Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy Observation of Octacalcium Phosphate (100) Face Dissolution in Weak Acidic Solutions

Dissolution of the (100) face of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) single crystal in weak acidic solutions (pH = 6.5; 25°C) was observed in situ using atomic force microscopy. Monomolecular steps (2.0 nm high) were observed; they originated from etch pits or crystal edges. Advancement of the dissolution process led to precipitation of nanoparticles as small as ~10 nm even though the solution was undersaturated with respect to OCP. This precipitation of nanoparticles was accompanied by a drastic decrease in the dissolution rate; however, the substrate OCP continued to dissolve, indicating that dissolution and growth occurred simultaneously on the same surface. The precipitated nanoparticles coalesced and eventually covered the entire surface without changing the surface morphology of the substrate crystal. The step height after complete coverage was ~2.0 nm, the same as that observed on the dissolving OCP surface. These findings indicate that the precipitated phase was a pseudomorph of OCP crystal.
SNPs in ERCC1 and drug response to cisplatin in non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

Pharmacogenomics can be a useful tool to predict drug responsiveness (e.g., toxicity) as well as outcome, including survival. It can therefore also be used to engineer individual treatment according to the genetic characteristics of cancer patients. The target for phamacogenomics is genetic information on polymorphisms and gene expression. The major approach involves the SNPs (a point mutation) which have been known to be predictive markers of treatment response, toxicity, time to disease progression and survival in cancer patients. There are several general methods for the genotyping of SNPs [1]. One such method is PCRRFLP. This lacks powerful high throughput, which means that it cannot be used for the identification of all genotypes. Quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR is limited by its cost, whereas the 5 -nuclease assay for allelic discrimination is relatively new. Another recent method, 3D polyacrylamide gel-based DNA microarray, has been shown to be inexpensive and extremely powerful for the genotyping of many samples.
Expression and immunohistochemical localization of heparan sulphate proteoglycan N‐syndecan in the migratory pathway from the rat olfactory placode

N‐syndecan, a membrane‐bound heparan sulphate proteoglycan, is abundantly present in the developing nervous system and thought to play important roles in the neurite outgrowth. In the present study, we examined the distribution of N‐syndecan in the migratory route from the rat olfactory placode using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. At embryonic day 15, both heparan sulphate and N‐syndecan immunoreactivities were localized in and around the migrating cell clusters, which contained luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) and calbindin D‐28k. Immunoreactivity for other glycosaminoglycan chains, such as chondroitin and keratan sulphate, and core proteins of the chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan, neurocan and phosphacan, were barely detected in the migratory pathway from the olfactory placode. By in situ hybridization histochemistry, N‐syndecan mRNA was localized in virtually all of migrating neurons as well as in cells of the olfactory epithelium and the vomeronasal organ. N‐syndecan immunoreactivity surrounded cells migrating along the vomeronasal nerves that were immunoreactive for neural cell adhesion molecules, NCAM, L1 and TAG‐1. Considering that NCAM is implicated in the migratory process of LHRH neurons and specifically binds to heparan sulphate, it is likely that a heterophilic interaction between NCAM and N‐syndecan participates in the neuronal migration from the rat olfactory placode.
Asthma Severity, Psychiatric Morbidity, and Quality of Life: Correlation with Inhaled Corticosteroid Dose

Objectives. Psychiatric phenomena in asthma has been debated for some time. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a significant part of treatment. We attempted to quantify the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity relative to asthma severity, quality of life (QOL), and ICS dose. Data Sources. Fifty asthmatic patients (18 ≥ X ≤ 75 years) on ICS, attending an urban clinic had asthma and ICS dose stratified by symptom severity and preparation potency. Peak flow and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were measured. Patients completed general QOL and disease-specific QOL questionnaires, along with psychiatric rating scales. Results. Patients (n = 50) clustered in the 40–59 year range (n = 27, 54%) and were predominantly female (n = 44, 88%) Hispanics (n = 30, 60%), with mild-moderate asthma (n = 18, 36%) and on low-dose ICS (n = 22, 44%). FEV1 ranged from 32 to 123 (mean 76.98, SE 3.01). Peak flow ranged from 210 to 590 (mean 407.83, SE 13.24). Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms were higher than expected (Kendall's tau-c, n = 50, P < .01). Independently, high ICS dose and asthma severity correlated directly with all measures of psychiatric morbidity (Pearson's r 0.781, P < .01). High ICS dose correlated inversely with SF-36 Mental Component Scale (Pearson's r 0.681, P < .01) and directly with FEV1 and peak flow when age/sex adjusted (Spearman's rho: 0.660, P < .001). Conclusions. Psychiatric morbidity is more prevalent in this population and impacts negatively on QOL. Use of high-dose ICS benefited pulmonary function and “physical” QOL, yet may have negatively affected patients' mental well-being. Longitudinal follow-up, extension of sample size, and better study control would allow closer approximation of possible negative associations with ICS.
An investigation of the effect of online services on revenue collection: a case study of the integrated tax management information system of the domestic taxes Department of Kenya Revenue Authority

Online services forms part of the tax reforms were by Kenya Revenue Authority. Since its . , formation, Kenya revenue authority has implemented several tax reforms with the motive of enhancing tax collections and tax efficiency. Taxation is the main source of government revenues in Kenya. Kenya's tax revenues have been increasing rapidly due to the country's rapid economic development; therefore, Government has invested time and money in an integrated online tax filing system for tax administration to improve the efficiency of its tax system. Using the integrated tax management information system of the domestic tax department as an example of e-governmental services, this study seeks to develop an understanding of the effect of online services in revenue collection in Kenya. The specific objective of the study is to assess the impact of KRA online services on revenue collection, to assess whether online services will significantly reduce queues experienced at the time of submitting tax returns and to determine the relevance of electronic record keeping in enhancing revenue collection. The study adopts a case study approach of one of the departments of the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Domestic Tax Department-MST with emphasis to VAT and PA YE collections. The study will use a structured questionnaire as the main data collection tool. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequency tables to answer the objectives of the study. The data was presented using charts and tables.
Incumbent's Incentive under Network Externalities

This paper shows that an incumbent monopolist's incentive confronting a new entrant depends on the degree of product differentiation and the strength of network externality. If products are homogeneous, the incumbent never wants to invite entry regardless of the degree of network externality. On the other hand, if products are differentiated, duopoly profit is higher than the monopoly profit when products are more differentiated and/or the network externality is weak. Conversely, the incumbent has an incentive to deter entry under strong network externality and/or weak product differentiation. A similar result also holds for the compatibility allowance decision.
Fregean Extensions of First-Order Theories

It is shown by Parsons [2] that the first-order fragment of Frege's (inconsistent) logical system in the Grundgesetze der Arithmetic is consistent. In this note we formulate and prove a stronger version of this result for arbitrary first-order theories. We also show that a natural attempt to further strengthen our result runs afoul of Tarski's theorem on the undefinability of truth. Mathematics Subject Classification: 03B10.
Low surface recombination velocity by low-absorption silicon nitride on c-Si

We demonstrate that nearly stoichiometric amorphous silicon nitride (SiN<inf>x</inf>) can exhibit excellent surface passivation on both p- and n-type c-Si as well as low absorption at short wavelengths. The key process to obtain such a SiN<inf>x</inf> is the optimized deposition pressure. The effective carrier lifetimes of these samples exceed the commonly accepted intrinsic upper limit over a wide range of excess carrier densities. We achieve a low S<inf>eff,UL</inf> of 1.6 cm/s on 0.85-Ω·cm p-type and immeasurably low S<inf>eff,UL</inf> on 0.47-Ω·cm n-type silicon passivated by the SiN<inf>x</inf> deposited at 290 °C. Capacitance-voltage measurements reveal this SiN<inf>x</inf> has a density of interface states of 3.0 × 10<sup>11</sup> eV<sup>−1</sup>cm<sup>−2</sup> at midgap and an insulator charge of 5.6 × 10<sup>11</sup> cm<sup>−2</sup>. By comparing the measured injection-dependent S<inf>eff,UL</inf> to calculated S<inf>eff,UL</inf> by an extended Shockley-Read-Hall model, we conclude that either Defect A or B (or both) observed by Schmidt et al. is likely to dominate the surface recombination at our Si-SiN<inf>x</inf> interface. In addition to the outstanding surface passivation, this SiN<inf>x</inf> has a low absorption coefficient at short wavelengths. Compared to Si-rich SiN<inf>x</inf> of an equivalent passivation, the optimized SiN<inf>x</inf> would enhance the photo-generated current density by more than 0.66 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> or 1.40 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> for solar cells encapsulated in glass/EVA or operating in air, respectively. The SiN<inf>x</inf> described here is ideally suited for high-efficiency solar cells, which require good surface passivation and low absorption from their front surface coatings.
The Effects of Auditor Gender on Audit Quality

From the existing literature, it appears that gender has a significant influence on the manner in which information is collected and processed. Gender also appears to have a significant effect on the risk profile. This paper examines the effects of auditor gender on audit report and audit opinion. Only a limited number of studies have investigated gender differences in an audit context. The paper tests its hypotheses on the basis of a laboratory experiment in which it analyzes the final written exams of 20 female and 20 male future auditors. The findings suggest that women auditors discover more potential misstatements than male auditors, though they analyze the misstatements in a less accurate manner than male auditors. The findings also indicate that women auditors are more risk-averse than male auditors. Implications on auditor choice by companies, assignment of personnel to audit teams, and quality control issues are also discussed in the paper.
Performance Measurement in the U.S. Public Sector

Since the 1990s, the momentum for using performance measurement in the U.S. public sector has been growing as a result of an increased focus on outcome indicators and citizen involvement in government. Performance measurement has become a commonly used tool in performance-based budgeting, strategic planning, and developing performance management systems. It is also frequently used to create baseline comparisons for implementing benchmarking in state and local governments. However, despite the growing interest on the part of public officials, performance measurement is still not well understood. This is mainly because the study of performance measurement has lagged behind its implementation, and systematic and thorough research of this phenomenon has not yet taken place. The role of scholars and researchers will be crucial in guiding the further dissemination, appropriate use, and effective implementation of performance measurement. Concurrently, heads of public sector organizations must provide leadership and incentive for better incorporating performance measurement into their organizations' management systems. 1.1 Implementation by the Public Sector Today, performance measurement can be seen at various levels of the U.S. public sector. At the federal the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) was passed in 1993 and all executive agencies are required to set goals for program performance and to measure results. They are also required to prepare multiyear strategic plans, annual performance plans, and annual performance reports. At the state and local levels, performance measurement is disseminated with much more diversity. For example, Oregon, Minnesota and Florida are well known for having statewide performance measurement processes, known as "benchmarking. " Some cities, such as Phoenix, AZ, and Charlotte, NC, have been using performance measurement in their budgeting processes for decades. Unfortunately, because of the widespread variability in the ways performance measurement has been put into practice, it is difficult to make clear generalizations about the status of performance measurement in the U.S. as a whole. The most comprehensive survey was conducted jointly by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) in 1996.1
Tryptophanase in sRNA control of the Escherichia coli cell cycle

The field of gene regulation underwent a major revolution with the discovery of small non‐coding RNAs (sRNAs) and the various roles they play in organisms from bacteria to man. Escherichia coli has more than 60 sRNAs that are transcribed primarily from intergenic regions. They usually target the leader region of mRNAs and prevent their translation. Protein targets are relatively rare. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Chant and Summers provide an example of a totally unexpected protein target. They show that dimers of plasmid ColE1 make an sRNA that interacts directly with the enzyme tryptophanase and enhances its affinity for its substrate, tryptophan. A breakdown product, indole, then arrests cell division until the dimers are resolved to monomers. The monomerization helps to prevent plasmid loss. Targeting a catabolic enzyme to buy time for recombination is an amazing example of adaptation, which illustrates the power of a selfish element (a plasmid in this case) to exploit the host cell machinery to its advantage.
ANALISIS HUBUNGAN DISTRESS RISK, FIRM SIZE, DAN BOOK TO MARKET RATIO DENGAN RETURN SAHAM Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode Tahun 2005 – 2008

This research is performed in order to analyze the relation between Distress Risk, Firm Size, Book to Market Ratio and Stock Return of the Manufacture Industry was listed in Indonesian Directory Exchange (IDX). Methodology research as the sample used purposive sampling wich criteria as (1) The stock of industry was always seen the annual financial report over period 2004-2008, (2) The stock of industry was continue trade in stock over period 2004-2008, (3) The stock of industry was continue given dividend over period 2005-2008, (4) The stock of industry wasn’t execute the corporate actions over period 2004-2008. Data that needed in this research from Indonesian Capital Market Directory ( ICMD 2007 and 200) and total sample was acquired 20 industry. Data analysis with correlation which consist of bivariate correlation and partial correlation. Empirical evidence show Distress Risk and Firm Size to have negative relation with Stock Return, at the time that Book to Market Ratio have positive relation with Stock Return. The result show that relation between Distress Risk, Firm Size, Book to Market Ratio and Stock Return at extremely low level as 0,048; 0,192 and 0,086 respectively.
Circulant q-Butson Hadamard matrices

If $q = p^n$ is a prime power, then a $d$-dimensional \emph{$q$-Butson Hadamard matrix} $H$ is a $d\times d$ matrix with all entries $q$th roots of unity such that $HH^* = dI_d$. We use algebraic number theory to prove a strong constraint on the dimension of a circulant $q$-Butson Hadamard matrix when $d = p^m$ and then explicitly construct a family of examples in all possible dimensions. These results relate to the long-standing circulant Hadamard matrix conjecture in combinatorics.
Vaccinia Virus F12L Protein Is Required for Actin Tail Formation, Normal Plaque Size, and Virulence

ABSTRACT Vaccinia virus gene F12L is shown to encode a 65-kDa protein that is synthesized early and late during infection and that is not modified by glycosylation. Computational sequence comparison revealed that related proteins are encoded by all sequenced chordopoxviruses. A virus deletion mutant lacking the F12L gene (vΔF12L) and a revertant virus with the F12L gene reinserted into the deletion mutant (vF12L-rev) were constructed and analyzed. A version of the F12L gene with a C-terminal amino acid tag derived from the influenza virus hemagglutinin and that is recognized by a monoclonal antibody was also inserted into the F12L locus of vΔF12L. Loss of the F12L protein reduced the formation of IMV 2-fold, but there was a dramatic (99.5%) reduction in actin tail formation, and the levels of cell-associated enveloped virus and extracellular enveloped virus were reduced 8- to 11-fold and 7-fold, respectively. Consistent with the lack of actin tail formation, vΔF12L produced a very small plaque. The vΔF12L virus was severely attenuated in vivo, such that a dose of vΔF12L 10,000-fold greater than the dose of wild-type virus that induced severe disease was unable to induce disease in mice infected intranasally.
New applications of gemcitabine and future directions in the management of pancreatic cancer

Gemcitabine has been reported to be an active agent in pancreatic cancer. Recent applications have included the use of a fixed‐dose rate regimen in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer based on the observation that deoxycytidine kinase is saturated at the plasma gemcitabine concentrations achieved with standard infusion, thereby limiting the accumulation of intracellular gemcitabine triphosphate. In a Phase II study, this regimen was associated with survival rates better than those typically observed in patients with advanced disease. Gemcitabine also has been assessed as a radiosensitizer in locally advanced cancer and although toxicity was significant, objective responses were observed and included tumor response, which permitted curative resection. Future directions in therapy for pancreatic cancer include the development of agents targeting signal transduction pathways and nuclear transcription factors based on the continually improving understanding of the role of molecular events in carcinogenesis. Cancer 2002;95:941–5. © 2002 American Cancer Society.
Climate Change, Forest Fires and Air Quality in Portugal in the 21st Century

There are regions of the world more vulnerable to climate change and some of those regions are also sensitive to forest fire occurrences. The way climate change interacts with the forests of the world and consequently with forest fire activity is a point of debate among the scientific community. Several features dominate the forest fires of a given region and these can be described in terms of the main temporal and spatial scales of variation. From a fire event to the definition of the fire regime of a given region several drivers are determinant in the characterization of these dynamics. From the local weather conditions to the large scale weather patterns the forest fires evolve from simple events to the definition of the fire regime of a given region. The short temporal scale and the local characteristics that dominate a fire event are ruled by the local weather conditions that drive the forest fires daily variability. Additionally, the physiographic and the topographic variability that characterize the large temporal and spatial scales variations represent the broader influence of these scales on the fire regime definition. To correctly assess the inter-connection between all analysed drivers human influence must also be considered. One of the best definitions of this relationship is given by Stephen Pyne (Pyne, 2007) who describes the area burned of a region as “a proxy of climate interacting with people”. At a larger temporal and spatial scale human activities may deeply influence climate and subsequently the fire regime of a region. At local scale human activities have a remarkable impact on forest fires mainly through changes in land-use, negligent actions or simply by arson. Wildland fire is a global phenomenon, and a result of interactions between climate–weather, fuels and people (Flannigan et al., 2009). The influence of the human activities on climate is leading to worldwide forest fire changes and disruptions. The most recent report of the IPCC (IPCC, 2007) discusses the changing of the vegetation structure and composition due to intensified wildfire regimes driven at least partly by the 20th century climate change. Worldwide the wildfire regime is changing. In the United States of America (USA) the number of forest fires is decreasing due to fire prevention strategies but they are becoming 14
Characterization of the ultra wideband body area propagation channel

Using wireless sensors placed on a person to continuously monitor health information is a promising new application. In developing these sensors, detailed knowledge of the communication channel is essential. However, there are currently very few measurements describing propagation around the body. To address this problem, we have measured electromagnetic waves traveling near the torso to derive a simple pathless law. The pathless law is then extended to include the influence of arm movements and a surrounding office environment. This paper describes our measurement campaign and the basic characteristics of the body area radio channel.
The importance of high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits for wheat quality evaluation

High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) composition was analyzed by sodium-dodecyl-sulfat-polyacrilamid-gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), while the quantitative determination of total HMW-GS was obtained by reversed phase- high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Considering HMW-GS composition, the most frequent subunits at Glu-A1 locus were N, at Glu-B1 locus 7+9 and at Glu-D1 locus 2+12. The cultivars with the GS 5+10 at Glu-D1 locus have shown better technological characteristics in contrast to cultivars with the GS 2+12. The cultivars Žitarka, Srpanjka, Barbara, Klara and Golubica in spite of presence HMW-GS 2+12 have shown very good and good technological properties because they had optimal proportions (>10%) of total HMW-GS. The results of the linear correlation analysis between quality parameters and HMW-GS composition have shown significant (P<0.05) positive influence of HMW-GS (Glu-1 score) on sedimentation value (r=0.55), Gluten Index (r=0.72), dough energy (r=0.61), maximum resistance (r=0.64) and resistance to extensibility ratio (r=0.58). The influence of HMW GS proportions on technological parameters, compared to HMW-GS composition, was more pronounced on protein content (r=0.82), dough development time (r=0.70), degree of softening (r=-0.90), dough energy (r=0.74) and loaf volume (r=0.65).