Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sub-femtosecond precision timing distribution, synchronization and coherent synthesis of ultrafast lasers

In this thesis, we present a complete set of techniques for sub-femtosecond measurement, control and distribution of ultrafast optical pulse trains, with respect to pulse timing and phase. First, analytical analysis of the balanced optical cross-correlator (BOC) for attosecond precision pulse timing measurement is presented for both short and long crystal devices. It is found that the sensitivity of the long crystal BOC is independent of pulse duration, to first order. In addition, analytical noise models predict 13 as rms resolution, within a 1 MHz bandwidth, for optical pulses consistent with a practical fiber optic timing link. This analysis aids the widespread adoption of the BOC technique for other wavelengths and implementations. Secondly, long term timing distribution of a 200 MHz ultrafast optical pulse train over 340 m of single mode optical fiber is demonstrated, using the BOC. In this way, the group delay of the fiber link is directly stabilized with unprecedented precision and longterm stability. In addition, by distributing the entire optical pulse train, all optical and RF harmonics are provided at the remote location for direct synchronization of remote ultrafast lasers and microwave electronics. Over 168 hours of continuous, unaided operation, a drift of 5 fs rms is achieved, with less than 1.5 fs rms drift at timescales up to 10,000 seconds. Additional analysis of factors effecting performance, such as polarization mode dispersion and fiber nonlinearity is studied through experiment and simulations. It is found that nonlinear-origin drifts can be avoided for pulse energies below 40 pJ. A chirped pulse method could be implemented to distribute pulses of higher energy. Thirdly, the first quantum-resolution timing jitter measurement of ultrafast laser timing jitter for passively mode-locked lasers up to the Nyquist frequency is presented. The total jitter from for a 79.4 MHz stretched pulse erbium fiber laser is found to be 2.6 fs rms [10 kHz, 39.7 MHz]. It is found that the timing jitter power spectral density scales with frequency according to that expected for a white noise source, in agreement with theory. However, unexpected spurious jitter at high frequencies can occur for some mode-locked states, adding up to 5.5 fs rms jitter. Similar measurements of a 200 MHz erbium fiber soliton laser reveal the decay time of center frequency fluctuations to be 17 ns, with a predicted excess noise of approximately ten. These measurements suggest that timing jitter can be decreased through improved amplifier design. Finally, the synchronization of a 8 fs fiber supercontinuum at 1200 nm to a 7 fs Ti:Sapphire laser pulse train at 800 nm is achieved for both pulse timing and phase with attosecond precision. This achievement is enabled by the development of a novel scheme for stabilization of the carrier envelope offset of the entire optical bandwidth of an octave spanning supercontinuum, without introducing excess timing jitter. In particular, by implementing an acousto-optic frequency shifting (AOFS) feedback…
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Genes Identified in Non-Caucasians

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), are among the commonest autoimmune disorders, affecting approximately 2% - 5% of the population. Epidemiological data support strong genetic influences on the development of AITD. The identification of genes placing individuals at an increased risk for the development of AITD has been a slow process. However, over the last 20 years or so real progress has been made with the mapping of novel loci, via a number of different approaches. The first AITD gene discovered, Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA)/Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), is associated with both GD and HT. Non-MHC genes that confer susceptibility to AITD can be classified into two groups: (1) immune-regulatory genes (e.g., CD40, CTLA-4, and PTPN22); (2) thyroid-specific genes—thyroglobulin and TSH receptor genes. These genes interact with environmental factors, such as infection, likely through epigenetic mechanisms to trigger disease. In this review, we will summarize the latest findings on AITD susceptibility genes in non-Caucasians.
Paleoclimatic Signature in Terrestrial Flood Deposits

Large-scale process simulation was used to reconstruct the geologic evolution during the past 600,000 years of an alluvial fan in northern California. In order to reproduce the sedimentary record, the simulation accounted for the dynamics of river flooding, sedimentation, subsidence, land movement that resulted from faulting, and sea level changes. Paleoclimatic trends induced fluctuations in stream flows and dominated the development of the sedimentary deposits. The process simulation approach serves as a quantitative means to explore the genesis of sedimentary architecture and its link to past climatic conditions and fault motion.
The Logic of Hope: Extensions of Kant's View of Religion

This book is a thorough study of the question posed by Kant, For what can a human being rationally hope? It offers a detailed commentary on Kant's seminal work, Religion Within the Limits of Reason Alone, as well as an original development of the logic of three of Kant's basic ideas: ambivalence, ignorance, and hope. Sophisticated analytic techniques, including symbolic logic, are applied to this conceptual matrix. The result is a striking case for the transformation of world society into a Kingdom of Ends of individuals and a peaceful League of Nations.
Urban Intersections and Traffic Safety in the City of San Antonio

Intersections are high-risk locations on roadways and often experience high incidence of crashes. Better understanding of the factors contributing to crashes and deaths at intersections is crucial. This study analyzed the factors related to crash incidence and crash severity at intersections in San Antonio for crashes from 2013 to 2017 and identified hotspot locations based on crash frequency and crash rates. Binary logistic regression model was considered for the analysis using crash severity as the response variable. Factors found to be significantly associated with the severity of intersection crashes include age of driver, day of the week, month, road alignment, and traffic control system. The crashes occurred predominantly in the highdensity center of the city (downtown area). Overall, the identification of risk factors and their impact on crash severity would be helpful for road safety policymakers to develop proactive mitigation plans to reduce the frequency and severity of intersection crashes.
Geophagia: the history of earth-eating.

Geophagia is defined as deliberate consumption of earth, soil, or clay1. From different viewpoints it has been regarded as a psychiatric disease, a culturally sanctioned practice or a sequel to poverty and famine. Prompted by a remarkable case in our own practice2 we became increasingly aware of geophagia in contemporary urban South Africa. In view of the high prevalence of geophagia there and in many other regions of the world1, we hypothesized that ancient medical texts would also contain reports of the disorder. To our surprise, geophagia was indeed reported by many authors ranging from Roman physicians to 18th century explorers. Here we present, together with a brief description of the disorder, some of the most remarkable examples.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ON DIVIDEND POLICY BETWEEN INDONESIA AND CHINA BANKING

This research aimed to investigate influence of stock price, growth, profitability and free cash flow on dividend policy. Dividend is one of the agency problem that occurs because there is separation between the shareholders (as principal) with company management (as agent). In agency theory, agency relationship arises when one or more persons (principal) employs another person (agent) to provide a service and then delegate a decision-making authority to the agency (Jensen and Meckling, 1976). Samples in this research are Indonesia and China banking companies listed on the IDX (Indonesia Stock Exchange) and Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) from the years 2007-2010. The data used are secondary data and methods of data collection in this research is purposive sampling. In this method, Indonesia and China banking companies issuing annual report the year 2007-2010 and has acquired 16 Indonesia banking companies and 17 China banking companies from 31 Indonesia banking companies and 21 China banking companies. Data analysis methods used in this study is multiple regression analysis. Indonesia banking company dividend policy was only affected by ROE. Meanwhile, in China banking company dividend policy was only affected by Stock Price, Growth, and Operating Profit Margin. Keywords : Stock Price, Growth, Profitability, Free Cash Flow, Dividend Payout Ratio.
Min-cut placement with global objective functions for large scale sea-of-gates arrays

We present a new min-cut based placement algorithm for large scale sea-of-gates arrays. In the past all such algorithms were developed based on a single local optimization function, called the sequential cut line objective function. Our algorithm incorporates global objective functions into this traditional framework of min-cut placement. In particular, we introduce a new global objective function based on the congestions for cut lines and use it for the selection of their sequence. We also use the total cut value objective function in the determination of the sizes and connectivities of clusters that are to be used in the early stages of min-cut partitioning. The incorporation of such global objective functions yields additional reductions of wire congestions in the entire as well as local chip areas. With the automatic selection and use of such clusters and a cut line sequence, our algorithm can produce, in a short time and at a low cost, final placement results that achieve the 100% completion of wiring on chips of fixed sizes. This has led to its successful production use, having generated more than 400 CMOS sea-of-gates array chips of 1.5 K to 150 K raw gates. >
Integrating AI and DBMS through stream processing

An approach is presented for integrating AI (artificial intelligence) systems with DBMS (database management systems). The impedance mismatch that has made this integration a problem is, in essence, a difference in the two system models of data processing. The present approach is to avoid the mismatch by forcing both AI systems and DBMS into the common model of stream processing. The approach taken in the Tangram project at UCLA, which integrates Prolog with relational DBMS, is described. Prolog is extended to a functional language called Log(F) that facilitates development of stream processing programs. The integration of this system with DBMS is simultaneously elegant, easy to use, and relatively efficient. <<ETX>>
A Real Pivot Structure for MEMS Tunable Lasers

This paper presents the design of a real pivot formed by a double-clamped beam for the rotational tuning structures in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) tunable lasers. Micromechanical properties such as beam deformation, pivot position and pivot shift are investigated and compared with the virtual pivot formed by a cantilever beam. It is shown that the real pivot has negligible shift when subjected to load and fabrication error owing to its feature of structural symmetry, while the virtual pivot suffers from significant pivot shift, which would severely limit the wavelength tuning range. The two pivot designs are implemented into MEMS tuning structures that are fabricated by deep etching and released using a dry release approach. The real pivot measures a depth variation of 16% over the double-clamped beam but maintains the symmetry to the midpoint, and is still able to produce a rotation angle of 4.7deg. In contrast, the virtual pivot has a depth reduction of 4% over the cantilever beam, but achieves only a 2.4deg rotation due to the pull-in problem originated from the severe pivot shift. The real pivot design is more suitable for the MEMS tunable lasers as it is simple, symmetric, robust, and suitable for single-chip integration
On multivariate Rayleigh and exponential distributions

In this paper, expressions for multivariate Rayleigh and exponential probability density functions (PDFs) generated from correlated Gaussian random variables are presented. We first obtain a general integral form of the PDFs, and then study the case when the complex Gaussian generating vector is circular. We consider two specific circular cases: the exchangeable case when the variates are evenly correlated, and the exponentially correlated case. Expressions for the multivariate PDF in these cases are obtained in integral form as well as in the form of a series of products of univariate PDFs. We also derive a general expression for the multivariate exponential characteristic function (CF) in terms of determinants. In the exchangeable and exponentially correlated cases, CF expressions are obtained in the form of a series of products of univariate gamma CFs. The CF of the sum of exponential variates in these cases is obtained in closed form. Finally, the bivariate case is presented mentioning its main features. While the integral forms of the multivariate PDFs provide a general analytical framework, the series and determinant expressions for the exponential CFs and the series expressions for the PDFs can serve as a useful tool in the performance analysis of digital modulation over correlated Rayleigh-fading channels using diversity combining.
Graph-based segmentation and scene understanding for context-free point clouds

The acquisition of 3D point clouds representing the surface structure of real-world scenes has become common practice in many areas including architecture, cultural heritage and urban planning. Improvements in sample acquisition rates and precision are contributing to an increase in size and quality of point cloud data. The management of these large volumes of data is quickly becoming a challenge, leading to the design of algorithms intended to analyse and decrease the complexity of this data. Point cloud segmentation algorithms partition point clouds for better management, and scene understanding algorithms identify the components of a scene in the presence of considerable clutter and noise. In many cases, segmentation algorithms operate within the remit of a specific context, wherein their effectiveness is measured. Similarly, scene understanding algorithms depend on specific scene properties and fail to identify objects in a number of situations. This work addresses this lack of generality in current segmentation and scene understanding processes, and proposes methods for point clouds acquired using diverse scanning technologies in a wide spectrum of contexts. The approach to segmentation proposed by this work partitions a point cloud with minimal information, abstracting the data into a set of connected segment primitives to support efficient manipulation. A graph-based query mechanism is used to express further relations between segments and provide the building blocks for scene understanding. The presented method for scene understanding is agnostic of scene specific context and supports both supervised and unsupervised approaches. In the former, a graph-based object descriptor is derived from a training process and used in object identification. The latter approach applies pattern matching to identify regular structures. A novel external memory algorithm based on a hybrid spatial subdivision technique is introduced to handle very large point clouds and accelerate the computation of the k-nearest neighbour function. Segmentation has been successfully applied to extract segments representing geographic landmarks and architectural features from a variety of point clouds, whereas scene understanding has been successfully applied to indoor scenes on which other methods fail. The overall results demonstrate that the context-agnostic methods presented in this work can be successfully employed to manage the complexity of ever growing repositories.
Differences in diabetic retinopathy management by primary eye care providers in Australia

of financial and technical support. Although limited in scope, this survey indicates that eye health promotion is not included in general health promotion programmes, nor systematically within eye programmes in WPIC. Despite this, the majority of participants indicated interest in, and acknowledged benefits of including eye health promotion within the services they deliver. Further, they perceived their Health Promotion Departments would support their eye health promotion efforts. It is likely that context-specific solutions need to be found to address this apparent disconnect. Collaboration between eye care personnel, other active agencies and WPIC Health Promotion Departments may result in the inclusion of eye health in general health promotion initiatives, as well as support for specific eye health initiatives. If such collaborations enable eye care personnel to be more active, and to employ approaches to health promotion that are more participatory and creative (e.g. integration into outreach activities, collaboration with community groups and the use of radio, photonovellas or drama), they may contribute to more comprehensive eye programmes, preventing problems and promoting eye health.
Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in Dietetic Products for Infants: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition

This article by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition summarizes available information on the effects of adding prebiotic oligosaccharides to infant and follow-on formulae. Currently there are only limited studies evaluating prebiotic substances in dietetic products for infants. Although administration of prebiotic oligosaccharides has the potential to increase the total number of bifidobacteria in feces and may also soften stools, there is no published evidence of clinical benefits of adding prebiotic oligosaccharides to dietetic products for infants. Data on oligosaccharide mixtures in infant formulae do not demonstrate adverse effects, but further evaluation is recommended. Combinations and dosages in addition to those so far studied need to be fully evaluated with respect to both safety and efficacy before their use in commercial infant food products. Well-designed and carefully conducted randomized controlled trials with relevant inclusion/exclusion criteria, adequate sample sizes and validated clinical outcome measures are needed both in preterm and term infants. Future trials should define optimal quantity and types of oligosaccharides with prebiotic function, optimal dosages and duration of intake, short and long term benefits and safety. At the present time, therefore, the Committee takes the view that no general recommendation on the use of oligosaccharide supplementation in infancy as a prophylactic or therapeutic measure can be made.
APPLICATION OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODS AND TOOLS BY 
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COMPANIES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The article deals with the application of project management methods and tools by chemical industry companies in the Czech Republic. There are identifiedsignificant project management methods and tools and classifies them with respect to their primary applicability within individual project lifecycle stages. In results, there is presented the level of project management in the Czech Republic. Subse-quently, there are presented outcomes of a qualitative research focussed on the application of project management methods and tools in chemical industry companies in the Czech Republic. The authors also present proposals of methodical measures for the area of project management to improve the success of implemented projects.
COCOMO Estimates Using Neural Networks

Software cost estimation is an important phase in software development. It predicts the amount of effort and development time required to build a software system. It is one of the most critical tasks and an accurate estimate provides a strong base to the development procedure. In this paper, the most widely used software cost estimation model, the Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO) is discussed. The model is implemented with the help of artificial neural networks and trained using the perceptron learning algorithm. The COCOMO dataset is used to train and to test the network. The test results from the trained neural network are compared with that of the COCOMO model. The aim of our research is to enhance the estimation accuracy of the COCOMO model by introducing the artificial neural networks to it.
SUMO-1 co-localized with mutant atrophin-1 with expanded polyglutamines accelerates intranuclear aggregation and cell death

To investigate the implication of small ubiquitin-related modifier-1 (SUMO-1) in the formation of neuronal intranuclear inclusions in polyglutamine diseases, we examined the localization of SUMO-1 in dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) brain tissues and PC12 cells expressing truncated atrophin-1 with expanded poly-glutamine stretches. SUMO-1 was co-localized with neuronal intranuclear inclusions in DRPLA brain and the DRPLA model cells, which showed that the aggregates formed by expanded polyglutamine stretches were highly SUMOlylated. In addition, to examine the role of SUMO-1 in nuclear aggregate formation and cell death, either SUMO-1 or &Dgr;SUMO-1, which is a SUMOlylation defective mutant lacking the C-terminal motif, was co-transfected with atrophin-1 with expanded polyglutamine stretches. Co-transfection of &Dgr;SUMO-1 decreased number of the cells with nuclear aggregates and consequent apoptosis of PC12 cells, both of which were markedly enhanced by co-transfection of SUMO-1 with atrophin-1 with expanded polyglutamine stretches. These results suggest that SUMO-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of DRPLA and accelerates aggregate formation and cell death.
Sample-size formula for case-cohort studies.

To the Editor: The case-cohort design is an efficient alternative to the full cohort design. When compared with the case-control study nested within the cohort, the casecohort design has flexibility for a series of exploratory analyses because a single subcohort is employed to analyze multiple outcomes. This design feature is of particular importance in some specific types of research, including pharmacoepidemiology studies. For example, it can be used to evaluate the association between a single specific drug and multiple adverse events, of which the association with some of the events is often unknown or little understood at the beginning of the study. Nevertheless, the case-cohort design has not often been employed. One of the reasons hindering the wide use of the design may be the scarcity of the information essential for planning individual studies, including sample size calculation. Recently, Cai and Zeng have presented a method for power/sample size calculation as a natural generalization of the log-rank test in the full cohort design. We show a simple sample size formula for the case-cohort design interpretable as the straightforward expansion of the conventional sample-size formula for the cohort study. Nfull denotes the sample size needed for the cohort study and N1 full (N0 full) is the size of the exposed (unexposed) population in the full cohort, that is, Nfull (1 K)N1 full where K N0 full/N1 full. When RR is the relative risk, or the ratio of the risk (incidence proportion) in the exposed (P1) to that in the unexposed (P0) (ie, RR P1/P0) and PD is the common estimate of the incidence proportion under the null hypothesis defined as PD (N1 full P1 N0 fullP0)/Nfull P0(RR K)/(1 K), based on the conventional sample size formula for the cohort study, N1 full Z / 2 A Z B /C 2 where zc is (1 c) th standard normal quantile, A (1 1/K)PD(1 PD), B RR P0 (1 RR P0) P0(1 P0)/K and C P0 (RR 1). Using m, the ratio of the subcohort to cases in the entire cohort, the entire size of the case-cohort study, N, is simply formulated as