Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mometasone Furoate: A Well-Established Topical Corticosteroid now with Improved Galenic Formulations

Topical corticosteroids are widely used to treat inflammatory skin diseases. For instance, they are the recommended first-line therapy in Atopic Dermatitis (AD) according to the European Task Force on AD [1]. Inappropriate use may be related to adverse effects such as skin atrophy or suppression of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis (HPA) [2]. Corticosteroid derivatives and formulations have been developed in the last decades with the aim of increasing efficacy and decreasing the incidence of adverse effects. More recently, however, the interest is more focused on improving the vehicles to fulfil patients’ preference in order to improve adherence. Adherence to topical therapy is an important issue, particularly in chronic skin diseases, where it is reported to be low (30-50%) [3].
3-D EM inversion of ground based geomagnetic Sq data. Results from the analysis of Australian array (AWAGS) data

S U M M A R Y We present the first inversion of geomagnetic Sq data in a framework of 3-D conductivity models. This problem has been considered as immensely difficult due to the complex spatial structure of the Sq source which, in addition, varies with season and solar activity. Recently, we developed a 3-D electromagnetic (EM) inversion solution that allows one to work in a consistent manner with data that originates from sources, irrespective of their spatial complexity. In this paper, we apply our 3-D EM inversion scheme to Sq data collected during the Australian Wide Array of Geomagnetic Stations project. Within this project, three components of the geomagnetic field were recorded between 1989 November and 1990 December with the use of 53 portable vector magnetometers. The instruments were distributed over the Australian mainland with an average spacing of 275 km between sites. Inverting this unique—in a sense of its spatial regularity, density and long operational time—data set, we recovered the 3-D conductivity distribution beneath Australia at upper mantle depths (100–520 km). This depth range was justified in the paper from resolution studies using checkerboard tests. In addition, we performed extensive modelling to estimate quantitatively the influence of various factors on Sq signals, namely from hypothetical anomalies, inaccuracy in the source, ocean, and model discretization. As expected, the ocean (coastal) effect appeared to be the largest so that it has to be accounted for during 3-D inversion as accurately as possible. Our 3-D inversions— of data from either single or multiple days—revealed a strong offshore conductor near the south-east coast of Australia, which persists at all considered depths. Varying in details, this anomaly is remarkably robust irrespective of the considered day(s). We compared our results to those obtained from a different inversion scheme and an independent induction data set, and observed encouraging similarity. Combination of the two results suggests, that this conductor continues to the base of the mantle transition zone at 660 km. The nature of this anomaly is not fully understood but one possible explanation is that it is attributed to a reservoir responsible for three hotspots in the region.
Development of a multiobjective optimization tool for the selection and placement of best management practices for nonpoint source pollution control

Best management practices (BMPs) are effective in reducing the transport of agricultural nonpoint source pollutants to receiving water bodies. However, selection of BMPs for placement in a watershed requires optimization of the available resources to obtain maximum possible pollution reduction. In this study, an optimization methodology is developed to select and place BMPs in a watershed to provide solutions that are both economically and ecologically effective. This novel approach develops and utilizes a BMP tool, a database that stores the pollution reduction and cost information of different BMPs under consideration. The BMP tool replaces the dynamic linkage of the distributed parameter watershed model during optimization and therefore reduces the computation time considerably. Total pollutant load from the watershed, and net cost increase from the baseline, were the two objective functions minimized during the optimization process. The optimization model, consisting of a multiobjective genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II) in combination with a watershed simulation tool (Soil Water and Assessment Tool (SWAT)), was developed and tested for nonpoint source pollution control in the L'Anguille River watershed located in eastern Arkansas. The optimized solutions provided a trade‐off between the two objective functions for sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen reduction. The results indicated that buffer strips were very effective in controlling the nonpoint source pollutants from leaving the croplands. The optimized BMP plans resulted in potential reductions of 33%, 32%, and 13% in sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen loads, respectively, from the watershed.
Asperity generating upper crustal sources revealed by b value and isostatic residual anomaly grids in the area of Antofagasta, Chile

In our study we show that the locations of largest coseismic slip (asperities) on the fault plane of the M(w) = 8.0 1995 Antofagasta earthquake in Northern Chile can be mapped by the spatial distribution of the seismic b value obtained from the aftershock sequence of the megathrust earthquake. These areas of high seismic moment release and concurrent high-b values are congruent with anomalies of the gravity isostatic residual (IR) field in the Antofagasta region. They are superimposed on the seismogenic part of the north Chilean subduction zone where the strongest coupling of the upper and lower plate is expected. The IR anomalies are interpreted to be caused by large Jurassic-Early Cretaceous batholiths which intruded into the upper crust. The observed positive correlations between high seismic b values, IR anomalies, and geologic structures enable us to propose a mechanical model for the generation of the asperities in the Antofagasta region. We suggest that the batholiths in conjunction with buoyant forces acting on the subducted slab of the Nazca plate are responsible for locking the interface where the asperities are located. This implies long-term conditions for the existence of the asperity generating tectonic situation. Concequently, the asperities around Antofagasta could be stationary features, at least for several seismic cycles. Hence we propose that the IR anomalies along the north Chilean convergent margin can be used as an indicator for high moment release and slip in future large earthquakes.
Characterization of the Split Hand/split Foot Malformation Locus Shfm1 at 7q21.3–q22.1 and Analysis of a Candidate Gene for Its Expression during Limb Development

Split hand/split foot malformation (SHFM) is a heterogeneous limb developmental disorder, characterized by missing digits and fusion of remaining digits. An autosomal dominant form of this disorder (SHFM1) has been mapped to 7q21.3–q22.1 on the basis of SHFM-associated chromosomal rearrangements. Utilizing a YAC contig across this region, we have defined a critical interval of 1.5 Mb by the analysis of six interstitial deletion patients and mapped the translocation breakpoints of seven ectrodactyly patients within the interval. To delineate the basic molecular defect underlying SHFM, we have searched for candidate genes in a 500 kb region containing five of the translocation breakpoints. Three genes were identified, two genes of the Distal-less (dll) homeobox gene family, DLX5 and DLX6 and a novel gene, which we named DSS1. DSS1 is predicted to encode a highly acidic polypeptide with no significant similarity to any known proteins but 100% amino acid sequence identity with its murine homolog (Dss1). Using RNA in situ hybridization analysis, we detected a tissue-specific expression profile for Dss1 in limb bud, craniofacial primordia and skin. A deficiency in expression of DSS1, DLX5 and/or DLX6 during development may explain the SHFM phenotypes.
Radiochemical Genotoxicity Risk and Absorbed Dose

The primary mechanism of the biological effect of ionizing radiation has been known for more than 50 years: it is damage to DNA. In pharmaco-toxicological terms DNA is the “receptor” for radiation effects. Despite this knowledge, the current model for predicting or explaining health effects in populations exposed to internal exposures relies only upon quantifying radiation as average energy transfer to large masses of human tissue with no consideration whatever of the ionization density at the DNA relative to cytoplasm or non-DNA regions. This approach is equivalent to describing all chemical toxicological effects in terms of Mass and is clearly absurd. The concept of Radiochemical Genotoxicity is presented whereby biochemical affinity of internal radionuclides for DNA confers an excess genetic hazard which can be assessed. The most directly measurable effects of radiation exposure are heritable effects detectable around birth. Data enabling the development of a risk coefficient for internal exposures to Uranium fissionproducts is already available. By directly employing a meta-analysis of more than 19 epidemiological studies of post-Chernobyl birth outcomes in 10 different countries affected by contamination from Chernobyl a generalized risk coefficient for heritable damage is obtained. It is shown that the dose response is biphasic due to death of the foetus before term. The resulting coefficient is 20 per mSv internal exposure. Application of the new factor to the radionuclide exposures occurring during the period of atmospheric test contamination predicts the increases in infant mortality reported in the literature. The philosophical and ethical aspects are briefly discussed together with an account of the legal position in Europe.
Suitability and acceptability for earthworking with reference to glacial tills in Scotland

Summary The paper describes the criteria currently in use for determining the suitability and acceptability of soil for earthworking, and discusses the specification, control and monitoring of both earthmoving and compaction on highway contracts in the UK. In particular the paper describes the application of the Moisture Condition Apparatus (MCA) to the testing of Quaternary soils and its successful use on Scottish Trunk Road Projects.
Ice bridging as a dispersal mechanism for Arctic terrestrial vertebrates and the possible consequences of reduced sea ice cover

The dispersal abilities of terrestrial mammals are severely constrained by water crossings, resulting in islands generally supporting less diverse mammal faunas than similar continental areas. In ice-affected Arctic regions, seasonal or permanent ice cover provides a bridging mechanism for dispersal, allowing water gaps to be crossed more rapidly and with less energy cost than is entailed in swimming. Consequently, islands that might be out of reach if waters were open become much more readily colonised in the presence of ice. We reviewed the distribution of terrestrial mammals on selected islands throughout the Arctic and analyse historical data for several sites in the Canadian Arctic where mammal populations have undergone extirpation and re-colonisation. We use these data to assess the value of ice for the dispersal of Arctic terrestrial mammals. Given observed dispersal distances we estimate the likely impact of future ice reduction on island faunas. We predict that, as ice cover duration shortens, immigration will decline leading to increased extinctions of island populations and potentially, in the long-term, local genetic differentiation. The eventual disappearance of ice bridges, preventing the immigration of southern species, may leave certain arctic archipelagos as the last refuge for typical Arctic mammals.
An official ATS/IDSA statement: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases.

Diagnostic Criteria of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease Key Laboratory Features of NTM Health Careand Hygiene-associated Disease Prevention Prophylaxis and Treatment of NTM Disease Introduction Methods Taxonomy Epidemiology Pathogenesis Host Defense and Immune Defects Pulmonary Disease Body Morphotype Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibition Laboratory Procedures Collection, Digestion, Decontamination, and Staining of Specimens Respiratory Specimens Body Fluids, Abscesses, and Tissues Blood Specimen Processing Smear Microscopy Culture Techniques Incubation of NTM Cultures NTM Identification Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for NTM Molecular Typing Methods of NTM Clinical Presentations and Diagnostic Criteria Pulmonary Disease Cystic Fibrosis Hypersensitivity-like Disease Transplant Recipients Disseminated Disease Lymphatic Disease Skin, Soft Tissue, and Bone Disease
The thickness distribution of sea ice

The polar oceans contain sea ice of many thicknesses ranging from open water to thick pressure ridges. Since many of the physical properties of the ice depend upon its thickness, it is natural to expect its large-scale geophysical properties to depend on the relative abundance of the various ice types. The ice pack is treated as a mixture whose constituents are determined by their thickness and whose composition is determined by the area covered by each constituent. A dimensionless function g(h), the ice thickness distribution, is defined such that g(h) dh is the fraction of a given area covered by ice of thickness greater than h but less than h + dh. A theory is developed to explain how the ice thickness distribution changes in response to thermal and mechanical forcing. The theory models the changes in thickness due to melting and freezing and the rearrangement of existing ice to form leads and pressure ridges. In its present form the model assumes as inputs a growth rate function and the velocity field of the ice pack. The model is tested using strain data derived from the positions of three simultaneous manned drifting stations in the central Arctic during the period 1962–1964 and growth rates inferred from climatological heat flux averages. The results are compared with estimates of g based on submarine measurements of ice thickness.
Climatic change in Chile at around 2700 BP and global evidence for solar forcing: a hypothesis

Palaeoecological and geological evidence for changing atmospheric circulation patterns in Chile indicates that equatorward and poleward shifts of the Southern Westerlies (Pacific precipitation source) were an important factor during Weichselian and Holocene climate change. We focus on the evidence and possible causes of considerable climate change in the Holocene at around 2700 BP, which was associated with a steep rise in atmospheric radiocarbon content, indicating an abrupt decrease in solar activity. Climate change may have been caused by the lowering of solar irradiation through two amplifying factors, namely (1) increased cosmic ray intensity, stimulating cloud formation and precipitation, and (2) reduced solar UV intensity, causing a decline of stratospheric ozone production and cooling as a result of less absorption of sunlight. A decrease in the latitudinal extent of Hadley Cell circulation may have occurred with concomitant equatorward relocation of mid-latitude storm tracks, which brought about northward movement of vegetation belts and advance of glaciers.
Potential impact of U.S. biofuels on regional climate

Recent work has shown that current bio‐energy policy directives may have harmful, indirect consequences, affecting both food security and the global climate system. An additional unintended but direct effect of large‐scale biofuel production is the impact on local and regional climate resulting from changes in the energy and moisture balance of the surface upon conversion to biofuel crops. Using the latest version of the WRF modeling system we conducted twenty‐four, midsummer, continental‐wide, sensitivity experiments by imposing realistic biophysical parameter limits appropriate for bio‐energy crops in the Corn Belt of the United States. In the absence of strain/crop‐specific parameterizations, a primary goal of this work was to isolate the maximum regional climate impact, for a trio of individual July months, due to land‐use change resulting from bio‐energy crops and to identify the relative importance of each biophysical parameter in terms of its individual effect. Maximum, local changes in 2 m temperature of the order of 1°C occur for the full breadth of albedo (ALB), minimum canopy resistance (RCMIN), and rooting depth (ROOT) specifications, while the regionally (105°W–75°W and 35°N–50°N) and monthly averaged response of 2 m temperature was most pronounced for the ALB and RCMIN experiments, exceeding 0.2°C. The full range of albedo variability associated with biofuel crops may be sufficient to drive regional changes in summertime rainfall. Individual parameter effects on 2 m temperature are additive, highlight the cooling contribution of higher leaf area index (LAI) and ROOT for perennial grasses (e.g., Miscanthus) versus annual crops (e.g., maize), and underscore the necessity of improving location‐ and vegetation‐specific representation of RCMIN and ALB.
Image database generation using image metric constraints: an application within the CALADIOM project

Performance assessment and optimization of ATR systems poses the problem of developing image databases for learning and testing purposes. An automatic IR image database generation technique is presented in this paper. The principle consists in superimposing segmented background, target and mask (bushes for example) from real images, under the constraint of predefined image characterization metrics. Each image is automatically computed according to a specification which defines the metrics levels to reach, such as the local contrast ΔTRSS (NVESD metric), the Signal to Clutter Ratio, or the masking ratio target/mask. An integrated calibrated sensor model simulates the sensor degradations by using the pre and post-filter MTF, and the 3D noise parameters of the camera. The image generation comes with the construction of a ground truth file which indicates all the parameter values defining the image scenario. A large quantity of images can be generated accordingly, leading to a meaningful statistical evaluation. A key feature is that this technique allows to build learning and testing databases with comparable difficulty, in the sense of the chosen image metrics. The theoretical interest of this technique is presented in the paper, compared to the classical ones which use real or simulated data. An application is also presented, within the CALADIOM project (terrestrial target detection with programmable artificial IR retina combined with IR ATR system). Over 38,000 images were processed by this ATR for training and testing, involving seven armored vehicles as targets.
Foraging strategies of Southern Royal Albatrosses, Diomedea epomophora, Campbell Island during incubation

Southern Royal Albatrosses (Diomedea epomophora) were satellite-tracked from Campbell Island during the incubation period in 1997 and 1999. Their foraging activity was restricted to shelf and shelf-break areas within 1250km of their breeding site. Foraging activity by 8 of the 14 individuals tracked was concentrated at a zone near the Snares Islands, on the Campbell Plateau. Southern and Northern Royal Albatrosses (D. sanfordi) foraged on average nearer their breeding site than two other species of great albatrosses (Gibson's [D. gibsoni], and Wandering [D. exulans] Albatrosses) studied during the incubation period.
Dynamics of atmospheric teleconnections during the northern summer

Abstract In this paper, the mechanisms of northern summertime teleconnections are investigated using a barotropic model. In a series of numerical experiments we study the atmospheric response over the eastern Pacific-North America to an idealized local divergence source corresponding to the northward displacement of the ITCZ in the eastern Pacific. It is found that the response is much stronger in June than in May and is strongest when the forcing is located north of about 10°N. This can be explained in terms of the refractive properties of the climatoloigical summertime subtropical jet stream over North America. In another series of experiments we examine the global response as a function of the longitudinal location of the tropical forcing. A wave train emanating from the subtropics of the western Pacific near the Philippines, arching across the Aleutians and the Gulf of Alaska, and terminating with a high anomaly over the continental United States appears over a wide longitudinal range of local forcing.
Time-domain reflectometry probe for water content and electrical conductivity measurements in saline porous media

A new coated time-domain reflectometry (TDR) probe design is described and evaluated. In contrast to previous coated TDR probes, our probe may be used to measure both the dielectric constant (K-a) and bulk electrical conductivity (sigma(a)) in saline porous media. This was made possible by attaching two coaxial cables to a 0.27-m three-rod with a coated central rod. The shield of the first cable was to one of the outer rods and the conductor was connected to the coated central rod. The conductor and shield of the other coaxial cable were connected to each of the two outer rods, respectively. Thus, our probe consists of two unbalanced, two-rod probes. The probe is called coated-uncoated probe (CUP). Four prototypes with two different coating materials (i.e., polyolefin and kynar heat-shrink tubes) were evaluated. The probes were calibrated in several fluids having different K-a and sigma(a). The K-a measurement of the coated part the probe was successfully fitted to target K-a using a two-phase dielectric mixing model. Due to signal attenuation, measurements of K-a were not possible for sigma(a) higher than 9 dS m(-1) for the polyolefin-coated probes whereas the upper limits for the kynar-coated probes and the uncoated probe were 5 and 2.5 dS m(-1), respectively. Measurements of sigma(a) are only possible with the uncoated part. Measurements of K-a and sigma(a) were also taken during three upward infiltration experiments in sand using soil solution electrical conductivities of 0.01, 6.31, and 12.03 dS m(-1). For the uncoated part, K-a could not be measured when sigma(a) was higher than about 2 dS m(-1), whereas K-a measurements were possible using the coated part even when sigma(a) was 3 dS m(-1). (Less)
Predicting sediment transport by interrill overland flow on rough surfaces

Modelling soil erosion requires an equation for predicting the sediment transport capacity by interrill overland flow on rough surfaces. The conventional practice of partitioning total shear stress into grain and form shear stress and predicting transport capacity using grain shear stress lacks rigour and is prone to underestimation. This study therefore explores the possibility that inasmuch as surface roughness affects flow hydraulic variables which, in turn, determine transport capacity, there may be one or more hydraulic variables which capture the effect of surface roughness on transport capacity suffciently well for good predictions of transport capacity to be achieved from data on these variables alone. To investigate this possibility, regression analyses were performed on data from 1506 flume experiments in which discharge, slope, water temperature, rainfall intensity, and roughness size, shape and concentration were varied. The analyses reveal that 89·8 per cent of the variance in transport capacity can be accounted for by excess flow power and flow depth. Including roughness size and concentration in the regression improves that explained variance by only 3·5 per cent. Evidently, flow depth, when used in combination with excess flow power, largely captures the effect of surface roughness on transport capacity. This finding promises to simplify greatly the task of developing a general sediment equation for interrill overland flow on rough surfaces. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.