Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Release Study of the Polymeric Drug Nanoparticles: Development and Validation of a Novel Method

The in vitro release study is a critical test to assess the safety, efficacy, and quality of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, but there is no compendial or regulatory standard. The variety of testing methods makes direct comparison among different systems difficult. We herein proposed a novel sample and separate (SS) method by combining the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) apparatus II (paddle) with well-validated centrifugal ultrafiltration (CU) technique that efficiently separated the free drug from nanoparticles. Polymeric drug nanoparticles were prepared by using a four-stream multi-inlet vortex mixer with d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate as a stabilizer. Itraconazole, cholecalciferol, and flurbiprofen were selected to produce three different nanoparticles with particle size <100 nm. By comparing with the dialysis membrane (DM) method and the SS methods using syringe filters, this novel SS + CU technique was considered the most appropriate in terms of the accuracy and repeatability to provide the in vitro release kinetics of nanoparticles. Interestingly, the DM method appeared to misestimate the release kinetics of nanoparticles through separate mechanisms. This work offers a superior analytical technique for studying in vitro drug release from polymeric nanoparticles, which could benefit the future development of in vitro-in vivo correlation of polymeric nanoparticles.
Search for Molecular Markers of Wheat Resistance to Fungal Pathogens

Functional traits, potentially associated with resistance to infection, were investigated in cultivars of bread wheat. Plant responses to infection by hemibiotrophic fungus Stagonospora (Septoria) nodorum were studied under laboratory conditions. Infection-induced up-regulation of genes coding for class III peroxidase, oxalate oxidase and protease inhibitor was greater in leaves with reduced disease symptoms (percentage of chlorotic or necrotic leaf area). Similar association was detected between activity of pectinase inhibitors and disease severity. Resistant cultivar also differed from the susceptible one by increased content of Н2О2 in infected tissues and more intensive deposition of lignin. We discuss possibility of using these functional traits in plant breeding for increased stress tolerance.
Geotechnical characterization of the Tiller-Flotten quick clay site in Norway

The Tiller-Flotten test site consist in a more than 50 m thick and uniform marine clay deposit. The top 8 m of the deposit shows a low sensitivity, while sensitivity increases up to approximately 200 from 8 to 20 m below the ground surface. A wide variety of in situ testing and laboratory data have been acquired to investigation the geotechnical, geological and geophysical properties of the material. The clay shows a medium plasticity (Ip≈ 15) and a liquidity index (IL) up to 1.5. It shows some overconsolidation (OCR≈1.5-3.0) linked to the glacial history of the area. Its strength and stiffness properties show good agreement with some well-known correlations for sensitive clays. Anisotropy in undrained shear strength is also similar to other sensitive clays of Norway. It is hoped that the next years will see an increase use of this testing site at Tiller/Flotten. The site can be use as a research tool, as training and teaching facilities and as ground for development of new soil models, testing of new investigation methods and further advance the state-of-the-art in sensitive clay material. RÉSUMÉ: Le site de Tiller-Flotten en Norvège consiste en un dépôt d'argile marine, uniforme, d'une épaisseur de 50 m. Les 8 premiers mètres du dépôts présentent une faible sensibilité, tandis que la sensibilité augmente à plus de 200 entre 8 et 20 m sous le terrain. Une grande variété de données in situ et de laboratoire ont été acquises pour étudier les propriétés géotechniques, géologiques et géophysiques du matériau. L'argile présente une plasticité moyenne (Ip≈15) et un indice de liquidité (IL) allant jusqu'à 1,5. Le matériau montre une surconsolidation (OCR≈1,5-3.0) liée à l'histoire glaciaire de la région. Ses propriétés de résistance et de rigidité sont en accord avec certaines corrélations bien connues pour les argiles sensibles. L'anisotropie de la résistance au cisaillement non drainé est également similaire à celle des autres argiles sensibles de la Norvège. Ce site peut servir d’outil de recherche, d’enseignement, et permettra de développer de nouveaux modèles de sol, de calibrer nos méthodes d’investigation et de faire progresser les techniques de pointe en matière d’argile sensible.
Task-Agnostic Sample Design for Machine Learning

In this paper, we present a framework to understand the effect of sampling properties of training data on the generalization gap of machine learning (ML) algorithms. In particular, we express generalization gap in terms of the power spectra of the sample design and that of the function to be learned. Using this framework, we show that space-filling sample designs, such as blue noise and Poisson disk sampling, which optimize spectral properties, outperform random designs in terms of generalization gap. Our analysis also sheds light on design principles for constructing optimal task-agnostic sample designs that minimize the generalization gap. We corroborate our findings using regression experiments with neural networks on: a) synthetic functions, and b) a complex scientific simulator for inertial confinement fusion (ICF).
Local Features Supported by the Complement Feature for Image Segmentation

An Eigen formulation is proposed for image thresholding/segmentation. A vector composed of local features, normalized intensity of each pixel and that of the neighboring pixels, is used to represent each pixel. A “complement” component is appended to this vector to produce a “unit” vector. The auto-correlation matrix is computed for each pixel in the image using this unit vector. The first component (corresponding to the intensity of the current pixel) from all Eigen vectors, obtained from the auto-correlation matrix, are used as multi-level thresholds. Similar procedure can be adopted using powers of the current pixel intensity value. In general, more than one threshold can be obtained. Results on a wide range of images are demonstrated to show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
On-line Integrated Identification and Reliability Evaluation of uncertain Structures under Unknown Excitation

To ensure the serviceability and safety of structures, it is important to conduct structural identification/damage detection and reliability evaluation. In most of previous investigations, structural system identification/damage detection and reliability evaluation are treated separately. Research efforts devoted to the methodologies that accept the monitoring data as input and produce as output the reliability of the concerned building structure are very few in comparison with the myriad of literature addressing on structural system identification. It is necessary to combine structural system identification/damage detection and reliability evaluation. Moreover, in practical application, it is requested to conduct on-line integrated identification and reliability evaluation of uncertain structures under unknown excitation inputs. In this paper, online integrated identification and reliability evaluation of uncertain structures under unknown excitation is investigated. The proposed method is based on the embedment of structural identification/damage detection by the recursive extended Kalman filter with unknown input, which was recently proposed by the authors for simultaneous structural identification and unknown excitation inputs with partial observations of acceleration and displacement responses, into in the procedure of structural reliability evaluation. Both structural component reliability with only one limit state function and system reliability with multi-limit state functions are studied for stochastic building structures. Some numerical examples are used for the validation of the proposed method. The evaluated results of structural component reliability and structural system reliability are compared with those by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). It is shown that the proposed method is effective for on-line integrated identification and reliability evaluation of uncertain structures under unknown excitation. 1) Professor 2) Graduate Student 3) Undergraduate Student
A rule‐based model for the functional analysis of vegetation change in Australasian grasslands

Grasslands encompass a broad array of vegetation and climatic zones. We describe the first developments towards a rule-based functional model for predicting vegetation structure in Australian and New Zealand pastures and rangelands. The approach aims to predict the combined effects of climate and disturbance by humans and grazing livestock, and to provide a level of resolution needed for predicting changes in pastures and rangelands. We enlisted expert knowledge to develop: (1) a minimum set of critical traits; (2) rules relating site variables to favoured plant attributes; (3) rules relating attributes to plant functional traits, and (4) rules relating plant functional types to likely plant communities. We tested the resulting model by deriving some simple predictions of plant communities of some existing pasture and rangeland sites in Australia and New Zealand, with differing climatic and human disturbance inputs. The results indicate that this first model is able to predict plant communities with varying success rates, and with the best results in cases where there are extreme climates or high management inputs. Key sensitivities in the model where further research is required include: (1) the urgent need for more explicit understanding of the key plant functional attributes favoured by differing climates and disturbance regimes, (2) the functional relationships between these plant functional attributes and recognisable plant functional types in vegetation, and (3) the assembly rules for the coexistence of these different plant functional types in major plant communities. The same understanding is required for subsequent process-based modelling development.
Literature

In fairness to Law, however, it must be said that his mystical works, whose very titles are significant, supply a corrective to the jarring notes in the Serious Call. The Spirit of Prayer, The Spirit of Love, The ll’a» to Divine lÚzowledge, these are all infused with a sense of human inperfection and the sufficiency of the grace of God ; for it cannot be denied that mysticism, even that incomprehensible brand of mysticism which is associated with Jacob Behmen, did widen Law’s sympathies, and redeemed the harsher side of his nature. It
EMBRYO RECOVERY UNDER ANAESTHESIA AFTER hCG OR GnRH TREATMENTS IN THE RABBIT AND SURVIVAL WHEN A REDUCED NUMBER OF EMBRYOS IS TRANSFERRED

Ovulation rate and number of 72h post-mating recovered embryos were studied in nulliparous Spanish Giant does treated with an intravenous injection of 25 IU hCG (n=22) or 20 µg GnRH (n=20) intramuscularly after coitus. Embryos were recovered under anaesthesia by separata perfusion of the oviducts and uteri. One of the GnRH-treated does did not ovulate. No significant differences between groups were found either in the ovulation rate or in the number on recovered embryos per donor doe (8.5 ± 0.2 and 7.3 ± 0.2 vs 8.6 ± 0.4 and 6.8 ± 0.9 respectively for hCG and GnRH treated animals). After transfer into the uteri of synchronized Solaf commercial hybrid recipients, the lower number of embryos transferred per doe (5.9 vs 11.2) did not affect to the percentage of pregnant does (67 vs 75 % respectively), but increased the percentage of young born per pregnant doe (59 vs 41 % respectively) (P<0.05). Plasma progesterone levels in the recipients were higher in pregnant does (at least P<0.05) from Day 9 post-mating to the last blood sample recovered (Day 21), although the progesterone pattern in the non-pregnant ones indicated that the induction of ovulation was effective. The results indicate the adequate embryo recovery rates obtained from Spanish Giant does under anaesthesia and the good efficiency after transfer of a reduced number of embryos per recipient doe.
Comparative evaluation of antioxidant effects of watermelon and orange, and their effects on some serum lipid profile of Wister albino rats

The comparative antioxidant effects of watermelon and orange, and their effects on serum (high density lipoproteins) HDL-cholesterol and (low density lipoproteins) LDL-cholesterol in normal rats given varying doses of the juices were investigated. 120 g/70 kg body weight was used as the standard dose, and the animals were given the normal dose, × 1.5, and × 2.0 of the normal dose, orally, for a period of six weeks. Our findings showed that watermelon juice caused a dose related decrease in SOD activity at weeks three and six, while orange juice caused a dose related increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. They both showed catalase activity lower than that for control, and at high doses, both showed increased activity of catalase. Both juice caused a dose related increase in HDL-cholesterol, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between them. And, watermelon caused a dose related decrease in LDL-cholesterol, while orange caused a dose related increase in LDL-cholesterol. But, LDL concentration for orange treated test groups were shown to be higher than that for watermelon treated test groups. These show that both fruits are complimentary, as the shortcoming of one is made up for by the other. So, for full health benefit, it is better to consume both at the same time. Key words: Antioxidants, dose related, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, (high density lipoproteins) HDL-cholesterol, (low density lipoproteins) LDL-cholesterol, normal dose.
Pathologic lesions in the gills of Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal concentrations of soap and detergent effluents.

Investigations were carried out on the gill tissues of African cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to sub lethal concentrations (0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005 and 0.006 mgl‑1) of soap and detergent effluents in a static renewal bioassay procedure for a total period of 52 days. The histopathological studies of the sectioned gills of this fish species showed marked histological alterations. The observed pathological lesions of the gills include infiltration of secondary lamellae, inter-lamellae hyper plastic lesion, oedema (an indication of ballooning dilatation in form of club deformation at the tip of secondary lamellae), congestion of the blood vessels, epithelial thickening and lifting, and necrosis of various degrees. The degree of all these recorded anomalies is concentration dependent. All the fishes held in the control stock showed inappreciable or no histological degradation as a result of stress in the course of handling while their staining patterns and cellular arrangement remained unaffected. Therefore, indiscriminate human exposure to such concentrations of this effluent is dangerous to health. Key words: Clarias geriepinus, histological, sub lethal, soap and detergent, effluent and pathological. ub lethal, soap and detergent, effluent and pathological.
Popper: not Bayes or Rieppel

Sir, Felsenstein (2004), who disapproved of both Popperians and Bayesians, contended that Popper’s corroboration relied on a Bayesian approach. While otherwise ignored, that charge was welcomed by Helfenbein and DeSalle (2005; hereinafter HDS) as a way to link Popper to Bayesianism, and HDS’ view has in turn been cited with seeming approval, even by authors who should certainly know better (e.g. Randle and Pickett, 2010). Perhaps it is worthwhile, then, to point out the main weaknesses of that reasoning. First consider Felsenstein’s (2004, p. 142, my underlining) comments:
Tissue mobilization rates in male fallow deer ( Dama danta ) as determined by computed tomography: the effects of natural and enforced food restriction

The breeding season in temperate species of deer is characterized by the rut, a period of intense sexual activity when the male eats very little and competes for access to females. Males have been reported as losing proportionately up to 0·30 of live weight over a 6- to 8- week period. The majority of the live-weight loss is accounted for in loss of depot fat, with smaller losses in muscle reserves. The effects of body composition, hormone status and season on these changes in fat and muscle reserves were examined in mature fallow bucks (Dama dama). The experiment was conducted in two stages, the ‘rut’ (February to May), and ‘spring’ (June to November). For the ‘rut’ period, bucks were randomly allocated to either ad libitum feeding, entire (HiEnt), matched group feeding, castrated (CAST), or entire bucks restricted to 7·6 kg dry matter per week (LoEnt) treatment groups (no. =4, 4 and 6, respectively). Three bucks from each of the HiEnt and LoEnt groups were selected for the ‘spring’ period. Bucks were given food ad libitum until mid October, whereupon they were restricted to 2·5 kg dry matter per week for 4 weeks (SPRING). Group food intake and individual live weights were measured weekly throughout both, periods. Body composition was measured by computed tomography on five and three occasions during the ‘rut’ and ‘spring’ stages, respectively. Comparisons of the relative losses of total fat and muscle relative to empty body weight (EBW) using the allometric model (y = aX b ) revealed significant treatment differences. HiEnt bucks had a high relative rate of fat and a low rate of muscle mobilization (b = 5·23 and 0·38, respectively). Only the CAST group had lower (P
Systematic notes on Asian birds. 53. The authorship and date of publication of the “Catalogue of the Specimens and Drawings of Mammalia and Birds of Nepal and Thibet presented by B.H. Hodgson, Esq. to the British Museum”

The authorship of this work or at least the ornithological part of it, and of the subsequent 1863 report, is best attributed to both John Edward Gray, who signed the preface, and his brother George Robert Gray. The first report has an imprint date of 1846, but evidence shows that this was not available as a published work until January 1847. The potential for priority conflict between this Catalogue and papers by Hodgson and Blyth in 1844-46, and between the Catalogue and G.R. Gray (1844-49), is discussed; and the new names proposed by Gray & Gray in the Catalogue are examined to see which were immediately in synonymy when they were published. Attention is drawn to the correct authorship of the generic name Aceros as being Hodgson and not J.E. Gray.
Effects of carbaryl exposure on the last larval instar of Xanthocnemis zealandica– fluctuating asymmetry and adult emergence

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a measure of developmental stability, has been suggested as a monitoring tool for environmental pollution. Aquatic pollution events are often transitional and the level of FA in populations exposed to such incidents has not yet been investigated. Research into the morphological effects of transitional pollution also provides a tool to elucidate the timing and duration of any ‘window of opportunity’ for the determination of FA in the developing organism. The present study was undertaken to investigate if exposure of the last instar of the damselfly Xanthocnemis zealandica (McLachlan) (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) to different levels of insecticidal stress resulted in different levels of FA in the wings of the adult insects and if adult emergence was altered by different concentrations of pesticide. Three concentrations of carbaryl (40 ppb, 2 ppb and 0.1 ppb) and a control were used. The emergence success of the damselflies was not affected by any treatment, but the insecticide had a stimulatory effect on the developing larvae. Exposure of the last instar of X. zealandica to carbaryl at 40 ppb had no consistent effect on FA in metric traits and increased FA in meristic traits compared with the control. Segregation of the emerged adults into two groups revealed more details about the ‘window of opportunity’ in the meristic traits. Larvae which had already completed more than half of their development when the experiment started did not show significant differences in the level of FA. In contrast, damselflies which were exposed for more than half of the final instar showed a clear difference in their levels of FA. The greater difference in the latter group was mainly caused by a decrease of FA in the controls rather than by an increase in the treatment. These data suggest that the ‘window of opportunity’ for the determination of the level of FA of the meristic traits in damselfly wings closes approximately halfway through the final larval instar.
A new turtle from the La Colonia Formation (Campanian–Maastrichtian), Patagonia, Argentina, with remarks on the evolution of the vertebral column in turtles

Abstract: Patagoniaemys gasparinae gen. et sp. nov. is a new stem turtle found in central Patagonia, Chubut Province, Argentina, in outcrops of the La Colonia Formation (Campanian–Maastrichtian). This is a turtle of relatively large size (carapace length c. 70 cm), and the preserved remains of the holotype consist of skull fragments and several postcranial elements including a nearly complete vertebral column. A phylogenetic analysis shows Patagoniaemys gasparinae gen. et sp. nov. forming a monophyletic group with Otwayemys cunicularius and Mongolochelys efremovi, as a sister group to Meiolaniidae. A comprehensive review confirms that formed cervical vertebrae appeared independently several times during turtle evolution: in the clade that includes Patagoniaemys gasparinae gen. et sp. nov. and Meiolaniidae, in some baenids, in the total group Pleurodira and in crown group Cryptodira. Likewise, formed caudal vertebrae appeared several times in turtle evolution.
Re-evaluating the NO2 hotspot over the South African Highveld

Globally, numerous pollution hotspots have been identified using satellite-based instruments. One of these hotspots is the prominent NO 2 hotspot over the South African Highveld. The tropospheric NO 2 column density of this area is comparable to that observed for central and northern Europe, eastern North America and south-east Asia. The most well-known pollution source in this area is a large array of coal-fired power stations. Upon closer inspection, long-term means of satellite observations also show a smaller area, approximately 100 km west of the Highveld hotspot, with a seemingly less substantial NO 2 column density. This area correlates with the geographical location of the Johannesburg–Pretoria conurbation or megacity, one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world. Ground-based measurements indicate that NO 2 concentrations in the megacity have diurnal peaks in the early morning and late afternoon, which coincide with peak traffic hours and domestic combustion. During these times, NO 2 concentrations in the megacity are higher than those in the Highveld hotspot. These diurnal NO 2 peaks in the megacity have generally been overlooked by satellite observations because the satellites have fixed local overpass times that do not coincide with these peak periods. Consequently, the importance of NO 2 over the megacity has been underestimated. We examined the diurnal cycles of NO 2 ground-based measurements for the two areas – the megacity and the Highveld hotspot – and compared them with the satellite-based NO 2 observations. Results show that the Highveld hotspot is accompanied by a second hotspot over the megacity, which is of significance for the more than 10 million people living in this megacity.