2D Iterative MAP Detection: Principles and Applications in Image Restoration

The paper provides a theoretical framework for the two-dimensional iterative maximum a posteriori detection. This generalization is based on the concept of detection algorithms BCJR and SOVA, i.e., the classical (one-dimensional) iterative detectors used in telecommunication applications. We generalize the one-dimensional detection problem considering the spatial ISI kernel as a two-dimensional finite state machine (2D FSM) representing a network of the spatially concatenated elements. The cellular structure topology defines the design of the 2D Iterative decoding network, where each cell is a general combination-marginalization statistical element (SISO module) exchanging discrete probability density functions (information metrics) with neighboring cells. In this paper, we statistically analyse the performance of various topologies with respect to their application in the field of image restoration. The iterative detection algorithm was applied on the task of binarization of images taken from a CCD camera. The reconstruction includes suppression of the defocus caused by the lens, CCD sensor noise suppression and interpolation (demosaicing). The simulations prove that the algorithm provides satisfactory results even in the case of an input image that is under-sampled due to the Bayer mask

Investigation of a SiC/Ti-24Al-11Nb composite

A summary of ongoing research on the characterization of a continuous fiber reinforced SiC/Ti-24Al-11Nb (at percent) composite is presented. The powder metallurgy fabrication technique is described as are the nondestructive evaluation results of the as-fabricated composite plates. Tensile properties of the SiC fiber, the matrix material, and the 0-deg SiC/Ti-24Al-11Nb composite (fibers oriented unidirectionally, parallel to the loading axis) from room temperature to 1100 C are presented and discussed with regard to the resultant fractography. The as-fabricated fiber-matrix interface has been examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy and the compounds present in the reaction zone have been identified. Fiber-matrix interaction and stability of the matrix near the fiber is characterized at 815, 985, and 1200 C from 1 to 500 hr. Measurements of the fiber-matrix reaction, the loss of C-rich coating from the surface of the SiC fiber, and the growth of the Beta depleted zone in the matrix adjacent to the fiber are presented. These data and the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the fiber and the matrix are discussed in terms of their likely effects on mechanical properties

Empirical Correlation of Nuclear Magnetic Moments

A simple generalization of the extreme shell model, based upon the kinematics of the collective model, is proposed for the correlation of nuclear magnetic moments. It is shown that, if the concept of a rotating core is adjoined to that of the single-particle model, largely in disregard of dynamical considerations, then by the aid of three simple empirical rules ground-state wave functions may be easily constructed which correctly express the parities, spins, and magnetic moments of all nuclei for which A>~7, with the exception of W183. ** The choice of a particular set of empirical rules was dictated primarily by the twofold desire to keep their number to a minimum and at the same time restrict the consequent wave function to but two components; hence, considerable oversimplification of the true state of affairs is inevitable. However, the internal consistency of the results does point up strikingly the previously observed, but not explicitly investigated, possibility that the nature of the variable degrees of freedom required for generalization of the single-particle model may differ fundamentally for j=l+1/2 in contrast to j=l-1/2 single-particle configurationsÑbeing predominantly those of the core in the former instance and those of the single particle in the latter.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/86147/1/PhysRev.100.822-RKO.pd

Mechanical Translation

Contains research objectives and reports on three research projects.National Science Foundation (Grant G-16843)National Science Foundation (Grant G-13903

Hurricane risk analysis: A review on the physically-based approach

This paper reviews recent studies that take a physically-based approach to better assess and manage hurricane risk. Such a methodology includes three components: modeling the storm climatology (which defines TC risk in terms of the upper tail of the storm statistics); modeling landfalling hazards; and characterizing damage and losses

Depletion of TDP-43 affects Drosophila motoneurons terminal synapsis and locomotive behavior

Pathological modifications in the highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein TDP-43 were recently associated to neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a late-onset disorder that affects predominantly motoneurons [Neumann, M. et al. (2006) Ubiquitinated TDP-43 in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Science 314, 130-133, Sreedharan, J. et al. (2008) TDP-43 mutations in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Science 319, 1668-1672, Kabashi, E. et al. (2008) TARDBP mutations in individuals with sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat. Genet. 40, 572-574]. However, the function of TDP-43 in vivo is unknown and a possible direct role in neurodegeneration remains speculative. Here, we report that flies lacking Drosophila TDP-43 appeared externally normal but presented deficient locomotive behaviors, reduced life span and anatomical defects at the neuromuscular junctions. These phenotypes were rescued by expression of the human protein in a restricted group of neurons including motoneurons. Our results demonstrate the role of this protein in vivo and suggest an alternative explanation to ALS pathogenesis that may be more due to the lack of TDP 43 function than to the toxicity of the aggregates. © 2009 Federation of European Biochemical Societies

TDP-43 regulates drosophila neuromuscular junctions growth by modulating futsch/MAP1B levels and synaptic microtubules organization

TDP-43 is an evolutionarily conserved RNA binding protein recently associated with the pathogenesis of different neurological diseases. At the moment, neither its physiological role in vivo nor the mechanisms that may lead to neurodegeneration are well known. Previously, we have shown that TDP-43 mutant flies presented locomotive alterations and structural defects at the neuromuscular junctions. We have now investigated the functional mechanism leading to these phenotypes by screening several factors known to be important for synaptic growth or bouton formation. As a result we found that alterations in the organization of synaptic microtubules correlate with reduced protein levels in the microtubule associated protein futsch/MAP1B. Moreover, we observed that TDP-43 physically interacts with futsch mRNA and that its RNA binding capacity is required to prevent futsch down regulation and synaptic defects. © 2011 Godena et al

Over-expression of a functionally active human G M2 -activator protein in Escherichia coli

The cDNA of the human GM2-activator protein was cloned into the expression vector pHX17. The plasmid encodes a fusion protein with a hexahistidine tail and a Factor Xa cleavage site at its N-terminus. The recombinant protein was purified from cell homogenates under denaturing conditions by metal-ion affinity chromatography in a single step and then was refolded. The hexahistidine tail could be removed when desired by digestion with Factor Xa. In a functional assay, the GM2-activator thus generated from Escherichia coli and renatured, with or without the hexahistidine tail, was as active as the native GM2-activator protein that was purified from human tissue. When added to the culture medium, the recombinant carbohydrate-free GM2-activator, carrying the hexahistidine tail, could be taken up efficiently and restored the degradation of ganglioside GM2 to normal rates in mutant fibroblasts with the AB variant of GM2-gangliosidosis, which is characterized by a genetic defect in the GM2-activator protein. The prokaryotic expression system is useful for producing milligram quantities of a pure and functionally active GM2-activator