Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-Cancer Properties of Coix Seed Oil against HT-29 Colon Cells through Regulation of the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

This study aims to observe the effects of coix seed oil (CSO) on HT-29 cells and investigate its possible regulation mechanism of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Fatty acid analysis showed that coix seed oil mainly contains oleic acid (50.54%), linoleic acid (33.76%), palmitic acid (11.74%), and stearic acid (2.45%). Fourier transform infrared results found that the fatty acid functional groups present in the oil matched well with the vegetable oil band. The results from CCK-8 assays showed that CSO dose-dependently and time-dependently inhibited the viability of HT-29 cells in vitro. CSO inhibited cell viability, with IC50 values of 5.30 mg/mL for HT-29 obtained after 24 h treatment. Morphological changes were observed by apoptotic body/cell nucleus DNA (Hoechst 33258) staining using inverted and fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis was used to evaluate the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. It showed that CSO induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in the G2 phase. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting revealed that CSO induced cell apoptosis by downregulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Additionally, CSO can cause apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase-3, up-regulating Bax, and down-regulating Bcl-2. In conclusion, the results revealed that CSO induced G2 arrest and apoptosis of HT-29 cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels for the Localized Delivery of Cefazolin

The tuneability of hydrogels renders them promising candidates for local drug delivery to prevent and treat local surgical site infection (SSI) while avoiding the systemic side-effects of intravenous antibiotic injections. Here, we present a newly developed gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based hydrogel drug delivery system (GelMA-DDS) to locally deliver the broad-spectrum antibiotic cefazolin for SSI prophylaxis and treatment. Antibiotic doses from 3 µg to 90 µg were loaded in photocrosslinked GelMA hydrogel discs with 5 to 15% w/v polymer concentration and drug encapsulation efficiencies, mechanical properties, crosslinking and release kinetics, as well as bacterial growth inhibition were assessed. Our results demonstrate that all GelMA groups supported excellent drug encapsulation efficiencies of up to 99%. Mechanical properties of the GelMA-DDS were highly tuneable and unaffected by the loading of small to medium doses of cefazolin. The diffusive and the proteolytic in vitro drug delivery of all investigated cefazolin doses was characterized by a burst release, and the delivered cefazolin amount was directly proportional to the encapsulated dose. Accelerated enzymatic degradation of the GelMA-DDS followed zero-order kinetics and was dependent on both the cefazolin dose and GelMA concentration (3–13 h). Finally, we demonstrate that cefazolin delivered from GelMA induced a dose-dependent antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus, in both a broth and a diffusive assay. The cefazolin-loaded GelMA-DDS presented here provides a highly tuneable and easy-to-use local delivery system for the prophylaxis and treatment of SSI.
Treatment of periorbital wrinkles using thermo‐mechanical fractional injury therapy versus fractional non‐ablative 1565 nm laser: A comparative prospective, randomized, double‐arm, controlled study

Non‐ablative fractional laser is an effective modality for the treatment of periorbital wrinkling, one of the earliest signs of skin aging. Thermo‐mechanical fractional injury (TMFI) therapy (Tixel®, Novoxel®, Israel) is an innovative technology that is now being used for facial skin rejuvenation. Our study compares the clinical results, side effects, and downtime profile between TMFI treatment and non‐ablative fractional 1565 nm laser (ResurFX®, Lumenis, Israel).
Parents’ Experience With a Mobile Health Intervention to Influence Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Decision Making: Mixed Methods Study

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV)-attributed cancers are preventable, yet HPV vaccination rates severely lag behind other adolescent vaccinations. HPVcancerFree (HPVCF) is a mobile health (mHealth) intervention developed to influence parental HPV vaccination decision making by raising awareness of HPV, reducing HPV vaccination barriers, and enabling HPV vaccination scheduling and reminders through a smartphone app. Evaluating the user experience of mHealth interventions is a vital component in assessing their quality and success but tends to be underreported in mHealth intervention evaluation. Objective We aimed to evaluate the user experience of HPVCF, an HPV cancer prevention app designed for a pediatric clinic network, using mixed methods data collected from log files, survey measures, and qualitative feedback. Methods Study data were evaluated from parents in a large US pediatric clinic network using HPVCF in the treatment study condition of a group randomized controlled trial. Log data captured HPVCF retention and use. Postintervention rating scales and items assessed HPVCF utility, usefulness, understandability, appeal, credibility, and perceived impact. Overall quality was evaluated using the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMars). Open-ended responses assessed parent recommendations for HPVCF enhancement. Results The 98 parents were mainly female (n=94, 96%), 41 (5.67) years of age, college educated (n=55, 56%), and White and non-Hispanic (n=55, 56%) and had private health insurance for their children (n=75, 77%). Parents used HPVCF 197 times, with the average visit duration approximating 3.5 minutes. The uMARS app quality score was positively skewed (4.2/5.0). Mean ratings were highest for information (4.46 [SD 0.53]) and lowest for engagement (3.74 [SD 0.69]). In addition, of 95 parents, 45 (47%) rated HPVCF as helpful in HPV vaccination decision making and 16 (17%) attributed HPV vaccine initiation to HPVCF. Parents reported that HPVCF increased their awareness (84/95, 88%), knowledge (84/95, 88%), and HPV vaccination intentions (64/95, 67%). Most of the 98 parents rated the 4 HPVCF components as useful (72-92 [73%-94%]). Parents also agreed that HPVCF is clear (86/95, 91%), accurate (86/95, 91%), and more helpful than other HPV vaccine information they had received (89/95, 94%) and that they would recommend it to others (81/95, 85%). In addition, parents suggested ways to increase awareness and engagement with the app, along with opportunities to enhance the content and functionality. Conclusions HPVCF was well received by parents and performed well on indicators of quality, usefulness, utility, credibility, and perceived impact. This study contributes a multimethod and multimeasure evaluation to the growing body of literature focused on assessing the user experience of patient-focused technology-mediated applications for HPV education.
Adaptive Photonic Microwave Instantaneous Frequency Estimation Using Machine Learning

Instantaneous microwave frequency estimation enables numerous essential applications in the commercial, defense, and civilian marketplace. The advancement of applications is hindered by the bottleneck in electronic-based frequency measurement systems including narrow bandwidth, high errors rate, and low dynamic range. Photonics-based frequency estimation approaches not only increase the operation frequency range and provide rapid measurement response, but also benefit from immunity to electromagnetic interference and enhancement in system adaptability. Despite the unique advantages offered by photonics-based frequency estimation approaches, it is challenging to obtain linear mapping between the unknown frequency and the measured optical characteristics due to the nonlinear response in electro-optical devices, which consequently results in degradation in measurement precision and a complex calibration relationship. Therefore, it is critical to mitigate the challenge to achieve dynamic, adaptive, and high-precision estimation of microwave frequency. To this end, this letter presents the design and demonstration of a high-precision photonic based instantaneous frequency estimation system driven by machine learning. A three-layer deep neural network is used to tackle device nonlinearity and system noise, resulting in absolute error of < 50 MHz and root mean square error of 1.1 MHz.
Discomfort glare: a formula to bridge differences

The international glare situation is unsatisfactory: methods adopted in different countries give discrepant predictions. To break the deadlock a rational glare formula is proposed, based on the best information available. The formula allows for luminances, solid angles and positions of glare sources in a similar way as existing formulae, but takes account of the increase in glare experienced when glare sources are added in a room in spite of the correspondingly increased adaptation level. This is allowed for by separating the direct and indirect vertical illuminances at the eye and inserting them suitably into a 'co-variance/adaptation' factor.
Nosocomial Infections at Three Regional Tertiary Hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago

Objective: The main objectives of this research were to conduct and provide accurate and original findings related to the epidemiological study of nosocomial infections at three regional tertiary hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago. Specifically, the researcher determined; the frequency of nosocomial infections (NI), the frequency of multiple drug resistance among bacterial organisms associated with NI, infection control measures practiced at the research hospitals and the cost of such NI in terms of morbidity and mortality Synopsis: This study estimated the rate of nosocomial infections (NI) among patients at three major regional hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago and evaluated the frequency of pathogens associated with nosocomial infections. Approximately 450 of 126, 668 patients had nosocomial infections and the most frequent type of nosocomial pathogens were: Staphylococcus sp. (22.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. (12.7%), Acinetobacter (11.8%) and Klebsiella sp. (11.6%). Methods: A one-year prospective cross-sectional study was carried out. The nosocomial pathogens were retrieved from the microbiology laboratory. Antimicrobial susceptibility test by the disk diffusion method were done on all bacterial isolates. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: This research revealed that 450 inpatients suffered nosocomial infections, with thirty (30) mortalities during the twelve (12) months that the study lasted (June 2013 to May 2014) at three regional hospitals of Trinidad and Tobago. The incidence of nosocomial infections was 5.8% and the nosocomial infection rate was 3.6 per 1000 (450/126,668). The highest rate (30.1%) was observed in the Intensive Care Unit (82/272 admissions). The most frequent type of nosocomial infection was Skin and Soft Tissue Infections 168 (37.3%). Staphylococcus sp. (22.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. (12.7%), Acinetobacter (11.8%) and Klebsiella sp. (11.6%) were the most frequently occurring nosocomial pathogens. Conclusion: Consistency in performing good hygiene practices is vital for reducing the high nosocomial rate found at the research sites. Prediction of these infections is very important as a part of clinical surveillance programs to take preventive measures in advance. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern rate (ASPR) showed that only 8.3 % (5/60) of the isolates were antibiotic-susceptible strains.
The impact of political connections on the level of cash holdings: evidence from Tunisian listed firms

: In this empirical study, we examine the relationship between political connections and corporate cash policy in Tunisia. Undoubtedly, politically connected firms gain a variety of economic benefits ranging from the allocation of government contracts to favourable credit terms. In general, politically connected firms are less financially constrained and do not have an incentive to hold liquidity. Therefore, political connections exert a substitution effect on the firm’s cash holdings. From the agency perspective, firms with political ties hold more cash than other firms, and their managers have access to money they can use for lucrative perk projects. Through examining the business data of several Tunisian firms 2008–2014, we review the theoretical motives for cash holding by politically connected firms and provide statistical evidence on the substitution effect of political connections on cash holdings. The result confirms a strong statistical relation between the level of cash-holding and political connection. The policy implication of our paper is that political relationships can shape corporate financial decisions.
Fully roll-to-roll gravure printed 4-bit code generator based on p-type SWCNT thin-film transistors

Current Si-based technologies have reached their intrinsic limits in meeting the demands of flexible electronics where free-form factors and low cost are critical for successful applications. For this reason, roll-to-roll (R2R) gravure printing has been considered a way to achieve the free-form factor and the low cost. However, the R2R gravure systems (servomechanism, electronic ink, printing process, and device design) could not integrate a number of thin-film transistors (TFTs) with small threshold voltage (V th) variations. Therefore, we designed a 4-bit code generator by combining one ring oscillator, six NAND gates, and one OR gate based on 37 p-type single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) TFTs as a concept devices to test the R2R gravure system. First, ring oscillators with different physical dimensions were printed on a poly (ethylene terephthalate) roll using the R2R gravure. Then, we extracted important factors (channel length, channel width, and SWCNT network density) to optimize the V th variation and demonstrated a 4-bit code generator integrated with 37 p-type TFTs. This work will be further extended in the near future to develop R2R gravure printed near-field communication labels for smart packaging.
Circuit Modeling of Vertical Buried-Grid SiC JFETs

The main problem when the conventional PSpice JFET model is used to simulate a vertical short-channel buried-grid JFET is caused by the constant values of Threshold Voltage (VTO) and Transconductance (BETA). This paper presents a new model for the vertical short-channel buried-grid 1200V JFET, where both VTO and BETA vary with respect to the Drain-Source voltage. Simulation data from Medici have been analyzed in order to extract the analytical equations for VTO and BETA. Also other PSpice parameters are extracted from these data. The proposed circuit model has been simulated in Matlab by optimizing the same algorithm that PSpice uses. A variety of results are shown and discussed in this paper.
Improved compact spurious passband suppression rat‐race coupler using asymmetric T‐shaped units

A compact rat‐race coupler (RRC) using asymmetric tapped‐stub units for wide‐range spurious passband suppression is presented.The main advantage of the present approach is that, under similar conditions, asymmetric T‐shaped unit exhibits slow‐wave and stopband effects, superior to those of traditional symmetric T‐shaped unit; this result in extra size reduction and extended harmonic suppression within the fabrication limit of high impedance line. Design equations along with graphs are presented. A fabricated prototype RRC, at f0 = 0.5 GHz, has circuit area only 28% of that of the conventional one and no harmonic passband up to 10 f0. The method also features good 20‐dB input matching bandwidth and sharp‐harmonic rejection (>30 dB at second harmonic) performances. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2248–2251, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26273
Critical Solid Loading and Rheological Study of WC-10%Co

Micro powder injection molding (µPIM) is a preferred technology for the production of micro parts or micro structured parts which derived from the well known thermoplastic injection molding technique. It is suitable for a large-scale production of ceramic and metallic parts without ﬁnal machining. In the hardmetal industry, submicron and ultraﬁne hardmetals are the most demanding and also the fastest growing grades in production and application. Four stages involve in µPIM are mixing, injection, debinding and sintering. The volumetric ratio of solid powder to the total volume of powder and binder, which is usually called powder loading, largely determines the success or failure of subsequent processes. Critical solid loading of the powder can be estimated by torque variation, density, melt flow, density and viscosity versus composition. In this paper, critical solid loading of WC-10%Co is determined using torque variation method and its rheological behavior is studied. During the process, the wet surface of the powder particle WC-10%Co will cohesive together and resulted to the torque. Progressive powder is added-in after torque decrease and critical solid loading is identified when torque becomes unstable. Hence, critical solid loading WC-10%Co with WC (APS < 1 µm) is 46% and 42, 43 and 44 vol% of powder loading are selected to mix with wax-based binder system. The viscosity of feedstock show the pseudoplastic behavior and flow index (n) are 0.444, 0.491 and 0.492 for powder loading 42%, 43% and 44% respectively.
Subsynaptic Distribution, Lipid Raft Targeting and G Protein-Dependent Signalling of the Type 1 Cannabinoid Receptor in Synaptosomes from the Mouse Hippocampus and Frontal Cortex

Numerous studies have investigated the roles of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. Here, we used the cell-type-specific CB1 rescue model in mice to gain insight into the organizational principles of plasma membrane targeting and Gαi/o protein signalling of the CB1 receptor at excitatory and inhibitory terminals of the frontal cortex and hippocampus. By applying biochemical fractionation techniques and Western blot analyses to synaptosomal membranes, we explored the subsynaptic distribution (pre-, post-, and extra-synaptic) and CB1 receptor compartmentalization into lipid and non-lipid raft plasma membrane microdomains and the signalling properties. These data infer that the plasma membrane partitioning of the CB1 receptor and its functional coupling to Gαi/o proteins are not biased towards the cell type of CB1 receptor rescue. The extent of the canonical Gαi/o protein-dependent CB1 receptor signalling correlated with the abundance of CB1 receptor in the respective cell type (glutamatergic versus GABAergic neurons) both in frontal cortical and hippocampal synaptosomes. In summary, our results provide an updated view of the functional coupling of the CB1 receptor to Gαi/o proteins at excitatory and inhibitory terminals and substantiate the utility of the CB1 rescue model in studying endocannabinoid physiology at the subcellular level.
Surgical Outcomes of Transposition Surgery for the Correction of Large-Angle Strabismus

Background: Many potential surgical options exist to address large-angle deviations and head turns that result from various forms of paralytic strabismus. Muscle transposition surgeries serve as suitable alternatives to simple resection–recessions. Here, we report outcomes of augmented Hummelsheim and X-type transpositions for the correction of large-angle strabismus and provide insights for surgical planning. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 40 consecutive patients with strabismus who were treated with an augmented Hummelsheim or X-type transposition surgery at a single academic medical center. Etiologies included cranial nerve palsies (n = 26), monocular elevation palsy (n = 3), Duane syndrome (n = 1), traumatic extraocular muscle damage (n = 8), and chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (n = 2). All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 months postsurgery. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess for predictors of surgical outcome. Results: Forty consecutive patients were enrolled in our series. The median preoperative deviation was 46. 5Δ (interquartile range [IQR] 35–70). The median postoperative deviation 2 months after surgery was 0. 5Δ (IQR 0–9.5), which represented a significant improvement (P < 0.001). Thirty-three patients (82.5%) experienced an improvement in range and/or centration of binocular single vision (BSV). More patients who underwent an augmented Hummelsheim procedure and had a small overcorrection at postoperative day 3 had a favorable result on postoperative month 2 (79%) compared with those that were initially under-corrected (38%). Multiple logistic regressions found larger preoperative deviation (P < 0.005) and esotropia (P < 0.021) to be predictors of a less favorable surgical outcome (C-statistic = 0.83). Subgroup analysis revealed that less, favorable outcome after X-type transposition occurred most frequently in patients undergoing correction of an esodeviation. Conclusion: Augmented Hummelsheim transposition techniques offer effective treatment options for paralytic strabismus with esotropic deviations, whereas X-type transpositions are effective for exotropic deviations and deviations from severe inferior rectus damage. In addition to potentially providing a wider field of BSV, improved centration is often achieved.
Technologies for inclusive employment: beyond the prosthetic fix–social transformation axis

ABSTRACT Technologies are often expected to enhance inclusive employment for people living with a disability. Following conventional dichotomies, policy actors generally consider technologies to either provide a prosthetic fix to ‘able’ people with disabilities, or become instruments for social transformation. In three pilot projects within a national initiative for enhancing inclusive employment through technologies, we empirically explore the potential of such conceptually opposed approaches for realising inclusive employment in practice. Reporting on a transdisciplinary ‘learning evaluation’, we combine semi-structured interviews with participant observation and transformation-oriented methods from Reflexive Monitoring in Action, involving a myriad of stakeholders. We introduce the notion of scripts to explore how we as researchers become part of the de- and re-inscription of technologies for inclusive employment. We find that regardless of an initial prosthetic- or transformative approach, technology can support a transformation toward inclusive employment through the work and effort of the actors involved. Points of interest Whether the initial approach to inclusion through technology is to ‘fix’ disability or ‘transform’ work practices, the concerted effort of the people involved can generate transformative potential For technology to attain this transformative potential it is imperative that the sociocultural environment is shaped accordingly To understand the dynamics that work for transformation, it is critical that technology is seen in practice, in specific situations To understand how disability is made through technology we recommend deconstructing the ‘scripts’, that is the user-assumptions and roles, embedded in the technology To support that technologies contribute to inclusive employment, a method is needed that supports reflexivity and involves people from various backgrounds actively participating
Microstrip open-end and gap discontinuities in a substrate-superstrate structure

The analysis and modeling of microstrip open-end and gap discontinuities in a substrate-superstrate structure using the numerical solution of integral equations is presented. Good accuracy is achieved by adopting semi-infinite subdomain mode expansion functions, with a transverse coordinate dependence obtained from a two-dimensional finite-line analysis. A parametric study of the material layer effects of radiation and surface wave losses and the fringing fields at the discontinuities is performed. >