Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Analysis of Type IV Pilus Assembly in Clostridium perfringens

Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive anaerobe capable of causing disease in humans and many animals. C. perfringens is able to move across surfaces in a manner that is dependent on growth and type IV pili. Type IV pili are filaments that can be extended away from the cell by rapid polymerization, and retracted by depolymerization. Furthering the understanding of the initial and final energetic states of the pilins will reveal insights into possible mechanisms of type IV pilus assembly. Toward that end, a pilin was purified from the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and incorporated into an artificial membrane. The pilin was probed by a solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) technique that can determine the angle and depth of insertion of a helical peptide, as well as fluorescent and electron microscopy. All type IV pilus systems involve the action of an assembly ATPase to provide energy to polymerize the pilus. One proposed mechanism involves two primary proteins: an ATPase and an integral membrane core protein (IMCP). Other type IV pilus proteins are thought to play supportive roles in aiding the traversal of the cell envelope. In order to evaluate this model, the assembly ATPase PilB2 and IMCP PilC2 from C. perfringens were purified and examined for interactions. The evidence presented here suggest that PilB2 and PilC2 do not interact directly, and cannot function as a core assembly apparatus. The carbonic anhydrase (Cpb) from C. perfringens strain 13 was characterized both biochemically and physiologically. Cpb belongs to the type I subclass of the β class and is the first β class enzyme investigated from a strictly anaerobic bacteria. Kinetic analyses revealed a two-step, pingpong, zinc-hydroxide mechanism of catalysis. Analyses of a cpb deletion mutant of C. perfringens strain HN13 showed that Cpb is strictly required for growth when cultured in semi-defined medium and an atmosphere without CO2. The grew well in nutrient-rich media with or without CO2 in the atmosphere, although elimination of glucose resulted in decreased production of acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The results suggest a role for Cpb in anaplerotic CO2 fixation reactions by supplying bicarbonate to carboxylases. This work received funding from the NSF and NIH
Occurrences of valuable trace elements in Iranian coals as potential coal combustion byproducts

ABSTRACT In Iran, coal as one of the primary energy resources mainly has just one customer (Iranian Steel Corporation); therefore, coal and production of its combustion have recently attracted much attention as promising alternative sources for valuable trace metals (VTM). Since there has been few principle exploration on occurrence modes of VTM for Iranian coal, this investigation assessed possible interactions between various coal conventional properties (proximate and ultimate analysis) and Y, Li, Ga, and V as VTM for Iranian coals. Statistical analyses indicated that on average, the contents of all these elements are higher than the general world coal ranges. Inter-correlation assessments showed that Ga and V in the samples are mainly associated with mineral matter (inorganic fracture of coal), e.g., mostly adsorbed by aluminosilicate (clay minerals) while Y and Li have a mixed organic and inorganic affinity. Strong interactions of Ga and V with inorganic fraction for samples with over 70% ash content released that host rocks of Iranian coal seams may also have the potential for the extraction of these two VTM. On the other hand, the mixed organic and inorganic affinity of Y and Li showed high possibility of their extraction from the coal combustion products. These results could be a critical key not only for geological and environmental information but also for developing possible procedures for their extraction.
Comparison between P&O and SSO techniques based MPPT algorithm for photovoltaic systems

Solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems are a renewable source of energy that are environmentally friendly and recyclable nature. When the solar panel is connected directly to the load, the power delivered to the load is not the optimal power. It is therefore important to obtain maximum power from SPV systems for enhancing efficiency. Various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques of SPV systems were proposed. Traditional MPPT techniques are commonly limited to uniform weather conditions. This paper presents a study of MPPT for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The study includes a discussion of different MPPT techniques and performs comparison for the performance of the two MPPT techniques, the P&O algorithm, and salp swarm optimization (SSO) algorithm. MATLAB simulations are performed under step changes in irradiation. The results of SSO show that the search time of maximum power point (MPP) is significantly decreased and the MPP is obtained in the shortest time with high accuracy and minimum oscillations in the generated power when compared with P&O.
Black Students and Positive Racialized Emotions: Feeling Black Joy at a Historically White Institution

Black students attending historically White institutions of higher education (HWIs) experience the full spectrum of emotions. Given the permanence of racism and Black collegians’ inequitable experiences at HWIs much research focuses on Black students’ negative emotions as a result of racist conditions. Little research, however, examines Black students’ positive emotions and feelings on campus. This paper centers on affect, exploring how Black students experience “Black joy” in an otherwise White space. Guided by Eduardo Bonilla Silva’s theory of racialized emotions as well as socio-historical scholarship examining the dynamism of Black life in oppressive contexts, this paper analyzes how participants, themselves, understand and describe Black joy. In this paper, the author draws upon interviews with 29 Black collegians at the same HWI. Findings demonstrate how Black students associated Black joy with being, achievement, and collectivity. By studying Black students’ accounts of joy at an HWI, scholars stand to gain a more textured understanding of both HWIs and Black collegians’ experiences.
Modified T-type topology of three-phase multi-level inverter for photovoltaic systems

In this article, a three-phase multilevel neutral-point-clamped inverter with a modified t-type structure of switches is proposed. A pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme of the proposed inverter is also developed. The proposed topology of the multilevel inverter has the advantage of being simple, on the one hand since it does contain only semiconductors in reduced number (corresponding to the number of required voltage levels), and no other components such as switching or flying capacitors, and on the other hand, the control scheme is much simpler and more suitable for variable frequency and voltage control. The performances of this inverter are analyzed through simulations carried out in the MATLAB/Simulink environment on a three-phase inverter with 9 levels. In all simulations, the proposed topology is connected with R-load or RL-load without any output filter.
Discovery of effective infrequent sequences based on maximum probability path

Process discovery usually analyses frequent behaviour in event logs to gain an intuitive understanding of processes. However, there are some effective infrequent behaviours that help to improve business processes in real life. Most existing studies either ignore them or treat them as harmful behaviours. To distinguish effective infrequent sequences from noisy activities, this paper proposes an algorithm to analyse the distribution states of activities and the strong transfer relationships between behaviours based on maximum probability paths. The algorithm divides episodic traces into two categories: harmful and useful episodes, namely noisy activities and effective sequences. First, using conditional probability entropy, the infrequent logs are pre-processed to remove individual noisy activities that are extremely irregularly distributed in the traces. Effective sequences are then extracted from the logs based on the state transfer information of the activities. The algorithm is based on a PM4Py implementation and is validated using synthetic and real logs. From the results, the algorithm not only preserves the key structure of the model and reduces noise activity, but also improves the quality of the model.
Cyclic evaluation of energy-dissipating hysteretic infilled reinforced concrete frame: A novel approach as low-cost passive energy–dissipating device

A novel energy-dissipating hysteretic infilled wall system comprising slotted concrete blocks with energy-dissipating links is designed and experimentally tested in a full-scale reinforced concrete frame. Its performance is compared with the conventional (brick) infilled frame as well as bare frame. This infill wall system helps to reduce the stiffening effect and also acts as a secondary load-resisting system that resists lateral loads even after the formation of plastic hinges in the frame. The post-yield response of the frame becomes stable and no collapse condition arises even at a large deformation. This is a kind of low-cost passive energy–dissipating method that may act as an efficient and versatile solution to minimize the damages in frame buildings. A systematic numerical model is developed on the basis of a series of experiments conducted on its constituent units that captures the elastic and post-yield load deformation behavior of the energy-dissipating hysteretic infilled frame under cyclic loading.
Comparison of kilometre and sub‐kilometre scale simulations of a foehn wind event over the Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula using the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM)

A foehn event on 27 January 2011 over the Larsen C Ice Shelf (LCIS), Antarctic Peninsula and its interaction with an exisiting ground‐based cold‐air pool is simulated using the MetUM atmospheric model at kilometre and sub‐kilometre scale grid spacing. Atmospheric model simulations at kilometre grid scales are an important tool for understanding the detailed circulation and temperature structure over the LCIS, especially the occurrence of foehn‐induced surface melting, erosion of cold‐air pools, and low‐level wind jets (so‐called foehn jets). But whether there is an improvement/convergence in the model representation of these features at sub‐kilometre grid scales has yet to be established. The foehn event was simulated at grid spacings of 4, 1.5 and 0.5 km, with the results compared to automatic weather station and radiosonde measurements. The features commonly associated with foehn, such as a leeside hydraulic jump and enhanced leeside warming, were comparatively insensitive to resolution in the 4 to 0.5 km range, although the 0.5 km simulation shows a slightly sharper and larger hydraulic jump. By contrast, during the event the simulation of fine‐scale foehn jets above the cold‐air pool showed considerable dependence on grid spacing, although no evidence of convergence at higher resolution. During the foehn event, the MetUM model is characterised by a nocturnal cold bias of around 8 °C and an underestimate of the near‐surface stability of the cold‐air pool, neither of which improved with increased resolution. This finding identifies a key model limitation, at both kilometre and sub‐kilometre scales, to realistically capture the vertical mixing in the boundary layer and its impact on thermodynamics, through either daytime heating from below or the downward penetration of foehn jet winds from above. Detailed model‐resolved foehn jet dynamics thus plays a crucial role in controlling the near‐surface temperature structure over the LCIS, as well as sub‐grid turbulent mixing.
Exchange Bias Effects in Ni 2 MnAl/Ferromagnet Film Bilayers

Exchange bias effects in Heusler alloy Ni2MnAl /Ferromagnet film bilayer samples were investigated. 3 nm-thick ferromagnetic thin films (FM = Fe, Co, Co2MnSi) were deposited onto epitaxially grown Ni2MnAl layer. A Shift of the magnetization curve were observed for all samples. Maximum value of the exchange filed (Hex) and the unidirectional anisotropy constant were 160 Oe and 0.029 erg/cm for the Ni2MnAl/Co2MnSi sample. Observed value of Hex is nearly 5 times larger than an earlier work using Ni2MnAl Heusler alloy.
On the Helly Property of Some Intersection Graphs

An EPG graph G is an edge-intersection graph of paths on a grid. In this thesis, we analyze structural characterizations and complexity aspects regarding EPG graphs. Our main focus is on the class of B1-EPG graphs whose intersection model satisfies well-known the Helly property, called Helly-B1-EPG. We show that the problem of recognizing Helly-B1-EPG graphs is NP-complete. Besides, other intersection graph classes such as VPG, EPT, and VPT were also studied. We completely solve the problem of determining the Helly and strong Helly numbers of Bk-EPG graphs and Bk-VPG graphs for each non-negative integer k. Finally, we show that every Chordal B1-EPG graph is at the intersection of VPT and EPT.
FOULING MECHANISM OF MICELLE ENHANCED ULTRAFILTRATION WITH SDS SURFACTANT FOR INDIGOZOL DYE REMOVAL

Membrane separation technology was proposed to confront the problem of inorganic dye pollutant treatment such as an indigosol dye. A modified ultrafiltration process known as micellar-enhance ultrafiltration (MEUF), was applied to remove three kinds of indigosol dye (Pink IR, Blue O4B, and vat brown). Surfactant at concentration above CMC was added to form micelle structure and solubilize the dye molecule in the feed solution. Maximum dye rejection was achieved by the MEUF of all three kinds of indigosol dye. The rejection of indigosol pink IR, blue O4B, and brown VAT1 were 94,27%, 95,49% and 99,15%, respectively. In this research, it was found that the MEUF system leads to higher membrane flux, compared to the ultrafiltration system as shown in flux profiles. The difference was expected due to different dye molecular structure. Blocking mechanism was predicted by a mathematical model based on Hermia’s model and depicted a mechanism of complete blocking on most UF process and cake formation on MEUF process. This result confirmed that the MEUF system certainly retained the dye molecule on membrane separation process. However, a comprehensive study is required to increase the membrane flux.
Performance implications of the HR business partner model and the mediating role of internal efficiency: a comparison between Germany and the United Kingdom

Abstract Ulrich’s framework of the human resource business partner model (HRBPM) suggests that both the strategic HRM roles (i.e. strategic partner and change agent) and operational HRM roles (i.e. administrative expert and employee champion) jointly add value to an organization. To deepen our understanding of the link between the HRBPM and organizational performance, this study jointly examines the influence of strategic and operational roles on organizational performance and introduces internal efficiency as a central mediating mechanism that explains how the HRBPM contributes to organizational success. In addition, we offer an institutional perspective on the HRBPM to improve our understanding of how the HRBPM is designed in different institutional contexts and whether the performance implications depend on the organization’s institutional environment. Based on data from 300 medium-sized and large organizations from Germany and the UK, we found a joint impact of the HRM roles on organizational performance, mediated by internal efficiency. We also found differences in the design of the HRBPM between the UK and Germany; however, we did not find a moderated mediation for the country comparison concerning the performance implications of the HRBPM. These findings improve our understanding of the success of the HRBPM in different institutional contexts.
Diamines for Polymer Materials via Direct Amination of Lipid‐ and Lignocellulose‐based Alcohols with NH3

Via an all‐catalytic route, long‐chain diamines were prepared by the catalytic direct amination of long‐chain diols, derived from plant oils. High conversion was achieved with good selectivity, with the amount of nitrile impurities formed suppressed to a low level. From the lignocellulose‐based 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF), or from bis(hydroxymethyl)furan, 2,5‐bis(aminomethyl)furan (BAMF) was generated. 5‐HMF was converted in a one‐pot, one‐step direct amination and reductive amination using ammonia. In both cases, the reaction proceeded very efficiently. In the combined amination and reductive amination, the H2 concentration is a rate‐limiting factor. Reducing the partial pressure of H2 also shortened the reaction time required significantly. Polycondensation of the long‐chain diamines with long‐chain diacids led to higher molecular weight polyamides, illustrating the quality of the diamines obtained by this synthetic approach as monomers.
Predictability of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere During Major Sudden Stratospheric Warmings

The predictability of the middle atmosphere during major sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) is investigated based on subseasonal hindcasts in the Community Earth System Model, version 2 with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model as its atmospheric component (CESM2[WACCM6]). The CESM2(WACCM6) hindcasts allow for the first comprehensive investigation into the predictability of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) during SSWs. Analysis of 14 major SSWs demonstrates that CESM2(WACCM6) hindcasts initialized ∼ 5–15 days prior to the SSW onset are able to predict the timing of the SSW, though they underestimate the strength of the SSW. Aspects of the MLT variability, such as the mesosphere cooling and enhanced semidiurnal tide, are found to be well predicted. The demonstrated ability to predict MLT variability during SSWs indicates the potential for improved multi‐day space weather forecasting. Improved space weather forecasting may be achieved by using whole atmosphere models that can predict the MLT variability that drives ionosphere‐thermosphere variability during SSWs.
Multi‐stage metamorphic history of the Oki gneisses in Japan: Implications for Paleoproterozoic metamorphism and tectonic correlations in northeastern Asia

Metamorphic P–T conditions, monazite chemical ages and zircon U–Pb ages from the gneisses exposed in the Oki belt, Japan, were integrated to unravel the multi‐stage metamorphic history of the belt. Microstructural observations combined with obtained P–T conditions and metamorphic ages reveal three distinct stages of metamorphism: M1, M2 and M3. The M1 stage occurred c. 1.85 Ga with high‐T granulite‐facies metamorphism (793–803°C and 9.8–12.3 kbar and 738–755°C and 9.1–12.0 kbar in the southwestern and southeastern Oki gneisses, respectively). The age of the M1 stage is well recorded in monazites included in large garnet porphyroblasts and low Th/U metamorphic rims in zircons from the Oki gneisses. The M1 metamorphism was overprinted by c. 230 Ma metamorphism (M2), which occurred at granulite‐facies conditions (817–829°C and 9.0–10.3 kbar) in the southwestern Oki gneisses and at upper amphibolite‐facies conditions (693°C and 5.3 kbar) in the southeastern Oki gneisses. Monazites in small garnets, euhedral zircons and outermost rims of zircons crystallized during this stage. The final metamorphism occurred as retrograde amphibolite‐facies recrystallization (M3) at conditions of 558–638°C and 3.7–4.8 kbar. The inherited cores in zircons yield ages from Paleoarchean to Paleoproterozoic but lack Palaeozoic ages. The detrital zircon distribution and the Paleoproterozoic metamorphic event in the Oki belt support the idea that the Oki gneisses are fragments of a Precambrian terrane rather than Palaeozoic sediments derived from the terrane. Combined with previous studies, we concluded that the c. 1.85 Ga M1 high‐T granulite‐facies metamorphism in the Oki belt could be related to that of the Jiao‐Liao‐Ji belt in the eastern North China block via the northern Gyeonggi and Nangrim Massifs on the Korean Peninsula, whereas the c. 250–230 Ma M2 stage could be associated with collision between the North and South China blocks. The Oki belt geologically corresponds to the northern Gyeonggi Massif in South Korea due to their similar Paleoproterozoic and Triassic tectonothermal events.
Optical feedback linear cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy.

A simple and universal technique for performing optical feedback cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy with a linear Fabry-Pérot cavity is presented. We demonstrate through both theoretical analysis and experiment that a diode laser can be sequentially stabilized to a series of cavity modes without any influence from the direct reflection if the feedback phase is appropriately controlled. With robust handling of the feedback phase and help from balanced detection, a detection limit of 1.3 × 10-9 cm-1 was achieved in an integration time of 30 s. The spectrometer performance enabled precision monitoring of atmospheric methane (CH4) concentrations over a time period of 72 h.
Classification of longitudinal brain networks with an application to understanding superior aging

This paper studies the problem of classifying longitudinal structural brain networks to identify meaningful substructures and their time‐varying effects. The problem is motivated by a subpopulation of healthy older adults who can maintain excellent cognitive functions across time, while others usually have cognitive decline in aging. It is of substantial scientific interest to study neurological mechanisms behind this successful aging phenomena; however, existing statistical tools for longitudinal networks are very limited. We propose a structured classification method that could identify a set of small outcome‐relevant subgraphs and estimate the age effect of each signal subgraph from the longitudinal network predictors, as well as an efficient algorithm for model estimation. Application of this method to the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) data identifies a small set of brain regions whose connectivity strengths are predictive of successful cognitive aging, which has more appealing interpretation and better predictive performance compared with unstructured classification methods.
“And now we’re facing that reality too”: Brexit, ontological security, and intergenerational anxiety in the Irish border region

ABSTRACT Though conspicuous by its absence in debates among the British political and media establishments during the EU referendum campaign, the Irish border has been the central feature of Brexit as the implications and complications of trying to “take back control of borders” have become apparent. Drawing on focus group data gathered between 2017 and 2019 I employ ontological security theory to investigate the impact that Brexit is having on residents and communities living in the central Irish border region. In particular, I draw on the work of David Carr to explore the social role of memory and narrative in ontological (in)security and how this has manifested in the border region throughout the Brexit process. I find that the uncertainties generated by Brexit have caused border residents to draw on anxiety-filled memories and narratives from the securitised border of the pre-Good Friday Agreement era which they then project onto and vicariously through the next generation who, in turn, embody these anxieties, creating intergenerational ontological insecurity. Brexit has reintroduced, if not the physical border, the psychological borders of the past.