Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-30-3p Suppresses Inflammatory Factor-Induced Endothelial Cell Injury by Targeting TCF21

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Growing evidence suggested that miRNAs contributed to the progression of atherosclerosis. miR-30-5p was found involved in various diseases. However, the role of miR-30-5p in regulation of atherosclerosis is not known. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of miR-30-5p on regulating the progression of atherosclerosis. The expression levels of miR-30-5p in serum collected from atherosclerosis patients and normal healthy people were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway bioinformatics were carried out to reveal the possible signaling pathways involved in the mode of action of miR-30-5p. A potential target gene of miRNA-30-5p was searched and examined by a luciferase reporter assay. ELISA, Western blot, proliferation, and flow cytometry assays were performed to assess the biological functional role of miR-30-5p in vitro. Also, an in vitro monocyte-endothelial cell coculture model was used to study the functional role of miR-30-5p in atherosclerosis. We found that miR-30-5p was significantly decreased in serum samples from atherosclerosis patients compared with control subjects. GO and KEGG analysis results showed that miR-30-5p is highly associated with genetic profile of cardiovascular disease. TCF21 was verified as a target gene of miR-30-5p. Overexpression of miR-30-5p in THP-1 not only protected endothelial cell viability but also inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis, and similar results were observed in cells with that of TCF21 knocked down. Moreover, miR-30-5p decreased the expression levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. NF-κB and MAPK/p38 pathways played an indispensable role in the protection ability of miR-30-5p against atherosclerosis. Our results reveal that miR-30-5p suppresses the progression of atherosclerosis through targeting TCF21 in vitro. Therefore, the miR-30-5p-TCF21-MAPK/p38 signaling pathway may be a potential biomarker or therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.
Lattice Dynamic and Instability in Pentasilicene: A Light Single-Element Ferroelectric Material With High Curie Temperature

For applications in Si-based electronics, it would be interesting and significant to induce spontaneous polarization in some allotrope of pure Si. However, because of the symmetry protection in conventional Si forms, separating positive and negative charge states is difficult. This study shows that a desired Si structure, $T$ pentasilicene, can be realized by tilting the dimers in the two-dimensional pentasilicene sheet, which not only stabilizes the system but also leads to intrinsic ferroelectricity, with a high Curie temperature of 1190 K. This Si allotrope could have potential applications in nonvolatile random-access memory.
Performance Analysis of Reliable Adaptive Transmission for Mobile Radio Slow Frequency Hopping Channels Aided by Long Range Prediction

Lei, Ming. Performance Analysis of Reliable Adaptive Transmission for Mobile Radio Slow Frequency Hopping Channels Aided by Long Range Prediction (Under the direction of Dr. Alexandra Duel-Hallen). Due to correlated fading in frequency hopping (FH) wireless communication systems, it is possible to predict the future channel state information (CSI) for one frequency based on the channel observations of other frequencies. As a result, the performance of slow FH systems can be improved by utilizing adaptive transmission techniques. We propose the optimal Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) Long Range Prediction algorithm for slow FH systems that employ coherent detection. A recursive autocorrelation update method and a simplified prediction algorithm are explored to reduce the complexity. Statistical model of the prediction accuracy is developed and used in the design of the reliable adaptive transmission systems. We investigate the performance of adaptive transmission for highspeed data transmission in SFH systems based on the proposed Long Range Prediction algorithms. For slow frequency hopping communications in the presence of partial-band interference, we propose to employ adaptive transmitter frequency diversity and adaptive modulation to mitigate the effects of partial-band interference and fading. Both standard Jakes model and realistic physical model are used to test the performance. Analysis and simulation results show that significant performance gains can be achieved relative to nonadaptive methods.
Surfactant-Polymer Chemical EOR and Subsequent Oil Bank Behaviour

After a waterflood the oil saturation is (close to) the irreducible oil saturation, wherein oil in a porous medium is dispersed over the pore network in unconnected droplets due to snap off. In a chemical flood, the surfactant reduces oil-water interfacial tension and liberates the trapped oil droplets. These mobilised droplets coalesce into a greater body of oil, the oil bank. The surfactant-polymer and polymer slugs, with relatively high viscosity, act as displacing agents with piston-like displacement in an ideal scenario. In this study, these oil banks are studied in core flood experiments using Fontainebleau sandstone cores of varying lengths and one 1m Bentheimer Sandstone core. In these core floods the effects of certain parameters on the oil bank behaviour are examined. The parameters range from rock properties such as permeability and core length, to fluid properties such as optimality of the surfactant to viscosity of the surfactant-polymer and polymer.
Displacement estimates for performance-based seismic design

New analysis and design procedures have been developed for the performance-based seismic rehabilitation of buildings. Such procedures require accurate estimates to be made of displacements, velocities, and accelerations. Nonlinear response-history analysis of single-degree-of-freedom oscillators, having varying values of yield strength and post-yield stiffness and using 20 velocity-scaled earthquake ground motions, was undertaken to verify the accuracy of the proposed displacement-estimation procedures that make use of relations between inelastic and elastic displacements. Near-field earthquake records were not considered. The assumption that mean inelastic displacements are approximately equal to mean elastic displacements is reasonable for oscillators with strength ratios greater than 0.20 and elastic periods greater than the characteristic site period. For other values of the strength ratio and elastic period, the assumption is nonconservative. Mean-plus-one-standard-deviation inelastic displacements a.
Resilient modulus of hot-mix asphalt gap graded with waste rubber tire additives

The protection of pavement structures on surface layer is achieved by using non-structural mixed layers, e.g., hot rolled sheet (HRS). The aim is to place between layers of pavement in order to increase the load capacity and act as an impermeable layer. HRS is expected to create high flexibility and durability coupled with the specification of gap graded aggregates to create increased inter aggregate cavities, and thereby increase the quantity of absorption of asphalt. In the present study, the improvement in the quality and performance of HRS was achieved using Refined Buton Asphalt (RBA) and the addition of crumb rubber (CR). Testing of CR involved replacing fine aggregates based on volume considerations and adding RBA to the optimum asphalt levels. Marshall standard tests and Marshall immersion tests were performed to determine the Marshall stability ratio (MSR). A universal material testing apparatus (UMATTA) tool was used to perform an indirect tensile strength (ITS) test. The results indicate that the value of resilient modulus (Mr) decreases with an increase in the temperature. The addition of CR in the modified HRS-WC mixture decreases the resilient modulus (Mr) value when compared with that of the mixture without the addition of CR (0%) with a decrease of only 6.95% at 25 °C.The protection of pavement structures on surface layer is achieved by using non-structural mixed layers, e.g., hot rolled sheet (HRS). The aim is to place between layers of pavement in order to increase the load capacity and act as an impermeable layer. HRS is expected to create high flexibility and durability coupled with the specification of gap graded aggregates to create increased inter aggregate cavities, and thereby increase the quantity of absorption of asphalt. In the present study, the improvement in the quality and performance of HRS was achieved using Refined Buton Asphalt (RBA) and the addition of crumb rubber (CR). Testing of CR involved replacing fine aggregates based on volume considerations and adding RBA to the optimum asphalt levels. Marshall standard tests and Marshall immersion tests were performed to determine the Marshall stability ratio (MSR). A universal material testing apparatus (UMATTA) tool was used to perform an indirect tensile strength (ITS) test. The results indicate that t.
Flexoelectricity in ferroelectric materials

Flexoelectricity is a gradient electromechanical effect that exists in all solid dielectrics. The effect was first predicted in the late 1950s, but received little interest because it was expected to be small. The experimentally measured large flexoelectric response in ferroelectric ceramics led to the revival of the field in the early 2000s. In this study, the progress made in the flexoelectric field is reviewed. The authors' focus will be primarily on the experimental studies related to the flexoelectric effect. The techniques employed to measure the flexoelectric coefficients are first summarised. A compilation of the flexoelectric coefficients of different ferroelectrics reported in the literature will be presented. An unresolved issue in this field is that the measured flexoelectric coefficients in ferroelectric materials are normally much greater than the theoretically predicted values, and the mechanisms proposed to explain this issue are discussed. Finally, the efforts toward the applications of the flexoelectric effect are reviewed.
Surveying Metalanguage through Three EFL Textbooks

Formal grammar instruction in general – as well as teaching metalanguage in particular – has always generated a great deal of heated debate among researchers, teachers, and also materials developers. Metalanguage can be considered as a good touchstone of the emphasis that different textbooks put on formal grammar instruction. The present study, therefore, investigates the quality and quantity of metalanguage embodied in three popular English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks, taught successively in one of the largest language institutes in Iran from 1996 to the present day. The results indicate that the metalanguage included in these textbooks compatibly reflects the trend of the related research during these years, i.e. a period of favoring grammar, followed by a phase of deemphasizing it, and finally a revival of grammar instruction. The results of the study have also implications for materials writers and teachers, which are discussed at the end.
Effect Surface Roughness on Fatigue Crack Propagation Behaviour of Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs)

In the present study, the effect of surface roughness of the metal lamina at the interface of fibre metal laminates (FMLs) on the crack propagation behaviours was investigated for different fibre orientation. The FMLs was made by combining the aluminium and the carbon fibre-epoxy composite lamina. The increasing of the aluminium surface roughness at the interface causes the tensile strength to increase for every fibre orientation. The highest tensile strength is 282 and 367 MPa. , respectively for fibre orientation 0°/90° and -45°/45° when the surface roughness is 2.89 mm. The increasing surface roughness causes the development of the delamination taking place at the interface is more difficult, and it leads to the shear strength at the interface to increase. Because of this, the tensile strength increases. However, the lifetime is not only influenced by the interface shear strength but also the stress concentration just in front of the crack tip as well as the surface roughness itself leading to the crack to be initiated from the rougher surface. The longest fatigue life is 180 000 cycles in the case of the fibre orientation 0°/90° with the surface roughness of 1.78 mm, and in the case of fibre orientation of -45°/+45° the longest fatigue life is 420 000 cycles when the surface roughness is 0.33 mm. The results of the study show that the surface roughness affects the tensile strength and crack propagation behaviour.
A local-global principle for polyquadratic twists of abelian surfaces

We say that two abelian varieties $A$ and $A'$ defined over a field $F$ are polyquadratic twists if they are isogenous over a Galois extension of $F$ whose Galois group has exponent dividing $2$. Let $A$ and $A'$ be abelian varieties defined over a number field $K$ of dimension $g\geq 1$. In this article we prove that, if $g\leq 2$, then $A$ and $A'$ are polyquadratic twists if and only if for almost all primes $\p$ of $K$ their reductions modulo $\p$ are polyquadratic twists. We exhibit a counterexample to this local-global principle for $g=3$. This work builds on a geometric analogue by Khare and Larsen, and on a similar criterion for quadratic twists established by Fit\'e, relying itself on the works by Rajan and Ramakrishnan.
Large eddy simulation modeling of tsunami-like solitary wave processes over fringing reefs

Abstract. Many low-lying tropical and subtropical reef-fringed coasts are vulnerable to inundation during tsunami events. Hence accurate prediction of tsunami wave transformation and run-up over such reefs is a primary concern in the coastal management of hazard mitigation. To overcome the deficiencies of using depth-integrated models in modeling tsunami-like solitary waves interacting with fringing reefs, a three-dimensional (3-D) numerical wave tank based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool OpenFOAM® is developed in this study. The Navier–Stokes equations for two-phase incompressible flow are solved, using the large eddy simulation (LES) method for turbulence closure and the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method for tracking the free surface. The adopted model is firstly validated by two existing laboratory experiments with various wave conditions and reef configurations. The model is then applied to examine the impacts of varying reef morphologies (fore-reef slope, back-reef slope, lagoon width, reef-crest width) on the solitary wave run-up. The current and vortex evolutions associated with the breaking solitary wave around both the reef crest and the lagoon are also addressed via the numerical simulations.
Graphene Effect on the Mechanical Properties of Poly (Ethylene Oxide)/ Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites Using Ultrasound Technique

Graphene is one of the most important materials that have attracted the attention of scientists and engineers because of its unique properties. Graphene oxide was used with different concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt%) that were mixed with high molecular weight polymer to prepare several models of PEO-GO nanocomposites using solution casting methods. Some of the properties of the samples, including the density, viscosity and ultrasonic velocity were measured using different technologies such as the ultrasound (US). The results showed a change and significant enhancements in these properties with the increase of graphene oxide concentrations in the matrix. Where, the viscosity increased up to 112.5 %, meanwhile the mechanical properties enhanced by 86.2 % and 719 % of ultrasonic velocity and bulk modules, respectively. Most of the mechanical properties were increased exponentially with the increase of GO concentrations. The results found that the best concentration of (GO) was (1.5 wt%) that greatly enhanced the mechanical properties in this study. SEM images presented a clear change in the fracture surface that showed a smooth surface and homogeneous dispersion of the GO nanosheets into the PEO matrix.
Exploring higher education engagement in computer programming within a blended learning environment : an action research approach

Many novice programmers in higher education find computer programming particularly difficult due to its problem solving nature. High dropout rates have been observed both internationally and locally, but in South Africa, the circumstances of students coming from disadvantaged schools where they struggle in subjects like Mathematics and Science, especially compounds their challenges in computer programming when they enrol at a tertiary institute. In this study, I explore the engagement of computer programming at a higher education institution using an innovative approach of incorporating tools in the form of online learning and support structures to supplement the existing face-to-face and practical lessons thereby creating a blended learning environment (BLE). This study, which is a qualitative one, used an interpretivist paradigm to explore the engagement of sixty, first year students in an introductory computer-programming course at a selected university in South Africa, using an action research approach within the context of a BLE. Action research refers to an evaluation of one’s own practice with a view to improving one’s effectiveness, in this case, analysing my own efficacy as a teacher, and the learning that occurred by my students (McNiff, 2013; Whitehead, 1989). This study used two lenses: The first lens was my own as a lecturer/researcher who developed a variety of support structures in the form of notes, videos, animations, and blogging, to support student engagement in computer programming, and the second lens was the students’ engagement with these tools. The study explored this dual engagement and asked two critical questions: 1) How does engagement of computer programming take place within a BL context using an action research approach, and, 2) Why does engagement of computer programming take place within a BL context using an action research approach, in the way it does? A dual form of engagement occurred creating a dynamic BLE. In the study, students were exposed to one theory classroom lesson, and three practical lessons. As the lecturer, I received feedback from the students which informed my attempts to improve the environment. Observations, a personal diary, electronic questionnaires, and focus group meetings were used to gather feedback on how students engaged in the BLE. The action research methodology was based on planning, acting, observing and reflecting. The analysis of the reflections was used in the re-planning phase of the next cycle and a total of three cycles were used. Although there were three main action research cycles, each tool was transformed resulting in smaller cycles emanating within the main action research cycle.
Social media and the practice of marketing public relations in Cyprus

A key aspect for understanding and explaining online communication is the micro-level of marketing communication practitioners' social media usage and their general perceptions towards digital platforms. The aim of this study is to explore Cyprus' social media as a digital environment with which marketing public relations practice has to align. A qualitative methodology is applied to perform this research. A population of 25 professionals from Cyprus in marketing and public relations communication departments and agencies is applied to perform this research working on managerial levels is surveyed as part of face-to-face, semi-structured interviews.
Numerical investigation of the aerodynamic performance of dragonfly-like flapping foil in take-off flight

In this study, the aerodynamic performance of a dragonfly-like flapping foil is investigated in take-off flight using two-dimensional numerical simulations. Two parameters, foil spacing L* (L/c) and the phase shift between forefoil and hindfoil ψ, which characterize the flow in the tandem configuration, are varied to explore their impact on the resulting aerodynamic performance. Both the vertical and thrust forces generated in one cycle are found to be strongly dependent on ψ and relatively weakly dependent on L*. The tandem configuration is beneficial for the vertical force generation in the range of 0° ≤ ψ ≤ 30°, and further, it aids the thrust force generation for 40° ≤ ψ ≤ 110°. The flow interactions between the forefoil and hindfoil can increase the vertical force generated in a cycle by a maximum of ∼1.2 times when ψ is close to 0° relative to the no foil–foil interaction case (additive effect of two single foils). These interactions can also increase the thrust force generated in a cycle by a maximum of ∼2.8 times when ψ is close to 80°. The vortex structures reveal that the enhancement in thrust force mainly depends on the timing of interactions and how the hindfoil utilizes the vortex detached from the forefoil to benefit from it. Further, we find that dragonflies use in-phase stroking pattern (ψ = 0°) with a large downstroke angle of attack, α D (α D = 86 °), in the initial phase of take-off as it aids in generating additional vertical force. Our findings can significantly contribute to the design of micro aerial vehicles.
Testing and analysis of light gauge steel frame 9 mm OSB wood panel shear walls

The use of light steel gauge framed walls in the residential and commercial sector is increasing in popularity. However, our knowledge of the performance and the behaviour of structures using such walls when subjected to lateral wind and seismic loads is limited. At present, no design method for light gauge steel shear walls is contained in Canadian codes or standards. For this reason a research project on steel frame/wood panel shear walls was undertaken. %%%%A comprehensive database of monotonic and reversed cyclic tests on steel frame/wood panel shear walls is needed to obtain different wall parameters for use in design. For this particular project 1220 x 2440 mm walls (3 wall configurations for a total of 18 specimens) composed of 1.09 mm thick 230 MPa grade steel and 9.0 mm thick OSB were tested; where the screw spacing along the perimeter of the wall was varied (75, 100 & 152 mm). The equivalent energy elastic-plastic (EEEP) analysis approach was employed to derive design values from the test results; such as stiffness, strength and a resistance factor for use with the 2005 NBCC, as well as ductility and overstrength modification factors. The resistance factor, o = 0.7, determined by Branston was confirmed. Ductility related, Rd = 2.5, and overstrength related, R0 = 1.8, seismic force modification factors are recommended for use with shear wall design values that are based on the EEEP analysis approach. %%%%Furthermore, the test data were used to create and calibrate hysteretic models, with the Stewart element, which later were used in non-linear time history dynamic analyses. The Ruaumoko software was made use of for the modeling of two representative buildings with ten earthquake records for the Vancouver BC region. The shear wall system of a typical two-storey house and a three-storey commercial building was first designed for lateral loads and then modeled. The resulting shear deformations (rotations) obtained from the analyses were compared with the limiting parameters measured during the physical shear wall tests. It was found that the scaled ground motions caused a shear demand that did not exceed the test based deformation limits.
Modeling of Focused Ion Beam Trimming of Cantilever Beams

A finite element model of the cantilever beam is implemented to include a non-uniform thickness along its length, due to focused ion beam trimming. A quasi-static, iterative approach is used to calculate the cantilever profile for a given bias voltage. Two focused ion beam trimming strategies are compared. The snap-down voltage as a function of milling depth or width is calculated.