Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progress Update on Iterative Reconstruction of Neutron Tomographic Images, 2019

SCOPE The fiscal year (FY) 2019 update of this report satisfies the technical deliverable “Simultaneous reconstruction of simultaneous observables” for project OR16-ML-3DTomography-PD3Jb, “3D Tomography and Image Processing Using Fast Neutrons. ” At its inception, this project had two overall goals. The first of these goals was to extend associated-particle fast neutron transmission and, particularly, induced-reaction tomographic imaging algorithms to three dimensions. The second of these goals was to automatically segment the resultant tomographic images into constituent parts and then extract information about the parts, such as the class of shape and potentially shape parameters. This report addresses the component of the project concerned with three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction and represents the cumulative progress to date. In particular, it addresses the ability to decompose neutrons arriving at times consistent with transmission into transmission and small-angle scattering. Because incremental progress in each year builds on the previous year’s progress and end-of-year status, progress is most usefully recorded in a cumulative document where incremental progress is reported on a year-by-year basis. Consequently, this report constitutes an update of the last 3 years’ reports [1, 2, 14]. The present year’s progress is detailed in Section 7.
A Dynamic Reconfiguration-Based Hybrid Network Design Methodology for IPT CC/CV Output

For an electric vehicle (EV) inductive power transfer (IPT) system, it is critical to develop the load-independent constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) output functions for battery energy charging. To realize these performances, a hybrid network design methodology based on dynamic reconfiguration is proposed in this article. Dynamic network reconfiguration is defined as the process of charging from one charging function to another. By partitioning the hybrid network topology into two cascaded parts—a dynamic reconfigurable network and a static compensation network—the CC/CV network developing process is simplified. The methodology is independent of the magnetic coupler, can be applied to either transmitters or receivers, and puts no restrictions on the compensation network topology. Moreover, the input–output transformation attributes and zero-phase angle (ZPA) performance of essential networks is analyzed to form the static network. As for the dynamic network, the output performance could be shifted by switches, and CC/CV output at the same ZPA frequency is combined to reduce reactive power loss. Besides, the T-type equivalent model of the magnetic coupler is decomposed as a part of the dynamic/static structure networks. Finally, a 1-kW reconfigurable IPT battery charger prototype is built to verify the design methodology.
Conceptualizing a Rehabilitation ‘Model of Care’ for Improving the Quality of Life of People with Parkinson’s in India

Given the rise in the elderly population and predicted increase in age-related diseases like Parkinson's disease, as well as the treatment gaps in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), there is an urgent need to develop a culturally and socioeconomically viable Parkinson's model of care that would be multidisciplinary, replicable, affordable, and accessible to those who need it the most. We present here an outline of a rehabilitation model of care, which incorporates a standardized group therapy format, community-based Parkinson's Support Centers, collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure sustainability, and active engagement of People with Parkinson's (PwPs) and caregivers (CGs) in rehabilitation programs. This model of care incorporates a unique 16-session multi-disciplinary community rehabilitation module for PwPs and CGs which is evidence-based, easily deliverable by non-medical facilitators, relevant to PwPs and CGs, adaptable to different groups, practical and beneficial, and effective in a group – format. This rehabilitation model of care, encompassing the multidisciplinary rehabilitation module, holds promise for implementation in LMICs due to its dynamic nature, cost-effectiveness, community-based approach and easy adaptability to telehealth platforms. We share our experience of developing the model and outline implications for practice and insights about community rehabilitation work in LMICs.
Composite Coefficient of Determination and Its Application in Ultrahigh Dimensional Variable Screening

ABSTRACT In this article, we propose to measure the dependence between two random variables through a composite coefficient of determination (CCD) of a set of nonparametric regressions. These regressions take consecutive binarizations of one variable as the response and the other variable as the predictor. The resulting measure is invariant to monotonic marginal variable transformation, rendering it robust against heavy-tailed distributions and outliers, and convenient for independent testing. Estimation of CCD could be done through kernel smoothing, with a consistency rate of root-n. CCD is a natural measure of the importance of variables in regression and its sure screening property, when used for variable screening, is also established. Comprehensive simulation studies and real data analysis show that the newly proposed measure quite often turns out to be the most preferred compared to other existing methods both in independence testing and in variable screening. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
OPERATIONAL MATRICES TO SOLVE NONLINEAR VOLTERRA-FREDHOLM INTEGRO-DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF MULTI-ARBITRARY ORDER

Fractional calculus has been used for modelling many of physical and engineering processes, that many of them are described by linear and nonlinear Volterra- Fredholm integro- differential equations of multi-arbitrary order. Therefore, an efficient and suitable method for the solution of them is very important. In this paper, the generalized fractional order of the Chebyshev functions (GFCFs) based on the classical Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind used to obtain the solution of the linear and nonlinear multi-order Volterra-Fredholm integro-differential equations. Also the operational matrices of the fractional derivative, the product, and the fractional integration to transform the equations to a system of algebraic equations are introduced. Some examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique.
Studies on Generalized Fourier Representations and Phase Transforms

Fourier representation (FR) is an indispensable mathematical formulation for modeling and analysis of physical phenomenon, engineering systems and signals in numerous applications. In this study, we present the generalized Fourier representation (GFR) that is completely based on the FR of a signal, and introduce the phase transform (PT) which is a special case of the GFR and a true generalization of the Hilbert transform. We derive the PT kernel to obtain any constant phase shift, discuss the various properties of the PT, and demonstrate that (i) a constant phase shift in a signal corresponds to variable time-delays in all harmonics, (ii) to obtain a constant time-delay in a signal, one need to provide variable phase shift in all harmonics, (iii) a constant phase shift is same as the constant time-delay only for single frequency sinusoid. The time derivative and time integral, including fractional order, of a signal can be obtained using the GFR. We propose to use discrete cosine transform (DCT) based implementation to avoid end artifacts due to discontinuities present in both end of the signal. We introduce fractional delay of a discrete time signal using the FR, and present the fast Fourier transform (FFT) implementation of all the above proposed representations. Using the analytic wavelet transform (AWT), we propose wavelet phase transform (WPT) to obtain a desired phase-shift in a signal under-analysis, and propose the two representations of wavelet quadrature transform (WQT) which is special case of the WPT where phase-shift is $\pi/2$ radians.
A Fast-Response Dynamic-Static Parallel Attention GCN Network for Body–Hand Gesture Recognition in HRI

Human–robot interaction (HRI) systems are crucial in robotics, natural, fast-response, and multimodal are the future trends in their development. However, current interaction methods have the following flaws: 1) slow response of action recognition algorithms for generic scenes, especially at the beginning stage; 2) insufficient feature extraction and fusion capabilities for spatiotemporal graph data; and 3) no good paradigm of body–hand recognition in HRI. To overcome these bottlenecks, we propose a fast-response graph convolutional network (GCN) for body–hand gesture recognition. First, we propose a dynamic-static parallel network for dynamic body gestures that is responsive and accurate. Second, we propose a spatiotemporal graph attention module to improve the graph data fusion effect in the dynamic-static network. Third, we implement a complete command module to form complete commands with body and hand information for interactions and control of the robot. Finally, extensive experiments on four datasets and real-world experiments were conducted to demonstrate that our network is capable of fast response and accurate recognition of dynamic body gestures at the beginning stage, verifying the effectiveness of skeleton-based body-hand gesture recognition, with a clear advantage over the state-of-the-art.
Finite transformation rigid motion mesh morpher; A grid deformation approach

In any shape optimization framework and specifically in the context of computational fluid dynamics, a robust and reliable grid deformation tool is necessary to undertake the adaptation of the computational mesh to the updated boundaries at each optimization cycle. Grid deformation has its share of challenges, namely, to maintain high mesh quality (avoid distorted elements and tangles) even when dealing with extreme deformations. In this work a novel grid deformation algorithm, the finite transformation rigid motion mesh morpher (FT‐R3M) is proposed. FT‐R3M is essentially a mesh‐free grid deformation approach, since it does not require any inertial quantities and it gracefully propagates the movement of the boundaries (surface mesh) to the internal nodes of the mesh (volume mesh), by keeping the motion of its parts (referred to as stencils) as‐rigid‐as‐possible. It is an optimization‐based method, which means that the interior nodes of the computational mesh are displaced to minimize a distortion metric related to the elastic deformation energy, by favoring rigidity in critical directions, thus being able to handle mesh anisotropies very efficiently. Results are presented for three test cases; a rotated airfoil with a mesh appropriate for viscous flow; a simulation of a low Reynolds duct case; a beam.
Effect of Unbalance Force Vector Orientation on the Whirl Response of Cracked Rotors

The combined effect of a crack with unbalanced force vector orientation in cracked rotor-bearing-disk systems on the values and locations of critical whirl amplitudes is numerically and experimentally investigated here for starting up operations. The time-periodic equations of motion of the cracked system are formulated according to the finite element (FE) time-varying stiffness matrix. The whirl response during the passage through the critical whirl speed zone is obtained via numerical simulation for different angles of the unbalance force vector. It is found that the variations in the angle of unbalance force vector with respect to the crack opening direction significantly alters the peak values of the critical whirl amplitudes and their corresponding critical whirl speeds. Consequently, the critical speeds of the cracked rotor are found to be either shifted to higher or lower values depending on the unbalance force vector orientation. In addition, the peak whirl amplitudes are found to exhibit significant elevation in some zones of unbalance force angles whereas significant reduction is observed in the remaining zones compared with the crack-free case. One of the important findings is that there exists a specific value of the unbalance force angle at which the critical whirl vibration is nearly eliminated in the cracked system compared with the crack-free case. These all significant numerical and experimental observations can be employed for crack damage detection in rotor systems.
A Sphingolipidomic Profiling Approach for Comparing X-ray-Exposed and Unexposed HepG2 Cells

An analytical method based on tandem mass spectrometry-shotgun is presently proposed to obtain sphingolipidomic profiles useful for the characterization of lipid extract from X-ray-exposed and unexposed hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). To obtain a targeted lipidic profile from a specific biological system, the best extraction method must be identified before instrumental analysis. Accordingly, four different classic lipid extraction protocols were compared in terms of efficiency, specificity, and reproducibility. The performance of each procedure was evaluated using the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic technique; subsequently, the quality of extracts was estimated using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The selected procedure based on chloroform/methanol/water was successfully used in mass spectrometry-based shotgun sphingolipidomics, allowing for evaluation of the response of cells to X-ray irradiation, the most common anticancer therapy. Using a relative quantitative approach, the changes in the sphingolipid profiles of irradiated cell extracts were demonstrated, confirming that lipidomic technologies are also useful tools for studying the key sphingolipid role in regulating cancer growth during radiotherapy.
Neural control of cursor trajectory and click by a human with tetraplegia 1000 days after implant of an intracortical microelectrode array

The ongoing pilot clinical trial of the BrainGate neural interface system aims in part to assess the feasibility of using neural activity obtained from a small-scale, chronically implanted, intracortical microelectrode array to provide control signals for a neural prosthesis system. Critical questions include how long implanted microelectrodes will record useful neural signals, how reliably those signals can be acquired and decoded, and how effectively they can be used to control various assistive technologies such as computers and robotic assistive devices, or to enable functional electrical stimulation of paralyzed muscles. Here we examined these questions by assessing neural cursor control and BrainGate system characteristics on five consecutive days 1000 days after implant of a 4 × 4 mm array of 100 microelectrodes in the motor cortex of a human with longstanding tetraplegia subsequent to a brainstem stroke. On each of five prospectively-selected days we performed time-amplitude sorting of neuronal spiking activity, trained a population-based Kalman velocity decoding filter combined with a linear discriminant click state classifier, and then assessed closed-loop point-and-click cursor control. The participant performed both an eight-target center-out task and a random target Fitts metric task which was adapted from a human-computer interaction ISO standard used to quantify performance of computer input devices. The neural interface system was further characterized by daily measurement of electrode impedances, unit waveforms and local field potentials. Across the five days, spiking signals were obtained from 41 of 96 electrodes and were successfully decoded to provide neural cursor point-and-click control with a mean task performance of 91.3% ± 0.1% (mean ± s.d.) correct target acquisition. Results across five consecutive days demonstrate that a neural interface system based on an intracortical microelectrode array can provide repeatable, accurate point-and-click control of a computer interface to an individual with tetraplegia 1000 days after implantation of this sensor.
Archaeological Investigations at the Ice House Site, 41HY161: Early Archaic Technology, Subsistence, and Settlement Along the Balcones Escarpment, Hays County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas State University-San Marcos, the Center for Archaeological Studies (CAS) conducted data recovery excavations at the Icehouse site, a State Archeological Landmark (SAL), 41HY161, from May to September 2004. The excavations were a partial mitigation for the installation of flood control structures on Sessom Creek on property owned by the Texas State University-San Marcos. Investigative trenching discovered potentially significant cultural deposits within the proposed project area and the mitigation excavations were targeted to within the area of direct impact. As a state agency as defined by Section 61.003, Texas Education Code, Texas State University-San Marcos is required under the Chapter 13 Section 191.002 of the Antiquities Code of Texas to protect and preserve archeological and historical sites on and under properties under its control. Investigations were conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 3438 with Dr. C. Britt Bousman, then Director of CAS, serving as Principal Investigator.
Two-dimensional mapping of electron densities and temperatures using laser-collisional induced fluorescence

We discuss the application of the laser-collisional induced fluorescence (LCIF) technique to produce two-dimensional maps of both electron densities and electron temperatures in a helium plasma. A collisional–radiative model (CRM) is used to describe the evolution of electronic states after laser excitation. We discuss generalizations to the time dependent results which are useful for simplifying data acquisition and analysis. LCIF measurements are performed in plasma containing densities ranging from ∼109 electrons cm−3 and approaching 1011 electrons cm−3 and comparison is made between the predictions made by the CRM and the measurements. Finally, spatial and temporal evolution of an ion sheath formed during a pulse bias is measured to demonstrate this technique.
Design, Implementation, and Observer-Based Output Control of a Super-Coiled Polymer-Driven Two Degree-of-Freedom Robotic Eye

The prevalence of ineffective corrective surgeries for ocular motor disorders calls for a robotic eye platform in aiding ophthalmologists to better understand the biomechanisms of human eye movement. This letter presents the first hardware design and implementation of a 2-DOF robotic eye driven by super-coiled polymer (SCP) artificial muscles. While our previous work designed and simulated a deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) learning-based controller that requires full-state feedback of the SCP-driven robotic eye, measuring the temperature states of the slender SCPs is generally impractical for the ubiquitously aimed robot. To address this predicament, this letter proposes a reduced-order state observer to estimate the temperature of SCPs given the kinematic measurements. Combining the designed observer and the learning-based controller, the closed-loop output feedback control is implemented on the robotic eye prototype to examine its performance on three classical types of eye movements: visual fixation, saccadic pursuit, and smooth pursuit. The experimental results are presented which successfully validate the observer-based output control of the SCP-driven robotic eye.
The systemic inflammatory response syndrome, organ failure, and mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND Organ failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), organ failure, and mortality after AAA repair and to determine whether the clinical monitoring of SIRS was a useful adjunct to clinical method. METHODS One hundred consecutive patients undergoing open AAA repair were prospectively studied. Patients were divided into three groups: those undergoing elective AAA repair, those with symptomatic but nonruptured AAA, and those with ruptured AAA. The presence of SIRS and organ failure was recorded on a daily basis for each patient until discharge or death. RESULTS Most patients had SIRS develop during the postoperative period: 89% of the elective group, 92% of the emergency nonruptured (urgent) group, and 100% of the ruptured group. Multiorgan failure occurred in 3.8% of the elective group, 38% of the urgent group, and 64% of the ruptured AAA group. After ruptured AAA repair, the concurrent absence of both SIRS and any organ failure for 48 hours had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 91% as a predictive indicator of subsequent survival to hospital discharge. Patients in whom multiorgan failure developed after ruptured AAA repair had a significantly higher mortality rate (69%) than those who did not (0%; P =.001; 95% CI for the difference, 30.2% to 85.8%). CONCLUSION The differences in the incidence rate of multiorgan failure between the patient groups compared with the high incidence rate of SIRS in all patient groups supports the two-hit hypothesis of multiorgan failure. The presence of multiorgan failure after ruptured AAA repair is associated with poor outcome. The absence of SIRS and organ failure in these patients is a good predictive indicator of survival.
Three-photon molecule generation through coherent scattering process in nonlinear quantum nanophotonics

We study computationally the 3-photon molecule generation through coherent scattering process in nonlinear quantum nanophotonics. Specifically, the molecule signature is confirmed with an imprinted π conditional phase shift by examining the wave function in both real- and frequency-space representation, and correlation functions g(3) and g(2). Moreover, we show that the correlation metrics for the three- and two-photon Fock state scattering also apply to a weak-coherent optical input, which describe well the recent experimental results in ultra-cold atomic gas. Our work opens up a new research direction of computational study for correlated three-photon scattering and transport processes. Generations of 3-photon molecule may tremendously enhance the three-photon fluorescence microscopy efficiency and facilitate the realization of deterministic quantum logic gates.