Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Flowering Repressor SVP recruits the TOPLESS co-repressor to control flowering in chrysanthemum and Arabidopsis

Plant flowering time is a consequence of the perception of environmental and endogenous signals. The MCM1-AGAMOUSDEFICIENS-SRF-box (MADS-box) gene SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) is a pivotal repressor that negatively regulates the floral transition during the vegetative phase. The transcriptional corepressor TOPLESS (TPL) plays critical roles in many aspects of plant life. An interaction first identified between the second LXLXLX motif (LRLGLP) of CmSVP with CmTPL1-2, which can repress the expression of a key flowering factor CmFTL3 by binding its promotor CArG element in chrysanthemum. Genetic analysis suggested that the CmSVP-CmTPL1-2 transcriptional complex is a prerequisite for SVP to act as a floral repressor, which reduces CmFTL3 transcriptional activity. CmSVP rescued the phenotype of the svp-31 mutant in Arabidopsis, and overexpression of AtSVP or CmSVP in the Arabidopsis dominant negative mutation tpl-1 led to a loss-of-function in late flowering, which confirmed the highly conserved function of SVP in the two completely different species. Thus, we have validated a conserved machinery wherein SVP relies on TPL to inhibit flowering through the direct regulation of FT, which is more meaningful for the evolution of species and could be translated to high-quality cultivation and breeding of crops.
Method for estimating the energy consumption of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles under real-world driving conditions

This study presents a novel framework by which the energy consumption of an electric vehicle (EV) or the zero-emissions range of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) may be predicted over a route. The proposed energy prediction framework employs a neural network and may be used either `off-line' for better estimating the real-world range of the vehicle or `on-line' integrated within the vehicle's energy management control system. The authors propose that this approach provides a more robust representation of the energy consumption of the target EVs compared to standard legislative test procedures. This is particularly pertinent for vehicle fleet operators that may use EVs within a specific environment, such as inner-city public transport or the use of urban delivery vehicles. Experimental results highlight variations in EV range in the order of 50% when different levels of traffic congestion and road type are included in the analysis. The ability to estimate the energy requirements of the vehicle over a given route is also a pre-requisite for using an efficient charge blended control strategy within a PHEV. Experimental results show an accuracy within 20-30% when comparing predicted and measured energy consumptions for over 800 different real-world EV journeys.
New mode crack of LSI package in the solder reflow process

A new mode crack that could not be explained by a general mechanism has been observed under the condition of the surface mount components being smaller and thinner, and requiring more severe characteristics in the solder reflow process. The mode crack is generated from the upper portion of the die pad corner, and is not caused by the delamination between the die pad and the plastic. This new mode crack mechanism is explained in the following way. Absorbed moisture reaches the die attachment layer during storage and is vaporized by heat in soldering; the vapor pressure pushes down the die pad and causes stress in the plastic of the upper portion of the die pad corner; then new mode cracks are generated. The authors also describe how a new lead frame design can prevent this crack. <<ETX>>
Focus on Early COPD: Definition and Early Lung Development

Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease with high incidence rate and mortality rates worldwide. It is the third leading cause of death in the world. Nevertheless, little progress has been made in treating and preventing the disease. Under these circumstances, the concept of “early COPD” was proposed. Although this concept is not new, most health-care workers do not fully understand early COPD and tend to confuse it with mild COPD. In this review, we mainly discuss the definition of early COPD and the developmental trajectory of lung function. Although patients with early COPD have no symptoms, their lung function is already lower than that of normal people. A relatively complete definition is needed to identify this group of people. Reduced lung function is the diagnostic criterion for COPD, but lung development is a long-term dynamic process. In addition to smoking and air pollution, we should pay more attention to prenatal and childhood risk factors, for example, parents smoking, birth weight, preterm birth, mode of delivery, childhood respiratory infections and childhood asthma. Health-care workers need to be fully aware of early COPD, to reduce the morbidity of COPD and take effective measures to prevent these risk factors.
Implicações da alteração do frênulo lingual no aleitamento materno exclusivo

Objetivo: Identificar as prováveis implicações da alteração de frênulo lingual no aleitamento materno exclusivo. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo exploratória e descritiva, realizada em um hospital público do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu no segundo semestre de 2020 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada via contato telefônico. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática indutiva. Resultados: O estudo teve participação de dez mães com filhos diagnosticados com alteração de frênulo lingual, sendo que seis bebês apresentaram escore 7 no protocolo de Triagem de Avaliação do Frênulo Lingual, e três apresentaram escore 5/6. Sobre o acompanhamento pré-natal desde o primeiro trimestre de gestação, nove mães informaram ter realizado. Intercorrências como hipertensão arterial sistêmica, pré-eclâmpsia, infecção urinária, diabetes gestacional e crescimento intrauterino restrito foram relatadas. Na análise dos dados, emergiram dois temas: Implicações da alteração de Frênulo Lingual no Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo e Orientações para reavaliação do Frênulo Lingual. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que dos 10 bebês que apresentaram anquiloglossia, sete não necessitaram realizar a frenotomia quando reavaliados no retorno da consulta médica, mas foi observado dificuldades durante a amamentação, que podem estar relacionadas à interferência do frênulo lingual durante a sucção do bebê.
Putative RNA Ligase RtcB Affects the Switch between T6SS and T3SS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant cause of infection in immunocompromised individuals, cystic fibrosis patients, and burn victims. To benefit its survival, the bacterium adapt to either a motile or sessile lifestyle when infecting the host. The motile bacterium has an often activated type III secretion system (T3SS), which is virulent to the host, whereas the sessile bacterium harbors an active T6SS and lives in biofilms. Regulatory pathways involving Gac-Rsm or secondary messengers such as c-di-GMP determine which lifestyle is favorable for P. aeruginosa. Here, we introduce the RNA binding protein RtcB as a modulator of the switch between motile and sessile bacterial lifestyles. Using the wild-type P. aeruginosa PAO1, and a retS mutant PAO1(∆retS) in which T3SS is repressed and T6SS active, we show that deleting rtcB led to simultaneous expression of T3SS and T6SS in both PAO1(∆rtcB) and PAO1(∆rtcB∆retS). The deletion of rtcB also increased biofilm formation in PAO1(∆rtcB) and restored the motility of PAO1(∆rtcB∆retS). RNA-sequencing data suggested RtcB as a global modulator affecting multiple virulence factors, including bacterial secretion systems. Competitive killing and infection assays showed that the three T6SS systems (H1, H2, and H3) in PAO1(∆rtcB) were activated into a functional syringe, and could compete with Escherichia coli and effectively infect lettuce. Western blotting and RT-PCR results showed that RtcB probably exerted its function through RsmA in PAO1(∆rtcB∆retS). Quantification of c-di-GMP showed an elevated intracellular levels in PAO1(∆rtcB), which likely drove the switch between T6SS and T3SS, and contributed to the altered phenotypes and characteristics observed. Our data demonstrate a pivotal role of RtcB in the virulence of P. aeruginosa by controlling multiple virulence determinants, such as biofilm formation, motility, pyocyanin production, T3SS, and T6SS secretion systems towards eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. These findings suggest RtcB as a potential target for controlling P. aeruginosa colonization, establishment, and pathogenicity.
Kinetic energy transfers between mesoscale and submesoscale motions in the open ocean’s upper layers

Mesoscale eddies contain the bulk of the ocean’s kinetic energy (KE), but fundamental questions remain on the cross-scale KE transfers linking eddy generation and dissipation. The role of submesoscale flows represents the key point of discussion, with contrasting views of submesoscales as either a source or a sink of mesoscale KE. Here, the first observational assessment of the annual cycle of the KE transfer between mesoscale and submesoscale motions is performed in the upper layers of a typical open-ocean region. Although these diagnostics have marginal statistical significance and should be regarded cautiously, they are physically plausible and can provide a valuable benchmark for model evaluation. The cross-scale KE transfer exhibits two distinct stages, whereby submesoscales energize mesoscales in winter and drain mesoscales in spring. Despite this seasonal reversal, an inverse KE cascade operates throughout the year across much of the mesoscale range. Our results are not incompatible with recent modeling investigations that place the headwaters of the inverse KE cascade at the submesoscale, and that rationalize the seasonality of mesoscale KE as an inverse cascade-mediated response to the generation of submesoscales in winter. However, our findings may challenge those investigations by suggesting that, in spring, a downscale KE transfer could dampen the inverse KE cascade. An exploratory appraisal of the dynamics governing mesoscale-submesoscale KE exchanges suggests that the upscale KE transfer in winter is underpinned by mixed-layer baroclinic instabilities, and that the downscale KE transfer in spring is associated with frontogenesis. Current submesoscale-permitting ocean models may substantially understate this downscale KE transfer, due to the models’ muted representation of frontogenesis.
Behavioural and Physiological Correlates of the Canine Frustration Questionnaire

Simple Summary Frustration is a negative emotional state implicated in a range of canine behaviour problems. The Canine Frustration Questionnaire (CFQ) is an owner questionnaire developed to measure frustration tendencies in dogs. This study looks at behavioural and physiological measures and their relationship with the CFQ. A series of tests were designed to induce frustration in dogs, and these were completed by 44 dogs; each dog owner completed a CFQ. Specific behavioural measures were coded from the test footage, and the relationships with the CFQ scores were assessed. In addition, a saliva sample was collected before and after the test in 39 dogs so that cortisol, a measure of physiological arousal, could be measured. Various behavioural test measures (e.g., vocalising and lunging) were associated with CFQ scores. Cortisol change and cortisol levels after the tests were greater in dogs who were more highly frustrated. These results support the use of owner report through the CFQ to measure frustration tendencies. Abstract Frustration is a negative emotional state implicated in a range of canine behaviour problems. The Canine Frustration Questionnaire (CFQ) is the first psychometric tool developed to assess frustration tendencies in dogs based on owner report. However, to date, no published studies have assessed behavioural and physiological correlates of this trait. A novel behaviour test battery was developed to induce frustration in dogs, mapping onto the CFQ. Forty-four dogs were recruited and filmed whilst undertaking the test battery, and a CFQ was completed by each owner. Targeted behavioural measures were assessed from this footage, based on hypotheses aimed at evaluating convergent and discriminant validity with facets of the CFQ. In addition, a saliva sample was collected pre- and post-testing for 39 dogs, and a cortisol assay performed using ELISA to provide a physiological measure of arousal. A range of predicted behavioural test measures (e.g., vocalising and lunging) positively correlated with CFQ scores. For 22 dogs with pre-test salivary cortisol levels of <4 ng/mL (indicative of normal arousal at baseline), cortisol change and post-test cortisol levels positively correlated with the CFQ PC5 ‘Frustration coping’ score. These results provide further evidence of the validity of frustration tendencies as measured by owner report through the CFQ.
Single-chip CMOS CCD camera interface based on digitally controlled capacitor-segment combination

This work describes a single-chip solution for CMOS charge-coupled device (CCD) camera interface systems. The required gain of the automatic gain control circuit (AGC) in the proposed system is controlled directly by digital bits without conventional extra digital-to-analog (D/A) converters, and the signal-settling behavior is almost independent of AGC gain variations at video speeds. A capacitor-segment combination technique to implement large capacitances considerably improves the effective bandwidth of the AGC based on switched-capacitor techniques. A layout scheme minimizing truncation errors shows AGC matching accuracy better than 0.1%. Nonlinear errors such as offsets in signal paths are automatically measured during black-level correction. The outputs from the AGC are transferred to a 10 b analog-to-digital (A/D) converter integrated on the same chip. The prototype implemented in a 0.5 /spl mu/m n-well CMOS process shows the 32 dB AGC dynamic range in 1/8-dB gain steps with 173 mW at 3 V and 25 MHz.
Hippocampal neurons’ cytosolic and membrane-bound ribosomal transcript profiles are differentially regulated by learning and subsequent sleep

Significance Sleep loss disrupts consolidation of hippocampus-dependent memory. To understand the cellular basis for this effect, we quantified RNAs associated with translating ribosomes in cytosol and on cellular membranes of different hippocampal neuron populations. Our analysis suggests that while sleep loss (but not learning) alters numerous ribosomal transcripts in cytosol, learning has dramatic effects on transcript profiles for less–well-characterized membrane-bound ribosomes. We demonstrate that postlearning sleep deprivation occludes already minimal learning-driven changes on cytosolic ribosomes. It simultaneously alters transcripts associated with metabolic and biosynthetic processes in membrane-bound ribosomes in excitatory hippocampal neurons and highly active, putative “engram” neurons, respectively. Together, these findings provide insights into the cellular mechanisms altered by learning and their disruption by subsequent sleep loss. The hippocampus is essential for consolidating transient experiences into long-lasting memories. Memory consolidation is facilitated by postlearning sleep, although the underlying cellular mechanisms are largely unknown. We took an unbiased approach to this question by using a mouse model of hippocampally mediated, sleep-dependent memory consolidation (contextual fear memory). Because synaptic plasticity is associated with changes to both neuronal cell membranes (e.g., receptors) and cytosol (e.g., cytoskeletal elements), we characterized how these cell compartments are affected by learning and subsequent sleep or sleep deprivation (SD). Translating ribosome affinity purification was used to profile ribosome-associated RNAs in different subcellular compartments (cytosol and membrane) and in different cell populations (whole hippocampus, Camk2a+ neurons, or highly active neurons with phosphorylated ribosomal subunit S6 [pS6+]). We examined how transcript profiles change as a function of sleep versus SD and prior learning (contextual fear conditioning; CFC). While sleep loss altered many cytosolic ribosomal transcripts, CFC altered almost none, and CFC-driven changes were occluded by subsequent SD. In striking contrast, SD altered few transcripts on membrane-bound (MB) ribosomes, while learning altered many more (including long non-coding RNAs [lncRNAs]). The cellular pathways most affected by CFC were involved in structural remodeling. Comparisons of post-CFC MB transcript profiles between sleeping and SD mice implicated changes in cellular metabolism in Camk2a+ neurons and protein synthesis in highly active pS6+ (putative “engram”) neurons as biological processes disrupted by SD. These findings provide insights into how learning affects hippocampal neurons and suggest that the effects of SD on memory consolidation are cell type and subcellular compartment specific.
High-speed simulation of partial response channels employing low-density parity check (LDPC) codes

We developed a high-speed simulator for partial response (PR) channels employing low density parity check (LDPC) codes. Bit error rate (BER) performances for channels employing PR(1,1) and PR(1,2,2,1) targets wtih blue laser and 0.85 numerical aperture (NA) are estimated by simulating up to 1011 data sampled which allowed us to estimate BERs as low as 10-10. Three data detection methods (namely, a simple slicer, soft-output Viterbi algorithm or SOVA, and maximum a posteriori probability or MAP detector) followed by LDPC decoder are compared. We also show BER performance of our one-chip hardware LDPC decoder on additive white Gaussian noise channel.
A NON-ISOLATED INTERLEAVED HIGH STEP-UP SWITCHED-CAPACITOR CONVERTER FOR DISTRIBUTED GENERATION SYSTEM

A non-isolated interleaved boost converter with coupled inductors and switched-capacitor circuits is presented in this paper, which can be employed for renewable energy conversion systems including the photovoltaic (PV) and the fuel cell (FC). Whereas the voltage generated by these sources is low, a converter with high voltage conversion ratio is the main requirement for connection to a relatively high dc-bus voltage. To obviate this necessity, a switched-capacitor circuit is magnetically connected to interleaved boost converter, which effectively increases the voltage growth and decreases the voltage stress in the semiconductor components, and thereby, the conduction losses are diminished. In fact, the proposed converter operates as a flyback converter in some times and forward converter in other times. To restrain the leakage energy of the coupled inductors and confine the voltage spikes on the main switches, the active clamp technique is employed. Furthermore, the zero voltage switching (ZVS) operation is guaranteed even in the light load, which leads to degradation of the switching losses. Also, the leakage inductance of the coupled inductors is handled to realize zero-current-switching (ZCS) performance of the diodes. At last, a 1-kW prototype is implemented to confirm the theoretical analysis and performance of the proposed topology.
Growing the Person: Communication, soft skills andthe broader curriculum

The importance of soft skills and communication in the employability of new graduates has been widely researched internationally, and our own research in this area surveying local employers supports this notion. This obviously necessitates a continued need for engagement between tertiary and industry. However, we would propose that educators need roles within this process too, as they are the ones who translate the desires of employers into embedding the requisite skills within practical time-bound courses. So, who teaches these skills? Is it the role of the communication tutor? Is work integrated learning the answer? If so, how can we scaffold students to function effectively in professional contexts? Should communication and soft skills be embedded in other courses, as is proposed in the latest version of the New Zealand Diploma of Business? This workshop uses a survey of conference delegates and workshop participants in order to explore the issue of where communication and soft skills should sit within tertiary programmes. While we concede that there may not be one solution, we would like to foster a collaborative and interactive approach in the workshop to problem solving this very important issue. Through sharing practice and reconstructing models and case studies, by the end of the workshop participants will have developed a set of questions and best practice options which provide flexibility, while ensuring students graduate with the skills required by employers.
Higher Education Curriculum Evaluation Method Based on Deep Learning Model

Higher education plays an important role in the improvement of people's quality and the development of our country. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the higher education curriculum. This paper analyzes and constructs the deep network learning system and self-encoder and evaluates the Chongqing higher education curriculum based on the deep learning network selected by 50 universities in Chongqing. It is found that the numbers of test objects, indicators, and hidden layers have an impact on the evaluation results. At the same time, a classroom teaching model is designed to improve the quality of higher education and solve the problem of insufficient curriculum quality of higher education.
Forecast on gold futures linked with investor sentiment and S&P500 index

This paper discusses the relationship between investor sentiment and the realized volatility of gold futures, which is investigated using high-frequency data. For investor sentiment factors, we select four indicators including the volatility index (VIX), the volume, inventory and turnover rate of gold future. To improve our forecasting accuracy, stock market factor is introduced and we select S&P500 index to represent it. Based on the heterogeneous autoregressive (HAR) theory, six new heterogeneous autoregressive (HAR) models are established by combining investor sentiment and S&P500 index. The empirical results show that the accuracy of the new model is better than that of the original HAR model. We found that S&P500 index contain a lot of gold prediction information. In addition, the investor sentiment has a positive impact on the volatility of gold futures. Our work is the first to combine investor sentiment with the S&P500 index to identify more market information. This paper provides a better forecasting method for the Volatility Prediction of gold futures.
Training Dogs for Narcotic Detection

Abstract : The abuse of hard narcotics (heroin and cocaine) has risen sharply in recent years, and coping with this problem has become an important responsibility of law enforcement agencies. In order to assist these agencies in adequately carrying out this increasingly important responsibility, methods have been developed for the training and use of narcotic detector dogs. Considering these advantages it is obvious that a good detector dog and a well trained handler can search for narcotics rapidly and efficiently. A detector dog can be a valuable asset in narcotic detector work and this manual is designed to describe, in a step by step fashion, how to train dogs to effectively search out and respond to hard narcotics.