Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Applicability of the Dual‐Domain Model to Nonaggregated Porous Media

More theoretical analysis is needed to investigate why a dual‐domain model often works better than the classical advection‐dispersion (AD) model in reproducing observed breakthrough curves for relatively homogeneous porous media, which do not contain distinct dual domains. Pore‐scale numerical experiments presented here reveal that hydrodynamics create preferential flow paths that occupy a small part of the domain but where most of the flow takes place. This creates a flow‐dependent configuration, where the total domain consists of a mobile and an immobile domain. Mass transfer limitations may result in nonequilibrium, or significant differences in concentration, between the apparent mobile and immobile zones. When the advection timescale is smaller than the diffusion timescale, the dual‐domain mass transfer (DDMT) model better captures the tailing in the breakthrough curve. Moreover, the model parameters (mobile porosity, mean solute velocity, dispersivity, and mass transfer coefficient) demonstrate nonlinear dependency on mean fluid velocity. The studied case also shows that when the Peclet number, Pe, is large enough, the mobile porosity approaches a constant, and the mass transfer coefficient can be approximated as proportional to mean fluid velocity. Based on detailed analysis at the pore scale, this paper provides a physical explanation why these model parameters vary in certain ways with Pe. In addition, to improve prediction in practical applications, we recommend conducting experiments for parameterization of the DDMT model at a velocity close to that of the relevant field sites, or over a range of velocities that may allow a better parameterization.
Structure of the Subduction System in Southern Peru from Seismic Array Data

Southern Peru represents a subduction transition region from normal subduction in the southernmost part of Peru to flat slab subduction in central Peru. In order to learn more about the structure of southern Peru, causes of flat slab subduction, and the nature of the transition from normal to flat slab subduction, we installed three seismic arrays utilizing a total of about 100 broadband stations. The first installed array samples the normal subduction region, while the second samples the transition from normal to flat subduction, and the third samples the flat slab region near where the Nazca Ridge is presently subducting. Data from teleseismic events greater than 30 degrees distance from Peru was analyzed using the receiver function method that makes use of P to S converted phases at interfaces such as the Moho to provide information about the structure directly beneath each station. A strong signal from the Moho was observed for each array and was found to have a maximum depth of around 75 km beneath the Altiplano. The average crustal Vp/Vs ratio was also estimated and was found to have an average value of around 1.75 beneath the Altiplano. The shape of the slab was also clarified for the three arrays. The transition from normal to flat slab subduction appears to be a contortion rather than a break in the slab. In addition to those signals, a positive impedance midcrustal signal at about 40 km depth was widely observed for stations on the eastern side of the arrays. The midcrustal signal is indicative of a velocity increase in the lower crust and is suggested to be an observation of the underthrusting Brazilian shield which would have implications for the timing of uplift in the Andes. Finite difference modeling with velocity models that include a midcrustal structure produces synthetics which are consistent with receiver function observations. Receiver function results and other related methods provide a simple way of making direct observations of key structural interfaces and the current state of the subduction system which has relevance in studies of the tectonic evolution of the region and estimations of causes of flat slab subduction.
Learning styles and perceptual patterns for English /i/ and /ɪ/ among Chinese college students

ABSTRACT This study examined whether learning styles, along with age of starting English learning and length of English learning, are related to perceptual patterns for English /i/–/ɪ/ among Chinese college students who learn English as a foreign language. A total of 83 Chinese college students with different learning styles as measured by Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (1985) and 16 native speakers of American English identified the vowels in a synthetic beat–bit continuum. The results revealed that the Chinese participants’ perceptual patterns for English /i/–/ɪ/ varied with their learning styles. The participants with Kolb's (1985) assimilative and divergent learning styles were more likely to exhibit perceptual patterns resembling those of the American participants than were the participants with convergent and accommodative learning styles. Furthermore, of Kolb's four learning modes, reflective observation had a facilitative effect on the participants’ perception, whereas active experimentation was more likely to cause difficulties; abstract conceptualization and concrete experience bore little relation to the perception of these two sounds. In addition, length of English learning played a critical part in the development of English /i/–/ɪ/ perception. However, age of starting English learning in foreign language conditions was not as crucial as suggested by earlier studies on speech perception in second language conditions.
Alignment-Free Ultra-High-Throughput Comparison of Druggable Protein-Ligand Binding Sites

Inferring the biological function of a protein from its three-dimensional structure as well as explaining why a drug may bind to various targets is of crucial importance to modern drug discovery. Here we present a generic 4833-integer vector describing druggable protein-ligand binding sites that can be applied to any protein and any binding cavity. The fingerprint registers counts of pharmacophoric triplets from the Calpha atomic coordinates of binding-site-lining residues. Starting from a customized data set of diverse protein-ligand binding site pairs, the most appropriate metric and a similarity threshold could be defined for similar binding sites. The method (FuzCav) has been used in various scenarios: (i) screening a collection of 6000 binding sites for similarity to different queries; (ii) classifying protein families (serine endopeptidases, protein kinases) by binding site diversity; (iii) discriminating adenine-binding cavities from decoys. The fingerprint generation and comparison supports ultra-high throughput (ca. 1000 measures/s), does not require prior alignment of protein binding sites, and is able to detect local similarity among subpockets. It is thus particularly well suited to the functional annotation of novel genomic structures with low sequence identity to known X-ray templates.
Luzindole but not 4-phenyl-2- propionamidotetralin (4P-PDOT) diminishes the inhibitory effect of melatonin on murine Colon 38 cancer growth in vitro.

OBJECTIVE Our earlier studies have shown that MLT exerts the inhibitory effect on murine cancer via membrane and nuclear receptors. We have found that the antagonist of MT1 receptors does not diminish the antiproliferative effect of MLT on Colon 38 cells, and the contribution of MT2 receptors has been suggested to be responsible. Therefore, in the present study we have examined the influence of the 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4P-PDOT), which is a selective antagonist of MT2 membrane receptor, and luzindole - an antagonist of both membrane receptors, on an oncostatic action of MLT. MATERIALS AND METHODS The murine cancer cell line Colon 38 was used in the experiments. In 48 hrs cell culture the effects of MLT, 4P-PDOT and luzindole administered alone and MLT applied jointly with either 4P-PDOT or luzindole were examined. The growth of cancer cells was assessed using the modified colorimetric Mosmann method. RESULTS Melatonin at both examined concentrations (10-7, 10-9 M) significantly decreased the viability of cancer cells. The selective antagonist of MT2 membrane receptor, namely 4P-PDOT and luzindole applied separately did not have an effect on the growth of Colon 38 cells. The addition of 4P-PDOT to MLT did not change the inhibitory effect of MLT, whereas luzindole given together with MLT diminished, but failed to block totally, the oncostatic properties of MLT. CONCLUSIONS The obtained data and our previous studies conducted on Colon 38 cancer indicate that membrane melatonin receptors are not indispensable to the oncostatic action of melatonin and thus other pathways such as nuclear signaling and receptor-independent mechanism may be also involved.
Does Trade Foster Regional Economic Activity ? Aggregate Evidence from Spanish Regions

The economic and monetary integration of the European Union (EU) brings to the fore the question of whether trade integration affects the distribution of economic activity among countries as well as within regions. On the one hand, the reduction of real exchange rate variability is expected to promote EU trade. On the other hand, trade promotion might be highly asymmetric, especially if trade creation increases the economic activity of frontrunner regions. This paper examines the determinants of Spanish regional trade, and in particular real exchange rate variability, over the period 1990–1999 coinciding with the period of transition to a common currency in order to measure any effects thereafter when the exchange rates of previously national currencies became fixed. Furthermore, we explore the appreciable effects over the regional economic activity. Our results provide suggestive evidence that the reduction of real exchange rate variability at the regional level promotes regional trade although it leads to a regionally idiosyncratic distribution of economic activity.
Performance of A Fuzzy Power System Stabilizer With Tie Line Active Power Deviation Feedback

This paper reports the application of a new input signal based fuzzy power system stabilizer in multi-machine environment. Instead of conventional input pairs like speed deviation (Deltaomega) and acceleration (Deltaomegadot) or speed deviation and accelerating power deviation of each machine, in this paper, deviation of active power through the tie line connecting two areas is used as one of the inputs to the fuzzy PSS in conjunction with the speed deviation. The advantage of this input is that, the same signal can be fed to each of the fuzzy logic PSS attached with each machine, which reduces cost, scanning time and thus simplifies the structure. The first simulated system here consists of two fully symmetrical areas linked together by two 230 kV lines. Each area is equipped with two identical generators rated 20 kV/900 MVA and area-1 is exporting 413 MW to area-2. The second one is the standard IEEE 14-bus system. Simulations including a number of small and large signal disturbances are carried out with these systems. For each disturbance, the performances of conventional speed-input PSS, typical speed deviation (Deltaomega) and acceleration input based fuzzy PSS and the proposed tie line active power deviation based fuzzy PSS in damping both local and inter-area mode of oscillation are observed. Apart from the simplicity and cost effectiveness, it is found that the proposed PSS is performing satisfactorily within the whole range of disturbances. This comparative study is demonstrated through digital simulation
[Association of the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus with environmental factors in Chile during the period 2000-2007].

BACKGROUND Pollution and viral infections could be associated with the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus. AIM To look for associations between the temporal patterns of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D) in infants younger than the age of 15 years, and environmental factors, such as air pollution and viruses. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data registries from hospitals, emergency services, and the Infantile Diabetes Foundation were reviewed, corresponding to children aged less than 15 years, who received their first insulin injection between 2000 and 2007. The incidence of type 1 diabetes was computed for each epidemiological week. Environmental ozone and particulate matter rates for each week were obtained from Environmental services. Rates of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections were obtained from the epidemiological department of the Ministry of Health. An ecological Bayesian Poisson regression model was fitted, introducing the covariates, lagged covariates and errors, to estimate the incidence by epidemiological week. RESULTS Three factors were significant by the proposed model: particulate matter PPM 2.5 (relative risk (RR): 1.003) lagged by two weeks, influenza (RR: 0.1808) and RSV (RR: 1.021). Trends and seasonality were clearly controlled by these covariates, considering the epidemiological week as a counting period. CONCLUSIONS These results show that environmental factors could be related to peaks of type 1 diabetes incidence.
The Professional Development of Teachers in the United States and Japan

SUMMARY Teachers in the USA and Japan have engaged in formal and informal professional development for many decades. However, professional development as a field of study is a relatively recent phenomenon, with most policy changes and research occurring since the mid-1980s. This article presents an overview of professional development in the USA and Japan and examines similarities and differences in the two countries. Faced with increasingly diverse and rapidly changing societies, both countries recognise flaws in their current systems and both want to reform teacher education by finding ways of revitalising professional development. As these two countries work toward similar goals and expectations for improvement, each has something to offer the other.
Prognostic Value of Posteromedial Cortex Deactivation in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background Normal subjects deactivate specific brain regions, notably the posteromedial cortex (PMC), during many tasks. Recent cross-sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data suggests that deactivation during memory tasks is impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The goal of this study was to prospectively determine the prognostic significance of PMC deactivation in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methodology/Principal Findings 75 subjects (34 MCI, 13 AD subjects and 28 controls) underwent baseline fMRI scanning during encoding of novel and familiar face-name pairs. MCI subjects were followed longitudinally to determine conversion to AD. Regression and analysis of covariance models were used to assess the effect of PMC activation/deactivation on conversion to dementia as well as in the longitudinal change in dementia measures. At longitudinal follow up of up to 3.5 years (mean 2.5±0.79 years), 11 MCI subjects converted to AD. The proportion of deactivators was significantly different across all groups: controls (79%), MCI-Nonconverters (73%), MCI-converters (45%), and AD (23%) (p<0.05). Mean PMC activation magnitude parameter estimates, at baseline, were negative in the control (−0.57±0.12) and MCI-Nonconverter (−0.33±0.14) groups, and positive in the MCI-Converter (0.37±0.40) and AD (0.92±0.30) groups. The effect of diagnosis on PMC deactivation remained significant after adjusting for age, education and baseline Mini-Mental State Exam (p<0.05). Baseline PMC activation magnitude was correlated with change in dementia ratings from baseline. Conclusion Loss of physiological functional deactivation in the PMC may have prognostic value in preclinical AD, and could aid in profiling subgroups of MCI subjects at greatest risk for progressive cognitive decline.
The Effect of Stress on Gaming Addiction Among Korean and Thai High School Students

Background: Gaming addiction through internet, computer, video, and mobile has become a world-wide problem including among Korean and Thai teenagers. Purpose: This cross country survey investigated whether stress from school, parents, and peers can be a factor in teenagers’ gaming addiction in different culture. Methods: Participants were 200 Korean and 200 Thai teens, ages 12 to 19 enrolled in 2013 school system. They were asked to complete the stress questionnaire and the 21-item Gaming Addiction Scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regressions. Results: Findings indicated the influence of stress from parents, school, and peers on gaming addiction. For Korea teens, male R²=. 42 & female R²=. 39, ps ＜. 01. For Thai teens, male R²=. 57 & female R²=. 19, ps ＜. 01. There were positive relationships between each type of stress and gaming addiction for teens in both countries. Suggestion: Healthcare and other related sectors need to work together to provide proper ways of reducing stress from school, parents, and friends which lead to gaming addiction among teenagers.
A Statistical Framework for Differential Privacy

One goal of statistical privacy research is to construct a data release mechanism that protects individual privacy while preserving information content. An example is a random mechanism that takes an input database X and outputs a random database Z according to a distribution Qn(⋅|X). Differential privacy is a particular privacy requirement developed by computer scientists in which Qn(⋅|X) is required to be insensitive to changes in one data point in X. This makes it difficult to infer from Z whether a given individual is in the original database X. We consider differential privacy from a statistical perspective. We consider several data-release mechanisms that satisfy the differential privacy requirement. We show that it is useful to compare these schemes by computing the rate of convergence of distributions and densities constructed from the released data. We study a general privacy method, called the exponential mechanism, introduced by McSherry and Talwar (2007). We show that the accuracy of this method is intimately linked to the rate at which the probability that the empirical distribution concentrates in a small ball around the true distribution.
The Effects of Mental Focus on Present Affect and Attributions of Personal Meaning for Valenced Autobiographical Events

event construals on present emotion, and explaining why people’s attempts to make sense of negative feelings sometimes succeed and other times fail. It has been suggested that third-person imagery functions to reduce envisioned events’ power to elicit emotion via psychological self-distancing (e.g., Holmes & Mathews, 2010; Kenny et al., 2009); that is, by adopting a self-distanced (third-person) perspective rather than a self-immersed (first-person) perspective, the self that reasons about a past event becomes psychologically removed from the self that has experienced it. It is this “separation of self” (likened to Libby & Eibach’s [2011a] notion of selfinconsistency) that allows one to reflect on the meaning (why) rather than the process (how) of that event, thereby diminishing associated emotion (Kross & Ayduk, 2011; Fujita, Henderson, Eng, Trope, & Liberman, 2006). Indeed, Ayduk and Kross (2010) found that using a self-distanced perspective to reflect on negative events reduced feelings of emotional distress, whereas adopting a self-immersed perspective had the reverse effect. Noteworthy, this model regards the self as it relates to recollected concrete experience. Thus, separation from self necessarily refers to separation from the Jamesian “I” (James, 1890/1950).
Coronal Holes

Coronal holes are the darkest and least active regions of the Sun, as observed both on the solar disk and above the solar limb. Coronal holes are associated with rapidly expanding open magnetic fields and the acceleration of the high-speed solar wind. This paper reviews measurements of the plasma properties in coronal holes and how these measurements are used to reveal details about the physical processes that heat the solar corona and accelerate the solar wind. It is still unknown to what extent the solar wind is fed by flux tubes that remain open (and are energized by footpoint-driven wave-like fluctuations), and to what extent much of the mass and energy is input intermittently from closed loops into the open-field regions. Evidence for both paradigms is summarized in this paper. Special emphasis is also given to spectroscopic and coronagraphic measurements that allow the highly dynamic non-equilibrium evolution of the plasma to be followed as the asymptotic conditions in interplanetary space are established in the extended corona. For example, the importance of kinetic plasma physics and turbulence in coronal holes has been affirmed by surprising measurements from the UVCS instrument on SOHO that heavy ions are heated to hundreds of times the temperatures of protons and electrons. These observations point to specific kinds of collisionless Alfvén wave damping (i.e., ion cyclotron resonance), but complete theoretical models do not yet exist. Despite our incomplete knowledge of the complex multi-scale plasma physics, however, much progress has been made toward the goal of understanding the mechanisms ultimately responsible for producing the observed properties of coronal holes.
Younger Persons are More Likely to Adopt the Mobile Wallet than Older Persons, or are they? The Moderating Role of Age

Smartphones, when loaded with a secure software application, can act as a mobile wallet. When face-toface in a retail store, consumers are able to swipe their phone over the terminal and complete payment without having to produce the physical card. The number of terminals that accept contactless payments in the USA is growing as the country moves to the adoption of the ‘chip and pin’ standard. Consumers can choose from wallet providers such as Google, PayPal and ApplePay. This research seeks to explain the factors that influence adoption. Data from an empirical study of US consumers is analyzed with PLS and the influence of trust, word of mouth and facilitating conditions are determined to be significant. After segmenting the data into two groups based on age and with the help of multigroup analysis, age is determined not to be a moderating factor for owners of smartphones.
AN APPROXIMATION FORMULA FOR THE MEAN WAITING TIME OF AN M/G/c QUEUE

An approximation formula for the mean waiting time of an M/G/c queue is proposed. It estimates the mean waiting time from a moment of order Q~ 2, rather than the second moment! of the service distribution. Together with the Lee & Longton's formula [I] and the Page's formula [2], it was numerically tested on a variety of cases, and the test shows that the new formula is generally better than the previous two formulas, especially for queues with mixtures of Erlang distributions as the service distribution. A similar approximation formula for the variance of the waiting time is also proposed.