Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic and nanofluidic integration of plasmonic substrates for biosensing

Metallic nanohole arrays support surface electromagnetic waves that enable enhanced optical transmission and may be exploited for sensing. Our group has been active in the application of enhanced optical transmission to chemical and biological sensing, and in the optofluidic integration nanohole arrays. Recent work in this area is described here. Recent work using a blocking layer to limit the exposed metal surface to the in-hole region resulted in effective sensing in a much smaller, nanoconfined volume. This result motivates the use of through nanoholes, (i.e. nanoholes as nanochannels) to directly address the sensing area. A flow-through nanohole array based sensing format is presented that leads to enhanced transport of reactants to the active area and a solution sieving action that is unique among surfacebased sensing methods. The pertinent fluid and solid mechanics aspects of the flow-through nanohole array sensing are discussed and recent flow-through sensing results are presented. The application of dielectrophoresis to influence particle transport in flow-through nanohole arrays is also discussed. Specifically, simulations indicate that equivalent dielectrophoretic forces are compatible with drag forces for flow rates in the range already defined in the context of biomarker transport and membrane strength considerations. Importantly, these results indicate that dielectrophoretic trapping is viable in these systems. The confinement of particles in the nanoholes opens opportunities for analyte concentration and surface enhanced Raman scattering in flow-through nanohole array based fluidic systems.
Membrane permeable luminescent metal complexes for cellular imaging

The spectroscopic and photophysical properties of ruthenium polypyridyl polypeptide conjugates of the type [Ru(bpy)2PIC-Argn]n+2+, where bpy is 2,2-bipyridyl (bpy), PIC is 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5- f][1,10]phenanthroline and PIC-Argn is this ligand peptide bonded to polyarginine where n is 5 or 8, is described. The resonance Raman spectroscopy of the peptide conjugated complex and parent are strongly pH dependent and demonstrate a switch of lowest energy charge transfer transition between bpy and pic ligands as s function of pH. The pKa of the imidazole ring on the complex is obtained from resonance Raman spectroscopy as 7.8 ± 0.2. The luminescence lifetime of the complex is strongly oxygen dependent and a Stern-Volmer plot of O2 quenching for [Ru(bpy)2(PIC-Arg8)]10+ yielded a KSV value of 2300 ± 420 M-1 which was independent of pH over the range 2 to 11. The complexes, because of their large Stokes shifts can, uniquely, be used under identical conditions of probe concentration and excitation wavelength for resonance Raman and luminescence cellular imaging. Cellular imaging was conducted using SP2 myeloma cells which confirmed that the [Ru(bpy)2(PIC-Arg8)]10+ is readily taken up by mammalian cells although the parent and pentarginine analogues are not membrane permeable. Preliminary examples of multi-parameter imaging using these probes were presented. Resonance Raman maps of [Ru(bpy)2(PIC-Arg8)]10+ within living myeloma cells showed on the basis of spectral discrimination, attributed to pH, three distinct regions of the cell could be identified, ascribed to the nucleus, the cytoplasm and the membranes. Luminescence lifetime imaging showed quite large variations in the probe lifetime within the living cell which was tentatively ascribed to variation in O2 concentration about the cell. Preliminary estimates of O2 concentration were made and it was found that the membranes, both inner and outer are the most O2 rich regions of the cell. Overall, we propose that such peptide labeled luminescent metal are potentially a valuable addition to cellular imaging by providing tools for multiplexed analysis of the cell environment.
A model-based investigation of activations of the tongue muscles in vowel production

Muscle activations during speech production are important for understanding speech motor control. In this paper, we put forward a physiological articulatory model-based approach to estimate muscle activations in producing five sustained Japanese vowels by minimizing the morphological difference between model simulations and target MRI observations, where the model is an improved version of Dang’s partial 3D model. The initial muscle activations in the model simulation are set according to observation obtained by EMG measurement in producing vowels [6]. Then, the activation level of the tongue muscles are gradually adjusted so as to reduce the difference between the simulations and target MRI observations using an optimization approach. The results show that the proposed method can provide more details of the muscle activations than that obtained by EMG. In addition, the results suggest that the muscles Transversus and Verticalis play important roles in manipulating the length of tongue for vowel production; and, it is better to separate the Styloglossus into two control units, the anterior portion and posterior portion, in vowel production.
A Novel PBG Planar Inverted-F Antenna for Wearable System

In this paper, a novel PBG planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) is presented. The PBG structure which is stuck on the back of the Teflon substrate (εr = 2.65) can suppress the surface waves effectively, the simulated impedance bandwidth of the novel PBG PIFA is 27.5% (1.984 GHz–2.621 GHz), increased 2.1% than that of the regular PIFA, and the resonant frequency is decreased at the same time. It can be proved that the size of the antenna is reduced 10.6%. The measured impedance bandwidth is 40%, and it shows that the novel PBG PIFA is more effective and useful. The simulated radiation patterns at the two principle planes of the novel PBG PIFA are narrower than that of the regular PIFA, so the performance of the antenna is improved. The novel PBG PIFA can be applied in some wireless communication systems such as the WLAN2.4 and Bluetooth wireless technology system etc.
Refined Pickands estimators of the extreme value index

Consider a distribution function that belongs to the weak domain of attraction of an extreme value distribution. The extreme value index β will be estimated by mixtures of Pickands estimators, where the weights are generated by a probability measure which satisfies a certain integrability condition. We prove a functional limit theorem for a process of Pickands estimators and asymptotic normality of the refined Pickands estimator. For negative β the new estimator is asymptotically superior to previously defined estimators. A simulation study also demonstrates the good small-sample performance. In particular, the estimator proves to be robust against an inappropriate choice of the number of upper order statistics used for estimation.
PLC-based mode multi/demultiplexer for MDM transmission

We propose a PLC-based multi/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) with a mode conversion function for mode division multiplexing (MDM) transmission applications. The PLC-based mode MUX/DEMUX can realize a low insertion loss and a wide working wavelength bandwidth. We designed and demonstrated a two-mode (LP01 and LP11 modes) and a three-mode (LP01, LP11, and LP21 modes) MUX/DEMUX for use in the C-band.
Comments on “Propagation of Forced Sound Waves in Rarefied Gasdynamics” [L. Sirovich and J. K. Thurber, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 37, 329–339 (1965)]

A recent paper of Sirovich and Thurber [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 37, 329–339(1965)] presents comparisons of their theory with experiments. The comparison is inappropriate since the theory does not describe the experimental situation. Their theory is appropriate to free waves, propagating a distance that is large as compared with the mean free path between intermolecular collisions. The experimental data at low pressures have been determined by apparatus dimensions that are small as compared with that mean free path.
A redshift survey of IRAS galaxies. IV: The galaxy distribution and the inferred density field

We have completed a full-sky flux-limited redshift survey of galaxies detected by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS), which we use to characterize the density distribution of galaxies to a redshift of 8000 km s −1 . The galaxy distribution is dominated by the Hydra-Centaurus−Pavo-Indus supercluster (the Great Attractor) and the Perseus-Pisces supercluster. The Local Supercluster is an extension of the former. There is a large void in front of the Perseus-Pisces supercluster, as well as off the supergalactic plane
The Absorption of Solar Radiation by Cloud Droplets: An Application of Anomalous Diffraction Theory

Abstract In this paper we demonstrate that the anomalous diffraction theory of van de Hulst with some modifications, provides a reasonable approximation of the volume extinction and absorption coefficients. We also show how the shortwave radiative properties of a water cloud can be derived in terms of 1) cloud liquid water path, 2) the effective radius of the droplet distribution, and 3) the balk absorption coefficient of water. With the aid of the approximate diffraction theory we describe how cloud albedo and shortwave absorption depend on the droplet size. We demonstrate this dependence to be somewhat complex and show that the variation of absorption with variation of droplet size depends also on the cloud liquid water path. For “deep” or semi-infinite clouds, absorption increases monotonically with increasing effective radius, but the reverse dependence is established for thin clouds. The implications of these results to the so-called absorption paradox and to the possibility of determining droplet si.
On the relation between the conditional moment closure and unsteady flamelets

We consider the relation between the conditional moment closure (CMC) and the unsteady flamelet model (FM). The CMC equations were originally constructed as global equations, while FM was derived asymptotically for a thin reaction zone. The recent tendency is to use FM-type equations as global equations. We investigate the possible consequences and suggest a new version of FM: coordinate-invariant FM (CIFM). Unlike FM, CIFM complies with conditional properties of the exact transport equations which are used effectively in CMC. We analyse the assumptions needed to obtain another global version of FM: representative interactive flamelets (RIF), from original FM and demonstrate that, in homogeneous turbulence, one of these assumptions is equivalent to the main CMC hypothesis.
Solute Dispersion in Multidimensional Periodic Saturated Porous Media

Suppose in a convection-dispersion equation, governing solute movement in a saturated porous medium of infinite extent, the convection velocity components are periodic functions of spatial coordinates. Then it follows from a general mathematical result that the solute concentration can be asymptotically approximated by a Gaussian density. Two theoretical examples, with and without a constant vertical velocity, are given to illustrate an application of this mathematical result to solute dispersion in a parallel-bedded, three-dimensional aquifer of infinite extent. Analytical expressions are obtained for dispersion coefficients in the asymptotic Gaussian approximations in the two examples. The dispersion coefficients functionally depend on a velocity scaling parameter U0 and a spatial scaling parameter (period) a via their product aU0, and this functional dependence on aU0 is different in the two examples. The expressions for dispersion coefficients are formally contrasted and compared with those obtained previously by other authors in a parallel-bedded infinite aquifer in which the convection velocity is a random field. Some physical implications of dependence of dispersion coefficients on a spatial scaling parameter (i.e., the scale effect) are discussed in the context of modeling in an aquifer with evolving heterogeneities. This interpretation of “scale effect” in dispersion coefficients is contrasted with the preasymptotic interpretation in the current literature.
The Rotational Structure of the Region below the Solar Convection Zone

Frequency splittings derived from the first 4 month string of GONG data in the form of the Clebsch-Gordon coefficients are analyzed with particular emphasis on the region near the base of and just below the convection zone. It is found that the greatest changes in angular velocity occur across the region 0.60 < r = R/R☉ < 0.72. At equatorial latitudes, the angular velocity increases (outward) from 416 nHz at r = 0.645 to 455 nHz at r = 0.71, with a maximum angular velocity gradient dω(λ)/dr of order 2.2 × 10-3 (in units of nHz km-1) at r = 0.68 ± 0.01. At latitude 30°, there are some fluctuations in the angular velocity between r = 0.70 and r = 0.75, but below r = 0.70 the angular velocity is relatively uniform. At latitude 45°, the angular velocity decreases from 449 nHz at r = 0.645 to 415 nHz at r = 0.71, with a maximum (negative) gradient of magnitude 1.9 × 10-3 again at r = 0.68 ± 0.01; while at latitude 60° the angular velocity decreases from 440 nHz at r = 0.67 to 383 nHz at r = 0.775, with a maximum negative gradient of order 2.4 × 10-3 at r = 0.70 ± 0.01. Models exhibiting a discontinuous shear between the convection zone and a uniformly rotating radiative region are not strongly supported by these data. A model with a uniformly rotating core below r = 0.58 and with some latitudinal structure in the range 0.58 < r < 0.70 is found to be consistent with the data.
Mathematical model of the World Ocean dynamics with algorithms of variational assimilation of temperature and salinity fields

Abstract An algorithm for solution of the problems of the World Ocean dynamics with assimilation of hydrophysical fields is described. A mathematical model of the general ocean circulation and a numerical algorithm for its solution are formulated. Model equations are written in a generalized σ-system of coordinates on a sphere with the North Pole displaced onto the continent. The model has a flexible hierarchical structure and consists of two parts: a forward prognostic model and its adjoint analogue. The forward and adjoint models supplemented with a cost functional minimization block may be joined into a variational observation data assimilation system. The numerical solution algorithm for the forward and adjoint models is constructed based on the method of multicomponent splitting. The method includes splitting with respect to physical processes and geometric coordinates. The algorithm is applied for simulation of the large-scale circulation of the World Ocean. Results of integration of the forward model for the period of 300 years under climatic atmospheric forcing are presented. Experiments in solving the forward problem with inclusion of a variational procedure for temperature and salinity field initialization are described.
Efficient end-to-end feature-based system for SAR ATR

In this paper we discuss an end-to-end system for SAR automatic target recognition (ATR), giving particular emphasis to the discrimination and classification stages. The ATR system employs a three sequential stage approach to reduce complexity: a detection stage, a discrimination stage, and a classification stage. Details of the detection stage were presented previously. The target discrimination and classification methods, which we present here, involve extracting rotationally and translationally invariant features from the Radon transform of target chips. The methods are applied in both isolated and complete end-to-end systems on the TESAR baseline SAR database distributed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and in isolation using the public MSTAR database. The performance results on these SAR datasets are presented.
H ∞ control for descriptor systems: Controller reduction

Abstract State‐space formulas for reduced‐order H ∞ controllers for descriptor systems are given. The approach taken is mainly based on the solutions of two generalized algebraic Riccati equations (GARE), while exploiting the structure of the deflating subspace of the pencil {E, W ∞}, where W ∞ is an admissible solution to a GARE that is the descriptor systems counterpart of a certain ARE (algebraic Riccati equation) first developed by Petersen et al. (1991). This approach has the advantage that, by proper selection of the bases of the deflating space and suitable assumptions, the reduced‐order controller may be in a normal form, namely the E‐matrix of the controller is nonsingular.
Multiple Regression Analysis Using ANCOVA in University Model

Abstract—The government of UAE is promoting Dubai as an academic hub. Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is a free zone area with many national and international universities promoting higher education in almost all disciplines. The aspiration of every graduating student from the university is to get a good placement. In Dubai diverse job opportunities in national and multinational organizations are available. The objective of the paper is to review the placement opportunities in Dubai for the universities offering programs in Engineering. This paper attempts to study the effect of three independent variables namely Cumulative grade point average (CGPA), Engineering disciplines and types of jobs that graduating students are offered on the dependent variable salary. Engineering discipline understudy are Mechanical, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The type of jobs taken into consideration are marketing, technical marketing, design and logistics. The concepts of Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multiple regression are used for review of placement opportunities vis a vis the salary structure.
Edge detection for polarimetric SAR images combining adaptive optimal polarimetric contrast enhancement and ROA operator

Aiming at improving the utilization of polarimetric information, a new edge detector for polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) images based on the adaptive optimal polarimetric contrast enhancement (OPCE) and the ratio of averaging (ROA) was proposed in this paper. In the moving window, firstly, the transmitting and receiving polarizations are calculated to optimize the contrast of targets beside the assumed edge. Secondly, the ROA algorithm is applied to detect edges. Furthermore, a fast version was proposed reducing the computation greatly. The optimal polarization is adaptive to window location and edge templates. Therefore the new method is robust. The utilization of optimal polarisation helps reduce the missing rate, enhance the continuity of detected edges, and decrease the false edge rate. Experimental results of the simulated and the real PolSAR data both revealed that the new detector is better than the traditional methods. (6 pages)
On the interplay of control fields and spontaneous emission in laser cooling

Optimal control theory (OCT) is applied to the problem of cooling molecular rotations. The optimal field gives rise to a striking behavior, in which there is no noticeable increase in the lowest rotational state population until the last percent or so of the control interval, at which point the population jumps to 1. Further analysis of the intermediate time interval reveals that cooling is taking place all along, in the sense that the purity of the system, as measured by Tr(ρ2), is increasing monotonically in time. Once the system becomes almost completely pure, the external control field can transfer the amplitude to the lowest rotational state by a completely Hamiltonian manipulation. This mechanism is interesting because it suggests a possible way of accelerating cooling, by exploiting the cooling induced by spontaneous emission to all the ground electronic state levels, not just the lowest rotational level. However, it also raises a major paradox: it may be shown that external control fields, no mat.
Correlation of emphysema score with perceived malignancy of pulmonary nodules: a multi-observer study using the LIDC-IDRI CT lung database

Presence of emphysema is recognized to be one of the single most significant risk factors in risk models for the prediction of lung cancer. Therefore, an automatically computed emphysema score would be a prime candidate as an additional numerical feature for computer aided diagnosis (CADx) for indeterminate pulmonary nodules. We have applied several histogram-based emphysema scores to 460 thoracic CT scans from the IDRI CT lung image database, and analyzed the emphysema scores in conjunction with 3000 nodule malignancy ratings of 1232 pulmonary nodules made by expert observers. Despite the emphysema being a known risk factor, we have not found any impact on the readers' malignancy rating of nodules found in a patient with higher emphysema score. We have also not found any correlation between the number of expert-detected nodules in a patient and his emphysema score, or the relative craniocaudal location of the nodules and their malignancy rating. The inter-observer agreement of the expert ratings was excellent on nodule diameter (as derived from manual delineations), good for calcification, and only modest for malignancy and shape descriptions such as spiculation, lobulation, margin, etc.
Improved DOT reconstruction by estimating the inclusion location using artificial neural network

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT), a noninvasive imaging modality, uses near infrared light to illuminate the tissue and reconstructs the optical parameters of the tissue from the intensity measurements at the surface. Here continuous wave measurement with improved localization is proposed to make the overall instrument inexpensive. Due to the non-unique solution of the inverse problem, prior information improves the resolution of the reconstructed image. An artificial neural network (ANN) based approach is developed to obtain the location of the inclusion. The peak amplitude, 50% and 10% bandwidth and their corresponding source-detector angles of the difference intensity plot with and without the inclusion are taken as the input. The offset distance between the source and centre of inclusion, the angle with x-axis, sample and inclusion radii are the output of the 2 layered error back propagation neural network. Least square optimization with regularization term is used to minimize the mean squared error for image reconstruction. The optical parameters are updated using the prior information from the ANN. The parameters present in double the region of detected area only are updated. The performance of the proposed method has been assessed quantitatively by computing the mean square error, object centroid error and misclassification ratio. The use of prior improves the convergence and reduces the presence of ghost or noise. Hence the proposed method shows potential to improve DOT reconstruction.
Suppression of oceanic reverberation by subspace methods

Acoustic signal processing in shallow water environments is a challenging problem because of the presence of reverberation. Based on some models of reverberation, data from sensors array is pretreated to suppress reverberation. Considering reverberation as a sum of echoes of transmitted signal, the principal component inverse (PCI) algorithm deletes the largest singulars of data matrix, which is constructed from array data. However, estimating a threshold which is needed in PCI is difficult in practice. In this paper, two new subspace methods, Deleting Big Eigenvalues and Subspace Projection are proposed. The two novel methods, substituting automatic signal‐number estimation for threshold estimation, are operated via eigendecomposition. According to a simulation which takes broadband linear modulated frequency signal as transmitted signal, these two methods show a similar performance but smaller computing quantity compared with PCI.