Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantum phase transitions and cat states in cavity-coupled quantum dots

We study double quantum dots coupled to a quasistatic cavity mode with high mode-volume compression allowing for strong light-matter coupling. Besides the cavity-mediated interaction, electrons in different double quantum dots interact with each other via dipole-dipole (Coulomb) interaction. For attractive dipolar interaction, a cavity-induced ferroelectric quantum phase transition emerges leading to ordered dipole moments. Surprisingly, we find that the phase transition can be either continuous or discontinuous, depending on the ratio between the strengths of cavity-mediated and Coulomb interactions. We show that, in the strong coupling regime, both the ground and the first excited states of an array of double quantum dots are squeezed Schr\"{o}dinger cat states. Such states are actively discussed as high-fidelity qubits for quantum computing, and thus our proposal provides a platform for semiconductor implementation of such qubits. We also calculate gauge-invariant observables such as the net dipole moment, the optical conductivity, and the absorption spectrum beyond the semiclassical approximation.
Towards Conceptualization of "Fair Explanation": Disparate Impacts of anti-Asian Hate Speech Explanations on Content Moderators

Recent research at the intersection of AI explainability and fairness has focused on how explanations can improve human-plus-AI task performance as assessed by fairness measures. We propose to characterize what constitutes an explanation that is itself"fair"-- an explanation that does not adversely impact specific populations. We formulate a novel evaluation method of"fair explanations"using not just accuracy and label time, but also psychological impact of explanations on different user groups across many metrics (mental discomfort, stereotype activation, and perceived workload). We apply this method in the context of content moderation of potential hate speech, and its differential impact on Asian vs. non-Asian proxy moderators, across explanation approaches (saliency map and counterfactual explanation). We find that saliency maps generally perform better and show less evidence of disparate impact (group) and individual unfairness than counterfactual explanations. Content warning: This paper contains examples of hate speech and racially discriminatory language. The authors do not support such content. Please consider your risk of discomfort carefully before continuing reading!
Divisibility and primality in random walks

In this paper we study the divisibility and primality properties of the Bernoulli random walk. We improve or extend some of our divisibility results to wide classes of iid or independent non iid random walks. We also obtain new primality results for the Rademacher random walk. We study the value distribution of divisors of the random walk in the Cram\'er model, and obtain a general estimate of a similar kind to that of the Bernouilli model. Earlier results on divisors and quasi-prime numbers in the Bernoulli model are recorded, as well as some other recent for the Cram\'er random model, based on an estimate due to Selberg.
A Universal Anti-Spoofing Approach for Contactless Fingerprint Biometric Systems

With the increasing integration of smartphones into our daily lives, fingerphotos are becoming a potential contactless authentication method. While it offers convenience, it is also more vulnerable to spoofing using various presentation attack instruments (PAI). The contactless fingerprint is an emerging biometric authentication but has not yet been heavily investigated for anti-spoofing. While existing anti-spoofing approaches demonstrated fair results, they have encountered challenges in terms of universality and scalability to detect any unseen/unknown spoofed samples. To address this issue, we propose a universal presentation attack detection method for contactless fingerprints, despite having limited knowledge of presentation attack samples. We generated synthetic contactless fingerprints using StyleGAN from live finger photos and integrating them to train a semi-supervised ResNet-18 model. A novel joint loss function, combining the Arcface and Center loss, is introduced with a regularization to balance between the two loss functions and minimize the variations within the live samples while enhancing the inter-class variations between the deepfake and live samples. We also conducted a comprehensive comparison of different regularizations’ impact on the joint loss function for presentation attack detection (PAD) and explored the performance of a modified ResNet-18 architecture with different activation functions (i.e., leaky ReLU and RelU) in conjunction with Arcface and center loss. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the model using unseen types of spoof attacks and live data. Our proposed method achieves a Bona Fide Classification Error Rate (BPCER) of 0.12%, an Attack Presentation Classification Error Rate (APCER) of 0.63%, and an Average Classification Error Rate (ACER) of 0.37%.
The BLA Benchmark: Investigating Basic Language Abilities of Pre-Trained Multimodal Models

Despite the impressive performance achieved by pre-trained language-and-vision models in downstream tasks, it remains an open question whether this reflects a proper understanding of image-text interaction. In this work, we explore to what extent they handle basic linguistic constructions -- active-passive voice, coordination, and relative clauses -- that even preschool children can typically master. We present BLA, a novel, automatically constructed benchmark to evaluate multimodal models on these Basic Language Abilities. We show that different types of Transformer-based systems, such as CLIP, ViLBERT, and BLIP2, generally struggle with BLA in a zero-shot setting, in line with previous findings. Our experiments, in particular, show that most of the tested models only marginally benefit when fine-tuned or prompted with construction-specific samples. Yet, the generative BLIP2 shows promising trends, especially in an in-context learning setting. This opens the door to using BLA not only as an evaluation benchmark but also to improve models' basic language abilities.
Experiments On Electron Cooling and Intense Space-charge at IOTA

The Integrable Optics Test Accelerator at Fermilab will explore beam dynamics in a ring with intense space-charge using 2.5 MeV proton beams with an incoherent tune shift approaching -0.5. We will use this machine to explore the interplay between electron cooling, intense space-charge, and coherent instabilities. In this contribution, we describe the machine setup including the design of the electron cooler and the lattice, list specific experiments and discuss the results of numerical simulations which include the effects of electron cooling and transverse space-charge forces.
Coleman-Gross Heights and $p$-adic N\'eron Functions on Jacobians of Genus $2$ Curves

We develop a theory of $p$-adic N\'eron functions on abelian varieties, depending on various auxiliary choices, and show that the global $p$-adic height functions constructed by Mazur and Tate can be decomposed into a sum of $p$-adic N\'eron functions if the same auxiliary choices are made. We also decompose the $p$-adic height constructed by Coleman and Gross, and extended to arbitrary reduction by Colmez and Besser, into a sum of local height functions for Jacobians of odd degree genus $2$ curves. We show that this local height function is equal to the $p$-adic N\'eron function with the same auxiliary choices, regardless of the reduction type of the curve. This extends work of Balakrishnan and Besser for elliptic curves. When the curve has semistable reduction and the reduction of the Jacobian is ordinary, we also describe the $p$-adic N\'eron function that arises from the canonical Mazur-Tate splitting explicitly in terms of a generalisation of the $p$-adic sigma function constructed by Blakestad.
Precariously balanced rocks and ground-motion maps for Southern California

Groups of precariously balanced rocks are effectively low-resolution strong-motion seismoscopes that have been operating on solid rock outcrops for thousands of years and, once the methodology has been developed, can provide important information about seismic risk. In one zone, near Victorville, only 30 km from the nearest point on the San Andreas fault, more than 50 precarious rocks have been documented. Widespread rock varnish suggests that many of these rocks have been in their current unstable positions for thousands of years. We have established the mechanical basis for rough estimates of the horizontal accelerations necessary to topple these rocks, using field observations and numerical and physical modeling. To verify that zones of precarious rocks do not occur near historic earthquakes, searches using binoculars were made along roads, with occasional foot surveys, near large earthquakes. Based on these reconnaissance searches, we conclude that no precarious rock zones are found within 15 km of zones of high-energy release of historic large earthquakes. To document the occurrence of precarious rocks in southern California, road surveys were carried out along major roads. Four zones of precarious rocks and seven other zones of somewhat less precarious rocks have been documented. Published probabilistic ground-motion maps for southern California are compared with the occurrence of zones of precarious and semi-precarious rocks. The results are encouraging and suggest that eventually, studies of precarious rocks will provide important constraints on the assumptions on which the maps are based. Results from studies of precarious rocks may eventually provide important information for siting and design of sensitive structures such as hospitals and power plants. Precarious rocks give a direct indication of past ground shaking, in contrast to the indirect inference provided by fault-trenching studies, which may be subject to uncertainties in the actual time history of slip due to the fault (e.g., fault creep, “slow” earthquakes, or unknown dynamic stress drop). It is concluded that precarious rocks warrant further study and quantitative analysis.
The effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on the progression of colorectal cancer in an animal model

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on colorectal cancer (CRC) development in mice induced by azoxymethane (AOM) coupled with colitis. Methods: Forty animals induced with CRC were used, divided into five groups of eight animals each: sedentary; continuous aerobics; continuous anaerobic; aerobic PI; and anaerobic PI. AOM was administered to the animals in two doses of 10 mg/kg each over the course of two weeks, the first dose administered in the third week and the second administered in the fourth. For the colitis, three cycles of dextran sodium sulfate were administered for five days, separated by two weeks of water. The 14th week of the experiment saw the euthanasia, the removal of their colons, and the creation of microscopy slides for histological analysis. Results: Preneoplastic lesions developed in all five groups; there were no significant differences between them. However, in terms of inflammatory symptoms, mucosal ulceration was much more frequently in the exercise groups than in the sedentary group (p = 0.016). The number of polyps overall (p = 0.002), the distal region’s polyp development (p = 0.003), and the proximal region’s polyp development (p = 0.04) were all statistically different than sedentary group. Conclusions: The study discovered no significant difference in disease activity index scores between groups, but there was a significant difference in the number of polyps and the presence of mucosal ulceration in the colon.
Effects of caffeine consumption combined with listening to music during warm-up on taekwondo physical performance, perceived exertion and psychological aspects

The effects of caffeine (CAF) and music have been well documented when used separately, but their combined effects are not yet studied. Thus, the present study assessed the acute effects of combining a low dose of CAF with listening to music during warm-up on taekwondo physical performance, perceived exertion (RPE), and psychological responses during taekwondo-specific tasks in male elite athletes. In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study design, male taekwondo athletes (n = 16; age: 18.25 ± 0.75 years) performed the taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s) and the multiple version of FSKT (FSKT-mult) under the following conditions: 1) CAF without music (CAF+NoM), 2) placebo (PL) without music (PL+NoM), 3) CAF with music (CAF+M), 4) PL with music (PL+M), 5) no supplement with music (NoS+M) and no supplement without music (control). RPE, feeling scale (FS), felt arousal scale (FAS) and physical enjoyment (PACES) were determined after each test. Findings showed the CAF+M condition induced better performances than other conditions for TSAT, FSKT-10s, FSKT-mult, RPE, FAS and FS and PACES post FSKT-10s (all p<0.05). Moreover, CAF+M resulted in better responses than other conditions for PACES post TSAT (p<0.05) with the exception of CAF+NoM. Likewise, CAF+M condition induced better physical enjoyment than PL+NoM, NoS+M and PL+M conditions post FSKT-mult (p<0.05). Combining low dose of CAF with music during warm-up was an effective strategy that induced greater effects than their isolated use during taekwondo specific tasks.
Scale Dependence of Apparent Stress for Earthquakes along the Subducting Pacific Plate in Northeastern Honshu, Japan

Apparent stress, which quantifies the ratio of high-frequency spectral amplitude to the direct current level of source displacement spectra, is known to reflect the source rupture process. Whether this parameter depends on the seismic moment has not yet been well established because of the difficulties in the reliable estimation of high-frequency source spectra. To overcome this problem, we estimate S -wave source spectra by using site amplification factors and attenuation factor ! [Graphic][1] , which are systematically measured by the coda normalization method. Analyzing horizontal components of velocity seismograms recorded at 70-borehole seismic stations of Hi-net (National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention) in northeastern Honshu, Japan, we estimate site factors and ! [Graphic][2] in the 0.5–32 Hz frequency band. By using these factors, we evaluate the source spectra of 225 small to moderate earthquakes that occurred in and around the subducting Pacific plate. Site-amplification factors we obtained strongly depend on frequency, and the frequency dependence clearly changes with the lithology and geologic age of rock. Obtained ! [Graphic][3] values decrease with frequency in proportion to the reciprocal of frequency. The apparent stresses estimated from S -wave spectra clearly increase from 104 to 107 Pa with the seismic moment increasing, which cannot be attributed to the limited-frequency band and other artificial causes. The power of scale dependence is estimated as 0.39–0.44 for the seismic moment range from 1011 to 1017 N m. Some of the scale dependence of apparent stress is attributed to the scale dependence of Brune’s stress drop. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif
First observations of triple‐frequency radar Doppler spectra in snowfall: Interpretation and applications

The potential of multifrequency Doppler spectra to constrain precipitation microphysics has so far only been exploited for dual‐frequency spectra in rain. In this study, we extend the dual‐frequency concept to triple‐frequency Doppler radar spectra obtained during a snowfall event which included rimed and unrimed snow aggregates. A large selection of spectra obtained from low‐turbulence regions within the cloud reveals distinctly different signatures of the derived dual spectral ratios. Due to the third frequency, a characteristic curve can be derived which is almost independent of the underlying particle size distribution and velocity‐size relation. This approach provides new opportunities for validating existing and future snow scattering models and reveals how the information content of triple‐frequency radar data sets can be further exploited for snowfall studies.
Does fasting protect liver from ischemia and reperfusion injury?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate local and systemic effects of 24-hour fasting in liver ischemia and reperfusion injury. Methods: Twenty-one adult male Wistar rats (330–390 g) were submitted to 60 minutes of hepatic ischemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Before the day of the experiment, the animals fasted, but free access to water was allowed. Two groups were constituted: Control: non-fasted, that is, feeding ad libitum before surgical procedure; Fasting: rats underwent previous fasting of 24 hours. Hepatic ischemia was performed using vascular clamp in hepatic pedicle. At 24 hours after liver reperfusion, blood and tissue samples were collected. To analysis, liver lobes submitted to ischemia was identified as ischemic liver and paracaval non-ischemic lobes as non-ischemic liver. We evaluated: malondialdehyde levels, hepatocellular function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase activities, and both ratio), cytokines (interleukins-6, -10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury (histology). Results: Malondialdehyde measured in non-ischemic and ischemic liver samples, hepatocellular function and cytokines were comparable between groups. Histological findings were distinct in three regions evaluated. Microvesicular steatosis was comparable between 24-hour fasting and non-fasted control groups in periportal region of hepatic lobe. In contrast, steatosis was more pronounced in zones 2 and 3 of ischemic liver samples of fasting compared to control groups. Conclusions: These data indicates that fasting does not protect, but it can be also detrimental to liver submitted to ischemia/reperfusion damage. At that time, using long fasting before liver surgery in the real world may be contraindicated.
Macroporous latex biomembrane from Hancornia speciosa modulates the inflammatory process and has a debridement effect on wound healing in rats

ABSTRACT Purpose: The angiogenic, osteogenic and anti-inflammatory activity of latex of Hancornia speciosa has been evidenced and indicates pharmacological potential with great applicability in the health area, especially in the wound healing process. The present work aimed to compare the effects of the H. speciosa macroporous latex biomembrane with saline on wound healing. Methods: Forty-three Wistar rats were submitted to excisional wound induction procedure and divided into groups according to treatment: saline (G1), and macroporous biomembrane (G2). The animals were euthanized at three, seven, 14, and 21 days after injury induction (DAI), and three animals were used for the debridement test. Morphometric, macroscopic, and microscopic analyses of general pathological processes were performed. Results: The macroporous biomembrane minimized necrosis and inflammation during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process, confirmed by the lower intensity of the crust and the debridement effect. In addition, the wounds treated with the macroporous biomembrane presented greater contraction rates in all the experimental periods analyzed. Conclusions: The macroporous biomembrane presents angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and debridement effects, contributing to the healing process, and can be considered a potentially promising new biomaterial to be used as a dressing.
How marital events explain the suicide rate among Chinese

Aims The aims for this study was to prove the impacts of marital events (marriage rate, divorce rate and marriage squeeze), economic development, and social development on the suicide rate among urban and rural Chinese and reveal the differences in these impacts between urban and rural areas and between genders. Methods An explanatory time-series analysis methodology was adopted to analyze the nation-wide data ranging from 1987–2017. Results Marriage rate was a protective factor against the suicide rate among urban and rural men, and rural women; however, divorce rate was a protective factor against the suicide rate only among rural women. For the four groups, the economic development level measured by per capita GDP is a protective factor, while social development measured by urbanization and rural–urban labor migration rates in rural areas plays different roles. Conclusions Marriage and divorce rates were found to have different meanings for the four groups. This study offers a reference for designing relevant policies and projects to intervene in suicidal behaviors among different groups.
Effects of 1-year tofacitinib therapy on angiogenic biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Objectives Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and perpetuated synovial angiogenesis have been associated with RA. In our study we evaluated angiogenic factors in relation to vascular inflammation and function, and clinical markers in RA patients undergoing 1-year tofacitinib therapy. Methods Thirty RA patients treated with either 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib were included in a 12-month follow-up study. Eventually, 26 patients completed the study and were included in data analysis. Levels of various angiogenic cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), growth factors [VEGF, basic fibroblast (bFGF), epidermal (EGF), placental (PlGF)], cathepsin K (CathK), CXC chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), galectin-3 (Gal-3) and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were determined at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months after initiating tofacitinib treatment. In order to assess flow-mediated vasodilation, common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity, ultrasonography was performed. Synovial and aortic inflammation was also assessed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT. Results One-year tofacitinib therapy significantly decreased IL-6, VEGF, bFGF, EGF, PlGF and CathK, while it increased Gal-3 production (P < 0.05). bFGF, PlGF and NT-proBNP levels were higher, while platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) levels were lower in RF-seropositive patients (P < 0.05). TNF-α, bFGF and PlGF correlated with post-treatment synovial inflammation, while aortic inflammation was rather dependent on IL-6 and PECAM-1 as determined by PET/CT (P < 0.05). In the correlation analyses, NT-proBNP, CXCL8 and Cath variables correlated with ccIMT (P < 0.05). Conclusions Decreasing production of bFGF, PlGF or IL-6 by 1-year tofacitinib therapy potentially inhibits synovial and aortic inflammation. Although NT-proBNP, CXCL8 and CathK were associated with ccIMT, their role in RA-associated atherosclerosis needs to be further evaluated.
Associations between COVID-19 risk perceptions, behavior intentions and worry

BACKGROUND Risk perceptions are central to health behavior, but some types of risk perceptions may be more strongly connected to behavior than others. This research examined different risk perceptions of COVID-19 and their respective associations with behavior intentions and worry. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE U.S. college students (N = 248) and general adults (N = 300) reported their risk perceptions of COVID-19 – including absolute numerical, verbal, comparative, and feelings of risk – as well as their worry and intentions to do things such as get vaccinated. RESULTS Although most risk perceptions related to intentions and worry, feelings of risk were the most strongly and consistently related. The associations showed that the higher people’s feelings of risk were, the greater were their intentions and worry. CONCLUSIONS Assessing feelings of risk of COVID-19 may provide the best insight into people’s perceived threat of this virus.