Adversarial Sparse-View CBCT Artifact Reduction

We present an effective post-processing method to reduce the artifacts from sparsely reconstructed cone-beam CT (CBCT) images. The proposed method is based on the state-of-the-art, image-to-image generative models with a perceptual loss as regulation. Unlike the traditional CT artifact-reduction approaches, our method is trained in an adversarial fashion that yields more perceptually realistic outputs while preserving the anatomical structures. To address the streak artifacts that are inherently local and appear across various scales, we further propose a novel discriminator architecture based on feature pyramid networks and a differentially modulated focus map to induce the adversarial training. Our experimental results show that the proposed method can greatly correct the cone-beam artifacts from clinical CBCT images reconstructed using 1/3 projections, and outperforms strong baseline methods both quantitatively and qualitatively

Enhanced Raman Detection System based on a Hollow-core Fiber Probe design

This paper focus on an enhanced Raman-based detection probe and its performance evaluated. The probe employs a hollow-core fiber design to allow liquid micro-sample to be analyzed. The hollow-core fiber is used both to transmit the light signal used to excite the sample and to collect the Raman scattering signal received from the micro-sample under analysis. In order to maximize the performance of the system, various parameters have been studied experimentally, including the diameter and the height of the liquid sample in the probe. The aim has been optimizing both as a means to enhance the Raman scattering signal received from the liquid sample. As a result, a Raman-based detection probe using a reflector approach was developed and evaluated. This design enabling a greater area for interaction with the sample to be formed and to concentrate the excitation light into it. This then increases the efficiency of the light-liquid interaction and improves the collection efficiently of the forward Raman scattering light signal. With the use of this design, the detected Raman scattering signal was increased by a factor of 103~104 over what otherwise would be achieved. A key feature is that with the use of a hollow-core fiber to collect the liquid sample, only a very small volume is needed, making this well suited to practical applications where limited amounts of material are available e.g. biofluids or high value liquids. The system designed and evaluated thus provides the basis of an effective all-fiber Raman-based detection system, capable of being incorporated into portable analysis equipment for rapid detection and in-the-field use

Non-damping oscillations at flaring loops

Context. QPPs are usually detected as spatial displacements of coronal loops in imaging observations or as periodic shifts of line properties in spectroscopic observations. They are often applied for remote diagnostics of magnetic fields and plasma properties on the Sun. Aims. We combine imaging and spectroscopic measurements of available space missions, and investigate the properties of non-damping oscillations at flaring loops. Methods. We used the IRIS to measure the spectrum over a narrow slit. The double-component Gaussian fitting method was used to extract the line profile of Fe XXI 1354.08 A at "O I" window. The quasi-periodicity of loop oscillations were identified in the Fourier and wavelet spectra. Results. A periodicity at about 40 s is detected in the line properties of Fe XXI, HXR emissions in GOES 1-8 A derivative, and Fermi 26-50 keV. The Doppler velocity and line width oscillate in phase, while a phase shift of about Pi/2 is detected between the Doppler velocity and peak intensity. The amplitudes of Doppler velocity and line width oscillation are about 2.2 km/s and 1.9 km/s, respectively, while peak intensity oscillate with amplitude at about 3.6% of the background emission. Meanwhile, a quasi-period of about 155 s is identified in the Doppler velocity and peak intensity of Fe XXI, and AIA 131 A intensity. Conclusions. The oscillations at about 40 s are not damped significantly during the observation, it might be linked to the global kink modes of flaring loops. The periodicity at about 155 s is most likely a signature of recurring downflows after chromospheric evaporation along flaring loops. The magnetic field strengths of the flaring loops are estimated to be about 120-170 G using the MHD seismology diagnostics, which are consistent with the magnetic field modeling results using the flux rope insertion method.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figures, 1 table, accepted by A&

On the Three-dimensional Lattice Model

Using the restricted star-triangle relation, it is shown that the $N$-state spin integrable model on a three-dimensional lattice with spins interacting round each elementary cube of the lattice proposed by Mangazeev, Sergeev and Stroganov is a particular case of the Bazhanov-Baxter model.Comment: 8 pages, latex, 4 figure

Effects of relative orientation of the molecules on electron transport in molecular devices

Effects of relative orientation of the molecules on electron transport in molecular devices are studied by non-equilibrium Green's function method based on density functional theory. In particular, two molecular devices, with the planer Au$_{7}$ and Ag$_{3}$ clusters sandwiched between the Al(100) electrodes are studied. In each device, two typical configurations with the clusters parallel and vertical to the electrodes are considered. It is found that the relative orientation affects the transport properties of these two devices completely differently. In the Al(100)-Au$_7$-Al(100) device, the conductance and the current of the parallel configuration are much larger than those in the vertical configuration, while in the Al(100)-Ag$_{3}$-Al(100) device, an opposite conclusion is obtained

Thermodynamics with density and temperature dependent particle masses and properties of bulk strange quark matter and strangelets

Thermodynamic formulas for investigating systems with density and/or temperature dependent particle masses are generally derived from the fundamental derivation equality of thermodynamics. Various problems in the previous treatments are discussed and modified. Properties of strange quark matter in bulk and strangelets at both zero and finite temperature are then calculated based on the new thermodynamic formulas with a new quark mass scaling, which indicates that low mass strangelets near beta equilibrium are multi-quark states with an anti-strange quark, such as the pentaquark (u^2d^2\bar{s}) for baryon nmber 1 and the octaquark (u^4d^3\bar{s}) for dibaryon etc.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures, Revtex4 styl

Spectroscopic observations of a flare-related coronal jet

Coronal jets are ubiquitous in active regions (ARs) and coronal holes. In this paper, we study a coronal jet related to a C3.4 circular-ribbon flare in active region 12434 on 2015 October 16. Two minifilaments were located under a 3D fan-spine structure before flare. The flare was generated by the eruption of one filament. The kinetic evolution of the jet was divided into two phases: a slow rise phase at a speed of $\sim$131 km s$^{-1}$ and a fast rise phase at a speed of $\sim$363 km s$^{-1}$ in the plane-of-sky. The slow rise phase may correspond to the impulsive reconnection at the breakout current sheet. The fast rise phase may correspond to magnetic reconnection at the flare current sheet. The transition between the two phases occurred at $\sim$09:00:40 UT. The blueshifted Doppler velocities of the jet in the Si {\sc iv} 1402.80 {\AA} line range from -34 to -120 km s$^{-1}$. The accelerated high-energy electrons are composed of three groups. Those propagating upward along open field generate type \textrm{III} radio bursts, while those propagating downward produce HXR emissions and drive chromospheric condensation observed in the Si {\sc iv} line. The electrons trapped in the rising filament generate a microwave burst lasting for $\le$40 s. Bidirectional outflows at the base of jet are manifested by significant line broadenings of the Si {\sc iv} line. The blueshifted Doppler velocities of outflows range from -13 to -101 km s$^{-1}$. The redshifted Doppler velocities of outflows range from $\sim$17 to $\sim$170 km s$^{-1}$. Our multiwavelength observations of the flare-related jet are in favor of the breakout jet model and are important for understanding the acceleration and transport of nonthermal electrons.Comment: 11 pages, 13 figures, accepted for publication in A&