Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational aspects of fittlng a mixture of two normal distributions using maximum likelihood

Fitting a mixture of both two normal distributions and a single normal distribution to empiric data is necessary to construct the likelihood ratio statistic for testing the hypothesis of a mixture of two normals versus a single normal distribution. This problem is particularly troublesome because the iterative maximization methods necessary to compute the maximum likelihood often converge to a local rather than the global maximum. Simulation was used to explore two issues; 1) which maximization method (direct search or variable metric) is better at quickly finding the global maximum, and 2) how many sets of initial estimates are necessary to consistently find the global maximum. It was found that direct search is slow but accurate, whereas variable metric is fast but inaccurate. It was also found that at least three sets of initial estimates are needed to find the global maximum for more than 99percent of all samples. A hybrid method consisting of a few initial iterations of direct search followed by vari.
ALTERED BRAIN ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY USING REGIONAL HOMOGENEITY: A RESTING-STATE fMRI STUDY.

Objective: Previous neuroimaging studies have shown that diabetic retinopathy (DR) is accompanied by abnormal spontaneous brain activity. The purpose of the current study was to investigate changes in brain neural homogeneity in patients with DR using regional homogeneity (ReHo). Methods: A total of 56 subjects were recruited, including 28 patients with DR (16 female and 12 male patients) and 28 healthy controls (HCs) (16 female and 12 male patients) approximately matched for age and sex. All subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. The ReHo method was applied to explore neural homogeneity in the brain. The patients with DR were distinguished from HCs following the construction of receiver operating characteristic curves. The ReHo method was applied to assess changes in synchronous neural activity. Results: Compared to HCs, the ReHo values in the left and right posterior lobes of the cerebellum in patients with DR were significantly increased, whereas ReHo values in the right anterior cingulate gyrus, right cuneus, bilateral precuneus, and left-middle frontal gyrus were significantly decreased. In addition, the ReHo value in the right cuneus showed a positive correlation with the best corrected visual acuity in patients with DR. Conclusion: Dysfunctional brain homology may reveal the pathological mechanisms underlying the visual pathways of patients with DR. Abbreviations: AUC = area under the curve; BA = Brodmann area; DR = diabetic retinopathy; fMRI = functional magnetic resonance imaging; HC = healthy control; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; rs-fMRI = resting-state fMRI; ReHo = regional homogeneity; ROC = receiver operating characteristic.
Interaction of a vortex pair with a flexible plate in an ideal quiescent fluid

The coupled interaction of a cantilevered Kirchhoff–Love plate with two vortex filaments of equal and opposite circulation in an infinite incompressible, inviscid, and irrotational fluid domain is investigated. The vortices initially advect toward the cantilevered plate, which is oriented perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the vortex pair and undergoes cylindrical bending. As the pair approaches the plate, the pressure field induced by the vortices deflects the plate and initiates vibration of the structure. The vibration of the structure, in turn, alters the path of the two vortices. The level of interaction depends on the vortex circulation and on the ratio of the plate inertia to the fluid inertia, termed the mass ratio. In general, the vortices tend to pass around the plate and eventually advect away from the plate, albeit with a modified trajectory, which depends on the strength of the fluid and structure coupling. The energy imparted to the plate increases with increasing vortex circulation and decreasing mass ratio. The findings of this study provide an initial framework for assessing the energy that can be imparted to a plate for energy harvesting purposes by coherent fluid structures in the absence of viscous effects.
Deep-ultraviolet emission of AlGaN/AlN quantum wells on bulk AlN

An approach for growing high-quality AlGaN/AlN multiple quantum wells (MQW) emitting in deep UV region is proposed. The structures are deposited on bulk AlN substrates. Structural analysis by using x-ray diffraction confirms high crystalline quality of these structures. Photoluminescence dependences on excitation intensity and temperature under band-to-band excitation of AlN barrier layers and under selective excitation of the quantum wells are presented. Al0.5Ga0. 5N/AlN MQW grown on bulk AlN demonstrate emission at 260 nm with high emission intensity. Stimulated emission of these structures at 258 nm was observed. The results prove great potential of growing structures with high-aluminum-content layers on bulk AlN substrates.
Fitting Segmented Curves Whose Join Points Have to Be Estimated

Abstract The overall least squares solution is found when a complete curve to be fitted consists of two or more submodels, and these have to be joined at points whose abscissae have to be estimated. Under certain standard conditions, each fitted submodel is itself a local least squares solution, and the overall least squares solution can be found quite easily. The exceptions to this rule are studied. The easiest case to handle occurs when a join point** coincides with an abscissa of the given data. In that case it is possible to modify local least squares estimates so that they satisfy an obvious linear constraint (the requirement that the curves do actually join there). If the model is not made up entirely of a mixture of straight lines and constants, we will deal separately with the case where the submodels join together with equal slopes. The solution then requires iterative techniques.
Phase-Contrast Mammography at the SYRMEP Beamline of Elettra

At the SYnchrotron Radiation for MEdical Physics (SYRMEP) beamline of Elettra, a widespread research activity in bio-medical imaging has been developed since 1997 [1]. The core program carried out by the SYRMEP research team concerns the use of synchrotron radiation (SR) for mammography in the effort of improving image diagnostic quality innovating the imaging technique and the detection system.
Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph Observations of Cool Low-Gravity Stars. IV. A Comparison of the K5 III stars α Tauri and γ Draconis

The Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) has observed the K5 III star α Tau in the 2330 Å region on three separate occasions. These spectra show marked changes with time, with the UV continuum varying by a factor of 2, and with the emission lines changing in flux by 30% or more, with the amount of change dependent upon the opacity of the line. The variations suggests a restructuring of the atmosphere rather than simply a change in the surface area covered by chromospheric material. Surprisingly, there was no detectable change in the chromospheric turbulence on timescales of hours or years. On average, the lower part of the atmosphere was found to be fairly static, with a slight infall of 1-2 km s-1. At higher altitudes, probed by observation of the stronger Fe II lines as well as of the O I (UV 2) and Mg II (UV 1) resonance lines, there is evidence for the acceleration of a slow wind, similar to that seen in the M giants γ Cru and μ Gem. This wind is much less massive than for the later type giants, however, since its effects are seen in only the most optically thick of the Fe II lines. Comparison of the α Tau observations with similar data for the K5 III hybrid star γ Dra shows remarkable similarity in the photosphere and lower chromosphere. Both stars have pronounced UV continua, identical turbulences and chromospheric densities, and very similar line fluxes and profiles for all lines formed in the lower chromosphere, including C II], Co I, Si II], and Fe II. A deep exposure near 1500 Å also shows the first evidence for hot plasma in the atmosphere of α Tau through the detection of the C IV (UV 1) doublet with a surface flux about 30% of that observed in γ Dra. Most of the evidence for the stellar wind is in the Mg II (UV 1) and O I (UV 2) resonance lines. Modeling these lines using the Sobolev with Exact Integration (SEI) radiative transfer code shows that the wind in γ Dra accelerates faster and reaches a higher terminal velocity than does the wind in α Tau. However, the wind turbulent velocity in γ Dra is only about one-third of the value seen in α Tau. We conclude that the observations support the suggestion by Judge & Stencel that the processes that heat the chromosphere are distinct from those that drive the stellar winds.
On Nonlinear Optimal Control Problems with State Constraints

This paper is concerned with an optimal control problem where the state is constrained to stay either in a smooth open set $\Omega$ or in its closure $\overline{\Omega}$. Under a "higher-order" sufficient condition for the viability of $\Omega$ and $\overline{\Omega}$, we prove that the optimal cost function $v_\Omega$ is the unique continuous constrained solution of the Hamilton--Jacobi--Bellman equation. Furthermore, we show that $v_\Omega$ coincides with the optimal cost function $v_{\overline{\Omega}}$ on $\Omega$.
n-type conductivity in high-fluence Si-implanted diamond

Epitaxial SiC nanocrystals are fabricated by high-fluence Si implantation into natural diamond at elevated temperatures between 760 and 1100 °C. Fluences under investigation range from 4.5 to 6.2×1017Sicm−2. This implantation scheme yields a buried layer rich of epitaxially aligned SiC nanocrystals within slightly damaged diamond. The generation of a small fraction of graphitic sp2 bonds of up to 15% in the diamond host matrix cannot be avoided. Unintentional coimplantation with nitrogen results in a very high doping level of more than 1021cm−3. Resistivity and Hall measurements in van der Pauw geometry reveal a high, thermally stable n-type conductivity with electron concentrations exceeding 1020cm−3 and mobilities higher than 2cm2∕Vs. It is supposed that both the SiC regions as well as the diamond matrix exhibit n-type conductivity and that the electron transport occurs across the low-resistivity SiC nanograins. In the SiC nanocrystals the electrons originate from nitrogen donors whereas in diamond defe.
Combined Collagen‐Induced Arthritis and Organic Dust‐Induced Airway Inflammation to Model Inflammatory Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by extra‐articular involvement including lung disease, yet the mechanisms linking the two conditions are poorly understood. The collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model was combined with the organic dust extract (ODE) airway inflammatory model to assess bone/joint–lung inflammatory outcomes. DBA/1J mice were intranasally treated with saline or ODE daily for 5 weeks. CIA was induced on days 1 and 21. Treatment groups included sham (saline injection/saline inhalation), CIA (CIA/saline), ODE (saline/ODE), and CIA + ODE (CIA/ODE). Arthritis inflammatory scores, bones, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung tissues, and serum were assessed. In DBA/1J male mice, arthritis was increased in CIA + ODE > CIA > ODE versus sham. Micro‐computed tomography (µCT) demonstrated that loss of BMD and volume and deterioration of bone microarchitecture was greatest in CIA + ODE. However, ODE‐induced airway neutrophil influx and inflammatory cytokine/chemokine levels in lavage fluids were increased in ODE > CIA + ODE versus sham. Activated lung CD11c+CD11b+ macrophages were increased in ODE > CIA + ODE > CIA pattern, whereas lung hyaluronan, fibronectin, and amphiregulin levels were greatest in CIA + ODE. Serum autoantibody and inflammatory marker concentrations varied among experimental groups. Compared with male mice, female mice showed less articular and pulmonary disease. The interaction of inhalation‐induced airway inflammation and arthritis induction resulted in compartmentalized responses with the greatest degree of arthritis and bone loss in male mice with combined exposures. Data also support suppression of the lung inflammatory response, but increases in extracellular matrix protein deposition/interstitial disease in the setting of arthritis. This coexposure model could be exploited to better understand and treat RA–lung disease. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Subterahertz noise signal generation using a photodetector and wavelength-sliced optical noise signals for spectroscopic measurements

We present a photonic technique for generating a subterahertz time-continuous noise signal, which provides not only fine resolution and a potential for broadband measurements but also a higher output power resulting in high signal to noise ratio for the spectroscopy measurement. To increase the output noise power at subterahertz frequencies, the optical noise is sliced with the arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs), resulting in the power level of −126.1 dBm/Hz at 350 GHz, which is approximately 17 dB higher than that without the AWGs. Using the implemented subterahertz noise signal source, we demonstrate a simple spectroscopic measurement of the H2O absorption line at around 380 GHz.
Laser-induced plasma shock wave and cavity on metal surface underwater

The laser-induced plasma shock waves and related cavitation bubbles on an aluminum surface underwater have been experimentally studied with a high-sensitivity optical deflection system. The expansion of the shock wave pulse duration, the positions where shock waves attenuate to acoustic transients, the maximum bubble radii, and the bubble collapse center shifts have been determined experimentally. A high-pressure wall behind the bubble has also been observed with this deflection system. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 25: 307–311, 2000.
Real-time color transfer system for low-light level visible and infrared images in YUV color space

A real-time color transfer system based on 3 pieces of multi-media DSP TM1300 for low-light level visible(LLLV) and infrared(IR) images is built. Computing quantity is split among three TM13003. Two pieces of TM1300 preprocess the dual-band images and calculate their mean and standard deviation respectively. The third TM1300 executes fusion and color transfer in YUV space: Firstly the two preprocessed images are fused into one primary color image(source image) in which hot targets present warm color, cold targets present cool color. Then the mean and standard deviation of source images in Y, U, V components are deduced by preprocessed images pixel value and their mean and standard deviation. Finally, the Y, U and V component of source image are scale by the variation ratio of a day-time color image(target image) to the source image. The color and luminance distribution of the target image is transferred into source image and makes it present a sort of day-time color appearance. Comparing to the usually used l&agr;&bgr; space, color transfer in YUV space can avoid iterative color space transformation, logarithmic and exponential calculation, and thus be effective in real-time realization while the color transferred results are acceptable.
On Consistency in Nonparametric Estimation under Mixing Conditions

In this paper a method for obtaining a.s. consistency in nonparametric estimation is presented which only requires the handling of covariances. This method is applied to kernel density estimation and kernel and nearest neighbour regression estimation. It leads to conditions for a.s. consistency which relax known conditions and include long-range dependence.
Theory-Free Statistics and Theory-Based Statistics: Their Appropriate Roles in the Reporting of Scientific Results.

AbstractA distinction is made between statistics based on scientific theory and theory-free statistics. Both are valuable and should be included in most research reports. Conventional simple hypothesis testing is often ambiguous; it could be in either class depending on the experimental hypothesis. A priori planned contrasts and Bayesian inference with specific priors are examples of theory-based statistics, with the former having many of the virtues of the latter. A new simple computational method devised by Pruzek is illustrated for determining the weights of an a priori contrast using “guessed” means. Such statistics are desirable to maximize power in tests of the experimenter’s predictions. Theory-free statistics are desirable to permit others to test alternative interpretations of the data.
A search for quasars in the Virgo cluster region

Using objective-prism plates taken with the 44-arcmin objective prism mounted on the UK Schmidt telescope, 53 emission-line quasar candidates and 29 ultraviolet-excess objects (possible low-redshift quasars) have been found in a 5 x 5-degree field centered on 12 h 27 m, + 13 deg 30 min (1950) in the Virgo cluster of galaxies. Eighteen of these 82 candidates were observed using the double spectrograph on the Palomar 5-meter telescope; 13 of the observed objects proved to be quasars. The broad-absorption-line QSO Q1232 + 134 is the first example of the class to show broad low-ionization absorption lines (such as Mg II 2798 A) in addition to the usual high-excitation lines such as Nv 1240 A. Although no conclusive evidence for quasar-galaxy associations is found in this field, there do exist nonuniformities in the distribution of the quasar candidates which may merit further investigation. These objects will provide a useful network of probes for absorbing material in the Virgo cluster. The lines-of-sight to two of the confirmed quasars pass very close to NGC galaxies; the respective projected QSO-galaxy separations are only 4 and 11 kpc at the assumed distance of the Virgo cluster.
Numerical study on the minimum modulation depth of a saturable absorber for stable fiber laser mode locking

We conducted a numerical study to investigate the minimum modulation depth of a saturable absorber that is essentially required for stable optical pulses to be generated from a passively mode-locked fiber laser cavity. More specifically, an extended nonlinear Schrodinger equation was numerically solved in order to analyze the impact of the cavity group velocity dispersion (GVD), cavity χ(3) nonlinearity, and saturation gain of an active fiber on the minimum modulation depth that is required. The net cavity GVD is shown to significantly influence the required minimum modulation depth level of a saturable absorber. A cavity with little net anomalous dispersion was found to be readily mode locked through the use of a saturable absorber with a very small amount of modulation depth. Furthermore, the reason that a fiber laser cavity with a zero cavity GVD becomes unstable and needs a much higher modulation depth was investigated, and such a condition was found to be associated with the fiber χ(3) nonlinearity. The minimum modulation depth was also shown to vary according to the saturation gain level of an active fiber.
System Dynamics and Tradeoffs in Radio Astronomical Data Transport of an Integrated Satellite Communication and Radio Astronomy System

This paper considers an integrated mega-constellation non-geostationary orbit satellite system which provides both communication and radio astronomical observation (RAO) services. We focus on RAO data transport from the RAO-conducting satellites (called source satellites) to the ground gateways where each gateway is directly connected to a certain number of satellites (called destination satellites). We introduce a generalized inter-satellite link (ISL) connection model which extends the existing approach of adjacent-only ISL connections to include non-adjacent ISL connections. This model is implemented with an upper limit on the ISL distance which can be adjusted for performance tradeoffs. Next, we develop analytical expressions to study two impacts of satellite dynamics on the RAO data transport. The first one concerns with the beam misalignment of individual ISL hops. The second one corresponds to whether destination satellites move outside the gateway coverage during the end-to-end delay interval of a data packet transport. Furthermore, we introduce delay, energy, and spectrum usage performance metrics and evaluate them to yield performance tradeoff guidelines. A simplified data transport path model is also presented to facilitate analytical performance evaluation and initial system design settings. Then, we present a new RAO data transport design which incorporates system dynamics and desired performance tradeoffs. Finally, analytical and simulation results and discussions are presented.
Thermo/opto/mechanical analysis of large apertures for exoplanet detection using Cielo

The next generation of space telescopes will be designed to meet increasingly challenging science goals. The operating environment and required precision of these telescopes will make complete verification via ground tests impossible, and will place a greater reliance on numerical simulation. The current state of the art in thermal, mechanical and optical modeling involves three disparate computational models, several analysis codes and tools to transition results between these models. However, the active controls necessary to meet the next generation of requirements for space telescopes will require integrated thermal, structural, optical and controls analysis. To meet these challenges, JPL has developed Cielo, an in-house finite element tool capable of multi-physics simulations using a common finite element model, for thermal, structural and optical aberration analysis. In this paper, we will discuss the use of Cielo for analysis of a coronagraph and an occulter designed to observe Earth-like planets around nearby stars. We will compare thermal and structural results from Cielo with results from commercial off the shelf (COTS) tools to verify the new approach. We will perform variations of key parameters to demonstrate how margins and uncertainties can be quantified using the new approach.
TRPM7, Magnesium, and Signaling

The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitously expressed chanzyme that possesses an ion channel permeable to the divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, and Zn2+, and an α-kinase that phosphorylates downstream substrates. TRPM7 and its homologue TRPM6 have been implicated in a variety of cellular functions and is critically associated with intracellular signaling, including receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-mediated pathways. Emerging evidence indicates that growth factors, such as EGF and VEGF, signal through their RTKs, which regulate activity of TRPM6 and TRPM7. TRPM6 is primarily an epithelial-associated channel, while TRPM7 is more ubiquitous. In this review we focus on TRPM7 and its association with growth factors, RTKs, and downstream kinase signaling. We also highlight how interplay between TRPM7, Mg2+ and signaling kinases influences cell function in physiological and pathological conditions, such as cancer and preeclampsia.