Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards a generalized representation of surface effects on pressure-driven liquid flow in microchannels

This letter postulates a generalized fundamental formulation to model the influence of surface characteristics on pressure-driven liquid transport through microchannels. Probabilistic effects pertaining to the influence of roughness elements and uncertainties in wall conditions due to the presence of a random distribution of nanobubbles are represented spectrally by employing a stochastic version of the Navier-Stokes equations. A generalized mathematical expression is eventually arrived at, by normalizing these characteristics, which can act as a fundamental scientific guideline towards the design of microfluidic channels.
Decision rules for small vaccine experiments with binary outcomes based on conditional and expected power and size of the Fisherexact test

Vaccine experiments with a binary outcome typically use a small number of animals for financial and ethical reasons. The choice of a design, characterized by the total number of animals and the allocation of animals to treated and control groups, needs to be based on an assessment of change in expected size and power, with corresponding changes in the nominal significance level. This paper shows how an analysis of the conditional and the expected size and power of the Fisher-exact test, given predicted values for the proportions of success in control and treated groups, can lead to appropriate decision rules.
An Improvement on C-V Model

C-V model has the advantage of being able to detect boundaries of objects that are not defined by gradient. However, when detecting these types of edges, the C-V model only considers the average value of each region without local information. As a result, its segmentation result may exist errors, when detecting non-gradient defined boundaries. In order to overcome this problem, we modify the fitting term of classical C-V model with an extra weight. This weight can control the relative height of zero-level contour, so the new method can decrease the segmentation errors. Experiments show that the new model can obtain more accurate results and segment multi-phase images by setting proper weights. Active contour models (1), based on level set method, are one important type of methods in image segmentation. Those methods can handle topological changes automatically, and can get the boundaries of objects with complex edges. At present, there are two categories of active contour methods. One is based on the edge information and the other is based on the region information. Snakes (2), geometric active contours (3), geodesic active contours (GAC) model (4) are edge-based models. These methods get the boundaries of objects from the gradients of images. As these methods depend on the gradient information, when processing images with non-gradient defined edges, they will get wrong boundaries. While M-S model (5) and C-V model (6) are based on global region information. They take piecewise constant patches as the solution of segmentation problems. As a result, it can process the images whose edges are not well defined. Additionally, C-V model can process images fast and segment the objects with inner-boundaries, and its solution is robust to the initialization of the curves. However, C-V model may have problems when detecting blurred and fuzzy edges. The reason is that the C-V model only considers the averages inside and outside the zero-level contours, and the results determined by its energy functional may be not suitable for these edge types. In this paper, we propose an improved C-V model with a generalized fitting term to deal with the above problem. A weight factor w added into the generalized fitting term, controls the height of zero-level sets of the original C-V model. Thus we may obtain accurate segmentation results by
Cascaded Contextual Reasoning for Large-Scale Point Cloud Semantic Segmentation

Large-scale point cloud semantic segmentation aims to efficiently process millions of points and classify each point into the correct class. Most traditional methods are designed for indoor scenes and are inpractical to process large-scale point clouds directly. To improve efficiency, appropriate point reduction strategies such as random sampling are necessary to reduce points significantly. However, it brings some problems. First, such reduction leads to serious information loss during encoding phase. Second, to recover from the reduction of points, low-level features need to be carefully fused after upsampling for refinement. To address above issues, we propose a Cascaded Contextual Reasoning network (PointCCR) for large-scale point cloud semantic segmentation. We propose a Dilated Graph Convolution (DGC) module to exploit local structure of point clouds and efficiently increase receptive fields. To make compensation for the information loss caused by reducing points, we propose a Cross-level Feature Enrichment (CFE) module which models cross-level contextual dependencies. DGC and CFE together constitute the Multi-level Cascade Aggregation (MCA) module as encoder. Furthermore, we build a Class-aware Attentive Refinement (CAR) module to selectively fuse low-level features for refinement after upsampling. Extensive experimental results demonstrate our method achieves superior performance compared with other state-of-the-arts on three large-scale point cloud datasets (i.e., Semantic3D, SemanticKITTI and S3DIS).
Evaluation of the no-disparity realistic image from a sense of presence and low fatigue

We evaluated an observer’s fatigue and a sense of presence, in observing the no-disparity realistic image (NDR image) [1-3]. NDR image is consisted of two images (right and left image). Right image is created by shifting all pixels in left image same amount. Consequently, there are no disparities in all area of NDR image. NDR image which is reconfigured the contents that contain image with large disparity might have a possibility that it suppress an observer’s fatigue and let him feel high presence. Subjects observed three condition's videos (stereoscopic, NDR and 2D). Subjects observed two videos in each condition. Each video was 30 minutes. There were scenes with large disparity (more than 5 degrees) in videos. Subjects responded SSQ (Simulator Sickness Questionnaire), VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) for fatigue and questionnaire on realism and were measured CFF (Critical Frequency Fusion), accommodation tremor, stereoscopic vision test, ocular position measurement and eye sight test. Results showed that NDR image let observer feel high presence and an observer's fatigue was low. NDR image is effective, even if contents which contain large disparity are converted into NDR image.
Broad-band JHK(L') photometry of a sample of giants with 0.5 > [Fe/H] > -3

We present the results of a three-year campaign of broad-band photometry in the near-infrared J, H, K and L 0 bands for a sample of approximately 250 giant stars carried out at the Observatorio del Teide (Tenerife, Spain). Transformations of the Telescopio Carlos S anchez system into/from several currently used infrared systems are extended to the redward part of the colour axis. The linearity of our photometric system in the range 3m ag (Fe/H) > 3. Data of comparable quality previously published have been added to the sample in order to increase the reliability of the relations to be ob- tained. We also provide mean IR colours for giant stars according to spectral type 1 .
Dynamical aspects in control of E-ELT segmented primary mirror (M1)

Control of primary segmented mirror of an extremely large telescope with large number of actuators and sensors and multiple control loops is a complex problem. The designer of the M1 unit is confronted to the dilemma of trade-off between the relatively though performance requirements and the robust stability of the control loops. Another difficulty arises from the contradictory requirements of the stiffness of the segment support system and position actuators for wind rejection on one hand and vibration mitigation on other hand. The presence of low frequency mechanical modes of the back structure and possible interaction of the large number of control loops through such structure could be a limiting factor for achieving the required control bandwidths. To address these issues a better understanding of dynamical behavior of segmented mirror is necessary. This paper addresses the trade-offs on dynamical aspects of the M1 segmented mirror and the robust stability conditions of various control loops.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression, Prognosis, and Biological Significance of PLOD Family in Bladder Cancer

Background Large numbers of studies have identified that procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase (PLOD) family members play important roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression in various cancers. However, the expression pattern, clinical value and function of PLOD family have yet to be analyzed systematically and comprehensively in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). Methods We investigated the transcriptional levels, genetic alteration, biological function, immune cell infiltration, data on survival of PLODs in patients with BLCA based on UALCAN, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), TIMER, STRING, cBioPortal and GSCALite databases. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed in R software using the Cluster Profiler Bioconductor package. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established by STRING and visualized by using R version (3.6.3) software. Survival analysis was performed using the packages “survminer”. Results The mRNA and protein expression patterns of PLOD family members were noticeably increased in BLC compared with normal tissue. The mRNA expression levels of PLOD1-2 genes were significantly correlated with histological subtypes and PLOD1 was significantly correlated with pathological stage. Furthermore, the high expression levels of PLOD1-2 were remarkably associated with poor overall survival (OS) in BLCA patients, meanwhile high expression levels of PLOD1 and PLOD3 were markedly associated with poor progression-free interval (PFI). In co-expression gene analysis, 50 genes were primarily associated with the differentially expressed PLODs in BLCA. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that protein hydroxylation, collagen fibril organization, and lysine degradation were key biological functions of PLODs in BLCA. Moreover, PLOD family genes were identified as being associated with the activities of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and closely associated with immune responses in BLCA. Conclusion PLOD family members might serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers for BLCA patients’ survival.
Temporal ghost imaging with a chaotic laser

Abstract. We use a chaotic laser, instead of thermal light, as the light source in temporal ghost imaging. This laser is generated by employing an external optical feedback. The imaging magnification is varied by adjusting the group-delay dispersion parameters of the fibers. The temporal ghost imaging result is the convolution between the transmission function of the object and the temporal correlation functions of the chaotic laser. The simulation experiment, which uses a controllable time switch as the object, shows the effectiveness of our scheme. This scheme could find applications in the time-domain tomography of pulses.
Grating beam splitting with liquid crystal adaptive optics

We report on the generation of equi-intense light beams from an adaptive point of view. A phase mask is generated and displayed onto a spatial light modulator, in order to divide an incoming light beam into a chosen number of beams. The use of liquid crystal spatial light modulators can introduce polarization into scalar designs as a parameter acting on the output efficiency. We reproduce the modulator optimal designs proposed theoretically in the literature and we add the polarization features. In addition, we compare this with another beam splitting technique, based on spatial multiplexing of phase masks. It spreads as low-level background noise the light concentrated on diffraction orders other than those targeted. We also demonstrate that using polarization with spatial light modulators can improve in some cases the optimal theoretical efficiencies. Experimental results agree with simulations.
Real-time edge extraction by active defocusing

A novel edge extraction method that employs an active defocusing technique is presented. The method is based on the principle that a Laplacian of Gaussian(LOG) operator can be well approximated by a Difference of Gaussian(DOG) operation. While such operation can be done by digital processing, it is more effective to be conducted in a combination of optical and digital processing techniques. In this edge extraction process, a focused image of object in scene is first acquired. Image of the scene is then slightly defocused by changing the focal length of camera lens. Real time subtraction is applied to the defocused and the previously acquired images. It produces a residual image that emphasizes abrupt intensity variations, which are typical of edges in the image. An objective evaluation called edge index is performed on the resulting image. Amount of defocusing is carefully adjusted according to this measurement so that a desired edge image is generated. Boundaries of objects can then be obtained by further enhancement of the edge image. Since this edge detection method is an optical-based process aided by digital processing, it is rather fast and less expansive.
Programmable spectroscopy enabled by DLP

Ibsen Photonics has since 2012 worked to deploy Texas Instruments DLP® technology to high efficiency, fused silica transmission grating based spectrometers and programmable light sources. The use of Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs) in spectroscopy, allows for replacement of diode array detectors by single pixel detectors, and for the design of a new generation of programmable light sources, where you can control the relative power, exposure time and resolution independently for each wavelength in your spectrum. We present the special challenges presented by DMD's in relation to stray light and optical throughput, and we comment on the possibility for instrument manufacturers to generate new, dynamic measurement schemes and algorithms for increased speed, higher accuracy, and greater sample protection. We compare DMD based spectrometer designs with competing, diode array based designs, and provide suggestions for target applications of the technology.
Unexploited Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: Patents Review on Endophytic Fungi Related to Secondary Bioactive Compounds

Endophytic fungi are various micro-organisms that inhabit intracellular or intercellular plant tissues in symbiotic association [at certain stages of their life cycles], without causing damage or morphological changes. The endophytes from medicinal plants are important resources for discovery of natural products and secondary bioactive metabolites having the potential biotechnological applications in agriculture, medicine, and allied sectors. The endophytic fungi such as Acremonium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Phomopsis, Pestalotiopsis, Pseudomassari, Quercina, Trichoderma genera have been reported from different medicinal plants with potential therapeutic activity. On the other hand, the endophytic fungi can also confer profound impacts on their host plants like improvement in growth, activation of systemic tolerances towards abiotic/biotic stresses, enhancement of nutrient solublization, biosynthesis of phytohormones and stimulating accumulation of secondary metabolites. Endophytic fungi have attracted much research interest because they have provided not only novel sources of Cytotoxic compounds, Antimicrobial agents, Bio-stimulants for essential oil biosynthesis, Anticancer agents, antioxidant agents, anti-diabetic agents, immunosuppressant and insecticidal compounds. The present review reveals the importance of endophytic fungi from medicinal plants as a source of bioactive compounds as well as landscape of patents related to the production of secondary metabolites through endophytic fungi and their application in pharmaceutical sectors.
Dispersion curves of surface acoustic waves in a two-dimensional phononic crystal

Reliable numerical simulations of band structure for surface acoustic waves propagating in a two-dimensional phononic crystal are reported. Through an efficient finite element method and specific boundary conditions, a theoretical approach allowing a direct computation of surface acoustic wave’s band structure for phononic crystal is proposed. Three types of phononic structures are investigated; fluid/solid, solid/solid, and air connected stubbed substrate. Using sound cone limitation, calculated results show the propagation of surface acoustic waves in the nonradiative region of the substrate. In addition, the modal displacements of the original guided surface modes supported by the studied structures are computed showing their original characteristics.
A continuous beam of circular Rydberg atoms for fundamental tests and applications in metrology

We have produced a continuous beam of circular Rydberg atoms. Using three-step c.w. laser excitation followed by an adiabatic microwave transfer, we have prepared circular-states of lithium with principal quantum numbers ranging from n = 26 to n = 30. The circular state beam flux was 2.6 106 atoms/s. This beam could be useful in high-precision measurements and fundamental cavity QED experiments.
Elastic Double Structure of Amorphous Carbon Pillar Grown by Focused-Ion-Beam Chemical Vapor Deposition

Amorphous carbon pillars grown by focused ion beam induced chemical vapor deposition (FIB-CVD) had been considered to form in a cylindrical double structure. In this structure, the core containing Ga originating from the primary ion is surrounded by an amorphous carbon shell grown by the secondary electrons that were emitted during the inelastic scattering process of the primary ions penetration. We measured the Young's modulus in a series of inclined pillars; the thickness of the pillars was reduced with the inclination. However, the Young's modulus of the inclined pillars of thinner diameter increased. Here, we found that such FIB-CVD pillars had an elastic double structure that is comprised of a very stiffened core with 300 GPa of Young's modulus, and an extremely soft shell having 30 GPa of Young's modulus. We also confirmed that the oxygen plasma thinning of the perpendicular pillars considerably increased the Young's modulus of the FIB-CVD pillars.
Gate-Controlled LVTSCR for High-Voltage ESD Protections in Advanced CMOS Processes

In this article, a novel high robust and latch-up immune electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device, called gate-controlled low-voltage-triggered silicon-controlled rectifier (GC-LVTSCR), is proposed for 5-V I/O protection applications in the advance 40-nm CMOS technology. By incorporating a surface current diverting path with a controlling poly-silicon gate (CG) into the conventional LVTSCR, the GC-LVTSCR’s ESD characteristics can be improved and modulated with two bias conditions of CG. The first improved GC-LVTSCR structure named gate-to-body SCR (GBSCR) with the CG tied to the PWell’s body is expected to realize higher holding voltage (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {h}}{)}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and lower trigger voltage (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {t1}})$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, while the other structure named gate-to-drain SCR (GDSCR) using the CG connected to the bridging p+ region of LVTSCR is designed to gain even higher <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {h}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Measurement results show that the GBSCR has <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim $ </tex-math></inline-formula>11% lowered <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {t1}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim $ </tex-math></inline-formula>38% enhanced <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {h}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and improved charged device model (CDM) characteristics by comparing with the traditional LVTSCR, and the GDSCR possesses a further improved <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {h}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim $ </tex-math></inline-formula>45% higher than the GBSCR. Besides, the new devices are expected to protect 5 V or above I/O in submicrometer technologies and have been realized in a 0.18-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> BCD process.
Strategy Study on Maximum Degree and Bisection Degree Synchronization Search in Scale-Free Networks

With the expansion of network and the increasing number of communities’ network, It’s a big problem for the search algorithm to enhance the search efficiency. The number of search steps and the amount of query information generated by maximum degree search strategy, which will grow exponentially, consequently, and lead to low the efficiency of search. Without considering the network congestion, breadth-first search strategy is undoubtedly the best search efficiency. From the point of the breadth-first search strategy, this paper designed and proposed the synchronous search strategy of Maximum degree and Bisection degree, and described the algorithm idea and algorithm design for MBDS. The simulation results showed that MBDS not only decreased the amount of query information, but also can efficiently decrease the search steps and improve the search speed.
Solid State Polymerization of Biodegradable Poly(butylene sebacate-co-terephthalate): A Rapid, Facile Method for Property Enhancement

Poly(butylene sebacate-co-terephthalate) (PBSeT) has generated attention as a promising biopolymer for preparing bioplastics. However, there are limited studies on the synthesis of PBSeT, impeding its commercialization. Herein, with a view to addressing this challenge, biodegradable PBSeT was modified using solid state polymerization (SSP) with various ranges of time and temperature. The SSP used three different temperatures below the melting temperature of PBSeT. The polymerization degree of SSP was investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The changes in the rheological properties of PBSeT after SSP were investigated using a rheometer and an Ubbelodhe viscometer. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction showed that the crystallinity of PBSeT was higher after SSP. The investigation revealed that after SSP for 40 min at 90 °C, PBSeT exhibited higher intrinsic viscosity (increased from 0.47 to 0.53 dL/g), crystallinity, and complex viscosity than PBSeT polymerized at other temperatures. However, a high SSP processing time resulted in a decrease in these values. In this experiment, SSP was most effectively performed in the temperature range closest to the melting temperature of PBSeT. This indicates that SSP could be a facile and rapid method for improving the crystallinity and thermal stability of synthesized PBSeT.