Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser-induced damage thresholds at different temperature for optical devices

Studies for temperature dependences of laser-induced damage thresholds for optical devise is introduced in this paper. Additionally, the temperature dependence of the laser-induced damage threshold of single-layer optical coatings as resent progress was clarified using Nd:YAG and Ti:sapphire lasers. The wavelengths of the lasers were 1064 nm and 800 nm and the pulse widths were 4 ns, 200 ps, 2 ps, and 100 fs. For pulses longer than a few picoseconds, the laser-induced damage threshold of coated substrates increased with decreasing temperature. This temperature dependence was reversed for pulses shorter than a few picoseconds. A flowchart was presented including the several mechanisms for laser damage mechanism. The differences in the temperature dependence are explained by the flowchart. As one of results in theoretical analysis, the electron resistivity i. e. electron mobility is key point to elucidate the temperature dependence of laser-induced damage threshold.
Spin-statistics violations in superstring theory

I describe how superstring theory may violate spin statistics in an experimentally observable manner. Reviewing the basics of superstring interactions and how to utilize these to produce a statistical phase, I then apply these ideas to two specific examples. The first is the case of heterotic world sheet linkings, whereby one small closed string momentarily enlarges sufficiently to pass over another, producing such a statistical phase. The second is the braneworld model with noncommutative geometry, whereby matter composed of open strings may couple to a background in which spacetime coordinates do not commute, modifying the field (anti)commutator algebra. I conclude with ways to sharpen and experimentally test these exciting avenues to possibly verify superstring theory.
Vitamin D supplements in chronic kidney disease

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem and Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in CKD and might be associated with calcium and phosphate metabolism, cardiovascular disease, infections as well as the progress of kidney dysfunction. Emerging evidence implies that Vitamin D supplements may be of benefit to CKD. Based on existing laboratory and clinical evidence, this review intends to discuss the effectiveness of Vitamin D supplements and controversy in clinical practice. The effect of Vitamin D in CKD patients is summarized in detail from CKD–mineral bone disease, the progression of renal function, cardiovascular events and immune system. Considerable disputes exist for the Vitamin D supplements in CKD, and a growing amount of experimental evidence and some clinical evidence are now gathering from in vitro, animal and epidemiological studies.
Gamifying Video Object Segmentation

Video object segmentation can be considered as one of the most challenging computer vision problems. Indeed, so far, no existing solution is able to effectively deal with the peculiarities of real-world videos, especially in cases of articulated motion and object occlusions; limitations that appear more evident when we compare the performance of automated methods with the human one. However, manually segmenting objects in videos is largely impractical as it requires a lot of time and concentration. To address this problem, in this paper we propose an interactive video object segmentation method, which exploits, on one hand, the capability of humans to identify correctly objects in visual scenes, and on the other hand, the collective human brainpower to solve challenging and large-scale tasks. In particular, our method relies on a game with a purpose to collect human inputs on object locations, followed by an accurate segmentation phase achieved by optimizing an energy function encoding spatial and temporal constraints between object regions as well as human-provided location priors. Performance analysis carried out on complex video benchmarks, and exploiting data provided by over 60 users, demonstrated that our method shows a better trade-off between annotation times and segmentation accuracy than interactive video annotation and automated video object segmentation approaches.
Direction of Arrival (DOA) Estimation in an Array of Antennas using Derivative-Free Methods

In this paper, direction of arrival estimation has been addressed using derivative free methods and their hybrid procedure in antenna array signal processing. The problem has been formulated in the root mean square error sense by considering the single snapshot. A scenario based simulation has been performed by taking different number of antenna elements with varying sources. The stability, reliability and applicability of the proposed scheme has been monitored by Monte Carlo simulation and their statistical analysis based on the fitness of the problem, global mean square error and computational budget in term of time complexity. General Terms Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation
Progressing basic action theories with non-local effect actions

In this paper we propose a practical extension to some recent work on the progression of action theories in the situation calculus. In particular, we argue that the assumption of local-effect actions is too restrictive for realistic settings. Based on the notion of safe-range queries from database theory and just-in-time action histories, we present a new type of action theory, called range-restricted, that allows actions to have non-local effects with a restricted range. These theories can represent incomplete information in the initial database in terms of possible closures for fluents and can be progressed by directly updating the database in an algorithmic manner. We prove the correctness of our method and argue for the applicability of range-restricted theories in realistic settings.
On Buffon machines and numbers

The well-know needle experiment of Buffon can be regarded as an analog (i.e., continuous) device that stochastically "computes" the number 2/π = 0.63661, which is the experiment's probability of success. Generalizing the experiment and simplifying the computational framework, we consider probability distributions, which can be produced perfectly, from a discrete source of unbiased coin flips. We describe and analyse a few simple Buffon machines that generate geometric, Poisson, and logarithmic-series distributions. We provide human-accessible Buffon machines, which require a dozen coin flips or less, on average, and produce experiments whose probabilities of success are expressible in terms of numbers such as π, exp(−1), log2, √3, cos(1/4), ζ(5). Generally, we develop a collection of constructions based on simple probabilistic mechanisms that enable one to design Buffon experiments involving compositions of exponentials and logarithms, polylogarithms, direct and inverse trigonometric functions, algebraic and hypergeometric functions, as well as functions defined by integrals, such as the Gaussian error function.
Design of Simple-Supported Reactive Powder Concrete Railway Bridge with Span of 32m

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is a new kind of engineering material with high strength, high elastic modulus and high durability. In order to satisfy the low-height requirement, RPC is adopted to design the railway bridge. One simple-supported RPC T-beam with span of 32m is designed and applied in railway bridge engineering. The height of the beam is 1.8m and the height to span ratio is 1/17.8. It is supper low-height beam for railway bridges. The parameters of material properties, mixing proportion, section size and prestressed steel strand cable arrangement of the RPC T-beam are presented. The load bearing capacity, the deflection and the crack resistance safety coefficient are calculated and the results can satisfy the requirements of the code. It is useful for the design and application of RPC in structure engineering.
On syntactical categories

Up to now, most constructed calculi had the following common property: Whenever the rules of formation of a calculus laid down that expressions of the designs ‘Pa’, ‘Qa’, ‘Pb’ were sentences—‘P’ and ‘Q’ being first-level one-place predicates, ‘a’ and ‘b’ individual-symbols—, ‘Qb’ was a sentence too, according to the same rules. This self-imposed restriction of the logicians is historically understandable, since calculi of this common feature have a certain simplicity which differently constructed calculi will not have. So far, calculi of this type have proved to be sufficient for the formalization of mathematics and small parts of other sciences. We may ask ourselves, however, whether such a restriction will still be desirable when attempting to construct calculi covering more ground. It is quite possible that insistence on this kind of simplicity will involve a greater complexity in other respects. Inquiry into types of calculi which do not possess this simplicity should therefore be of some interest. To such an inquiry we are led also from another point of view. More and more stress has been laid in recent researches on the construction of calculi which should show close connection with ordinary languages, and it is obvious that ordinary language does not have the mentioned property. To use an example given by Carnap: Whereas ‘This stone is red,’ ‘Aluminium is red,’ ‘This stone weighs five pounds’ are all meaningful sentences of ordinary English, ‘Aluminium weighs five pounds’ is not and it does not matter in this connection whether we formulate this fact by saying that ‘Aluminium weighs five pounds,’ though grammatically an impeccable sentence, is logically meaningless, or whether we prefer the more modern formulation that this word-sequence does not form a sentence at all.
Cellular bases of neocortical activation: modulation of neural oscillations by the nucleus basalis and endogenous acetylcholine

In the mammalian neocortex, the EEG reflects the state of behavioral arousal. The EEG undergoes a transformation, known as activation, during the transition from sleep to waking. Abundant evidence indicates the involvement of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in EEG activation; however, the cellular basis of this involvement remains unclear. We have used electrophysiological techniques with in vivo and in vitro preparations to demonstrate actions of endogenous ACh on neurons in auditory neocortex. In vivo stimulation of the nucleus basalis (NB), a primary source of neocortical ACh, (1) elicited EEG activation via cortical muscarinic receptors, (2) depolarized cortical neurons, and (3) produced a change in subthreshold membrane potential fluctuations from large-amplitude, slow (1–5 Hz) oscillations to low- amplitude, fast (20–40 Hz) oscillations. The NB-mediated change in pattern of membrane potential fluctuations resulted in a shift of spike discharge pattern from phasic to tonic. Stimulation of afferents in the in vitro neocortex elicited cholinergic actions on putative layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Acting via muscarinic receptors, endogenous ACh (1) reduced slow, rhythmic burst discharge and facilitated higher- frequency, single-spike discharge in burst-generating neurons, and (2) facilitated the appearance and magnitude of intrinsic membrane potential oscillations. These in vivo and in vitro observations suggest that neocortical activation results from muscarinic modulation of intrinsic neural oscillations and firing modes. Rhythmic-bursting pyramidal neurons in layer 5 may act as cortical pacemakers; if so, then modifying their discharge characteristics could alter local cortical networks. Larger, intercortical networks could also be modified, due to the widespread projections of NB neurons. Thus, NB cholinergic neurons may play a critical role in producing different states of neocortical function.
Genetic Algorithms Hierarchical Execution Control under a Global Application State Monitoring Infrastructure

We present a new approach to the design of parallel genetic algorithms executed in multicore processor systems. To design the algorithms, a programming environment is used with parallel program global control flow functions and asynchronous process/thread internal behaviour control. Global application states monitoring is provided by generalized synchronization processes called synchronizers which collect local states of program elements, construct consistent global states and send control signals to program components based on predicates computed on global states. Such control/synchronization mechanisms are provided as a ready to use program infrastructure which is structurally decoupled from computational code for threads, processes and groups of threads/processes. A parallel genetic algorithm design based on such global control infrastructure is discussed. The algorithm has been used for optimal partitioning of parallel mesh computations represented as a data flow graph for solving a FDTD numerical problem.
Decreased apoptosis in proliferative and postmitotic regions of the caspase 3‐deficient embryonic central nervous system

Caspase 3 (CPP32/Yama/apopain), a mammalian homolog of the Caenorhabditis elegans pro‐cell death gene ced‐3, is required for normal programmed cell death (PCD) in the nematode. Its prior deletion by homologous recombination in mice resulted in embryonic/early postnatal lethality associated with dramatic central nervous system (CNS) hyperplasia, yet a reported subtle decrease in cell death (Kuida et al. [ 1996 ] Nature 384:368–372). By comparison, the magnitude and distribution of dying cells identified using a DNA end‐labeling technique, in situ end‐labeling plus (ISEL+) (Blaschke et al. [ 1996 ] Development 122:1165–1174; Blaschke et al. [ 1998 ] J. Comp. Neurol. 396:39–50), supported an alternative explanation where the loss of caspase 3 function produces a more pervasive block in cell death, particularly among neuroblasts. To determine the relationship between loss of caspase 3 and dying cells identified by ISEL+, we analyzed caspase 3 +/+, +/−, and −/− embryos for normal caspase 3 expression and ISEL+ labeling. Both caspase 3 mRNA and active caspase 3 protein are present throughout the +/+ embryonic CNS, and both are absent from −/− embryonic cortices. Quantitation of dying cells identified by ISEL+ reveals a 30% reduction of labeled cells throughout the caspase 3 −/− embryonic cortices relative to +/+ littermates. Associated with this decrease is marked expansion of the total population of actively proliferating neuroblasts identified by 5‐bromo‐2`‐deoxyuridine incorporation that nevertheless appears to maintain histological features of normal neurogenesis rather than dysregulated, neoplastic growth. These data indicate that caspase 3 deficiency results in a pervasive, albeit partial, decrease in embryonic neuroblast apoptosis that can account for the observed phenotypic hyperplasia in −/− embryos, and support the additional operation of caspase 3‐independent PCD mechanisms during embryonic CNS development. J. Comp. Neurol. 423:1–12, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Speech Recognition with Fuzzy Neural Network for Discrete Words

In this paper we study the feasibility of speech recognition with fuzzy neural Networks for discrete words, dependent or not dependent on speaker. Different Technical methods are used for speech recognition. Most of these methods are based on transfiguration of the speech signals for phonemes and syllables of the words. We use the expression "word Recognition" (because in our proposed method there is no need to catch the phonemes of words.). In our proposed method, Kohonen and LVQ networks are used for compaction and learning the data and then the output is sent to a fuzzy system and a neuro fuzzy system for classifying the conclusion. The experimental results show good precisions. The recognition precision of our proposed method with fuzzy conclusion is 95 percent and with ANFIS conclusion is 96 percent for good data and for all data is 58 percent.
Phenotype MicroArrays as a complementary tool to next generation sequencing for characterization of tree endophytes

There is an increasing need to calibrate microbial community profiles obtained through next generation sequencing (NGS) with relevant taxonomic identities of the microbes, and to further associate these identities with phenotypic attributes. Phenotype MicroArray (PM) techniques provide a semi-high throughput assay for characterization and monitoring the microbial cellular phenotypes. Here, we present detailed descriptions of two different PM protocols used in our recent studies on fungal endophytes of forest trees, and highlight the benefits and limitations of this technique. We found that the PM approach enables effective screening of substrate utilization by endophytes. However, the technical limitations are multifaceted and the interpretation of the PM data challenging. For the best result, we recommend that the growth conditions for the fungi are carefully standardized. In addition, rigorous replication and control strategies should be employed whether using pre-configured, commercial microwell-plates or in-house designed PM plates for targeted substrate analyses. With these precautions, the PM technique is a valuable tool to characterize the metabolic capabilities of individual endophyte isolates, or successional endophyte communities identified by NGS, allowing a functional interpretation of the taxonomic data. Thus, PM approaches can provide valuable complementary information for NGS studies of fungal endophytes in forest trees.
Sub-Electron noise measurements on RNDR Devices

In this work we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally the capability to reduce the readout noise of an optical and X-ray photon detector based on the semiconductor DEPFET device below a level of only 0.3e- ENC (equivalent noise charge). The readout method used is called "Repetitive Non Destructive Readout" (RNDR) and was realised by placing two single DEPFET-devices next to each other and by coupling their charge storing region by an additional gate. By transferring the stored charge from one DEPFET to the other and vice versa the same charge can be measured non-destructively and arbitrarily often. Taking the average value of a large number n of these measurements, the noise is reduced by 1/radicn. The main advantage of such a detector is to greatly reduce the influence of the 1/f noise to the readout noise. The theoretically and experimentally achievable resolution for different operating parameters (leakage current, readout noise, number and duration of readouts) was investigated by Monte-Carlo simulations and verified on a real RNDR minimatrix (pixelarray). Single optical photon detection with high quantum efficiency and, even more fascinating, the possibility to distinguish between different numbers of photons e.g. 100 from 101 is presented in measurements.
HLA-DP Polymorphisms Affect the Outcomes of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infections, Possibly through Interacting with Viral Mutations

ABSTRACT Genetic polymorphisms of HLA-DP have been associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence. We aimed to determine the effect of HLA-DP polymorphisms on the generation of HBV mutations and their interactions on the outcomes of HBV infection. rs3077, rs3135021, rs9277535, and rs2281388 were genotyped in 1,342 healthy controls, 327 HBV clearance subjects, and 2,736 HBV-positive subjects, including 1,108 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, using quantitative PCR. HBV mutations were determined by sequencing. Multiplicative interactions of HLA-DP polymorphisms and viral mutations were assessed by multivariate logistic regression. rs3077 (from subjects with genotype CT combined with those from subjects with genotype TT [CT+TT] versus CC), rs3135021 (GA+AA versus GG), rs9277535 (GA+AA versus GG), and rs2281388 (CC versus CT+TT) significantly decreased HBV persistence. This effect was found only in genotype B HBV-infected subjects compared to HBV clearance subjects. HLA-DP polymorphisms promoting HBV clearance were associated with a lower prevalence of mutations increasing HCC risk (C1653T, T1674C/G, A1846T, G1896A and pre-S2 mutations and pre-S deletion in genotype C) and a higher prevalence of mutations decreasing HCC risk (G1652A, T1673C, T1674C, G1719T, G1730C, and G1799C in genotype B and A1727T in genotype C). Significant effects of viral mutations on cirrhosis and HCC were selectively evident in those with HLA-DP polymorphisms promoting HBV persistence. The interactions of C1653T, T1674C/G, and G1896A mutations with HLA-DP polymorphisms promoting HBV clearance significantly decreased cirrhosis risk. The interaction of rs9277535 AA with the T1674C/G or G1719T mutation in genotype C significantly decreased HCC risk. In conclusion, HLA-DP polymorphisms affect genotype B HBV clearance, regulate immune selection of viral mutations, and influence cirrhosis and HCC risks contributed by HBV mutations.
Nonlinear dynamical systems for imitation with humanoid robots

This article explores a new approach to learning by imitation and trajectory formation by representing movements as control policies (CPs) based on a set of nonlinear differential equations with well-defined attractor dynamics. An observed movement is approximated by locally linear models using an incremental locally weighted regression technique. In contrast to non-autonomous movement representations like splines, the resultant movement plan remains an autonomous set of nonlinear differential equations that forms a control policy which is robust to strong external perturbations and that can be modified by additional perceptual variables. This movement policy remains the same for a given target, regardless of the initial conditions, and can easily be re-used for new targets. We evaluate the system in the context of a humanoid robot simulation and an actual humanoid robot. Typical reaching movements were collected with a Sarcos Sensuit, a device to record joint angular movement from human subjects, and approximated and reproduced with our imitation techniques. Our results demonstrate (a) that multijoint human movements can be encoded successfully by the CPs, (b) that a learned movement policy can readily be reused to produce robust trajectories towards different targets, (c) that a policy fitted for one particular target provides a good predictor of human reaching movements towards neighboring targets, and (d) that the parameter space which encodes a policy is suitable for measuring to which extent two trajectories are qualitatively similar.
Vertical and Horizontal Inequalities in Ten National Labor Markets

Scholars and policy-makers increasingly treat occupational sex segregation as a generic indicator of female economic disadvantage. This view is difficult to reconcile with evidence that levels of sex segregation are lower in reputably ‘gender-traditional’ countries such as Italy, Japan, and Portugal than in ‘progressive’ Sweden and the United States. Understanding such seemingly anomalous patterns requires a two-dimensional conceptualization of occupational sex segregation ‐ in particular, an analytical distinction between vertical and horizontal gender inequalities. Based on data from 10 industrialized countries, claims regarding (1) the hybrid nature of sex segregation and (2) the cultural and structural factors that influence its various components are empirically assessed. Results confirm that unequal distributions across the manual‐non-manual divide (‘horizontal segregation’) and status differentials within these sectors (‘vertical segregation’) together account for a considerable share of occupational gender inequality. Gender-egalitarian cultural norms are associated with lower levels of vertical segregation in the non-manual sector, while postindustrial economic structures coincide with greater horizontal segregation (and more vertical segregation of non-manual occupations). The complex horizontal and vertical dynamics revealed here cast further doubt on unidimensional conceptualizations of sex segregation. They also provide the key for deciphering some long-standing empirical puzzles in the field.