Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IIR deconvolution from noisy observations using Kalman filtering

In this paper, we reconstruct the input signal of an IIR filter from the noise corrupted output signal. We perform two operations parallely. One deconvolution and the other, noise removal. We show how to use Kalman filter to perform this task. We develop theory for a very general scenario of reconstructing an ARMA process from its noise corrupted IIR filtered output. We develop augmented state space equations combining the state space equations of the ARMA process and the IIR filter, which are required to apply Kalman filter. The simulation results show clear improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio.
Wavelet transforms for detecting microcalcifications in mammography

Clusters of fine, granular microcalcifications in mammograms may be an early sign of disease. Individual grains are difficult to detect and segment due to size and shape variability and because the background mammogram texture is inhomogeneous. We present a two-stage method based on wavelet transforms for detecting and segmenting calcifications. The first stage consists of a full resolution wavelet transform, which is simply the conventional filter bank implementation without downsampling, so that all sub-bands remain at full size. Four octaves are computed with two inter-octave voices for finer scale resolution. By appropriate selection of the wavelet basis the detection of microcalcifications in the relevant size range can be nearly optimized in the details sub-bands. Detected pixel sites in the LH, HL, and HH sub-bands are heavily weighted before computing the inverse wavelet transform. The LL component is omitted since gross spatial variations are of little interest. Individual microcalcifications are often greatly enhanced in the output image, to the point where straightforward thresholding can be applied to segment them. FROC curves are computed from tests using a well-known database of digitized mammograms. A true positive fraction of 85% is achieved at 0.5 false positives per image. <<ETX>>
On the structure and dynamics of the complex of the nucleosome and the linker histone

Several different models of the linker histone (LH)–nucleosome complex have been proposed, but none of them has unambiguously revealed the position and binding sites of the LH on the nucleosome. Using Brownian dynamics-based docking together with normal mode analysis of the nucleosome to account for the flexibility of two flanking 10 bp long linker DNAs (L-DNA), we identified binding modes of the H5-LH globular domain (GH5) to the nucleosome. For a wide range of nucleosomal conformations with the L-DNA ends less than 65 Å apart, one dominant binding mode was identified for GH5 and found to be consistent with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments. GH5 binds asymmetrically with respect to the nucleosomal dyad axis, fitting between the nucleosomal DNA and one of the L-DNAs. For greater distances between L-DNA ends, docking of GH5 to the L-DNA that is more restrained and less open becomes favored. These results suggest a selection mechanism by which GH5 preferentially binds one of the L-DNAs and thereby affects DNA dynamics and accessibility and contributes to formation of a particular chromatin fiber structure. The two binding modes identified would, respectively, favor a tight zigzag chromatin structure or a loose solenoid chromatin fiber.
A realistic simulation model for peer-to-peer storage systems

The peer-to-peer (P2P) paradigm have emerged as a cheap, scalable, self-repairing and fault-tolerant storage solution. This solution relies on erasure codes to generate additional redundant fragments of each "block of data" in order to increase the reliability and availability and overcome the churn. When the amount of unreachable fragments attains a predefined threshold, due to permanent departures or long disconnections of peers, a recovery process is initiated to compensate the missing fragments, requiring multiple fragments of data of a given "block" to be downloaded in parallel for an enhanced service. Recent modeling efforts that address the availability and the durability of data have assumed the recovery process to follow an exponential distribution, an assumption made mainly in the absence of studies characterizing the "real" distribution of the recovery process. This work aims at filling this gap and better understanding the behavior of these systems through simulation while taking into consideration the heterogeneity of peers, the underlying network topologies, the propagation delays and the transport protocol. To that end, the distributed storage protocol is implemented in the NS-2 network simulator. This paper describes a realistic simulation model that captures the behavior of P2P storage systems. We provide some experiments results that show how modeling the availability and durability can be impacted by the recovery times distribution which is impacted in turn by the characteristics of the the network and the context.
The effect of acquisition channels on customer loyalty and cross-buying

Acquisition channels are important predictors of customer loyalty in the first stages of a business–consumer relationship. Although some researchers have provided examples of the differences in the value of the customers businesses acquire via different channels, they have not considered the impact of acquisition channels on loyalty and cross-buying. Using probit-models we explored how retention rates and cross-selling opportunities differ among the various acquisition channels a financial-services provider uses. Our results indicate that the direct-mail acquisition channel performs poorly on retention and cross-selling, while radio and TV perform poorly for retention only. The firm's Web site seems to perform well for retention. The theoretical and practical implications of our results are discussed.
Comments on 'productivity Convergence and International Openness' (

This Chapter studies the economic mechanism relating (i) growth and (ii) openness to trade. It investigates how openness to economic exchange influences total factor productivity (TFP) convergence across economies. This Chapter stands as the natural limit point of the sequence of findings reported in earlier Chapters. At the Conference, we had previously seen correlations and tabulations and distribution-dynamic characterizations all suggesting a positive connection between (i) and (ii) above. Arriving at this Chapter, the reader is primed for the payoff. When does openness to trade induce higher economic growth and improved productivity? What is the economic mechanism that makes this work? The reader is ready to see all kid gloves taken off, and the findings laid bare. Indeed, the Chapter does not disappoint. It provides a simple partial-equilibrium economic model showing how a less advanced economy might " catch up " with a more advanced one through technology transfer. It studies the predictions of that model through a range of panel data econometric analysis. The key finding is that openness to trade improves matters for the follower economy, and TFP convergence can occur. But there are limits. Even in the very long run, if nothing else were to change and the convergence process were to continue, TFP in the UK (the less advanced economy, in this instance) will remain permanently behind that of the leading economy. The central empirical result is, to be clear, more precise than what I have just stated. Openness to trade matters for the speed with which TFP convergence occurs: The more open is the less advanced
Gaussian multiple-access relay channels with non-causal side information at the transmitters

The multiple-access relay channel (MARC) and its Gaussian version are important models in cellular, ad hoc communication systems, and sensor networks and also, this channel is a comprehensive model which consist of two important channels: Relay Channel (RC) and Multiple Access Channel (MAC). In this paper, we study and analyse the two-user state-dependent discrete and memoryless MARC in which the independent states of channel are known non-causally only at the encoders. An achievable rate region by using binning and decode-and-forward (DF) schemes and an outer bound for this model are obtained. We also by using our results obtain an inner bound for two-user Gaussian MARC with identical non-causal side information. Our model includes discrete and continuous (Gaussian) multiple access channel rate region and relay channel rate with non-causal side information. Finally, we evaluate our bounds for Gaussian MARC numerically and illustrate the effect of interference power on bounds.
A mutator phenotype in cancer.

We have proposed that an early step in tumor progression is the expression of a mutator phenotype resulting from mutations in genes that normally function in the maintenance of genetic stability. There is new and strong experimental evidence that supports the concept of a mutator phenotype in cancer. As technologies for chromosomal visualization and DNA advance, there are increasing data that human cancer cells contain large numbers of mutations. First, I will review the concept of a mutator phenotype. Second, I will present the recent evidence that individual cancer cells contain thousands of mutations. Third, I will explore potential target genes that are required for maintenance of genetic stability in normal cells and ask if they are mutated in cancer cells. Fourth, I will address the timing of a mutator phenotype; is it an early event during tumor progression? Do tumors already contain cells that harbor mutations rendering them resistant to most chemotherapeutic agents? Lastly, I will speculate on the theoretical and practical implication of a mutator phenotype in cancer and consider the possibility of cancer prevention by delay, i.e., a reduction in mutation rates early during carcinogenesis might slow the progression of tumors.
Effect of pterygium morphology on pterygium recurrence in a controlled trial comparing conjunctival autografting with bare sclera excision.

OBJECTIVES To compare success rates of conjunctival autografting and bare sclera excision for primary and recurrent pterygium in the tropics and to evaluate risk factors for pterygium recurrence. METHODS A prospective, controlled clinical trial was performed in which 123 primary and 34 recurrent pterygia, matched for age and pterygium morphology, were randomized in 2 separate studies to receive either bare sclera excision or conjunctival autograft. The surgical procedures were performed by one surgeon and reviewed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery by an independent observer. Pterygium morphology was clinically graded as atrophic, intermediate, or fleshy according to an assessment of pterygium translucency. Risk factors were assessed using likelihood ratio tests. Weibull curves were used to estimate recurrence rates allowing for the interval censoring. RESULTS In the group with primary pterygium (mean follow-up, 15.1 months), 38 (61%) of the 62 cases of bare sclera excision (heretofore referred to as the bare sclera group) had pterygium recur in contrast with 1 (2%) of the 61 cases of conjunctival autograft (heretofore referred to as the conjunctival autograph group) (P<.001, likelihood ratio X2 test). Nontranslucency, or fleshiness of the pterygium, and not age was a significant risk factor for recurrence in the bare sclera group (P<.001, likelihood ratio X2 test). In the group with recurrent pterygium (mean follow-up, 13.2 months), 14 (82%) of the 17 bare sclera group had pterygium recur, while no recurrences occurred among 17 cases in the conjunctival autograft group. Nontranslucency was again a highly significant factor for recurrence (P<.001, likelihood ratio X2 test). CONCLUSIONS Pterygium recurrence is related to pterygium morphology and fleshiness of the pterygium is a significant risk factor for recurrence if bare sclera excision is performed. Conjunctival autografting for primary and recurrent pterygium is effective in reducing pterygium recurrence compared with bare sclera excision.
Effect of auditory cortex ablation on localization and discrimination of brief sounds.

1. Dogs with bilateral auditory cortex lesions were tested on their ability to localize and discriminate brief sounds. In each test the animals were required to approach one of two goal boxes in order to indicate their response. 2. The results showed: a) that the operated animals could not solve the localization tasks when the goal boxes were located more than 125 cm away, but could solve the task if the goal boxes were located closer to the animal; b) that the operated animals could successfully discriminate brief bursts of click trains (i.e., 100/s versus 10/s, 0.3 s duration) even when required to indicate their discrimination by moving to goal boxes located 250 cm away, in spite of the fact that they could not successfully localize these sounds under similar conditions; c) that the operated animals tracked the source of a continuous sound instead of localizing it in a normal manner. 3. It appears that the deficit in sound localization resulting from cortical ablation is not due to any impairment in auditory attention or memory. Furthermore, the deficit cannot be ascribed to an inability to make a spatial response to an auditory cue. Instead, the deficit may be the result of a disconnection of the sound-localization mechanism from the motor mechanism necessary for some, though not all, behavioral responses.
New insights into the incorporation of natural suppressor tRNAs at stop codons in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Stop codon readthrough may be promoted by the nucleotide environment or drugs. In such cases, ribosomes incorporate a natural suppressor tRNA at the stop codon, leading to the continuation of translation in the same reading frame until the next stop codon and resulting in the expression of a protein with a new potential function. However, the identity of the natural suppressor tRNAs involved in stop codon readthrough remains unclear, precluding identification of the amino acids incorporated at the stop position. We established an in vivo reporter system for identifying the amino acids incorporated at the stop codon, by mass spectrometry in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that glutamine, tyrosine and lysine were inserted at UAA and UAG codons, whereas tryptophan, cysteine and arginine were inserted at UGA codon. The 5′ nucleotide context of the stop codon had no impact on the identity or proportion of amino acids incorporated by readthrough. We also found that two different glutamine tRNAGln were used to insert glutamine at UAA and UAG codons. This work constitutes the first systematic analysis of the amino acids incorporated at stop codons, providing important new insights into the decoding rules used by the ribosome to read the genetic code.
Multidimensional steady infiltration to a water table

We address the question of the applicability of the body of solutions for quasi-linear multidimensional steady infiltration with perfect drainage to cases with a water table (or, by inference, a sloping impermeable base) at a finite depth beneath the water supply source. The exact solutions for steady quasi-linear point and line sources over a water table are our point of departure. With their aid we construct approximate solutions to the general problem of three-dimensional axisymmetric and two-dimensional steady infiltration from finite water supply sources at fixed moisture potential to a water table at finite depth. We take as illustrative solutions disc- and strip-shaped water supply sources. When the depth from the source to the water table (or the base) is of order 4 sorptive lengths, perfect drainage solutions yield discharge estimates of ample accuracy. When the depth is less, our approximate analysis gives, in favorable cases, the requisite correction. In less favorable cases it gives the order of magnitude of the correction. The study is facilitated by a method of exponentially weighted images, applicable to the quasi-linear flow equation.
Innervation of accessory sex glands in the adult male golden hamster and quantitative changes of nerve densities with age

Summary. Enzyme histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the types of nerves supplying the ampullary gland, coagulating gland, dorsolateral prostate, ventral prostate and seminal vesicle of the male golden hamster. Quantitative change of dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DβH), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactive and acetylcholinesterase‐stained (AChE‐stained) nerves with age was also determined. Using an antibody against protein gene product 9.5, nerves were seen to distribute in subepithelial connective tissues, smooth muscles and adventitial connective tissues. Presumptive catecholaminergic nerves immunoreactive for DβH and tyrosine hydroxylase were found mainly in periacinar smooth muscles, while AChE‐stained nerves predominantly ramified subepithelial connective tissues. In addition, nerves immunoreactive to NPY, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, leu‐enkephalin, galanin, substance P, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were also detected. Quantitative estimation at 10, 52 and 78 weeks of age showed that densities of DβH and NPY nerves were halved by 52 weeks of age. This level was maintained in older animals. The density of AChE‐stained nerves in all glands did not change with age. The ampullary gland appeared to have more AChE‐stained nerves. These results were discussed from a comparative viewpoint and with regard to possible implications of aging of peripheral nerves on functioning of the male accessory sex glands.
Active tectonics of the Pamirs and Karakorum

The source parameters of moderate- to large-sized earthquakes and the spatial distribution of earthquake hypocenters are used to investigate the active tectonics and three-dimensional configuration of the subducted lithosphere in the Pamir-Karakorum intracontinental convergence zone. The continental collision has resulted in intense deformation in the upper crust. The deformation is distributed over a broad area and is absorbed by thrust and strike-slip faulting. Along the northern margin of the Pamirs, where the deformation due to continental collision is most intense, the Northern Pamir Thrust and several major fault zones mark the present boundary. Most of the earthquakes that occurred in these fault zones are shallow crustal events with focal mechanism solutions correlated with the tectonic features of the region. Along the Pamir Front, thrust faulting dominates, while on the western and eastern edges of the Pamirs the style of deformation is characterized by oblique thrusting with a component of strike-slip motion. Thrust-type events beneath the Tadjik Depression indicate that both the sedimentary rocks and the basement are involved in shortening. Right-lateral strike-slip motion is observed on the eastern edge of the Pamirs where they border the Tarim Basin and in the Talas-Fergana-Kun Lun fault zone. A southward dipping seismic zone beneath the Pamirs and Karakorum indicates that the Asian lithosphere has been subducted along the Pamir Front to a depth of at least 200 km. This interpretation is consistent with published geological and geophysical data. Focal mechanism solutions of some intermediate-depth events beneath the Pamirs show strike-slip faulting with approximately N-S horizontally oriented P axes, indicating that nearly horizontal compression at the intermediate depth is the predominant mode of deformation. A 90-km-deep event beneath the Karakorum is interpreted as occurring in the subducted Asian lithosphere; the fact that the P axis of this event is oriented parallel to the descending plate suggests downdip compression within the Asian lithosphere. The overall tectonics of the region is interpreted as a consequence of the underthrusting Asian lithosphere being impinged upon by the shallow northward underthrusting Indian lithosphere.
MLSE and MAP Equalization for Transmission Over Doubly Selective Channels

In this paper, equalization for transmission over doubly selective channels is discussed. The symbol-by-symbol maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) equalizer and the maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) are discussed. The doubly selective channel is modeled using the basis expansion model (BEM). Using the BEM allows for an easy and low-complexity mechanism for constructing the channel trellis to implement the MLSE and the MAP equalizer. The MLSE and the MAP equalizer are implemented for single-carrier transmission and for multicarrier transmission implemented using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). In this scenario, a complexity-diversity tradeoff can be observed. In addition, we propose a joint estimation and equalization technique for doubly selective channels. In this joint estimation and equalization technique, the channel state information (CSI) is obtained in an iterative manner. Simulation results show that the performance of the joint channel estimation and equalization approaches the performance when perfect CSI is available at the receiver.
Is it always dark in caves

Underground natural sources of visible light are considered. The main light producer is Cerenkov radiation emitted in air, water and rock by cosmic ray muons, that depends, in a complex way, on shape of mountain and of caves. In general the illumination increases linearly with the cavity dimensions. Other light sources are from secondary processes generated by , radioactive decays in rock from minerals luminescence. The natural light fluxes in caves are in general easy to detect but are not used from underground life. RIASSUNTO (E sempre buio in grotta ? ) Vengono qui analizzate Ie sorgenti naturali di luce visibile sottoterra. La maggiore fonte ne e Ia radiazione Cerenkov emessa in aria, acqua e roccia dai muoni della radiazione cosmica che dipende, in modo complesso, dalle forme della cavita e della montagna; in generale essa cresce linearmente con Ie dimensioni del! 'ambiente. Altra Iuce viene prodotta da processi secondari generati dai decadimenti radioattivi nella roccia e dalla luminescenza dei minerali. I flussi di Iuce visibile sottoterra sono in linea di massima facili da misurare rna non vengono utilizzati dalle forme di vita sotteITanea.
Nested variant of urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder

The nested variant of urothelial carcinoma (NVUC) is characterized by the presence of benign-appearing urothelial carcinoma cells in the lamina propria, sparing the surface urothelial involvement. NVUC shows aggressive clinical course despite of benign-looking histology. Herein reported are two cases of NVUC. One is 80-year-old woman, and another is 78-year-old man. In both cases, atypical cells forming nests and tubules were seen in the lamina propria without surface urothelial involvement. One case resembled nephrogenic metaplasia and another proliferated Brunn's nest or inverted papilloma. Immunohistochemically, both cases showed positive p53 and high Ki67 labeling, suggesting that both cases are malignant. Immunohistochemically, one case was characterized by positive cytokeratins, EMA, p53, Ki-67 (labeling=15%), α-methylacyl CoA racemase, CA19-9, and MUC1, and another case by positive cytokeratins, EMA, p63, p53, Ki-67 (lebeling=30%), CD10, CEA, and MUC1. Cyto keratin immunoprofiles were described and other antigens' expressions were shown. The patients are now free of tumor 6 and 15 months after the resection of the bladder tumor.