Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phase retrieval algorithm for JWST Flight and Testbed Telescope

An image-based wavefront sensing and control algorithm for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is presented. The algorithm heritage is discussed in addition to implications for algorithm performance dictated by NASA's Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. The algorithm uses feedback through an adaptive diversity function to avoid the need for phase-unwrapping post-processing steps. Algorithm results are demonstrated using JWST Testbed Telescope (TBT) commissioning data and the accuracy is assessed by comparison with interferometer results on a multi-wave phase aberration. Strategies for minimizing aliasing artifacts in the recovered phase are presented and orthogonal basis functions are implemented for representing wavefronts in irregular hexagonal apertures. Algorithm implementation on a parallel cluster of high-speed digital signal processors (DSPs) is also discussed.
Lung microRNAs Expression in Lung Cancer and COPD: A Preliminary Study

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide and represents an impending burden on the healthcare system. Despite increasing attention, the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis in cancer-related diseases such as COPD remain unclear, making novel biomarkers necessary to improve lung cancer early diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA that interfere with several pathways and can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. This study aimed to compare miRNA lung expression between subjects with NSCLC and COPD and healthy controls to obtain the miRNA expression profile by analyzing shared pathways. Lung specimens were collected from a prospective cohort of 21 sex-matched subjects to determine the tissue miRNA expression of hsa-miR-34a-5p, 33a-5p, 149-3p, 197-3p, 199-5p, and 320a-3p by RT-PCR. In addition, an in silico prediction of miRNA target genes linked to cancer was performed. We found a specific trend for has-miR-149-3p, 197-3p, and 34a-5p in NSCLC, suggesting their possible role as an index of the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we identified novel miRNA targets, such as the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK) family, linked to carcinogenesis by in silico analysis. In conclusion. this study identified lung miRNA signatures related to the tumorigenic microenvironment, suggesting their possible role in improving the evaluation of lung cancer onset.
New crystal spectrograph designs and their application to plasma diagnostics (invited)

A special crystal monolith was fabricated for absolute measurements of x‐ray wavelength. It consists of two flat quartz plates, accurately cut relative to reflecting net planes, with a fixed distance between them. Absolute wavelengths (i.e., without use of reference lines) of L‐shell laser produced spectra of Cu, Ge, As, etc. have been measured in the 7.5–8.5 A with an accuracy of Δλ/λ=10−5. Our Johann type x‐ray spectrometer with a cylindrically bent quartz has been used to reveal line coincidences necessary for photopumping processes. In this scheme source‐size influences are smaller, therefore, line profiles have been measured at a spectrometer resolution better than 5000. Because of its focusing in the sagittal plane, a von Hamos type x‐ray spectrometer has been used to detect the small x‐ray emission of subpicosecond laser‐produced plasmas (E=2 mJ, t=100 fs). X‐ray spectra of Al both Kα, Kβ lines and Heα‐resonance line with its satellites. Finally, a multichannel x‐ray microscope has been designed an.
Pedigree Selection in Improving Seed Yield and Tolerance of Sesame to Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid

C HARCOAL rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid is the most destructive among major pathological constraints to sesame production in Egypt and worldwide. The objective of the current study was to improve high seed-yielding lines of sesame tolerant to charcoal rot through two cycles of pedigree selection for eight selection criteria under artificial infection. The base population consisted of 185 families at the F 3 -generation. Broad sense heritability was very high and ranged from 0.79 to 1. Tall plants gave large number of capsules/plant (NC/P), long fruiting zone (LFZ), high yielding ability and low infection% of Macrophomina . Number of capsules/ plant gave sizeable genotypic (0.52) and phenotypic (0.49) correlations with seed yield/plant (SY/P). After the second cycle of selection, highly significant differences were noted for the eight selection criteria. The results revealed that the selection for days to 50% flowering improved earliness, but it was better if it restricted by SY/P. Meanwhile, selection for oil% restricted by SY/P gave the best improvement from the mid-parent in SY/P (70.16%**) followed by selection for 1000SW (62.14%**), SY/P per se (55.80%**) and selection for days to 50% flowering restricted by SY/P (39.76%**). The inclusion of a trait as an independent culling level improves the efficiency of the selection. Therefore, selection index incorporating favorable traits is recommended. The eight different methods of pedigree selection decreased the infection% at harvest ranged from -3.31%** to -15.45%** from the mid-parent.
Saddlepoint Approximations for Stopped-Sum Distributions

One of the common used classes of distributions is the stopped-sum class. This class includes Hermite distribution, Polya–Aeppli distribution, Poisson-Gamma distribution, and Neyman type A. This article introduces the saddlepoint approximations to the stopped-sum class in continuous and discrete settings. We discuss approximations for mass/density and cumulative distribution functions of stopped-sum distributions. Examples of continuous and discrete distributions from the Poisson stopped-sum class are presented. Comparisons between saddlepoint approximations and the exact calculations show the great accuracy of the saddlepoint methods.
Optimal Intensity of Aerobic Exercise Training for Patient With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Intensity for aerobic exercise is unclear in patient with COPD. Previous systematic review comparing effects of different levels of training intensity was done in 2011 and did not reach any conclusion. We conducted this systematic review to see the differences in aerobic training intensity on various aspects of health in COPD patients with updated information. Method: We included RCTs, comparing the differences in intensity of aerobic training between groups. The primary search was done through Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Proquest, and PEdro. The PEdro scale and Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to rate the studies. Lastly, we also rate the certainty of evidence using GRADE approach. The assessment was carried out by two reviewers independently. Data were extracted by one reviewer then evaluated by second reviewer. Results: We found and analysed data from four studies with total of 472 patients. The primary outcomes extracted were Disease-specific Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Functional exercise capacity, Dyspnea symptoms. There was a significant difference only in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) symptoms domain for HRQoL outcome (MD=5.53; 95% CI=1.08-9.97), favoured lower intensity group. No other significant results were found for any other outcomes/ outcome measures. According to GRADE, quality of the studies was very low to moderate. Conclusion: The evidence we collected is very limited and difficult to evaluate. Further research comparing higher intensity with lower intensity of aerobic training is needed.
On the Construction of Odd Length Quantum Codes

In this paper, we endeavor for an extensive study of [[n,n-3,2]] codes of odd length. We begin with the computation of the linear programming bound on the dimension of distance 2 codes of odd length and show that the [[n,n-3,2]] codes are optimal. We next find their generator matrix, stabilizer structure and also show that these codes are impure or degenerate except the [[3,0,2]] code which is pure by convention. In degenerate codes, distinct errors do not necessarily take the code space to orthogonal space. So sometimes they can correct more errors than that they can identify and has the capacity to store more information than a nondegenerate code. The present paper also establishes the existence of ((2m+1,2^(2m-2),2)) codes from the ((2m,2^(2m2),2)) codes for all m>1. We have also constructed another class of distance 2 codes which are constructed using distance 3 codes.
Experimental design for geoacoustic parameter inversion

Both model‐based and nonparametric classification benefit from a theoretical investigation into the information contained in reflections from the subbottom. Specifically, it is difficult to find out if the properties of a certain bottom type are identifiable with a given acoustical signal due to the complexity of the reflection models used. This problem is approached with the Fisher information matrix of the stochastic model for the measured acoustic response. The problem is unidentifiable when this matrix becomes singular. Its inverse, the Cramer–Rao lower bound, gives the best possible precision of the parameter inversion. This lower bound can be used to design appropriate signals for precise measurement of the subbottom. This has been done for a model of a surface layer with varying density given by Lyons and Orsi [IEEE J. Oceanic Eng. 23, 411–422 (1998)]. It is found that precise measurement of the reported range of model parameters requires a signal with a frequency range of 1–50 kHz. This supports t.
Modelling and interpretation of MHD active control experiments in RFX-mod

A clean magnetic boundary, i.e. a vanishing radial magnetic field, is important for reversed field pinch operation. In order to achieve this target a large modification of the RFX device (a = 0.45 m, R = 2 m) into RFX-mod has been realized and 192 individually controlled saddle coils which provide a flexible control of magnetic boundary have been installed. Recent experiments have shown that this change has produced a significant improvement in plasma magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) behaviour. This paper discusses 3D MHD numerical simulations aimed at interpreting these results. In particular it is shown that these simulations can predict the measured level of magnetic fluctuations in different operational scenarios. They can also predict the dominat modes and show in general an agreement with experiments. A specific comparison for a resistive wall mode branch is also done, showing differences between simulations and experiments which may indicate the presence of field errors.
Fast bilateral filtering using recursive moving sum

We propose a constant-time algorithm for a bilateral filter. Bilateral filter can be converted into the operation of three-dimensional (3D) convolution. By using recursive moving sum, we can reduce the number of calculations needed to construct a pseudo-Gaussian filter. Applying one-dimensional Gaussian filter to the 3D convolution, we achieved a constant-time bilateral filter. We used a 3-GHz CPU without SIMD instructions, or multi-thread operations. We confirmed our proposed bilateral filter to be processed in constant time. In practical conditions, high PSNR values over 40 dB are obtained.
A Monte Carlo study of high resolution PET with granulated dual layer detectors

New arrays of Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) allow the design of novel highly granulated detector modules. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate to what extent this feature can be used for high resolution, high sensitivity PET. Based on a fixed crystal front face of 2 mm/sup 2/ and a fixed number of crystals, sensitivity and scatter fraction for three different geometries were determined: (a) Ring with 143 mm diameter; (b) Ring with only 71 mm diameter but double the axial extent (37 mm); (c) Ring with 71 mm diameter and two radial crystal layers. The sensitivity (a:b:c) was 0.3%:1.1%:1.5% for a line source in air. Studies using a simple mouse-like phantom showed the highest scatter fraction for (b) and comparable sensitivities for (b) and (c). The large diameter of (a) reduced the scatter fraction at the expenses of high sensitivity losses. Line source simulations showed a resolution of about 1.6 mm for (c) at the center for the field of view (FOV). Within a region of 20 mm within the FOV, the resolution of (c) remained close to 2 mm. Geometry (c) is being implemented in the new tomograph MADPET.
Spectral element methods for axisymmetric Stokes problems

Abstract The approximation of the Stokes problem in axisymmetric geometries using the spectral element method is considered. The presence of the volume element r dr dz in the weak formulation of the problem is shown to be a potential source of difficulty. The discrete equations associated with nodes on the axis of symmetry can lead to a degeneracy in the global system of equations. This difficulty is resolved by incorporating the factor r into the weight function for spectral elements adjacent to the axis of symmetry and using appropriate basis functions in these elements in the radial direction. Properties of the Jacobi polynomials are used to construct the elements of the modified method. Numerical results are presented demonstrating some of the features of the proposed approach.
Understanding consumers’ continuance intention to watch streams: A value-based continuance intention model

Introduction Live stream-watching has become increasingly popular worldwide. Consumers are found to watch streams in a continuous manner. Despite its popularity, there has been limited research investigating why consumers continue to watch streams. Previously, the expectation-confirmation theory (ECT) has been widely adopted to explain users’ continuance intention. However, most current ECT-based models are theoretically incomplete, since they only consider the importance of perceived benefits without considering users’ costs and sacrifices. In this paper, we propose a value-based continuance intention model (called V-ECM), and use it to investigate factors influencing consumers’ continuance intention to watch streams. Methods Our hypotheses were tested using an online survey of 1,220 consumers with continuance stream-watching experiences. Results Results indicate that perceived value, a process of an overall assessment between users’ perceived benefits and perceived sacrifices, is proved to be a better variable than perceived benefits in determining consumers’ continuance watching intention. Also, compared with other ECT-based models, V-ECM is a more comprehensive model to explain and predict consumers’ continuance intention. Discussion V-ECM theoretically extends ECT-based studies, and it has potential to explain and predict other continuance intentions in online or technology-related contexts. In addition, this paper also discusses practical implications for live streaming platforms with regards to their design, functions and marketing.
Staphylococcus aureus Behavior on Artificial Surfaces Mimicking Bone Environment

Infections, which interfere with bone regeneration, may be a critical issue to consider during the development of biomimetic material. Calcium phosphate (CaP) and type I collagen substrates, both suitable for bone-regeneration dedicated scaffolds, may favor bacterial adhesion. Staphylococcus aureus possesses adhesins that allow binding to CaP or collagen. After their adhesion, bacteria may develop structures highly tolerant to immune system attacks or antibiotic treatments: the biofilms. Thus, the choice of material used for scaffolds intended for bone sites is essential to provide devices with the ability to prevent bone and joint infections by limiting bacterial adhesion. In this study, we compared the adhesion of three different S. aureus strains (CIP 53.154, SH1000, and USA300) on collagen- and CaP-coating. Our objective was to evaluate the capacity of bacteria to adhere to these different bone-mimicking coated supports to better control the risk of infection. The three strains were able to adhere to CaP and collagen. The visible matrix components were more important on CaP- than on collagen-coating. However, this difference was not reflected in biofilm gene expression for which no change was observed between the two tested surfaces. Another objective was to evaluate these bone-mimicking coatings for the development of an in vitro model. Thus, CaP, collagen-coatings, and the titanium-mimicking prosthesis were simultaneously tested in the same bacterial culture. No significant differences were found compared to adhesion on surfaces independently tested. In conclusion, these coatings used as bone substitutes can easily be colonized by bacteria, especially CaP-coating, and must be used with an addition of antimicrobial molecules or strategies to avoid bacterial biofilm development.
A Rapid Method for Detection of Antigen-Specific B Cells

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has united the efforts of many scientists all over the world to develop wet-lab techniques and computational approaches aimed at the identification of antigen-specific T and B cells. The latter provide specific humoral immunity that is essential for the survival of COVID-19 patients, and vaccine development has essentially been based on these cells. Here, we implemented an approach that integrates the sorting of antigen-specific B cells and B-cell receptor mRNA sequencing (BCR-seq), followed by computational analysis. This rapid and cost-efficient method allowed us to identify antigen-specific B cells in the peripheral blood of patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Subsequently, specific BCRs were extracted, cloned, and produced as full antibodies. We confirmed their reactivity toward the spike RBD domain. Such an approach can be effective for the monitoring and identification of B cells participating in an individual immune response.
ON THE INTERNAL DYNAMICS OF THE STARLESS CORE L694-2

In order to understand the internal dynamics of starless cores, we take L694-2 as an example of starless cores and investigate its internal dynamics by comparing observed data of L694-2 to our two hydrodynamical simulations, which involve the gravitational collapse of marginally unstable Bonnor–Ebert and uniform cores in a quiescent region. From the comparisons, we find that the density structures of the models agree well with the observed density distribution of L694-2, but the velocity fields and HCN line profiles of the models differ from the observed ones. From the differences in the velocity fields and the HCN line profiles, we have reached the following conclusions on the internal dynamics of L694-2. First, L694-2 has different internal dynamics from the gravitational collapse of the marginally unstable Bonnor–Ebert core. Second, L694-2 has an infall speed faster than any other core that undergoes the gravitational collapse with a Bonnor–Ebert-like density structure in a quiescent region. Third, L694-2 has almost no motion at its surface. From further simulations, in which cores are perturbed by supersonic shocks and affected by an expanding inter-core medium, the differences in the HCN line profiles could be reduced considerably.
Cylindrically symmetric waves in the magnetohydrodynamic approximation

The equations of motion of an ideally conducting medium, in the magnetohydrodynamic approximation, are solved exactly under the hypotheses that (i) one component of the magnetic field is constant everywhere, (ii) the magnetic and hydrodynamic pressures are in equilibrium, and (iii) the solution is invariant under a continuous group of transformations which preserves the symmetry of the uniform magnetic field. It is seen that the invariants of the group of transformations form the basis for a parametric description of the full solution that describes the propagation of cylindrically symmetric magneto-sonic waves in the direction of the uniform field. A number of general features of the motion are deduced, and an integral expression is given for the amplitude of the component of velocity, perpendicular to the uniform magnetic field, which undergoes potential well oscillations.
Vacuum isostatic micro/macro molding of PTFE materials for laser beam shaping in environmental applications: large scale UV laser water purification

Accessibility to fresh clean water has determined the location and survival of civilizations throughout the ages [1]. The tangible economic value of water is demonstrated by industry's need for water in fields such as semiconductor, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Economic stability for all sectors of industry depends on access to reliable volumes of good quality water. As can be seen on television a nation's economy is seriously affected by water shortages through drought or mismanagement and as such those water resources must therefore be managed both for the public interest and the economic future. For over 50 years ultraviolet water purification has been the mainstay technology for water treatment, killing potential microbiological agents in water for leisure activities such as swimming pools to large scale waste water treatment facilities where the UV light photo-oxidizes various pollutants and contaminants. Well tailored to the task, UV provides a cost effective way to reduce the use of chemicals in sanitization and anti-biological applications. Predominantly based on low pressure Hg UV discharge lamps, the system is plagued with lifetime issues (~1 year normal operation), the last ten years has shown that the technology continues to advance and larger scale systems are turning to more advanced lamp designs and evaluating solidstate UV light sources and more powerful laser sources. One of the issues facing the treatment of water with UV lasers is an appropriate means of delivering laser light efficiently over larger volumes or cross sections of water. This paper examines the potential advantages of laser beam shaping components made from isostatically micro molding microstructured PTFE materials for integration into large scale water purification and sterilization systems, for both lamps and laser sources. Applying a unique patented fabrication method engineers can form micro and macro scale diffractive, holographic and faceted reflective structures into fused and semi-fused PTFE materials and compounds for use in UV Reactors. The materials unique attributes provide an unusual but effective hybrid element, by combining Lambertian diffusion and spectral reflective attributes. This paper will provide examples of the applications where this technology could be applied and typical constructions. An overview of UV sources commonly used in water treatment, including high power UV lasers and solid state UV light sources will be discussed. The paper will summarize how beam shaping elements produced in PTFE materials would provide further benefits to the emerging water disinfection or treatment market.
Learning a subspace for face image clustering via trace ratio criterion

Face clustering is gaining ever-increasing atten- tion due to its importance in optical image processing. Be- cause traditional clustering methods do not specify the par- ticular characters of the face image, they are not suitable for face image clustering. We propose a novel approach that employs the trace ratio criterion and specifies that the face images should be spatially smooth. The graph regularization technique is also applied to constrain that nearby images have similar cluster indicators. We alternately learn the opti- mal subspace and the clusters. Experimental results demon- strate that the proposed approach performs better than other learning methods for face image clustering. © 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.3149850