Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectral narrowing in optically pumped poly (p‐phenylenevinylene) Films

Since the first report of electroluminescence (EL) from poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV),"] considerable effort has been directed towards understanding the nature of the photo-excited species in conjugated polymers,[2231 both in the context of EL devices, and also photoconduction and photovoltaic devices. [41 Refinements in polymer synthesis and processing have dramatically increased the quantum yield of EL and photoluminescence (PL), both of which result from recombination of singlet excitons, thus leading to improved efficiencies of polymer light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Recently, we have demonstrated stimulated emission from films of PPV when they were excited by subpicosecond UV pulses. ['] This optical gain was enhanced when a similar PPV film was sandwiched between silver mirrors, making a microcavity s t ruc t~ re , [~*~] and it was found that this type of sample exhibited laser action when excited with UV pulses with energies of about 1 pJ. ['l It has also been shown recently (by ourselves and other groups) that, for films of a variety of conjugated polymers prepared on glass substrates, the emission spectrum narrows with increasing optical-pump intensity when using pulsed ex~itation. [~-'~] In this communication we report a detailed study of this spectral narrowing phenomenon using films of PPV with high PL efficiency. Spectral narrowing of the emission spectrum was also observed in our earlier work on microcavities and this effect accompanies lasing. However, spectral narrowing on its own cannot indicate whether lasing is present since it can arise through other mechanisms. One proposed explanation is that PL is waveguided in the polymer film and experiences gain (via stimulated emission) over a relatively long optical pathlength. ['] Alternatively, superradiance has been invoked as a possible cause. [93101 To determine the mechanism leading to spectral narrowing in PPV films, we have measured emission spectra as a function of a range of parameters in addition to the excitation pulse-energy: film thickness, de-
Bridging the gap between vectorial and mental word representations

In this paper, we combine two apparently disparate techniques for word representation: (a) word embeddings, which learn vectors from co-occurency statistics on large corpora (b) word associations, which capture mental representation of language. Existing literature has mainly considered these representations distinctly while proving that they respectively perform better at (a) similarity and (b) analogy tasks. We propose to combine these two sources of information and derive several hybrid models in order to obtain good performance on both tasks. In particular, our best method pairs Shortest Paths methods with an improved-version of Retrofitting models: it reaches an averaged 5% improvement over state-of-the-art on a standard test of 5 similarity and 2 analogy datasets.
GRAPH-BASED ACTIVITY REGULARIZATION

In this paper, we propose a novel unsupervised clustering approach exploiting the hidden information that is indirectly introduced through a pseudo classification objective. Specifically, we randomly assign a pseudo parent-class label to each observation which is then modified by applying the domain specific transformation associated with the assigned label. Generated pseudo observation-label pairs are subsequently used to train a neural network with Auto-clustering Output Layer (ACOL) that introduces multiple softmax nodes for each pseudo parent-class. Due to the unsupervised objective based on Graph-based Activity Regularization (GAR) terms, softmax duplicates of each parent-class are specialized as the hidden information captured through the help of domain specific transformations is propagated during training. Ultimately we obtain a k-means friendly latent representation. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the chosen transformation type impacts performance and helps propagate the latent information that is useful in revealing unknown clusters. Our results show state-of-the-art performance for unsupervised clustering tasks on MNIST, SVHN and USPS datasets, with the highest accuracies reported to date in the literature.
Moniliophthora roreri, causal agent of cacao frosty pod rot.

Taxonomy: Moniliophthora roreri (Cif.) H.C. Evans et al. ; Phylum Basidiomycota; Class Agaricomycetes; Order Agaricales; Family Marasmiaceae; Genus Moniliophthora. Biology: Moniliophthora roreri attacks Theobroma and Herrania species causing frosty pod rot. Theobroma cacao (cacao) is the host of major economic concern. Moniliophthora roreri is a hemibiotroph with a long biotrophic phase (45-90 days). Spore masses, of apparent asexual origin, are produced on the pod surface after initiation of the necrotrophic phase. Spores are spread by wind, rain and human activity. Symptoms of the biotrophic phase can include necrotic flecks and, in some cases, pod malformation, but pods otherwise remain asymptomatic. Relationship to Moniliophthora perniciosa: Moniliophthora roreri and Moniliophthora perniciosa, causal agent of witches' broom disease of cacao, are closely related. Their genomes are similar, including many of the genes they carry which are considered to be important in the disease process. Moniliophthora perniciosa, also a hemibiotroph, has a typical basidiomycete lifestyle and morphology, forming clamp connections and producing mushrooms. Basidiospores infect meristematic tissues including flower cushions, stem tips and pods. Moniliophthora roreri does not form clamp connections or mushrooms and infects pods only. Both pathogens are limited to the Western Hemisphere and are a threat to cacao production around the world. Agronomic importance: Disease losses caused by frosty pod rot can reach 90% and result in field abandonment. Moniliophthora roreri remains in the invasive phase in the Western Hemisphere, not having reached Brazil, some islands within the Caribbean and a few specific regions within otherwise invaded countries. DISEASE MANAGEMENT The disease can be managed by a combination of cultural (for example, maintenance of tree height and removal of infected pods) and chemical methods. These methods benefit from regional application, but can be cost prohibitive. Breeding for disease resistance offers the greatest potential for frosty pod rot management and new tolerant materials are becoming available.
Evaluation of continental carbon cycle simulations with North American flux tower observations

Terrestrial biosphere models can help identify physical processes that control carbon dynamics, including land-atmosphere CO2 fluxes, and have great potential to predict the terrestrial ecosystem response to changing climate. The skill of models that provide continental-scale carbon flux estimates, however, remains largely untested. This paper evaluates the performance of continental-scale flux estimates from 17 models against observations from 36 North American flux towers. Fluxes extracted from regional model simulations were compared with co-located flux tower observations at monthly and annual time increments. Site-level model simulations were used to help interpret sources of the mismatch between the regional simulations and site-based observations. On average, the regional model runs overestimated the annual gross primary productivity (5%) and total respiration (15%), and they significantly underestimated the annual net carbon uptake (64%) during the time period 2000- 2005. Comparison with site-level simulations implicated choices specific to regional model simulations as contributors to the gross flux biases, but not the net carbon uptake bias. The models performed the best at simulating carbon exchange at deciduous broadleaf sites, likely because a number of models used prescribed phenology to simulate seasonal fluxes. The models did not perform as well for crop, grass, and evergreen sites. The regional models matched the observations most closely in terms of seasonal correlation and seasonal magnitude of variation, but they have very little skill at interannual correlation and minimal skill at interannual magnitude of variability. The comparison of site vs. regional-level model runs demonstrated that (1) the interannual correlation is higher for site-level model runs, but the skill remains low; and (2) the underestimation of year-to-year variability for all fluxes is an inherent weakness of the models. The best-performing regional models that did not use flux tower calibration were CLM-CN, CASA-GFEDv2, and SIB3.1. Two flux tower calibrated, empirical models, EC-MOD and MOD17þ, performed as well as the best process-based models. This suggests that (1) empirical, calibrated models can perform as well as complex, process-based models and (2) combining process- based model structure with relevant constraining data could significantly improve model performance.
Comparison of 0.5M gadoterate and 1.0M gadobutrol in peripheral MRA: A prospective, single‐center, randomized, crossover, double‐blind study

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of macrocyclic paramagnetic gadolinium (Gd) chelates gadoterate (0.5 mmol/mL) and gadobutrol (1.0 mmol/mL) for the diagnosis of clinically significant abdominal/lower limb arterial diseases at 3.0T.
6 Microsatellites as Tools for Genetic Diversity Analysis

Powerful tools for the analysis of genetic biodiversity are molecular markers, which are based on DNA sequence polymorphisms. Indeed, DNA sequences determine the diversity of organisms, and therefore, the techniques used to evaluate DNA polymorphisms directly measure the genetic diversity. Because molecular markers show Mendelian inheritance, it is possible to trace the fingerprint of each organism and determine the evolutionary history of the species by phylogenetic analysis, studies of genetic relationship, population genetic structures and genetic mapping.
Ureaplasma Species Multiple Banded Antigen (MBA) Variation Is Associated with the Severity of Inflammation In vivo and In vitro in Human Placentae

Background: The multiple banded antigen (MBA), a surface-exposed lipoprotein, is a proposed virulence factor of Ureaplasma spp. We previously demonstrated that the number of Ureaplasma parvum MBA size variants in amniotic fluid was inversely proportional to the severity of chorioamnionitis in experimentally infected pregnant sheep. However, the effect of ureaplasma MBA size variation on inflammation in human pregnancies has not been reported. Methods: Ureaplasmas isolated from the chorioamnion of pregnant women from a previous study (n = 42) were speciated/serotyped and MBA size variation was demonstrated by PCR and western blot. Results were correlated with the severity of chorioamnionitis and cord blood cytokines. In vitro, THP-1-derived macrophages were exposed to recombinant-MBA proteins of differing sizes and NF-κB activation and cytokine responses were determined. Results: MBA size variation was identified in 21/32 (65.6%) clinical isolates (in 10 clinical isolates MBA size variation was unable to be determined). Any size variation (increase/decrease) of the MBA (regardless of Ureaplasma species or serovar) was associated with mild or absent chorioamnionitis (P = 0.023) and lower concentrations of cord blood cytokines IL-8 (P = 0.04) and G-CSF (P = 0.008). In vitro, recombinant-MBA variants elicited different cytokine responses and altered expression of NF-κB p65. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that size variation of the ureaplasma MBA protein modulates the host immune response in vivo and in vitro.
Multi-Agent System for Demand Prediction and Trip Visualization in Bike Sharing Systems

This paper proposes a multi agent system that provides visualization and prediction tools for bike sharing systems (BSS). The presented multi-agent system includes an agent that performs data collection and cleaning processes, it is also capable of creating demand forecasting models for each bicycle station. Moreover, the architecture offers API (Application Programming Interface) services and provides a web application for visualization and forecasting. This work aims to make the system generic enough for it to be able to integrate data from different types of bike sharing systems. Thus, in future studies it will be possible to employ the proposed system in different types of bike sharing systems. This article contains a literature review, a section on the process of developing the system and the built-in prediction models. Moreover, a case study which validates the proposed system by implementing it in a public bicycle sharing system in Salamanca, called SalenBici. It also includes an outline of the results and conclusions, a discussion on the challenges encountered in this domain, as well as possibilities for future work.
Inhibitory effects of the essential oils α-longipinene and linalool on biofilm formation and hyphal growth of Candida albicans

Abstract Candida albicans is one of the most common fungal pathogens, and causes systemic and invasive infections in humans. C. albicans biofilms are composed of yeast and hyphal and pseudohyphal elements, and the transition of yeast to the hyphal stage could be a virulence factor. In this study, diverse essential oils were initially investigated for anti-biofilm activity against C. albicans strains, and cascarilla bark oil and helichrysum oil and their components α-longipinene (a major constituent of both) and linalool were found to markedly inhibit biofilm formation without affecting planktonic cell growth. Moreover, α-longipinene and linalool were found to synergistically reduce biofilm formation. Notably, treatments with cascarilla bark oil, helichrysum oil, α-longipinene, or linalool clearly inhibited hyphal formation, and this appeared to be largely responsible for their anti-biofilm effect. Furthermore, the two essential oils, α-longipinene and linalool, reduced C. albicans virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans.
A new tree similarity measuring method and its application to ontology comparison

This paper extends the classical tree similarity measuring method and proposes a definition for cost of tree transformation operations based on the importance of each concept in the entire concept structure and similarity between individual concepts in a knowledge context. We apply the proposed method to ontology comparison where different ontologies for the same domain are represented as trees and their similarity is required to be measured. We show that the proposed method can facilitate the initiation of ontology integration and ontology trust evaluation.
The role of sustained attention, maternal sensitivity, and infant temperament in the development of early self‐regulation

This study investigated infant predictors of early cognitive and emotional self-regulation from an intrinsic and caregiving environmental perspective. Sustained attention, reactive aspects of infant temperament, and maternal sensitivity were assessed at 10 months (n = 124) and early self-regulation (including executive functions, EF, and emotion regulation) was assessed at 18 months. The results indicated that sustained attention predicted early EF, which provide empirical support for the hierarchical framework of EF development, advocating early attention as a foundation for the development of cognitive self-regulation. Maternal sensitivity and surgency predicted emotion regulation, in that infants of sensitive mothers showed more regulatory behaviours and a longer latency to distress, whereas high levels of surgency predicted low emotion regulation, suggesting both the caregiving environment and temperament as important in the development of self-regulation. Interaction effects suggested high sustained attention to be a protective factor for children of insensitive mothers, in relation to emotion regulation. In addition, high levels of maternal sensitivity seemed to foster development of emotion regulation among children with low to medium levels of sustained attention and/or surgency. In all, our findings point to the importance of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in infant development of self-regulation.
Evaluation of sharp indentation testing of thin films and ribbons on hard substrates

A numerical investigation of sharp indentation of thin films and ribbons has been conducted using the finite element method. For a wide variety of material behavior, the critical ratio of indentation depth to thin film thickness is determined for the case of indentation of thin films or ribbons perfectly clamped on hard substrates. The critical ratio is defined as the ratio at which the indentation response can no longer be considered closely acceptable to the corresponding response at indentation of bulk materials. The indentation parameters investigated are hardness (average contact pressure), the size of the contact area between indenter and material, and the initial unloading slope of the indentation load-indentation depth curve. The implications of the results for material characterization of thin films and ribbons by indentation are discussed in some detail.
Enhancement of Image Resolution by Binarization

Image segmentation is one of the principal approaches of image processing. The choice of the most appropriate Binarization algorithm for each case proved to be a very interesting procedure itself. In this paper, we have done the comparison study between the various algorithms based on Binarization algorithms and propose a methodologies for the validation of Binarization algorithms. In this work we have developed two novel algorithms to determine threshold values for the pixels value of the gray scale image. The performance estimation of the algorithm utilizes test images with, the evaluation metrics for Binarization of textual and synthetic images. We have achieved better resolution of the image by using the Binarization method of optimum thresholding techniques.
In-situ observation of peritectic solidification in Sn-Cd and Fe-C alloys

Time-resolved absorption imaging using synchrotron radiation X-rays allows us to observe solidification of metallic alloys of interest. This paper presents peritectic solidification in Sn-Cd alloy and Fe-C alloys. In unidirectional solidification of Sn-Cd alloy, the formation of a banded structure, in which two phases were alternatively piled up in the growth direction, was clearly observed. Sequence of nucleation or fluctuation of triple junction (primary phase / secondary phase / liquid) resulted in the banded structure. Ease of nucleation for both phases contributed to the banded structure formation. In carbon steel (Fe-0.45mass%C), the transformation from δ phase to γ phase was observed. At lower cooling rates, γ phase was produced in semisolid state of δ phase and liquid, indicating the peritectic reaction occurred during solidification. In contrast, δ phase transformed into γ phase when solidification nearly completed at temperatures 100K below the liquidus temperature. Namely, the transformation seemed to be massive. The observation showed that two different transformation modes operated in Fe-C alloy.
Efficacy of intraoperative wound irrigation for preventing shunt infection.

OBJECT Although a cerebrospinal fluid shunt procedure is one of the most frequently performed operations in pediatric neurosurgery, the infection rate due to the procedure is not low. The authors have hypothesized that the key to reducing surgical shunt infections is to reduce bacteria from the operating field and wound. This hypothesis has been tested in a prospective nonrandomized controlled study at the authors' department. METHODS Beginning in August 2006, during shunt procedures the authors began routinely irrigating the operating field and wound with amikacin containing saline, using a jet of fluid from a syringe. Prior to this new routine no irrigation techniques were used, providing an adequate control group for comparing the effect of the irrigation technique. Data obtained in all patients undergoing shunt insertions or revisions for hydrocephalus performed between October 1, 2003, and November 30, 2007, were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 101 shunt procedures were performed in 63 patients (34 females and 29 males) during the study period. The mean age of all patients was 48.2 +/- 61.8 months. A total of 61 shunt procedures were performed before August 2006, and 40 were performed after August 2006. There was no statistical difference between the ages of patients in the 2 groups (p = 0.64). Eight total infections occurred during the 90 days of the postoperative period (7.9% overall infection rate). All 8 infections occurred before implementation of the irrigation technique (13.1% infection rate), but no infections were noted after beginning use of the irrigation procedure (0% infection rate). There was a statistically significant difference in the infection rate between the 2 groups (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS Use of an irrigation strategy aimed at reducing bacteria from the operating field and wound can be considered an effective procedure for preventing shunt infection.
First Clinical Results With a New Telemetric Intracranial Pressure-Monitoring System

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of intracranial pressure (ICP) is the basis of an appropriate neurosurgical treatment. Because clinical, fundoscopic, or radiological data alone are often elusive, a pre- or postoperative long-term monitoring of the ICP itself is desirable. OBJECTIVE: We describe the first clinical experiences with a new telemetric ICP-monitoring device. METHODS: The transducer of this telemetric intraparenchymal pressure probe is placed under the galea over the calvaria. ICP can be monitored via a special telemetric reader, placed over the intact skin, and the ICP values are stored in a small portable computer. The system does not require an intensive care environment and can be used in any ward or even at home. The system was successfully applied in 10 patients (age, 3-56 years) in whom raised ICP due to hydrocephalus, shunt dysfunction, endoscopic third ventriculostomy failure, craniostenosis, or pseudotumor cerebri was suspected. RESULTS: Continuous telemetric monitoring of ICP was performed for 2 to 24 weeks. In 7 patients, increased ICP values could be excluded, and further surgical maneuvers were avoided. In 3 patients, repeated plateaus or continuously raised ICP indicated surgery resulting in a normalization of ICP. CONCLUSION: This new telemetric system was safe and effective for ICP measurement over a long period, including home monitoring. For the patients, it was easy to handle, and reliable data could be recorded over many weeks. Based on this preliminary experience, the authors consider the new system extremely advantageous in surgical decision making in particularly difficult cases of suspected abnormalities of ICP.
Bilingualism: Language and Cognition Language Contact Outcomes as the Result of Bilingual Optimization Strategies Language Contact Outcomes as the Result of Bilingual Optimization Strategies *

This paper sketches a comprehensive framework for modeling and interpreting language contact phenomena, with speakers' bilingual strategies in specific scenarios of language contact as its point of departure. Bilingual strategies are conditioned by social factors, processing constraints of speakers' bilingual competence, and perceived language distance. In a number of domains of language contact studies important progress has been made, including Creole studies, code-switching, language development, linguistic borrowing, and areal convergence. Less attention has been paid to the links between these fields, so that results in one domain can be compared with those in another. These links are approached here from the perspective of speaker optimization strategies. Four strategies are proposed: maximize structural coherence of the first language (L1); maximize structural coherence of the second language (L2); match between L1 and L2 patterns where possible; and rely on universal principles of language processing. These strategies can be invoked to explain outcomes of language contact. Different outcomes correspond to different interactions of these strategies in bilingual speakers and their communities.