Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Sedimentary Environments in the Subduction Zone v of Southwest Japan: Recent Results from the NanTroSEIZE Kumano Transect

TheNankai Trough is located off the coast of southwest Japan, where the Philippine Sea plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian plate. The margin’s Kii Peninsula or Kumano Basin corridor is the focal area for the Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE). This multi-disciplinary, multi-stage, multi-expedition project was designed to improve our understanding of seismogenic processes along the plate interface. Drilling Stage 1 of NanTroSEIZE included Expeditions 314, 315, and 316 of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program. Coring and logging during those three expeditions generatedawealthofnew informationabout the stratigraphic andstructural evolution of the margin. Our summary descriptions are organized into three broad domains: the Kumano (forearc) Basin; the megasplay fault zone, which is a significant out-of-sequence thrust within the accretionary prism; and the frontal thrust zone of the accretionary prism. For themost part, drilling results validate structural interpretations of 3D seismic-reflection data, but they also place invaluable constraints on the timing of such events as the initiation of forearc-basin sedimentation and the history of slip on the megasplay fault.We seemany types of interactionbetween tectonics and sedimentation. The frontal thrust zone is dominated by packets of sand and gravel that probably accumulated within trench-floor axial channel systems prior to their accretion in the early Pleistocene. The accretionary prismbecomes progressively older toward land, and a time-transgressive unconformity separates the prism from the overlying slope apron. Turbidite sedimentation within the Kumano Basin did not begin until the early Pleistocene, after a succession of precursor events: formation of the underlying accretionary prism during the late Miocene and early Pliocene; erosion of an unconformity above the accretionary prism, with an associated hiatus of 1.2My; a long phase of unusually slow hemipelagic sedimentation, lasting from 3.8Myr to 1.67Myr; acceleration of uplift along the megasplay fault at 1.55Myr, which enhanced accommodation space; and organization of a robust sediment-delivery system, which was achieved through uplift and erosion of the hinterland and incision of canyons and gullies into the upper trench slope.
Comparing Behavioral-Emotional Difficulties in Siblings of Children with and without Sensory Impairments

Background: Siblings of children with disabilities are the most likely family members to be affected by the child’s disability due to the long-lasting nature of relationships between siblings compared to those of other family members. The aim of the present study was to compare the emotional-behavioral difficulties (EBD) in siblings of children with and without Sensory Impairments (SI). Methods: The statistical population of this causal-comparative research included all siblings of children with and without SI in Shiraz, southern Iran in 2016. The sample consisted of ninety-one siblings of children with (38) and without (53) SI in Shiraz. Sample of siblings of children with SI was recruited by purposeful sampling and sample of siblings of children without sensory impairments were selected through a multistage random sampling method. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was utilized for measuring EBD. Two way ANOVA and MANOVA tests were used for data analyses. Results: Total EBD and two subscales of EBD (emotional problems and peer relationship problems) in siblings of children with SI were significantly greater than the comparison group (P<0.001). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the two subscales (conduct problems, and hyperactivity) between these two groups. Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence that siblings of children with SI are significantly at a higher risk of psychological problems, and accordingly we suggest for the related supports and services.
Liquid metal expulsion during laser irradiation

During laser assisted materials processing such as welding, cutting, drilling, or surface alloying, the processing conditions are adjusted to either achieve or avoid liquid metal expulsion. Currently, there is no theoretical model to determine, from fundamental principles, the operating conditions for the initiation of liquid metal expulsion during laser irradiation. Processing conditions necessary for the initiation of liquid metal expulsion during pulsed laser irradiation have been investigated experimentally and theoretically. Lead, titanium, and stainless steel samples were irradiated by single and multiple pulses of varying pulse durations to investigate conditions for liquid metal expulsion. It is demonstrated that using theoretically computed transient spatial temperature profiles, and by balancing surface tension and recoil forces, the conditions for the initiation of liquid metal expulsion can be determined.
The Socioeconomic Inequality in Increment of Caries and Growth among Chinese Children

Background: This study aimed at assessing socioeconomic inequalities in the increment of dental caries and growth among preschool Chinese children, and to assess the best predictor of socioeconomic inequality for each of these conditions. Methods: This is a longitudinal population-based study. The sample data included preschool children living in three cities of the Liaoning Province, China. At baseline, 15 kindergartens with 1111 participants were included and dropped to 772 with a response rate of 70% at follow-up. Mean ages at baseline and follow-up were 50.82 and 60.55 months, respectively. Median follow-up time was 10.12 months. Data were collected through structured questionnaire, oral examination and anthropometric measurement. The questionnaire collected information on sex, age, family income, mother’s education and children’s dietary habits. The numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) was used to indicate dental caries. Weight- and height-for-age z-scores were calculated using the WHO Growth Standard. Multilevel analysis was used to assess the association between baseline socioeconomic position and each of dental caries and child’s growth. Results: Mother’s education was negatively associated with increments of DMFT. Family income was not significantly associated with DMFT in the fully adjusted model. The association persisted after accounting for other socioeconomic and dietary factors. Higher income was positively related to an increase in the weight-for-age z-score. The relationship between income and changes in the height-for-age z-score was positive and significant in the second highest income group. Conclusions: Mother’s education appeared to be the strongest predictor of increments of dental caries. Only income was significantly associated with an increase in children’s weight and height.
Nutrition and Sarcopenia—What Do We Know?

Muscle health is important for the functionality and independence of older adults, and certain nutrients as well as dietary patterns have been shown to offer protective effects against declines in strength and function associated with aging. In this paper, micronutrients, macronutrients, and food groups have been reviewed, along with their studied effects on the prevalence and incidence of sarcopenia, as well as their ability to preserve muscle mass and optimize physical performance. Randomized controlled trials appear to suggest a critical role for dietary intake of protein in preventing sarcopenia and muscle loss, although the optimal dose and type of protein is unknown. There are some promising data regarding the role of vitamin D and sarcopenia, but it is unclear whether the dose, frequency of dose, or length of treatment impacts the efficacy of vitamin D on improving muscle mass or function. Selenium, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids have been studied as supplements in clinical trials and in the diet, and they appear to demonstrate a potential association with physical activity and muscle performance in older individuals. Following the Mediterranean diet and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables have been associated with improved physical performance and protection against muscle wasting, sarcopenia, and frailty.
Identification of high-mass X-ray binaries selected from XMM–Newton observations of the LMC

The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) currently hosts around 23 high mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) of which most are Be/X-ray binaries. The LMC XMM-Newton survey provided follow-up observations of previously known X-ray sources that were likely HMXBs, as well as identifying new HMXB candidates. In total 19 candidate HMXBs were selected based on their X-ray hardness ratios. In this paper we present red and blue optical spectroscopy, obtained with SALT and the SAAO 1.9-m telescope, plus a timing analysis of the long term optical light curves from OGLE to confirm the nature of these candidates. We find that 9 of the candidates are new Be/X-ray Binaries, substantially increasing the LMC Be/X-ray binary population. Furthermore, we present the optical properties of these new systems, both individually and as a group of all the BeXBs identified by the XMM-Newton survey of the LMC.
Consumer Misinformation and the Brand Premium: A Private Label Blind Taste Test

To study consumer brand misinformation, we run in-store blind taste tests with a retailer’s private label food brands and the leading national brand counterparts in three large consumer packaged goods categories. Subjects self-report very high expectations about the quality of the private labels relative to national brands. However, they predict a relatively low probability of choosing them in a blind taste test. An overwhelming majority systematically choose the private label in the blinded test. Using program evaluation methods, we find that the causal effect of this intervention on treated consumers increases their market share for the tested private label product by 15 share points during the week after the intervention, on top of a base share of 8 share points. However, the effect diminishes to 8 share points during the second to fourth weeks after the test and to 2 share points during the second to fifth months after the test. Using a structural model of demand that controls for the self-selected participation and allows for heterogeneous treatment effects, we show that these effects survive controls for point-of-purchase prices, purchase incidence, and the feedback effects of brand loyalty. We also find that the intervention increases the preference for the private label brands, and that it decreases the preference for the national brands, relative to the outside good. Interpreting the intervention as an information treatment about the product, we find evidence consistent with an economically large informational barrier on demand for the private label product relative to an established national brand.
Development and Evaluation of Docetaxel-Phospholipid Complex Loaded Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System: Optimization and In Vitro/Ex Vivo Studies

Docetaxel (DTX) has clinical efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer, but it is difficult to develop a product for oral administration, due to low solubility and permeability. This study focused on preparing a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SME) loaded with DTX-phospholipid complex (DTX@PLC), to improve the dissolution and gastrointestinal (GI) permeability of DTX. A dual technique combining the phospholipid complexation and SME formulation described as improving upon the disadvantages of DTX has been proposed. We hypothesized that the complexation of DTX with phospholipids can improve the lipophilicity of DTX, thereby increasing the affinity of the drug to the cell lipid membrane, and simultaneously improving permeability through the GI barrier. Meanwhile, DTX@PLC-loaded SME (DTX@PLC-SME) increases the dissolution and surface area of DTX by forming a microemulsion in the intestinal fluid, providing sufficient opportunity for the drug to contact the GI membrane. First, we prepared DTX@PLC-SME by combining dual technologies, which are advantages for oral absorption. Next, we optimized DTX@PLC-SME with nanosized droplets (117.1 nm), low precipitation (8.9%), and high solubility (33.0 mg/g), which formed a homogeneous microemulsion in the aqueous phase. Dissolution and cellular uptake studies demonstrated that DTX@PLC-SME showed 5.6-fold higher dissolution and 2.3-fold higher DTX uptake in Caco-2 cells than raw material. In addition, an ex vivo gut sac study confirmed that DTX@PLC-SME improved GI permeability of DTX by 2.6-fold compared to raw material. These results suggested that DTX@PLC-SME can significantly overcome the disadvantages of anticancer agents, such as low solubility and permeability.
LEVERAGING DISTRIBUTED STORAGE REDUNDANCY IN DATACENTERS

All distributed storage systems replicate data objects, providing built-in redundancy that is designed to help the system withstand failures. Such redundancy is unavoidable because withstanding failures is a critical goal of distributed systems, and redundancy is the only way to tolerate failures that cause loss of data access. However, with the proliferation of data, it is becoming ever more paramount to reduce the costs of distributed storage systems. To balance the need to reduce storage costs and the need to withstand failures, this thesis explores two ways we can leverage the unavoidable redundancy in distributed storage systems to eliminate additional storage overheads in other parts of the storage stack. The first system we present is Replex. The key end-to-end observation in this work is that distributed secondary indices duplicate the work done by replication. Secondary indices often store full copies of data objects, in addition to the replicas of data objects that are created by default to handle failures. In Replex, we eliminate the additional storage overhead of secondary indices by treating them as data replicas during replication time. The second system we present is DIRECT. The key end-to-end observation here is that the redundancy created by replication can and should be used to correct bit errors at the hardware level. Traditionally, disks are expected to abstract bit errors from software, and in fact flash devices are shipped with aggressive internal error correction mechanisms to prevent errors from percolating to the user for the calculated lifetime of the device. In DIRECT, we argue that the underlying premise that disks should not expose bit errors is incorrect. In doing so, DIRECT enables the use of flash devices well beyond their advertised lifetime, which is a huge cost savings for datacenter operators. Therefore, by applying existing storage redundancy to enable two key properties in datacenter storage systems– secondary indexing and flash reliability– this thesis shows that distributed storage systems can be designed without burdensome storage overheads.
Inference with Dependent Data in Accounting and Finance Applications

We review developments in conducting inference for model parameters in the presence of intertemporal and cross‐sectional dependence with an emphasis on panel data applications. We review the use of heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation consistent (HAC) standard error estimators, which include the standard clustered and multiway clustered estimators, and discuss alternative sample‐splitting inference procedures, such as the Fama–Macbeth procedure, within this context. We outline pros and cons of the different procedures. We then illustrate the properties of the discussed procedures within a simulation experiment designed to mimic the type of firm‐level panel data that might be encountered in accounting and finance applications. Our conclusion, based on theoretical properties and simulation performance, is that sample‐splitting procedures with suitably chosen splits are the most likely to deliver robust inferential statements with approximately correct coverage properties in the types of large, heterogeneous panels many researchers are likely to face.
Electrospun Resveratrol-Loaded Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Cyclodextrin Nanofibers and Their Biomedical Applications

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol compound which has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its pharmaceutical applications are limited by its poor water solubility. In this study, we used electrospinning technology to synthesize nanofibers of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) loaded with resveratrol. We used X-ray diffractometry to analyze crystalline structure, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine intermolecular hydrogen bonding, antioxidant assays to measure antioxidant activity, and Franz diffusion cells to evaluate skin penetration. Our results showed that the aqueous solubility of resveratrol nanofibers was greatly improved (by more than 20,000-fold) compared to the pure compound. Analysis of physicochemical properties demonstrated that following nanofiber formation, resveratrol was converted from a crystalline to amorphous structure, and resveratrol formed new intermolecular bonds with PVP and HPBCD. Moreover, resveratrol nanofibers showed good antioxidant activity. In addition, the skin penetration ability of resveratrol in the nanofiber formulation was greater than that of pure resveratrol. Furthermore, resveratrol nanofibers suppressed particulate matter (PM)-induced expression of inflammatory proteins (COX-2 and MMP-9) in HaCaT keratinocytes. Therefore, resveratrol-loaded nanofibers can effectively improve the solubility and physicochemical properties of resveratrol, and may have potential applications as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory formulation for topical skin application.
From intertextuality to transphysicality The changing nature of the book, reader and writer

Recent years have seen dramatic changes in publishing; for a while it seemed that digital technology would supplant paper media entirely. This paper reviews some of these changes, drawing on examples of systems where the authors have been involved in development or design. We touch on various issues including curation and student-generated content and the way books can become the locus of community discussions and learning. Recent reports suggest a resurgence in physical book sales, and advantages of physical study methods such as paper note taking; this suggests new challenges for digital systems to augment rather than replace physical books.
How is carer strain related to the recovery of stroke survivors with right hemisphere dysfunction? Implications for practice

Abstract Aim Right hemisphere strokes are associated with neuro-behavioural impairments including hemi-inattention, impulsiveness and anosognosia, which can impede stroke recovery and adversely affect carer health. This study explored the impact of associated impairments on carer strain and depression through a mixed methods approach. Method Fifty-one carer-survivor dyads were recruited from inpatient rehabilitation units and followed-up for 6 months. Validated measures assessed survivors’ physical and cognitive function and carers’ strain and depression levels. Survey methods captured qualitative experiences of the caring role. Data collection occurred at baseline, discharge, 6 weeks post-discharge and 6 months. Multilevel-modelling and thematic data analysis, were employed. Results Carer strain median scores were within normal ranges of the Caregiver Strain Index scale. Carer strain was positively linked to carer depression, number of carers’ concerns reported and survivors’ anosognosia levels. Carer strain was negatively linked to the survivors’ functional and cognitive abilities. Carers’ experiences differed qualitatively with caring concerns increasing over time. Conclusion Carer strain worsens with increases in significant concerns about the rehabilitation process and poor survivor functioning skills, which potentially increase risk of depression in carers. Consequently, improving right-hemisphere stroke survivors’ recovery and nurturing the carer-survivor relationship are likely to enhance overall outcomes and caring experiences. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION In the context of right hemisphere stroke: Carer assessment should be comprehensive and include a measure of perceived ability to care. Less strained carers tend to report fewer caring concerns and have lower depression levels. Education, training and practical support should be tailored to carer identified needs, abilities and the caring context.
Use of the Otolith Complex Method for Stock Identification of Juvenile Pink and Chum Salmon in the Offshore Waters of the Okhotsk Sea During Post-catadromous Migrations

There is no doubt that identification of the regional stock origin of Pacific salmon in mixed-stock ocean feeding aggregations is a challenge, especially if the stocks have overlapping migration routes. However, the challenge should be answered because the composition of catch, when correctly identified, can enhance the reliability of abundance forecasts for certain species. It is particularly informative when these techniques can be successfully applied to estimating juvenile salmon abundance in the early marine period because this period basically sets the strength of the year-class. Scientific experience indicates that using morphological differences in otolith structure is promising for stock identification. The otolith, as one of fish’s record-keeping structures, has attracted scientific interest for a long time. The formation rate of the otolith’s structural еlements, influenced in Pacific salmon by environment and genetics, can capture microstructural differences between populations. Normally, individuals from different populations demonstrate different otolith microstructures and relative sizes (Bugaev et al. 2012; Chistyakova et al. 2012). Examination of otolith structural variations in juvenile pink and chum salmon of Kamchatka, Sakhalin, and the northern coast of the Okhotsk Sea has demonstrated reliable differences among stocks. However, if regional variation in otolith microstructure can be used to answer practical questions, this needs to be clarified. Otolith marking has been used widely in salmon hatcheries of the North Pacific Rim for quite a long time. The North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC) has a database of all the otolith marks used by hatcheries of the North Pacific that allows for identification of marked hatchery fish in marine catches with almost complete accuracy. Additional options for salmon stock identification are available by combining analysis of otolith structure collected from wild populations with results of otolith marking of hatchery stocks. We call such approach to analyzing otolith structural diversity as the “otolith complex method”. The possibility of identifying juvenile salmon during trawl surveys makes this method particularly timely because otoliths can always be retrieved from fish in the catch, whereas fish scales can be lost in the process of trawling.
Association of electron conical distributions with upper hybrid waves

The particle and plasma wave data of the DE 1 and Swedish Viking satellites shows that incense (> 1 mV/m) upper hybrid emissions are sometimes present in the mid-altitude polar magnetosphere on both the dayside cusp/cleft and the nightside auroral regions and that waves near the upper hybrid frequency are often associated with electron conical distributions. These observations are consistent with the production of at least some electron conical distributions by oblique heating of the electrons by upper hybrid waves. Examination of the wave data to establish the role of parallel heating remains to be performed.