Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiative Pyrolysis of a Double-base Propellant

The overall objective of this research is to augment our understanding of the thermophysical and chemical processes involved in the electro-thermal-chemical ignition of solid propellants. To understand the role of radiation, a double-base propellant known as JA2 was considered. A variety of measurements were conducted to analyze the gas-phase products generated. These include gas-phase temperature and pressure, gas-phase species, and estimation of species relative mole fractions. To further elucidate the radiative pyrolysis of JA2, confined rapid thermolysis of the propellant was also conducted. Results suggest that the instantaneous value of the transient absorbed radiant heat flux is quite high (~10 3 MW/m 2 ), and that the contribution from the UV wavelength region dominates over the visible and IR regions. Radiative pyrolysis of JA2 within a constant-volume chamber suggests that, for moderate plasma energy levels, radiative heating alone may produce a high temperature and pressure of the products evolved into the gas-phase region, but cannot ignite the propellant. Additionally, species produced during radiative pyrolysis of JA2 are found to be different from that generated during standard thermolysis experiments. It is possible that the UV radiation from the ETC plasma photolyzes the oxidizers (such as NO 2 ), and thus reduces the chemical activity of decomposition products, prohibiting ignition of JA2.
Software-recorded and self-reported duration of computer use in relation to the onset of severe arm e wrist e hand pain and neck e shoulder pain

Objectives In both science and media, the adverse effects of a long duration of computer use at work on musculoskeletal health have long been debated. Until recently, the duration of computer use was mainly measured by self-reports, and studies using more objective measures, such as software-recorded computer duration, were lacking. The objective of this study was to examine the association between duration of computer use at work, measured with software and self-reports, and the onset of severe arm e wrist e hand and neck e shoulder symptoms. Methods A 2-year follow-up study was conducted between 2004 and 2006 among 1951 ofﬁce workers in The Netherlands. Self-reported computer duration and other risk factors were collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Computer use at work was recorded continuously with computer software for 1009 participants. Outcome questionnaires were obtained at baseline and every 3 months during follow-up. Cases were identiﬁed based on the transition within 3 months of no or minor symptoms to severe symptoms. Results Self-reported duration of computer use was positively associated with the onset of both arm e wrist e hand (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1 for more than 4 h/day of total computer use at work) and neck e shoulder symptoms (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0 for more than 4 h/day of mouse use at work). The recorded duration of computer use did not show any statistically signiﬁcant association with the outcomes. Conclusions In the present study, no association was found between the software-recorded duration of computer use at work and the onset of severe arm e wrist e hand and neck e shoulder symptoms using an exposure window of 3 months. In contrast, a positive association was found between the self-reported duration of computer use at work and the onset of severe arm e wrist e hand and neck e shoulder symptoms. The different ﬁndings for recorded and self-reported computer duration could not be explained satisfactorily.
A Personalised Lifestyle Management Framework for Decision Support System in Mental Health

— According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 600 million people suffer a form of mental health associated symptoms and about 350 million people are affected by depression, worldwide. Although symptoms such as restlessness, isolation and lack of confidence among many others have been attributed to the causes of depression, its alleviation has proven challenging over the years. Therefore, depression has become one of the most challenging health difficulty to manage in recent times. While common depression alleviation techniques include antidepressant medications and various therapies, such as Cognitive Behaviors Therapy (CBT), this work embraces a technology-based lifestyle management approach to effectively manage depression, in terms of Diagnosis, Prevention and Alleviation (DPA). A robust iterative-Documents and Stakeholders Analysis for Development ( i-DaSAD ) methodology was adopted to develop a Framework for Lifestyle and Depression Management – FLaDM . This framework underpins a decision support system that revealed its suitability for the development of lifestyle management system for depression, particularly in the area of early diagnosis, prevention and alleviation.
Decentralized Optimal Frequency Control in Autonomous Microgrids

This paper proposes a decentralized optimal secondary controller for frequency regulation and accurate active power sharing in autonomous microgrids. This optimal controller does not require any communication network. Unlike most of the existing works, a systematic approach of secondary controller design is introduced based on a quadratic cost function in the form of a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) solution. The design procedure only depends on the cut-off frequency of the power calculation filter. Decentralized behavior, simplicity, optimality based on a quadratic cost function, and straight forward design procedure are the main advantages of this approach. Using the proposed solution, frequency can be restored immediately following any disturbance in the system, without need of any event-driven and time-dependent protocol. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
DMD054023 2133..2147

6-Chloro-9-(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-9H-purin2-ylamine (BIIB021), a synthetic HSP90 inhibitor, exhibited promising antitumor activity in preclinical models and was in development for the treatment of breast cancer. The metabolism and excretion of BIIB021 was investigated in rats and dogs after oral administration of [C]BIIB021. The administered radioactive dose was quantitatively recovered in both species, and feces/bile was the major route of excretion. Metabolic profiling revealed that BIIB021 is extensively metabolized primarily via hydroxylation of the methyl group (M7), O-demethylation (M2), and to a lesser extent by glutathione conjugation (M8 and M9). M7 was further metabolized to form the carboxylic acid (M3) and glucuronide conjugate (M4). Human plasma obtained from the phase I study in cancer patients were also analyzed to assess the metabolism of BIIB021 in humans and to ensure that selected animal species were exposed to all human major metabolites. Results suggested that BIIB021 is metabolized via hydroxylation followed by carboxylation and glucuronidation in humans consistent with rat and dog; however, an additional dominant circulating metabolite, hydroxylation at the purine ring (M10), was identified in humans. Preliminary in vitro studies using liver cytosolic fractions indicated that M10 formation is primarily catalyzed by aldehyde oxidase (AO). AO catalytic activity for M10 formation was the highest in the monkey, followed by mouse, human, and rat. The apparent Km and Vmax values of M10 formation were 174 6 8 mM and 14.0 6 0.3 pmol•min•mg protein in human and 132 6 9 mM and 1316 4 pmol•min•mg protein in monkey, respectively.
This review systematically covers sequence-specific gene regulation by miRNAs and dsRNA- derived siRNAs in animals and plants from the perspective of target RNA recognition, potential for non-target (off-target) effects, and reliable determination of biological effects of small RNAs

This review systematically covers sequence-specific gene regulation by miRNAs and dsRNAderived siRNAs in animals and plants from the perspective of target RNA recognition, potential for non-target (off-target) effects, and reliable determination of biological effects of small RNAs in animals and plants. I will review sequence complementarity between target RNA and small RNA (siRNA or miRNA), including tolerance to mismatches, parameters influencing sequence complementarity (and target recognition and repression) and discuss specificity of targeting by miRNAs and off-targeting by siRNAs. In addition, I will discuss reliable identification of target RNAs (and, eventually, biological effects). Accordingly, the text is divided into the four sections: (I) Small RNA:target RNA base pairing, (II) Other key factors influencing target recognition and repression, (III) Off-targeting – causes and remedies, (III) Smal RNA target identification.
Characterization and Optimization of Avalanche Photodiodes Fabricated by Standard CMOS Process for High-speed Photoreceivers

A dissertation presented on the characterization and optimization of avalanche photodiodes fabricated by standard CMOS process (CMOS-APD) for high-speed photoreceivers, beginning with the theory and principle related to photodetector and avalanche photodiodes, followed by characterization, optimization, and wavelength dependence of CMOS-APD, and finally link up with the transimpedance amplifier. nMOS-type and pMOS-type silicon avalanche photodiodes were fabricated by standard 0.18 µm CMOS process, and the current-voltage characteristic and the frequency response of the CMOS-APDs with and without the guard ring structure were measured. CMOS-APDs have features of high avalanche gain below 10 V, wide bandwidth over 5 GHz, and easy integration with electronic circuits. In CMOS-APDs, guard ring structure is introduced for high-speed operation with the role of elimination the slow photo-generated carriers in a deep layer and a substrate. The bandwidth of the CMOS-APD is enhanced with the guard ring structure at a sacrifice of the responsivity. Based on comparison of nMOS-type and pMOS-type APDs, the nMOS-type APD is more suitable for high-speed operation. The bandwidth is enhanced with decreasing the spacing of interdigital electrodes due to decreased carrier transit time and with decreasing the detection area and the PAD size for RF probing due to decreased device capacitance. Thus, an nMOS-type APD with the electrode spacing of 0.84 µm, the detection area of 10 x 10 µm², the PAD size for RF probing of 30 x 30 µm² along with the guard ring structure was fabricated. As a results, the maximum bandwidth of 8.4 GHz at the avalanche gain of about 10 and the gain-bandwidth product of 280 GHz were achieved. Furthermore, the wavelength dependence of the responsivity and the bandwidth of the CMOS-APDs with and without the guard ring structure also revealed. At a wavelength of 520 nm or less, there is no difference in the responsivity and the frequency response because all the illuminated light is absorbed in the p + -layer and the Nwell due to strong light absorption of Si. On the other hand, a part of the incident light is absorbed in the P-substrate
Possibility for a Nanoscale circuit to use incident laser radiation to generate and radiate terahertz harmonics

: A nanoscale circuit has an optical antenna receiving the radiation from a mode-locked laser and it responds by transmitting selected microwave or terahertz frequencies with a separate orthogonal antenna. Only metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes, low-pass filters, and a load resistor are used to generate, separate, and transmit at the harmonics of the laser pulse-repetition rate. Summary: An optical monopole, a MIM tunneling diode, a low-pass filter (LPF), a resistor, and a second LPF, MIM diode, and optical monopole are connected in series on a horizontal line. Radiation from a horizontally-polarized mode-locked laser causes the MIM tunneling diodes and the LPFs to create a voltage drop across the resistor at harmonics of the laser pulse-repetition rate. Two vertical terahertz monopoles, one pointing up and the other pointing down, are at different ends of the resistor. Thus, the terahertz antenna is fed by this voltage drop to radiate at the harmonics. The optical and terahertz antennas have orthogonal polarization to reduce their mutual coupling. The output power is controlled by adjusting the laser, and the state-of-the art for narrow linewidth of the harmonics facilitates their detection.
Electron beam dynamics with and without Compton back scattering

This thesis introduce my work on transverse and longitudinal non linear dynamics of an electron beam in ThomX, a novel X-ray source based on Compton backscattering. In this work I implemented in simulation code theoretical models to calculate transverse and longitudinal non linear dynamics under Compton back scattering. The processes studied include collective effect such as longitudinal space charge, resistive wall and coherent synchrotron radiation, intra beam scattering. I also implemented a longitudinal feedback algorithm and studied the effect of the feedback’s delay in the simulation to explore its effects on beam dynamics. This code allows to perform a full 6D simulation of the beam dynamics in a ring under Compton back scattering taking into account the feedback stabilisation for the 400 000 turns (~ 20 ms) of one injection cycle. One important feature is that this simulation code can be run on a computer farm. Using this code I investigated the electrons dynamics in ThomX and the flux of scattered Compton photons. I analysed the relative contribution of each physical phenomena to the overall beam dynamics and how to mitigate their disruptive effect. As part of my work on longitudinal phase feedback I also measured and analysed properties of the ELETTRA RF cavity to be used on ThomX.
Naturally segregating QTL affecting wing shape of Drosophila melanogaster

Variation in vein placement and wing shape of Drosophila melanogaster depends on many genes. In the following, we report the results of a QTL analysis of wing shape surveying natural variation in D. melanogaster . The analysis confirms the picture that many loci have the potential to affect vein position and also demonstrates that the number of QTLs segregating in natural populations is likely to be very large. This implies that: (1) the mutation target for wing shape variation that does not dramatically affect functionality of the wing is large and (2) responses to selection on vein placement are likely to involve a large number of QTLs. A comparison among the locations of putative QTLs identified to those of previous studies indicates that there is more correspondence among QTLs then expected by chance on the third chromosome. This indicates these studies may be identifying some of the same QTLs, despite differences in study designs and traits analyzed. To test the hypothesis that QTLs contributing to natural variation for vein position interact with candidate loci involved in the development and placement of vein pairs L3-L4 and L2-L5, we use complementation tests to analyze candidate loci. These candidates are involved in the Hedgehog (Hh) and Decapentaplegic (Dpp) signaling pathways, important determinants of L3-L4 and L2-L5 placement. Three QTLs showed strong interactions with most of the candidates, supporting the hypothesis that these QTLs are involved in these pathways. The complementation tests also revealed unexpected effects of these QTLs, consistent with the hypothesis that epistatic effects among loci can alter which aspects of vein placement are affected by a QTL.
Analysis of the Navier--Stokes-αβ equations

In this dissertation we prove various analytic results for the Navier–Stokes-αβ equations. We establish well-posedness and regularity. In addition we determine estimates for the nodal distance and the number of determining modes. A method of averaging is developed and applied to derive a Karman–Howarth type equation for the Navier–Stokes-αβ equations. Finally we investigate an anisotropic generalization of the Navier–Stokes-αβ equations. We show that the eigenvalues of the moment of inertia tensor convect with the flow and we derive energy type inequalities for the equations.
PROMOTING ELASTOGENESIS IN ARTERIAL AND VENOUS VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS AND FIBROBLASTS FOR VASCULAR TISSUE ENGINEERING

Background Elastin remains a missing link in vascular tissue engineering and has important structural and regulatory functions. Adult arterial and venous vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and fibroblasts are mainly used for vascular tissue engineering approaches and are key elastogenic cells. Many elastin-inductive compounds have been reported, but their relative efficiency in promoting elastogenesis by these four cell types has never been assessed. In addition to positive elastin regulators, microRNA-29a is a potent negative post-transcriptional regulator of elastogenesis. We explored whether stimulating positive regulation or blocking negative regulation of elastin synthesis is more effective in elastin production. We compared the elasto-inductive capacity of three known mRNA upregulating agents IGF-1, TGF- β 1 and minoxidil, and a miR-29a-inhibitor in adult venous and arterial fibroblasts and VSMCs. The effects on elastin, lysyl oxidase and fibrillin-1 mRNA expression and tropoelastin protein was evaluated.
STAY GREEN PHYSIOLOGICAL CAPACITY OF DROUGHT TOLERANT MAIZE INBRED LINES

Stay green is the ability of a plant to maintain photosynthetically functional green leaf area for longer periods, even under excessive water stress. This study was done to establish the physiological capacity of Ugandan drought tolerant maize inbred lines to stay green under water shortage conditions using various stay green physiological determinants. Seventy-six maize inbred lines characterised for drought tolerance by CIMMYT, were planted under a rain out shelter, with a well-watered control (WW) and excessive water-stress treatments applied at six weeks after planting (6 WAP) and eight weeks after planting (8 WAP). The most maintained stay green physiological determinants under excessive water-stress were non-photosynthetic quench (NPQt) and leaf pigmentation per unit leaf area (RC: LAUG) with inbred lines CELQ15028 and CELQ15022 showing the highest maintenance for the two parameters, respectively. The highest level of variation for quantum yield of photosystem II activity (Phi2) and NPQt among inbred lines was at 40 and 60 days after flowering, respectively. Phi2 was negatively correlated to NPQt but positively correlated to the linear electron flow (LEF); while NPQt had a significantly negative correlation with LEF. This study established that these drought tolerant maize inbred lines have moderate stay green physiological capacity, with inbred line CEL15027 performing the best. G.T. EPAKU et al. 310 physiologiques de retard de sénescence du feuillage (“stay green”). Soixante-seize lignées consanguines de maïs caractérisées pour la tolérance à la sécheresse par le CIMMYT ont été plantées sous un abri anti-pluie, avec un contrôle bien arrosé (WW) et des traitements contre le stress hydrique excessif appliqués six semaines après la plantation (6 WAP) et huit semaines après la plantation. (8 WAP). Les déterminants physiologiques verts de séjour les plus maintenus sous un stress hydrique excessif étaient la trempe non photosynthétique (NPQt) et la pigmentation des feuilles par unité de surface foliaire (RC: LAUG) avec les lignées consanguines CELQ15028 et CELQ15022 présentant le maintien le plus élevé pour les deux paramètres respectivement. Le niveau de variation le plus élevé du rendement quantique de l’activité du photosystème II (Phi2) et du NPQt parmi les lignées consanguines était respectivement à 40 et 60 jours après la floraison. Phi2 était corrélé négativement au NPQt mais positivement corrélé au flux d’électrons linéaire (LEF) tandis que NPQt avait une corrélation significativement négative avec le LEF. Cette étude a établi que ces lignées consanguines de maïs tolérantes à la sécheresse avaient une capacité physiologique à retard de sénescence du feuillage (“stay green”) modérée, la lignée consanguine CEL15027 a mieux fonctionné.
Firm Attributes and Sustainability Reporting In Nigeria

: The study examines the impact of firm attributes (firms size, leverage and profitability) on sustainability reporting in Nigeria. This study employs the ex-post causal research design. The sample consist of 35 manufacturing companies selected listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. These companies are selected because they could be regarded as environmentally sensitive companies. The study employed secondary data retrieved from corporate annual reports of the environmentally sensitive companies quoted from 2011-2017. For the estimation of the data, the Generalized Least Squares was first utilized for the estimation and moving forward fractional regression is also employed and this is because econometric modelling of bounded dependent variables presents limitations for linear estimation methods. In this study, we combine both approaches. The white adjusted standard error was employed to control for potential heteroskedasticity in the estimation and hence the estimation results are free from heteroskedasticity. Both panel period and cross-sectional heteroskedasticity was examined and the estimations were found to be free from such. The Peseran cross-dependence test was employed to confirm the threat of the serial correlation in the errors and the statistic reveals the absence of cross-section dependence in the residuals. The analysis of coefficients reveals that on the overall, only firm size is seen as the only variable to having a positive and significant impact on sustainability reporting. The study recommends the need for improved sustainability disclosures for companies in Nigeria
Comparison of Pharmacokinetics of a Fixed-Dose Combination of Amlodipine/Losartan/Rosuvastatin with Concomitant Administration of Amlodipine/ Losartan and Rosuvastatin in Healthy Volunteers

Background: A ﬁ xed-dose combination (FDC) tablet formulation of amlodipine/losartan/ rosuvastatin 5/100/20 mg was developed to improve medication compliance in patients with both hypertension and dyslipidemia. The comparative pharmacokinetic study was performed to compare the pro ﬁ le of an FDC tablet formulation of amlodipine/losartan/rosuvastatin with that of concomitant administration of a currently marketed FDC tablet of amlodipine/losartan with a rosuvastatin tablet. Subjects and Methods: A randomized, open-label, single oral dose, two-way crossover study was conducted in 60 healthy subjects. Subjects were orally administered the FDC tablet of amlodipine/losartan/rosuvastatin and a loose combination (LC) of two tablets comprising an FDC of amlodipine/losartan and rosuvastatin. Blood samples were collected for up to 144 h post dose for pharmacokinetic evaluations. Plasma concentrations of amlodipine, losartan, EXP3174 (an active metabolite of losartan), and rosuvastatin were measured by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) and its 90% con ﬁ dence interval (90% CI) in the FDC treatment to LC treatment for the area under the concentration-time curve from zero to the last quanti ﬁ able time point (AUC last ) and the maximum plasma concentration (C max ) were calculated. Safety was monitored throughout the study. Results: The GMR (90% CI) values of AUC last and C max were 0.9946 (0.9663 – 1.0238) and 0.9690 (0.9379 – 1.0011) for amlodipine, 0.9855 (0.9422 – 1.0308) and 0.9178 (0.8349 – -1.0089) for losartan, 0.9814 (0.9501 – 1.0136) and 0.9756 (0.9313 – 1.0219) for EXP3174, and 0.9448 (0.8995 – 0.9923) and 0.9609 (0.8799 – 1.0494) for rosuvastatin, respectively. No clinically signi ﬁ cant changes were observed in any of the safety parameters, including clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, electrocardiograms, and physical examinations, between the FDC treatment and the LC treatment. Conclusion: We con ﬁ rmed the pharmacokinetic equivalence of the FDC and LC treatments. This triple combinationFDC formulation could bea clinically useful replacement for LCtherapy.