Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Earthquake Detection Using a Nodal Array on the San Jacinto Fault in California: Evidence for High Foreshock Rates Preceding Many Events

We use a dense seismic array of 1,108 vertical‐component geophones within a 600‐m footprint to detect thousands of small earthquakes near an active strand of the San Jacinto fault zone in southern California during a 26‐day period. We first correct site effects using multichannel cross‐correlations of the P‐waves of 256 cataloged earthquakes, and then perform beamforming analysis on the continuous waveforms in a slowness range from −0.4 to 0.4 s/km in both the east and north directions. At each time step, we identify the beam slowness with maximum amplitude and apply a picking algorithm to identify 13,408 events. These detections include over 55.6% of the events in the Quake Template Matching (QTM) catalog for all of southern California during the same time period and 70% of those within 100 km of the array. In addition, we detect over 10,000 new events, not in the QTM catalog. Many of these events can also be seen in records from nearby borehole seismic stations. Measured slownesses for the catalog and newly‐discovered events group into clusters that can be associated with QTM earthquake locations, but with slowness values considerably distorted from predictions based on a 1‐D velocity model, presumably owing to strong velocity heterogeneity near the San Jacinto Fault. Amplitudes of the detected events obey a Gutenberg‐Richter distribution with a b‐value close to one. Foreshocks are common among these detected events, increasing in rate before mainshocks following an inverse Omori's law.
Nanoemulsion Co-Loaded with XIAP siRNA and Gambogic Acid for Inhalation Therapy of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Gambogic acid (GA) is a naturally occurring and potent anticancer agent that destroys tumor cells through multiple mechanisms. According to the literature, one of the most potent inhibitors of caspases and apoptosis currently known is the X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP). It is highly expressed in various malignancies but has little or no expression in normal cells, making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. Here we report the development of a chitosan (CS)-based cationic nanoemulsion-based pulmonary delivery (p.d.) system for the co-delivery of antineoplastic drugs (GA) and anti-XIAP small interfering RNA (siRNA). The results showed that the chitosan-modified cationic nanoemulsions could effectively encapsulate gambogic acid as well as protect siRNA against degradation. The apoptosis analysis confirmed that the cationic nanoemulsions could induce more apoptosis in the A549 cell line. In addition, most drugs and siRNAs have a long residence time in the lungs through pulmonary delivery and show greater therapeutic effects compared to systemic administration. In summary, this work demonstrates the applicability of cationic nanoemulsions for combined cancer therapy and as a promising approach for the treatment of lung cancer.
Possible interpretation of the newly observed 
Ω(2012)
 state

Inspired by the newly observed $\Omega(2012)$ state at Belle II, we investigate the two-body strong decays of $\Omega$ baryons up to $N=2$ shell within the chiral quark model. Our results indicate that: (i) the newly observed $\Omega(2012)$ state could be assigned to the spin-parity $J^P=3/2^-$ state $|70,^210,1,1,\frac{3}{2}^-\rangle$ and the experimental data can be reasonably described. However, the spin-parity $J^P=1/2^-$ state $|70,^210,1,1,\frac{1}{2}^-\rangle$ and spin-parity $J^P=3/2^+$ state $|56,^410,2,0,\frac{3}{2}^+\rangle$ can't be completely excluded. (ii) The $D$-wave states in the $N=2$ shell are most likely to be narrow states with a width of dozens of MeV and have a good potential to be observed in the $\Xi K$ and/or $\Xi(1530)K$ channels in future experiments. The $\Omega(2250)$ resonance listed in PDG may be a good candidate of the $J^P=5/2^+$ $1D$ wave state $|56,^410,2,2,5/2^+\rangle$.
Classically and Asteroseismically Constrained 1D Stellar Evolution Models of α Centauri A and B Using Empirical Mixing Length Calibrations

The bright, nearby binary α Centauri provides an excellent laboratory for testing stellar evolution models, because it is one of the few stellar systems for which we have high-precision classical (mass, radius, luminosity) and asteroseismic (p-mode) observations. Stellar models are created and fit to the classical and seismic observations of both stars by allowing for the free variation of the convective mixing length parameter αMLT. This system is modeled using five different sets of assumptions about the physics governing the stellar models. There are 31 pairs of tracks (out of ∼150,000 generated) that fit the classical, binary, and seismic observational constraints of the system within 3σ. Models with each tested choice of input physics are found to be viable, but the optimal mixing lengths for α Cen A and α Cen B remain the same regardless of the physical prescription. The optimal mixing lengths are αMLT,A/α⊙ = 0.932 and αMLT,B/α⊙ = 1.095. That α Cen A and α Cen B require subsolar and supersolar mixing lengths, respectively, to fit the observations is a trend consistent with recent findings, such as those of Kervella et al., Joyce & Chaboyer, and Viani et al. The optimal models find an age for α Centauri of 5.3 ± 0.3 Gyr.
Reconstructing the galaxy density field with photometric redshifts: II. Environment-dependent galaxy evolution since $z \simeq 3$

Although extensively investigated, the role of the environment in galaxy formation is still not well understood. In this context, the Galaxy Stellar Mass Function (GSMF) is a powerful tool to understand how environment relates to galaxy mass assembly and the quenching of star-formation. In this work, we make use of the high-precision photometric redshifts of the UltraVISTA Survey to study the GSMF in different environments up to $z \sim 3$, on physical scales from 0.3 to 2 Mpc, down to masses of $M \sim 10^{10} M_{\odot}$. We witness the appearance of environmental signatures for both quiescent and star-forming galaxies. We find that the shape of the GSMF of quiescent galaxies is different in high- and low-density environments up to $z \sim 2$ with the high-mass end ($M \gtrsim 10^{11} M_{\odot}$) being enhanced in high-density environments. On the contrary, for star-forming galaxies a difference between the GSMF in high- and low density environments is present for masses $M \lesssim 10^{11} M_{\odot}$. Star-forming galaxies in this mass range appear to be more frequent in low-density environments up to $z 2$. Our results, in terms of general trends in the shape of the GSMF, are in agreement with a scenario in which galaxies are quenched when they enter hot gas-dominated massive haloes which are preferentially in high-density environments.
Students' levels of explanations, models, and misconceptions in basic quantum chemistry: A phenomenographic study

We investigated students' knowledge constructions of basic quantum chemistry concepts, namely atomic orbitals, the Schrodinger equation, molecular orbitals, hybridization, and chemical bonding. Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning provided the theoretical framework and phenomenography the method of analysis. The semi-structured interview with 19 second-year chemistry students supplied the data. We identified four levels of explanations in the students' answers. In addition, the scientific knowledge claims reflected three main levels of models. By combining levels of explanations with levels of models, we derived four categories. Two of the categories are shades of variation in the rote-learning part of a continuum, while the other two categories are in the meaningful-learning part. All students possessed alternative conceptions some of which occurred within certain categories, while others spanned more categories. The insistence on the deterministic models of the atom, the misinterpretation of models, and the poor understanding of the current quantum concepts are main problems in the learning of the basic quantum chemistry concepts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 520–536, 2009
Nodal methods for a two-dimensional static multigroup diffusion calculation of nuclear reactors with hexagonal assemblies

Abstract This paper presents three variants of a hexagonal nodal method for determining neutron flux distribution in a nuclear reactor and its critical number. Their common framework constitutes the few-group, coarse-mesh finite-difference diffusion equations for all nodes inside the core domain. To achieve better accuracy without sacrificing efficiency, they are corrected by higher order nodal calculations formulated on pairs of nodes using the transverse integration procedure. This leads to three 1D equations coupled through neutron currents at transverse nodal boundaries. Approximation of the coupling has significant impact on the accuracy of transverse-integration based nodal methods and as such receives considerable attention. Three possibilities are discussed that define the variants of the developed nodal method. Once the transverse coupling term is suitably approximated, solution of nodal equations is computed semi-analytically by using an efficient node-by-node iterative procedure. The three implementations are compared on an example configuration of a VVER-1000 core.
Intermolecular Interactions in Radial-Contour Mode Microring Resonators

This research is on the dynamics of electrostatically actuated radial-contour mode microring resonators. The governing equation of motion is derived by the minimization of the Hamiltonian and generalized to include the viscous damping effect. The Galerkin method is used to discretize the distributed-parameter model of the considered ring resonator. The influences of intermolecular forces such as van der Waals and Casimir on the dynamic behavior of the resonator are investigated. The natural frequencies and mode shapes of the ring are calculated for various values of ratio of radii (β). The effect of the design parameters including ring radius, electrostatic voltage and quality factor on the dynamic responses, is discussed. The results of present study can be used in the design of novel MEMS resonators, RF filters and channelizers.
Immobilization of Lipase B from Candida antarctica in Octyl-Vinyl Sulfone Agarose: Effect of the Enzyme-Support Interactions on Enzyme Activity, Specificity, Structure and Inactivation Pathway

Lipase B from Candida antarctica was immobilized on heterofunctional support octyl agarose activated with vinyl sulfone to prevent enzyme release under drastic conditions. Covalent attachment was established, but the blocking step using hexylamine, ethylenediamine or the amino acids glycine (Gly) and aspartic acid (Asp) altered the results. The activities were lower than those observed using the octyl biocatalyst, except when using ethylenediamine as blocking reagent and p-nitrophenol butyrate (pNPB) as substrate. The enzyme stability increased using these new biocatalysts at pH 7 and 9 using all blocking agents (much more significantly at pH 9), while it decreased at pH 5 except when using Gly as blocking agent. The stress inactivation of the biocatalysts decreased the enzyme activity versus three different substrates (pNPB, S-methyl mandelate and triacetin) in a relatively similar fashion. The tryptophane (Trp) fluorescence spectra were different for the biocatalysts, suggesting different enzyme conformations. However, the fluorescence spectra changes during the inactivation were not too different except for the biocatalyst blocked with Asp, suggesting that, except for this biocatalyst, the inactivation pathways may not be so different.
The Planetary Mass–Radius Relation and Its Dependence on Orbital Period as Measured by Transit Timing Variations and Radial Velocities

The two most common techniques for measuring planetary masses—the radial velocity (RV) and the transit timing variation (TTV) techniques—have been observed to yield systematically different masses for planets of similar radii. Following Steffen, we consider the effects of the observational biases of the two methods as a possible cause for this difference. We find that at short orbital periods ( day), the two methods produce statistically similar results, whereas at long periods ( day) the RV masses are systematically higher than the TTV ones. We suggest that this is consistent with an RV detection-sensitivity bias for longer periods. On the other hand, we do find an apparently significant difference between the short- and the long-period planets, obtained by both observing techniques—the mass–radius relationship parameterized as a power law has a steeper index at short periods than at long periods. We also point out another anticipated observational bias between the two techniques—multiple-planet systems with derived RV masses have substantially larger period ratios than the systems with TTV mass derivation.
Effect of Carbon Dots Concentration on Electrical and Optical Properties of Their Composites with a Conducting Polymer

CQD/PEDOT:PSS composites were prepared via the hydrothermal method from glucose carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and an aqueous solution of PEDOT:PSS conducting polymer and their electrical and optical properties were investigated. The morphology and structure of these samples were investigated by AFM, SEM, EDX, and EBSD. It was found that the CQDs and CQD/PEDOT:PSS composites had a globular structure with globule sizes of ~50–300 nm depending on the concentration of PEDOT:PSS in these composites. The temperature dependence of the resistivity was obtained for the CQD/PEDOT:PSS (3%, 5%, 50%) composites, which had a weak activation character. The charge transport mechanism was discussed. The dependence of the resistivity on the storage time of the CQD/PEDOT:PSS (3%, 5%, 50%) composites and pure PEDOT:PSS was obtained. It was noted that mixing CQDs with PEDOT:PSS allowed us to obtain better electrical and optical properties than pure CQDs. CQD/PEDOT:PSS (3%, 5%, 50%) composites are more conductive composites than pure CQDs, and the absorbance spectra of CQD/PEDOT:PSS composites are a synergistic effect of interaction between CQDs and PEDOT:PSS. We also note the better stability of the CQD/PEDOT:PSS (50%) composite than the pure PEDOT:PSS film. CQD/PEDOT:PSS (50%) composite is promising for use as stable hole transport layers in devices of flexible organic electronics.
Gyrokinetic continuum simulation of turbulence in a straight open-field-line plasma

Five-dimensional gyrokinetic continuum simulations of electrostatic plasma turbulence in a straight, open-field-line geometry have been performed using a full- $f$ discontinuous-Galerkin approach implemented in the Gkeyll code. While various simplifications have been used for now, such as long-wavelength approximations in the gyrokinetic Poisson equation and the Hamiltonian, these simulations include the basic elements of a fusion-device scrape-off layer: localised sources to model plasma outflow from the core, cross-field turbulent transport, parallel flow along magnetic field lines, and parallel losses at the limiter or divertor with sheath-model boundary conditions. The set of sheath-model boundary conditions used in the model allows currents to flow through the walls. In addition to details of the numerical approach, results from numerical simulations of turbulence in the Large Plasma Device, a linear device featuring straight magnetic field lines, are presented.
Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Portuguese Craft Beers and Raw Materials

There is an increase in the popularity of craft beer, which is produced by small, independent, and traditional breweries. Since craft beer popularity is rising in Portugal this research focused on assessing physicochemical parameters, total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity of Portuguese craft beers and raw materials used in beer production. In this experimental study, 19 beer samples were analyzed. Parameters such as pH, Total Acidity, Reducing Sugar Content and TPC were evaluated. For the determination of antioxidant activity, DPPH scavenging activity and metal chelating activity (MCA) were analyzed in all samples. Craft beers demonstrated a high phenolic content (ranging from 343.78 mg GAE/L to 2172.49 mg GAE/L), significantly different from industrial beers. Craft beers demonstrated a higher inhibition of DPPH radicals and higher MCA than the raw materials. DPPH inhibition ranged from 36.5% to 96.0% for malt and 64.7% to 79.6% in hops samples. MCA also varied between the different samples, with results of 12.0% to 24.8% in malt samples and 3.8% to 23.5% in hops. Raw materials can potentially influence the antioxidant activity of the resulting beer. Positive correlations between TPC and physicochemical properties can be useful to help consumers choose beers with added value for health.
Radiation Transfer of Models of Massive Star Formation. IV. The Model Grid and Spectral Energy Distribution Fitting

We present a continuum radiative transfer model grid for fitting observed spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of massive protostars. The model grid is based on the paradigm of core accretion theory for massive star formation with pre-assembled gravitationally bound cores as initial conditions. In particular, following the turbulent core model, initial core properties are set primarily by their mass and the pressure of their ambient clump. We then model the evolution of the protostar and its surround structures in a self-consistent way. The model grid contains about 9000 SEDs with four free parameters: initial core mass, the mean surface density of the environment, the protostellar mass, and the inclination. The model grid is used to fit observed SEDs via minimization, with the foreground extinction additionally estimated. We demonstrate the fitting process and results using the example of massive protostar G35.20-0.74. Compared with other SED model grids currently used for massive star formation studies, the properties of the protostar and its surrounding structures are more physically connected in our model grid, which reduces the dimensionality of the parameter spaces and the total number of models. This excludes possible fitting of models that are physically unrealistic or are not internally self-consistent in the context of the turbulent core model. Thus, this model grid serves not only as a fitting tool to estimate properties of massive protostars, but also as a test of core accretion theory. The SED model grid is publicly released with this paper.
The Hubble Constant from SN Refsdal

Hubble Space Telescope observations from 2015 December 11 detected the expected fifth counter-image of supernova (SN) Refsdal at z = 1.49. In this Letter, we compare the time-delay predictions from numerous models with the measured value derived by Kelly et al. from very early data in the light curve of the SN Refsdal and find a best value for (68% CL), in excellent agreement with predictions from cosmic microwave background and recent weak lensing data + baryon acoustic oscillations + Big Bang nucleosynthesis (from the DES Collaboration). This is the first constraint on H0 derived from time delays between multiple-lensed SN images, and the first with a galaxy cluster lens, subject to systematic effects different from other time-delay H0 estimates. Additional time-delay measurements from new multiply imaged SNe will allow derivation of competitive constraints on H0.
Families’ Experiences on Safety Needs of Children with Intellectual Disability

Background: Children with intellectual disability (ID) are known to have a deficit in self-care, social interaction, and learning abilities. Families raising these children experience a range of difficulties that require supportive systems to meet the physical, psychological, and social safety rights of children with ID. The study explored the safety of children with ID through the experiences of their families in the rural Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: In-depth individual interviews and focus group discussion were conducted with 26 families directly involved in raising the children with ID. An inductive thematic analysis of data on the experiences of raising children with ID was undertaken with the aid of ATLAS.ti 8 computer programme. Results: The study revealed that children with ID lack safety at home, schools, and day care centre environments due to a lack of active involvement by nuclear family members, neighbours, and communities, including interaction with their peers and professional service providers in facilities. Safety of children with ID is compromised through exploitation and injuries, leading to marginalisation as they feared further humiliation. Conclusion: The study highlighted that active involvement of family members, communities, and governmental and non-governmental organisations is crucial in ensuring safe environments for children with ID.
Models of Massive Molecular Clouds

Abstract : Observations of carbon monoxide lines from massive molecular clouds, such as those near Orion A and Sgr B2, have recently been interpreted in terms of large scale motions, generally collapse or expansion, that imply rapid evolution of these clouds. The authors suggest an alternative explanation: the clouds are not dominated by large scale systematic motions and the CO profiles are determined primarily by local motions. Therefore, it is generally not possible to see through these clouds in optically thick lines of molecules such as CO and HCN. Some consequences and tests of this model are briefly discussed. (Author)
Laboratory Measurements and Identification of the Fe XVIII-XXIV L-Shell X-Ray Line Emission

A comprehensive survey of Δn ≥ 1 iron L-shell X-ray line emission is presented. We have used the electron beam ion trap EBIT-II at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and equipped with flat crystal spectrometers to measure the wavelengths of over 150 features between 10.6 and 18 Å. We present wavelengths, line identifications, and relative intensities of all of the significant Δn ≥ 1 L-shell line emission from Fe XVIII-XXIV at electron densities of ∼1012 cm-3 resulting from direct electron impact excitation from the ground state followed by radiative cascades. This data set includes 2-3 times as many lines as are found in current standard line lists.
Asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetimes and conserved quantities in higher curvature gravitational theories

We consider $n$-dimensional asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetimes in higher curvature gravitational theories with $n \geq 4$, by employing the conformal completion technique. We first argue that a condition on the Ricci tensor should be supplemented to define an asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetime in higher curvature gravitational theories and propose an alternative definition of an asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetime. Based on that definition, we then derive a conservation law of the gravitational field and construct conserved quantities in two classes of higher curvature gravitational theories. We also show that these conserved quantities satisfy a balance equation in the same sense as in Einstein gravity and that they reproduce the results derived elsewhere. These conserved quantities are shown to be expressed as an integral of the electric part of the Weyl tensor alone and hence they vanish identically in the pure anti-de Sitter spacetime as in the case of Einstein gravity.