Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Center-to-Limb Variation of Solar Granulation from Partial Eclipse Observations

We have measured the center-to-limb variation (CLV) of parameters describing geometric and photometric statistical properties of the solar granulation at 6708 Å. This work is based on an excellent series of white-light images obtained with the Swedish Vacuum Solar Telescope at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, during the partial solar eclipse of 1994 May 10. The lunar limb profile, which is visible in each frame, was used as a calibration tool for estimating the point-spread function of the combined optical system formed by the atmosphere and the telescope. Before restoration, noise was removed from the images by a novel application of the so-called optimum filter for two-dimensional objects. The latter was optimized in terms of rms error and was constructed from very precise smoothed models of the specific power spectrum of the granulation at each position on the solar disk. The determination of the positions on the solar disk was achieved with high accuracy by matching the position of the Moon's limb in our images to a numerical simulation of the eclipse geometry. The CLV curve of the ΔIrms granular contrast shows one of the steepest gradients among those reported in the literature and quite a high value (9.6%) at the disk center considering that our working wavelength is in the far-red range of the solar spectrum. The elliptical shape of the restored power spectra with ellipticities equal to those expected just from foreshortening proves that radiative transfer effects do not alter the isotropy of the horizontal intensity pattern of the solar granulation, at least up to μ = 0.4. The mean wavenumber, , derived from the two-dimensional power spectra azimuthally integrated along the ellipses amounts to a value of 6.15 Mm-1 at the center of the solar disk and then shows a decrease toward the limb. Apart from the power spectra analysis, a direct statistical study of the granulation size and brightness, based on the image segmentation for defining granular contours, has also been performed. A general increase in both granular and intergranular areas is found as we move toward the solar limb. The mean granular cell area varies from 1.36 Mm2 at μ = 1 up to 2.06 Mm2 at μ = 0.6, and in parallel, the granular filling factor (the percentage of area of the image covered by granules) decreases from 44.2% to 42.8%. In the small area range, the granular brightness increases linearly with the granular cell size and is preserved constant, on average, for granular cells larger than ~2. ″0. No slope variation is found for the intergranular intensities versus granular cell areas. Observations close to the solar limb detect granular structures as small as 0. ″53 or even smaller up to a distance of at least ≈0. ″5 from the limb, showing that the ΔT associated with the granulation persist at least until z ≈ 200 km. However, this penetration could be different for small and large granules because we find several hints indicating the progressive disappearance of small structures toward the limb.
Oligosecretory Primary Plasma Cell Leukemia with Atypical Morphological Abnormality

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare variant of multiple myeloma. The detection of plasma cells in the peripheral blood and monoclonal protein in the serum or urine is important for the diagnosis of PCL. However, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose PCL in patients with atypical plasma cell morphology and/or those without detectable monoclonal protein. We herein report a case of oligosecretory PCL showing atypical morphology in leukemic cells with a convoluted nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm but without detectable monoclonal protein, except for serum free light chain. A flow cytometric analysis and pathological analysis were useful for the early diagnosis of PCL.
The credibility of scientific communication sources regarding climate change: A population-based survey experiment

This article analyses whether different institutional sources of scientific information have an impact on its credibility. Through a population-based survey experiment of a national representative sample of the Spanish public, we measure the credibility that citizens attribute to scientific information on the evolution of CO2 emissions disclosed by different institutional sources (business associations, government, non-government environmental organisations, international bodies and national research institutions). The findings show that an institutional credibility gap exists in science communication. We also investigate the factors accounting for the credibility of the different institutional sources by examining variables related to knowledge, interest, trust, reputation, deference, attitudes, values and personal characteristics. Exploratory regression analyses reveal that identical variables can produce different effects on the credibility of scientific information, depending on the institutional source to which it is attributed.
L'alternative de Tits pour Aut[C2]

Resume Via une action de Aut[ C 2] sur un arbre, nous classifions les sous-groupes de Aut[ C 2]. En particulier nous montrons que l'alternative de Tits est verifiee. D'autre part nous obtenons une reformulation de la notion de fonction de Green pour un automorphisme de type Henon. Copyright 2001 Academic Press. Letting Aut[ C 2] act on a tree, we classify the subgroups of Aut[ C 2] and show that the Tits alternative is true. Further we get another formulation for the notion of a Green function of an Henon type automorphism.
On the damage behaviour of Al2O3 insulating layers in thin film systems for the fabrication of sputtered strain gauges

We report on ablation experiments of sputter deposited thin film systems of NiCr and Al2O3 for the fabrication of strain sensors. To ensure proper functionality of the electrical circuits, the metal film has to be selectively removed while damage in the Al2O3 films has to be avoided. Damage thresholds of the Al2O3 layer are investigated and damage mechanisms are discussed. Damage thresholds decrease with increasing number of scans until reaching a constant value. The processing window defined as the ratio of Al2O3 damage threshold and NiCr ablation threshold increases with increasing film thickness and number of scans.
Efficacy and safety of 20% albumin fluid loading in healthy subjects: a comparison of four resuscitation fluids.

Recently, buffered salt solutions and 20% albumin (small volume resuscitation) have been advocated as an alternative fluid for intravenous resuscitation. The relative comparative efficacy and potential adverse effects of these solutions have not been evaluated. In a randomized, double blind, cross-over study of six healthy male subjects we compared the pulmonary and hemodynamic effects of intravenous administration of 30 ml/kg of 0.9% saline, Hartmann's solution and 4% albumin, and 6 ml/kg of 20% albumin (albumin dose equivalent). Lung tests (spirometry, ultrasound, impulse oscillometry, diffusion capacity, and plethysmography), two- to three-dimensional Doppler echocardiography, carotid applanation tonometry, blood gases, serum/urine markers of endothelial, and kidney injury were measured before and after each fluid bolus. Data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA with effect of fluid type examined as an interaction. Crystalloids caused lung edema [increase in ultrasound B line (P = 0.006) and airway resistance (P = 0.009)], but evidence of lung injury [increased angiopoietin-2 (P = 0.019)] and glycocalyx injury [increased syndecan (P = 0.026)] was only observed with 0.9% saline. The colloids caused greater left atrial stretch, decrease in lung volumes, and increase in diffusion capacity than the crystalloids, but without pulmonary edema. Stroke work increased proportionally to increase in preload with all four fluids (R2 = 0.71). There was a greater increase in cardiac output and stroke volume after colloid administration, associated with a reduction in afterload. Hartmann's solution did not significantly alter ventricular performance. Markers of kidney injury were not affected by any of the fluids administrated. Bolus administration of 20% albumin is both effective and safe in healthy subjects. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Bolus administration of 20% albumin is both effective and safe in healthy subjects when compared with other commonly available crystalloids and colloidal solution.
Titanium in silicon: Lattice positions and electronic properties

The electronic properties of vanadium in silicon have been studied using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), high resolution Laplace DLTS, capacitance voltage measurements and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). Vanadium was implanted into float zone (FZ) grown n-type and FZ and Czochralski (Cz) grown p-type Si and implantation damage was removed through annealing between 700 and 900 °C. DLTS measurements were carried out to determine the electronic characteristics of vanadium-related defects in silicon. It is argued that the dominant electrically active defect is related to interstitial vanadium (Vi) atoms. The distribution of implanted vanadium is seen to differ between Czochralski and FZ silicon, with redistribution of vanadium atoms occurring significantly faster in Cz-Si. We suggest that in FZ-Si the Vi atoms interact with implantation induced vacancies and move to the substitutional site where they are much less mobile. At the peak concentration of vanadium, determined by SIMS to be ∼1015 .
Tests for the variance parameter in the Fay–Herriot model

The Fay–Herriot model is a linear mixed model that plays a relevant role in small area estimation (SAE). Under the SAE set-up, tools for selecting an adequate model are required. Applied statisticians are often interested on deciding if it is worthwhile to use a mixed effect model instead of a simpler fixed-effect model. This problem is not standard because under the null hypothesis the random effect variance is on the boundary of the parameter space. The likelihood ratio test and the residual likelihood ratio test are proposed and their finite sample distributions are derived. Finally, we analyse their behaviour under simulated scenarios and we also apply them to real data.
The Molecular-Metallic Transition of Hydrogen and the Structure of Jupiter and Saturn

Recently, a new equation of state for hydrogen which predicts a molecular-metallic phase transition at finite temperature has become available. It is combined with a helium equation of state, and the resulting thermodynamic description of H/He mixtures is used to compute interior models of Jupiter and Saturn, subject to the constraints of the measured gravitational harmonics of both planets. The inferred heavy element abundance distribution in their interiors and the possible consequences on their formation are discussed
A Taylor-type rule with asset prices

The article examines if US monetary policy implicitly responds to asset price booms. Using real-time data and a GMM framework we estimate a Taylor-type rule with an asset variable that captures phases of booms and busts in the real estate market. We identify quasi real-time booms and busts using an asset cycle dating procedure. Our analysis yields two main findings. Firstly, the Fed does implicitly respond to asset price booms in the real estate market. Secondly, these responses are typically pro-cyclic and their intensity changes over time.
The uniqueness of Weierstrass points with semigroup (cid:2) a ; b (cid:3) and related semigroups

Assume a and b = na + r with n ≥ 1 and 0 < r < a are relatively prime integers. In case C is a smooth curve and P is a point on C with Weierstrass semigroup equal to < a ; b > then C is called a C a ; b -curve. In case r (cid:3)= a − 1 and b (cid:3)= a + 1 we prove C has no other point Q (cid:3)= P having Weierstrass semigroup equal to < a ; b > , in which case we say that the Weierstrass semigroup < a ; b > occurs at most once. The curve C a ; b has genus ( a − 1 )( b − 1 )/ 2 and the result is generalized to genus g < ( a − 1 )( b − 1 )/ 2. We obtain a lower bound on g (sharp in many cases) such that all Weierstrass semigroups of genus g containing < a ; b > occur at most once.
The Backscattering of Sound from a Harbor Bottom

When underwater sound strikes the bottom of the sea in shallow or deep water, a portion of its intensity is scattered back toward the source of sound. A study of the backscattering from the bottom as a function of pulse length, frequency, and tilt angle at several locations in a harbor along the East Coast was made by using a tiltable transducer mounted on a barge. The results are expressed in terms of quantity called the “scattering strength” of a unit area of bottom. The results suggest that the backscattering of sound from a natural bottom is more the result of its roughness rather than of the fact that it consists of sedimentary particles. Even at normal incidence the bottom of a sea or bay appears sufficiently rough so that little sound is returned by specular reflection. Some evidence in support of these conclusions will be given.
An application to the stock market

This paper provides empirical evidence suggesting that fundamentals matter for stock price fluctuations once temporal instability underpinning stock price-relations is accounted for. Specifically, this study extends the out-of sample forecasting methodology of Meese and Rogoff (J Int Econ 14:3–24, 1983) to the stock market after explicitly testing for parameter nonconstancy using recursive techniques. The predictive ability of a present value model based on Imperfect Knowledge Economics (IKE) is found to match that of the pure random walk benchmark at short forecasting horizons and to perform significantly better at medium to longer-run horizons based on conventional measures of predictability and direction of change statistics. In addition, the presence of a cointegrating relation is found only within regimes of statistical parameter constancy. Augmenting the MR methodology in a piecewise linear fashion yields empirical results in favor of a fundamentals-based account of stock price behavior overturning the recent results of Flood and Rose (2010).
Geometric accuracy and information content of WorldView-1 images

Abstract. Advancements in the geometric resolution of space images have improved the conditions for generations of large-scale topographic maps. Using WorldView-1, WorldView-2, and GeoEye-1, images can now be captured from space with a 0.5 m ground sampling distance (GSD). Geometric accuracy and information content are the most significant components of mapping from space images. Depending on the resolution, image quality, and shadows, the identification and classification of ground objects may prove challenging. In this research, the geometric accuracy and information content, of panchromatic WorldView-1 images, were analyzed by covering parts of Istanbul and Zonguldak in Turkey. Each of these locations has various topographic characteristics. For the orientation and investigation of the geometric accuracies of images, a number of ground control points (GCPs) were developed as independent checkpoints. Based on bias-corrected rational polynomial coefficients with one GCP, a standard deviation of independent checkpoints on the range of one GSD was obtained. The information content of images was analyzed by mapping all buildings, in both test areas, and comparing the results with reference 1/5000 scaled topographic maps. The results verified that the WorldView-1 images can be utilized for generating and updating 1/5000 scaled topographic maps of urban areas.
Structure of the Melting Layer in Mesoscale Convective System Stratiform Precipitation

Abstract This study examines the aircraft observations and theoretical evolution of particles above, through, and below the melting layer in the stratiform region associated with a mesoscale convective system (MCS). The aircraft data were obtained from an advecting spiral descent where the descent rate approximately corresponded to the typical hydrometeor fall speeds. The microphysical and thermodynamic measurements not only allowed us to characterize the particle evolution, but also enabled us to compare them with the theoretical evolution of the particles in the melting layer and to quantify the associated heating and cooling rates. Even though complete melting requires a fairly deep layer, most of the mass melts, and thus most of the cooling occurs in a thin layer above the location of the radar bright band. Based upon the magnitude of vertical velocity fluctuations, the layers below the melting layer appear to be decoupled from those above. The ice water content above the melting layer is 2–3 times th.
Sustainable Materials with Enhanced Mechanical Properties Based on Industrial Polyhydroxyalkanoates Reinforced with Organomodified Sepiolite and Montmorillonite

Microplastics have become one of the greatest environmental challenges worldwide. To turn this dramatic damage around, EU regulators now want to ensure that plastic itself is fully recyclable or biodegradable. The aim of the present work is to develop a biobased and biodegradable biocomposite based on commercial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and nanoclays, with the objective of achieving a reduction of rancid odour while avoiding any loss in thermomechanical properties, thus tackling two key disadvantages of PHAs. This research aims at completely characterising the structural, thermal and mechanical behaviour of the formulations developed, understanding the compatibility mechanisms in order to be able to assess the best commercial combinations for industrial applications in the packaging and automotive sectors. We report the development of nine nanobiocomposite materials based on three types of commercial PHA matrices: a linear poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB); two copolymers based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB-co-P4HB); and nanoclays, which represent a different polar behaviour. Dispersion achieved is highly relevant compared with literature results. Our findings show impressive mechanical enhancements, in particular for P3HB reinforced with sepiolite modified via aminosilanes.
Growth and characterization of molybdenum oxide nanorods by RF magnetron sputtering and subsequent annealing

High-densely packed and uniformly distributed molybdenum oxide nanorods have been grown onto glass substrates by RF magnetron sputtering and subsequent annealing in an oxygen atmosphere. A two-step growth mechanism (sputtering redeposition and enhanced rearrangement during annealing) for the formation of MoO3 nanorods has been proposed. The morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties of the nanorods have been investigated systematically using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, micro-Raman, UV–visible, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and dc resistivity studies. The nanorods in the as-sputtered film and the film annealed at 473 K are amorphous in nature. However, the nanorods in the films annealed at 573 and 673 K exhibit the presence of monoclinic Mo8O23 and orthorhombic MoO3, respectively. Vibrational analysis of the molybdenum and oxygen atoms in the nanorods is carried out by micro-Raman spectra. The nanorods show room temperature PL in the UV–visible region. The PL emission is found to be strongly enhanced by post-deposition annealing. The low temperature resistivity measurement is done on the as-deposited film; the activation energy and polaron hopping energy for electrical conduction are calculated. The MoO3 nanorods are expected to exhibit enhanced functionality, particularly in nanoscale, photochromic and gas sensing applications.
Statistical analysis of catalogs of extragalactic objects. VII. Two- and three-point correlation functions for the high-resolution Shane-Wirtanen catalog of galaxies

We present estimates of the two- and three-point angular correlation functions for the high-resolution (10') Shane-Wirtanen catalog of galaxies. Special attention is given to statistical corrections for plate-to-plate variations of limiting magnitude, counting error, and the effect of the 10' x 10' counting cell. The two-point function is well approximated by a power law for theta9 or approx. =2/sup 0/. 5, corresponding to a projected distance of approx.9h/sup -1/ Mpc (H=100h km s/sup -1/ Mpc/sup -1/), but breaks sharply below the power law at larger angles. Several arguments indicate that the break is an intrinsic feature of the galaxy distribution, not an artifact of the analysis. New scaling relations taking account of redshift and curvature are derived and used to compare the correlation functions estimated for the Zwicky, Shane-Wirtanen, and Jagellonian samples. Corrections for redshift effects are about 20% for scaling between the Zwicky and Shane-Wirtanen catalogs, and including them improves the agreement among the estimates. The two-point spatial function is estimated to be xi (r) = (r/sub 0//r)/sup 1.77/, with r/sub 0/=4.7h/sup -1/ Mpc, 0.05 Mpc9 or approx. =hr9 or approx. =9 Mpc. The three-point function at theta9 or approx. =3/sup 0/ is well represented by the model zeta (1,2,3)more » =Q(xi (1) xi (2)+xi (2) xi (3)+xi (3) xi (1)) for the spatial function, with Q=1.29 +- 0.21. The three-point function shows little or no evidence of a preference for linear features in the galaxy distribution. « less
Pericoronary adipose tissue radiomics from coronary CT angiography identifies vulnerable plaques characteristics in intravascular OCT

Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) features on CT have been shown to reflect local inflammation, and signals increased cardiovascular risk. Our goal was to determine if PCAT radiomics extracted from coronary CT angiography (CCTA) images are associated with intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT)-identified vulnerable plaque characteristics (e.g., microchannels [MC] and thin-cap fibroatheroma [TCFA]). CCTA and IVOCT images of 30 lesions from 25 patients were registered. Vessels with vulnerable plaques were identified from the registered IVOCT images. PCAT radiomics features were extracted from CCTA images for the lesion region of interest (PCAT-LOI) and the entire vessel (PCAT-Vessel). We extracted 1356 radiomics features, including intensity (first-order), shape, and texture features. Features were reduced using standard approaches (e.g., high feature correlation). Using stratified three-fold cross-validation with 1000 repeats, we determined the ability of PCAT radiomics features from CCTA to predict IVOCT vulnerable plaque characteristics. In identification of TCFA lesions, PCAT-LOI and PCAT-Vessel radiomics models performed comparably (AUC+/-standard deviation 0.78+/-0.13, 0.77+/-0.14). For identification of MC lesions, PCAT-Vessel radiomics model (0.89+/-0.09) was moderately better associated than that of PCAT-LOI model (0.83+/-0.12). Both PCAT-LOI and PCAT-Vessel radiomics models also similarly identified coronary vessels thought to be highly vulnerable (i.e., both TCFA and MC) (0.88+/-0.10, 0.91+/-0.09). Favorable radiomics features tended to be those describing texture and size of PCAT. PCAT radiomics can identify coronary vessels with TCFA or MC, consistent with IVOCT. CCTA radiomics may improve risk stratification by noninvasively detecting vulnerable plaque characteristics that are only visible with IVOCT.