Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ETHOSOMES ­ A NONINVASIVE APPROACH FOR TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY

Ethosomes are noninvasive delivery carriers that enable drugs to reach the deep skin layers and/or the systemic circulation. Although ethosomal systems are conceptually sophisticated, they are characterized by simplicity in their preparation, safety, and efficacy a combination that can highly expand their application. Ethosomes are soft, malleable vesicles tailored for enhanced delivery of active agents. This article reviews various aspect of ethosomes including their preparation, characterization, potential advantages and their applications in drug delivery. Because of their unique structure, ethosomes are able to encapsulate and deliver through the skin highly lipophilic molecules such as cannabinoids, testosterone, and minoxidil, as well as cationic drugs such as propranolol, trihexyphenidil, Cyclosporine A, insulin, salbutamol etc. Ethosomes provides a number of important benefits including improving the drug’s efficacy, enhancing patient compliance and comfort and reducing the total cost of treatment. Enhanced delivery of bioactive molecules through the skin and cellular membranes by means of an ethosomal carrier opens numerous challenges and opportunities for the research and future development of novel improved therapies.
A Low-Power Current-Reuse Analog Front-End for High-Density Neural Recording Implants

Studying brain activity in vivo requires collecting bioelectrical signals from several microelectrodes simultaneously in order to capture neuron interactions. In this work, we present a new current-reuse analog front-end (AFE), which is scalable to very large numbers of recording channels, thanks to its small implementation silicon area and its low-power consumption. This current-reuse AFE, which is including a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a programmable gain amplifier (PGA), employs a new fully differential current-mirror topology using fewer transistors, and improving several design parameters, such as power consumption and noise, over previous current-reuse amplifier circuit implementations. We show that the proposed current-reuse amplifier can provide a theoretical noise efficiency factor (NEF) as low as 1.01, which is the lowest reported theoretical NEF provided by an LNA topology. A foue-channel current-reuse AFE implemented in a CMOS 0.18-μm technology is presented as a proof-of-concept. T-network capacitive circuits are used to decrease the size of input capacitors and to increase the gain accuracy in the AFE. The measured performance of the whole AFE is presented. The total power consumption per channel, including the LNA and the PGA stage, is 9 μW (4.5 μW for LNA and 4.5 μW for PGA), for an input referred noise of 3.2 μVrms, achieving a measured NEF of 1.94. The entire AFE presents three selectable gains of 35.04, 43.1, and 49.5 dB, and occupies a die area of 0.072 mm2 per channel. The implemented circuit has a measured inter-channel rejection ratio of 54 dB. In vivo recording results obtained with the proposed AFE are reported. It successfully allows collecting low-amplitude extracellular action potential signals from a tungsten wire microelectrode implanted in the hippocampus of a laboratory mouse.
3D Land Mapping and Land Deformation Monitoring Using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) ALOS PALSAR: Validated by Geodetic GPS and UAV

Complex topography and geological formation are the primary causes of frequent land deformation occurrence at Kelok Sembilan area, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This paper presents a research work on land mapping and land deformation monitoring carried out using persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technique at Kelok Sembilan bridge region. In this paper, 13 ascending Advanced Land Observation Satellite Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (ALOS PALSAR) scenes, taken from July 2007 to November 2010, were processed using PSI-SAR technique. Then, the land deformation analysis was performed in two of the critical landslide areas near the Kelok Sembilan bridge. For validation purpose, the results were compared with in situ ground measurement data obtained using both differential global positioning system technique, and 3-D photogrammetry technique based unmanned aerial vehicle. The land deformation analysis showed that both of the investigation areas are suffering a severe land movement of approximately −100 mm every year. In addition to that, the validation results showed erroneousness of less than 0.3%.
Effects of remineralization procedures on shear bond strengths of brackets bonded to demineralized enamel surfaces with self-etch systems.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of different remineralization procedures on the surface roughness of teeth, shear bond strengths (SBSs), and Adhesive Remnant Index scores of self-etching primer (SEP) used to bond orthodontic brackets to previously treated demineralized enamel surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 140 extracted human premolar teeth were randomly divided into seven equal groups. Group I was the control group. A demineralization procedure was performed in the other six groups. A remineralization procedure was performed before bonding by using casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, fluoride, a microabrasion mixture (18% hydrochloric acid-fine pumice), a microabrasion agent, and resin infiltration in groups III to VII. Brackets were bonded using a self-etching primer/adhesive system. The specimens were tested for SBS. The roughness and morphology of the enamel surfaces were analyzed using profilometer and scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance, Tukey, and G-tests at the α = . 05 level. RESULTS Significant differences were found in the SBS values among the seven groups (F = 32.69, P = .003). The lowest SBS value was found in group II (2.62 ± 1.46 MPa). No significant differences were found between groups I, III, and VII, between groups III and IV, or between groups V and VI. The differences in the roughness values were statistically significant among the groups (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS Remineralization procedures restore the decreased SBS of orthodontic brackets and decrease surface roughness caused by enamel demineralization. SEPs provide clinically acceptable SBS values for bonding orthodontic brackets to previously treated demineralized enamel surfaces.
European cancer mortality predictions for the year 2018 with focus on colorectal cancer

Background We projected cancer mortality statistics for 2018 for the European Union (EU) and its six more populous countries, using the most recent available data. We focused on colorectal cancer. Materials and methods We obtained cancer death certification data from stomach, colorectum, pancreas, lung, breast, uterus, ovary, prostate, bladder, leukaemia, and total cancers from the World Health Organisation database and projected population data from Eurostat. We derived figures for France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the EU in 1970-2012. We predicted death numbers by age group and age-standardized (world population) rates for 2018 through joinpoint regression models. Results EU total cancer mortality rates are predicted to decline by 10.3% in men between 2012 and 2018, reaching a predicted rate of 128.9/100 000, and by 5.0% in women with a rate of 83.6. The predicted total number of cancer deaths is 1 382 000 when compared with 1 333 362 in 2012 (+3.6%). We confirmed a further fall in male lung cancer, but an unfavourable trend in females, with a rate of 14.7/100 000 for 2018 (13.9 in 2012, +5.8%) and 94 500 expected deaths, higher than the rate of 13.7 and 92 700 deaths from breast cancer. Colorectal cancer predicted rates are 15.8/100 000 men (-6.7%) and 9.2 in women (-7.5%); declines are expected in all age groups. Pancreatic cancer is stable in men, but in women it rose +2.8% since 2012. Ovarian, uterine and bladder cancer rates are predicted to decline further. In 2018 alone, about 392 300 cancer deaths were avoided compared with peak rates in the late 1980s. Conclusion We predicted continuing falls in mortality rates from major cancer sites in the EU and its major countries to 2018. Exceptions are pancreatic cancer and lung cancer in women. Improved treatment and-above age 50 years-organized screening may account for recent favourable colorectal cancer trends.
p53-Mediated Molecular Control of Autophagy in Tumor Cells

Autophagy is an indispensable mechanism of the eukaryotic cell, facilitating the removal and renewal of cellular components and thereby balancing the cell’s energy consumption and homeostasis. Deregulation of autophagy is now regarded as one of the characteristic key features contributing to the development of tumors. In recent years, the suppression of autophagy in combination with chemotherapeutic treatment has been approached as a novel therapy in cancer treatment. However, depending on the type of cancer and context, interference with the autophagic machinery can either promote or disrupt tumorigenesis. Therefore, disclosure of the major signaling pathways that regulate autophagy and control tumorigenesis is crucial. To date, several tumor suppressor proteins and oncogenes have emerged as eminent regulators of autophagy whose depletion or mutation favor tumor formation. The mammalian cell “janitor” p53 belongs to one of these tumor suppressors that are most commonly mutated in human tumors. Experimental evidence over the last decade convincingly reports that p53 can act as either an activator or an inhibitor of autophagy depending on its subcellular localization and its mode of action. This finding gains particular significance as p53 deficiency or mutant variants of p53 that accumulate in the cytoplasm of tumor cells enable activation of autophagy. Accordingly, we recently identified p53 as a molecular hub that regulates autophagy and apoptosis in histone deacetylase inhibitor-treated uterine sarcoma cells. In light of this novel experimental evidence, in this review, we focus on p53 signaling as a mediator of the autophagic pathway in tumor cells.
Test of biotic and abiotic correlates of latitudinal variation in defences in the perennial herb Ruellia nudiflora

Geographic variation in abiotic factors and species interactions is widespread and is hypothesized to generate concomitant patterns of species trait variation. For example, higher rates of herbivory at lower latitudes are thought to select for increased plant defences, although latitudinal variation in defences may also be influenced directly by abiotic factors and indirectly by predators and parasitoids reducing herbivore pressure. We measured defences of the herb Ruellia nudiflora among 30 populations spanning a latitudinal gradient from northern Yucatan to southern Belize that vary substantially in leaf herbivory (fourfold), seed herbivory (25‐fold) and seed herbivore parasitism (14‐fold). These surveyed populations span one‐third of the species’ latitudinal distribution (5° of latitude), the entire precipitation gradient of its distribution, and one‐third of the temperature gradient of its distribution. Our prior work showed that leaf herbivory decreased with latitude and that seed herbivory increased with latitude. Here, we measured leaf trichome density and leaf and seed phenolics and tested whether latitudinal variation in climate, herbivory and parasitism explained latitudinal variation in these defensive traits. Patterns of variation in leaf trichomes fully supported predictions, with trichome density increasing with a parallel increase in herbivory towards lower latitudes. While seed phenolics were positively associated with herbivory, and seed herbivory tended to increase with latitude, the predicted (positive) association between latitude and defence was not detectable. There was no detectable association between parasitoids and seed defences. In addition, the association between leaf herbivory and phenolics was weak, and leaf phenolics were not associated with latitude. Importantly, variation in the abiotic environment was associated with plant defence, indicating that abiotic factors can play a major role in shaping plant defences, independently of herbivory. Synthesis. Latitudinal variation in abiotic factors may drive concomitant patterns of variation in plant defences, independently of herbivory. Collectively, these findings highlight the need for assessing geographic variation in plant defences from a multi‐factorial perspective, testing for the simultaneous influence of biotic and abiotic factors.
Polymer planar waveguide broadband differential interferometer

In the paper the planar waveguide based on SU-8 polymer were made on 2μm of silica (SiO2) on silicon (Si) substrates in order to obtain base for broadband interferometer. Analysis and calculation of sensitivity for single mode broadband differential interferometer were performed. Paper presents preliminary tests and analysis of such structures. Dilution of SU-8 solution for obtaining thin layer (below 500 nm) followed by elipsometric measurements is presented.
Development of Mix Proportion for Functional and Durable Pervious Concrete

Portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC) mixes made with various types and amounts of aggregates, cementitious materials, fibers, and chemical admixtures were evaluated. Porosity, water permeability, strength, and freezing-thawing durability of the concrete were tested. The results indicated that the PCPC made with single-sized coarse aggregates generally had high permeability but not adequate strength. Addition of a small amount of fine sand (approximate 7% by weight of total aggregate) to the mixes significantly improved the concrete strength and freezing-thawing resistance while maintaining adequate water permeability. Addition of a small amount of fiber to the mixes increased the concrete strength, freezing-thawing resistance as well as void content. Based on these results, performance-based criteria are discussed for proportioning functional and durable PCPC mixes.
Mathematik in den Naturwissenschaften Leipzig A single cell based-model of tumor growth in-vitro : monolayers and speroids

To what extent the growth dynamics of tumors is controlled by nutrients, biomechanical forces, and other factors at different stages and in different environments is still largely unknown. Here we present a biophysical model to study the spatio-temporal growth dynamics of two-dimensional tumor monolayers and threedimensional tumor spheroids as a complementary tool to in-vitro experiments. Within our model each cell is represented as an individual object and parameterized by cellbiophysical and cell-kinetic parameters that can all be experimentally determined. Hence our modeling strategy allows to study which mechanisms on the microscopic level of individual cells may affect the macroscopic properties of a growing tumor. We find the qualitative growth kinetics and patterns in early growth stages to be remarkably robust. Quantitative comparisons between computer simulations using our model and published experimental observations on monolayer cultures suggest a biomechanicallymediated form of growth inhibition during the experimentally observed transition from exponential to sub-exponential growth at sufficiently large tumor sizes. Our simulations show that the same transition during the growth of avascular tumor spheroids can be explained largely by the same mechanism. Glucose (or oxygen) depletion seems to determine mainly the size of the necrotic core but not the size of the tumor. We explore the consequences of the suggested biomechanical form of contact inhibition, in order to permit an experimental test of our model. Based on our findings we propose a phenomenological growth law in early expansion phases in which specific biological small-scale processes are subsumed in a small number of effective parameters. PACS numbers: 87.18. -h, 87. § To whom correspondence should be addressed (drasdo@izbi.uni-leipzig.de) A single cell based-model of tumor growth in-vitro: monolayers and spheroids 2
O O F The Rocky Road to the Top Why Talent Needs Trauma

The increasingly well funded and high-tech world of talent development (TD) represents an important investment for most sports. Reflecting traditional concepts of challenge and focus, the vast majority of such systems expend a great deal of effort maximizing support to the young athletes and trying to counter the impact of naturally occurring life stressors. In this article, we suggest that much of this effort is misdirected; that, in fact, talented potential can often benefit from, or even need, a variety of challenges to facilitate eventual adult performance. Our argument is built on evidence that such challenges are more common in athletes who reach the top, together with a critical consideration of the modus operandi and impact of psychological/ character-focused interventions such as mental toughness and resilience. In conclusion, we explore some implications for the design and conduct of optimum academies and TD environments. Talent development (TD) systems worldwide are becoming increasingly important in meeting the needs for home-grown elite performers. As a result, all aspects of the TD environment are under scrutiny from optimum pathways and methods that may be used through to the development environment and epistemology of the coaches who are central to its design. Within this scrutiny, most evaluators/programme designers stress that the TD support system must be as supportive as possible; in other words, minimizing and/or countering extraneous pressures on the developing athlete so that she or he can focus solely on the task at hand – negotiating the route to the top. As another feature of this scrutiny, several researchers have highlighted the importance of psychological characteristics and competencies as central to negotiating this route. Resilience and the growth mind-set or more comprehensive ‘profiles’ such as mental toughness (MT), or the psychological characteristics of developing excellence (PCDEs), have been positively associated with both outcome and process on the talent pathway. For example, PCDEs include both mental skills such as imagery and goal setting, as well as the attitudes, emotions and motivation performers need to realize their potential. In short, performers high in these and other related constructs seem more likely to get to the top and do better when they get there. When these two ideas are juxtaposed, however, a potential conundrum emerges. How do young performers acquire, build confidence with and sharpen these mental skills if not through overcoming adversity? And yet a common and face valid philosophy of many pathways is to minimize the number and certainly the impact of developmental challenges. For example, many young athletes across Europe are enrolled in sport schools that deliberately smooth the developmental pathway by providing them with financial, Approval for publication Signed Date Number of amended pages returned CURRENT OPINION Sports Med 2012; 42 (11): 1-8 0112-1642/12/0011-0001/$49.95/0 Adis a 2012 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved.
Impact of task design on task performance and injury risk: case study of a simulated drilling task

Abstract Existing evidence is limited regarding the influence of task design on performance and ergonomic risk, or the association between these two outcomes. In a controlled experiment, we constructed a mock fuselage to simulate a drilling task common in aircraft manufacturing, and examined the effect of three levels of workstation adjustability on performance as measured by productivity (e.g. fuselage completion time) and quality (e.g. fuselage defective holes), and ergonomic risk as quantified using two common methods (rapid upper limb assessment and the strain index). The primary finding was that both productivity and quality significantly improved with increased adjustability, yet this occurred only when that adjustability succeeded in reducing ergonomic risk. Supporting the inverse association between ergonomic risk and performance, the condition with highest adjustability created the lowest ergonomic risk and the best performance while there was not a substantial difference in ergonomic risk between the other two conditions, in which performance was also comparable. Practitioner Summary: Findings of this study supported a causal relationship between task design and both ergonomic risk and performance, and that ergonomic risk and performance are inversely associated. While future work is needed under more realistic conditions and a broader population, these results may be useful for task (re)design and to help cost-justify some ergonomic interventions.
Migration, Remittances, Poverty, and Human Capital: Conceptual and Empirical Challenges

This paper reviews common challenges faced by researchers interested in measuring the impact of migration and remittances on income poverty, inequality and human capital (or, in general, “welfare”) as well as difficulties confronting development practitioners in converting this research into policy advice. On the analytical side, the paper discusses the proper formulation of a research question, the choice of the analytical tools as well as the interpretation of the results, in the presence of pervasive endogeneity in all decisions surrounding migration. Particular attention is given to the use of instrumental variables in migration research. On the policy side, the paper argues that the private nature of migration and remittances implies a need to carefully spell out the rationale for interventions. It also notices the lack of good migration data and proper evaluations of migration-related government policies. The paper focuses mainly on microeconomic evidence about international migration, but much of the discussion extends to other settings as well.
In Vitro Activities of Gepotidacin (GSK2140944) and Other Antimicrobial Agents against Human Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas

ABSTRACT Gepotidacin, a novel first-in-class triazaacenaphthylene topoisomerase II inhibitor, was tested against 85 type strains and clinical isolates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum in comparison to levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, azithromycin or clindamycin, and tetracycline. Gepotidacin MIC90s (μg/ml) were 0.125 (M. pneumoniae), 0.032 (M. genitalium), 2 (M. hominis), and 8 (Ureaplasma species). Gepotidacin activity was not affected by resistance to fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, or macrolides in the strains tested. Gepotidacin merits further study for treating infections caused by these organisms.
Stiffness Properties of Recycled Concrete Aggregate / Polyethylene Plastic 1 Granules in Unbound Pavement Applications

1 Ehsan Yaghoubi 4 PhD candidate, Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Swinburne University of 5 Technology, Hawthorn, VIC3122, Australia. 6 Email: eyaghoubi@swin.edu. au 7 8 9 2, a Arul Arulrajah 10 Professor, Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Swinburne University of 11 Technology, Hawthorn, VIC3122, Australia. 12 Email: aarulrajah@swin.edu. au 13 14 15 3 Yat Wong 16 Senior Lecturer, Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering Swinburne 17 University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC3122, Australia. 18 Email: ywong@swin.edu. au 19 20 21 4, b Suksun Horpibulsuk 22 Professor and Chair, School of Civil Engineering, and Director, Center of Excellence in 23 Innovation for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Suranaree University of Technology, 24 Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand & 25 Adjunct Professor, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC3122, Australia 26 Email: suksun@g.sut. ac.th 27 28 29 Corresponding Authors: 30 31 a Arul Arulrajah 32 Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, 33 Swinburne University of Technology, 34 PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia. 35 Tel. : +61 3 92145741; 36 Fax: +61 3 92148264. 37 Email: aarulrajah@swin.edu. au 38 39 40 41