Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multipath time-delay estimation

A transmitted and known signal is observed at the receiver through more than one path in additive noise. The problem is to estimate the number of paths and for each of them the associated attenuation and delay. It is a frequent problem in sonar, radar and geophysics. We propose an algorithm that is easy to implement, that has a reasonable computational load and seems to be able to solve the problem under more severe conditions (lower SNR) than previous methods.
Aurora Kinase A Is Not Involved in CPEB1 Phosphorylation and cyclin B1 mRNA Polyadenylation during Meiotic Maturation of Porcine Oocytes

Regulation of mRNA translation by cytoplasmic polyadenylation is known to be important for oocyte maturation and further development. This process is generally controlled by phosphorylation of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1 (CPEB1). The aim of this study is to determine the role of Aurora kinase A in CPEB1 phosphorylation and the consequent CPEB1-dependent polyadenylation of maternal mRNAs during mammalian oocyte meiosis. For this purpose, we specifically inhibited Aurora kinase A with MLN8237 during meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes. Using poly(A)-test PCR method, we monitored the effect of Aurora kinase A inhibition on poly(A)-tail extension of long and short cyclin B1 encoding mRNAs as markers of CPEB1-dependent cytoplasmic polyadenylation. Our results show that inhibition of Aurora kinase A activity impairs neither cyclin B1 mRNA polyadenylation nor its translation and that Aurora kinase A is unlikely to be involved in CPEB1 activating phosphorylation.
Epigenetic reprogramming in breast cancer: From new targets to new therapies

Abstract Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Recently, interest has grown in the role of epigenetics in breast cancer development and progression. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and abnormal expression of non-coding RNAs emerged as novel biomarkers in breast cancer diagnosis, therapy, and prevention. This review focuses on the most recent mechanistic findings underlying epigenetic changes in breast cancer development and their role as predictors of breast cancer risk. The rapid progress in our understanding of epigenetic findings in breast cancer has opened new avenues for potential therapeutic approaches via identification of epigenetic targets. We highlight the development of novel epigenetically targeted drugs, relevant clinical trials in breast cancer patients, and recent approaches combining epigenetic agents with chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy that may incrementally improve long-term outcomes in appropriately selected breast cancer patients. Biomarkers of response are needed, however, to identify patient subsets that are most likely to benefit from epigenetic treatment strategies.
Gender and Decision-Making: Competitive, Risky and Entrepreneurial Decisions

There has been an abundance of recent literature related to how gender affects decisions in competitive, risky and entrepreneurial environments, mostly noting that women are less likely to compete, are more risk averse and less likely to embark on an entrepreneurial career path. This dissertation challenges those findings, presenting three chapters that address each of the environments in question. The first chapter shows that decisions to compete are moderated by the domain in which the competition is to take place; and shows that gender stereotypes associated with competence in the domain influence the decisions of each sex to compete in the given domain. The second chapter explores the well-accepted finding that women are more risk averse than men. This chapter investigates when gender differences in risk aversion are likely to occur and when they are less likely to manifest. We find that gender differences in risk aversion are likely to occur in decisions where the probability of outcomes is known, as in chance games, and objectively quantified, and less likely to occur in decisions where one must rely on their own internal subjective expectancies of the probabilities of outcomes - the kind of decisions that dominate our day-to-day decision-making. We propose and test the mechanism that is responsible for producing gender differences in risk aversion: one's subjective expectancy of the outcome. In decisions under risk, when subjective expectancies are accounted for the gender difference in risk aversion disappears. The final chapter presents a model of entrepreneurial decision making drawing from social-cognitive psychology and judgment and decision-making research. The model examines the influence of anticipated social resources and socio-cognitive processes that operate in tandem to affect entrepreneurial decisions such as venture selection and investments. Findings support the influence of gender role cognitions in evaluative perceptions and decisions related to venture initiation and investment decisions; suggesting that social identity biases exert considerable power over who is likely to pursue different types of entrepreneurial opportunities.
Top-N recommendations in the presence of sparsity: An NCD-based approach

Making recommendations in the presence of sparsity is known to present one of the most challenging problems faced by collaborative filtering methods. In this work we tackle this problem by exploiting the innately hierarchical structure of the item space following an approach inspired by the theory of Decomposability. We view the itemspace as a Nearly Decomposable system and we define blocks of closely related elements and corresponding indirect proximity components. We study the theoretical properties of the decomposition and we derive sufficient conditions that guarantee full item space coverage even in cold-start recommendation scenarios. A comprehensive set of experiments on the MovieLens and the Yahoo! R2Music datasets, using several widely applied performance metrics, support our model's theoretically predicted properties and verify that NCDREC outperforms several state-of-the-art algorithms, in terms of recommendation accuracy, diversity and sparseness insensitivity.
Private Prometheus: Private Higher Education and Development in the 21st Century

Preface Comparative Perspectives on Private Higher Education by Philip G. Altbach When Private Higher Education Does Not Bring Organizational Diversity: Argentina, China, and Hungary by Daniel C. Levy Will the Invisible Hand Fix Private Higher Education? by Claudio de Moura Castro and Juan Carlos Navarro Accreditation of Higher Education in Chile and Latin America by Luis Eduardo Gonzalez Private Higher Education in Mexico: Growth and Differentiation by Rollin Kent and Rosalba Ramirez Private Higher Education in the Philippines: Private Domination in a Developing Country by Andrew Gonzalez Emerging Trends and Evolving Public Policies in India by Jandhyala B. G. Tilak Corporatization, Privatization, and Internationalization of Higher Education in Malaysia by Molly N. N. Lee Private Higher Education in Hungary: The Market Influences the University by Judit Nagy-Darvas and Peter Darvas In Search of the Missing Link between Education and Development by Xabier Gorostiaga Select Bibliography by Yoshikazu Ogawa Index
Co-circulation of diverse paramyxoviruses in an urban African fruit bat population

Bats constitute a reservoir of zoonotic infections and some bat paramyxoviruses are capable of cross-species transmission, often with fatal consequences. Determining the level of viral diversity in reservoir populations is fundamental to understanding and predicting viral emergence. This is particularly relevant for RNA viruses where the adaptive mutations required for cross-species transmission can be present in the reservoir host. We report the use of non-invasively collected, pooled, neat urine samples as a robust sample type for investigating paramyxoviruses in bat populations. Using consensus PCR assays we have detected a high incidence and genetic diversity of novel paramyxoviruses in an urban fruit bat population over a short period of time. This may suggest a similarly unique relationship between bats and the members of the family Paramyxoviridae as proposed for some other viral families. Additionally, the high rate of bat–human contact at the study site calls for the zoonotic potential of the detected viruses to be investigated further.
Increased Range of Motion to Impingement with Large Head Total Hip Arthroplasty: Point of Diminishing Returns

Large head total hip arthroplasty (THA) is known to increase range of motion to impingement and decrease risk of dislocation, however, this is dependent on accurate component positioning and patient anatomy. In this study, a computer-aided design model was used to determine the effects of component positioning on range of motion to impingement with increasing head size. Three-dimensional models were made of 7 cadaver CT scans and virtual THA was performed with a conventional implant system. Theoretical range of motion to impingement was tested before and after the components were implanted in flexion, extension, internal/external rotation, abduction, adduction, and flexed internal/external rotation. Range of motion increased non-linearly in every motion except for external rotation and adduction with increasing head size, with gains in ROM limited by osseous impingement. Use of large head THA leads to increased ROM to impingement, but with larger head sizes, benefits are limited by bony anatomy.
Carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis.

We announce the completion of acquisition of patients for a prospective randomized clinical trial designed to determine the role of carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. We also respond to a previous editorial concerning this trial. This on-going multicenter trial (Cooperative Studies Protocol #167, Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis: Etiological Importance in Development of Stroke) has been conducted in 10 Veterans Administration Medical Centers during the last 5 years. Randomization of 451 adult male patients with a mean age of 64 years to treatment with carotid endarterectomy plus aspirin versus treatment with aspirin alone was completed in November 1987. Mean clinical followup is currently 36 months, and a 60-month followup is planned before the outcome results are reported. Compared with other studies on carotid bruit,this trial included only patients with hemodynamically significant stenoses defined as luminal reductions on lateral arteriography of ^50%, a luminal area reduction of ^75% in the presence of positive noninvasive testing. Contrary to Dyken's editorial opinion, these lesions are associated with an increased rate of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke. Chambers and Norris reported an 18% annual rate of TIA and stroke in an asymptomatic population with area reductions of s75% compared with a rate of <3% in patients with lesser stenoses. Furthermore, significantly higher annual neurologic event rates were observed in patients with progressing carotid artery stenoses and heart disease and in male patients. Consequently, the concept of identifying asymptomatic patients with high-grade stenoses or noninvasive evidence of increasingly severe stenoses as a stroke-prone group is valid and forms the basis for this trial. The magnitude of operative stroke and death is of paramount importance in the decision for carotid
A case of adult atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome related to anti-factor H autoantibodies successfully treated by plasma exchange, corticosteroids and rituximab

Complement factor H auto-antibodies (CFH-ab) are a rare cause (6–10%) of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS). All observations previously described were retrospective and occurred in children or teenagers. We report the first case of aHUS associated with anti-CFH antibodies in an adult patient who was successfully treated by plasma exchange, corticosteroids and rituximab.
COPY-MOVE DETECTION ALGORITHM EFFICIENCY INCREASE USING BINARY SPACE PARTITIONING TREES

Duplicates embedding is one of the most frequently used type of digital image change. The copy-move procedure includes copying an image fragment from one part and pasting it to another part of the same image. More- over, this fragment can be changed using some transformations, like affine or contrast enhancement. Existing copy-move detection methods consist of two main steps: feature calculation in overlapping processing windows and the nearest feature search in Euclidean space using lexicographic sorting or kd-tree search. In this paper we suggest to use binary space partitioning trees on the second step of the detection algorithm - vp-tree (vantage-point tree). We pre- sent the search speed comparison using vp-tree and kd-tree. The results show advantage of the proposed solution over kd-tree use.
Finnish Native Language Identification

We outline the first application of Native Language Identification (NLI) to Finnish learner data. NLI is the task of predicting an author’s first language using writings in an acquired language. Using data from a new learner corpus of Finnish — a language typology quite different from others previously investigated, with its morphological richness potentially causing difficulties — we show that a combination of three feature types is useful for this task. Our system achieves an accuracy of 70% against a baseline of 20% for predicting an author’s L1. Using the same features we can also distinguish non-native writings with an accuracy of 97%. This methodology can be useful for studying language transfer effects, developing teaching materials tailored to students’ native language and also forensic linguistics.
Implementing distributed packet fair queueing in a scalable switch architecture

To support the Internet's growth, there is a need for cost effective switching technologies that can simultaneously provide high capacity switching and advanced QoS. Unfortunately, these two goals are largely believed to be contradictory in nature. To support QoS, sophisticated packet scheduling algorithms, such as fair queueing, are needed to manage queueing points. However, the bulk of current research in packet scheduling algorithms assumes an output buffered switch architecture, whereas most high performance switches are input buffered. While output buffered systems may have the desired QoS, they lack the necessary scalability. Input buffered systems, while scalable, lack the necessary QoS features. We propose the construction of switching systems that are both input and output buffered with the scalability of input buffered switches and the robust QoS of output buffered switches. We call the resulting architecture distributed packet fair queueing (D-PFQ) as it enables physically dispersed line cards to provide a service that closely approximates an output-buffered switch with fair queueing. By equalizing the growth of the virtual time functions across the switch system, most of the PFQ algorithms in the literature can be properly defined for distributed operation. We present our system using a cross bar for the switch core. Buffering techniques are used to enhance the system's latency tolerance, which enables the use of pipelining and variable packet sizes internally. We evaluate the delay and bandwidth sharing properties.
Characterization of a pea gene responsive to low temperature

A cold-induced gene, peaci11.8, was isolated by differential screening of a subtracted cDNA library from cold-acclimated etiolated seedlings of pea (Pisum sativum L.). The expression of peaci11.8 gene was investigated. The accumulation of the transcripts began within 6 h of cold treatment and peaked between 4 and 10 days of treatment. The expression of this gene was rapidly down-regulated after the acclimated seedlings were transferred to ambient temperature. This indicated the correlation of the peaci11.8 gene expression and cold treatment. Further studies showed that the expression was also highly stimulated by water stress. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of peaci11.8 shared significant homology with several plant cold-induced genes. In addition, the sequence analysis revealed the presence of two common features of many late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, the lysine-rich motif and the serine cluster. The availibility of peaci11.8 will facilitate the structure-function studies of the cold-inducible gene product.
Information-theoretic bounds on target recognition performance

This paper derives bounds on the performance of statistical object recognition systems, wherein an image of a target is observed by a remote sensor. Detection and recognition problems are modeled as composite hypothesis testing problems involving nuisance parameters. We develop information- theoretic performance bounds on target recognition based on statistical models for sensors and data, and examine conditions under which these bounds are tight. In particular, we examine the validity of asymptotic approximations to probability of error in such imaging problems. Applications to target recognition based on compressed sensor image data are given. This study provides a systematic and computationally attractive framework for analytically characterizing target recognition performance under complicated, non-Gaussian models, and optimizing system parameters.
PORPHYRIN‐SENSITIZED PHOTOREACTIONS IN THE PRESENCE OF ASCORBATE: OXIDATION OF CELL MEMBRANE LIPIDS AND HYDROXYL RADICAL TRAPS

Abstract— Photooxidation reactions in ascorbate (AH)‐containing erythrocyte membrane suspensions have been studied in broad perspective by simultaneously monitoring lipid peroxidation in the membrane compartment and formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radical (OH) in the aqueous compartment. Non‐bound uroporphyrin (UP) and membrane‐bound protoporphyrin (PP) were used as sensitizers. Photoreduction of UP to the radical anion (UP‐) was detected by electron spin resonance when UP/AH/membrane mixtures were irradiated anaerobically. Aerobic irradiation resulted in a strong AH‐‐stimulation of lipid peroxidation, H2O2 formation, and OH‐ generation (detected with 2‐deoxyribose (DOR) and the spin trap 5,5‐dimethyl‐l‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide). Use of diagnostic agents (e.g. catalase, desferrioxamine, mannitol) revealed that OH‐ is involved in light‐stimulated DOR oxidation, but not in lipid peroxidation. Similar irradiation in the presence of PP resulted in far greater lipid peroxidation than observed with UP, but less DOR oxidation, and insignificant accumulation of H2O2. This suggests that photoreduction of membrane‐bound PP is less efficient, possibly due to hindered access of AH‐.
Great political thinkers

This book contains studies of four of the most influential political theorists in the Western tradition: Machiavelli, whose name is a byword for duplicity, Hobbes, the first great English political philosopher, Mill, liberal thinker and champion of individual liberty, and Marx, whose legacy has affected the lives of millions. This book is aimed at students of political and economic history, political theory, as well as general readers.
How to cope with a superior enemy? Plant defence strategies in response to annual herbivore outbreaks

1. The perfoliate pondweed Potamogeton perfoliatus L. constitutes large monospecific macrophyte patches in many Central European lakes. Correlative evidence from the field suggests that P. perfoliatus is under an increasing grazing pressure during its short vegetation period from May to September due to seasonal outbreaks of the aquatic moth Acentria ephemerella Denis & Schiffermüller. We used a mesocosm experiment to determine the influence of A. ephemerella herbivory on P. perfoliatus shoot development and resting bud production and to study the defence strategies of this macrophyte.
MIFlowCyt: The minimum information about a flow cytometry experiment

A fundamental tenet of scientific research is that published results are open to independent validation and refutation. Minimum data standards aid data providers, users, and publishers by providing a specification of what is required to unambiguously interpret experimental findings. Here, we present the Minimum Information about a Flow Cytometry Experiment (MIFlowCyt) standard, stating the minimum information required to report flow cytometry (FCM) experiments. We brought together a cross‐disciplinary international collaborative group of bioinformaticians, computational statisticians, software developers, instrument manufacturers, and clinical and basic research scientists to develop the standard. The standard was subsequently vetted by the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) Data Standards Task Force, Standards Committee, membership, and Council. The MIFlowCyt standard includes recommendations about descriptions of the specimens and reagents included in the FCM experiment, the configuration of the instrument used to perform the assays, and the data processing approaches used to interpret the primary output data. MIFlowCyt has been adopted as a standard by ISAC, representing the FCM scientific community including scientists as well as software and hardware manufacturers. Adoptionof MIFlowCyt by the scientific and publishing communities will facilitate third‐party understanding and reuse of FCM data. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
An evaluation of prefilled insulin pens: a focus on the Next Generation FlexPen®

Insulin pen delivery systems are preferred by patients over the traditional vial and syringe method for insulin delivery because they are simple and easy to use, improve confidence in dosing insulin, and have less interference with activities and improved discretion with use. Insulin manufacturers have made numerous improvements to their first marketed pen devices and are now introducing their next generation of devices. Design modifications to the newest generation of prefilled insulin pen devices are intended to improve the ease of use and safety and continue to positively impact adherence to insulin. This review focuses on the Next Generation FlexPen® with regard to design considerations to reduce injection force, improve accuracy and ease of use, and evaluate the preference of patient and health-care provider compared with other disposable, prefilled insulin pen devices.
Quantitation of venous clot lysis with the D-dimer immunoassay during fibrinolytic therapy requires correction for soluble fibrin degradation.

Plasma cross-linked fibrin-degradation products were analyzed using a D-dimer (DD) immunoassay in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or acute myocardial infarction (MI) treated with fibrinolytic therapy, and the results were correlated with clot lysis documented angiographically. In 13 patients with DVT, the mean DD concentration increased 10-fold (1,074 +/- 252 to 10,333 +/- 1,004 ng/ml) during therapy, but neither the peak level nor the DD concentration integrated over the course of therapy correlated with clot lysis. Since plasma DD can derive from degradation of soluble plasma fibrin as well as from thrombi, the contribution of the former was estimated by in vitro incubation of the pretreatment plasma with plasminogen activator. Subtraction of this value from the measured posttreatment DD concentration provided a "corrected" level that represented DD originating from lysis of thrombi. This modification resulted in improved correlation of DD levels with clot lysis. The mean corrected peak DD was higher in patients with successful thrombolysis (8,780 +/- 1,352 ng/ml) compared with patients without lysis (3,075 +/- 589 ng/ml, p less than 0.001). There was a moderate correlation between the volume of clot lysed and the corrected peak DD (r = 0.62) and a higher correlation with the corrected DD integrated over the course of treatment (r = 0.97). By contrast, the corrected DD concentrations were near zero in patients treated for MI with or without thrombolytic reperfusion, suggesting that fibrin in small coronary thrombi did not contribute significantly to total plasma DD during therapy. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)