Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accurate photometry with adaptive optics in the presence of anisoplanatic effects with a sparsely sampled PSF

Anisoplanatic effects can cause significant systematic photometric uncertainty in the analysis of dense stellar fields observed with adaptive optics. Program packages have been developed for a spatially variable PSF, but they require that a sufficient number of bright, isolated stars in the image are present to adequately sample the PSF. Imaging the Galactic center is particularly challenging. We present two ways of dealing with spatially variable PSFs when only one or very few suitable PSF reference stars are present in the field. Local PSF fitting with the StarFinder algorithm is applied to the data. Satisfying results can be found in two ways: (a) creating local PSFs by merging locally extracted PSF cores with the PSF wings estimated from the brightest star in the field; (b) Wiener deconvolution of the image with the PSF estimated from the brightest star in the field and subsequent estimation of local PSFs on the deconvolved image. The methodology is tested on real, and on artificial images. The method involving Wiener deconvolution of the image prior to local PSF extraction and fitting gives excellent results. It limits systematic effects to ~2-5% in point source photometry and ~10% in diffuse emission on fields-of-view as large as 28" x 28" and observed through the H-band filter. Particular attention is given to how deconvolution changes the noise properties of the image. It is shown that mean positions and fluxes of the stars are conserved by the deconvolution. However, the estimated uncertainties of the PSF fitting algorithm are too small if the presence of covariances is ignored in the PSF fitting as has been done here. An appropriate scaling factor can, however, be determined from simulated images or by comparing measurements on independent data sets.
Probing the Source of Proton Mass by"Unbreaking" Scale-Chiral Symmetry

I describe a possible scenario for the origin of proton mass in terms of Cheshire Cat, half-skyrmions, topology change and interplay between hidden chiral-scale symmetry and induced local symmetry. This differs from the standard constituent-quark scenario. As the baryonic matter density is increased toward the vector manifestation (VM) fixed-point at which the $\rho$ mass is to vanish, the effective in-medium mass ratio $m^*_\rho/m^*_N$ is to tend to zero proportionally to $g^*_\rho$ where $g^*_\rho$ is the in-medium hidden gauge coupling constant. I develop the thesis that the intricacy involved in the mass generation could be decoded from experiments at RIB accelerators and massive compact stars.
MULTI-WAVELENGTH RADIO CONTINUUM EMISSION STUDIES OF DUST-FREE RED GIANTS

Multi-wavelength centimeter continuum observations of non-dusty, non-pulsating K spectral-type red giants directly sample their chromospheres and wind acceleration zones. Such stars are feeble emitters at these wavelengths, however, and previous observations have provided only a small number of modest signal-to-noise measurements slowly accumulated over three decades. We present multi-wavelength Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array thermal continuum observations of the wind acceleration zones of two dust-free red giants, Arcturus (α Boo: K2 III) and Aldebaran (α Tau: K5 III). Importantly, most of our observations of each star were carried out over just a few days, so that we obtained a snapshot of the different stellar atmospheric layers sampled at different wavelengths, independent of any long-term variability. We report the first detections at several wavelengths for each star including a detection at 10 cm (3.0 GHz: S band) for both stars and a 20 cm (1.5 GHz: L band) detection for α Boo. This is the first time single (non-binary) luminosity class III red giants have been detected at these continuum wavelengths. Our long-wavelength data sample the outer layers of α Boo's atmosphere where its wind velocity is approaching (or possibly has reached) its terminal value and the ionization balance is becoming frozen-in. For α Tau, however, our long-wavelength data are still sampling its inner atmosphere, where the wind is still accelerating probably due to its lower mass-loss rate. We compare our data with published semi-empirical models based on ultraviolet data, and the marked deviations highlight the need for new atmospheric models to be developed. Spectral indices are used to discuss the possible properties of the stellar atmospheres, and we find evidence for a rapidly cooling wind in the case of α Boo. Finally, we develop a simple analytical wind model for α Boo based on our new long-wavelength flux measurements.
Viral Coinfections in Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Recruited to the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK Study.

Background We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of viral coinfection in a well characterized cohort of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and to investigate the impact of coinfection on disease severity. Methods Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for endemic respiratory viruses was performed on upper respiratory tract samples from 1002 patients with COVID-19, aged <1 year to 102 years old, recruited to the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK study. Comprehensive demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected prospectively up to 28 days post discharge. Results A coinfecting virus was detected in 20 (2.0%) participants. Multivariable analysis revealed no significant risk factors for coinfection, although this may be due to rarity of coinfection. Likewise, ordinal logistic regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant association between coinfection and increased disease severity. Conclusions Viral coinfection was rare among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the United Kingdom during the first 18 months of the pandemic. With unbiased prospective sampling, we found no evidence of an association between viral coinfection and disease severity. Public health interventions disrupted normal seasonal transmission of respiratory viruses; relaxation of these measures mean it will be important to monitor the prevalence and impact of respiratory viral coinfections going forward.
An Efficient FPGA Accelerator for Point Cloud

Deep learning-based point cloud processing plays an important role in various vision tasks, such as autonomous driving, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). The submanifold sparse convolutional network (SSCN) has been widely used for the point cloud due to its unique advantages in terms of visual results. However, existing convolutional neural network accelerators suffer from non-trivial performance degradation when employed to accelerate SSCN because of the extreme and unstructured sparsity, and the complex computational dependency between the sparsity of the central activation and the neighborhood ones. In this paper, we propose a high performance FPGA-based accelerator for SSCN. Firstly, we develop a zero removing strategy to remove the coarse-grained redundant regions, thus significantly improving computational efficiency. Secondly, we propose a concise encoding scheme to obtain the matching information for efficient point-wise multiplications. Thirdly, we develop a sparse data matching unit and a computing core based on the proposed encoding scheme, which can convert the irregular sparse operations into regular multiply-accumulate operations. Finally, an efficient hardware architecture for the submanifold sparse convolutional layer is developed and implemented on the Xilinx ZCU102 field-programmable gate array board, where the 3D submanifold sparse U-Net is taken as the benchmark. The experimental results demonstrate that our design drastically improves computational efficiency, and can dramatically improve the power efficiency by 51 times compared to GPU.
The gamma-glutamyl transferase to platelet ratio for noninvasive evaluation of liver fibrosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

The gamma-glutamyl transferase to platelet ratio (GPR) has been reported to be as effective as the aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index based on the 4 factors (FIB-4) in showing the fibrosis stage in patients with chronic hepatitis B. It has been demonstrated that APRI and FIB-4 are successful in the assessment of fibrosis in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). We investigated the effectiveness of GPR in predicting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with biopsy-proven untreated PBC. A total of 35 patients with biopsy-proven PBC were included in this study. The biopsy fibrosis stages of all patients at diagnosis were compared using the APRI, FIB-4, and GPR values. The diagnostic accuracy of GPR for detecting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis was also investigated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of GPR was 0.84, the cutoff point was 4.81, the sensitivity was 0.41, and the specificity was 0.96 for detecting advanced fibrosis. Our study showed that GPR was more sensitive than APRI and FIB-4 in detecting advanced fibrosis in patients with PBC. GPR could be used as an effective noninvasive marker in PBC to show advanced fibrosis at the time of diagnosis.
Integrating a UAV-Derived DEM in Object-Based Image Analysis Increases Habitat Classification Accuracy on Coral Reefs

Very shallow coral reefs (<5 m deep) are naturally exposed to strong sea surface temperature variations, UV radiation and other stressors exacerbated by climate change, raising great concern over their future. As such, accurate and ecologically informative coral reef maps are fundamental for their management and conservation. Since traditional mapping and monitoring methods fall short in very shallow habitats, shallow reefs are increasingly mapped with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). UAV imagery is commonly processed with Structure-from-Motion (SfM) to create orthomosaics and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) spanning several hundred metres. Techniques to convert these SfM products into ecologically relevant habitat maps are still relatively underdeveloped. Here, we demonstrate that incorporating geomorphometric variables (derived from the DEM) in addition to spectral information (derived from the orthomosaic) can greatly enhance the accuracy of automatic habitat classification. Therefore, we mapped three very shallow reef areas off KAUST on the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast with an RTK-ready UAV. Imagery was processed with SfM and classified through object-based image analysis (OBIA). Within our OBIA workflow, we observed overall accuracy increases of up to 11% when training a Random Forest classifier on both spectral and geomorphometric variables as opposed to traditional methods that only use spectral information. Our work highlights the potential of incorporating a UAV’s DEM in OBIA for benthic habitat mapping, a promising but still scarcely exploited asset.
Highly Compact Twin 1×35 Wavelength Selective Switch

This paper demonstrates the design, assembly, optimisation and characterisation of a twin 1×35 wavelength selective switches (WSSs) based on a highly dispersive silicon grating prism (GRISM). The footprint of this WSS is reduced by >50% when compared with the standard module, without sacrificing key performance metrics including insertion loss, spectral coverage, passband, isolation, etc. To our knowledge, this module is the most compact high port count WSS demonstrated so far.
A Study of the Long-term Spectral Variations of 3C 66A Observed with the Fermi and Kanata Telescopes

3C 66A is an intermediate-frequency-peaked BL Lac object detected by the Large Area Telescope onboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. We present a study of the long-term variations of this blazar seen over 2 years at GeV energies with Fermi and in the optical (flux and polarization) and near infrared with the Kanata telescope. In 2008, the first year of the study, we find a correlation between the gamma-ray flux and the measurements taken with the Kanata telescope. This is in contrast to the later measurements performed during 2009--2010 which show only a weak correlation along with a gradual increase of the optical flux. We calculate an external seed photon energy density assuming that the gamma-ray emission is due to external Compton scattering. The energy density of the external photons is found to be higher by a factor of two in 2008 compared to 2009--2010. We conclude that the different behaviors observed between the first year and the later years might be explained by postulating two different emission components.
Red nuggets grow inside-out: evidence from gravitational lensing

We present a new sample of strong gravitational lens systems where both the foreground lenses and background sources are early-type galaxies. Using imaging from Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Advanced Camera for Studies (ACS) and Keck/NIRC2, we model the surface brightness distributions and show that the sources form a distinct population of massive, compact galaxies at redshifts 0.4 ≲ z ≲ 0.7, lying systematically below the size-mass relation of the global elliptical galaxy population at those redshifts. These may therefore represent relics of high-redshift red nuggets or their partly evolved descendants. We exploit the magnifying effect of lensing to investigate the structural properties, stellar masses and stellar populations of these objects with a view to understanding their evolution. We model these objects parametrically and find that they generally require two Sersic components to properly describe their light profiles, with one more spheroidal component alongside a more envelope-like component, which is slightly more extended though still compact. This is consistent with the hypothesis of the inside-out growth of these objects via minor mergers. We also find that the sources can be characterized by red-to-blue colour gradients as a function of radius which are stronger at low redshift - indicative of ongoing accretion - but that their environments generally appear consistent with that of the general elliptical galaxy population, contrary to recent suggestions that these objects are pre-dominantly associated with clusters.
Distributed mean curvature on a discrete manifold for Regge calculus

The integrated mean curvature of a simplicial manifold is well understood in both Regge Calculus and Discrete Differential Geometry. However, a well motivated pointwise definition of curvature requires a careful choice of the volume over which to uniformly distribute the local integrated curvature. We show that hybrid cells formed using both the simplicial lattice and its circumcentric dual emerge as a remarkably natural structure for the distribution of this local integrated curvature. These hybrid cells form a complete tessellation of the simplicial manifold, contain a geometric orthonormal basis, and are also shown to give a pointwise mean curvature with a natural interpretation as the fractional rate of change of the normal vector.
Bending Strength Evaluation of Glulam Beams Made from Selected Nigerian Wood Species

Bending strength, was assessed in glued laminated beams made from local wood species bonded with phenol resorcinol formaldehyde, polyurethane and urea-formaldehyde adhesives. The 3- point loading was used as the basis of bending strength assessment along the directions parallel and perpendicular to the glue line. The load orientation parallel to the glue line offered higher bending strength. Furthermore, the characteristic values of bending strength obtained were 35.16 N/mm 2 , 40.79 N/mm 2 , 47.34 N/mm 2 , 60 N/mm 2 , and 67 N/mm 2 for Afara, Akomu, Gmelina, Iroko, and Omocedar wood species. These values are similar to strength values given in EN 1194-1999 for glulam beams. Consequently, the findings of the study are beneficial to architects and structural engineers in exploring the dimensional, strength, and architectural flexibility glulam affords for both beam and column design and holds the potential for creating an industrial hub for enhancing the value chain around engineered wood and allied industries.
Scaling of 1/f noise in tunable break junctions

We have studied the $1/f$ voltage noise of gold nanocontacts in electromigrated and mechanically controlled break junctions having resistance values $R$ that can be tuned from $10\text{ }\ensuremath{\Omega}$ (many channels) to $10\text{ }\text{k}\ensuremath{\Omega}$ (single-atom contact). The noise is caused by resistance fluctuations as evidenced by the ${S}_{V}\ensuremath{\propto}{V}^{2}$ dependence of the power-spectral density ${S}_{V}$ on the applied dc voltage $V$. As a function of $R$ the normalized noise ${S}_{V}/{V}^{2}$ shows a pronounced crossover from $\ensuremath{\propto}{R}^{3}$ for low-Ohmic junctions to $\ensuremath{\propto}{R}^{1.5}$ for high-Ohmic ones. The measured powers of 3 and 1.5 are in agreement with $1/f$ noise generated in the bulk and reflect the transition from diffusive to ballistic transport.
Correlation of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and the Dilation of the Basilar Artery with the Potential Role of Vascular Compromise in the Pathophysiology of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) currently lacks a clear etiology, as well as an effective treatment. One of the most probable explanations for SSNHL is impairment of the cochlear blood flow. However, dissimilar to a fundoscopic examination, direct observation of cochlear blood vessels is not possible. To indirectly support an ischemic etiology of SSNHL, we investigated whether the degree of initial hearing loss is associated with two atherosclerotic risk factors: dilatation of the basilar artery (BA) and a chronic subclinical inflammatory status measured by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). This retrospective study collected data from 105 consecutive patients diagnosed with idiopathic SSNHL. Then, the patients were divided into two groups according to their NLR as “abnormally high NLR (>3.53, n = 22)” and “NLR within the normal range (0.78–3.53, n = 83)”. The BA diameter and severity of initial hearing loss were significantly correlated with each other in the abnormally high NLR group (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between initial hearing loss and the BA diameter in the normal NLR group (p = 0.299). Therefore, the NLR may serve as a marker for SSNHL of vascular etiology and a rationale for magnetic resonance imaging examinations based on the pathophysiology.
The effectiveness of a training programme on positive thinking skills in reducing the tendency towards intellectual extremism of university students

This research aimed to identify the effectiveness of a training programme on positive thinking skills in reducing the level of university students' tendency towards intellectual extremism. The quasi-experimental research design was utilised. Twenty students participated in the research and were divided into 10 students in the experimental group and 10 in the control group. The training programme and the scale of the tendency towards intellectual extremism were applied to them. Data were analysed by the Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. The findings illustrated that there were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental and the control groups on the tendency towards intellectual extremism scale and its components after applying for the programme, in favour of the experimental group. In addition, there were no significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group in the post and follow-up measurement of the tendency towards intellectual extremism and its components a month later. The research recommends conducting training courses and workshops for faculty members on how to familiarise students with positive thinking skills, which are reflected in the students' thinking and their reduced level of intellectual extremism. Keywords: Positive thinking skills, tendency towards intellectual extremism, university students.
Phonon tunnels from a sonic black hole

We study the phonon tunneling through the horizon of an acoustic black hole by solving the Hamilton–Jacobi equation. We also make use of the closed-path integral to calculate the tunneling probability, and an improved way to determine the temporal contribution is used. Both the results from the two methods agree with Hawking's initial analysis.
Dynamic Fluid Flow Exacerbates the (Pro-)Inflammatory Effects of Aerosolised Engineered Nanomaterials In Vitro

The majority of in vitro studies focusing upon particle–lung cell interactions use static models at an air–liquid interface (ALI). Advancing the physiological characteristics of such systems allows for closer resemblance of the human lung, in turn promoting 3R strategies. PATROLS (EU Horizon 2020 No. 760813) aimed to use a well-characterised in vitro model of the human alveolar epithelial barrier to determine how fluid-flow dynamics would impact the outputs of the model following particle exposure. Using the QuasiVivoTM (Kirkstall Ltd., York, UK) system, fluid-flow conditions were applied to an A549 + dTHP-1 cell co-culture model cultured at the ALI. DQ12 and TiO2 (JRCNM01005a) were used as model particles to assess the in vitro systems’ sensitivity. Using a quasi- and aerosol (VitroCell Cloud12, VitroCell Systems, Waldkirch, Germany) exposure approach, cell cultures were exposed over 24 h at IVIVE concentrations of 1 and 10 (DQ12) and 1.4 and 10.4 (TiO2) µg/cm2, respectively. We compared static and fluid flow conditions after both these exposure methods. The co-culture was subsequently assessed for its viability, membrane integrity and (pro-)inflammatory response (IL-8 and IL-6 production). The results suggested that the addition of fluid flow to this alveolar co-culture model can influence the viability, membrane integrity and inflammatory responses dependent on the particle type and exposure.
Influence of the magnetic material on tunneling magnetoresistance and spin-transfer torque in tunnel junctions: Ab initio studies

The dependence of tunneling magnetoresistance and spin-transfer torque in FeCo/MgO/FeCo tunnel junctions on the Co concentration and the bias voltage are investigated ab initio. We find that the tunneling magnetoresistance decreases with the Co concentration in contradiction with previous calculations but in agreement with recent experiments. This dependence is explained from bulk properties of the alloys. By using a realistic description of the disorder in the alloys we can show that even small amounts of disorder lead to a drastic drop in the tunneling magnetoresistance. This provides a quantitative explanation of the difference between calculated and measured values. The spin-transfer torque shows a linear voltage dependence for the in-plane component and a quadratic for the out-of-plane component for all concentrations at small bias voltages. In particular, the linear slope of the in-plane torque is independent of the concentration. For high bias voltages the in-plane torque shows a strong nonlinear deviation from the linear slope for high Co concentrations. This is explained from the same effects which govern the tunneling magnetoresistance.