUND past research suggests that fall rates in older persons may differ by ethnicity. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of falls between older male Italian-born immigrants and their Australian-born counterparts. METHODS this study analysed data from 335 Italian-born and 848 Australian-born men aged 70 years and over participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP). Prospective falls data were collected by 4 monthly phone calls (mean follow-up time: 26.7 months). Negative binomial regression compared falls incidence rate ratios (IRR) between the two groups of men. RESULTS there were 37 (11%) Italian-born men and 185 (22%) Australian-born men who had two or more falls during follow-up (P < 0.001). Negative binomial analysis demonstrated that Italian-born men had half the incidence rate of falls compared with Australian-born men (IRR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.38-0.67). After adjustment for falls risk factors, Italian-born men remained significantly less likely to fall with a 43% lower fall rate (IRR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.39-0.85). CONCLUSION older male Italian-born immigrants are less likely to fall than their Australian-born counterparts. Differences in fall rates between the two groups are not explained by established falls risk factors.
Genetic Deletion of Mst1 Alters T Cell Function and Protects against Autoimmunity

Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1) is a MAPK kinase kinase kinase which is involved in a wide range of cellular responses, including apoptosis, lymphocyte adhesion and trafficking. The contribution of Mst1 to Ag-specific immune responses and autoimmunity has not been well defined. In this study, we provide evidence for the essential role of Mst1 in T cell differentiation and autoimmunity, using both genetic and pharmacologic approaches. Absence of Mst1 in mice reduced T cell proliferation and IL-2 production in vitro, blocked cell cycle progression, and elevated activation-induced cell death in Th1 cells. Mst1 deficiency led to a CD4+ T cell development path that was biased toward Th2 and immunoregulatory cytokine production with suppressed Th1 responses. In addition, Mst1−/− B cells showed decreased stimulation to B cell mitogens in vitro and deficient Ag-specific Ig production in vivo. Consistent with altered lymphocyte function, deletion of Mst1 reduced the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and protected against collagen-induced arthritis development. Mst1−/− CD4+ T cells displayed an intrinsic defect in their ability to respond to encephalitogenic antigens and deletion of Mst1 in the CD4+ T cell compartment was sufficient to alleviate CNS inflammation during EAE. These findings have prompted the discovery of novel compounds that are potent inhibitors of Mst1 and exhibit desirable pharmacokinetic properties. In conclusion, this report implicates Mst1 as a critical regulator of adaptive immune responses, Th1/Th2-dependent cytokine production, and as a potential therapeutic target for immune disorders.
Towards using visual process models to control enterprise systems functionalities

In this paper, we propose a model-driven approach for web-service development with the intention of IT infrastructure integration in enterprise models. This implies the extension of existing conceptual modelling languages with language constructs that aim at model information transparency on a web-service basis. Therefore, we assess the grammatical specification of conceptual modelling languages for business domains. Acting on the language meta-level means in this context the introduction of web-service-related constructs into widely used visual modelling grammars. The vision is the situation-dependent adaptation of software functionality to the actual documented utilisation. Economical relevance results from the reduction of significant discrepancies between enterprise systems functionalities and business requirements.
Teacher Supply and Demand to 2005: Projections and Context.

This report presents projections on teacher supply and demand in Australia. Section 1 introduces the report. Section 2 examines the nature and scope of the projections. Section 3 discusses uses and interpretations of such projections and their findings, offering constructive responses. Section 4 outlines the historical context of school enrollments, teacher numbers, and teacher education in Australia. Section 5 presents a national overview of the situation through the 1990s and offers findings of the projections in this report and a state-by-state summary. Tables and figures provide data on such areas as: school students, 1905-2005; teachers, all people with teaching qualifications, and all people in Australia 1996, age 25-64 years; students and teachers in Australian schools, 1955-2005; initial teacher education commencements, 1970-2000; projected surplus/shortage as a percentage of total primary and secondary teachers; projected primary and secondary supply as a percentage of projected demand; student-teacher ratios, 1990, 1995, and 1999; commencing education students, 1991 and 1998; and proportion of those with primary and secondary teaching qualifications who are teaching, 1996. (Contains 20 references.) (SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
MOND, dark matter, and conservation of energy

The MOND equation $m \vec a \mu(a) = \vec F$ could be transformed to the equivalent form $m \vec a = \vec{F'}$, where $\Vec{F'}$ is a transformed force. Using this transformation we argue that MOND could not avoid introducing dark matter, and introduces nonconservative terms to the equations of motion.
Controversial issues in kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in malignant vertebral fractures.

BACKGROUND Kyphoplasty (KP) and vertebroplasty (VP) have been successfully employed in the treatment of pathological vertebral fractures. METHODS A critical review of the medical literature was performed and controversial issues were analyzed. RESULTS Evidence supports KP as the treatment of choice to control fracture pain and the possible restoration of sagittal balance, provided that no overt instability or myelopathy is present, the fracture is painful and other pain generators have been excluded, and positive radiological findings are present. Unilateral procedures yield similar results to bilateral ones and should be pursued whenever feasible. Biopsy should be routinely performed and 3 to 4 levels may be augmented in a single operation. Higher cement filling appears to yield better results. Radiotherapy is complementary with KP and VP but must be individualized. CONCLUSIONS In cases of painful cancer fractures, if overt instability or myelopathy is not present, unilateral KP should be pursued, whenever feasible, followed by radiotherapy. The technological advances in hardware and biomaterials, as well as combining KP with other modalities, will help ensure a safe and more effective procedure. Address.
Introduction Bieffective and tetraeffective causes of mortality and survivorship

Any cause that negatively affects mortality, positively affects mortality, negatively affects survivorship, and positively affects survivorship is tetraeffective (i.e., having four kinds of effects). However, until now, tetraeffective causes of mortality and survivorship have been undescribed, unidentified, unnamed, unrecognized, unclear, misconceived, unspecified, and unexplained. Here I describe, identify, name, recognize, elucidate, conceptualize, and explain these tetraeffective causes. I show that every tetraeffective cause of mortality and survivorship combines corresponding at least one mortacause and at least one vitacause; “mortacause” refers here to a cause that positively affects mortality and negatively affects survivorship, and “vitacause” refers to a cause that positively affects survivorship and negatively affects mortality. I present strong rationales that suggest that every cause of mortality and survivorship is tetraeffective, and I present references to considerable previous evidence that I interpret to be suggestive evidence of tetraeffective causes of mortality and survivorship. Moreover, rigorous and thorough multivariable analyses of mortality and survivorship of humans and medflies provide here direct evidence of tetraeffective causes of mortality and survivorship, revealing best-fitting specifications dY/d(X) = a + bX such that sign(a) = -sign(bX), where: Y indicates mortality or survivorship; X indicates age, lifespan, contemporary aggregate size, lifespan aggregate size, or historical time; dY/d(X) indicates composite effects of X on Y; a indicates an X-specific mortacause or vitacause; bX indicates the corresponding opposite X-specific mortacause or vitacause; and coefficients a, b, and p denote respective X-specific and entity-specific constants. Thus description, identification, naming, recognition, elucidation, conception, specification, explanation, and demonstration of tetraeffective causes of mortality and survivorship usher a new paradigm of causes of mortality and survivorship and enable and promote further scientific research and practical
An analysis of language models for high-performance communication in local-area networks

In this paper we present an empirical analysis of language models for communication in distributed systems. We consider a computing environment in which a high-level, distributed programming language kernel is sufficient support for high-performance programming applications. We propose programming language support for such an environment and present the performance results of an implementation. Using the distributed programming language StarMod as a context, we describe language constructs for message-based communication (including broadcast), remote invocation, and remote memory references. Each form of communication is integrated into StarMod in a consistent fashion maintaining the properties of transparency, modularity, and full parameter functionality. The costs and benefits associated with the various models of communication are analyzed based on the results of an implementation which runs on 8 PDP 11/23; microprocessors connected by a 1 megabit/second network.
A Stochastic Game Theoretic Model for Expanding ATM Services

ATMs aim to extend essential banking services such as cash withdrawal and deposit beyond the working hours of a bank's branch. However, ATMs incur a significant significant cost overhead in the form of capital and operational costs. The problem of ATM location is further complicated as customers of one bank can use their debit cards at any other bank's ATMs. While this might attract charges, some banks often refund these charges to attract customers. Banks need to have a mechanism to quantitatively measure the benefits of managing their own ATM versus paying for services rendered to it's customers by other banks through their ATMs. Game theory is the study of strategic decision making and is an effective technique to identify the best business strategy when provided with multiple options. In this paper we propose a game theoretic model based on stochastic games to identify the best strategy to be adopted by banks for their ATM expansion. We further propose an algorithm to identify the idle locations where a bank should place an ATM should the result of the ATM game recommend that the bank should establish it's own ATM.
Faith in the Context of Migration: Ethnographic Features of Faith of Migrant Filipino Catholics in Macau, China

Filipinos comprise some of the biggest numbers of migrants worldwide, and in Macau, they are the largest non-Chinese migrant ethnic group. Mainly Catholic, they are also known to be very religious people, and as such, for most Filipinos, faith plays a central role in the migration process. This paper is a study of how Filipinos understand what faith is. A qualitative analysis of interviews with Filipino migrants in Macau reveal some major ethnographic features of the faith of Filipino Catholics particularly construed from the use of words and concepts expressed in their own language. Some of the major themes that emerged include beliefs on the role of God’s agency in their lives, variations of views towards faith based on cultural traits as embodied in the use of words from their own language, and the relation between the public practice of attending mass and the private practice of personal prayer. The study also points to the need for integrating linguistic anthropology as a useful tool in providing a more nuanced analysis of faith and religious practice among migrants.