Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of the Powder and Tableting Properties of Regular and Direct Compression Hypromellose from Different Vendors

Hypromellose, a widely used polymer in the pharmaceutical industry, is available in several grades, depending on the percentage of substitution of the methoxyl and hydroxypropyl groups and molecular weight, and in various functional forms (e.g., suitable for direct compression tableting). These differences can affect their physicomechanical properties, and so this study aims to characterise the particle size and mechanical properties of HPMC K100M polymer grades from four different vendors. Eight polymers (CR and DC grades) were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy automated image analysis particle characterisation to examine the powder’s particle morphology and particle size distribution. Bulk density, tapped density, and true density of the materials were also analysed. Flow was determined using a shear cell tester. Flat-faced polymer compacts were made at five different compression forces and the mechanical properties of the compacts were evaluated to give an indication of the powder’s capacity to form a tablet with desirable strength under specific pressures. The results indicated that the CR grades of the polymers displayed a smaller particle size and better mechanical properties compared to the DC grade HPMC K100M polymers. The DC grades, however, had better flow properties than their CR counterparts. The results also suggested some similarities and differences between some of the polymers from the different vendors despite the similarity in substitution level, reminding the user that care and consideration should be given when substitution is required.
Recent Progress in Photonic Upconversion Materials for Organic Lanthanide Complexes

Organic lanthanide complexes have garnered significant attention in various fields due to their intriguing energy transfer mechanism, enabling the upconversion (UC) of two or more low-energy photons into high-energy photons. In comparison to lanthanide-doped inorganic nanoparticles, organic UC complexes hold great promise for biological delivery applications due to their advantageous properties of controllable size and composition. This review aims to provide a summary of the fundamental concept and recent developments of organic lanthanide-based UC materials based on different mechanisms. Furthermore, we also detail recent applications in the fields of bioimaging and solar cells. The developments and forthcoming challenges in organic lanthanide-based UC offer readers valuable insights and opportunities to engage in further research endeavors.
Community of Practice Involvement Obligations.

One way of studying group involvement is through the paradigm of communities of practice (CofP) (Lave 1988, Lave & Wenger 1991). Students on university campuses are simultaneously members of various CofPs. This article investigates the CofPs Japanese students were involved in while studying in the United States. It found that the whole notion of CofP involvement is framed (Bateson 1972; Tannen & Wallet 1993) differently by Japanese. Specifically, the Japanese frame for attendance obligations and appropriate behavior is tighter (Goffman 1963) than that of their American counterparts. The results of this study suggest that what constitutes good demeanor is different in both societies and highlights the cultural relativity of frames regarding community of practice involvement. (community of practice, frame, obligations, expectations, deference, demeanor, tightness, looseness, giri, ninjo,omote, soto, uchi, ura).
Peptide-based vaccine for cancer therapies

Different strategies based on peptides are available for cancer treatment, in particular to counter-act the progression of tumor growth and disease relapse. In the last decade, in the context of therapeutic strategies against cancer, peptide-based vaccines have been evaluated in different tumor models. The peptides selected for cancer vaccine development can be classified in two main type: tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), which are captured, internalized, processed and presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to cell-mediated immunity. Peptides loaded onto MHC class I are recognized by a specific TCR of CD8+ T cells, which are activated to exert their cytotoxic activity against tumor cells presenting the same peptide-MHC-I complex. This process is defined as active immunotherapy as the host’s immune system is either de novo activated or restimulated to mount an effective, tumor-specific immune reaction that may ultimately lead to tu-mor regression. However, while the preclinical data have frequently shown encouraging results, therapeutic cancer vaccines clinical trials, including those based on peptides have not provided satisfactory data to date. The limited efficacy of peptide-based cancer vaccines is the consequence of several factors, including the identification of specific target tumor antigens, the limited immunogenicity of peptides and the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). An effective cancer vaccine can be developed only by addressing all such different aspects. The present review describes the state of the art for each of such factors.
Convection naturelle dans un canal vertical en eau avec chauffage pariétal : influence de la stratification

A new experimental set-up is developed to study natural convection flow in a vertical channel. An original approach is taken, using water as the working fluid to avoid radiative heat transfer and obtain a pure convective flow. The channel is opened at the top and the bottom, its two heated plates are kept at uniform heat flux and the two other sides are adiabatic. The coupling between water flow and heat transfer is studied by using a LDV system and a microthermocouple to measure velocity and temperature at the same place. This paper shows velocity and temperature profiles in the channel and deals with the consequences of the water tank stratification on the convective flow. Mots clefs : Convection naturelle ; Stratification ; Ecoulement en canal
Assessment of the radiation risk at flight altitudes for an extreme solar particle storm of 774 AD

Intense solar activity can lead to an acceleration of solar energetic particles and accordingly in crease in the complex radiation field at commercial aviation flight altitudes. We considered here the strongest ever observed event, namely that of 774 AD registered on the basis of cosmogenic isotope measurements, and computed the ambient dose at aviation altitude(s). Since the spectrum of solar protons during 774 AD event can not be directly obtained, as a first step, we derived the spectra of the solar protons during the GLE #5, the strongest event observed by direct measurements, which was subsequently scaled to the size of the 774 AD event and eventually used as input to the corresponding radiation model. The GLE #5 was considered as a conservative approach because it revealed the hardest-ever derived energy spectrum. The global map of the ambient dose was computed under realistic data-based reconstruction of the geomagnetic field during the 774 AD epoch, based on paleomagnetic measurements. A realistic approach on the basis of a GLE #45 was also considered, that is by scaling an event with softer spectra and lower particle fluxes compared to the GLE#5. The altitude dependence of the event integrated dose at altitudes from 30 kft to 50 kft was also computed for the both scenarios. The presented here study of the radiation effects during the extreme event of 774 AD give the necessary basis to be used as a reference to assess the worst-case scenario for a specific threat, that is radiation dose at flight altitudes.
Dimensional Analysis and Variational Formulation of Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) Model

Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) is an emerging modality for soft tissue imaging with medical applications including breast cancer detection. DOT has many benefits, including its use of non ionizing radiation and its ability to produce high contrast images. However, it is well known that DOT image reconstruction is unstable and has low resolution. DOT uses near infra-red light waves to probe inside a body; for example, DOT can be used to measure the changes in the amount of oxygen in tissues, which can detect early stages of cancer in soft tissues such as the breast and brain. In this thesis, we perform dimensional analysis to obtain a dimensionless form of the ODE for the 1-d DOT model and the PDE for the 2-d DOT model. We later solve the 1-d cases using the finite element method (FEM) in MATLAB. We investigate whether the inverse problem using the dimensionless scaled forward DOT model will improve the ill-posedness of the image reconstruction problem in the 1-d case. We solve the inverse problem for DOT image reconstruction by reformulating the inverse problem as a variationally constrained non-linear optimization problem and compare solving the optimization problem for specific cases of the 1-d DOT model with Newton’s iteration versus the traditional Gauss-Newton method. We observe the effects of different regularization parameters and step lengths on the reconstructions for Newton’s iteration. We also observe the effect of moving the inclusion away from the boundary during image reconstruction. Using the optimally derived regularization
Anti-inflammatory and biologic drugs for atopic dermatitis: a therapeutic approach in children and adolescents

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a heterogeneous pathogenesis correlated with dysregulation of the immune system and a prevalence of the T2-mediated immune pathway. Recent understanding of the pathogenesis of AD has allowed the development of new drugs targeting different mechanisms and cytokines that have changed the treatment approach. The aim of this review is to update knowledge on the standard of care and recent advancements in the control of skin inflammation. In light of recent guidelines, we report on the clinical efficacy of novel treatments, with special attention to situations where biologics and small molecules are involved.
Efecto de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad y la trehalosa sobre la actividad enzimática antioxidante del semen bovino criopreservado

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la capacidad antioxidante enzimática del semen bovino criopreservado con diferentes fuentes de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) y trehalosa (T). Diez eyaculados seleccionados a partir de cinco toros fueron criopreservados bajo los tratamientos: LDL (8% m/v), T (100 mM), TLDL (T 100 mM y LDL 8% m/v), yema de huevo centrifugada (YHC, 20% v/v) y yema de huevo (YH, 20% v/v) como tratamiento control. Se evaluó la capacidad enzimática antioxidante de la catalasa (CAT), la superóxido dismutasa (SOD) y la glutatión peroxidasa (GPx) del semen bovino luego de la descongelación por espectrofotometría y su relación con los parámetros cinéticos espermáticos. Se utilizó un modelo completamente al azar. La normalidad de las variables se validó mediante la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Las fuentes de variación se evaluaron a través de un modelo mixto. La comparación de las medias entre los tratamientos se llevó a cabo utilizando la prueba de Tukey. Los tratamientos YH, YHC y LDL aumentaron la actividad antioxidante de CAT y GPx y se correlacionaron positivamente con los parámetros cinéticos y la integridad de la membrana espermática (p<0.05). No se encontraron diferencias entre LDL y TLDL con respecto a la actividad de CAT y GPx. La actividad enzimática de SOD fue similar en todos los tratamientos en comparación con el control (YH). T no mejoró la actividad antioxidante de las enzimas utilizadas. Se concluye que los diluyentes con YH, YHC y LDL mejoran la actividad antioxidante de CAT y GPx, generando una correlación positiva con la calidad seminal.
Transferência de conhecimento na geração de inovação: um olhar para as redes em organizações globais

Este artigo possui a finalidade de discutir a literatura sobre a Transferência do Conhecimento e Inovação com o sentido de buscar novas possibilidade de estudos futuros. O resultado permitiu discutir aspectos teóricos, identificar as lacunas do conhecimento e propor a análise de redes de conhecimento para troca de informações como sugestão de estudos futuros em nível intra e inter organizacional. De acordo com o estudo, as redes de inovação possuem um potencial de beneficiar as organizações de forma diferente das propostas analíticas tradicionais, sendo um gerador de insights, e desenvolvedor de novas oportunidades ainda a serem discutidas em trabalhos futuros. Por meio do estudo qualitativo das informações, foi realizada uma análise bibliométrica longitudinal nos últimos 30 anos nas bases de dados Scopus e Web of Science, onde se identificou as principais publicações, autores e clusters específicos. Os softwares NVivo e Vos Viewer auxiliaram no tratamento das informações que facilitaram o entendimento das análises.
Unsupervised Spiking Neural Network with Dynamic Learning of Inhibitory Neurons

A spiking neural network (SNN) is a type of artificial neural network that operates based on discrete spikes to process timing information, similar to the manner in which the human brain processes real-world problems. In this paper, we propose a new spiking neural network (SNN) based on conventional, biologically plausible paradigms, such as the leaky integrate-and-fire model, spike timing-dependent plasticity, and the adaptive spiking threshold, by suggesting new biological models; that is, dynamic inhibition weight change, a synaptic wiring method, and Bayesian inference. The proposed network is designed for image recognition tasks, which are frequently used to evaluate the performance of conventional deep neural networks. To manifest the bio-realistic neural architecture, the learning is unsupervised, and the inhibition weight is dynamically changed; this, in turn, affects the synaptic wiring method based on Hebbian learning and the neuronal population. In the inference phase, Bayesian inference successfully classifies the input digits by counting the spikes from the responding neurons. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed biological model ensures a performance improvement compared with other biologically plausible SNN models.
Cotton gas exchange response to standard and ultra-narrow row systems under conventional and no-tillage

The availability of soil water to crops is a major limitation to crop production. We measured soil moisture and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) leaf level photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration during reproductive growth under different row spacing [standard 102 cm row (SR) and ultra-narrow row of 20 cm (UNR)] and tillage [conventional (CT) and no tillage (NT)] conditions during the summers of 1999 to 2001. In 1999, SR cotton under CT maintained higher photosynthetic rates during early reproductive growth when soil water was not limiting. However, during dry periods photosynthetic rates were higher in NT especially under SR. The benefits of NT were sporadic in 2000 and 2001 due to frequent rainfall. Cotton in UNR typically had lower photosynthesis compared to SR. Stomatal conductance and transpiration measurements generally mirrored those of photosynthesis. The results suggest that during periods of infrequent rainfall, photosynthesis can be maintained in NT since soil water is conserved during critical reproductive stages.
Immunotoxic effects of exposure to the antifouling copper(I) biocide on target and nontarget bivalve species: a comparative in vitro study between Mytilus galloprovincialis and Ruditapes philippinarum

Edible bivalves constitute an important bioresource from an economic point of view, and studies on their immune responses to environmental pollutants are crucial for both the preservation of biodiversity and economic reasons. The worldwide diffusion of copper(I)-based antifouling paints has increased copper leaching into coastal environments and its potential impact on both target and nontarget organisms. In this study, immunotoxicity assays were carried out with short-term (60 min) cultures of hemocytes from the bivalves Mytilus galloprovincialis—a mussel dominant in the macrofouling community—and Ruditapes philippinarum—a clam dominant in the soft-sediment community—exposed to CuCl to compare the toxic effects on their immune responses. The LC50 values were similar, 40 μM (3.94 mg L-1) for the mussel and 44 μM (4.33 mg L-1) for the clam. In both species, apoptosis occurred after exposure to 1 µM (98.9 μg L-1) CuCl, the concentration able to significantly increase the intracellular Ca2+ content. Biomarkers of cell morphology and motility revealed microfilament disruption, a significant decrease in yeast phagocytosis and lysosome hydrolase (β-glucuronidase) inhibition beginning from 0.5 µM (49.5 μg L-1) CuCl in both the mussel and clam. The same concentration of CuCl affected biomarkers of oxidative stress, as a significant decrease in reduced glutathione content in the cytoplasm and inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase (COX) were detected in both species. Comparison of the biomarkers showed that clam is more sensitive than the mussel regarding alterations to the lysosomal membrane and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which supports the potential harmful effects of antifouling biocides on the survival of nontarget pivotal species in the coastal community.
An Efficient Optimization Method for Slow Wave Structures Based on Surrogate Model for TWT Applications

Slow wave structures (SWSs) are the most important component in traveling wave tubes (TWTs). High interaction impedance and low dispersion of the SWS are essential for achieving high output power and wide operating bandwidth in TWTs. For now, the optimization of the SWS still highly relies on electromagnetic (EM) simulations, posing challenges in terms of time and effort. To address this issue, an optimization framework for SWS using the surrogate model combined with the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and the penalty function (PF) is developed in this article. Support vector regression (SVR) is introduced as the surrogate model to replace the time-consuming simulations with good accuracy. By combing the surrogate model with DE and PF, the proposed method is able to optimize the interaction impedance with specific phase velocity with low dispersion. For verification, the proposed method is applied to the circular helix SWS and the T-shaped staggered double-vane (T-SDV) SWS as examples. The results clearly show the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Influence of plant diversity on soil organic carbon storage and microbial transformation of organic carbon in soils

Increasing plant diversity is known to be important for ecosystem functioning and an increase in soil organic carbon storage. The link between aboveground plant diversity and belowground diversity is currently under discussion. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which aboveground diversity impacts storage as well as the sustainability of storage are still not well understood. Addressing these issues the thesis contributes to a better understanding of the impact of plant diversity on belowground ecosystem functioning. For investigations the field site of The Jena Experiment was used. The species pool comprises 60 species common to the Central European Molinio-Arrhenatheretum grasslands. Between 2002 and 2007 organic carbon and nitrogen were stored in the top and sub soil. In the top soil the main drivers for storage were soil texture and plant diversity. While the root input was not important for storage in the top soil, it was found to significantly affect storage in the sub soil, where the system seemed to be input-limited. Due to the increased substrate use efficiency of microorganisms in the sub soil, the major part of the input was transformed and stored. Microbial transformation of input and sustainable sequestration of carbon was confirmed by the results of density fractionations. Soil microbial community was characterised by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA). Although the abiotic factors were found to have an impact on microbial abundance, increased plant diversity lead to increased amounts of soil microbial biomass. For soil microbial biomass not only the amount of plant biomass input but also the quality and heterogeneity of input was important. The same result was found for the microbial composition and indicates that increasing diversity increases niche complementarity of soil microorganisms. The results newly establish the strong impact of plant diversity on the soil organic carbon and nitrogen storage beyond abiotic controls. Soil microorganisms were found to play the central role for transformation of organic input and were the main drivers for a sustainable storage at higher diversity levels. As specific interactions between the aboveground and belowground compartments are vital for the ecosystem functioning, this should strengthen our efforts to reduce species extinction.
Factors affecting academic achievement of third-year students of Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine

The present study aimed to investigate the determinants of academic performance among third-year students in the Faculty of Medicine. A survey consisting of 45 questions was administered to 357 third-year students in the academic year 2017-2018, with a response rate of 233 participants. The academic achievement was assessed by evaluating the grade point average (GPA) scores, with a threshold of 3. The results revealed that several factors were significantly associated with a GPA score of 3 and above, including age (p=0.011), relationship with parents and positive parental attitude (p=0.001), staying with family (p=0.015), and school selection to “be a doctor” (p=0.044). The results also showed that negative parenting behaviors and smoking were associated with an increased risk of academic failure. However, no significant association was found between academic performance and gender, physical exercise, parents’ education, and employment status. This study highlights the crucial factors impacting academic achievement in medical education. The results demonstrate the importance of age, relationship with parents, parental attitude, reasons for choosing a medical school, smoking habits, and extracurricular activities in determining GPA outcomes. The findings have important implications for the future planning of students, the development of education, and the formulation of new policies
Potential Development of an Intercity Passenger Transit System in Texas – Report on Tasks 1-5

This report summarizes the results of Tasks 1 through 5 of Texas Department of Transportation Research Project 0-5930: Potential Development of an Intercity Passenger Transit System in Texas. Rather than focus on any regional commuter or light rail systems within or radiating from individual urban areas, this project aims to determine which longer intercity and interregional corridors are most likely to need additional intercity travel capacity in the coming decades. Using these tools, the state of Texas could determine in which corridors to most appropriately invest its resources to connect different regions of the state to create an interregional, statewide transit system. The underlying analysis is based upon several factors related to: current and future population and demographic projections along 18 intercity corridors in the state; projected future demand based upon forecasts by the Texas State Demographer and other state agencies; and current network capacity and routes for intercity highway, bus, air, and rail travel. The concept plan produced in Task 5 will be further explored in the remaining months of the project to determine potential costs and benefits of implementing the concept plan or individual components.