6,388 research outputs found
Cygnus A super-resolved via convex optimisation from VLA data
We leverage the Sparsity Averaging Reweighted Analysis (SARA) approach for
interferometric imaging, that is based on convex optimisation, for the
super-resolution of Cyg A from observations at the frequencies 8.422GHz and
6.678GHz with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). The associated average
sparsity and positivity priors enable image reconstruction beyond instrumental
resolution. An adaptive Preconditioned Primal-Dual algorithmic structure is
developed for imaging in the presence of unknown noise levels and calibration
errors. We demonstrate the superior performance of the algorithm with respect
to the conventional CLEAN-based methods, reflected in super-resolved images
with high fidelity. The high resolution features of the recovered images are
validated by referring to maps of Cyg A at higher frequencies, more precisely
17.324GHz and 14.252GHz. We also confirm the recent discovery of a radio
transient in Cyg A, revealed in the recovered images of the investigated data
sets. Our matlab code is available online on GitHub.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures (3/7 animated figures), accepted for publication
in MNRA
Evolutionary algorithm-based analysis of gravitational microlensing lightcurves
A new algorithm developed to perform autonomous fitting of gravitational
microlensing lightcurves is presented. The new algorithm is conceptually
simple, versatile and robust, and parallelises trivially; it combines features
of extant evolutionary algorithms with some novel ones, and fares well on the
problem of fitting binary-lens microlensing lightcurves, as well as on a number
of other difficult optimisation problems. Success rates in excess of 90% are
achieved when fitting synthetic though noisy binary-lens lightcurves, allowing
no more than 20 minutes per fit on a desktop computer; this success rate is
shown to compare very favourably with that of both a conventional (iterated
simplex) algorithm, and a more state-of-the-art, artificial neural
network-based approach. As such, this work provides proof of concept for the
use of an evolutionary algorithm as the basis for real-time, autonomous
modelling of microlensing events. Further work is required to investigate how
the algorithm will fare when faced with more complex and realistic microlensing
modelling problems; it is, however, argued here that the use of parallel
computing platforms, such as inexpensive graphics processing units, should
allow fitting times to be constrained to under an hour, even when dealing with
complicated microlensing models. In any event, it is hoped that this work might
stimulate some interest in evolutionary algorithms, and that the algorithm
described here might prove useful for solving microlensing and/or more general
model-fitting problems.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures; accepted for publication in MNRA
Bayesian data assimilation in shape registration
In this paper we apply a Bayesian framework to the problem of geodesic curve matching. Given a template curve, the geodesic equations provide a mapping from initial conditions\ud
for the conjugate momentum onto topologically equivalent shapes. Here, we aim to recover the well defined posterior distribution on the initial momentum which gives rise to observed points on the target curve; this is achieved by explicitly including a reparameterisation in the formulation. Appropriate priors are chosen for the functions which together determine this field and the positions of the observation points, the initial momentum p0 and the reparameterisation vector field v, informed by regularity results about the forward model. Having done this, we illustrate how Maximum Likelihood Estimators (MLEs) can be used to find regions of high posterior density, but also how we can apply recently developed MCMC methods on function spaces to characterise the whole of the posterior density. These illustrative examples also include scenarios where the posterior distribution is multimodal and irregular, leading us to the conclusion that knowledge of a state of global maximal posterior density does not always give us the whole picture, and full posterior sampling can give better quantification of likely states and the overall uncertainty inherent in the problem
Simple Muscle Architecture Analysis (SMA): an ImageJ macro tool to automate measurements in B-mode ultrasound scans
In vivo measurements of muscle architecture (i.e. the spatial arrangement of
muscle fascicles) are routinely included in research and clinical settings to
monitor muscle structure, function and plasticity. However, in most cases such
measurements are performed manually, and more reliable and time-efficient
automated methods are either lacking completely, or are inaccessible to those
without expertise in image analysis. In this work, we propose an ImageJ script
to automate the entire analysis process of muscle architecture in ultrasound
images: Simple Muscle Architecture Analysis (SMA). Images are filtered in the
spatial and frequency domains with built-in commands and external plugins to
highlight aponeuroses and fascicles. Fascicle dominant orientation is then
computed in regions of interest using the OrientationJ plugin. Bland-Altman
plots of analyses performed manually or with SMA indicates that the automated
analysis does not induce any systematic bias and that both methods agree
equally through the range of measurements. Our test results illustrate the
suitability of SMA to analyse images from superficial muscles acquired with a
broad range of ultrasound settings.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, 1 appendi
Standardised convolutional filtering for radiomics
The Image Biomarker Standardisation Initiative (IBSI) aims to improve
reproducibility of radiomics studies by standardising the computational process
of extracting image biomarkers (features) from images. We have previously
established reference values for 169 commonly used features, created a standard
radiomics image processing scheme, and developed reporting guidelines for
radiomic studies. However, several aspects are not standardised.
Here we present a preliminary version of a reference manual on the use of
convolutional image filters in radiomics. Filters, such as wavelets or
Laplacian of Gaussian filters, play an important part in emphasising specific
image characteristics such as edges and blobs. Features derived from filter
response maps have been found to be poorly reproducible. This reference manual
forms the basis of ongoing work on standardising convolutional filters in
radiomics, and will be updated as this work progresses.Comment: 62 pages. For additional information see https://theibsi.github.io
A new approach to numerical characterisation of wear particle surfaces in three-dimensions for wear study
In the wear and tear process of synovial joints, wear particles generated and released from articular cartilage within the joints have surface topography and mechanical property which can be used to reveal wear conditions. Three-dimensional (3D) particle images acquired using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) contain appropriate surface information for quantitatively characterizing the surface morphology and changes to seek a further understanding of the wear process and wear features. This paper presents a new attempt on the 3D numerical characterisation of wear particle surfaces using the field and feature parameter sets which are defined in ISO/FDIS 25178-2. Based on the innovative pattern recognition capability, the feature parameters are, for the first time, employed for quantitative analysis of wear debris surface textures. Through performing parameter classification, ANOVA analysis and correlation analysis, typical changing trends of the surface transformation of the wear particles along with the severity of wear conditions and osteoarthritis (OA) have been observed. Moreover, the feature parameters have shown a significant sensitivity with the wear particle surfaces texture evolution under OA development. A correlation analysis of the numerical analysis results of cartilage surface texture variations and that of their wear particles has been conducted in this study. Key surface descriptors have been determined. Further research is needed to verify the above outcomes using clinic samples
Atoms in microcavities : detection and spectroscopy
This thesis presents work undertaken with cold rubidium atoms interacting with an optical
microcavity. The optical microcavity used is unique in its design, being formed between an
optical fibre and silicon micromirror. This allows direct optical access to the cavity mode,
whilst the use of microfabrication techniques in the design means that elements of the system
are inherently scalable. In addition, the parameters of the system are such that a single atom
has a substantial impact on the cavity field.
In this system, two types of signal arise from the atoms' interaction with the cavity field;
a `reflection' signal and a `fluorescence' signal. A theoretical description for these signals is
presented, followed by experiments which characterise the signals under a variety of experimental
conditions. The thesis then explores two areas: the use of the microcavity signals for
atom detection and the investigation of how higher atom numbers and, as a result, a larger
cooperative interaction between the atoms and the cavity field, impacts the signals.
First, the use of these signals to detect an effective single atom and individual atoms whilst
falling and trapped is explored. The effectiveness of detection is parameterised in terms of
detection confidence and signal to noise ratio, detection fidelity and dynamic range.
In the second part of this thesis, the effect of higher atom numbers on the reflection and fluorescence signals is investigated. A method for increasing the atom number is presented,
alongside experiments investigating the impact on the measured signals. This is followed by
experiments which explore the dispersive nature of the atom-cavity interaction by measuring
the excitation spectrum of the system in reflection and fluorescence. In doing so, it is shown
that, for weak coupling, these two signals are manifestly different
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