Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SARAL/AltiKa Global Statistical Assessment and Cross-Calibration with Jason-2

The CNES/ISRO mission SARAL/AltiKa was successfully launched on 25 February 2013. It reached its nominal orbit on 13 March 2013. AltiKa is the first altimeter using the Ka-band frequency. This article presents the results of the calibration and validation activities perfromed on the first year of the SARAL/AltiKa mission. The main objective of the article is to assess the SARAL/AltiKa data quality and to estimate the altimeter system performance using GDR products. To achieve this goal, we present mono-mission metrics and compare them with Jason-2 over the same period. Even if these missions do not have the same ground track, precise comparisons are still possible. They allow assessing parameter discrepancies and SSH consistency between both missions in order to detect geographically correlated biases, jumps or drifts. These results show that SARAL/AltiKa data quality is excellent: ocean data coverage is greater than 99.5%, standard deviation at cross-overs is 5.4 cm. The mission therefore fulfills the requirements of high precision altimetry and can be used (in conjunction with Jason-2) to monitor the global mean sea level, ensuring the continuity of the record over ERS/Envisat historical ground track. Possible improvements and open issues are also identified, foreseeing an even better mission performance.
Hematological Toxicities with PARP Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Phase II/III Randomized Controlled Trials

Simple Summary Poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) can be used in men with advanced prostate cancer. Unfortunately, this class of therapeutics has demonstrated the risk of developing hematological adverse events. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of several PARPi clinical trials to further evaluate the incidence of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia adverse events in prostate cancer patients. We found that this treatment is significantly associated with hematologic suppression. Further stratification suggests differences may exist between PARPis within this class of therapy. Abstract Background: Poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) are an important class of therapeutics for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Unlike hormone-based treatments for mCRPC, PARPis are not without drug-related hematological adverse events. Objective: To review the evidence on hematological toxicities, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia from PARPis in prostate cancer. Study Methodology: A systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA guidelines was performed for phase II and III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PARPis in prostate cancer. PubMed, Embase, and Ovid All EBM reviews—Cochrane were queried from inception to 9 June 2023. The Mantel–Haenszel method was used to report risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all-grade and high-grade anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia toxicities. Results: The systematic review retrieved eight phase II and III RCTs; specifically, eight were included in the anemia, five in the all-grade thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, and four in the high-grade thrombocytopenia and neutropenia outcomes. Compared to a placebo and/or other non-PARPi treatments, PARPi use was associated with an increased risk of all-grade anemia (RR, 3.37; 95% CI, 2.37–4.79; p < 0.00001), thrombocytopenia (RR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.97–10.44; p = 0.0004), and neutropenia (RR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.60–6.03; p = 0.0008). High-grade anemia (RR, 6.94; 95% CI, 4.06–11.86; p < 0.00001) and thrombocytopenia (RR, 5.52; 95% CI, 2.80–10.88; p < 0.00001) were also associated with an increased risk, while high-grade neutropenia (RR, 3.63; 95% CI, 0.77–17.23; p = 0.10) showed no significant association. Subgroup stratification analyses showed differences in various all-grade and high-grade toxicities. Conclusion: PARPis were associated with an increased risk of hematological AEs. Future studies with more pooled RCTs will enhance this understanding and continue to inform patient–physician shared decision-making. Future studies may also have a role in improving the current management strategies for these AEs.
Risk assessment from the oil waste disposal in the deep wells

In this paper we present the risk assessment analysis of oil waste disposal in deep wells. Oil waste disposal is analyzed in the oil field Žutica (Croatia) at an injection depth of around 2000 m. The risk assessment analysis is based on the flow and transport of injected oil waste using stochastic Monte-Carlo numerical simulations through a heterogeneous injection zone, which consists of low permeable marl and high permeable sandstone zones. The injection zone is bounded by low permeable marl zones, which decrease vertical spreading of the injected oil waste and considerably reduce risk. Risk assessment is defined by exceeding risk, which is the probability that injected oil waste passes through the selected cross section or important surface aquifers. Results show that exceeding risk is a very low or practically negligible, pr=10 for period t=100 year at depth of Z=1850 m and pr=10 for period t=10000 year at depth of Z=500 m (surface aquifers), which confirms the safety and reliability of the presented oil waste disposal methodology.
Model for Convective Cooling of Mantle with Phase Changes: Effects of Aspect Ratios and Initial Conditions

The effects of the aspect ratios and initial conditions on a cooling mantle with phase changes are studied using a 2-D Cartesian convection model without internal heating. The aspect ratio is either 3 or 5 and the side-boundaries are periodic. The initial condition is either a quasi-equilibrium state of convective flow or linear temperature increase from the top to the bottom surface. Bottom or core temperature is changed to match the core cooling by the convective heat transfer. Considerable qualitative and quantitative differences exist among the models with different initial conditions and aspect ratios. For example, we cannot find the convenient criterion, such as critical Rayleigh number, for the massive overturn of the upper and lower mantle associated with the endothermic phase transition (flushing). The presence of the thermal boundary layer at the endothermic phase boundary plays an important role in cooling both the upper and lower mantles. A common feature is that the upper mantle becomes hottest during the flushing event. In some cases, we find qualitatively similar "events" in which the style of flow changes. These events reflect the physical properties of the upper and lower mantles. Geological information of the past may be necessary to constrain the different models.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of Patient Tumor Single-Cell Transcriptomes Identifies Promising Selective and Safe Chimeric Antigen Receptor Targets in Head and Neck Cancer

Simple Summary A major barrier to success for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies in solid tumors is selecting optimal target antigens. Target antigens should be uniformly expressed by cancer cells and minimally so by healthy tissues in the body. Analyzing single-cell RNA-sequencing data of patient tumors and of healthy tissue reference atlases, we first charted the landscape of existing solid tumor CAR targets, quantifying their tumor selectivity and safety to identify the leading clinical targets. We then compared these benchmark targets to the cell surfaceome, with the aim of systematically identifying new candidate genes that are safer and/or more selective than the best CAR targets in clinical trials, as determined by our measures. Our analysis uncovered twenty new cell surface targets, five of which have both superior selectivity and safety scores, which may serve as promising candidates for CAR treatments in HNSC. Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have yielded transformative clinical successes for patients with blood tumors, but their full potential remains to be unleashed against solid tumors. One challenge is finding selective targets, which we define intuitively to be cell surface proteins that are expressed widely by cancer cells but minimally by healthy cells in the tumor microenvironment and other normal tissues. Analyzing patient tumor single-cell transcriptomics data, we first defined and quantified selectivity and safety scores of existing CAR targets for indications in which they are in clinical trials or approved. We then sought new candidate cell surface CAR targets that have better selectivity and safety scores than those currently being tested. Remarkably, in almost all cancer types, we could not find such better targets, testifying to the near optimality of the current target space. However, in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), for which there is currently a dearth of existing CAR targets, we identified a total of twenty candidate novel CAR targets, five of which have both superior selectivity and safety scores. These newly identified cell surface targets lay a basis for future investigations that may lead to better CAR treatments in HNSC.
Ultrashallow seismic imaging of the causative fault of the 1980, M6.9, southern Italy earthquake by pre‐stack depth migration of dense wide‐aperture data

A two‐step imaging procedure, including pre‐stack depth migration (PSDM) and non‐linear multiscale refraction tomography, was applied to dense wide‐aperture data with the aim of imaging the causative fault of the 1980, M6.9, Irpinia normal faulting earthquake in a very complex geologic environment. PSDM is often ineffective for ultrashallow imaging (100 m of depth and less) of laterally heterogeneous media because of the difficulty in estimating a correct velocity model for migration. Dense wide‐aperture profiling allowed us to build accurate velocity models across the fault zone by multiscale tomography and to record wide‐angle reflections from steep reflectors. PSDM provided better imaging with respect to conventional post‐stack depth migration, and improved definition of fault geometry and apparent cumulative displacement. Results indicate that this imaging strategy can be very effective for near‐surface fault detection and characterization. Fault location and geometry are in agreement with paleoseismic data from two nearby trenches. The estimated vertical fault throw is only 29–38 m. This value, combined with the vertical slip rate determined by trench data, suggests a young age (97–127 kyr) of fault inception.
Evaluating the school assets that promote positive adolescent development from the perspective of the student

espanolEl objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar un instrumento valido y fiable para evaluar la percepcion del alumnado de las fortalezas fundamentales de un centro educativo o activos escolares segun el enfoque del desarrollo adolescente positivo. Para ello, en primer lugar, se creo una escala a partir de una revision de los instrumentos existentes que evaluaban el clima escolar y las dimensiones relevantes del contexto escolar, identificadas como factores promotores del desarrollo sociopersonal y del ajuste adolescente. En segundo lugar, para asegurar la validez de contenido de la misma, se llevo a cabo un juicio de expertos. Y por ultimo, la escala fue administrada para el analisis de sus propiedades psicometricas a una muestra constituida por 2,400 adolescentes (1,068 chicos y 1,332 chicas) de 12 a 17 anos (M = 14.73, DT = 1.25) que cursaban estudios de educacion secundaria en centros publicos y privados de Andalucia Occidental. Los resultados obtenidos han permitido avalar la adecuacion de las propiedades psicometricas de la escala construida. Queda para futuras investigaciones comprobar la validez externa y predictiva del instrumento EnglishThe aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating students� perceptions of their school�s key strengths, or school assets, using the positive adolescent development approach. To do this, we first created a scale after carrying out a review of the instruments already in use to evaluate school climate and aspects related to the school context which have been identified as factors that promote the socio-personal development and adjustment of adolescents. Secondly, expert judgement was sought to ensure the validity of the scale�s content. And finally, in order to analyse the psychometric properties of the scale, it was given to a sample of 2,400 adolescents (1,068 boys and 1,332 girls) aged 12�17 (M = 14.73, SD = 1.25) in secondary education in state and private schools in Western Andalusia. The results obtained endorsed the scale�s psychometric properties. The external and predictive validity of the instrument remains to be tested in future studies
Photo- and Sono-Active Food Colorants Inactivating Bacteria

Food colorants are commonly used as excipients in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields, but they have a wide range of other potential applications, for instance, as cytotoxic drugs or mediators of physical antimicrobial treatments. The photodynamic antibacterial activity of several edible food colorants is reported here, including E127, E129, E124, E122, E133, and E150a, alongside Rhein, a natural lipophilic antibacterial and anticancer compound found in medicinal plants. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for S. aureus and E. coli showed that E127 and Rhein were effective against both bacteria, while other colorants exhibited low activity against E. coli. In some cases, dark pre-incubation of the colorants with Gram-positive S. aureus increased their photodynamic activity. Adding Rhein to E127 increased the photodynamic activity of the latter in a supportive mode. Optional sensing mechanism pathways of combined E127/Rhein action were suggested. The antibacterial activity of the studied colorants can be ranged as follows: E127/Rhein >> E127 >> E150a > E122 > E124 >> E129 ≈ E133. E127 was also found to exhibit photodynamic properties. Short ultrasonic treatment before illumination caused intensification of E127 photodynamic activity against E. coli when applied alone and especially in combination with Rhein. Food colorants exhibiting photo- and sonodynamic properties may have good potential in food preservation.
The anal pore route is efficient to infect Amblyomma spp. ticks with Rickettsia rickettsii and allows the assessment of the role played by infection control targets

Adult Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma aureolatum ticks are partially refractory to Rickettsia rickettsii when fed on infected hosts, hindering the functional characterization of potentially protective targets in the bacterial acquisition. In the current study, we used the anal pore route to infect adult A. sculptum and A. aureolatum ticks with R. rickettsii and to assess the effects of the knockdown of microplusin in infection control. The anal pore route was efficient to infect both species, resulting in a prevalence of around 100% of infected ticks. Higher loads of R. rickettsii were detected in microplusin-silenced A. aureolatum in relation to the control, as previously obtained when microplusin-silenced ticks were fed on R. rickettsii-infected rabbits. This is the first report showing R. rickettsii infection through the anal pore in Amblyomma ticks, highlighting this route as a powerful tool to assess the role played by additional targets in the control of pathogens.
Kinematics of present crust and mantle flow in southern California

In the southern California region, published geologic studies of prehistoric fault offsets yield at least 81 rates of slip covering various periods of time, chiefly since the opening of the Gulf of California. These rates, together with the known geometries of active faults, are used to constrain a hand-fit block model for present horizontal velocity of the crust. The assumptions employed are that these rates apply to the present, that the blocks are internally rigid down to the greatest depth of earthquakes, and that the over-all Pacific–North American plate motion is correctly given by global models. The resulting model fits 67 data within their uncertainties, 10 more with a small discrepancy (≤ 1 mm/yr), and fails to accommodate only 4 data (2 of which are inconsistent with other data). Nominal precision is good (∼3 mm/yr), but accuracy and uniqueness are both suspect, because many block boundaries are questionable. Despite its many local defects, this model suggests four reliable regional conclusions. First, the rate of shortening on the south side of the Transverse Ranges varies from 6 to 14 mm/yr, increasing eastward, which implies an unrecognized seismic hazard, unless the motion is taken up by folding or fault creep. Second, the pattern of block rotation rates is quite different from the pattern of rotations shown by Tertiary paleomagnetic declinations, which implies some major Pliocene(? ) reorganization of blocks. Third, the “great bend” (left step) of the plate boundary fault system in the Transverse Ranges appears to be straightening gradually, by a 3°/m.y. clockwise rotation relative to both plates. Finally, if it is assumed that plate shortening has been occurring at this bend since the early Pliocene and that crust and upper-mantle velocities are similar, then this model predicts mantle-lithosphere downwelling to at least 250-km depth beneath the Transverse Ranges. This prediction is consistent with upper-mantle seismic-velocity structure.
Sex-Related Disparities in the Resting State Functional Connectivity of the Locus Coeruelus and Salience Network in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease

Recent studies have demonstrated the pivotal role of locus coeruleus (LC) and salience network (SN) resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) changes in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Moreover, sex has been a crucial point of discussion in understanding AD pathology. We aimed to demonstrate the sex-related disparities in the functional connectivity (FC) of the SN and LC in preclinical AD. A total of 89 cognitively normal patients with evidence of amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation ([18F] flutemetamol +) were recruited in the study. A seed-to-voxel analysis was conducted to measure the LC and SN rsFC differences between sexes. In addition, sex by Aβ interactive effects on FC values were analyzed with a general linear model. There were statistically significant sex by regional standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) interactions in the LC FC with the parietal, frontal, and occipital cortices. Moreover, there was a significant sex by global SUVR interaction in the SN FC with the temporal cortex. The findings suggest that there are differential patterns of LC FC and SN FC in males and females with preclinical AD, which interact with regional Aβ deposition.
Disturbed State Concept-Based Constitutive Model for Lignosulfonate-Treated Silty Sand

AbstractIn this paper, a new behavioral (plasticity) model for lignosulfonate (LS)–treated silty sand based on the disturbed state concept is proposed. Here, the relative intact (RI) responses for both the LS-treated and untreated soils are simulated using the δ0 version of the hierarchical single-surface plasticity models. The nonassociativeness is incorporated through the disturbance function, which shows the amount of deviation of the actual response from the reference states. In the analysis, the fully adjusted (FA) response of the untreated soil was considered similar to the shear behavior at 20% of the shear strain. Also, for the LS-treated behavior, the FA response was taken as the response of the LS bonds. In this study, the bond response was modeled separately using a linear elastic RI response and zero strength condition as the relative states. A series of laboratory direct shear tests were carried out at low effective normal stresses to determine the model parameters. The proposed model has bee.
A topological approach to the strain-rate pattern of ice sheets

Abstract The pattern of horizontal strain rate in an ice sheet is discussed from a topological point of view. In a circularly symmetric ice sheet, the isotropic point for strain rate at its centre is degenerate and structurally unstable. On perturbation the degenerate point splits into two elementary isotropic points, each of which has the lemon pattern for the trajectories of principal strain rate. Contour maps of principal strain-rate values are presented which show the details of the splitting.
Distribution of phytoplankton along the thermohaline gradient in the North-Eastern Adriatic channel; winter aspect

The distribution of phytoplankton and its relation to the hydrographic features in the north-eastern Adriatic was investigated in February 2008. The area of interest included a thermohaline gradient in the channel situated between the coast and the islands lying parallel to the coast. The gradient is controlled by the influx of oligotrophic karstic riverine water at the south-eastern end, submarine springs in the middle part, and warmer offshore waters at the north-western end of the channel. The change of temperature and salinity in the estuarine transition zone was accompanied by abundant diatoms and dinoflagellates below the halocline, with dominant chain forming diatoms (Chaetoceros, Bacteriastrum) in abundances reaching 5 × 10^5 cells dm^-3. The impact of coastal submarine springs detected by infrared remote sensing resulted in the growth of cyanobacteria in the nitrogen-depleted surface waters. The greater contribution of picoplankton, as well as of nanoplanktonic coccolithophorids and cryptophytes, in the outer channel system indicated their preference for oligotrophic conditions. Flow cytometric counts of nanophytoplankton were 10-30 times greater than inverted microscope counts. Cyanobacteria were about five times more abundant than picoeucaryotes. The study demonstrates how different techniques (remote sensing and in situ investigations) can be useful in understanding the biological and hydrographic set-up in the specific oligotrophic eastern Adriatic coastal environment.