Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of Self-assembled Amphiphilic Oligo-urethanes as Cardiovascular Drug Delivery Platforms

Current drug-coated balloon (DCB) technologies, used to prevent percutaneous coronary intervention-related restenosis via antiproliferative agent delivery to arterial lesions, are associated with systemic drug loss during catheter tracking and inefficient drug delivery to target tissues. This thesis aimed to study and synthesize novel amphilphilic oligo-urethanes (AOUs) as DCB drug carriers comprised of polyol, lysine diisocyanate and perfluoroalcohol (PFA) segments to enhance drug release, binding and shielding against premature release respectively. AOU syntheses employing di-hydroxyl polyols were found to be susceptible to pre-polymer intramolecular cyclization, which prevented PFA conjugation. Such undesired cyclization reactions were circumvented in this thesis via the use of a mono-functional polyol to yield AOU analogues that were water soluble (≥430 mg/mL solubility) and relatively phase mixed. Fluorocarbon groups migrated to the surfaces of analogue films, yielding water contact angle values ≤51 o . Preliminary analogue-cell compatibility studies and capillary electrophoresis-mediated drug-AOU dissociation assessments were conducted and are reported.
Weighted floating bodies and polytopal approximation

Asymptotic results for weighted floating bodies are established and used to obtain new proofs for the existence of floating areas on the sphere and in hyperbolic space and to establish the existence of floating areas in Hilbert geometries. Results on weighted best and random approximation and the new approach to floating areas are combined to derive new asymptotic approximation results on the sphere, in hyperbolic space and in Hilbert geometries.
Chapter 7 Structure Matters : Combining X-Ray Scattering and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy for Studying Organic Thin

In this chapter the relationship between organic film structure and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) data is discussed. As a useful method for obtaining detailed structural data we first summarize shortly the advantages of X-ray scattering. Here, of course we cannot include the full body of literature on interface-sensitive X-ray scattering but rather refer to general references. By combining such structural data and electronic information from UPS new insights in the fundamental principles of organic electronics can be obtained. On the basis of single layer and heterostructures we discuss the dependence of the electronic level alignment and the spectral shape of the HOMO band on the structural properties of organic thin films. The crystallinity and therefore also the electronic properties of an organic thin film can be tuned by controlling growth parameters such as the substrate temperature. The examples are drawn from our own work in order to specifically relate to other chapters in this book, which is not intended to imply that there are no others [1–3].
Fabrication, modeling, and testing of micro-cross-flow heat exchangers

Planar micro-cross-flow heat exchangers, similar in concept to most automobile radiators, have been fabricated using two different processes. A process that was previously reported (Harris et al., 2000) to fabricate a polymer heat exchanger involved embossing two identical polymer parts using the LIGA process. Then the two parts were aligned and bonded together. In this paper, a process is described to fabricate a nickel micro-cross-flow heat exchanger by embossing a sacrificial polymer mandrel using a LIGA-fabricated mold insert. The mandrel is coated with nickel (using either electroplating or electroless plating), then the sacrificial mandrel is dissolved. Experimental results are reported for both the polymer and nickel heat exchangers to determine the rates of heat transfer between the in-plane liquid (water) and the through-plane gas (air). Pressure drops of both fluid streams were also measured. The experimental results compare favorably with a modified version of the analytical model that was described previously. The fabricated heat exchangers have values of heat transfer/volume that are more than five times higher than conventional scale counterparts (with characteristic dimensions at least one order of magnitude larger than those reported here) and values of heat transfer/mass that are 50% greater than their conventional scale counterparts.
A hybrid optimization approach in non-isothermal glass molding

Intensively growing demands on complex yet low-cost precision glass optics from the today’s photonic market motivate the development of an efficient and economically viable manufacturing technology for complex shaped optics. Against the state-of-the-art replication-based methods, Non-isothermal Glass Molding turns out to be a promising innovative technology for cost-efficient manufacturing because of increased mold lifetime, less energy consumption and high throughput from a fast process chain. However, the selection of parameters for the molding process usually requires a huge effort to satisfy precious requirements of the molded optics and to avoid negative effects on the expensive tool molds. Therefore, to reduce experimental work at the beginning, a coupling CFD/FEM numerical modeling was developed to study the molding process. This research focuses on the development of a hybrid optimization approach in Non-isothermal glass molding. To this end, an optimal configuration with two optimization stages f.
Forgiveness and Conflict Resolution in Close Relationships: Within and Cross Partner Effects

Do forgiveness and conflict tactics (compromise, aggression, and avoidance) predict effective arguing and relationship quality? Using 92 Italian couples their own relationship quality. For both men and women, negative responses to conflict (unforgiveness, aggression, and avoidance) overlapped and jointly predicted self-reported and partner-reported relationship quality, directly and indirectly via effective arguing. Positive responses investigated (benevolence and compromise) did not overlap for either men or women. Men’s positive responses to conflict uniquely predicted self-reported and partner-reported relationship quality via effective arguing, whereas women’s positive responses did not predict them independently of the male partner’s tactics.
The evolution of the ISIS' language: a quantitative analysis of the language of the first year of Dabiq magazine

In this article we investigate the evolution of ISIS by analysing the text contained in Dabiq, the official ISIS’ internet magazine in English. Specifically, we used a computerized text analysis pro-gram LIWC (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count) to investigate the evolution of the language of the first 11 Issues of Dabiq. First, our analysis showed that affiliation seems to be an increasingly important psychological motive for the group. Secondly, ISIS has been increasingly using emotions, which are an important mobilizing factor in collective action literature, in a strategic manner. Thirdly, ISIS language presents an increasing concern with females. Last but not least, our analysis shows that ISIS has been increasingly using internet jargon (net-speak), which shows how the group tries to adapt itself to the internet environment and to connect with the identities of young individuals. ISIS is of particular concern as it seems to be more successful at recruiting foreign fighters than other jihadist groups (such as al-Qaeda). This aspect is difficult to quantify because reliable it is hard to access data about the exact number, demographics and affiliation of the foreign fighters who joined those organizations. Yet according to reports by the European Union there is a concerning increase in recruitment rates and patterns, with ISIS being more successful at recruiting young individuals from Western countries than any other jihadist group (Archick, Belkin, Blanchard, Hemud, & Mix, 2015). Scholars suggested that the majority of newly recruited jihadists prefer ISIS to other jihadist groups (Karmon, 2015; Klausen, 2015; Peresin, 2015; Peresin & Cervone, 2015; Turner, 2015)and journalists reported that existing members of al-Qaeda even abandoned the group to join ISIS (Dilanian, 2015; Miller, 2014). Moreover, a 2015 report from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence based at London King’s College stated that the number of jihadist foreign fighters in Syria
Molecular Docking Screens Using Comparative Models of Proteins

Two orders of magnitude more protein sequences can be modeled by comparative modeling than have been determined by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Investigators have nevertheless been cautious about using comparative models for ligand discovery because of concerns about model errors. We suggest how to exploit comparative models for molecular screens, based on docking against a wide range of crystallographic structures and comparative models with known ligands. To account for the variation in the ligand-binding pocket as it binds different ligands, we calculate "consensus" enrichment by ranking each library compound by its best docking score against all available comparative models and/or modeling templates. For the majority of the targets, the consensus enrichment for multiple models was better than or comparable to that of the holo and apo X-ray structures. Even for single models, the models are significantly more enriching than the template structure if the template is paralogous and shares more than 25% sequence identity with the target.
A thermoelectrical parameter investigation using pyroelectric techniques: Application on Mylar

ABSTRACT The pyroelectric methods have been recognized as a reliable and useful tool for the measurement of the thermoelectrical properties of Mylar layer. Using a new approach of theoretical models of photopyroelectric and electropyroelectric methods, it is possible to deduce thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and electrical impedance of the given polyester film. The experimental results were found to be in agreement with the literature and the impedance analyzer values.
New OMCVD precursors for selective copper metallization

A novel OMCVD process for the highly selective deposition of pure, adherent, low resistivity copper films onto conductive substrates is described. Central to this process is a new volatile liquid copper/sup +1/ precursor, Cupra Select, designed to thermally disproportionate at low temperatures to cleanly give copper metal and volatile non-corrosive by-products. Thus, selective depositions onto metallic versus insulating dielectric substrates are achieved between 120 to 420 degrees C with growth rates in excess of 100 nm/min and grain sizes as low as 0.1 microns. In addition, a novel complementary copper etching process is discussed that is chemically compatible with the copper CVD chemistry. <<ETX>>
Hypoxia induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary vascular remodeling

It is well established that hypoxia induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo. However, the role of hypoxia in endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), an important process in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, is not well-characterized. The present study demonstrated a significant downregulation of the endothelial marker CD31 and its co-localization with a mesenchymal marker, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), in the intimal layer of small pulmonary arteries of rats exposed to chronic hypoxia. These results suggest a possible role of hypoxia in inducing EndMT in vivo. Consistent with these observations, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) cultured under hypoxic conditions exhibited a significant decrease in CD31 expression, alongside a marked increase in the expression of α-SMA and two other mesenchymal markers, collagen (Col) 1A1 and Col3A1. In addition, hypoxia promoted the proliferation and migration of α-SMA-expressing mesenchymal-like cells, but not of PMVECs. Of note, knockdown of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) effectively inhibited hypoxic induction of α-SMA, Col1A1 and the transcription factor Twist1, while rescuing hypoxic suppression of CD31; these results suggest that HIF-1α is essential for hypoxia-induced EndMT and that it serves as an upstream regulator of Twist1. Mechanistically, HIF-1α was identified to bind to the promoter of the Twist1 gene, thus activating Twist1 transcription and regulating EndMT. Collectively, the present results indicate that the HIF-1α/Twist1 pathway has a critical role in mediating the effect of hypoxia-induced EndMT in pulmonary arterial remodeling.
A New Material Constitutive Model for High Strain Rate Behavior of Metals

Strain rate effect in steels is well known. In automotive applications, this strain rate effect is important in fabrication (e.g. stamping) and crashworthiness of auto-structures. In this report, we first summarize the increase of yield stress of various steels ranging from mild steel to advanced high strength steels with strain rate. A normalization methodology was developed to collapse all data into a single curve. The classical Cowper-Symonds and Johnson–Cook constitutive models were then used to fit the test data. Since both models were not able to provide a satisfactory fit to the data covering the entire strain rate of interest, a new model was developed. It is shown that the new model can represent the stress-strain behavior for steels, as well as other metals, to cover a range of strain rate from quasi-static to 10 4 s -1
Specialist pollinators deplete pollen in the spring ephemeral wildflower Claytonia virginica

Abstract Pollinators that collect pollen – and specifically, pollen‐specialist bees – are often considered to be the best pollinators of a (host) plant. Although pollen collectors and pollen specialists often benefit host plants, especially in the pollen that they deliver (their pollination “effectiveness”), they can also exact substantial costs because they are motivated to collect as much pollen as possible, reducing the proportion of pollen removed that is subsequently delivered to stigmas (their pollination “efficiency”). From the plant perspective, pollen grains that do not pollinate conspecific stigmas are “wasted”, and potentially costly. We measured costs and benefits of nectar‐collecting, pollen‐collecting, and pollen‐specialist pollinator visitation to the spring ephemeral Claytonia virginica. Visits by the pollen‐specialist bee Andrena erigeniae depleted pollen quickly and thoroughly. Although all pollinators delivered roughly the same number of grains, the pollen specialist contributed most to C. virginica pollen delivery because of high visitation rates. However, the pollen specialist also removed a large number of grains; this removal may be especially costly because it resulted in the depletion of pollen grains in C. virginica populations. While C. virginica appears to rely on pollen transfer by the pollen specialist in these populations, nectar‐collecting visitors could provide the same benefit at a lower cost if their visitation rates increased. Pollen depletion affects a pollinator's value to plants, but is frequently overlooked. If they lower the effectiveness of future floral visitors, visits by A. erigeniae females to C. virginica may be more detrimental than beneficial compared to other pollinators and may, in some circumstances, reduce plant fitness rather than increase it. Therefore, A. erigeniae and C. virginica may vary in their degree of mutualism depending on the ecological context.
Paediatric exercise testing in clinics and classrooms: a comparative review of different assessments

non-clinical setting in large population based studies. The steep ramp test and the 20 m shuttle run test are valid and reliable non-sophisticated alternatives for predicting aerobic capacity in children and adolescents in those studies. Nevertheless, prediction equations used to estimate aerobic capacity reached during cardiopulmonary exercise testing from steep ramp test or 20 m shuttle run test performance should be interpreted with caution. Additionally, these non-sophisticated tests should not be used as a substitute for performing regular cardiopulmonary exercise testing, as they are less accurate and do not provide diagnostic or prognostic information.
Short communication CONTROLLED RELEASE POLYMERIC OCULAR INSERTS FOR DELIVERY OF ACYCLOVIR

The poor bioavailability and therapeutic response exhibited by conventional ophthalmic solutions due to rapid precorneal elimination of drug may be overcome by the use of ocular inserts, which achieve increased bioavailability by controlled release of drug. The purpose of the present research is to fabricate reservoir-type ocular inserts, by sandwiching the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix containing acyclovir (ACV) in between two rate controlling membranes of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP). ACV is a poorly aqueous soluble drug, and to improve its solubility it was complexed with P-cyclodextrin (BCD) and then incorporated into HPMC matrix. Polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) (10 % w/w) was incorporated as a plasticizer as well as permeation enhancer. Nine inserts (AO-1 to AO-9) with varying ratio of HPMC (drug matrix) and CAP (rate controlling membrane) were developed. The formulations were subjected to physicochemical evaluations, drug content uniformity studies, in vitro and in vivo drug release studies, interaction and stability studies. The in vitro release studies revealed that the formulations with 5% CAP was found to be optimum as rate controlling membrane. Based on the results of in vitro release studies the optimized formulations were selected for in vivo evaluation in rabbits. A high correlation coefficient was found between in vitro/in vivo release rate studies. Also the study confirmed the improved solubility of ACV when complexed with fi-cyclodextrin. It can be concluded that the ocular inserts was remained stable and a shelf life of 1.8 years was assigned.
Onset of plasticity in a Σ = 5 GaAs compliant structure

Compliant structures have been fabricated in which a thin GaAs layer (thickness between 10 and 20nm) was bonded on top of a GaAs substrate with a large twist angle (about 37). This twist angle value was chosen so that the energy of the boundary (coincident boundary of type =5 (001)) was minimized. The structure of the interface was characterized and the onset of plasticity in such a compliant substructure was investigated using nanoindentation that allowed the low-load deformation regime to be observed. The results are compared with those obtained under the same conditions on a GaAs bulk substrate alone. No plastic zone was observed by transmission electron microscopy in the compliant structure under loads below 0.25mN while, under the same loads, plastic deformation was observed in the bulk substrate. For higher loads (2mN), plastic-flow enhancement was observed in the compliant structure. The results are discussed in the light of the arrangement of dislocations observed in the plastic zones.
Different Modes of Semantic Representation in Image Retrieval

less concrete), less imageable: concept Abstract, more imageable: plead Concrete, less imageable: argue more imageable: plead Concrete, less imageable: argue Concrete, more imageable: bacon Text-based Image Retrieval (TBIR) This woman is giving her dog a kiss dog; kiss Images with captions Text-based image retrieval system Text-based Image Retrieval (TBIR) This woman is giving her dog a kiss dog; kiss Images with captions Text-based image retrieval system
Resident cell lineages are preserved in pulmonary vascular remodeling

Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the main pathological hallmark of pulmonary hypertension disease. We undertook a comprehensive and multilevel approach to investigate the origin of smooth muscle actin‐expressing cells in remodeled vessels. Transgenic mice that allow for specific, inducible, and permanent labeling of endothelial (Cdh5‐tdTomato), smooth muscle (Acta2‐, Myh11‐tdTomato), pericyte (Cspg4‐tdTomato), and fibroblast (Pdgfra‐tdTomato) lineages were used to delineate the cellular origins of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Mapping the fate of major lung resident cell types revealed smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as the predominant source of cells that populate remodeled pulmonary vessels in chronic hypoxia and allergen‐induced murine models. Combining in vivo cell type‐specific, time‐controlled labeling of proliferating cells with a pulmonary artery phenotypic explant assay, we identified proliferation of SMCs as an underlying remodeling pathomechanism. Multicolor immunofluorescence analysis showed a preserved pattern of cell type marker localization in murine and human pulmonary arteries, in both donors and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients. Whilst neural glial antigen 2 (chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4) labeled mostly vascular supportive cells with partial overlap with SMC markers, PDGFRα‐expressing cells were observed in the perivascular compartment. The luminal vessel side was lined by a single cell layer expressing endothelial markers followed by an adjacent and distinct layer defined by SMC marker expression and pronounced thickening in remodeled vessels. Quantitative flow cytometric analysis of single cell digests of diverse pulmonary artery layers showed the preserved separation into two discrete cell populations expressing either endothelial cell (EC) or SMC markers in human remodeled vessels. Additionally, we found no evidence of overlap between EC and SMC ultrastructural characteristics using electron microscopy in either donor or IPAH arteries. Lineage‐specific marker expression profiles are retained during pulmonary vascular remodeling without any indication of cell type conversion. The expansion of resident SMCs is the major underlying and evolutionarily conserved paradigm of pulmonary vascular disease pathogenesis. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Iron limitation effects on nitrogen-fixing organisms with possible implications for cyanobacterial blooms

Cyanobacteria-dominated harmful algal blooms are increasing in occurrence. Many of the taxa contributing to these blooms are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and should be favored under conditions of low nitrogen availability. Yet, synthesizing nitrogenase, the enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation, is energetically expensive and requires substantial concentrations of iron. Phosphorus addition to nitrogen poor streams should promote nitrogen fixation, but experimental results so far have been inconclusive, suggesting that other factors may be involved in controlling this process. With iron potentially limited in many streams, we examined the influence of phosphorus-iron colimitation on the community structure of nitrogen-fixing organisms. In stream microcosms, using microscopic and molecular sequence data, we observed: (i) the greatest abundance of heterocyst forming nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in low nitrogen treatments with high phosphorus and iron and (ii) greater abundance of non-photosynthetic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in treatments with nitrogen compared to those without it. We also found that comparisons between molecular results and those obtained from microscopic identification provided complementary information about cyanobacterial communities. Our investigation indicates the potential for phosphorus-iron colimitation of stream nitrogen-fixing organisms.