Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ovarian response of Suffolk ewes to estrous synchronization using short-term protocol

The efficacy of estrus synchronization using short-term protocol was evaluated by ultrasound exams in Suffolk ewes during the pre-breeding season. The control Group (n = 12) was synchronized by treatment for 12 days with vaginal sponges impregnated with medroxyprogesterone acetate, and 400 IU eCG at sponge withdrawal. Experimental groups I, II and III kept the sponge in place for 4 days, and 100 µg of PGF2a was administered at sponge withdrawal. Additionally, Group I (n = 12) had 0.1 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) administered during sponge placement and 50 µg of GnRH 48 hours after sponge removal. Group II (n = 6) had 35 mg of progesterone (P4) injected, and 0.1 mg of EB administered during sponge placement, 400 IU eCG at withdrawal and 48 hours after, 50 µg GnRH were administrated. Group III (n = 12) had 35 mg of P4 and 0.2 mg of EB administered at sponge placement, 400 IU eCG at withdrawal, and 50 µg of GnRH was administrated after 56 hours. Ovaries were monitored through ultrasound scanning. Concerning the first wave, no difference was detected between the control group and the experimental groups. However, the characteristics of ovulatory wave were significantly different between the groups. The duration of the follicular wave was shorter for Group III than for Group II. The follicle in Group I reached its maximum diameter before the Group II. The diameter of the follicle at the sponge withdrawal in the control group was larger than in Group I. After sponge withdrawal, the follicular growth rate was smaller in the control group than in Group III. The maximum diameter of the follicle in Group II was larger than in the other groups. The short-term protocol in which estrogen was used did not synchronize the emergence of the wave of follicular development.
Robust Predictions in Dynamic Policy Games

Dynamic policy games feature a wide range of equilibria. This paper provides a methodology for obtaining robust predictions. We begin by focusing on a model of sovereign debt although our methodology applies to other settings, such as models of monetary policy or capital taxation. The main result of the paper is a characterization of distributions over outcomes that are consistent with a subgame perfect equilibrium conditional on the observed history. We illustrate our main result by computing, conditional on an observed history, bounds on the maximum probability of a crisis, and bounds on means and variances over debt prices. In addition, we propose a general dynamic policy game and show how our main result can be extended to this general environment.
Residual Strength of Composite Unprotected Steel-Deck Floor Exposed to High Temperature (Fire Flame)

An experimental programme was conducted to find out the behaviour of composite unprotected steel beam-reinforced concrete SB-RC deck floors fabricated from three secondary steel beams welded to another two main beams topped with a reinforced concrete slab, exposed to high temperature (fire flame) of 300, 500 and 700ºC for 1 hour, then allowed to cool down by leaving them at lab condition to return to ambient temperature. The burning results show that, by exposing them to a fire flame of up to 300 ºC, no serious amount of permanent deflection can result. It was also seen that the middle and lateral secondary steel beams have recovered 92 and 95% of the deflection caused by heating, respectively. While the recovered deflection of burned composite SB-RC deck floor at 500 ºC was 46 and 45 %, respectively. The greatest deterioration was in the exposure to 700 ºC, as this leads to a higher permanent deflection of the middle and the lateral secondary steel beams, and the recovery percentage was only 11 and 18 %, respectively. Then all composite SB-RC deck floors loaded till failure to determine percentage decrease in ultimate capacity. The results were compared with the behaviour of composite SB-RC deck floor without burning (reference specimen). The comparison shows that the pre-burned composite SB-RC deck floor at 300, 500 and 700ºC, gives a decrease in specimens’ stiffness compared with the unburned one, by about 17, 61 and 74 % for the middle secondary steel beam, and 25, 62 and 75 % for the lateral ones, respectively. Likewise, linearity behaviour of the load-deflection curve decreases and the curves become flatter as the burning temperature increased. Also, the residual ultimate strength capacity decreases as the burning temperature was increased. For the burned composite deck floors at 300, 500 and 700 °C, it was 87, 64 and 38 %, respectively, compared with the unburned specimen.
Relating Task Demand, Mental Effort and Task Difficulty with Physicians’ Performance during Interactions with Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

ABSTRACT Objective was to assess the relationship between task demand, mental effort, task difficulty, and performance during physicians’ interaction with electronic health records (EHRs). Seventeen physicians performed three EHR-based scenarios with varying task demands. Mental effort was measured using eye tracking measures via task evoked pupillary responses (TEPR), blink frequency, and gaze speed; task difficulty (or user behavior) was measured using frequent mouse click patterns and task flow; user performance was quantified using two types of omission errors: (i) omission errors with no evidence of trying to complete the task and (ii) omission error with evidence of trying but unable to complete the task. The results indicated that task demand significantly increased mental effort, but not task difficulty. Task demand, mental effort, and task difficulty all predicted performance. Specifically, there was a significant relationship between (i) task demand, TEPR and omission errors with no evidence of trying to complete the task, and (ii) blink frequency, repeated search clicks and omission error with evidence of trying but unable to complete the task. In concert, results suggest that physicians’ performance during EHR interaction was negatively affected by task demands and increase in mental effort. This highlight the need for implementation of appropriate quality assurance (QA) measures, in addition to EHR usability improvement, to minimize omission errors and improve physician’s performance. Additionally, the lack of relationship between task demand and task difficulty highlights a need for further methodological and empirical studies to advance our understanding from theory to application during physician–EHR interaction.
Electrostatically induced nanostructures in bilayer graphene

Soon after the discovery of graphene [1], the idea was put forward that this material could be an attractive host for spin qubits [2]. Because of the low atomic weight of carbon, spin-orbit interactions in graphene are small. On top of that, the material mostly consists of nuclear spin-free C12, which leads to a small hyperfine interaction. Both of these facts should lead to a long coherence time of electron spins, which is an important criterion for a quantum computation platform [3]. A first step towards the creation of a spin qubit in graphene is the implementation of confinement of charge carriers on the nanoscale. Single layer graphene has a gapless band structure, which makes it hard to realize controlled confinement [4]. The tunable band structure of bilayer graphene provides a solution. By applying a vertical electric field to this material a band gap is opened [5]. When the Fermi level is locally tuned into the band gap, confinement can be realized. In this thesis we investigate the confinement of charge carriers in bilayer graphene by electrostatic gating. We start with a literature overview of the bilayer graphene band gap, which shows that in most bilayer graphene devices the low-temperature resistivity in presence of an electric field saturates at values lower than those predicted by theory. This has hampered the electrostatic definition of nanostructures in bilayer graphene so far. We then report on the fabrication of samples consisting of exfoliated bilayer graphene encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride and compare the transport properties to those of a device made with bilayer graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. The former show signatures of ballistic transport in terms of FabryPérot oscillations, as previously reported in Ref. [6] and exhibit a Lifshitz transition in the quantum Hall regime, as observed before in Ref. [7]. We continue to study dual-gated encapsulated bilayer graphene devices. Chapter 5 and Ref. [8] report on magnetoresistance oscillations in the p-n regime in intermediate magnetic fields. Despite the observation of various interesting physical phenomena in dual-gated devices, the maximal resistance in these devices usually stayed in the range of tens of kiloohms, which is insufficient for electrostatic definition of nanostructures [9]. In Chapter 6 and Ref. [10] we demonstrate that the incorporation of a graphite back gate into the device structure reproducibly leads to induced resistances in the megaohm or even gigaohm regime, paving the path for electrostatically defined nanostructures.
A method for detecting and editing MUPTs contaminated by false classification errors during EMG signal decomposition

A robust method for detecting motor unit potential trains (MUPTs) contaminated with false classification errors (FCEs) during EMG signal decomposition and then removing the FCEs from a contaminated train is presented. Using motor unit (MU) firing pattern information provided by each MUPT, the developed algorithm first determines whether a given train is contaminated by high number of FCEs and needs to be edited. For contaminated MUPTs, the method uses both MU firing pattern and motor unit potential (MUP) shape information to detect MUPs that were erroneously assigned to the train (i.e., represent FCEs). For the simulated data used in this study contaminated MUPTs could be detected with 88.7% accuracy. For a given contaminated MUPT, the algorithm on average correctly detected 83.4% of the FCEs and left 93.4% of the correctly assigned MUPs. The accuracy of the MUPs classified to a MUPT was estimated to be 92.1% on average.
Three-dimensional convolutional neural networks for neutrinoless double-beta decay signal/background discrimination in high-pressure gaseous Time Projection Chamber

In the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay, the high-pressure gaseous Time Projection Chamber has a distinct advantage, because the ionization charge tracks produced by particle interactions are extended and the detector captures the full three-dimensional charge distribution with appropriate charge readout systems. Such information of tracks provides a crucial extra-handle for discriminating signal events against backgrounds. In this paper, we constructed a toy model to demonstrate where the discrimination power comes from and how much of it the neural network models have already harnessed. Then we adapted 3-dimensional convolutional and residual neural networks on the simulated double-beta and background charge tracks and tested their capabilities in classifying these two types of events. We show that both the 3D structure and the overall depth of the neural networks significantly improve the accuracy of the classifier and lead to results better than previous works. We also studied their performance under various spatial granularities as well as different diffusion and noise conditions. The results indicate that the methods are stable and generalize well despite varying experimental conditions.
A Novel Role for Programmed Cell Death Receptor Ligand-1 ( PD-L 1 ) in Sepsis-Induced Intestinal Dysfunction Running title : PD-L 1 in Septic Gut Dysfunction

Studies imply that intestinal barrier dysfunction is a key contributor to morbid events associated with sepsis. Recently, co-inhibitory molecule, programmed death-ligand1 (PD-L1) has been shown to be involved in the regulation of intestinal immune tolerance and/or inflammation. Our previous studies showed that PD-L1 gene deficiency reduced sepsis-induced intestinal injury morphologically. However, it isn’t known how PD-L1 expression impacts intestinal barrier dysfunction during sepsis. Here we tested the hypothesis that PD-L1 expressed on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) has a role in sepsis-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. To address this, C57BL/6 or PD-L1 gene knockout mice were subjected to experimental sepsis and PD-L1 expression, intestinal permeability, tissue cytokine levels were assessed. Subsequently, septic or non-septic patient colonic samples (assigned by pathology report) were immunohistochemically stained for PD-L1 I a blinded fashion. Finally, human Caco2 cells were used for in vitro studies. The results demonstrated that PD-L1 was constitutively expressed and sepsis significantly upregulates PD-L1 in IECs from C57BL/6 mice. Concurrently, we observed an increased PD-L1 expression in colon tissue samples from septic patients. PD-L1 gene deficiency reduced ileal permeability, tissue levels of IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1, and prevented ileal tight junction protein loss compared to WT after sepsis. Comparatively, while Caco2 cell monolayers responded to inflammatory cytokine stimulation also with elevated PD-L1 expression, increased monolayer permeability and altering/decreasing monolayer tight junction protein morphology/expression; these changes were reversed by PD-L1 blocking antibody. Together these data indicate that ligation of ICE PD-L1 plays a novel role in mediating the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. U N C O R R E C TE D P R O O F Molecular Medicine
Fighting for recognition: Online abuse of women bloggers in Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States

Women who blog about politics or identify as feminist in Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States face great risks of online abuse. In-depth interviews with 109 bloggers who write about feminisms, family, and/or maternity politics revealed that 73.4% had negative experiences due to blogging and/or social media use. Most of these negative experiences involved not only abusive comments but also stalking, trolls, rape threats, death threats, and unpleasant offline encounters. Response strategies included moderating comments, exposing abuse, adaptation, and solidarity. I argue that the democratic potential of social media in democracies remains haphazard because online abuse is not fully recognized as entangling online and offline communication, constituted and constructed through technological, legal, social, and cultural factors. Using the theoretical approaches of digital feminisms, I call for more systematic empirical work on global recognition of online abuse as punishable crime.
Numerical solution of stochastic master equations using stochastic interacting wave functions.

We develop a new approach for solving stochastic quantum master equations with mixed initial states. First, we obtain that the solution of the jump-diffusion stochastic master equation is represented by a mixture of pure states satisfying a system of stochastic differential equations of Schr\"odinger type. Then, we design three exponential schemes for these coupled stochastic Schr\"odinger equations, which are driven by Brownian motions and jump processes. Hence, we have constructed efficient numerical methods for the stochastic master equations based on quantum trajectories. The good performance of the new numerical integrators is illustrated by simulations of two quantum measurement processes.
Highly efficient electrochemical reforming of CH4/CO2 in a solid oxide electrolyser

Electrochemical reforming of CH4/CO2 is demonstrated in a solid oxide electrolyser. Reforming CH4 into syngas using CO2 remains a fundamental challenge due to carbon deposition and nanocatalyst instability. We, for the first time, demonstrate highly efficient electrochemical reforming of CH4/CO2 to produce syngas in a solid oxide electrolyser with CO2 electrolysis in the cathode and CH4 oxidation in the anode. In situ exsolution of an anchored metal/oxide interface on perovskite electrode delivers remarkably enhanced coking resistance and catalyst stability. In situ Fourier transform infrared characterizations combined with first principle calculations disclose the interface activation of CO2 at a transition state between a CO2 molecule and a carbonate ion. Carbon removal at the interfaces is highly favorable with electrochemically provided oxygen species, even in the presence of H2 or H2O. This novel strategy provides optimal performance with no obvious degradation after 300 hours of high-temperature operation and 10 redox cycles, suggesting a reliable process for conversion of CH4 into syngas using CO2.
Dalbavancin as Primary and Sequential Treatment for Gram-Positive Infective Endocarditis: 2-Year Experience at the General Hospital of Vienna

The clinical outcomes and safety of dalbavancin as primary and sequential treatment of gram-positive bacteremia with infective endocarditis were evaluated retrospectively. The clinical success rate was high (92.6%), but in 24 of 27 patients dalbavancin was used only after clearance of bacteria from the bloodstream.
Color-coded imaging of splenocyte-pancreatic cancer cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment

In spite of advances in surgical and medical care pancreatic cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. An understanding of cancer cell interactions with host cells is critical to our ability to develop effective antitumor therapeutics for pancreatic cancer. We report here a color-coded model system for imaging cancer cell interactions with host immune cells within the native pancreas. A human pancreatic cancer cell line engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the nucleus and red fluorescent protein (DsRed2) in the cytoplasm was orthotopically implanted into the pancreas of a nude mouse. After 10-14 days red or green fluorescent splenocytes from immune-competent donors were delivered systemically to the pancreatic cancer-bearing nude mice. Animals were imaged after splenocyte delivery using high-resolution intravital imaging systems. At 1 day after iv injection red or green fluorescent spleen cells were found distributed in lung, liver, spleen and pancreas. By 4 days after cell delivery, however, the immune cells could be clearly imaged surrounding the tumor cells within the pancreas as well as collecting within lymphatic tissues such as lymph nodes and spleen. With the high-resolution intravital imaging afforded by the Olympus IV100 and OV100 systems the interactions of the dual-colored cancer cells and the red fluorescent spleen cells could be clearly imaged in this orthotopic pancreatic cancer model. This color-coded in vivo imaging technology offers a novel approach to imaging the interactions of cancer and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Best surgical technique and outcomes for large macular holes: retrospective multicentre study in Japan

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of vitrectomy with conventional internal limiting membrane (C‐ILM) peeling to that with the inverted ILM (I‐ILM) flap technique for large macular holes (MHs). This was a retrospective chart review of consecutive cases with a large MH at nine hospitals in Japan. Among the 1342 eyes, 165 eyes of 165 cases met the inclusion criteria. The results for medium‐large MHs with a diameter 400–550 μm were compared to that of eyes with an extra‐large MH with a diameter >550 μm. In addition, the results of C‐ILM peeling were compared to that of the I‐ILM technique. In medium‐large MHs, the closure rate was 95.2% (59/62) by C‐ILM peeling and 100% (19/19) by the I‐ILM technique. In extra‐large MHs, the closure rate was 88.4% (38/43) by C‐ILM peeling and 100% (41/41) by I‐ILM. Although the difference between the two methods was not significant, the I‐ILM technique was successful in 100% of the cases. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months was significantly associated with the preoperative BCVA, MH size, age and sex of the patient. Analyses of the eyes with extra‐large MHs show that the surgical success is high, and the I‐ILM technique is more effective for closure in eyes with extra‐large MHs.
A new neural network approach for short-term glucose prediction using continuous glucose monitoring time-series and meal information

In the last decade, improvements in diabetes daily management have become possible thanks to the development of minimally-invasive portable sensors which allow continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for several days. In particular, hypo and hyperglycemia can be promptly detected when glucose exceeds the normal range thresholds, and even avoided through the use of on-line glucose prediction algorithms. Several algorithms with prediction horizon (PH) of 15–30–45 min have been proposed in the literature, e.g. including AR/ARMA time-series modeling and neural networks. Most of them are fed by CGM signals only. The purpose of this work is to develop a new short-term glucose prediction algorithm based on a neural network that, in addition to past CGM readings, also exploits information on carbohydrates intakes quantitatively described through a physiological model. Results on simulated data quantitatively show that the new method outperforms other published algorithms. Qualitative preliminary results on a real diabetic subject confirm the potentialities of the new approach.
Can Neural Machine Translation be Improved with User Feedback?

We present the first real-world application of methods for improving neural machine translation (NMT) with human reinforcement, based on explicit and implicit user feedback collected on the eBay e-commerce platform. Previous work has been confined to simulation experiments, whereas in this paper we work with real logged feedback for offline bandit learning of NMT parameters. We conduct a thorough analysis of the available explicit user judgments—five-star ratings of translation quality—and show that they are not reliable enough to yield significant improvements in bandit learning. In contrast, we successfully utilize implicit task-based feedback collected in a cross-lingual search task to improve task-specific and machine translation quality metrics.
Achieving ground state and enhancing optomechanical entanglement by recovering information

For cavity-assisted optomechanical cooling experiments, in order to achieve the quantum ground state of the mechanical oscillator, the cavity bandwidth needs to be smaller than the mechanical frequency. In the literature, this is the so-called resolved-sideband or good-cavity limit, and this is based on an understanding of optomechanical dynamics. We provide a different but physically equivalent explanation of such a limit: that is, information loss due to finite cavity bandwidth. With an optimal feedback control to recover the information in the cavity output, we can surpass the resolved-sideband limit and achieve the quantum ground state. In addition, recovering this information can also significantly enhance the entanglement between the cavity mode and the mechanical oscillator. Especially when the environmental temperature is high, such optomechanical entanglement will either exist or vanish critically depending on whether information is recovered or not. This provides a vivid example of a quantum eraser in the optomechanical system.