Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dark matter searches and study of electrode design in LUX and LZ

There is substantial evidence that over 80% of matter in the universe is dark matter – which is non-baryonic in nature and is thought to be composed of a new, slow-moving, stable particle not found in the Standard Model of Particle Physics. Its presence is inferred from gravitational effects on luminous matter from several independent observations, from the galactic to the cosmological scale. Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) are the leading candidate, which can explain all of the observed effects. LUX and LZ are dual-phase xenon time projection chambers (TPC), aiming to observe scattering of WIMPs from xenon nuclei. LUX has an active mass of 250 kg of liquid xenon, and took data at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, between 2013 and 2016. The first WIMP search run of 85 live days in 2013 set world-leading exclusion limits on the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon cross section. This was improved by a reanalysis of those data, and subsequently by a new run yielding 332 live days, which set a minimum exclusion limit of 2.2 × 10−46 cm2 for a 50 GeV WIMP (90% CL). In addition, the most stringent limit to date on the spindependent WIMP-neutron scattering cross section comes from the reanalysis of the 2013 dataset, with a minimum exclusion of 9.4 × 10−41 cm2 for a 33 GeV WIMP. LZ is a next generation experiment with a 7 tonne active mass to be deployed in the same location as LUX, expected to be 100 times more sensitive. Work presented in this thesis includes analysis of the 2013 LUX search data to produce the spin-dependent results, evaluating the detector response using a tritium β− source, and determining the 85Kr background from data. A study was carried out on spurious electron emission phenomena from thin cathodic wires under high electric fields, using LUX engineering data where the grid voltages were increased above nominal operating values; this led to new insights into the microscopic breakdown mechanisms which have affected these (and other) TPC detectors for decades. The detailed understanding of the electroluminescence response gained in LUX was applied to the design of the LZ electroluminescence region; detailed simulation work of electrode geometry was performed to assess the performance of several candidate designs.
Variation of Tc, lattice parameter and atomic ordering in Nb3Sn platelets irradiated with 12 MeV protons: correlation with the number of induced Frenkel defects

Nb3Sn platelets with thicknesses between 0.12 and 0.20 mm produced by a high isostatic pressure process at 1250 °C were irradiated at 300 K with 12 MeV protons. The effects of irradiation on the lattice parameter a, the atomic order parameter S and the transition temperature Tc were measured as a function of proton fluence. In view of the presence of multiple energy radiation sources in future accelerators, the present proton data are compared with neutron irradiation data from the literature. The fluences for both types of radiation were replaced by the dpa number, the ‘displacements per atom’, calculated using the FLUKA code, which is proportional to the number of radiation induced Frenkel defects. It was found that the variation of both a and S for Nb3Sn after proton and neutron irradiation as a function of dpa fall almost on the same curve, in analogy to the recently reported correlation between Tc and the dpa number. By a simultaneous irradiation of two adjacent thin Nb3Sn platelets, we have shown that this correlation is not only valid for the state of ‘steady energy loss’ (protons traveling through the first platelet) but also for the state of higher damage at the Bragg peak (second platelet). It follows that the number of radiation induced Frenkel defects in the A15 grains, calculated via the dpa number, can be considered as a ‘universal’ parameter, allowing the calculation of the variation of Tc, a and S of Nb3Sn under the effect of multiple high energy radiation sources, as in future superconducting accelerators.
Investigating the syntax of speech acts: embedding illocutionary force

This dissertation examines the notion of illocutionary force and whether it is embeddable by examining the syntax, semantics and pragmatic effects of a range of root-like embedded constructions. Though illocutionary force has long been considered a property exclusive to root clauses, the examination and analysis of English embedded inverted questions and other quasi-quotational constructions cross-linguistically show that this is not the case. The contributions of this dissertation are three-fold: a refined definition of independent illocutionary force; a syntax for non-root complement clauses that carry independent illocutionary force; and a model for the discourse that captures the effects of these clauses. I also work towards understanding how the instantiation of independent illocutionary force in such constructions leads to their restricted distribution. Illocutionary force may be represented both lexically and through syntactic processes such as verb movement. I argue that verb movement to Force° is an interface operation—it occurs in syntax but is directly linked to a specific discourse interpretation. Building on Krifka (2014), illocutionary force is the expression of who takes responsibility for asserting or responding to a proposition or set of propositions, according to a given modal base. When illocutionary force is independently expressed on an embedded clause, the perspective holder and responsibility taker(s) are unambiguous and not mixed. In contrast, standard embedded clauses may be ambiguous as to who takes responsibility and may contain multiple perspectives. Clauses with independent illocutionary force have an expanded C-layer that is nonetheless smaller than that in true root clauses. An Illocutionary Act head selects for the embedded ForceP, determines illocutionary force and, obliquely, determines the restricted distribution of quasi-quotational constructions. A range of facts show that quasi-quotational constructions are truly embedded but are not direct objects of the matrix verb. Instead, they are in close apposition with a nominal direct object. This structure accounts for the properties of quasi-quotational constructions as entities that refer to a conversational move proffered in the relevant discourse, following Roberts's (1996, 2012) Question Under Discussion framework.
Sensitivity of a phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer with a semiconductor laser source

In the present paper we perform, for the first time, an analysis of the average sensitivity of a coherent phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (phase-OTDR) with a semiconductor laser source to external actions. The sensitivity of this OTDR can be defined in a conventional manner via average SNR at its output, which in turn is defined by the average useful signal power and the average intensity noise power in the OTDR spatial channels in the bandwidth defined by the OTDR sampling frequency. The average intensity noise power is considered in detail in a previous paper. In the current paper we examine the average useful signal power at the output of a phase-OTDR. The analysis of the average useful signal power of a phase-OTDR is based on the study of a fiber scattered-light interferometer (FSLI) which is treated as a constituent part of a phase- OTDR. In the analysis, one of the conventional phase-OTDR schemes with a rectangular dual-pulse probe signal is considered. The FSLI which corresponds to this OTDR scheme has two scattering fiber segments with additional time delay, introduced between backscattered fields. The average useful signal power and the resulting average SNR at the output of this FSLI are determined by the degree of coherence of the semiconductor laser source, the length of the scattering fiber segments, and by the additional time delay between the scattering fiber segments. The average useful signal power characteristic of the corresponding phase-OTDR is determined by analogous parameters: the source coherence, the time durations of the parts constituting the dual-pulse, and the time interval which separates these parts. In the paper an expression for the average useful signal power of a phase-OTDR is theoretically derived and experimentally verified. Based on the found average useful signal power of a phase-OTDR and the average intensity noise power, derived in the previous paper, the average SNR of a phase-OTDR is defined. Setting the average signal SNR to 1, at a defined spectral band the minimum detectable external action amplitude for our particular phase-OTDR setup is determined. We also derive a simple relation for the average useful signal power and the average SNR which results when making the assumption that the laser source coherence is high. The results of the paper can serve as the basis for further development of the concept of phase-OTDR sensitivity.
On Radius of Convexity of a Class of Analytic Functions

Let ( ) δ α , G denote the class of function f , ( ) ( ) 0 1 0 0 = − ′ = f f for which ( ) { } δ α > ′ z f e Re in { } 1 : cos . We obtain sharp results related to its radius of convexity when h and δ are also negative. Mathematics Subject Classification: 30C45, 30C55
ENABLING SCHOOL STRUCTURE AND COLLECTIVE TRUST AS PREDICTORS OF TEACHER EMPOWERMENT IN SELECTED EVANGELICAL SCHOOLS IN DAVAO REGION

This study determined the influence of enabling school structure and collective trust on the teacher empowerment in ACSCU-Member institutions in Region XI. The descriptive-correlational design was utilized in this study. A total of 245 teachers have participated in this study. The respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique. Sets of survey questionnaire were used as instruments in gathering data from the respondents. The Mean was used to determine the levels of enabling school structure, collective trust and teacher empowerment. Pearson product moment correlation was used to investigate the relationship between variables. Moreover, the multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of the enabling school structure and collective trust on teacher empowerment. The results revealed that the levels of enabling school structure, collective trust and teacher empowerment is high. Moreover, the enabling school structure and collective trust were found to have significant positive relationship with teacher empowerment. Furthermore, both the enabling school structure and collective trust significantly influence teacher empowerment. KEYWORDS: Enabling school structure, Collective trust, Teacher empowerment, Evangelical schools, Davao City, Philippines
A Bayesian Phase I/II Trial Design for Immunotherapy

ABSTRACT Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment approach that stimulates a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. It demonstrates characteristics distinct from conventional chemotherapy and stands to revolutionize cancer treatment. We propose a Bayesian phase I/II dose-finding design that incorporates the unique features of immunotherapy by simultaneously considering three outcomes: immune response, toxicity, and efficacy. The objective is to identify the biologically optimal dose, defined as the dose with the highest desirability in the risk–benefit tradeoff. An Emax model is utilized to describe the marginal distribution of the immune response. Conditional on the immune response, we jointly model toxicity and efficacy using a latent variable approach. Using the accumulating data, we adaptively randomize patients to experimental doses based on the continuously updated model estimates. A simulation study shows that our proposed design has good operating characteristics in terms of selecting the target dose and allocating patients to the target dose. Supplementary materials for this article, including a standardized description of the materials available for reproducing the work, are available as an online supplement.
Leader–Follower Trajectory Control for Quadrotors via Tracking Differentiators and Disturbance Observers

In this paper, both a trajectory tracking controller and a position controller are investigated for leader–follower trajectory control of quadrotors. A tracking differentiator is designed to generate speed signals for the quadrotors which are composed of a leader and some followers. Based on state errors between the leader and followers, a nonlinear disturbance observer is used in the trajectory tracking controller. A saturation law with anti-trigonometric functions is adopted in the position controller for the leader and followers. Experiment results are given to show the applicability of the proposed method for quadrotors.
The problem(s) with representing decision processes under uncertainty

Abstract Underscoring the economic significance of the Knightian distinction between risk and uncertainty, Don Katzner forcefully challenges the continued dominance of the expected utility model based on subjective probability in macroeconomic analysis and offers in its place a simple yet elegant model of decision making inspired by the pioneering work of G.L. S. Shackle. In doing so, Katzner lends support to a research program to identify a more coherent and empirically grounded theory of decision making under uncertainty. Our paper makes three contributions to this program. First, we argue that the appropriate choice of a model of individual behavior under uncertainty cannot be adjudicated merely on logical, a priori grounds, but must ultimately be based on consistency with observed behavior. There are many internally consistent models and their external conditions of validity hardly ever rely on inconceivable scenarios. Second, while Katzner’s model certainly provides a plausible foundation for understanding choice under uncertainty, we suggest that it is somewhat underdetermined. It requires further theoretical articulation to yield testable predictions which differentiate it from competing approaches. Third, we discuss recent experimental findings that may need to be addressed by any satisfactory theoretical account of decision making under uncertainty.
High frequency homogenization of bubbly crystals

This paper is concerned with the high frequency homogenization of bubbly phononic crystals. It is a follow-up of the work [H. Ammari et al., Subwavelength phononic bandgap opening in bubbly media, J. Diff. Eq., 263 (2017), 5610–5629] which shows the existence of a subwavelength band gap in such media. We show that the first Bloch eigenvalue achievs its maximum at the corner of the Brillouin zone. By computing the asymptotic of the Bloch eigenfunctions in the periodic structure near that critical frequency, we demonstrate that these eigenfunctions can be decomposed into two parts: one part is slowly varying and satisfies a homogenized equation, while the other is periodic across each elementary crystal cell and is varying. This is very different from the usual homogenization where the second part is constant. This homogenization theory is termed high frequency homogenization in the sense that it is concerned with the asymptotic of wave fields near the critical frequency where a subwavelength band gap opens rather than the zero frequency. Our results shed light into the wave propagation theory in metamaterials. In particular, they rigorously justify, in the nondilute case, the observed superfocusing of acoustic waves in bubbly crystals near and below the maximum of the first Bloch eigenvalue. Mathematics Subject Classification (MSC2000). 35R30, 35C20.
A disinhibitory circuit mechanism explains a general principle of peak performance during mid-level arousal

Perceptual decision-making is highly dependent on the momentary arousal state of the brain, which fluctuates over time on a scale of hours, minutes, and even seconds. The textbook relationship between momentary arousal and task performance is captured by an inverted U-shape, as put forward in the Yerkes-Dodson law (Yerkes and Dodson, 1908). This law suggests optimal performance at moderate levels of arousal, and impaired performance at low or high arousal levels. However, despite its popularity, the evidence for this relationship in humans is mixed at best. Here, we use pupil-indexed arousal and performance data from various perceptual decision-making tasks to provide converging evidence for the inverted U-shaped relationship between spontaneous arousal fluctuations and performance across different decision types (discrimination, detection) and sensory modalities (visual, auditory). To further understand this relationship, we built a neurobiologically plausible mechanistic model and show that it is possible to reproduce our findings by incorporating two types of interneurons that are both modulated by an arousal signal. The model architecture produces two dynamical regimes under the influence of arousal: one regime in which performance increases with arousal, and another regime in which performance decreases with arousal, together forming an inverted U-shaped arousal-performance relationship. We conclude that the inverted U-shaped arousal-performance relationship is a general and robust property of sensory processing. It might be brought about by the influence of arousal on two types of interneurons that together act as a disinhibitory pathway for the neural populations that encode the available sensory evidence used for the decision. Significance statement When people are repeatedly performing the exact same task, their performance fluctuates over time. One of the causes of this behavioral variability is spontaneous fluctuations in arousal. According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, task performance is optimal at moderate levels of species’ arousal, with impaired performance at very low or high arousal levels. However, until now, the evidence supporting this law as a general mechanism in human decision-making is mixed, and a neural mechanism that may explain the inverted U-shaped arousal-performance relationship is lacking. We show that the Yerkes-Dodson law is a general law that holds for human observers across decision-making tasks and settings. Furthermore, we present a simple and neurobiologically plausible mechanistic model that can explain its existence.
A Compact and Effective Photon-Resolved Image Scanning Microscope

Fluorescence confocal laser-scanning microscopy (LSM) is one of the most popular tools for life science research. This popularity is expected to grow thanks to single-photon array detectors tailored for LSM. These detectors offer unique single-photon spatiotemporal information, opening new perspectives for gentle and quantitative super-resolution imaging. However, a flawless recording of this information poses significant challenges for the microscope data-acquisition system. Here, we present a data-acquisition module based on the digital frequency domain principle, able to record photons’ essential spatial and temporal features. We use this module to extend the capabilities of established imaging techniques based on single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array detectors, such as fluorescence lifetime image scanning microscopy. Furthermore, we use the module to introduce a robust multi-species approach encoding the fluorophore’s excitation spectra in the time domain. Lastly, we combine time-resolved stimulated emission depletion microscopy with image scanning microscopy, boosting spatial resolution. Our results demonstrate how a conventional fluorescence laser scanning microscope can transform into a simple, information-rich, super-resolved imaging system with the simple addition of a SPAD array detector with a tailored data acquisition system. We expected a blooming of advanced single-photon imaging techniques which effectively harness all the sample information encoded in each photon.
Neural Correlates of High-Level Visual Saliency Models

Visual saliency highlights regions in a scene that are most relevant to an observer. The process by which a saliency map is formed has been a crucial subject of investigation in both machine vision and neuroscience. Deep learning-based approaches incorporate high-level information and have achieved accurate predictions of eye movement patterns, the overt behavioral analogue of a saliency map. As such, they may constitute a suitable surrogate of cortical saliency computations. In this study, we leveraged recent advances in computational saliency modeling and the Natural Scenes Dataset (NSD) to examine the relationship between model-based representations and the brain. Our aim was to uncover the neural correlates of high-level saliency and compare them with low-level saliency as well as emergent features from neural networks trained on different tasks. The results identified hV4 as a key region for saliency computations, informed by semantic processing in ventral visual areas. During natural scene viewing, hV4 appears to serve a transformative role linking low- and high-level features to attentional selection. Moreover, we observed spatial biases in ventral and parietal areas for saliency-based receptive fields, shedding light on the interplay between attention and oculomotor behavior.
SNP-Slice Resolves Mixed Infections: Simultaneously Unveiling Strain Haplotypes and Linking Them to Hosts

Multi-strain infection is a common yet under-investigated phenomenon of many pathogens. Currently, biologists analyzing SNP information have to discard mixed infection samples, because existing downstream analyses require monogenomic inputs. Such a protocol impedes our understanding of the underlying genetic diversity, co-infection patterns, and genomic relatedness of pathogens. A reliable tool to learn and resolve the SNP haplotypes from polygenomic data is an urgent need in molecular epidemiology. In this work, we develop a slice sampling Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm, named SNP-Slice, to learn not only the SNP haplotypes of all strains in the populations but also which strains infect which hosts. Our method reconstructs SNP haplotypes and individual heterozygosities accurately without reference panels and outperforms the state of art methods at estimating the multiplicity of infections and allele frequencies. Thus, SNP-Slice introduces a novel approach to address polygenomic data and opens a new avenue for resolving complex infection patterns in molecular surveillance. We illustrate the performance of SNP-Slice on empirical malaria and HIV datasets and provide recommendations for the practical use of the method.
Quantification and modeling of turnover dynamics of de novo transcripts in Drosophila melanogaster

Most of the transcribed eukaryotic genomes are composed of non-coding transcripts. Among these transcripts, some are newly transcribed when compared to outgroups and are referred to as de novo transcripts. De novo transcripts have been shown to play a major role in de novo gene emergence. However, little is known about the rates at which de novo transcripts are gained and lost in individuals of the same species. Here, we address this gap and estimate for the first time the de novo transcript turnover rate. We use DNA long reads and RNA short reads from seven samples of inbred individuals of Drosophila melanogaster to detect de novo transcripts that are (transiently) gained on a short evolutionary time scale. Overall, each sampled individual contains between 2,320 and 2,809 unspliced de novo transcripts with most of them being sample specific. We estimate that around 0.15 transcripts are gained per year, and that each gained transcript is lost at a rate around 5×10−5 per year. This high turnover of transcripts suggests frequent exploration of new genomic sequences within species. These rates provide first empirical estimates to better predict and comprehend the process of de novo gene birth.