Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of reversible and irreversible ferroelectric switchings on the piezoelectric large-signal response of lead zirconate titanate thin films

The effects of reversible and irreversible switching processes on the electromechanical large-signal strain S of tetragonal Pb(Zrx,Ti1−x)O3 thin films are investigated and discussed. Starting from electric small- and large-signal measurements, the percentage of switched unit cells cesw is calculated. The result is then used in combination with the measured electromechanical field-induced small-signal response to calculate the field-induced large-signal strain S. Enhanced models for this calculation are developed improving a known model. Differences between the calculated and measured large-signal strains are discussed in respect to parameter influences and irreversible contributions. In addition, detailed insight on the switching processes in respect to the electromechanical properties is given.
Geometry of digital spaces

In the recently published Ref. 1 the author survey a number of aspects of the geometry of digital spaces. In this article we exemplify the approach of that book, by providing a self-contained proof of one of its final result which is to do with the correctness and the characterization of the output of a general purpose boundary-tracking algorithm.
Electrical transport mechanisms in a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction solar cells

We present temperature-dependent measurements of I-V curves in the dark and under illumination in order to elucidate the dominant transport mechanisms in amorphous silicon-crystalline silicon (a-Si:H/c-Si) heterojunction solar cells. ZnO:Al/(p)a-Si:H/(n)c-Si/(n+)a-Si:H cells are compared with inversely doped structures and the impact of thin undoped a-Si:H buffer layers on charge carrier transport is explored. The solar cell I-V curves are analyzed employing a generalized two-diode model which allows fitting of the experimental data for a broad range of samples. The results obtained from the fitting are discussed using prevalent transport models under consideration of auxiliary data from constant-final-state-yield photoelectron spectroscopy, surface photovoltage, and minority carrier lifetime measurements. Thus, an in-depth understanding of the device characteristics is developed in terms of the electronic properties of the interfaces and thin films forming the heterojunction. It is shown that dark I-V cu.
On a nonlinear elliptic problem with critical potential in ℝ2

Consider the existence of nontrivial solutions of homogeneous Dirichlet problem for a nonlinear elliptic equation with the critical potential in ℝ2. By establishing a weighted inequality with the best constant, determine the critical potential in ℝ2, and study the eigenvalues of Laplace equation with the critical potential. By the Pohozaev identity of a solution with a singular point and the Cauchy-Kovalevskaya theorem, obtain the nonexistence result of solutions with singular points to the nonlinear elliptic equation. Moreover, for the same problem, the existence results of multiple solutions are proved by the mountain pass theorem.
Novel Role of the SIRT1 in Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases

Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), a highly conserved NAD+-dependent deacetylase, is a cellular regulator that has received extensive attention in recent years and regarded as a sensor of cellular energy and metabolism. The accumulated evidence suggests that SIRT1 is involved in the development of endocrine and metabolic diseases. In a variety of organisms, SIRT1 regulates gene expression through the deacetylation of histone, transcription factors, and lysine residues of other modified proteins including several metabolic and endocrine signal transcription factors, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effects of endocrine and metabolic diseases. These evidences indicate that targeting SIRT1 has promising applications in the treatment of endocrine and metabolic diseases. This review focuses on the role of SIRT1 in endocrine and metabolic diseases. First, we describe the background and structure of SIRT1. Then, we outline the role of SIRT1 in endocrine and metabolic diseases such as hyperuricemia, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Subsequently, the SIRT1 agonists and inhibitors in the above diseases are summarized and future research directions are proposed. Overall, the information presents here may highlight the potential of SIRT1 as a future biomarker and therapeutic target for endocrine and metabolic diseases.
Community Model of Online Pedagogical Inquiry and Mediation: necessary perceptions

This study analyzes the process of online pedagogical mediation in a Distance Education undergraduate Pedagogy course based on the students’ perception of the learning experience in a virtual learning environment (VLE). Online pedagogical mediation is understood in this study as an educational and communicational process that aims at collective and collaborative construction of knowledge involving multiple mediators (human and non-human). To analyze this process, the community of inquiry (CoI) theoretical model played a central role in our study, especially in the interaction between online pedagogical mediation and the elements that constitute this model, considered interdependent and crucial for a successful higher educational experience: teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence. Data was collected with a questionnaire survey, which allowed us to identify the student’s conception of online pedagogical mediation and to assess the perception on the development of the presences of the CoI model in the pedagogical mediation used in the course VLE. The results suggest that most students share the perception that online pedagogical mediation is related to the role played by teachers and tutors. Regarding student’s perception of the learning experience, the results show that they positively perceive the development of the presences of the model, while also suggesting aspects of the online pedagogical mediation process that can be improved, aiming at the constitution of a community of inquiry more focused and effective in the development of learning.
C3MLS: A 0.12-nW Leakage and 18.11-fJ/Transition Level Shifter With Cross-Coupled and Current Mirror Hybrid Structure for Ultra-Wide Range Level Conversions

Multiple power domains have been widely adopted in modern complex System-on-Chips (SoCs) for lowering the power consumption while meeting the performance requirements [1]. For robust interfacing from a low-voltage (VDDL) power domain to a high-voltage (VDDH) power domain in a multiple-supply-voltage system, the ultra-wide range level shifter (LS) with the following characteristics is highly desired: 1) limited-current-contention; 2) static-current-free (no unclamped static current path or incomplete swing); 3) speed-limitation-less (with sufficient pull-up/down strengths and no need to generate intermediate voltages); 4) delay scalable (smaller delay at smaller difference between VDDL and VDDH); 5) area efficient. The previously published level shifters are generally based on one of the two types of conventional topologies, i.e. cross-coupled level shifter (CCLS) and current mirror level shifter (CMLS) [2] –[9]. However, the conventional CCLS, CMLS, as well as their modified versions, exhibit certain disadvantages (Fig. 1e). A new level shifter topology, named C3 MLS, short for CCLS/CMLS hybrid topology, is proposed in this paper. By combining the merits of CCLS and CMLS and utilizing them to kill the drawbacks of each other, the proposed C3 MLS bears all the five merits listed above.
Joint Estimation of Ice Sheet Vertical Velocity and Englacial Layer Geometry from Multipass Synthetic Aperture Radar Data

Ice dynamics are a maj or factor in sea level rise and future sea-level rise projections [1]. The vertical velocity profile of the ice is one major knowledge gap in both observations and model experiments. We propose to apply multipass differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) techniques to data from the Multichannel Coherent Radar Depth Sounder (MCoRDS) to measure the vertical displacement of englacial layers. Estimation of englacial layer vertical displacement requires compensating for the spatial baseline between interferometric antenna pairs using radar trajectory information and estimates of the cross-track layer slope from direction of arrival (DOA) analysis, but airborne systems suffer from unknown spatial baseline errors. The current DInSAR algorithm assumes zero error in the array position information when inferring displacement and the direction of arrival for subsurface scatterers, which means that unincorporated baseline errors map into errors in cross-track slope and vertical velocities. Here we demonstrate a maximum likelihood estimator that jointly estimates the vertical velocity, the cross-track internal layer slope, and the unknown baseline error due to GPS and Inertial Navigation System (INS) errors.
Perceived Pain in Athletes: A Comparison between Endurance Runners and Powerlifters through a Cold Experimental Stimulation and Two Sessions of Various Physical Activation

Few studies in the literature have illustrated cold hypoalgesia induced by strength training. Objectives of this contribution were to compare the ratings of perceived pain in endurance running (n = 22) and powerlifting (n = 22) male athletes and controls (n = 22) at baseline and after two bouts of 40 min aerobic/strength training respectively, using the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) and simultaneously monitoring changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and body temperature. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to examine the effects of training sessions in endurance runners vs. powerlifting athletes vs. controls on the intensity of perceived pain at CPT. A statistically significant two-way interaction between the group and training resulted in p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.513. A simple main effects analysis showed that as the participants went through the strength training session, pain perception at CPT was significantly lower in powerlifters compared to runners and controls. Considering the physiological parameters, powerlifters reported significantly higher values of BP and HR. This difference was present at baseline but after training as well, and before and after CPT, despite a slight hypotensive effect. The differences reported after CPT at baseline, but very significantly after the strength activation session in the powerlifters, provide interesting insights into the hypoalgesic effect of high-intensity strength training.
ENTROPY BASED TRANSPORTATION MODEL - A GEOMETRIC PROGRAMMING APPROACH

The entropy model has attached a good deal of attention in transportation analysis, urban and regional planning as well as in other areas. This paper shows the equivalance of entropy maximization models to geometric programs. To provide a better understanding of this entropy based transportation model they are analyzed by geometric programming. Dual mathematical programs and algorithms are also obtained and are supported by an illustrative example.
Histone Acetyltransferase GCN5 Affects Auxin Transport during Root Growth by Modulating Histone Acetylation and Gene Expression of PINs

General Control Non-Derepressible 5 (GCN5) is a histone acetyltransferase that targets multiple genes and is essential for the acetylation of Lysine residues in the N-terminal tail of histone H3 in Arabidopsis. GCN5 interacts with the transcriptional coactivator Alteration/Deficiency in Activation 2b (ADA2b), which enhances its activity functioning in multiprotein complexes, such as the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-Acetyltransferase complex (SAGA). Mutations in GCN5 and ADA2b result in pleiotropic phenotypes, including alterations in the growth of roots. Auxin is known to regulate root development by modulating gene expression patterns. Auxin moves polarly during plant growth via the Pin-formed (PIN) auxin efflux transport proteins. The effect of GCN5 and ADA2b on auxin distribution at different stages of early root growth (4 to 7 days post-germination) was studied using the reporter lines DR5rev::GFP and PIN1::PIN1-GFP. In wild-type plants, auxin efflux transporter PIN1 expression increases from the fourth to the seventh day of root growth. The PIN1 expression was reduced in the roots of gcn5-1 and ada2b-1 compared to the wild type. The expression of PIN1 in ada2b-1 mutants is confined only to the meristematic zone, specifically in the stele cells, whereas it is almost abolished in the elongation zone. Gene expression analysis showed that genes associated with auxin transport, PIN1, PIN3 and PIN4, are downregulated in gcn5-1 and ada2b-1 mutants relative to the wild type. As a result, auxin accumulation was also reduced in gcn5-1 and ada2b-1 compared to wild-type roots. Furthermore, acetylation of Lysine 14 of histone H3 (H3K14) was also affected in the promoter and coding region of PIN1, PIN3 and PIN4 genes during root growth of Arabidopsis in gcn5 mutants. In conclusion, GCN5 acts as a positive regulator of auxin distribution in early root growth by modulating histone H3 acetylation and the expression of auxin efflux transport genes.
Effects of Hexane Addition in Waste Plastic Fuel-Biodiesel-Diesel Blends on the Performance and Emission Characteristics of DI Diesel Engine

The current study's sole objective is to evaluate the impact of hexane's addition to blends of diesel, waste plastic fuel, and jatropha biodiesel. Five fuel samples have been made in order to do this, including diesel-waste plastic fuel-jatropha biodiesel (D70WPF20JB10 and D70WPF10JB20), diesel-hexane-waste plastic fuel-jatropha biodiesel (D65HX5WPF20JB10 and D65HX5WPF10JB20), and plain diesel (D100) as a reference fuel. Following thorough characterization, studies using spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, elemental analysis, and GC-MS are conducted. Finally, performance and emission tests on a direct-injection single-cylinder diesel engine were conducted. The density, flash point, and acid value of the diesel-waste plastic fuel-jatropha biodiesel blend are observed to decrease with the addition of hexane. With the addition of hexane, the calorific value and diesel index of the fuel both rise by 0.86% and 12.5%, respectively. In the case of the hexane mix fuel samples, it is discovered that the brake thermal efficiency and volumetric efficiency are higher and the brake-specific fuel consumption is lower. Hexane is added to the diesel-waste plastic fuel-jatropha biodiesel mixture, which results in a 34 percent rise in HC emissions and a 9 percent decrease in CO emissions. Additionally, it lowers by 8% and 15%, respectively, the temperature of the exhaust gas and the fuel's NOx emissions. The fuel sample with code D65HX5WPF10JB20 exhibits the best results among all the fuel samples in terms of performance and emission analyses.
A Comprehensive Study of Gemfibrozil Complexation with β-Cyclodextrins in Aqueous Solution Using Different Analytical Techniques

Gemfibrozil (GEM) is a hypolipidemic agent, which is effective in reducing serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Complexation of GEM with native β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and with the derivatives hydroxypropyl-β- and randomly methylated β-CD (HPβ-CD and Meβ-CD) was studied in aqueous solution of pH 2.8 and 7.0. The stability constants were determined by spectrofluorimetry, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and solubility assays. Considering the well-known difficulties to obtain similar stability constants by different techniques, the agreement of the values obtained supports the reliability of the results presented. The advantages and drawbacks of each analytical technique for the study of inclusion complexation were discussed as well. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters of complexation, enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS), were determined and related to the type of molecular interactions that take place between GEM and the different cyclodextrins. Finally, solid dispersions were prepared by co-evaporation, kneading, vacuum desiccation, and coprecipitation, and complexation was evaluated by X-ray diffraction.
Antibody epitope profiling of the KSHV LANA protein using VirScan

The humoral antibody response against Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in infected individuals has been characterized demonstrating the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) as the most antigenic KSHV protein. Despite the antigenicity of the protein, specific LANA epitopes have not been systematically characterized. Here, we utilized a bacteriophage T7 library, which displays 56-amino acid KSHV LANA peptides with 28-amino acid overlap (VirScan), to define those epitopes in LANA targeted by antibodies from a cohort of 62 sub-Saharan African Kaposi sarcoma (KS) patients and 22 KSHV-infected asymptomatic controls. Intra- and inter-patient breadth and magnitude of the anti-LANA responses were quantified at the peptide and amino acid levels. From these data, we derived a detailed epitope annotation of the entire LANA protein, with a high-resolution focus on the N- and C-termini. Overall, the central repeat region was highly antigenic, but the responses to this region could not be confidently mapped due to its high variability. The highly conserved N-terminus was targeted with low breadth and magnitude. In a minority of individuals, antibodies specific to the nuclear localization sequence and a portion of the proline-rich regions of the N-terminus were evident. In contrast, the first half of the conserved C-terminal domain was consistently targeted with high magnitude. Unfortunately, this region was not included in LANA partial C-terminal crystal structures, however, it was predicted to adopt predominantly random-coil structure. Coupled with functional and secondary structure domain predictions, VirScan revealed fine resolution epitope mapping of the N- and C-terminal domains of LANA that is consistent with previous antigenicity studies and may prove useful to correlate KSHV humoral immunity with pathogenesis.
Thermal Annealing of SiO2 Fabricated by Flame Hydrolysis Deposition

Amorphous SiO2 films were fabricated on Si substrates by flame hydrolysis deposition as buffer layers applied in the planar optical waveguides. Then the Si wafers with the porous particles were put into electric furnace annealing at different temperatures for consolidation in air. The products were characterized by x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. It was found that different structures at different annealing temperatures were obtained. When the annealing temperature arrives at 1400°C, SiO2 is continuous and dense and the refractive index at 1550 nm is 1.4564, which is highly desirable.
Geographically Disperse, Culturable Seed-Associated Microbiota in Forage Plants of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Pitch Clover (Bituminaria bituminosa L.): Characterization of Beneficial Inherited Strains as Plant Stress-Tolerance Enhancers

Simple Summary The implementation of new strategies to define beneficial bacteria for improving tolerance to stressful conditions in plants is becoming a very relevant topic. The use of microbiota associated with seeds may generate a new solution to improving the efficiency of bioinoculants. Legume production suffers from increasingly accentuated climatic conditions such as heat and drought periods. This group of plants can be especially protected against stress by applying strains isolated from seeds of wild legume varieties. This study shows how strains isolated from seeds of alfalfa and pitch clover are capable of improving the development of lentil plants under drought conditions. Abstract Agricultural production is being affected by increasingly harsh conditions caused by climate change. The vast majority of crops suffer growth and yield declines due to a lack of water or intense heat. Hence, commercial legume crops suffer intense losses of production (20–80%). This situation is even more noticeable in plants used as fodder for animals, such as alfalfa and pitch trefoil, since their productivity is linked not only to the number of seeds produced, but also to the vegetative growth of the plant itself. Thus, we decided to study the microbiota associated with their seeds in different locations on the Iberian Peninsula, with the aim of identifying culturable bacteria strains that have adapted to harsh environments and that can be used as biotreatments to improve plant growth and resistance to stress. As potentially inherited microbiota, they may also represent a treatment with medium- and long-term adaptative effects. Hence, isolated strains showed no clear relationship with their geographical sampling location, but had about 50% internal similarity with their model plants. Moreover, out of the 51 strains isolated, about 80% were capable of producing biofilms; around 50% produced mid/high concentrations of auxins and grew notably in ACC medium; only 15% were characterized as xerotolerant, while more than 75% were able to sporulate; and finally, 65% produced siderophores and more than 40% produced compounds to solubilize phosphates. Thus, Paenibacillus amylolyticus BB B2-A, Paenibacillus xylanexedens MS M1-C, Paenibacillus pabuli BB Oeiras A, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MS M1-B and Enterobacter hormaechei BB B2-C strains were tested as plant bioinoculants in lentil plants (Lens culinaris Medik.), showing promising results as future treatments to improve plant growth under stressful conditions.
Oral Anticoagulation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: The FAERC Study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its presence is associated with a higher risk of stroke and mortality. Material and Methods: The FAERC study performed a retrospective multicentre analysis of historical cohorts in which data were collected from arrhythmia diagnosis onwards. Results: We analysed a Spanish cohort of 4749 patients with CKD (mean eGFR 33.9 mL/min) followed up in the nephrology clinic, observing a 12.2% prevalence of non-valvular AF. In total, 98.6% of these patients were receiving anticoagulant treatment, mainly with coumarins (79.7%). Using direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) was associated with fewer cerebrovascular events than using acenocoumarol, but in contrast with other studies, we could not corroborate the association of risk of bleeding, coronary events, or death with a type of anticoagulant prescribed. Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation is highly prevalent in renal patients. Direct-acting anticoagulants seem to be associated with fewer ischemic-embolic complications, with no differences in bleeding, coronary events, or mortality rates.
Periodic irrotational waves of finite height

1. The method of Stokes for waves of finite height on deep water consists in working upwards by successive steps from the infinitesimal wave towards the highest possible wave. Although lacking formal proof of convergence, it is generally accepted that the method is valid, but that it does not include the highest possible wave when the crests form wedges of 120°. For the highest wave itself we have Michell’s analysis by a distinct method, also involving an infinite series whose convergence has to be assumed. *
Evaluating the impacts of the tropical Pacific observing system on the ocean analysis fields in the global ocean data assimilation system for operational seasonal forecasts in JMA

Impacts of TAO/TRITON (TT) and Argo data in the tropical Pacific on the accuracy of temperature and salinity fields generated by a data-assimilation system for operational seasonal forecasts are examined through a series of observing system experiments. This study demonstrates positive impacts of both TT and Argo data, and that these observation types are complementary to each other. Data assimilation has relatively large impacts around the thermocline in the NINO3 region and the far western equatorial Pacific. A close relationship between the impacts of data assimilation and oceanic inherent uncertainty is suggested.