Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Philippine Sea and East Asian plate tectonics since 52 Ma constrained by new subducted slab reconstruction methods

We reconstructed Philippine Sea and East Asian plate tectonics since 52 Ma from 28 slabs mapped in 3‐D from global tomography, with a subducted area of ~25% of present‐day global oceanic lithosphere. Slab constraints include subducted parts of existing Pacific, Indian, and Philippine Sea oceans, plus wholly subducted proto‐South China Sea and newly discovered “East Asian Sea. ” Mapped slabs were unfolded and restored to the Earth surface using three methodologies and input to globally consistent plate reconstructions. Important constraints include the following: (1) the Ryukyu slab is ~1000 km N‐S, too short to account for ~20° Philippine Sea northward motion from paleolatitudes; (2) the Marianas‐Pacific subduction zone was at its present location (±200 km) since 48 ± 10 Ma based on a >1000 km deep slab wall; (3) the 8000 × 2500 km East Asian Sea existed between the Pacific and Indian Oceans at 52 Ma based on lower mantle flat slabs; (4) the Caroline back‐arc basin moved with the Pacific, based on the overlapping, coeval Caroline hot spot track. These new constraints allow two classes of Philippine Sea plate models, which we compared to paleomagnetic and geologic data. Our preferred model involves Philippine Sea nucleation above the Manus plume (0°/150°E) near the Pacific‐East Asian Sea plate boundary. Large Philippine Sea westward motion and post‐40 Ma maximum 80° clockwise rotation accompanied late Eocene‐Oligocene collision with the Caroline/Pacific plate. The Philippine Sea moved northward post‐25 Ma over the northern East Asian Sea, forming a northern Philippine Sea arc that collided with the SW Japan‐Ryukyu margin in the Miocene (~20–14 Ma).
Unbalanced Power Division in an Interleaved Bidirectional Buck Converter: Theory, Simulation and Control Strategy

This paper proposes a new approach to divide the total power between different legs in an interleaved bidirectional buck converter, based on the Fibonacci sequence. The paper revises the theoretical analysis of the interleaved buck converter, showing the current ripple analysis; a small signal analysis to find the plants, which represent the circuit, to further derive the control strategy; the validation of these plants via simulation; and the control strategy of the circuit, detailing the unbalanced current division. Finally, simulation results showing that the unbalanced power can be used in an interleaved buck configuration and still achieve zero output current ripple are presented. Discussions among the project adaptations for the interleaved legs, with emphasis for the power semiconductors, are also present in this paper.
Forecasting Gains of Robust Realized Variance Estimators: Evidence From European Stock Markets

The classical realized variance (RV) estimator is biased due to microstructure effects and asset price jumps. Robust realized variance (RRV) estimators adjust for these biases, and make more efficient of use of the intraday data. This article examines the benefits of using RRV estimators instead of the RV estimator, in the context of volatility forecasting. The recently proposed Realized GARCH framework is used to generate daily forecasts of the conditional variance for eight European stock indices. The out-of-sample comparisons indicate that the RRV estimators improve upon the RV estimator on efficiency and bias criteria.
Fundamental limits on key rates in device-independent quantum key distribution

In this paper, we introduce intrinsic non-locality and quantum intrinsic non-locality as quantifiers for Bell non-locality, and we prove that they satisfy certain desirable properties such as faithfulness, convexity, and monotonicity under local operations and shared randomness. We then prove that intrinsic non-locality is an upper bound on the secret-key-agreement capacity of any device-independent protocol conducted using a device characterized by a correlation p, while quantum intrinsic non-locality is an upper bound on the same capacity for a correlation arising from an underlying quantum model. We also prove that intrinsic steerability is faithful, and it is an upper bound on the secret-key-agreement capacity of any one-sided-device-independent protocol conducted using a device characterized by an assemblage ρ ˆ . Finally, we prove that quantum intrinsic non-locality is bounded from above by intrinsic steerability.
On the MIMO Capacity for Distributed System under Composite Rayleigh/Rician Fading and Shadowing

Wireless channels are commonly affected by short-term fading and long-term fading (shadowing). The shadowing effects must be taken into account also when mobility is present in the wireless scenario. Using a composite fading model, the total channel capacity can be studied for a scenario with short-term Rayleigh fading along with shadowing. This work provides quantitative results for these kinds of scenarios with Rayleigh fading and shadowing, considering also multiple-input and multiple-output systems, which have not been previously reported. In addition, the channel capacity has been studied in depth in its relation with the shadowing level, signal to noise ratio, and the number of elements in the multiple-input and multiple-output system. Moreover, the channel performance with shadowing has been compared to the one without it. Furthermore, Rician model with shadowing is studied and its results are reported. In addition, correlated and experimental results are provided. It is identified that the distributed MIMO systems can benefit from shadowing in Rician channels. This advantage has not been reported previously. This type of fading is proposed for massive MIMO by others and our results open the door to emulate massive MIMO on a reverberation chamber.
Spatial Organization of Local Inputs to Spiny Projection Neurons in the Striatum

Striatum; Rabies Virus; Pseudotyped Rabies Virus; Lentivirus; Monosynaptic Tracing; Retrograde Tracing; Neuron; Interneuron; Viral Circuitry Mapping; Parvalbumin; Somatostatin; Fast Spiking interneuron; Low Threshold Spiking interneuron; GABAergic interneuron; Basal Ganglia; Spiny Projection Neurons; Principle Projection Neuron
Modeling colloid and microorganism transport and release with transients in solution ionic strength

The transport and fate of colloids, microorganisms, and nanoparticles in subsurface environments is strongly influenced by transients in solution ionic strength (IS). A sophisticated dual‐permeability transport model was modified and a theory was developed to mechanistically account for the transport, retention, and release of colloids with transients in IS. In particular, colloid release in the model was directly related to the balance of applied hydrodynamic and resisting adhesive torques that determined the fraction of the solid surface area that contributed to colloid immobilization (Sf). The colloid sticking efficiency (α) and Sf were explicit functions of IS that determined the rates of colloid interaction with the solid, immobilization on the solid, colloid release from the solid and back into the bulk aqueous phase, and the maximum amount of colloid retention. The developed model was used to analyze experimental transport and release data with transients in IS for 1.1 and 0.11 μm latex microspheres, E. coli D21g, and coliphage ϕX174. Comparison of experimental values of Sf(IS) with predictions based on mean interaction energies indicated that predictions needed to account for the influence of physical and/or chemical heterogeneity on colloid immobilization. This was especially true for smaller colloids because they were more sensitive to microscopic heterogeneities that produced mainly irreversible interaction in a primary minimum and greater hysteresis in Sf(IS) with IS. Significant deviations between experimental and predicted values of α(IS) were observed for larger colloids when hydrodynamic forces were not accounted for in the predictions. A sensitivity analysis indicated that colloid release with IS transients was not diffusion controlled, but rather occurred rapidly and with low levels of dispersion. The calibrated model provided a satisfactory description of the observed release behavior for a range of colloid types and sizes and a general theoretical foundation to develop predictions for the influence of solution chemistry on the transport, retention, and release of colloids.
Hybrid Dehazing Technique using IDCP with Histogram Equalization for Color Image

Haze formation is the blend of air-light and attenuation. Attenuation reduces the contrast and air-light enlarges the whiteness in the captured image. Fog and haze are atmospheric conditions generated by floating particles, degrade the quality of images. Haze removal algorithms have become more beneficial for several vision applications. As we know there is no single technique i.e. accurate for all different kind of problems and circumstances. The existing approaches have neglected many issues like noise reduction and non-uniform illumination which will be presented in the output image of the existing haze removal algorithms. This dissertation has proposed a new haze removal technique HDCP which will integrate improved dark channel prior with histogram equalization to remove the haze from color images and weighted guided filter is used to decrease noise from images. The proposed algorithm is implemented and tested in MATLAB. The results have shown that the proposed algorithm has shown quite effective results.
How Does the Achievement Gap Between Immigrant and Native-Born Pupils Progress From Primary to Secondary Education?

This paper documents the change in educational achievement differences between native and foreign background students between the ages of 10 and 15, as they progress from primary to secondary education. We examine three cohorts of students in a number of Western European and traditional English-speaking immigration countries using combinations of PIRLS, TIMSS and PISA survey data. While the performance of students with mixed parents is not markedly different from native students’, foreign background children—both first- and second-generation—exhibit a large achievement gap at age 10 in continental Europe, even when accounting for observable differences in socio-economic characteristics. The gap tends to narrow down by age 15 in reading, but no catching up is observed in mathematics. By contrast, we do not find significant differences between the academic achievements of immigrant children and their native-born peers in traditional immigration countries.
Use of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Undergraduate Nursing Education

introduction. the objective structured clinical examination (osce) is often used in undergraduate nursing education as a means to provide standardised and objective evaluation of clinical skills required for nurses’ future professional activity. it aims to help students master different clinical skills and prepare them for an adequate response to specific problems through simulation of various practical scenarios. students practice clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment under the supervision of a mentor. since the mid-1970s, osce has been used to assess clinical skills of medical students. from then until today, it has been applied in evaluating different profiles of health professionals, especially nurses.
To Click or Not to Click: That's the Question.

It is not unusual in higher education these days to have classes with large enrollment. Indeed at the University of South Florida (USF) (enrollment 41,000), large classes are the norm. In the eight years during which I have been an instructor in the Biology Department at USF, my mid-level and lower-level classes have had enrollments ranging from 100-300 students. This large class size generates a few problems, especially in terms of engaging students in active learning. While a well-designed traditional lecture can be very effective, students can engage more directly with the material when they actively take part in their learning instead of simply passively receiving information. Another problem in large enrollment courses is low attendance, especially by students taking a non-major course.
Effect of Bobath Axillary Roll in Posture Adjustment of Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsied Children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Bobath axillary roll in posture adjustment of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsied children. The study was conducted on thirty spastic hemiplegic children ranging in age from 4 to 6 years from both sexes. They were classified randomly into two groups of equal numbers; control group (A) and study group (B). Both groups received physical therapy program, 3 times/week (every other day) in addition a specially designed posture correction exercise program was added to the program of the study group (B), this program was conducted while wearing Bobath axillary roll. The treatment program for both groups was conducted for 3 successive months. In all patients the posture was evaluated before and after the suggested treatment program by formetric instrument system. The post treatment trunk imbalance, lateral deviation, pelvic tilt, kyphotic angle, and lordotic angle results showed significant improvement of study group which confirm the important of using Bobath axillary roll in rehabilitation program of spastic hemiplegic children.
EFFECT ON ROSETTE FORMATION OF ANTIBODIES TO DUFFY BINDING-LIKE 1 ALPHA DOMAIN OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANE PROTEIN 1

The highly conserved Duffy binding-like domain 1 a (DBL1α) of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (PfEMP1) is central to cytoadherence properties of infected erythrocytes. Antibodies against DBL1α in plasma from African children in high malaria transmission settings disrupt rosettes (clumping of infected to uninfected erythrocytes) and may possibly protect against severe malaria. This phenomenon has not been established in low transmission settings in Asia. Using ELISA reactivity towards a recombinant DBL1α was examined in 53 plasma samples from patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Thailand compared to 13 negative plasma controls and related to disruption of rosette formation. Plasma reactivity to DBL1α was stronger in patient samples compared to non-immune controls (p < 0.0001). Overall, antibody concentrations against DBL1α did not correlate with rosette disruption of P. falciparum strain FCR3S1.2 (r = -0.06; p = 0.72), but plasma containing antibodies to DBL1α did disrupt rosette formation by > 15% in 52% and ≥ 50% in 10% of samples. There was no correlation between presence of antibodies and patient’s age. In conclusion, patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria produce antibodies against DBL1α domain of PfEMP1, resulting in partial disruption of rosette formation, similar to the results obtained in African children. This might have a protective effect on disease severity.
Bat Activity at Woodland/Farmland Interfaces in Central Delaware

Abstract Bats vary their activity with different features of habitat, resource availability, predation risk, and other factors. Agricultural fields may provide an abundance of insect prey, but are also risky habitats due to their exposure. How bats use mixed landscapes is important information for biologists, as increasing development affects the amount of suitable habitat and impacts bat populations in the region. Using acoustic recording, we monitored relative bat activity in open areas and edges of the woodland/farmland interface of agricultural fields in Kent County, DE. We examined bat activity among different sites, in openings versus edges, among crop types, relative to nearby forest fragment size and shape, and under different weather conditions. Bat activity was significantly higher along edges than in the open in the agricultural fields for passes/night, but we found no differences among crop types or sites and no interaction effects. We also found no effect of size or amount of edge of a fragment on bat activity. We found significant negative correlations between passes and temperature and wind speed, and significant positive correlations between passes and relative humidity and barometric pressure. Bats use agricultural areas for foraging, and the woodland interfaces along these fields are important for bat activity. This study provides data that may help engender conservation practices, such as retention of forested edges and maintenance of tree lines, and perhaps crop selection and pest control management, in the region's farming community.
Flood and Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Program ERDC / GSL SR-17-4 June 2017 SWCC Prediction : Seep / W Add-In Functions

The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) defines a constitutive relationship between the negative pressure that develops when a soils saturation level is less than fully saturated, and the corresponding volume of water held in the pore space of the soil matrix. As this relationship is not commonly measured in geotechnical laboratories, practitioners often attempt to predict this relationship based on other commonly measured material properties using empirical prediction methods. The performance of five SWCC empirical predictors was evaluated through comparisons to independently measured SWCC data for four soils. SWCC prediction methods were selected for this investigation if they incorporated commonly measured soil properties to predict the SWCC. The error in the SWCC prediction was assessed in terms of both the mean squared error on the SWCC prediction and the impact of the error on a numerical analysis of the Green and Ampt infiltration problem. The results of the numerical analysis were assessed in terms of a normalized saturation coefficient. The normalized saturation coefficient provided a clear means of monitoring a transient seepage analysis through a single measure. Results indicate that the SWCC prediction methods yielding the lowest mean squared error did not necessarily yield the smallest error in the transient seepage analysis. Further, only the Rawls method consistently yielded conservative analysis results for all soil types investigated. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR. ERDC/GSL SR-17-4 iii
U 6 sequences in catalytically active protein-free snRNAs Metal binding and substrate positioning by evolutionarily invariant

We have previously shown that a base-paired complex formed by two of the spliceosomal RNA components, U6 and U2 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), can catalyze a two-step splicing reaction that depended on an evolutionarily invariant region in U6, the ACAGAGA box. Here we further analyze this RNA-catalyzed reaction and show that while the 59 and 39 splice site substrates are juxtaposed and positioned near the ACAGAGA sequence in U6, the role of the snRNAs in the reaction is beyond mere juxtaposition of the substrates and likely involves the formation of a sophisticated active site. Interestingly, the snRNA-catalyzed reaction is metal dependent, as is the case with other known splicing RNA enzymes, and terbium(III) cleavage reactions indicate metal binding by the U6/U2 complex within the evolutionarily conserved regions of U6. The above results, combined with the structural similarities between U6 and catalytically critical domains in group II self-splicing introns, suggest that the base-paired complex of U6 and U2 snRNAs is a vestigial ribozyme and a likely descendant of a group II-like self-splicing intron.
High-Level Interpretation of Urban Road Maps Fusing Deep Learning-Based Pixelwise Scene Segmentation and Digital Navigation Maps

This paper addresses the problem of high-level road modeling for urban environments. Current approaches are based on geometric models that fit well to the road shape for narrow roads. However, urban environments are more complex and those models are not suitable for inner city intersections or other urban situations. The approach presented in this paper generates a model based on the information provided by a digital navigation map and a vision-based sensing module. On the one hand, the digital map includes data about the road type (residential, highway, intersection, etc.), road shape, number of lanes, and other context information such as vegetation areas, parking slots, and railways. On the other hand, the sensing module provides a pixelwise segmentation of the road using a ResNet-101 CNN with random data augmentation, as well as other hand-crafted features such as curbs, road markings, and vegetation. The high-level interpretation module is designed to learn the best set of parameters of a function that maps all the available features to the actual parametric model of the urban road, using a weighted F-score as a cost function to be optimized. We show that the presented approach eases the maintenance of digital maps using crowd-sourcing, due to the small number of data to send, and adds important context information to traditional road detection systems.
Stock Market Volatility, Speculative Short Sellers and Weekend Effect: International Evidence

We test the Chen and Singal (2003) hypothesis that speculative short sellers add to the selling pressure on Mondays, and hence add to the weekend effect, by examining evidence from 60 market indices. We find strong evidence that, until about a decade ago, the actions of short sellers could explain the weekend effect. Recently, however, the relationship between short sales and the weekend effect is gradually dissipating in developed markets, probably due to the cross-market hedges of short sellers. These findings strongly support, rather than weaken, the Chen and Singal hypothesis.
CAPSAICIN , A HOT TOPIC IN SKIN PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Capsaicin is a highly selective agonist for TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1) receptor. In the skin, the capsaicin receptor is present in nociceptive nerve fibres and non-neural structures and its activation has a biphasic effect with an excitatory initial phase, followed by a persistent refractory state known as desensitisation, suggesting the possibility of using capsaicin as a therapeutic agent in chronic pain syndromes and in chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Investigation of cutaneous physiological and pharmacological mechanisms of action of capsaicin may lead to identifying new therapeutic targets and new diagnostic methods useful in clinical practice.