Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The SAURON project - IV. The mass-to-light ratio, the virial mass estimator and the Fundamental Plane of elliptical and lenticular galaxies

We investigate the well-known correlations between the dynamical mass-to-light ratio M/L and other global observables of elliptical (E) and lenticul ar (S0) galaxies. We construct twointegral Jeans and three-integral Schwarzschild dynamical models for a sample of 25 E/S0 galaxies with SAURON integral-field stellar kinematics to about one effective (h alf-light) radius Re. They have well-calibrated I-band Hubble Space TelescopeWFPC2 and large-field ground-based photometry, accurate surface brightness fluc tuation distances, and their observed kinematics is consistent with an axisymmetric intrinsic sh ape. All these factors result in an unprecedented accuracy in the M/L measurements. We find a tight correlation of the form (M/L) = (3.80 ± 0.14) × (σe/200 km s 1 ) 0.84±0.07 between the M/L (in the I-band) measured from the dynamical models and the luminosity-weighted second moment σe of the lineof-sight velocity-distribution within Re. The observed rms scatter in M/L for our sample is 18%, while the inferred intrinsic scatter is � 13%. The (M/L)‐σe relation can be included in the remarkable series of tight correlations between σe and other galaxy global observables. The comparison of the observed correlations with the predictions of the Fundamental Plane (FP), and with simple virial estimates, shows that the ‘tilt ’ of the FP of early-type galaxies, describing the deviation of the FP from the virial relation, is almost exclusively due to a real M/L variation, while structural and orbital non-homology have a negligible effect. When the photometric parameters are determined in the ‘classic’ way , using growth curves, and the σe is measured in a large aperture, the virial mass appears to be a reliable estimator of the mass in the central regions of galaxies, and can be safely used where more ‘expensive’ models are not feasible (e.g. in high redshift studies). In this case th e best-fitting virial relation has the form (M/L)vir = (5.0±0.1)×Reσ 2 e/(L G), in reasonable agreement with simple theoretical predictions. We find no difference between the M/L of the galaxies in clusters and in the field. The comparison of the dynamical M/L with the (M/L)pop inferred from the analysis of the stellar population, indicates a median dark matter fractio n in early-type galaxies of � 30% of the total mass inside one Re, in broad agreement with previous studies, and it also shows that the stellar initial mass function varies little among d ifferent galaxies. Our results suggest a variation in M/L at constant (M/L)pop, which seems to be linked to the galaxy dynamics. We speculate that fast rotating galaxies have lower dark matte r fractions than the slow rotating and generally more massive ones. If correct, this would suggest a connection between the galaxy assembly history and the dark matter halo structure. The tightness of our correlation provides some evidence against cuspy nuclear dark matter profiles in g alaxies.
NMR Chromatography: Molecular Diffusion in the Presence of Pulsed Field Gradients in Analytical Chemistry Applications

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an excellent analytical tool for precise structural characterization of organic and bio-molecules. Though NMR is often used to characterize a single compound in solution, emerging experimental methods using pulsed-field-gradients (PFGs) allow structural dynamic characterization of several compounds, simultaneously in the same solution. NMR as a chromatography tool is often an overlooked application by analytical chemists. Therefore, in this article we introduce the concept of NMR based diffusion measurements, basic operational methods and novel applications. We expect this article to increase the overall use and appreciation of NMR-based diffusion measurements in general and in particular, in analytical chemistry applications.
A survey study on hantavirus, cowpox virus, and Leptospira infections in Microtus hartingi in Kırşehir Province, Central Anatolia, Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate whether hantaviruses, cowpox viruses, or Leptospira infections were prevalent in Microtus hartingi trapped in Kirsehir Province, located in Central Anatolia, Turkey. Leptospira spp. was detected in 20 of the 43 (46.5%) Microtus hartingi kidney samples and confirmed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Five of the 20 Leptospira spp. PCR positive amplicons were sequenced, analyzed, and confirmed as Leptospira spp. This is the first study to genetically characterize Leptospira in Microtus hartingi in Turkey. There was no evidence of cowpox viruses or hantaviruses in Microtus hartingi. Therefore, additional studies are needed.
Consolidation Of Plasma-Sprayed Coatings By Laser Remelting

Plasma-sprayed coatings of corrosion and wear resisting alloys were laser surface melted, with the objective of densifying them and improving their adhesion to the substrate materials. Corrosion resisting coatings of titanium and of 316L stainless steel on steel substrates were remelted with good results. After laser processing, these initially porous coatings were fully dense and exhibited good surface quality. Results with wear resisting coatings were disappointing beause the hard wear resisting phases crack under the tensile stresses developed during cooling. Results are discussed in terms of the effects of the initial coating properties, the laser beam parameters, and other processing variables such as processing atmosphere and sample translation rates.
Cost-effectiveness of a quality improvement programme to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections in intensive care units in the USA

Objective To assess the cost-effectiveness of a multifaceted quality improvement programme focused on reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections in intensive care units. Design Cost-effectiveness analysis using a decision tree model to compare programme to non-programme intensive care units. Setting USA. Population Adult patients in the intensive care unit. Costs Economic costs of the programme and of central line-associated bloodstream infections were estimated from the perspective of the hospital and presented in 2013 US dollars. Main outcome measures Central line-associated bloodstream infections prevented, deaths averted due to central line-associated bloodstream infections prevented, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. Results Compared with current practice, the programme is strongly dominant and reduces bloodstream infections and deaths at no additional cost. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that there was an almost 80% probability that the programme reduces bloodstream infections and the infections’ economic costs to hospitals. The opportunity cost of a bloodstream infection to a hospital was the most important model parameter in these analyses. Conclusions This multifaceted quality improvement programme, as it is currently implemented by hospitals on an increasingly large scale in the USA, likely reduces the economic costs of central line-associated bloodstream infections for US hospitals. Awareness among hospitals about the programme's benefits should enhance implementation. The programme's implementation has the potential to substantially reduce morbidity, mortality and economic costs associated with central line-associated bloodstream infections.
( Foggy ) Crystal Ball Through the Lens of Facebook CS 229 Final Report

Given the abundance of information on Facebook profiles, particularly the favorites section where users “like” various forms of entertainment, such as movies and television shows, there is ample opportunity to employ a machine learning algorithm in order to learn the preferences of users and to make informed recommendations that may be of interest to these users. In particular, we applied a machine learning algorithm to generate television show recommendations. For this work, we partnered with Screaming Velocity [1], a start-up company who provided scripts and resources for mining Facebook profiles, through which 16000+ Facebook profiles were obtained. Screaming Velocity also provided a dataset on the most popular American television shows from which we obtained a set of descriptive genres. First we built a bag-of-words model to describe both the input feature space generated from Facebook profiles, such as movie interests and group affiliations, as well as a feature space of relevant genres associated with the list of television shows. Then we implemented a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm to predict which genres a user is likely to prefer given his/her Facebook profile. This work has useful practical applications, directly so in the entertainment industry. Retailers may be able to use similar approaches to cater to personalized customer preferences and interests. This type of work can further enable more comprehensive data-driven predictions and recommendations by coupling with growing prevalence in the mobile media and social media spaces. Similar work can also be generalized to other situations where automated recommendations may be useful.
A damage-based cohesive zone model of intergranular crack growth in a nickel-based superalloy

A cohesive zone model is utilized to simulate grain boundary interface decohesion under load reversals with hold time being imposed at the maximum load level. This study considers the role of creep–fatigue and environment, which have been introduced as scalar damage parameters. These parameters are coupled with the traction–displacement laws governing the grain boundary cohesion and surrounding time-dependent deformation field. The accumulation of reversible fatigue damage is described using a damage rate law as a function of the elastic potential energy of the interface while creep damage is introduced using a modified Kachanov–Rabotnov type law. The role of environment is modeled by considering the grain boundary dynamic embrittlement occurring as a consequence of oxygen diffusion and accumulation in the grain boundary fracture path. The separation of damage laws into creep, fatigue, and environment, allows the examination of the influence of the different mechanisms on the intergranular crack growth rate. Theoretical aspects of the model are discussed and finite element simulations of intergranular crack growth are performed on a nickel-based superalloy, IN100, at 700℃ to illustrate the main features of the model and its comparison with the experimental data.
Multicommodity network flow approach to the railroad crew-scheduling problem

We present our solution to the crew-scheduling problem Jor North American railroads. (Crew scheduling in North America is very different from scheduling in Europe, where it has been well studied.) The crew-scheduling problem is to assign operators to scheduled trains over a time horizon at minimal cost while honoring operational and contractual requirements. Currently, decisions related to crew are made manually. We present our work developing a network-flow-based crew-optimization model that can be applied at the tactical, planning, and strategic levels of crew scheduling. Our network flow model maps the assignment of crews to trains as the flow of crews on an underlying network, where different crew types are modeled as different commodities in this network. We formulate the problem as an integer programming problem on this network, which allows it to be solved to optimality. We also develop several highly efficient algorithms using problem decomposition and relaxation techniques, in which we use the special structure of the underlying network model to obtain significant increases in speed. We present very promising computational results of our algorithms on the data provided by a major North American railroad. Our network flow model is likely to form a backbone for a decision-support system for crew scheduling.
A formal methods approach to the analysis of mode confusion

The goal of the new NASA Aviation Safety Program (AvSP) is to reduce the civil aviation fatal accident rate by 80% in ten years and 90% in twenty years. This program is being driven by the accident data with a focus on the most recent history. Pilot error is the most commonly cited cause for fatal accidents (up to 70%) and obviously must be given major consideration in this program. While the greatest source of pilot error is the loss of situation awareness, mode confusion is increasingly becoming a major contributor as well. This paper will explore how formal models and analyses can be used to help eliminate mode confusion from flight deck designs and at the same time increase our confidence in the safety of the implementation. The paper is based upon interim results from a new project involving NASA Langley and Rockwell Collins in applying formal methods to a realistic business jet Flight Guidance System (FGS).
ExtraTime: Modeling and analysis of wearout due to transistor aging at microarchitecture-level

With shrinking feature sizes, transistor aging due to NBTI and HCI becomes a major reliability challenge for microprocessors. These processes lead to increased gate delays, more failures during runtime and eventually reduced operational lifetime. Currently, to ensure correct functionality for a certain operational lifetime, additional timing margins are added to the design. However, this approach implies a significant performance loss and may fail to meet reliability requirements. Therefore, aging-aware microarchitecture design is inevitable. In this paper we present ExtraTime, a novel microarchitectural aging analysis framework, which can be used in early design phases when detailed transistor-level information is not yet available to model, analyze, and predict performance, power and aging. Furthermore, we show a comprehensive investigation using ExtraTime of various clock and power gating strategies as well as aging-aware instruction scheduling policies as a case study to show the impact of the architecture on aging.
3 D Vision Applications for MAVs : Localization and Reconstruction ∗

This paper demonstrates our progress in integrating 3D computer vision applications, such as monocular localization and 3D reconstruction, on a micro aerial vehicle (MAV). We present an overview of algorithms used for the individual tasks, focused on the categorization in continuous and single-shot image acquisition, as well as online and offline processing. We propose to look for an applicationspecific trade-off and present some ideas how this could be achieved.
New polarimetric method for in-vivo measurement of corneal birefringence

We have applied imaging polarimetry to measure birefringence of the human cornea in vivo. A theoretical model of the corneal birefringence is considered. The polarized light transmission through the system is modelled theoretically by use of the Jones matrix formalism. The light passes some polarization components, the cornea, anterior chamber and is scattered at the iris. Using computerized polarimeter, two maps representing distribution of the azimuth angle and retardation are calculated and presented. Investigation of the corneal birefringence could be useful for examining the inner corneal structure, its lamellar arrangement and in medical diagnosing of keratoconic cornea.
Reducing Power through Compiler-Directed Barrier Synchronization Elimination

Interprocessor synchronization, while extremely important for ensuring execution correctness, can be very costly in terms of both power and performance overheads. Unfortunately, many parallelizing compilers are very conservative in inserting barrier synchronizations at the end of each and every parallel loop. This can lead to significant power consumption in chip multiprocessor based execution environments. This paper proposes a compiler-directed approach for eliminating such synchronization calls between neighboring parallel loops. It achieves its goal by partitioning loop iterations across processors such that each processor executes iterations from both the loops that access the same set of array elements. We implemented the proposed approach using an experimental compilation framework and made experiments with ten SPEC benchmark codes. Our experiments clearly show that the proposed compiler-directed approach is very effective and reduces energy overheads due to synchronizations by about 75.5%, and this corresponds to around 5.48% saving on average in overall energy consumption
Automatic Speech Reading by Oral Motion Tracking for User Authentication System

Automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems are used in recognizing speech with high accuracy rates. Visual information is important for human machine interface. It not only increases the accuracy of an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) but also improves its robustness. This paper presents an overview of different approaches used for speech recognition and concentrates on visual only lip reading system. Lip reading can be utilized in many applications such as hearing impaired aid and for noisy environment where speech is highly unrecognizable and as password entry system. The visual feature extraction methods are pixel based such as discrete cosine transform (DCT), discrete wavelet transform (DWT)etc. Other feature extraction methods utilize motion analysis of image sequences representing lip movement. This paper is a survey paper explaining comparisons, pros and cons, analysis of various techniques and methods for speech recognition by lip motion tracking.
Predicting the deformation characteristics of rectangular unsymmetrically laminated piezoelectric materials

A theory is presented which can be used to explain the room-temperature shape, specifically the curvature of the out-of-plane deflections, of the laminated piezoceramic material known as THUNDER. Because of its unsymmetric laminated construction, THUNDER exhibits unusual deformation characteristics as it cools from its elevated cure temperature to room temperature. The theory, which was originally used by the first author for the study of unsymmetrically laminated fiber-reinforced composite materials, predicts the cooled shape can be spherical, or one of two near-cylindrical shapes. Which shape actually occurs depends on the geometry of the laminate. When the laminate assumes one of the two near-cylindrical shapes, it can be changed to the other near-cylindrical shape by a simple snap-through action. Thus, stability is an issue and is examined. The theory is extended to explain the deformation response of THUNDER to an electrical field applied to produce dilatational strains in the piezoceramic. In general, the applied field changes the curvatures of the laminate in linear proportion to the field strength and the laminate remains basically the same shape. However, it is shown that under certain conditions the applied field has the potential for changing the laminate from one near-cylindrical shape to the other.
SMALL MENU COSTS AND LARGE BUSINESS CYCLES: AN EXTENSION OF THE MANKIW MODEL

Using a multi-period general equilibrium model, this paper extends the results of Mankiw (1991) by showing that monopolistically competitive firms may require 'relatively large' menu costs to dissuade them from changing prices in response to an aggregate demand shock that is perceived to be permanent. Thus, "small" menu costs may be insufficient to contribute to large business cycles.
PAWR-mediated suppression of BCL2 promotes switching of 3-azido withaferin A (3-AWA)-induced autophagy to apoptosis in prostate cancer cells

An active medicinal component of plant origin with an ability to overcome autophagy by inducing apoptosis should be considered a therapeutically active lead pharmacophore to control malignancies. In this report, we studied the effect of concentration-dependent 3-AWA (3-azido withaferin A) sensitization to androgen-independent prostate cancer (CaP) cells which resulted in a distinct switching of 2 interrelated conserved biological processes, i.e. autophagy and apoptosis. We have observed 3 distinct parameters which are hallmarks of autophagy in our studies. First, a subtoxic concentration of 3-AWA resulted in an autophagic phenotype with an elevation of autophagy markers in prostate cancer cells. This led to a massive accumulation of MAP1LC3B and EGFP-LC3B puncta coupled with gradual degradation of SQSTM1. Second, higher toxic concentrations of 3-AWA stimulated ER stress in CaP cells to turn on apoptosis within 12 h by elevating the expression of the proapoptotic protein PAWR, which in turn suppressed the autophagy-related proteins BCL2 and BECN1. This inhibition of BECN1 in CaP cells, leading to the disruption of the BCL2-BECN1 interaction by overexpressed PAWR has not been reported so far. Third, we provide evidence that pawr-KO MEFs exhibited abundant autophagy signs even at toxic concentrations of 3-AWA underscoring the relevance of PAWR in switching of autophagy to apoptosis. Last but not least, overexpression of EGFP-LC3B and DS-Red-BECN1 revealed a delayed apoptosis turnover at a higher concentration of 3-AWA in CaP cells. In summary, this study provides evidence that 3-AWA is a strong anticancer candidate to abrogate protective autophagy. It also enhanced chemosensitivity by sensitizing prostate cancer cells to apoptosis through induction of PAWR endorsing its therapeutic potential.
Easy and Hard Conformant Planning

Even under polynomial restrictions on plan length, confor-mant planning remains a very hard computational problem as plan veriﬁcation itself can take exponential time. This heavy price cannot be avoided in general although in many cases conformant plans are veriﬁable efﬁciently by means of simple forms of disjunctive inference. We report an efﬁcient but incomplete planner capable of solving non-trivial problems quickly. In this work, we show that this is possible by mapping conformant into classical problems that are then solved by an off-the-shelf classical planner. The formulation is sound as the classical plans obtained are all conformant, but it is incomplete as the inverse relation does not always hold. Atoms L/X i that represent conditional beliefs ’if X i then L ’ are introduced in the classical encoding and combined with suitable actions when certain invariants are veriﬁed. Empirical results over a wide variety of problems illustrate the power of the approach. We propose extensions to this formulation.
Exciton Recycling in Graded Gap Nanocrystal Structures

We propose a cascaded energy transfer structure made of semiconductor nanocrystals. Funnel-like band gap profiles are realized applying layer-by-layer assembly to CdTe nanocrystals of distinct sizes. Optical excitations efficiently transfer along the band gap gradient and are finally captured by the largest nanocrystals. The photoluminescence yield from the center layer is surprisingly high. The stepwise passing on of excitation energy avoids hot carriers, and the funnel structure recycles otherwise trapped and lost electron−hole pairs.