Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solid Stress and Nanoparticle Microdistribution in Xenografts: Effects of Ultrasound and Microbubble Cavitation

A drug delivery system (DDS) was characterized for two different xenografts in mice: OHS and PC3. Nanoparticles (NP) encapsulating fluorescent model drugs were used as stabilizing shells around gas microbubbles (MB), and ultrasound (US) was used to locally cavitate and collapse the MBs at the tumor site. MB cavitation is known to induce several effects which are beneficial for NP drug delivery, causing increased accumulation, extravasation and extracellular matrix (ECM) penetration by the NPs. These effects all contribute to a higher tumor specificity and ability to reach all tumor cells, allowing for a safer and more efficient method of cancer treatment. Frozen tumor sections were imaged using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and analyzed in terms of NP microdistribution. The distribution of solid stress (SS) in the tumors was characterized using the ”Planar cut” method and subsequent US imaging. Tile scans from frozen tumor sections were fitted to surface plots (SP) of SS distribution in the same tumor, and a connection between SS levels and NP microdistribution was established. The baseline enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of both tumor models was established, and found significantly higher for OHS tissue: the NP accumulation was 64.9 % higher, the NP extravasation was 50.3 % higher, and the ECM penetration was 35.2 % higher in OHS tissue (p=0.01, p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively, t-test). The DDS with US proved to be more effective for tissue with a lower baseline EPR effect. SS distribution was shown to be highly heterogeneous between tumors, and the level of SS was significantly higher in OHS than in PC3 tumors, by 99.5 % (p<0.0001, t-test). For the first time, it was shown that treatment with US induced MB collapse lowered the SS in both tumor models: by 11.1 % in OHS tumors and 8.8 % in PC3 tumors (p=0.029 and p=0.030, respectively, t-test). The correlation between SS levels and NP microdistribution was heterogeneous. PC3 tumors showed no effect of the US treatment on the correlation between SS level and NP accumulation, extravasation or ECM penetration, which were all negative for both groups. OHS tumors, on the other hand, experienced a change from positive to negative correlation between SS level and NP accumulation, and a change from no correlation to a positive correlation between SS level and NP extravasation after treatment.
Comparison of methods for deriving a digital elevation model from contours and modelling of the associated uncertainly

Topographic maps are the most common sources of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). On these maps elevation data are explicitly displayed along contour lines. However such an input is not fully representative of the terrain shape which is known to vary continuously and smoothly in space. Moreover, in many instances the DEM is not the final objective. In our case, we intend to use it along with its derivatives as secondary information in interpolation of soil attributes. So DEM errors will propagate into the target variable. Therefore assessment of the amount and spatial distribution of these errors is crucial. Often, what is important is not the absolute DEM accuracy but the reproduction of the terrain shape. In this respect quantitative assessment criteria should be complemented by other qualitative criteria that account e.g. for artefacts and inconsistencies. The topographic data source is an 1:50000 topographic map with a 20 m contour interval. The study area has an area of 14.8 km and is composed of two contiguous watersheds located in a mountainous and lithologically contrasting zone of Burundi. Correlations between soil attributes and DEM-derived topographic attributes are significant, but they are too weak to be readily accounted for in soil attributes interpolation. Also propagation of DEM uncertainty into DEM derivatives is too pronounced and precludes the use of these as secondary information in soil attributes interpolation. Therefore we suggest changing the DEM into topographic units and use these as well as lithologic units as categorical soft information.
A lumped parameter balance model for modeling intramountain groundwater basins: application to the aquifer system of Shahrekord Plain, Iran

1. IntroductionLimitations in water quantity and quality are among the greatest social and economic problems facing mankind (Widen-Nilsson et al., 2007). The sustainability of groundwater resources is important for the environment, the economy and communities where surface water is scarce. The development of models to effectively inform groundwater management policies is, however, a complex task that presents a fundamental scientific challenge (Welsh, 2007). This is especially the case in arid and semi-arid regions, where precipitation is limited and/or irregular and evapotranspiration rates are high. Many of the world’s people and sensitive riparian ecosystems found in semi-arid regions are dependent on basin groundwater systems recharged from adjacent mountain ranges (Magruder et al., 2009). Intramountain basin-fill aquifers are sometimes topographically closed or nearly closed with limited interaction with neighbouring basins. Water balances of basin-fill aquifer systems are very sensitive to changes in the different balance components. As inflow in these basins is constrained by meteorological conditions, the risk for overexploitation of the groundwater resources is very realistic, certainly on the long term. The Shahrekord aquifer in central Iran is an example of an intramountain basin-fill aquifer system that has seen a dramatic rise in groundwater exploitation during the last decades, mainly due to the increased development of agriculture. As it is located in a semi-ar
GRB 050502B optical afterglow: a jet-break at high redshift

Aims. Swift GRB 050502B is well known for the very bright flare displayed in its X-ray light curve. Despite extensive studies, however, the optical light curve has never been discussed and its redshift is unconstrained. Possible correlations between optical and X-ray data are analysed. Methods. Photometric data from TNG in the R and I bands were used to compare the optical afterglow with the X-ray light curve. The HyperZ package and a late-time VLT host observation were used to derive redshift estimates. Results. The I-band afterglow decay followed a power law of index α = 2.1 ± 0.6, after a late break at∼ 1.3 x 10 5 s. The R ― I colour is remarkably red and the broadband spectral index β OX = 0.9±0.1 is consistent with the X-ray spectral slope β X . Although a photometric redshift of z > 4 is the most conservative result to consider, a photometric redshift of z = 5.2 ± 0.3 is suggested with no extinction in the host, based on which an isotropic energy E γ,iso = (3.8 ± 0.7) x 10 52 erg and a jet opening angle θ ∼ 3.7° are subsequently derived. Conclusions. The combined X-ray and optical data suggest an achromatic break, which we interpret as a jet-break. The post jet-break slope roughly obeys the closure relation for the jet's slow cooling model. Because of the afterglow's very red colour, in order for the redshift to be low (z < 1), extinction must be significantly high if present in the host. Since the optical-to-X-ray index is consistent with the X-ray spectrum, and there is no XRT evidence for excess N H , GRB 050502B was likely at high redshift.
Bridging the Gap - A Model of Co-modal Terminal Clusters

With the emergence of the concept of co-modality solely focusing on single facilities e.g. ports, airports, intermodal terminals, etc. in the study of the node is no longer sufficient. There is need for considering all modes of transportation in a co-modal node at the same time in order to enable explaining the emerging flow patterns. For this reason the concept of co-modal terminal cluster (CTC) is introduced. The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically validate a model of a CTC. The CTC model has been conceptually developed, and, empirically validated through a single case study. The findings indicate that CTC can be meaningfully modelled using the terminal metaphor. The CTC modelled as a terminal is the main outcome of this study. The CTC model provides a basis for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of a co-modal node in the network while at the same time being able to account for more of the complexity of the real world system. The model needs to be further refined for it to be applicable in quantitative analysis. The CTC-model provides both a descriptive and explanatory tool for practitioners and researchers alike.
Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems ( MCIS ) 2011 MEASUREMENT ERROR IN PLS , REGRESSION AND CB-SEM

Partial Least Squares (PLS) has become a very popular statistical technique for analyzing causal path models involving multiple indicator data in MIS research. Proponents of the use of PLS view it as a relatively easy to use “second-generation” statistical analysis technique that, like covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM), has several advantages over regression. While it isn’t frequently explicitly stated, most users seem to believe that PLS somehow takes measurement indicator errors into account, perhaps similarly to the way CB-SEM techniques do. We conducted an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study to compare the accuracy of path estimates for regression, PLS and CBSEM (employing LISREL) under a variety of conditions. We found that PLS provides path estimates that are much closer to regression than to LISREL. Further, we observed that under most circumstances the amount of bias in the PLS (and regression) estimates could be corrected by applying Nunnally and Bernstein’s (xxxx) formula for correcting attenuation. We conclude that our results offer strong evidence that 1) PLS does not take indicator measurement error into account, and 2) under most circumstances the accuracy of PLS (or of regression) path estimates can be improved by applying Nunnally and Bernstein’s formula for correcting attenuation. There is also the suggestion that under certain circumstances, PLS may over-estimate path values.
Constraints on climate change from a multi‐thousand member ensemble of simulations

The first multi thousand member “perturbed physics” ensemble simulation of present and future climate, completed by the distributed computing project climateprediction.net, is used to search for constraints on the response to increasing greenhouse gas levels among present day observable climate variables. The search is conducted with a systematic statistical methodology to identify correlations between observables and the quantities we wish to predict, namely the climate sensitivity and the climate feedback parameter. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to ensure that results are minimally dependent on the parameters of the methodology. Our best estimate of climate sensitivity is 3.3 K. When an internally consistent representation of the origins of model‐data discrepancy is used to calculate the probability density function of climate sensitivity, the 5th and 95th percentiles are 2.2 K and 6.8 K respectively. These results are sensitive, particularly the upper bound, to the representation of the origins of model‐data discrepancy.
Antioxidant analysis of different parts of Carica papaya

This study was conducted to compare the total antioxidant activity (TAA), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) from the different parts of papaya tree including their ripe and unripe fruit, seeds and the young leaves. Two methods namely DPPH radical scavenging activity and β-carotene bleaching assay were used to determine the TAA, whereas TPC was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu’s method while TFC by aluminium trichloride (AlCl 3 ). For these purposes, methanolic extracts (80%) were prepared. The results showed that the highest antioxidant activity through β-carotene bleaching assay was observed in unripe fruit (90.67 ± 0.29%) followed by young leave, ripe fruit and the seed. In other hand, young leaves exhibited a significant higher scavenging effect compared to others and the dose required in reducing the absorbance of DPPH control solution by 50% (EC 50 ) was calculated at 1.0 ± 0.08mg/ml. The EC 50 values were 4.3 ± 0.01mg/ml, 6.5 ± 0.01mg/ml and 7.8 ± 0.06mg/ml for unripe fruit, ripe fruit and seeds respectively. Interestingly, both TPC and TFC also showed that young leaves had the highest antioxidant content (424.89 ± 0.22mg GAE/ 100 g dry weight and 333.14 ± 1.03mg rutin equivalent/ 100 g dry weight, respectively). Statistically, Pearson correlation showed there were positive correlations between TPC and TFC with antioxidant activity assayed by DPPH radical scavenging assay (r=0.846 and r=0.873, respectively). However there was no correlation between TPC and TFC with β-carotene bleaching activity. In brief, taken into account all the parameters measured, antioxidants were highly remarkable in the sequence of young leaves > unripe fruit > ripe fruit > seed. Nevertheless, further investigation for isolation and identification of the phytoconstituents responsible for antioxidant activity is desirable.
Isentropic constraints by midlatitude surface warming on the Arctic midtroposphere

In simulations of 21st century climate, it is argued that changes in midlatitude near‐surface moisture and temperature could explain the autumn midtropospheric Arctic warming. The argument is based on a comparison between the Arctic midtropospheric warming and theoretical estimates in which synoptic scale transient eddies propagate near‐surface warming anomalies along either dry potential temperature surfaces or equivalent (moist) potential temperature surfaces. In most models, it is observed that the Arctic midtropospheric warming can be obtained from the propagation of midlatitude near‐surface warming anomalies according to a dynamic that is intermediate between the dry and moist theories. While many models follow more closely the moist theory, few follow more closely the dry theory. This finding suggests that, as for the tropical atmosphere, theories of high‐latitude midtropospheric warming based on changes in poleward heat fluxes should include a moist component.
From Moral Insanity to Psychopathy

Psychopathy is currently a condition that arouses great interest among psychiatrists because of its significant involvement in the forensic field. The authors illustrate the course over time of the concept of psychopathy, starting from the definition of “moral insanity” of Prichard. The historical journey allows to illustrate the different positions that the various European schools of psychiatry have had toward psychopathy, until modern nosographic classification systems such as Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Special attention is paid to the “core” of psychopathy: the alteration of the moral sense, and through the illustration of moral development is provided a reading of morality in the psychopath and the reasons for its impairment. A clinical and critical examination of psychopathy assessment scales is proposed, with the aim to broaden the horizons of assessment, also to individuals who do not show violent behavior, but with compromised moral sense. Lastly, authors propose an interpretation of the social aspects of psychopathy that goes beyond the assessment of the psychopath confined in jails, with several highlighted aspects of psychopathy that contribute to social success in work, relationships, and career and that can contribute to the success of the psychopath.
HOW EXCESSIVE ARE EXTERNAL IMBALANCES IN SELECTED TRANSITION COUNTRIES

This article examines the main current account balance determinants in order to assess the potential excessiveness of current account deficits in selected transition countries. For this purpose, dynamic panel-regression techniques are used to characterise the properties of current account variations across the transition regions. The results are chiefly consistent with the theoretical and previous empirical analysis, indicating a moderate level of current account deficits persistency and negative effects of economic growth, real appreciation and worsening of terms of trade on the external balances. Furthermore, the validity of the stages of development hypothesis and twin deficit hypothesis, as well as the significance of demographic factors is confirmed in the regions. Finally, the results suggest that most transition countries are justified in running relatively high current account deficits.
Various Biochemical Changes of African Marigold Seedlings under Sugar Mill Effluent Stress

Sugar mill is one of the agro based industry and great significant in rural economy of developing countries. It creates environmental pollution by produced waste during sugar production. In the present work deals with the analysis of various change of biochemical in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) at 15 DAS under the different concentrations (control, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) of sugar mill effluent. Results of this study determined that the lower concentration (10%) of sugar mill effluent increased photosynthetic pigment and biochemical contents of African marigold and it decreased at higher concentrations of the sugar mill effluent. The lower concentrations of sugar mill effluent used for irrigation.
Structure and histology of extrafloral nectaries of tropical species in a mexican rain forest = Estrutura e histologia dos nectarios extraflorais de especies em uma floresta tropical no México

Although there is a large diversity of plant species with extrafloral nectaries, histological detail of these glands is poorly documented in tropical rain forest species. We characterized extrafloral nectaries using digital photographs, scanning electron microscopy and histological methods for eight plant species belonging to the Costaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae and Salicaceae. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports on the structure of extrafloral nectaries for these species. Croton species exhibited reddish extrafloral nectaries on the petioles, surrounded by star-shaped trichomes. Cnidoscolus multilobus and Omphalea oleifera showed green, elevated, extrafloral nectaries at the peduncle; C. multilobus showed abundant secretory tissue; O. oleifera revealed numerous cells with calcium oxalate crystals. Heliocarpus species showed extrafloral nectaries distributed at the base of the blade and possesses glands in the center of the extrafloral nectary surrounded by a series of parenchymatic cells. Pleuranthodendron lindenii has two extrafloral nectaries at the base of the leaves. Costus scaber has a hollow-type extrafloral nectary on the red-colored bracts of the inflorescence; nectar cavity is found in the center area of each bracts located on a yellow line. The extrafloral nectaries described in this study exhibited different morphologies and histological structures involved in the secretion of extrafloral nectar that could be related to biotic defenses, primarily by attracting ants.
Fraud Prevention, Mitigation and Management Practices In Nigerian Firms

This paper examined fraud prevention, mitigation and management practices. The respondents were 294 persons drawn from business owners, accountants, investors, bankers, and managers in Port Harcourt. The spearman's rank order correlation coefficient statistical tool of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that there is a significant relationship between internal control system and reduction in the manipulation of records; and there is a significant relationship between internal auditing and the prevention of assets defalcations.It was concluded that businesses operate in a risky environment where errors and irregularities which may result into fraud can occur. Fraud is an act of deception which is perpetrated by someone in authority for the illegal acquisition of the assets of an organization that he or she is entrusted to take care of. Thus, efficient and effective internal control system with adequate internal auditing should be provided to prevent, mitigate and manage all forms of fraudulent activities in organizations. In the lightof our findings from the study, we recommendedthat the management of firms should have mechanisms for theproper documentations of their assets, and that the management of organizations should provide mechanisms to safeguard all their physical assets.
Light Interception and Yield Potential of Short‐Season Maize (
 Zea mays
 L.) Hybrids in the Midsouth

The midsouthern USA typically has a mid- to late-summer drought that limits the productivity of nonirrigated maize (Zea mays L.) production. We hypothesized that by increasing seeded population and narrowing row spacing, short-season maize hybrids in the Midsouth would have similar yield but require less irrigation compared with hybrids currently grown. Irrigated experiments were conducted at Fayetteville, AR, in 2001, 2002, and 2003 and at Keiser, AR, in 2002 and 2003. Factors evaluated included maize maturity (75- to 110-d maize hybrids) and maize seeded population (5 to 20 seed m(-2)) sown in 50-cm rows. Between emergence and black layer, short-season maize hybrids required 30 to 50% less irrigation than did their full-season counterparts. Yield of short-season maize at high plant populations (approximately equal to 19 plants m(-2)) was equal to that of full-season hybrids, which reached maximum yield at lower plant populations (approximately equal to 8 plants m(-2)). Maize biomass at maturity had a linear relationship with cumulative intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (CIPAR) from emergence to maturity, but maize yield had an asymptotic relationship with CIPAR with little increase in yield for CIPAR above 555 MJ m(-2). This research indicates that increasing plant population for short-season maize hybrids increased CIPAR, which compensated for a short growing season to achieve similar potential yield to full-season hybrids in the Midsouth with substantially less irrigation.
Isolation and use of microsatellite loci in Melicertus kerathurus (Crustacea, Penaeidae)

Melicertus kerathurus represents an economically important resource for fisheries and aquaculture. Seven microsatellite loci from 373 specimens of M. kerathurus collected in different parts of the Mediterranean and NE Atlantic were identified. Four of these microsatellites showed a moderate level of polymorphism, with 2 to 14 alleles per locus, whereas three had a monomorphic profile. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged between 0.28 to0.64 and 0.28 to 0.65, respectively. Three microsatellite loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in some populations, with a deficit of heterozygosity. Mean Fst values showed significant differentiation among sample sites analysed and indicate that these loci are useful for the study of genetic variation in this species. These results may supply functional information on the population genetic structure of Melicertus kerathurus, valuable for future sustainable management strategies.