Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Racial Differences in Hospital Death for Atrial Fibrillation: The National Inpatient Sample 2001-2012

Background Understanding racial differences in outcomes for atrial fibrillation (AF) may guide interventions to diminish health inequities. Methods and Results In a retrospective, cross-sectional study of adults hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of AF using the 2001-2012 National Inpatient Sample, we assessed racial differences for in-hospital. We accounted for case-mix and clustering by race within hospitals to estimate odds ratios (OR) for death associated with individual patient race and hospital racial composition. We identified 676,567 hospitalizations (mean age 71.8 years, 53.6% women) with principal diagnosis of AF (84.2% White, 7.1% Black, 5.0% Hispanic). Black (vs. White) race was associated with 1.63-fold (95% CI, 1.50-1.78) risk of death. Other races had similar risk of death as Whites. Risk of death for Blacks (vs. Whites) declined over time [2001: OR 1.78(95% CI 1.31-2.43); 2012: OR 1.23(95% CI 0.92–1.64)]. Racial differences in deaths within hospitals narrowed, while hospitals with larger proportions of Blacks had persistently worse outcomes than hospitals with fewer Blacks (OR 1.08 per 10% increase in Blacks in 2001 and 2012). Conclusion Black patients with a principal diagnosis of AF were more likely to suffer in-hospital death than Whites. Our findings suggest racial disparities based upon individual patients’ race improved over time, but outcomes were persistently worse at hospitals with higher proportions of Black patients, regardless of patients’ races.
A 192-heme electron transfer network in the hydrazine dehydrogenase complex

A protein complex key to the global nitrogen cycle has an unprecedented electron transport network of 192 heme groups. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a major process in the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle in which nitrite and ammonium are converted to dinitrogen gas and water through the highly reactive intermediate hydrazine. So far, it is unknown how anammox organisms convert the toxic hydrazine into nitrogen and harvest the extremely low potential electrons (−750 mV) released in this process. We report the crystal structure and cryo electron microscopy structures of the responsible enzyme, hydrazine dehydrogenase, which is a 1.7 MDa multiprotein complex containing an extended electron transfer network of 192 heme groups spanning the entire complex. This unique molecular arrangement suggests a way in which the protein stores and releases the electrons obtained from hydrazine conversion, the final step in the globally important anammox process.
Selecting the proper window for SSIM

The structural similarity index (SSIM) is a well-known metric in the field of image quality assessment (IQA). It is a full-reference metric that uses a sliding window to determine local quality/distortion measures between two images (based on a combination of luminance, contrast, and structural measurements from each image's window), and combines the results to obtain a single value indicating the quality of the distorted image relative to its perfect reference image. The metric uses a window of arbitrary size and shape to compute the localized measurements, but no work has been done to determine the effects of different window selections. This paper provides insight into these effects by testing various window modifications against six publicly-available image quality databases. Optimal window results are presented as well as a visual mapping of window parameters vs. performance.
Quantitative scanning capacitance spectroscopy

In this work, a setup for quantitative scanning capacitance spectroscopy is introduced, where an ultrahigh precision, calibrated capacitance bridge is used together with a commercially available atomic force microscope (AFM). We show that capacitance data measured with this setup are of comparable quality as data obtained on macroscopic metal oxide semiconductor capacitors. In addition, our setup is sensitive enough to resolve the energy distribution of interface traps with the spatial resolution of an AFM. This is an advantage compared to conventional scanning capacitance microscopes, which have a limited energy resolution and only yield qualitative results due to large modulation voltages.
Giant cold H I cloud complexes near the H II region W5

Two giant complexes of cold H I clouds well over 120 pc in length have been detected around the H II region W5 from analyses of the H I absorption features in the data from the Maryland-Green Bank Survey (Westerhout, 1973). Many cold H I fragments exhibit clear velocity gradients, suggesting their rotation. Most of the CO clouds detected in this region are located in the cold H I clouds. The estimated Jeans mass indicates that, without rotation, all the cold H I fragments will eventually contract to dense clouds. The giant H I complex bordering W5 on the southeast shows a velocity gradient along its major axis and shares the velocity with W5 at its western end, suggesting that W5 takes part in the rotation of the H I complex around its minor axis. These facts, together with the published observational results at various wavelengths, suggest that the giant cold H I complex is a future site of sequential star formation. 23 refs.
Quantum cascade laser open-path system for remote sensing of trace gases in Beijing, China

Exploiting several key characteristics of quantum cascade (QC) lasers, including wide tunability and room- temperature operation, the Quantum Cascade Laser Open- Path System (QCLOPS) was designed for the detection of a range of trace gases and for field deployment in urban environments. Tunability over a wavelength range from 9.3 to 9.8 μm potentially provides the capability for monitoring ozone, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, a suite of trace gases important for air quality and regional climate applications in urban environments. The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China drew attention to air quality problems in urban environ- ments. Prior to and during the Olympic games, regional air quality modifications through factory shutdowns, car restric- tions, and construction halts in Beijing and its surrounding areas created a unique test bed for new sensor technolo- gies such as the QCLOPS sensor. We report the design of this novel, open-path air quality sensor and the results of both laboratory tests and field trials during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. C 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumen-
Clinogenesis and Frontogenesis in Jet-Stream Waves. Part II: Channel Model Numerical Experiments

Abstract Frontogenesis (FG) is examined in a “channel model” based on a primitive-equation isentropic formulation by Eliassen and Raustein. Meridional temperature gradients, static stability and a tropopause are specified to give a jet stream with realistic shears. An imposed weak cyclone-anticyclone couplet initiates “self-development,” of surface vortices and an upper-level wave, which is fastest with weaker static stability or with a more concentrated jet stream. All processes are evaluated that lead to the formation, in the vicinity of the wave trough, of a frontal layer in which intensity increases as the wave amplitude grows. Midtropospheric FG is associated with solenoidally indirect tilting and confluence, modified by advections connected with canting (turning of wind with height), which are all features related to the structure of a gradient wind wave in Part I. The additional role of transverse ageostrophic flow in generating static stability is demonstrated, along with the total deformation fie.
Entanglement evolution for quantum trajectories

Entanglement is a key resource in quantum information. It can be destroyed or sometimes created by interactions with a reservoir. In recent years, much attention has been devoted to the phenomena of entanglement sudden death and sudden birth, i.e., the sudden disappearance or revival of entanglement at finite times resulting from a coupling of the quantum system to its environment [1, 2, 3]. We investigate the evolution of the entanglement of noninteracting qubits coupled to reservoirs under monitoring of the reservoirs by means of continuous measurements. Because of these measurements, the qubits remain at all times in a pure state, which evolves randomly. To each measurement result (or "realization") corresponds a quantum trajectory in the Hilbert space of the qubits. We show that for two qubits coupled to independent baths subjected to local measurements, the average of the qubits' concurrence over all quantum trajectories is either constant or decays exponentially. The corresponding decay rate depends on the measurement scheme only. This result contrasts with the entanglement sudden death phenomenon exhibited by the qubits' density matrix in the absence of measurements. Our analysis applies to arbitrary quantum jump dynamics (photon counting) as well as to quantum state diffusion (homodyne or heterodyne detections) in the Markov limit. We discuss the best measurement schemes to protect the entanglement of the qubits. We also analyze the case of two qubits coupled to a common bath. Then, the average concurrence can vanish at discrete times and may coincide with the concurrence of the density matrix. The results explained in this article have been presented during the "Fifth International Workshop DICE2010" by the first author and have been the subject of a prior publication [4].
Game‐ready 3D hair model from a small set of images

We present a system for creating a hair model that matches a user's hairstyle from images. The model consists of guide hair strands and can be used in a real‐time hair simulator. Our goal differs from most previous works that aim to create realistic high‐resolution hair for off‐line applications or create a mesh of the exterior of the hair volume for image manipulation. Our primary aim is for a user to be able to put his/her hairstyle into game or other real‐time applications. By taking photos in eight views of the user's head using a smartphone camera and segmenting the images with some easy‐to‐use tools, the player will obtain his/her own hair model in NVIDIA's HairWorks, which is a hair simulator used in many games. We show a number of results demonstrating the capabilities of our system in this paper.
Advanced data assimilation in strongly nonlinear dynamical systems

Abstract Advanced data assimilation methods are applied to simple but highly nonlinear problems. The dynamical systems studied here are the stochastically forced double well and the Lorenz model. In both systems, linear approximation of the dynamics about the critical points near which regime transitions occur is not always sufficient to track their occurrence or nonoccurrence. Straightforward application of the extended Kalman filter yields mixed results. The ability of the extended Kalman filter to track transitions of the double-well system from one stable critical point to the other depends on the frequency and accuracy of the observations relative to the mean-square amplitude of the stochastic forcing. The ability of the filter to track the chaotic trajectories of the Lorenz model is limited to short times, as is the ability of strong-constraint variational methods. Examples are given to illustrate the difficulties involved, and qualitative explanations for these difficulties are provided. Three gene.
Wave front correction and focusing optimization of partially thermalized Nd:glass high power CPA laser

Summary form only given. Because of spatial phase aberrations, ultra-intense laser systems with peak power in the 10 TW-1 PW range are difficult to focus close to the diffraction limit. Reaching this goal is an important task when trying to get the highest possible intensities (typically>10/sup 21/ W/cm/sup 2/). We previously demonstrated that the use of an adaptive optics (AO) technique has significantly improved the wave front quality of the LULI 100 TW chirped pulse amplification (CPA) Nd:glass laser. This AO system relies on a feedback loop coupling an achromatic three-wave lateral shearing interferometer (ATWLSI) as a wave front sensor, and an optically addressed light valve (OALV)-developed by Thomson CSF-as a wave front corrector.
Selective population of the [1s2s] {sup 1}S{sub 0} and [1s2s] {sup 3}S{sub 1} states of He-like uranium

The formation of the [1s2s] S states in heliumlike uranium (U{sup 90+}) has been studied in relativistic collisions of initially lithiumlike uranium (U{sup 89+}) ions with N{sub 2} target molecules. By measuring projectile x-ray emission in coincidence with projectile ionization, a strong selectivity for the formation of the [1s2s] S states in heliumlike uranium is observed. This selectivity is found to be unaffected by the subsequent rearrangement of the atomic orbitals involved. By measuring the photon emission associated with the decay of the [1s2s] {sup 1}S{sub 0} and the [1s2s] {sup 3}S{sub 1} substates, we obtain for their relative population probabilities a ratio of close to 1. This finding deviates considerably from the assumption of a statistical distribution 2J+1.
Mid-infrared plasmonic resonances exploiting heavily-doped Ge on Si

We address the behavior of mid-infrared localized plasmon resonances in elongated germanium antennas integrated on silicon substrates. Calculations based on Mie theory and on the experimentally retrieved dielectric constant allow us to study the tunability and the figures of merit of plasmon resonances in heavily-doped germanium and to preliminarily compare them with those of the most established plasmonic material, gold.
Ultrasonic Absorption in Water Containing Plankton in Suspension

A study is made to determine the frequency and concentration dependence of the ultrasonic absorption in aqueous suspensions of (1) scenedesmus and diatoms, two forms of algae, and (2) artemia (brine shrimp) eggs. The measurements were made over a frequency range of 125 kc/sec to 55 Mc/sec.The excess absorption caused by scenedesmus is found to be linearly dependent on concentration and has a value of α/f2=7×10 16 m−1 sec2 for the highest concentration measured, 0.72 g/liter of water. The excess absorption caused by diatoms is also linearly dependent on concentration and has a value of 25×10−15 m−1 sec2 for 290 g/liter of water, the highest concentration measured. For both scenedesmus and diatoms, it is concluded that the normal concentration of these forms of algae found in large bodies of water causes negligible absorption compared to the absorption of the water itself.The major portion of the excess attenuation due to the shrimp eggs in the kilocycle region is attributed to a scattering mechanism. Appli.
Domain wall stability in ferroelectrics with space charges

Significant effect of semiconductor properties on domain configurations in ferroelectrics is demonstrated, especially in the case of doped materials. Phase field simulations are performed for ferroelectrics with space charges due to donors and electronic charge carriers. The free charges introduced thereby can act as a source for charge compensation at domain walls with uncompensated polarization bound charges. Results indicate that the equilibrium position of a domain wall with respect to its rotation in a head-to-head or a tail-to-tail domain configuration depends on the charge defect concentration and the Fermi level position.
A general circulation model study of a tropopause‐folding event at middle latitudes

The UK Universities' Global Atmospheric Modelling Programme General Circulation Model (UGCM) has been run at high horizontal resolution to investigate a tropopause-folding event at middle latitudes. Geopotential-height, potential-vorticity and specific-humidity distributions were diagnosed from the model and showed a realistic representation of the synoptic development of the cut-off low associated with the tropopause fold. the model also successfully portrayed the frontogenesis associated with tropopause folding and represented both the upper-level frontal region and the corresponding jet-streaks as they progressed through the region of the developing trough. A series of vertical cross-sections at the ends of the jet streaks demonstrated that a fold could be captured by the UGCM using potential vorticity and specific humidity, although more small-scale features were evident in the specific-humidity contours than in the corresponding potential-vorticity fields. the corresponding baroclinic zone was also resolved, although both the slope and thickness were rather larger than sometimes observed. Both the spatial and temporal extent of the fold compared well with observations. In addition the model simulated the ageostrophic winds in the entrance, exit and middle-streak regions. A direct circulation was obtained at the entrance and an indirect circulation at the exit region of the jet streak, in good agreement with theory and with observational data. A combination of confluence, cold advection and curvature was responsible for the forcing of the ageostrophic motion at the jet entrance, whereas the forcing at the jet exit was attributed mainly to diffluence and curvature. Q vectors were employed to investigate the vertical motion in the vicinity of the fold, and showed the precise positions of descent corresponding to the fold along the entire length of the jet streak. Finally a tropopause fold around a jet that was not subject to the development of strong baroclinic instabilities was reproduced by the model: it was smaller in size than the fold of the cyclonic trough. A Q-vector analysis confirmed the position of the small fold along the jet and revealed large-scale ascending motion that may have been responsible for the small size of fold. the possibility of using the model to yield a realistic estimate of the transfer of air from the stratosphere to the troposphere in a tropopause-folding event at mid-latitudes is discussed.
Easy calibration technique for stereo vision using a circle grid

Combined with the digital image correlation (DIC), the stereo vision calibrated by a circle grid can be used to measure the surface deformation of a deformable body. The grid dot centers are taken as the calibration points. A subpixel localization technique was developed to precisely find the location of the edge points of a dot. A conical section was then fitted to the obtained edge points to locate the dot center so that the intrinsic and extrinsic camera parameters can be accurately extracted after the camera calibration. The baseline measurement error of the stereo vision was evaluated by performing rigid body translation tests. By using the DIC to find the conjugate pairs in stereo images, the calibrated stereo vision is used to measure the strain field of a tension test specimen to evaluate its applicability to the surface deformation measurement of a deformable body.
Negative permittivity and permeability in the infrared due to dielectric spheres

In this paper we consider the effective electric and magnetic properties of a three-dimensional collection of non-magnetic spheres. Polaritonic materials are used, so that the Mie resonances of the spheres are excited in the long-wavelength regime of the surrounding medium. We consider a simple cubic lattice based on LiTaO3 and find that it is possible to engineer a fundamental resonant magnetic response. The effective media parameters derived by this approach are isotropic, and closely match those obtained by band structure calculations. Frequency ranges with either negative permittivity or negative permeability are found. Within these ranges a negative group velocity is observed. Coated spheres with a negative index of refraction are also presented.
Focused Microwave Technique for Measurement of the Ionization Rate and Collision Frequency

A technique for the measurement of ionization rate and collision frequency in gases uses high‐powered focused microwaves. By using short pulses and focusing the energy into a small spot within a large vacuum chamber, diffusion losses are made negligible. Under these conditions the breakdown equation can be simply solved for the ionization rate in terms of easily measured parameters—the pressure, pulse width, and electric field. Experimental results with this technique are compared with published results. The agreement between the two is sufficiently good to confirm the usefulness of this technique.Due to the focusing of energy into a spot remote from walls, the walls do not enter into the ionization process. In this way a possible source of error in the measurement of ionization rate is avoided.Since the technique arranges conditions so that diffusion losses are negligible, it is not necessary to know the diffusion coefficient in order to determine the ionization rate.
Calibration of far-IR and sub-mm detectors traceable to the international system of units

Precision power measurement of electromagnetic radiation is required to establish metrological applications, e.g. remote sensing. The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), as the national metrology institute of Germany, has started to determine the spectral responsivity of detectors for THz radiation. In this work, the THz spectral range denotes the wavelength range from 60 μm to 300 μm, corresponding to 5 THz to 1 THz, which is traditionally the overlap between far-IR and the sub-mm range. Traceability of power measurement to the international system of units (SI) has been missing in the THz region in the past. The PTB establishes this traceability by using two complementary optical approaches, source- and detector-based radiometry. Both methods have been successfully prototyped. These primary investigations led to the design of a new measurement facility for the determination of THz radiant power and the responsivity calibration of THz detectors traceable to the SI.
Anisotropic multi-scale Lucas-Kanade pyramid

The Lucas-Kanade (LK) algorithm provides a smart iterative parameter-update rule for efficient image alignment, and it has become one of the most widely used techniques in computer vision. Applications range from optical flow and tracking to layered motion, mosaic construction, and face coding. In this paper, we propose a novel Anisotropic Multi-Scale Lucas-Kanade Pyramid (AMSLKP) method. By extracting image pyramids from the original images and iteratively implementing LK algorithm at each level, the Lucas-Kanade Pyramid (LKP) gained better robustness and accuracy. Moreover, instead of calculating gradients in single direction with fixed scale sizes, this paper introduces anisotropic local polynomial approximation (LPA) and intersection of conference intervals (ICI) method to the LKP. The proposed AMSLKP method first calculates the directional estimates and gradients with multiple scales; then for each direction, it adaptively selects the optimum scale for each pixel in the image using ICI rule; at last, the estimate and gradients of the distorted image are computed by fusing the directional results together. The proposed method is evaluated in different noise conditions with various distortion levels. Experimental results show that the AMSLKP method improves the accuracy by more than forty percent compared to LKP method.