Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable nanoparticles containing benzopsoralens : an attractive strategy for modifying vascular function in pathological skin disorders

Psoralens are often used to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and others. The toxicity and fast degradation of these drugs can be diminished by encapsulation in drug-delivery systems (DDS). Nanoparticles (NPs) containing the benzopsoralen (BP) (3-ethoxy carbonyl-2H-benzofuro[3,2-e]-1-benzopiran-2-one) were prepared by the solvent-evaporation technique, and parameters such as particle size, zeta potential, drug-encapsulation efficiency, and external morphology were evaluated. The analysis revealed that the NPs are spherical and with smooth external surface with diameter of 815 ± 80 nm, they present low tendency toward aggregation, and the encapsulation efficiency was of 74%. The intracellular distribution of NPs as well as their uptake by tissues was monitored by using laser confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The use of a BP in association with ultraviolet light (360 nm) revealed by TEM morphological characteristics of cell damage such as cytosolic vesiculation, mitochondria condensation, and swelling of both the granular endoplasmic reticulum and the nuclear membrane. The primary target of DDS and drugs in vascular system are endothelial cells and an attractive strategy for modifying vascular function in various pathological states of skin disorders, cancer, and inflammation. The results presented in this work indicate that poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) NP should be a promising sustained release for BP for systemic and local delivery associated with ultraviolet irradiation (PUVA therapy). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
China's External Surplus: Simulations with a Global Macroeconomic Model

The paper analyses China's external position in a multi-region macroeconomic model of the world economy. The model includes a portfolio structure and Forex intervention to proxy net/gross and government/non-government foreign asset positions, capital controls and exchange rate management in China. The selected set of transition and globalisation shocks replicates China's external position well, suggesting that it reflects capital exports driven by shifts in domestic saving supply, rather than shifts in foreign saving demand. The simulations also highlight the importance of effective capital controls for the viability of China's exchange rate management. Finally, the analysis suggests that enhanced flexibility of the RMB exchange rate could reduce China's net creditor position.
Sensitivity of Eigen Value to Damage and Its Identification

The reduction in natural frequencies,however small, of a civil engineering structure, is the first and the easiest method of estimating its impending damage. As a first level screening for health-monitoring, information on the frequency reduction of a few fundamentalmodes can be used to estimate the positions and the magnitude of damage in a smeared fashion. The paper presents the Eigen value sensitivity equations, derived from first-order perturbation technique, for typical infra-structural systems like a simply supported bridge girder, modelled as a beam, an endbearing pile, modelled as an axial rod and a simply supported plate as a continuum dynamic system. A discrete structure, like a building frame is solved for damage using Eigen-sensitivity derived by a computationalmodel. Lastly, neural network based damage identification is also demonstrated for a simply supported bridge beam, where the known-pairs of damage-frequency vector is used to train a neural network. The performance of these methods under the influence of measurement error is outlined. It is hoped that the developed method could be integrated in a typical infra-structural management program, such that magnitudes of damage and their positions can be obtained using acquired natural frequencies, synthesized from the excited/ambient vibration signatures.
Nonlinear Laser Dynamics with Suppressed Time-delay Signatures by FBGs

Chaotic dynamics in a single-mode semiconductor laser subject to optical feedback from fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is investigated. Obtained from the inverse Fourier transform on the magnitude of the optical spectra, the coherence function evaluates the suppression of the time-delay information. The intensity autocorrelation function time-delay signature (ACF-TDS) and coherence function time-delay signature (CF-TDS) are found to be sensitive to the FBG bandwidth. The FBG feedback with proper bandwidth and positive detuning frequency can achieve both ACF-TDS concealment and CF-TDS minimization in chaotic oscillation. Moreover, the TDS-optimized chaos can be generally obtained over a range of feedback delay times. Besides, comparing to conventional mirror feedback, the FBG feedback suppresses the ACF-TDS by more than an order of magnitude in the experiments.
Reply to Israel Carmi (2002): “Are the 14C Dates of the Dead Sea Scrolls Affected by Castor Oil Contamination?”

Carmi (2002) is a response to our study published in Radiocarbon 43(1) by Rasmussen et al. (2001). We noted widespread possible exposure to castor oil of the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) in the Rockefeller Museum in the 1950s and reported experiments showing that the AAA pretreatment used in the first 2 series of radiocarbon datings of the DSS (Bonani et al. [1992] and Jull et al. [1995]), “cannot be guaranteed to have removed all of the modern carbon in any samples if they had been contaminated with castor oil and hence could have produced some 14C dates that were younger than the texts' true ages. ” Carmi, a coauthor of the Bonani et al. (1992) study, criticizes our analysis on 4 grounds:
InOuence of nursery conditions on germination and ¡nitiol development of pejibaye

Abstraet: Pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) seeds were genninated in trays covered with transparent pIastic. Vermiculite or composted shredded pine Ieaves were used as substrate. The trays were kept in a glasshouse under natural light (treat­ ment GL) or 60% shade (treatment GS), or in an open-side pIastic greenhouse under natural light (treatment PL). The total emergence percentage and the emergence rate were significantIy higher for treatment GS, 45.5% and 8.62 x 10-3 day-1 respectively, than for GL (17.5% and 5.41 x 10-3 day-l) and PL (16.5% and 5.21 x 10-3 day-l). There was no difference between substrates. Higher emergence percentage in treatment GS was caused by more adequate substrate temperature (l6.5°C to 31.9°C). In trealment GL the substrate temperature varied between 17.rC and 38.5°C, achiev­ ing the highest average (28°C) and the Iargest thermal amplitude (20.8°C). Temperature of treatment PL varied between 12.6°C and 27.6°C, with the lowest average (20.l°C). Visual observation suggested that shade may favours the initial development of seedlings. Substrate temperature might be regarded as a better indicative of environmentaI conditions for gennination than the air temperature. Shade inside the glasshouse protected gennination substrate from extreme temperatures.
An Embodied Neurocomputational Framework for Organically Integrating Biopsychosocial Processes: An Application to the Role of Social Support in Health and Disease

Objective Two distinct perspectives—typically referred to as the biopsychosocial and biomedical models—currently guide clinical practice. Although the role of psychosocial factors in contributing to physical and mental health outcomes is widely recognized, the biomedical model remains dominant. This is due in part to (a) the largely nonmechanistic focus of biopsychosocial research and (b) the lack of specificity it currently offers in guiding clinicians to focus on social, psychological, and/or biological factors in individual cases. In this article, our objective is to provide an evidence-based and theoretically sophisticated mechanistic model capable of organically integrating biopsychosocial processes. Methods To construct this model, we provide a narrative review of recent advances in embodied cognition and predictive processing within computational neuroscience, which offer mechanisms for understanding individual differences in social perceptions, visceral responses, health-related behaviors, and their interactions. We also review current evidence for bidirectional influences between social support and health as a detailed illustration of the novel conceptual resources offered by our model. Results When integrated, these advances highlight multiple mechanistic causal pathways between psychosocial and biological variables. Conclusions By highlighting these pathways, the resulting model has important implications motivating a more psychologically sophisticated, person-specific approach to future research and clinical application in the biopsychosocial domain. It also highlights the potential for quantitative computational modeling and the design of novel interventions. Finally, it should aid in guiding future research in a manner capable of addressing the current criticisms/limitations of the biopsychosocial model and may therefore represent an important step in bridging the gap between it and the biomedical perspective.
A SOLUBLE ANTIGEN OF LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS

The virus of lymphocytic choriomeningitis can be sedimented in the ultracentrifuge and washed repeatedly; the virus retains its activity provided that a small amount of normal serum is present in the diluent. A soluble substance capable of fixing complement in the presence of immune serum can be separated from the virus. Washed virus fixes complement poorly. The serologically specific soluble antigen is widely distributed in tissues of infected guinea pigs, mice, and monkeys.
Target Depth Estimation Using Hull Mounted Active Sonar

High false alarm rates are a problem in anti-submarine warfare in littoral waters using active broadband sonar. Automatic classification algorithms may help combat this problem by filtering out detections due to non-threatening targets. An important feature for classification purposes is knowledge of the target’s depth. Using active sonar with vertical beamforming capabilities, the received signal from a target can be used to find an estimate of the target’s depth given an initial guess of the target’s horizontal distance from the ship, the bottom profile and the sound speed profile. The estimation is done by an optimization algorithm. The algorithm varies relevant parameters and models signals based on these parameters, comparing the modelled signals with the received signal until parameters providing an optimal fit are found. The modelling is based on using a ray tracing procedure to find eigenrays for a candidate target depth, finding vertical arrival angles and arrival times by use of these eigenrays, and synthesizing a signal based on the arrival angles and arrival times. The ray tracing procedure is done numerically using LYBIN, a platform developed by the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organization (NDLO). Three candidate objective functions for comparing recorded signals to modelled signals are presented. The validity of the eigenray finding procedure is confirmed, and results from testing the optimization procedure on synthetic data when applying the different objective functions are presented. The results show that the method produces target depth estimates which are suitable for classification purposes.
Socio-Moral Disgust and Its Relation to the Disgust System

The present study investigated the hypothesis that an elicitor of core disgust will potentiate the severity of individuals’ assessments of socio-moral transgressions. This hypothesis is conceptually supported by the theory of preadaptation, which suggests that, through the process of evolution, basic behavioral systems gradually expand to incorporate responses to increasingly complex stimuli. A sample of 50 undergraduate psychology students (42 female, 8 male) were exposed to either a noxious odor, a pleasant odor, or no odor, and asked to assess the extent to which situations representing the four disgust domains (i.e., core disgust, animal origin disgust, interpersonal disgust, and socio-moral disgust) evoked the emotion of disgust. Results indicate that the odors had no effect on the domains of disgust, although there was a statistical difference among mean ratings of each domain. Implications of this research suggest that socio-moral disgust may not be a unified domain within the disgust system. Assessments of several conceptualizations of moral emotions and moral judgments are also considered.
Alkali Metal Hydride Modification on Hydrazine Borane for Improved Dehydrogenation

Hydrazidotrihydridoborates of various alkali metals, i.e., NaN2H3BH3 and KN2H3BH3, were synthesized successfully via a liquid approach. The crystal structures of NaN2H3BH3 and KN2H3BH3 were determined, and their dehydrogenation properties were compared with LiN2H3BH3 and N2H4BH3. A clear correlation between sizes of metal cations in hydrazidotrihydridoborates and their corresponding melting and dehydrogenation temperatures was observed. The dehydrogenation temperature was found dependent on the melting temperature. Upon approaching the melting points, alkali metal hydrazidotrihydridoborates dehydrogenate rapidly in the first step, giving rise to the formation of intermediates that possess N2BH2, N2BH, and NBH3 species. Further increasing temperature leads to the release of additional H2 and the formation of N2BH species. Compared to pristine N2H4BH3, the alkali-metal-substituted hydrazidotrihydridoborates demonstrate significantly improved dehydrogenation behavior with no N2H4 emission and greatly suppres.
Can Middle Managers Make a Telling Contribution to Strategy Development in an Organisation

The role of the middle manager in organisations has been the topic of much research over the past number of decades. Many articles have been published claiming the potential for middle managers to contribute significantly to strategic development. This research attempts to test the validity of this theory with a practical grounding. This research is based on a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with four managers in different organisations. The project relies on established typologies for middle management involvement in strategy and middle management activity depending on organisational type.
Preparation and Characterization of Poly(1-vinylpyrroli done-co-vinyl acetate)/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymer Electrolyte based on TPAI and KI

Polymer electrolytes are promising materials for electrochemical device applications, such as , high energy density rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, electrochromic displays, etc. Polymer blend electrolytes based on (PVP-co-VAc) and ( PMMA) with different weight ratio of Tetra propyl ammonium iodide (TPAI) and Potassium iodide (KI), salts using DMSO as solvent. The gel electrolytes were prepared by solution cast technique. More details can be found in the full paper. Keywords : Gel electrolyte ,Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy , Poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co- vinyl acetate), poly(methyl meth acryl ate), FTIR .
Software Prediction Viewer Improving understandability by visualizing future data over time

Human brains process and retain information more rapidly when it is presented visually. Information visualization tools have been used by companies to assist an- alytical experts in gaining deeper insights about software data. The present study proposes a design for a visualization tool in the form of a program that uses, pre- dicted/future data to amplify cognition by presenting raw data visually. Compa- nies are currently interested in monitoring software prediction models that provide information regarding software defects levels to enhance understandability of the product status, find reasons for high levels of defects, and thus make informed deci- sions more quickly. This thesis was initiated in light of the interest of the Ericsson Company in Sweden to visualize software prediction model data. The methodology encompasses understanding software prediction models and users’ needs, tasks, and environments. Subsequently, I propose a design that visualizes the requirements regarding what future software data is needed. Finally, an evaluation of the design conducted with the end users to ensure that it fulfills the goal of the thesis, meets users’ needs and in order to make further adjustments. A human- centered design (HCD) approach was followed to facilitate the proposal of the final design of Predic- tion Viewer and meet the goal of this thesis. The design approach was divided into three phases and the result of each phase was used as an input to the next phase, which encourages repeating these phases and frequently refines the solution. The user research involved 16 participants from Ericsson divided into three user groups, where each group represents a user level in the organization’s structure (system, subsystem, and file levels). Of the three focus group sessions conducted with the three user groups, 18 groups of requirements were defined, representing their needs for a system that visualizes future software defects. The most notable reasons are understanding defect causality, software quality, release/assessment management, defects fix planning, test case selections, and highlighting the most error- prone & code smell areas. Given those requirements and needs, a semi-interactive prototype called Prediction Viewer was developed representing information regarding future software defects. Prediction Viewer is a web page that presents information regard- ing defects and defect priority levels over time. Development teams are interested in predicting the number of defects on system and system parts levels; the type of defects; the defect phase found during the testing phases; the answer code assigned to each defect; and the platform where each defect is found. All this information was shown to enhance awareness regarding software status, thus improving the ability to make informed decisions. Finally, a feedback session was conducted with partic- ipants from each user group in order to evaluate the prototype, the importance of the information presented, and the way it was presented. Most of the suggestions were then applied to the final design.
Asymmetric Effects of Tax Changes

We test whether output responds symmetrically to exogenous tax increases (“positive” shock) and decreases (“negative” shock) in postwar US (quarterly) data using the identification in Romer and Romer (2010). Our key results point towards significant asymmetry: output responds insignificantly to a tax increase, but shows a significantly positive and permanent response to a tax decrease. Further analysis reveals that our result of asymmetric responses of output to positive and negative tax shock is driven by individual income tax shocks. Output responds symmetrically to corporate income tax shocks but asymmetrically to individual income tax shocks. Additionally, responses of other macroeconomic variables to these tax shocks also reveal that the asymmetric response of output is transmitted to the economy through an asymmetric consumption response to tax shocks.
Capstones 1-1-2006 Popularity and Aggression Among Females in the Eighth Grade April

Popularity and Aggression Among Females in the Eighth Grade By April Lynn Kantz This thesis examines how popularity affects the use of indirect and direct aggression. By using a class roster of all of the participants, the girls nominated three of the most popular and three of the least popular girls. The Direct Indirect Aggression Scales were used to examine which girls exhibited which type of aggressive behaviors. The results indicate that popularity affects aggression and that popular girls use more indirect aggression. These findings are consistent with past research on popularity and aggression and could help parents and educators understand the effects of such behaviors.
Ampoule Bottle Detection Equipment Research and Development

With the continuous development of computer vision technology, its application is more and more extensive. In recent years, the application of computer vision technology in the area of medical packing detection also made great achievements. This paper detailed a scientific and reasonable scheme of an ampoule bottle automatic detection equipment. In this scheme we use the computer vision technology and CNC technology, and select the appropriate transport mechanism and cameras to get images of ampoules. After getting the images, we use a software named MATLAB, which can deal with the images, to obtain some useful information about the ampoules. Then we can evaluate the quality of the ampoule according to these information.
Price promotions and supermarket pricing: A duration analysis of UK supermarket prices

Copyright 2012 is held by the authors. All rights reserved. Readers may make verbatim copies of this document for non-commercial purposes by any means, provided this copyright notice appears on all such copies. ∗The authors are research student, Associate Professor and Professor respectively at the School of Economics, Sir Clive Granger Building, University Park, University of Nottingham, NG7 2 RD, UK. Email tim.lloyd@nottingham.ac. uk for correspondence.
Storage Life Prediction of Space Relay Based on Elman Neural Network

When the linear equation is used to fit the life data for predicting the storage life at room temperature, there is a large error. From this point of view, the parameter degradation is considered and the contact pressure drop parameter is fused according to the comprehensive correlation degree at 60°C, 73°C, 92°C and 125°C. The accelerating factors of four temperature gradients are obtained by using the Arrhenius equation. The parameters and storage life in high temperature state are equivalent to normal temperature. The Elman neural network is used to study and train the fusion parameters, then the storage life of the relay at room temperature is predicted. The prediction error of this method is 2.44%, which is smaller than expected.
Going the distance: leadership for tomorrow

Corporate leadership tomorrow has differing agendas to past corporate deliverables. The forthcoming leader engages less levels of management, and executes greater leader-to-operational-level closeness. This perspective reduces costs and errors, delivers timely decisions and greater agility, increases performance, and involves greater employee responsibility. This leadership approach focuses on the physical dimensions of the business, but also reaches across digital and mobile platforms and bridges into the serious gaming intelligence gathering and modelling platform.
Frequency of Smooth Muscle Tumors and Adenomyosis in Patient with Previous History of Cesarean Section and the Fate of the Cesarean Section Scar: A Long Term Follow-Up Study

Leiomyoma and adenomyosis are two common pathologic entities encountered in hysterectomy specimens. It is often speculated, but not confirmed, that repeated injury to uterine wall may initiate smooth muscle proliferation resulting in a smooth muscletumor. Similarly injury to the wall may lead to entrapment of endometrium in muscle layer leading to adenomyosis. To evaluate the above questions and assess the long term morphologic appearance of the C-section scar, 55 consecutive hysterectomies with previous history of C-section and 45 control cases were studied to evaluate the frequency of leiomyoma and adenomyosis. Our findings show no significant statistical difference in the frequency of such lesions between study and control groups in this series. Besides the scar formation, only rare instances of cystic change, osseous metaplasia and abnormal vasculature were noted at the site of C-section incision in the uterus.