Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The critical Casimir effect in films for generic non-symmetry-breaking boundary conditions

Systems described by an O(n) symmetrical ϕ4 Hamiltonian are considered in a d-dimensional film geometry at their bulk critical points. A detailed renormalization group (RG) study of the critical Casimir forces induced between the film's boundary planes , by thermal fluctuations is presented for the case where the O(n) symmetry remains unbroken by the surfaces. The boundary planes are assumed to cause short-range disturbances of the interactions that can be modelled by standard surface contributions ∝ϕ2 corresponding to subcritical or critical enhancement of the surface interactions. This translates into mesoscopic boundary conditions of the generic symmetry-preserving Robin type . RG-improved perturbation theory and Abel–Plana techniques are used to compute the L-dependent part fres of the reduced excess free energy per film area A → ∞ to two-loop order. When d < 4, it takes the scaling form fres ≈ D(c1LΦ/ν,c2LΦ/ν)/Ld−1 as L → ∞, where ci are scaling fields associated with the surface-enhancement variables c˚ i, while Φ is a standard surface crossover exponent. The scaling function D(c1,c2) and its analogue for the Casimir force are determined via expansion in ϵ = 4 − d and extrapolated to d = 3 dimensions. In the special case c1 = c2 = 0, the expansion becomes fractional. Consistency with the known fractional expansions of D(0,0) and to order ϵ3/2 is achieved by appropriate reorganization of RG-improved perturbation theory. For appropriate choices of c1 and c2, the Casimir forces can have either sign. Furthermore, crossovers from attraction to repulsion and vice versa may occur as L increases.
The Effects of Providing Students with Revision Opportunities in Alternate Assessments

ABSTRACT Some statewide testing programs allow students to receive corrective feedback and revise their answers during testing. Despite its pedagogical benefits, the effects of providing revision opportunities remain unknown in the context of alternate assessments. Therefore, this study examined student data from a large-scale alternate assessment that allows students to make multiple attempts until they find the correct answer to multiple-choice items. The students receive partial credit based on the number of attempts being made. The effects of the multiple-attempt approach on both test characteristics and student performance were investigated. The results indicated that, despite making most items on the assessment relatively easier, the availability of partial credit improved the strength of the items in distinguishing low-achieving and high-achieving students while maintaining high internal consistency among the test items. Although the students were able to increase their scores due to the inclusion of partial credit based on the number of attempts, the relative positions of the students remained nearly the same.
ENERGETICS OF STAR-DISC ENCOUNTERS IN THE NON-LINEAR REGIME

We investigate the response of a circumstellar accretion disc to the fly-by of a perturbing mass on a parabolic orbit. The energy and angular momentum transferred during the encounter are calculated using a reduced three-body method. In almost all close encounters the energy and angular momentum transfer is dominated by disc material becoming unbound from the system, with the contributions from close disc particle -- star encounters being significant. For more distant encounters with some prograde element to the motion the disc material loses energy and angular momentum to the perturber's orbit through a resonance feature. The magnitude of the energy transfer calculated in our simulations is greater than that of the binding energy of material exterior to periastron by a factor of two in the prograde case, and up to a factor of five in the case of the retrograde encounter. The destructive nature of the encounters indicates that a non-linear treatment is essential in all but the most distant encounters.
Enhancing gravitational waveform models through dynamic calibration

Current gravitational-wave observations made by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo use theoretical models that predict the signals generated by the coalescence of compact binaries. Detections to date have been in regions of the parameter space where systematic modeling biases have been shown to be small. However, we must now prepare for a future with observations covering a wider range of binary configurations, and ever increasing detector sensitivities placing higher accuracy demands on theoretical models. Strategies to model the inspiral, merger and ringdown of coalescing binaries are restricted in parameter space by the coverage of available numerical-relativity simulations, and when more numerical waveforms become available, substantial efforts to manually (re)calibrate models are required. The aim of this study is to overcome these limitations. We explore a method to combine the information of two waveform models: an accurate, but computationally expensive target model, and a fast but less accurate approximate model. In an automatic process we systematically update the basis representation of the approximate model using information from the target model. The result of this process is a new model which we call the enriched basis. This new model can be evaluated anywhere in the parameter space jointly covered by either the approximate or target model, and the enriched basis model is considerably more accurate in regions where the sparse target signals were available. Here we show a proof-of-concept construction of signals from nonprecessing, spinning black-hole binaries based on the phenomenological waveform family. We show that obvious shortcomings of the previous PhenomB being the approximate model in the region of unequal masses and unequal spins can be corrected by combining its basis with interpolated projection coefficients derived from the more recent and accurate PhenomD as the target model. Our success in building such a model constitutes an major step towards dynamically combining numerical relativity data and analytical waveform models in the computationally demanding analysis of LIGO and Virgo data.
Gradient-Corrected Density Functional Calculation of Elastic Constants of Fe, Co and Ni in bcc, fcc and hcp Structures

Systematic ab initio calculations of lattice constants, elastic constants and magnetic moments of Fe, Co and Ni in bcc, fcc and hcp structures have been carried out, in part to understand the phase stability and magnetic properties of artificial Fe, Co and Ni structures. The calculations are based on the local spin-density functional theory with generalized gradient corrections (GGA) which are found to describe the properties of these materials rather well. In particular, the calculated lattice constants and bulk modulus of the observed structures are in good agreement with experiments. Also, the theoretical elastic constants agree with the measurements within the numerical uncertainties. Interestingly, several energetically metastable structures are found to be elastically unstable. It is predicted that magnetism has a pronounced influence on both the size and sign of some elastic constants, and hence on the structural stabilities. For example, while both nonmagnetic Fe fcc and hcp structures are metastable phases, ferromagnetic Fe fcc and hcp structures are not. These results would help to gain insight into the formation of certain artificial thin films and superlattices.
Non-thermal emission from Kepler’s SNR

Nonlinear kinetic theory of cosmic ray (CR) acceleration in supernova remnants (SNRs) is used to investigate the properties of Kepler’s SNR and, in particular, to predict the γ-ray spectrum expected from this SNR. Observations of the nonthermal radio and X-ray emission spectra as well as theoretical constraints for the total supernova (SN) explosion energy Esn are used to constrain the astronomical and particle acceleration parameters of the system. Under the assumption that Kepler’s SN is a type Ia SN we determine for any given explosion energy Esn and source distance d the mass density of the ambient interstellar medium (ISM) from a fit to the observed SNR size and expansion speed. This makes it possible to make predictions for the expected γ-ray flux. Exploring the expected distance range we find that for a typical explosion energy Esn = 10 erg the expected energy flux of TeV γ-rays varies from 2× 10 to 10 erg/(cms) when the distance changes from d = 3.4 kpc to 7 kpc. In all cases the γ-ray emission is dominated by π-decay γ-rays due to nuclear CRs. Therefore Kepler’s SNR represents a very promising target for instruments like H.E. S.S. , CANGAROO and GLAST. A non-detection of γ-rays would mean that the actual source distance is larger than 7 kpc.
Broad Ne VIII λ774 Emission from Quasars

Ne VIII λ774 is an important tracer of the high-ionization gas in QSOs. We examine the Ne VIII emission-line properties using new Hubble Space Telescope (HST)-FOS spectra of four sources, mean spectra derived from two QSO samples in the HST archives, and new photoionization calculations. The results support our previous claim that broad Ne VIII lines are common in QSOs, with an average flux of ~42% of O VI λ1034 and velocity widths that are ~2 to 5 times larger than O VI, C IV λ1549 and other broad lines in the same spectra. The strongest and most reliably measured Ne VIII λ774 lines (in two sources) have FWHM ~14,500 km s-1. Line profile fits in these cases show that the unusually large widths might be caused by blending with emission from N IV λ765 and O IV λ789. However, standard photoionization calculations indicate that N IV, O IV, and all other lines near this wavelength should be too weak, leaving (very broad) Ne VIII as the only viable identification for the ~774 Å feature. (This conclusion might be avoided if there are large radial velocity dispersions [ ≳ 1000 km s-1] in the emitting region, and the resonant absorption of continuum photons enhances the flux in weaker lines.) The calculations also indicate that the Ne VIII-emitting regions have ionization parameters in the range 5 ≲ U ≲ 30, total hydrogen column densities of 1022 ≲ NH ≲ 3 × 1023 cm-2, and an average covering factor of ≳30% (for solar abundances and a nominal QSO continuum shape). The Ne VIII-emitting region is therefore more extensive, more highly ionized, and has much higher velocities than the rest of the broad emission line region (BELR). This highly ionized BELR component would be a strong X-ray "warm" absorber if it lies along our line of sight to the X-ray continuum source.
The Value of Deep Learning Image Reconstruction in Improving the Quality of Low-Dose Chest CT Images

This study aimed to evaluate the value of the deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm (GE Healthcare’s TrueFidelity™) in improving the image quality of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of the chest. First, we retrospectively extracted raw data of chest LDCT from 50 patients and reconstructed them by using model-based adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo at 50% (ASIR-V 50%) and DLIR at medium and high strengths (DLIR-M and DLIR-H). Three sets of images were obtained. Next, two radiographers measured the mean CT value/image signal and standard deviation (SD) in Hounsfield units at the region of interest (ROI) and calculated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Two radiologists subjectively evaluated the image quality using a 5-point Likert scale. The differences between the groups of data were analyzed through a repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test. Last, our result show that the three reconstructions did not differ significantly in signal (p > 0.05) but had significant differences in noise, SNR, and CNR (p < 0.001). The subjective scores significantly differed among the three reconstruction modalities in soft tissue (p < 0.001) but not in lung tissue (p > 0.05). DLIR-H had the best noise reduction ability and improved SNR and CNR without distorting the image texture, followed by DLIR-M and ASIR-V 50%. In summary, DLIR can provide a higher image quality at the same dose, enhancing the physicians’ diagnostic confidence and improving the diagnostic efficacy of LDCT for lung cancer screening.
Self-Organised Criticality: Theory, Models and Characterisation

1. Introduction 2. Scaling 3. Experiments and observations 4. Deterministic sandpiles 5. Dissipative models 6. Stochastic sandpiles 7. Numerical methods and data analysis 8. Analytical results 9. Mechanisms of SOC 10. Summary and discussion Index.
Phase Synchronization in Stimulated Raman Process for Long Pulse Regime: Route for Wideband Coherent Spectrum Generation

We investigate the evolution of coherence property of noise-seeded Stokes wave in short ( 1 ps) regimes. Nonlinear equations describing the evolution of pump and Stokes waves are solved numerically for both the regions. Our statistical analysis explore the hidden coherence characteristics of Stokes wave in long pulse regime. Numerical results proclaim that noise-seeded stimulated Raman process, which plays the role in degradation of coherence in short pulse region, exhibits strong phase synchronization in long pulse regime. The manifestation of phase synchronization occurs by the transition of the Stokes wave from incoherent to coherent spectra. Finally, experiment is performed to validate our numerical results where sub-nanosecond pump is launched in the normal dispersion region of a commercially available fiber. Cascaded Raman based broadband spectrum is generated and exhibits high spectral coherence which is measured through f -2f interferometry.
Structural distortion and magnetism of BiFeO3 epitaxial thin films: A Raman spectroscopy and neutron diffraction study

A previous study of the growth conditions has shown that single-phase BiFeO3 thin films can only be obtained in a narrow pressure–temperature window and that these films display a weak magnetic moment. Here, we study in more detail the structure and the magnetism of single-phase BiFeO3 films by means of reciprocal space mapping, Raman spectroscopy and neutron diffraction. X-ray and Raman data suggest that the BiFeO3 structure is tetragonal for 70 nm thick films and changes to monoclinic for 240 nm thick films, thus remaining different from that of the bulk (rhombohedral) structure. In the 240 nm monoclinically distorted film, neutron diffraction experiments allow the observation of a G-type antiferromagnetic order as in bulk single crystals. However, the satellite peaks associated with the long-wavelength cycloid present in bulk BiFeO3 are not observed. The relevance of these findings for the exploitation of the magnetoelectric properties of BiFeO3 is discussed.
Vectorial diffraction of extreme ultraviolet light and ultrashort light pulses

In this thesis, we present applications in optics involving the diffraction theory of light for two advanced technologies. We have used a rigorous vectorial diffraction method to model: (i) the imaging of mask structures in extreme ultraviolet lithography, and (ii) ultrashort pulse propagation through small apertures. We have explained the chronological development of the method, the full derivation to implement the method, and we have also given several educational examples. Therefore, the method is not only a tool to calculate the effects but also to understand the physics behind the results. The first objective is to study the potential and challenges of the optical lithographic technique at the extreme ultraviolet wavelength region (at about Λ = 13.5 nm). We have investigated the application of the phase mask concept at this wavelength range, in order to increase the resolution (decrease the printed size) in the image plane of the projection system. Together with our optimised designs, the phase mask concept is necessary to be applied in the extreme ultraviolet lithography technique, when the desired image resolution becomes comparable to the dimension of the wavelength. In the discussion regarding our second objective, we have demonstrated that small slit apertures illuminated by the two fundamental polarisation modes (transverse electric and transverse magnetic) introduce polarisation-dependent dispersion effect that can be used for interesting applications. When using a double slit aperture, similar to the Young's double-slit experiment, the interference pattern resulting from the diffracted light from both slits can be properly explained. The interference pattern is influenced by several effects, i.e. the waveguiding effect of the slit that is polarisation-dependent, the diffraction by the slit aperture, and the generation of surface-bounded waves on the metal that appears for the transverse magnetic incident wave. The demonstrated high spatial and temporal information can be exploited for more advanced applications in optics, such as microscopy, spectroscopy, femtochemistry, etc.
Religiosity at the Top and Annual Report Readability

This paper examines how individual religiosity at the top level of organizations affects the quality of their disclosure practices, as measured by the readability of annual reports. Our paper extends the recent accounting and finance literature that moves away from a location-based measure to an individual-based measure for capturing the effect of religiosity. Our findings suggest that the individual religiosity of C-suite executives matters in corporate decision-making and has positive implications for the quality of corporate disclosure practices, as reflected by more readable reports. This main finding is primarily driven by the religiosity of CEOs. Additional findings also suggest that the effect of religiosity is not solely driven by the religious denomination of the majority group within a given location-based setting. Previous research using religiosity proxies based on the majority religion in the locale of firms’ headquarters may have measurement issues that disguise the effect of religiosity. This issue is particularly problematic when CEOs or other executives participate in minority religious denominations. Overall, our paper finds that CEO religiosity is an important attribute that affects the overall quality of business practice.
How Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviors Enhance Employees’ Work-Family Enrichment? Thriving at Work as Mediator and Intrinsic Motivation as Moderator

Purpose From the perspective of the work-home resource model, the present research aims to investigate the effect mechanism of family supportive supervisor behaviors (FSSB) on work-family enrichment. Sample and Method Based on 316 Chinese employees’ samples, this study takes the multiple linear regression technique to test our hypothesis model. Results Our study reveals that FSSB is positively related to work-family enrichment. In addition, thriving at work can mediate the positive relationship between family-supportive supervisor behaviors and work-family enrichment. Furthermore, the moderating role of intrinsic motivation is also found in this study. Specifically, intrinsic motivation strengthens the positive relationship between FSSB and thriving at work. Facing FSSB, individuals who score high in intrinsic motivation are prone to experience stronger thriving at work, while individuals who score low will hardly experience thriving at work. Conclusion The current study comprehensively explores how informal organizational support (in our case, family supportive supervisor behaviors) leads to a better family outcome, thus contributing to the work-family interface literature. At the same time, our study also has some guiding significance for practitioners to build a family-friendly environment.
Epithelial and Stromal Characteristics of Primary Tumors Predict the Bone Metastatic Subtype of Prostate Cancer and Patient Survival after Androgen-Deprivation Therapy

Simple Summary Metastatic prostate cancer is a lethal disease and metastasis-specific treatments need to be developed. Mechanisms driving metastases and primary tumor growth could be different, but this is largely unexplored. We previously discovered that bone metastases can be separated into transcriptomic-based subtypes, showing different responses to standard androgen-deprivation therapy for metastatic prostate cancer. One subtype, named MetB, is particularly aggressive and has the worst prognosis. Here, we describe similarities and differences between primary tumors and their metastases, and specifically examine if the development of specific subtype of bone metastases can be predicted by analyzing the primary tumor. Results show that many aspects of prostate cancer bone metastases morphology are related to those in the primary tumor, while others are not. Importantly, men with primary tumors with high cell proliferation and low cellular PSA expression tend to develop metastases enriched for the MetB subtype, have poor prognosis, and need complementary treatment to standard hormone treatment. Abstract Prostate cancer (PC) bone metastases can be divided into transcriptomic subtypes, by us termed MetA-C. The MetB subtype, constituting about 20% of the cases, is characterized by high cell cycle activity, low androgen receptor (AR) activity, and a limited response to standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Complementary treatments should preferably be introduced early on if the risk of developing metastases of the MetB subtype is predicted to behigh. In this study, we therefore examined if the bone metastatic subtype and patient outcome after ADT could be predicted by immunohistochemical analysis of epithelial and stromal cell markers in primary tumor biopsies obtained at diagnosis (n = 98). In this advanced patient group, primary tumor International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade was not associated with outcome or metastasis subtype. In contrast, high tumor cell Ki67 labeling (proliferation) in combination with low tumor cell immunoreactivity for PSA, and a low fraction of AR positive stroma cells in the primary tumors were prognostic for poor survival after ADT. Accordingly, the same tissue markers were associated with developing metastases enriched for the aggressive MetB subtype. The development of the contrasting MetA subtype, showing the best response to ADT, could be predicted by the opposite staining pattern. We conclude that outcome after ADT and metastasis subtype can, at least to some extent, be predicted by analysis of primary tumor characteristics, such as tumor cell proliferation and PSA expression, and AR expression in stromal cells.
V4332 Sgr in `Quiescence'

In 1994 V4332 Sgr underwent a mysterious eruption. Somehow its fast evolution towards a red giant star was, lacking alternative classifications, connected to the red variable M31 RV, which had its eruption in 1988. The red eruptive variable V838 Mon draw the attention back to its ‘older twin’ V4332 Sgr in February 2002. The new precise photometry of the progenitor given here shows that the object started to rise years before the 1994 event. Post-outburst photometry and spectroscopy from 2002 and 2003 show that the object stopped its decline and seems now to become hotter. The progenitor data and the new high quality spectra provide a supplement and completion to the data around the outburst given by Martini et al. (1999). They thus allow theorists to give new boundaries for modelling this unusual object. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)