Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of MicroRNA-155 in Glomerular Endothelial Cell Injury of Diabetic Nephropathy

Objective: To investigate the role of microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) on apoptosis and inflammatory response in human glomerular endothelial cells (HRGEC) cultured with high glucose.Methods: The primary human glomerular endothelial cells (HRGEC) were studied, QPCR, WB , IF were used to detect cell morphology, target gene ETS-1 (ETS-1), downstream factors VCAM-1 and MCP-1, and apoptosis of cells in each group after high glucose stimulation and transfection with miR-155 overexpression or inhibitor.Results:1.The expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis of HRGEC cells increased under high glucose stimulation.2. The overexpression of miR-155 in HRGEC cells under high glucose stimulation decreased the expression of ETS-1, while the expression of ETS-1 increased when miR-155 was inhibited. These results suggest that miR-155 may be involved in endothelial cell injury by negatively regulating the expression of ETS-1.3. HRGEC cells were transfected with miR-155 mimic and ETS-1 siRNA with high glucose stimulation. The expression of ETS-1 was positively correlated with the expression of downstream factors VCAM-1 and MCP-1. These results suggest that ETS-1 can mediate endothelial cell inflammation by regulating VCAM-1 and MCP-1.
Book Review: A Dangerous Place: California's Unsettling Fate

Marc Reisner expands on his previous work, The Cadillac Desert (1987), by exploring Californias seismic risk profile, as conditioned by decades of decisions on land use, water use development, built-infrastructure, planning, and emergency management. In A Dangerous Place: Californias Unsettling Fate (2003), Reisner takes the reader through the historical antecedents to a hypothetical 7.2M seismic release along the Hayward fault line. He discusses the inherent friability of the built-infrastructure and the social institutions created to respond to high consequence seismic events. He questions the logic that has allowed California citizens to overextend themselves stating, rather than settle its human hordes where its water is and earthquake zone arent (sic), [California] has done the opposite (2003:6). The nations emergency management community understands these themes well. Reisner though is able to instill in the reader a sense of awe regarding the cataclysmic forces of nature awaiting Californians and the effects they will have on the country as a whole.
Dual-band dual-polarised microstrip array with fractional frequency ratio

An S/X dual-band dual-polarised shared aperture microstrip array with fractional frequency ratio (FR=1:3.5) is presented. A hybrid feed is adopted in this phased array to improve the isolation. Measured results agree well with the simulation, exhibiting a |S11|≤15 dB bandwidth of 10% in both bands. Good polarisation-isolation and radiation pattern are also confirmed.
Hydroxyl radical footprinting analysis of a human haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex

Methods of structural mass spectrometry have become more popular to study protein structure and dynamics. Among them, fast photochemical oxidation of proteins (FPOP) has several advantages such as irreversibility of modifications and more facile determination of the site of modification with single residue resolution. In the present study, FPOP analysis was applied to study the hemoglobin (Hb) – haptoglobin (Hp) complex allowing identification of respective regions altered upon the complex formation. Oxidative modifications were precisely localized on specific residues using a timsTOF Pro mass spectrometer. The data allowed determination of amino acids directly involved in Hb – Hp interactions and those located outside of the interaction interface yet affected by the complex formation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021621.
Flexibility, Technology and Academics' Practices : Tantalising Tales and Muddy Maps

The project investigated the relationships between diversification in modes ofdelivery, use of information and communication technologies, academics’ teaching practices, and the context in which those practices are employed, in two of the three large universities in Brisbane—Griffith University and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The project’s initial plan involved the investigation of two sites: Queensland University of Technology’s Faculty of Education (Kelvin Grove campus) and Griffith University’s Faculty of Humanities(Nathan campus). Interviews associated with the Faculty of Education led to a decision to include a third site—the School of Law within Queensland University of Technology’s Faculty of Law, which is based on the Gardens Point Campus. Here the investigation focused on the use of computer-based flexible learning practices, as distinct from the more text-based practices identified within the original two sites.
Vision‐Based Fan Speed Control System in the Copper Scraps Smelting Process

This paper presents a vision‐based system to control the draught fan speed in the copper scraps smelting process. First, the proposed vision‐based system captures exhaust gas images and extracts them. Then, the image features can be classified by the k‐means clustering method. For each cluster, a least square support vector regression (LSSVR)‐based fan speed estimation model is trained to correlate image features and expected fan speed commands. Sequentially, fan speed commands can be estimated by the models developed in the testing stage. Finally, the vision‐based system is applied in situ to generate fan speed control commands. The experiment results indicate that the proposed vision‐based control system can automatically regulate the fan speed with good accuracy and real‐time performance. The practical application results realize a 30% energy consumption when compared to the artificial control manner.
A comparison of different O-antigen serogroups of Escherichia coli in semen samples of fertile and infertile men.

Objective Male genital tract infections have been associated with infertility, and Escherichia coli has drawn increasing attention as an important bacterium in this context. This investigation aimed to characterize and compare the distributions of O-antigen serogroups of E. coli in the semen samples of fertile and infertile men. Methods In this case-control study, semen samples were collected from 618 fertile and 1,535 infertile men. The E. coli-positive samples were evaluated in terms of concentration, morphology, viability, and motility parameters according to the World Health Organization 2010 guidelines. Finally, different serogroups of E. coli were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting the O-antigen variations of the bacterium. Results The prevalence of E. coli among fertile men was significantly higher than among infertile men (p<0.001). The sperm morphology, viability, and motility in the E. coli-positive fertile group were significantly higher than in the E. coli-positive infertile group (p<0.001). E. coli O6 was the most prevalent serogroup found in both groups. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of different serogroups of E. coil between the two groups (p=0.55). Conclusion Despite the higher prevalence of E. coli among fertile men, E. coli had more detrimental effects on semen parameters in infertile men. There was no significant difference in E. coli serogroups between the fertile and infertile groups.
SOI device parameter investigation and extraction for VLSI radiation hardness modeling with SPICE

The united SOI/SOS MOSFET model adapted to SPICE is proposed for VLSI radiation hardness simulation. The procedure for MOS transistor model parameters definition using the test structures is developed. The examples of parameter extraction for irradiated SOI/SOS devices with different configurations are demonstrated. ICs operated under different doses of irradiation were modeled. The results of modeling are in good agreement with the experimental data. <<ETX>>
Optical resolution measurement system for small lens by using slanted-slit method

For the optical resolution measurement, the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is widely applied. This paper presents the RD result of our developed optical resolution measurement system with the slanted slit method for small lenses. The MTF is built up by the Fourier's transformation of the Line-Spread Function (LSF) that is acquired by analyzing the projected dark-bright image of the measured lens. In order to obtain a smooth LSF, we propose a slanted slit method. And the slanted slit lets a part of the collimated light transmit through the measured lens, and a dark-bright slit-image is projected on the CCD-camera. Through a proper selection of the region of interest (ROI), a smooth LSF with dense sampled data can be formed by arranging pixels according to their distances to the slanted slit. And these sampled data of the LSF can effectively eliminate the aliasing effect and furthermore can accurately derive the MTF. The influences of the angle of the slanted slit and the ROI-selection on the performance of this optical resolution measurement system are thoroughly studied. The accuracy of its processing algorithm is experimentally verified by using the statistic factors GRR and STD-error. Based on a calibrated lens, the developed processing system and algorithm can achieve the industrial level with GRR of 27% and STDerror of 8%.
Exploring the human-nature connection and the perceived risk of nature in children

Abstract We explored the impact of a daytrip for children aged 10-13 (n = 40) to assess perception of nature. Those who perceived risk in nature were 11.25 times more likely to indicate disinterest in spending time outdoors. Those interested in spending time outdoors were 6.9 times more likely to think people should care more about the environment. Experiences before the daytrip and demographics were explored further; composters were less fearful than their counterparts (p = 0.009), as were older children (p = 0.049). These findings suggest introducing tactile experiences and earlier interventions may support children’s comfort in nature and environmental stewardship.
Effect of Ethanol-Air Equivalence Ratio on Performance of an Endoreversible Otto Engine

Today, the world community is looking for fuel efficient and environmentally viable alternatives for many of the traditional energy conversion approaches. This development has further worked to increase the technical focus on conventional cycles for making them more optimum in terms of performance. Hence, the objective of this paper is to study the effect of ethanol-air equivalence ratio on the power output and the indicated thermal efficiency of an air standard Otto cycle. Optimization of the cycle has been performed for power output as well as for thermal efficiency with respect to compression ratio. The results show that the maximum power output, the optimal compression ratio corresponding to maximum power output point, the optimal compression ratio corresponding to maximum thermal efficiency point and the working range of the cycle first increase and then decrease as the equivalence ratio increases. The result obtained herein provides a guide to the performance evaluation and improvement for practical Otto engines.
A Study on the Rule Development for BIM-based Automatic Checking in a Duct System

This study derives quality checking items in Building Mechanical Systems Design Criteria, and suggests quality criteria to review BIM models in the duct system of an air conditioning system for rule-based automatic checking. First, components for the duct system of an air conditioning system were reviewed, and the quality checking items were drawn from Building Mechanical Systems Design Criteria, through assessment according to object, attribute and relationship composing the BIM model. Second, quality checking types were derived, by analyzing the quality checking items and Rule set of the Solibri Model Checker. Finally, methods of algorithm functioning for checking the BIM models for mechanical systems in computers were drawn, and Elements to comprise the quality checking criteria (rule) were suggested. This study means that that checking items are derived from domestic criteria, and a way for the development process of determining quality checking criteria (rules) is suggested.
Security policy analysis in network-attached optical disk storage system

The network-attached optical disk storage system has the advantages of the network-attached storage system and the optical storage device. Due to the data reliability and the removability of the storage medium, this optical storage system is very effective on massive data providing and backup. Recently, achievements have been made in security models and policies in a distributed network system environment and the network-attached storage system environment. However, the relevant research is not enough in the network-attached optical disk storage system, especially in a network-attached optical disc device. So it is significant to analyze the security policy and setup a good security model for the network-attached optical disk storage system. This paper makes a theoretical analysis on the security policy in the network-attached optical disk storage system. Firstly, the difference of the network-attached optical disk storage system and the distributed network system environment is presented. The network-attached optical disk storage system is a special distributed network system, and to meet the requirements of the system security, we use the authentication and key exchange protocol method to decide who is authorized to have what access rights on which objects with respect to some security models and policies in compute system. Secondly, we compare the effect of several types of authentication and key distribution protocols in a distributed network system environment. Then we port these authentication and key exchange protocols on the network-attached optical disk storage system environment. Based on these analyses, this paper proposes a secure key management scheme for security services in the network-attached optical disk storage system over open networks. This scheme focuses on the framework for authentication and the centralized key management, and future work will focus on dynamic membership management.
The Molecular Basis for Erns Dimerization in Classical Swine Fever Virus

The pestivirus classical swine fever virus (CSFV) represents one of the most important pathogens of swine. Its virulence is dependent on the RNase activity of the essential structural glycoprotein Erns that uses an amphipathic helix as a membrane anchor and forms homodimers via disulfide bonds employing cysteine 171. Dimerization is not necessary for CSFV viability but for its virulence. Mutant Erns proteins lacking cysteine 171 are still able to interact transiently as shown in crosslink experiments. Deletion analysis did not reveal the presence of a primary sequence-defined contact surface essential for dimerization, but indicated a general importance of an intact ectodomain for efficient establishment of dimers. Pseudoreverted viruses reisolated in earlier experiments from pigs with mutations Cys171Ser/Ser209Cys exhibited partially restored virulence and restoration of the ability to form Erns homodimers. Dimer formation was also observed for experimentally mutated proteins, in which other amino acids at different positions of the membrane anchor region of Erns were replaced by cysteine. However, with one exception of two very closely located residues, the formation of disulfide-linked dimers was only observed for cysteine residues located at the same position of the helix.
Teacher Training and Textbook Distribution Improve Early Grade Reading: Evidence from Papua and West Papua

While numerous studies evaluate the effectiveness of teacher training and textbook distribution programs, few look at the effects of training programs on vulnerable students, those at the lower end of academic performance. Addressing this gap is important to improve the efficiency of student learning and address the equity gaps in early education. Our study makes this point with two models of a program that combines teacher training with textbook distribution in Papua and West Papua Provinces of Indonesia. Between two waves of data collection in 2015 and 2017, we find that participation in the program is significantly associated with improvements in early grade reading ability, observing increases in reading scores (with or without adjustment for time spent in the program). We also find a significant decline in zero-scorers, that is, students who cannot read a single word correctly; students in program schools (under both models) are at least 80 percent less likely to score zero than their peers in control schools by 2017. Our approach highlights the importance of incorporating the equity perspective in program evaluation through an explicit focus on vulnerable students.
Back-EMF waveforms and core losses in brushless DC motors

The paper describes a self-consistent set of algorithms applicable to the calculation of the back-EMF waveform of any winding distribution in all the main classes of radial-airgap brushless DC motor, together with the no-load core losses. The algorithms depend on an approximation of the airgap flux-density distribution, and include new methods based on the flux linkage and EMF waveforms of a single-turn coil wound around one tooth. The paper describes the methods used to calculate these waveforms and their application to the calculation of core loss and total winding EMF. The methods are validated using test data from a range of widely different designs, and by finite-element calculations. Because of their speed and physical simplicity, the algorithms are particularly useful in integrated CAD software which simulates the operation of the complete drive system at the same time as building up the motor design from basic dimensions. The structure of the calculations is such that measured or finite-element data can easily be incorporated for checking or calibration purposes.
Development of the one-step DRIE dry process for unconstrained fabrication of released MEMS devices

Current technologies allow the manufacture of released devices using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and SOI wafers, provided the device movement is not required to be more than a few microns (1? 10 ? m) Here, we describe the 'waffle technique', which will allow large areas surrounding a device to be cleared, therefore opening up opportunities for the design of devices with large movement capabilities (limited by the device's own actuation) or large volume reservoirs for micro fluidic applications. It should be noted that all DRIE etching in this work was carried out using a Surface Technology Systems DRIE which uses a process developed from the Bosch process (R B Bosch Gmbh 1994 US Patent Specification 4855017 and German Patent Specification 4241045CI) termed 'time multiplexed deep etching' (TMDE).
Cretopachyderes gen. nov., a new remarkable click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Agrypninae) from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

Abstract. Although the Mesozoic Era played an important role in the evolution and diversification of Elateridae, the Cretaceous click-beetle fauna remains very poorly known. Here we describe Cretopachyderes burmitinus gen. et sp. nov. based on a single specimen from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. This species is remarkable for its extremely long posterior angles of pronotum, which is a unique character among fossil Elateridae. We discuss the diagnostic characters of Cretopachyderes gen. nov. and tentatively place it to subfamily Agrypninae close to extant genus Pachyderes Guérin-Méneville, 1829.
Stability of Dry and Liquid Metschnikowia pulcherrima Formulations for Biocontrol Applications against Apple Postharvest Diseases

The yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima is frequently isolated from environmental samples and has often been reported to exhibit strong antagonistic activity against plant pathogens. In order to assess the potential of this species for its development into a plant protection product, the survival during formulation and storage were quantified and field efficacy was assessed over a period of five years. Freeze dried and liquid M. pulcherrima formulations (i.e., with skim milk powder (SMP), sucrose, glycerol, xanthan, without additives) were prepared and the number of viable cells was quantified during storage at different temperatures. Field trials against apple postharvest diseases (Neofabreae) were performed with different dry formulations. M. pulcherrima proved exceptionally stable for many months and even years. Five years of field trials with the yeast revealed variable effects, but reduced Neofabreae infections of stored apples were observed in some years. M. pulcherrima applications after prior fungicide treatments repeatedly showed an additive effect as compared to the fungicide treatments alone. In summary, M. pulcherrima exhibited highly advantageous storage properties and encouraging activity against apple postharvest rots. Further studies to identify the factors responsible for antagonistic activity in the field and survival during storage are expected to lay the foundation for the future development of a plant protection product.
Consolidation effects on morphodynamics modelling:application to the Gironde estuary

This paper presents some on-going developments made jointly at Saint-Venant Laboratory for Hydraulics, in order to improve the numerical schemes, physical processes and accuracy of a 2D morphodynamic sand transport model. The final objective is to build an operational tool which can be applied by end users in complex estuarine environments. The 2D morphodynamic model (Sisyphe) of the finite element Telemac system has been applied to simulate the medium-term bed evolution in the central (40 km long) portion of the Gironde estuary, in the presence of sand-mud mixture and highly dynamical tidal forcing. Here, the main issue is to predict the sand bank migration and associated deposition rate around the outflow of the Blayais nuclear power plant. Up to now, the transport of non-cohesive particles has been treated separately from the cohesive material. Major effort has been conducted to optimise the numerical methods in order to reduce the computational time. The present 2D approach allows to predict the 10 year bed evolution within a couple of days. The influence of skin friction has been highlighted and the accuracy of numerical predictions can be improved by implementing a rippled bed rouhness predictor. However, the bank migration is overall underestimated, which probably comes from the neglected cohesive sediment properties. Further improvements are still in process to include cohesive sediment transport processes. Three different 1D vertical consolidation models have been developed using either finite elements, finite differences or a simple heuristic approach. Intercomparison of these 3 models shows that the second approach gives the best agreement with experimental data and needs to be integrated in Sisyphe.
Cost of ownership for inspection equipment

Cost of Ownership (CoO) models are increasingly a part of the semiconductor equipment evaluation and selection process. These models enable semiconductor manufacturers and equipment suppliers to quantify a system in terms of dollars per wafer. Because of the complex nature of the semiconductor manufacturing process, there are several key attributes that must be considered in order to accurately reflect the true 'cost of ownership'. While most CoO work to date has been applied to production equipment, the need to understand cost of ownership for inspection and metrology equipment presents unique challenges. Critical parameters such as detection sensitivity as a function of size and type of defect are not included in current CoO models yet are, without question, major factors in the technical evaluation process and life-cycle cost. This paper illustrates the relationship between these parameters, as components of the alpha and beta risk, and cost of ownership.