An efficient algorithm for lattice filter/predictor

Journal ArticleABSTRACT An efficient method for updating the lattice filter/predictor coefficients using the sign algorithm is introduced. The pertinent coefficients are updated using only the signs of the estimation errors at each stage. This method requires less number of multiplications than other adaptive lattice filter algorithms. The performance of this method is compared with that of the lattice filter using the LMS algorithm for the problems of spectrum estimation and adaptive interference cancellation

Spectral leakage suppression properties of linear and quadratic windowing

Journal ArticleAbstract-It is shown that the leakage suppression properties of segment averaging spectrum estimation methods using hear windows and equivalent quadratic windows are asymptotically the same, under the assumption that segments relatively far apart are uncorrelated. Thus, for large data lengths, one can effectively replace linear windowing by its equivalent quadratic windowing and hope to get similar leakage suppression at a substantially reduced computational cost. A simulation example that supports this conclusion is presented

Adaptive nonlinear digital filter with sequential regression algorithm

Journal ArticleThe purpose of this paper is to introduce an adaptive nonlinear digital filtering algorithm which use the sequential regression (SER) method to update the second order Volterra filter coefficients in a recursive way. Conventionally, the SER method has been used to invert large matrices which result from direct application of the Wiener filter large matrices which result from direct application of the Wiener filter theory to the Volterra filter. However, the algorithm proposed in this paper adopts the simplified least squares solution that results when the input signals are Gaussian, and hence the size of the matrix to be inverted in smaller than that of the conventional approaches. Simulation results are also included to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm

A baseband residual vector quantization algorithm for voiceband data signals

Journal ArticleAbstract-In this paper, we present a new approach to the digitization and compression of a class of voiceband modem signals. Our approach, which we call baseband residual vector quantization (BRVQ), relies heavily upon the simple structure present in a modem signal. After the signal is converted to baseband, the magnitude sequence and the sequence of residuals obtained when the phase within each baud of the baseband signal is modeled by a straight line are separately vector quantized. In order to carry out these operations, we developed the new carrier-frequency estimation and baud-rate classification schemes described in the paper. Experimental results show that the performance of the BRVQ system at and below 16 kbits/s is better than that of a previously developed vector quantization scheme that has itself been shown to outperform traditional speech-compression techniques such as adaptive predictive coding, adaptive transform coding, and subband coding when these techniques are used to compress modem signals

On using the short-time unbiased spectrum estimation algorithm for estimating time delays and magnitude squared coherence functions

Journal ArticleThis paper introduces novel applications of the short-time unbiased sprectral estimation (STUSE) algorithm, which adds biased estimates to yield unbiased spectral estimates. It is shown that STUSE algorithm is an effective tool for estimating time delays and magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) functions between two stationary signals received at spatially separated sensors, especially when one of the signals is a delayed version of the other. Computer simulation results are presented to compare the performances of the STUSE algorithm and the conventional weighted overlapped segment averaging (WOSA) method for spectrum estimation

Adaptive realizations of the phase transform for time delay estimation

Journal ArticleABSTRACT This paper introduces two recursive realizations of the Phase Transforn (PHAT) processor for tine delay estimation (TOE), using a simple one-pole lowpass filter and the least mean square (LMS) adaptive filter, respectively. It is shown that these adaptive methods are very effective in reducing the effect of interfering tonals. The performances of these methods are compared with those of other existing adaptive TOE algorithms via computer simulations

Adaptive realizations of the maximum likelihood processor for time delay estimation

Journal ArticleAbstract-This correspondence introduces an adaptive realization of the maximum likelihood (ML) processor for time delay estimation (TDE). Also presented is a modified ML processor, which requires less computations but still performs better than the other when implemented in an adaptive way. Widrow's least mean square (LMS) adaptive filter algorithm is used to implement the two methods. Simulation results comparing these processors with other existing adaptive TDE algorithms are also presented

The changing face of kuru: a personal perspective

The epidemic of kuru is now known to have been transmitted among the Fore by ritual consumption of infected organs from deceased relatives. As cannibalism was suppressed by government patrol officers during the 1950s, most transmission had ceased by 1957, when the kuru research programme first commenced. As predicted in the 1960s, the epidemic has waned, with progressive ageing of kuru-affected cohorts over the years to 2007. The few cases seen in the twenty-first century, with the longest incubation periods, were almost certainly exposed as children prior to 1960. Although the research programme had almost no role in bringing the kuru epidemic to an end, it did provide important knowledge that was to help the wider world in controlling the later epidemics of iatrogenic and variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy

The Relation Between Magnetospheric State Parameters and the Occurrence of Plasma Depletion Events in the Night-Time Mid-Latitude F-Region

Studies using all-sky imagers have revealed the presence of various ionospheric irregularities in the night-time mid-latitude F-region. The most prevalent and well known of these are the Medium Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (MSTIDs) that usually occur when the geomagnetic activity is low, and mid-latitude spread-F plumes that are often observed when the geomagnetic activity is high. The inverse and direct relations between geomagnetic activity (particularly Kp) and the occurrence rate of MSTIDs and midlatitude plumes, respectively, have been observed by several studies using different instruments. In order to understand the underlying causes of these two relations, it is illuminating to better characterize the occurrence of MSTIDs and plumes using multiple magnetospheric state parameters. Here we statistically compare multiple geomagnetic driver and response parameters (such as Kp, AE, Dst, and solar wind parameters) with the occurrence rates of night-time MSTIDs and plumes observed using an all-sky imager at Arecibo Observatory (AO) between 2003 and 2008. The results not only allow us to better distinguish MSTIDs and plumes, but also shed further light on the generation mechanism and electrodynamics of these two different phenomena occurring at night-time in the mid-latitude F-region

The natural history of renal disease in Australian Aborigines. Part 1. Changes in albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate over time

The natural history of renal disease in Australian Aborigines. Part 1. Changes in albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate over time.BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to describe changes over time in albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in a cohort of Australian Aborigines from a community with high rates of renal disease and renal failure.MethodsParticipants were 486 adult community members (20+ years at first exam) who were screened for renal disease and related factors on at least two occasions (mean 2.7 occasions), at least a year apart, between 1990 and 1997. Renal function was assessed by the albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR; g/mol) on a random urine specimen and by the GFR estimated from the Cockcroft-Gault formula. Evolution over time was expressed as the average annual changes in these parameters.ResultsOn baseline examination, 70% of participants had albuminuria (ACR 1.1+ g/mol) There was a significant net increase in ACR and a fall in GFR in the cohort over time. Among individuals, however, changes were strongly correlated with ACR levels at baseline. There was no loss of GFR in persons with normal renal parameters at baseline and a rapid loss of GFR in those with substantial levels of albuminuria at baseline. Other factors significantly correlated with progression of ACR included age, baseline body mass index and systolic blood pressure, the presence of diabetes (or levels of fasting glucose), and elevated levels of serum gamma glutamyl transferase. Factors significantly associated with loss of GFR included body mass index, diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, microscopic hematuria, and marginally high cholesterol levels.ConclusionAlbuminuria progresses and GFR is lost over time in individuals in this community, at rates that are strongly dependent on levels of pre-existing albuminuria. Much loss of GFR and all renal failure should be avoided by preventing the development of albuminuria and minimizing its progression. This depends on improving the weight, blood pressure, and metabolic profile of the entire community and reducing infections. Modification of the course in people with established disease depends on vigorous control of blood pressure and the metabolic profile and the specific use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors