Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Objective and subjective measurement and modeling of image quality: a case study

The image structure quality resulting from several CMOS pixel structures (conventional, backside-illuminated, and diagonally oriented) has been compared using three complimentary techniques: (1) objective measurements of noise equivalent quanta (NEQ) as a function of spatial frequency; (2) perceptual modeling of the multivariate quality loss from blur and noise in units of just noticeable differences (JNDs); and (3) subjective measurement with the softcopy quality ruler, also producing results in JNDs. The results of the perceptual modeling and subjective measurement were in good quantitative agreement. NEQ is not perceptually uniform and so could only be correlated qualitatively with the other methods, but it was helpful in understanding how performance might vary by application, given the spatial frequencies at which the curves crossed. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are compared; all three have potential utility in evaluating computational imaging systems.
Dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway and synovial stem cell dysfunction in osteoarthritis development.

Stem cell dysfunction and failure have been found in joints afflicted by osteoarthritis (OA). However, the exact factors in the OA microenvironment that impair stem cell functions and the role of stem cell dysfunction in OA development have not been fully clarified. In this study, we evaluated the functional status of synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) from OA patients and explored the influence of OA-SMSCs on cartilage degradation in a rat model. We then screened 138 Wnt signaling-related genes in the synovium of OA patients, focusing on the effects of 5 WNT ligands on SMSC functions. The OA synovium showed mild hyperplasia, and we found a large number of CD90+/CD105+ stem cells in synovial hyperplasia. The OA-SMSCs revealed a cellular senescence phenotype, with decreased proliferation and chondrogenic capacity, accompanied by enhanced migration, proinflammatory and matrix degradation activities. The intra-articular transplantation of these OA-SMSCs significantly aggravated the degradation and destruction of the articular cartilage. Of 138 Wnt signaling genes, the expression of 86 genes was consistently altered in the OA synovium, among which the increased expression of DVL2, WNT10A and DKK3 was the most marked. In general, we found that canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathways were inhibited in the OA synovium, whereas noncanonical PCP and Wnt/Ca2+ pathways were activated. In vitro, WNT10A had an obvious antisenescence effect on SMSCs. WNT5B significantly inhibited the chondrogenic differentiation of SMSCs, and WNT10A and WNT5A increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines in SMSCs. In a rat model, WNT5A significantly aggravated joint degeneration, whereas WNT10A had a mild protective effect on cartilage integrity. In conclusion, stem cells in the OA synovium were functionally abnormal and promoted the development of OA, while dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway revealed a comprehensive influence on SMSC functions and cartilage degradation.
Defining Error Rates and Power for Detecting Answer Copying

A family wise approach is described for evaluating the significance of copying indices designed to hold the Type I error rate constant for each examinee. The empirical Type I error rate and power of two indices, ω (Wollack, 1997) and g2 (Frary, Tideman, & Watts, 1977), are examined under a variety of copying situations. Results indicated that the traditional pairwise approach falsely detected examinees almost three times more often than the nominal α level. Familywise Type I error rates were substantially smaller, although they also tended to be somewhat inflated at small α levels as the percentage of items copied increased. Eliminating the indices detecting a source from the copier, in situations where the copier was also detected from the source, helped control the familywise Type I error rates for all α . 001. Lack of Type I error control meant power could not be evaluated for g2 under any of the simulated familywise conditions. Familywise power for ω was reasonable when at least 30% of the items were copied.
On the Protection of a High Performance Load Balancer Against SYN Attacks**This is an extended journal version of [2]

SYN flooding is a simple and effective denial-of-service attack. In this attack, many TCP SYN requests are sent to the targeted server, in an attempt to consume its resources and make it unresponsive to legitimate traffic. While SYN attacks have traditionally targeted web servers, they are also known to be very harmful to intermediate cloud devices, and in particular to stateful load balancers (LBs). Fighting against a SYN attack without negatively affecting legitimate connections is not easy, especially if the LB needs to perform frequent server pool updates during the attack, which is very likely since attacks can often last for many hours or even days. This paper is the first to propose LB schemes that guarantee high throughput of one million connections per second, while supporting a high pool update rate without breaking connections and fighting against a high rate SYN attack. Using an analysis and a proof of concept, we show that the LB can handle up to 10 million fake SYNs per second when the RTT is 10ms, and up to 5 million fake SYNs per second when the RTT is 20ms.
Targeted depletion of lymphotoxin-alpha-expressing Th1 and Th17 cells inhibits autoimmune disease (48.22)

Aberrant autoimmune responses are often underpinned by dysregulated and uncontrolled CD4+ T helper (Th) cell subsets Th1 and Th17. We identify surface lymphotoxin-alpha (LTa) as common to Th1 and Th17 cells and employ a novel strategy to target these subsets using a depleting monoclonal antibody directed to surface LTa. A depleting anti-LTa mAb inhibited T cell-mediated models of delayed-type hypersensitivity and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), preventive and therapeutic administration of anti-LTa; inhibited disease, resulting in immunoablation of T cells expressing IL-17, IFN-g; and TNF-a, whereas a decoy LTbR fusion protein had no effect. A mutation in the Fc tail, rendering the antibody incapable of FcgR binding and ADCC activity, abolished all in vivo effects. Efficacy in CIA was preceded by a loss of rheumatoid-associated cytokines IL-6, IL-1b and TNF-a within joints. These data indicate that depleting Th1 and Th17 with anti-LTa mAb may be beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune disease.
X-ray photoelectron and Auger spectroscopy study of some vanadium oxides

A detailed investigation of ${\mathrm{V}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{5}$, V${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{V}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and V metal is presented. The vanadium core lines in the x-ray photoelectron spectra are anomalously wide for ${\mathrm{V}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and V${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. It is shown that this is a consequence of the narrow $3d$ band in these materials and the relatively strong core-hole $3d$ Coulomb interaction. The influence of electron correlation effects in the $3d$ band on the core linewidths is discussed. The valence bands are compared to band-structure calculations and the difference in the band structure above and below the semiconductor-metal transition is discussed. The Auger results are discussed in terms of the $3d$ partial density of states. It is found that there is a large amount of $d$ character in the $\mathrm{O}\ensuremath{-}2p$ region of the valence band. Also the average "on-site" Coulomb interaction of $3d$ electrons is obtained from the Auger spectra and is discussed in terms of electron correlation effects.
Presentation format affects the behavioural and neural processing costs of sentence reinterpretation

ABSTRACT Although listening to speech and reading text rely on different lower-order cognitive and neural processes, much of the literature on higher-order comprehension assumes engagement of a common conceptual-semantic system which is unaffected by input modality. However, few studies have tested this assumption directly. Moreover, many neuroimaging studies of reading present sentences in an artificial, cognitively demanding word-by-word rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) format. We report behavioural and fMRI experiments investigating whether presentation format (Spoken, Written, or RSVP) modulates commonly reported behavioural and neural costs associated with reinterpretation of sentences that contain lexical ambiguities. Reinterpretation-related processing costs were exaggerated in the RSVP format, both for response times on a behavioural task and neural activation in left inferior frontal gyrus. Presentation format can interact with higher-order language processes in complex ways, and we urge language researchers to carefully consider the role of presentation format in study design and interpretation of research findings.
Inference of Cirrus Cloud Properties Using Satellite-observed Visible and Infrared Radiances. Part II: Verification of Theoretical Cirrus Radiative Properties

Abstract A methodology is developed to apply a parameterization of radiative transfer calculations to satellite analyses of cirrus clouds. Cloud heights and optical depths are derived from visible and infrared window measurements taken during the First ISCCP (International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project) Regional Experiment (FIRE) when cirrus clouds were present. Geostationary satellite retrievals are compared to lidar-derived cloud heights and retrievals from a polar-orbiting satellite taken at different angles to determine which theoretical models of scattering phase function and single-scattering albedo best represent actual cirrus clouds. Models using small hexagonal ice crystals with a diameter of 20 μm (C20) and a size distribution of slightly larger hexagonal ice crystals representing a cirrostratus (CS) cloud produce the best results. The resulting mean cloud heights are within ±0.3 km of the lidar results and have instantaneous uncertainties of ±1.3 km. Mean cloud heights derived using a mod.
Diagnostic value of non-enhanced computed tomography in identifying location of ruptured cerebral aneurysm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND In patients with SAH and multiple aneurysms, the ruptured lesion must be identified to prevent recurrent bleeding. AIM OF THE STUDY To assess the diagnostic value of non-enhanced computed tomography (NECT) in identifying the rupture site in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and multiple aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included patients with SAH revealed by NECT and multiple aneurysms detected on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in whom a ruptured aneurysm was identified during neurosurgery. Two radiologists predicted the location of the ruptured aneurysm based on the distribution of the SAH and location of intracerebral haematoma (ICH) by NECT. RESULTS Eighty-three patients with a mean age of 55.7 ± 14.4 years were included. Ruptured aneurysms were significantly larger (mean size 7.7 ± 4.7 mm) than unruptured aneurysms (mean size 5.9 ± 4.5 mm; p = 0.014). Interobserver agreement was 0.86 (p < 0.001). Overall sensitivity and specificity of radiological prediction were 78.3% (95% CI, 68.6%-87.1%) and 96.4% (95% CI, 94.3%-97.8%) respectively. Overall PPV and NPV were 78.3% (95% CI, 67.6%-86.3%) and 96.8% (95% CI, 94.8%-98.1%) respectively. The sensitivity and PPV for aneurysms in the anterior communicating, anterior, and middle cerebral arteries appeared to be significantly higher than in other locations (p = 0.015 and 0.019 respectively). Analysis of independent predictive factors of correct radiological location revealed that ICH predisposes to a correct radiological diagnosis with an odds ratio of 8.57 (95% CI, 1.07-68.99; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS NECT has a high diagnostic value in identifying the source of bleeding in patients with multiple aneurysms for anterior circulation aneurysms, especially with coexisting ICH. For other locations, NECT is not reliable enough to base treatment decisions upon.
Radar radial wind data assimilation using the time-incremental 4D-Var method implemented to the WRFDA system

In this study, we selected a heavy rainfall case over the Korean Peninsula, which was characterised by two localised rainfall maxima. Neither of the two maxima is accurately simulated when no radar data are assimilated or when radar data are assimilated using the three-dimensional variational (3D-Var) method of the Weather Research and Forecasting Data Assimilation (WRFDA) system. Using the four-dimensional variational (4D-Var) method included in the WRFDA system improves the rainfall forecast partially. To obtain further improvements in the rainfall forecast, outer loops and the time-incremental 4D-Var method are used. In the time-incremental 4D-Var method, the length of the assimilation window is increased gradually, and the starting point of the current minimisation task comes from the minimiser of the previous minimisation task. The analysis of the experiment using outer loops or the time-incremental 4D-Var method is closer to the observations than that of the experiment using the 4D-Var method. This is because the first guess is improved progressively by using outer loops or the time-incremental 4D-Var method. The gap between nonlinear and linear growth is reduced via outer loops or the time-incremental 4D-Var method compared to the 4D-Var method, because the nonlinearity is accounted for by consistently updating the nonlinear model trajectory. However, the rainfall forecast is improved only in the experiment using the time-incremental 4D-Var method. Analysis increments of the horizontal wind and convective available potential energy (CAPE) result in proper modifications to the analysis, and finally, an improved subsequent forecast. The quasi-static adjustment in the time-incremental 4D-Var method may contribute to finding the global minimum under the high degree of nonlinearity present in the original minimisation problem.
Turkish adaptation of the Smartphone Distraction Scale (SDS)

The aim of this study is to adapt the Smartphone Distraction Scale to Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties. The participants of the study consisted of a community sample of 399 people, 288 (72.2%) women and 111 (27.8%) men, aged between 18-60 (27.14±10.89). In data collection, Sociodemographic Form (SF), Smartphone Distraction Scale-Turkish Version (SDS), Bergen Social Media Scale (BSMS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Current Symptoms Scale (CSS), and Perceived Multitasking Scale (PMS) were used. The data were analyzed through Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient, Pearson product-moment correlation test, item-total score correlation coefficients, confirmatory factor analysis to estimate the construct validity of the scale. Considering the internal consistency reliability of the scale, the Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was found to be . 88 for attention/impulsivity, . 80 for alertness, . 76 for multitasking, and . 76 for emotion regulation. The item and total score correlation coefficients of the scale items were found to be between 0.49 and 0.76. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 16-item and four-factor structure of the scale. The correlation of SDS with BSMAS, ERQ, CSS, and PMS was found to be statistically significant. The results of the research show that the SDS adapted to Turkish culture is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used in academic studies and clinical settings.
Effect of ridge waveguide etch depth on laser threshold of InGaN MQW laser diodes

The laser threshold and lateral mode confinement of blue (440 nm) InGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) laser diodes have been investigated. Ridge-waveguide (RW) laser diodes with different ridge etch depth ranging from 25 nm above the active region (deep-ridge waveguide) to 200 nm above the active region (shallow-ridge waveguide) have been fabricated. The comparison of devices with the same resonator length shows that the threshold current densities are significantly lower for deep-ridge waveguide laser diodes. The difference in lasing threshold becomes more eminent for narrow ridges, which are required for single mode operation. For shallow-ridge devices the threshold current density increases by more than a factor of three when the ridge width is decreased from 20μm to 1. 5μm. For the deep-ridge waveguide devices instead, the lasing threshold is almost independent of the ridge waveguide width. The effect has been analyzed by 2D self-consistent electro-optical simulations. For deep-ridge devices, the simulated thresholds and far-field patterns are in good agreement with the simulations. For shallow-ridge devices, however, questionable theoretical assumptions are needed. Two possible causes are discussed: extremely large current spreading and strong index anti-guiding.
Feasible trajectory planning for minimum time manoeuvring

Path planning models are often only founded by geometric calculations and do not consider the vehicle's limitations. In critical situations, path following is crucial, as a departure from the trajectory can have significant consequences. It is therefore necessary to define trajectories which the vehicle has the capacity to follow, i.e. feasible trajectories. This paper presents a framework for feasible trajectory generation for use in minimum time manoeuvres (MTM). The feasibility of trajectories is evaluated against a Quasi-Steady-State (QSS) acceleration envelope and jerk constraints. The vehicle's dynamics feasibility is assessed through a new exact relation of vehicle trajectory curvature that is expressed relative to a track reference line. The physical restriction of these constraints, relative to the vehicle's transient capabilities, implies that QSS feasibility assessments also extend to the transient vehicle. Minimum curvature trajectories are also reviewed. Results are presented for four examples. First, a constant radius example highlights differences in the minimum curvature cost models. The second example compares minimum curvature trajectories against MTM solutions for the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit (Berlin), resulting in a new minimum curvature objective. The last two examples, straight road and Adria International Raceway, show that the feasible trajectory model is a good predictor of the QSS handling limits, indicating its ability to define feasible trajectories. The maximum spread of results is $ 3.2\% $ 3.2%. A friction ellipse model is additionally presented for comparison against the Normal-Tangential-Acceleration (NTA) surface. Friction ellipse results showed to be comparable if the acceleration envelope alignment is sufficient.
Estimations of the Ground-Level NO2 Concentrations Based on the Sentinel-5P NO2 Tropospheric Column Number Density Product

The main objective of the presented study was to verify the potential of the Sentinel-5 Precursor (S-5P) Tropospheric NO2 Column Number Density (NO2 TVCD) to support air pollution monitoring in Poland. The secondary objective of this project was to establish a relationship between air pollution and meteorological conditions. The ERA-5 data together with the NO2 TVCD product and auxiliary data were further assimilated into an artificial intelligence model in order to estimate surface NO2 concentrations. The results revealed that the random forest method was the most accurate method for estimating the surface NO2. The random forest model demonstrated MAE values of 3.4 μg/m3 (MAPE~37%) and 3.2 μg/m3 (MAPE~31%) for the hourly and weekly estimates, respectively. It was observed that the proposed model could be used for at least 120 days per year due to the cloud-free conditions. Further, it was found that the S-5P NO2 TVCD was the most important variable, which explained more than 50% of the predictions. Other important variables were the nightlights, solar radiation flux, road density, population, and planetary boundary layer height. The predictions obtained with the proposed model were better fitted to the actual surface NO2 concentrations than the CAMS median ensemble estimations (~15% better accuracy).
Biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles for in vitro labeling and in vivo locating specific biomolecules

In this work, we developed processes to biofunctionalize magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in phosphate buffer saline solution. For future clinical utility, magnetic nanoparticles were biofunctionalized with anti-vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) to label the VCAM-1 molecule, which served as an indicator for the lesions prone to vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque formation. The biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles were used to magnetically label, in vitro, cells expressing VCAM-1, as well as to locate the vulnerable aortic lesions of hypercholesterolemic rabbits with the aid of magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to demonstrating the feasibility of using biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles for biomolecule assays, the relevant physical mechanisms are discussed.
Acoustic scattering by ocean irregularities: Aspects of the inverse problem

Expressions are derived for the autocorrelation and structure functions of the acoustic refractive index for ocean internal waves in the presence of fine structure. The transverse autocorrelation and structure functions required in acoustic scattering formulas are obtained from these. The spectra and correlation functions of acoustic phase, complex amplitude, and intensity are considered in the case of multiple scattering, and it is shown that the effect of fine structure on the fourth moment of the acoustic field is fundamentally different from that exerted on the second moment or the phase. The problem of deducing the correlation function of ocean irregularities from the acoustic signal is considered, and it is shown that, under certain circumstances, the full inverse problem can be solved by using the second moment of acoustic complex amplitude. Finally, the effect of tides on the phase, second moment, and the spectrum of intensity fluctuations of the acoustic signal is considered. It is shown that thi.
Adsorption Kinetic Model Predicts and Improves Reliability of Electrochemical Serotonin Detection

Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter involved in many biophysiological processes in the brain and in the gastrointestinal tract. Electrochemical methods are commonly used to quantify 5-HT, but their reliability may suffer due to the time-dependent nature of adsorption-limited 5-HT detection, as well as electrode fouling over repeated measurements. Mathematical characterization and modeling of adsorption-based electrochemical signal generation would improve reliability of 5-HT measurement. Here, a model was developed to track 5-HT electrode adsorption and resulting current output by combining Langmuir adsorption kinetic equations and adsorption-limited electrochemical equations. 5-HT adsorption binding parameters were experimentally determined at a carbon-nanotube coated Au electrode: KD = 7 × 10−7 M, kon = 130 M−1 s−1, koff = 9.1 × 10−5 s−1. A computational model of 5-HT adsorption was then constructed, which could effectively predict 5-HT fouling over 50 measurements (R2 = 0.9947), as well as predict electrode responses over varying concentrations and measurement times. The model aided in optimizing the measurement of 5-HT secreted from a model enterochromaffin cell line—RIN14B—minimizing measurement time. The presented model simplified and improved the characterization of 5-HT detection at the selected electrode. This could be applied to many other adsorption-limited electrochemical analytes and electrode types, contributing to the improvement of application-specific modeling and optimization processes.