Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speech Bandwidth Compression through Spectrum Selection

PB word and sentence intelligibility tests were conducted with unfiltered speech and with speech filtered (1) by a 100–7000 cps bandpass filter, (2) by a 100–1600 cps bandpass filter, (3) by a 500 2000 cps bandpass filter, (4) by a 1000–2500 cps bandpass filter, and (5) by various configurations of one, two, or three bandpass filters, each 500 cps wide. The positions of the center frequencies of the bandpass filters 500 cps wide were systematically varied during the tests. If we use constant speech intelligibility as our criterion, the results indicate that the total “effective” bandwidth required for the best multiple pass band system is less than that required for the best contiguous pass band systems by a factor of 2. Also, a feature of the signal resulting from this multiple sampling in the frequency domain is that it sounds “natural” and the identity of a talker's voice appears to be maintained.
Nanomechanical displacement sensing using a quantum point contact

We describe a radio frequency mechanical resonator that includes a quantum point contact, defined using electrostatic top gates. We can mechanically actuate the resonator using either electrostatic or magnetomotive forces. We demonstrate the use of the quantum point contact as a displacement sensor, operating as a radio frequency mixer at the mechanical resonance frequency of 1.5 MHz. We calculate a displacement sensitivity of about 3×10−12 m/Hz1/2. This device will potentially permit quantum-limited displacement sensing of nanometer-scale resonators, allowing the quantum entanglement of the electronic and mechanical degrees of freedom of a nanoscale system.We describe a radio frequency mechanical resonator that includes a quantum point contact, defined using electrostatic top gates. We can mechanically actuate the resonator using either electrostatic or magnetomotive forces. We demonstrate the use of the quantum point contact as a displacement sensor, operating as a radio frequency mixer at the mechanical resonance frequency of 1.5 MHz. We calculate a displacement sensitivity of about 3×10−12 m/Hz1/2. This device will potentially permit quantum-limited displacement sensing of nanometer-scale resonators, allowing the quantum entanglement of the electronic and mechanical degrees of freedom of a nanoscale system.
Content-based audio retrieval: a comparative study of various features and similarity measures

Audio retrieval is an important research topic in audio field. A good audio retrieval system is very helpful to facilitate users to find the target audio materials. In such a system, while audio features are fundamental in representing an audio clip, similarity measure is also an important fact affecting the performance of audio retrieval. In previous research works, there are many proposed audio features and used distance measures. However, there is not yet a good study about the effectiveness of different features and distance measures. Therefore, in this paper, we perform a comparative study on various audio features and various distance measures (similarity measures). The compared audio features include Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC), Linear Predictive Coding Coefficients (LPC), sub-band energy distribution and some other temporal/spectral features, while the compared distances include Euclidean distance, Kullback-Leibler (K-L) divergence, Mahalanobis distance and Bhattacharyya distance. The study is expected to be helpful in the further design of audio retrieval system.
Detection of Non-Gaussianity in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe First-Year Data Using Spherical Wavelets

A non-Gaussian detection in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) first-year data is reported. The detection has been found in the combined Q - V - W map proposed by the WMAP team after applying a wavelet technique based on the spherical Mexican hat wavelet (SMHW). The skewness and the kurtosis of the SMHW coefficients are calculated at different scales (ranging from a few arcminutes to tens of degrees). A non-Gaussian signal is detected at scales of the SMHW around 4° (size in the sky of around 10°). The right-tail probability of the detection is ≈0.4%. In addition, a study of Gaussianity is performed in each hemisphere. The northern hemisphere is compatible with Gaussianity, whereas the southern one deviates from Gaussianity with a right-tail probability of ≈0.1%. Systematics, foregrounds, and uncertainties in the estimation of the cosmological parameters are carefully studied in order to identify the possible source of non-Gaussianity. The detected deviation from Gaussianity is not found to be caused by systematic effects: (1) Each one of the Q, V, and W receivers shows the same non-Gaussianity pattern. (2) Several combinations of the different receivers at each frequency band—which highly reduce the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the foreground emissions—do not show this non-Gaussian pattern. Similarly, Galactic foregrounds show a negligible contribution to the non-Gaussian detection: non-Gaussianity is detected in all the WMAP maps (from 23 to 94 GHz), and no frequency dependence is observed. Moreover, the expected foreground contribution to the combined WMAP map was added to CMB Gaussian simulations showing a behavior compatible with the Gaussian model. The influence of uncertainties in the CMB power spectrum estimation are also quantified. Hence, possible intrinsic temperature fluctuations (such as secondary anisotropies and primordial features) cannot be rejected as the source of this non-Gaussian detection. We remark that our result implies not only asymmetries north/south—like other previous WMAP analyses—but also a direct non-Gaussian detection.
Novel fusion for hybrid optical/microcomputed tomography imaging based on natural light surface reconstruction and iterated closest point

In mathematics, optical molecular imaging including bioluminescence tomography (BLT), fluorescence tomography (FMT) and Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT) are concerned with a similar inverse source problem. They all involve the reconstruction of the 3D location of a single/multiple internal luminescent/fluorescent sources based on 3D surface flux distribution. To achieve that, an accurate fusion between 2D luminescent/fluorescent images and 3D structural images that may be acquired form micro-CT, MRI or beam scanning is extremely critical. However, the absence of a universal method that can effectively convert 2D optical information into 3D makes the accurate fusion challengeable. In this study, to improve the fusion accuracy, a new fusion method for dual-modality tomography (luminescence/fluorescence and micro-CT) based on natural light surface reconstruction (NLSR) and iterated closest point (ICP) was presented. It consisted of Octree structure, exact visual hull from marching cubes and ICP. Different from conventional limited projection methods, it is 360° free-space registration, and utilizes more luminescence/fluorescence distribution information from unlimited multi-orientation 2D optical images. A mouse mimicking phantom (one XPM-2 Phantom Light Source, XENOGEN Corporation) and an in-vivo BALB/C mouse with implanted one luminescent light source were used to evaluate the performance of the new fusion method. Compared with conventional fusion methods, the average error of preset markers was improved by 0.3 and 0.2 pixels from the new method, respectively. After running the same 3D internal light source reconstruction algorithm of the BALB/C mouse, the distance error between the actual and reconstructed internal source was decreased by 0.19 mm.
A sectorial element based on Reissner plate theory

In this study, a new functional based on the Reissner theory, for thick plates on a Winkler foundation is obtained. This functional has geometric and dynamic boundary conditions. In deriving the new functional, the differential is used. This functional which is in polar coordinates is also transformable into the classical potential energy equation. Bending and torsional moments, transverse shear forces, rotations and displacements are the basic unknowns of the functional. Two different sectorial elements are developed with degrees of freedom (SEC24) and degrees of freedom (SEC32). The accuracy of the SEC24 and SEC32 elements together are verified by applying the method to some problems taken from literature.
Evaluation of bivariate cumulative probabilities using moments to fourth order

Approximation of cumulativre probabilitites of bivariatc distributions using the Pearson family is considerec. A proccdure is deseribed for obtaining numerical approximations on the bastsof joint momcnts to fourth order and is compared with similar results using a previously developed procedure based on moments to eighth order. The method utilizes a factorization of the joint probabiliry density function and numerical integration via non-standard Gaussian quadrature. Conditional moment approximations are obtained as functions of the coefficients of the differential equations associated with an appropriate bivariate Pearson member. The differential equation coefficients are determined from the joint moments of the distribution whose probabilities are being apprclximated. Illustrations are presented to exemplify he quality of the nrimcrical results.
Characterization of laser-transferred bismuth ferrite lead titanate ferroelectric thick films

Thick films of 0.7BiFeO3–0.3PbTiO3 have been deposited on sapphire substrates by tape casting and sintering at 1000°C. Films 20μm in thickness were released from the fabrication substrate using KrF pulsed laser radiation, and epoxy bonded to platinized silicon substrates in order to demonstrate the low-temperature integration possibilities of xBiFeO3–(1−x)PbTiO3 films. Despite structural changes at the laser-released film interface, strain-electric field loops are typical of a ferroelectric, showing an ultimate strain of 0.09%. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy observations suggest that interfacial melting and migration of Bi2O3 is involved in the lift-off process.
A Semiparametric Mixture Approach to Case-Control Studies with Errors in Covariables

Abstract Methods are devised for estimating the parameters of a prospective logistic model in a case-control study with dichotomous response D that depends on a covariate X. For a portion of the sample, both the gold standard X and a surrogate covariate W are available; however, for the greater portion of the data, only the surrogate covariate W is available. By using a mixture model, the relationship between the true covariate and the response can be modeled appropriately for both types of data. The likelihood depends on the marginal distribution of X and the measurement error density (W|X, D). The latter is modeled parametrically based on the validation sample. The marginal distribution of the true covariate is modeled using a nonparametric mixture distribution. In this way we can improve the efficiency and reduce the bias of the parameter estimates. The results also apply when there is no validation data provided the error distribution is known or estimated from an independent data source. Many of the .
Joint analysis of non-concurrent magnetic resonance imaging and diffuse optical tomography of breast cancer

We have developed a novel method for combining non-concurrent MR and DOT data, which integrates advanced multimodal registration and segmentation algorithms within a well-defined workflow. The method requires little user interaction, is computationally efficient for practical applications, and enables joint MR/DOT analysis. The method presents additional advantages: More flexibility than integrated MR/DOT imaging systems, The ability to independently develop a standalone DOT system without the stringent limitations imposed by the MRI device environment, Enhancement of sensitivity and specificity for breast tumor detection, Combined analysis of structural and functional data, Enhancement of DOT data reconstruction through the use of MR-derived a priori structural information. We have conducted an initial patient study which asks an important question: how can functional information on a tumor obtained from DOT data be combined with the anatomy of that tumor derived from MRI data? The study confirms that tumor areas in the patient breasts exhibit significantly higher total hemoglobin concentration (THC) than their surroundings. The results show significance in intra-patient THC variations, and justify the use of our normalized difference measure defined as the distance from the average THC inside the breast, to the average THC inside the tumor volume in terms of the THC standard deviation inside the breast. This method contributes to the long-term goal of enabling standardized direct comparison of MRI and DOT and facilitating validation of DOT imaging methods in clinical studies.
Preparation of (Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O3 Ferroelectric Films by RF Sputtering on Large Substrate

(Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O3 (PLZT) thin films were deposited on 6-inch Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by rf magnetron sputtering using a multichamber production system. The Pb content in PLZT films deposited at low temperature was measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, and the structural properties of crystallized PLZT films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A novel method for Pb content control was developed and it was found that Pb content in PLZT film could be changed by changing the electric potential of the substrate. For ferroelectric properties, only small differences were observed between the rapid thermally annealed PLZT film and furnace- annealed ones. Good uniformities of film thickness, Pb content and remanent polarization were achieved on 6-inch wafers.
Ecological Inference: A Structured Comparison of the Goodman Regression, the Truncated Normal, and the Binomial–Beta Hierarchical Methods for Ecological Inference

This chapter presents an extensive and structured Monte Carlo experiment to compare Goodman regression, King’s truncated bivariate normal, and the binomial–beta hierarchical methods for ecological inference. Our purpose was to assess the predictive performance of these methods and the degree to which they match standard properties of statistical prediction theory. The experimental design was based on differences between King’s and the binomial–beta hierarchical methods, which are major contributions to the recent EI literature. The results obtained indicate that Goodman regression is the weakest method, the BBH method has good predictive ability but is a biased point predictor, and King’s method is the best among the three, doing well in predictive performance as well as in statistical properties. In the concluding section, the methodological relevance of using Monte Carlo experiments to evaluate and compare aggregation-consistent EI methods is highlighted. 15.
Model‐free recursive LQ controller design (learning LQ control)

A new data‐based iterative self‐optimizing approach to practical design (learning/adaptive process) of the infinite‐horizon LQ regulator is proposed. Optimality is given by a certain orthogonality condition of response signals, and the global convergence of feedback gain is proved for MIMO systems by an expansion of the Riccati equation. The design is applied to stabilizing control and steady state error‐less control of physical systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric Available Energy

AbstractThe total potential energy of the atmosphere is the sum of its internal and gravitational energies. The portion of this total energy available to be converted into kinetic energy is determined relative to an isothermal, hydrostatic, equilibrium atmosphere that is convectively and dynamically “dead. ” The temperature of this equilibrium state is determined by minimization of a generalized Gibbs function defined between the atmosphere and its equilibrium. Thus, this function represents the maximum amount of total energy that can be converted into kinetic energy and, hence, the available energy of the atmosphere. This general approach includes the effects of terrain, moisture, and hydrometeors. Applications are presented for both individual soundings and idealized baroclinic zones. An algorithm partitions the available energy into available baroclinic and available convective energies. Estimates of the available energetics of the general circulation suggest that atmospheric motions are primarily drive.
Evaluation of the Possible Anti-fibrotic Effect of Rosuvastatin on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice model

Abstract Background: Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious, progressive lung disease characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to functional deterioration in lung parenchyma. Objectives: to characterize the effect of rosuvastatin on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, to compare its effect with the well-established anti-fibrotic effect of pirfenidone, and the role of transforming growth factor-βeta (TGF-β). Materials & methods: induction of pulmonary fibrosis was done by intra-tracheal injection of bleomycin (2U/Kg, 50 μl) to C57BL/6 mice. Then, at the 10 th day; pirfenidone (300mg/kg/d) or rosuvastatin (10mg/kg/d) given orally. After 21 days, all mice were sacrificed. Body weight, lung weight, lung index and lung TGF-β1were measured before and after induction of pulmonary fibrosis. Histopathological examinations of lung sections were done using haematoxylin and eosin. Also, Masson’s trichrome stain was used for scoring fibrosis. Results: Significant decrease in body weight and increase in lung weight, lung index, TGF-β levels were observed in bleomycin group. Also, the histopathological fibrosis score was increased in comparison to control group. Both groups of pirfenidone and rosuvastatin showed significant increase in body weight, and decrease in lung weight, lung index, TGF-β levels. Histopathological fibrosis score was decreased in comparison to bleomycin group. Conclusions: Rosuvastatin effectively reduced pulmonary fibrosis as pirfenidone. This was done by decreasing TGF-β levels. Thus, the pleiotropic actions of rosuvastatin might be applied clinically for prevention or treatment of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, further studies are needed to confirm the beneficial therapeutic effects of rosuvastatin in the therapy of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Numerical simulation of the development of tropical cyclones with a ten‐level model. Part II

The importance of some different physical processes and parameters, pertinent to the development of tropical storms, is studied with the aid of the numerical model presented in an earlier paper (Sundqvist, 1970). The developing tropical cyclone exhibited and discussed in detail in the previous paper is used as a reference case for the present experiments. The results show that the rate of intensification becomes significantly higher when radiational cooling is taken into account. On the other hand, the peak intensity appears to be unaffected. In another experiment, where a hypothetical poleward movement of the vortex is introduced, it is demonstrated that a mature hurricane may remain quite intense to rather high latitudes, provided other conditions are unchanged. The decisive role of the sea surface temperature is clearly exhibited in three other applications. For one and the same vertical stratification of the tropical atmosphere the maximum swirling velocity never exceeds 25 m/s when the water temperature is 26°C, while a full-fledged hurricane develops at 27.5°C. In an attempt to reduce the highest wind speeds of a mature storm by enhancing the heating artificially (cloud seeding), the results indicate that the approach yields the desired tendency in the evolution. However, no changes of significance are observed in the maximum wind during the hypothetical operation that was assumed to last for 40 hours. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1970. tb00516.x
Comparison of the Extended Kalman Filter and the Ensemble Kalman Filter Using the Barotropic General Circulation Model

In this study, we compare assimilation techniques of the full-rank extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), using a barotropic general circulation model, called barotropic S-model, under the perfect model configuration. We investigate the accuracy of the EnKF in reference to the direct computation of the EKF and examine the influence of the localization for EnKF. The barotropic S-model is based on the primitive equations and predicts the vertical mean state of the atmosphere. Although it has the predictability comparable to the operational prediction models, the direct computation of the EKF is possible. Therefore, we can assess the accuracy of the EnKF as a function of the ensemble members. In this study, the convergence of the EnKF to the EKF is examined using various ensemble members of 20, 50, 100, 410, and 1000. The EKF and EnKF directly assimilate the observation in the spectral space, and the observational elements are model variables.According to the result of the root mean square error (RMSE), the EnKF converges to the full-rank EKF filter when the ensemble member is increased to more than 50. It is demonstrated that the 20 ensemble members are insufficient with respect to the convergence. An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is conducted using the covariance matrices of analysis error for both filters. The structure of the first EOF (EOF-1) indicates the characteristics of the baroclinic instability waves in mid-latitudes in both filters, showing the same geographical distributions when it has converged. Interestingly, another large analysis error is detected in the Arctic region. Furthermore, the influence of the localization is examined by introducing the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF), which assimilates the observations in the physical space. The observations which are assimilated by the LETKF are retrieved from the spectral space to the physical space. It is found that the analysis error of the non-localized EnKF in the spectral space is smaller than that of the LETKF in the physical space.It is concluded from the comparison of the RMSE that more than 50 ensemble members are required for the non-localized EnKF to converge to the full-rank EKF for the practical assimilation in the spectral space under the perfect model configuration of the barotropic general circulation model of the atmosphere.
The XEUS x-ray telescope

XEUS, the 'X-ray Early Universe Spectroscopy Mission', is a potential candidate for inclusion into the Cosmic Visions 1525 Science Programme of the European Space Agency ESA [1,2]. It is being studied jointly with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA. The newly developed Silicon-based High resolution Pore Optics (HPO) combines low mass density with good angular resolution, and enables the development of novel mission design concepts for the implementation of a new generation of space based X-ray telescope [3, 4, 5]. This optics technology allows also for the application of complex reflective coatings [6], improving the effective area of the telescope and permitting an enhancement in the engineering of the desired response function. This paper gives an overview of the telescope optical design and optical bench architecture, including the deployment scheme. Further, the performance predictions based on ray tracing are discussed and the overall telescope design of XEUS is presented.