Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK32 mediates calcium signaling in regulating Arabidopsis flowering time

Abstract Appropriate flowering time is critical for the reproductive success of plant species. Emerging evidence indicates that calcium may play an important role in the regulation of flowering time. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that calcium-dependent protein kinase 32 (CPK32) regulates flowering time by affecting the alternative polyadenylation of FLOWERING CONTROL LOCUS A (FCA) and altering the transcription of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a central repressor of flowering time. The knockdown of CPK32 results in an obvious late flowering phenotype and dramatically enhanced FLC transcription. CPK32 interacts with FCA, and phosphorylates the serine592 of FCA in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Moreover, the ratio of abundance of the FCA transcripts (FCA-D and FCA-P) changes significantly in the cpk32 mutant, which subsequently affects FLC expression and consequently regulates floral transition. The present evidence demonstrates that CPK32 modulates flowering time by regulating FCA alternative polyadenylation and consequent FLC expression.
Proteomics to Metabolomics: A New Insight into the Pathogenesis of Hypertensive Nephropathy

Background: Hypertensive nephropathy (HN) is a high-burden disorder and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Despite huge investigations, the underlying mechanisms are yet largely unknown. Systems biology is a promising approach to providing a comprehensive insight into this complex disorder. Methods: Proteome profiles of kidney tubulointerstitium and outer and inner cortex from a rat model of HN were retrieved from the proteomics identification database, and the quality of the datasets was assessed. Proteins that exhibited differential expression were detected and their interactions were analyzed in the kidney sub-compartments. Furthermore, enzymes were linked to the attributed metabolites. Functional enrichment analyses were performed to identify key pathways and processes based on the differentially expressed proteins and predicted metabolites. Results: Proteasome-mediated protein degradation, actin cytoskeleton organization, and Rho GTPase signaling pathway are involved in the pathogenesis of HN. Furthermore, tissue hypoxia and dysregulated energy homeostasis are among the key underlying events. The metabolism of purine and amino acids is also affected in HN. Conclusion: Although the proposed pathogenic mechanisms remain to be further validated in experimental studies, this study contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HN through a systematic unsupervised approach. Considering the significant alterations of metabolic pathways, HN can be viewed as an “acquired error of metabolism. ”
Analysis by measurements and circuit simulations of the PT- and NPT-IGBT under different short-circuit conditions

An analysis of the behavior of 600 V PT and NPT IGBTs under following cases of short circuit is reported: (1) the short circuit occurs before the device actively turns on; (2) the short circuit occurs when the device is conducting; and (3) as case (1), but operating at low intermediate voltage and with high stray inductance. The analysis is performed using both experimental results and SPICE-simulations.
Single-phase 9-level hybridised cascaded multilevel inverter

This study proposes a single-phase, 9-level, cascade multilevel inverter topology. The multicarrier, phase disposition pulse width modulation scheme is employed to generate the gating signals for the power switches. Operational principles with switching functions are given. By controlling the modulation index, the desired number of levels: 3, 5, 7 and 9, of the inverter's output voltage can be achieved. For modulation indices of: 0.24, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8, the proposed inverter configuration was subjected to an R-L load and the respective numbers of output voltage level were synthesized. Fast Fourier transform analyses of the output voltage waveforms were carried out and the corresponding THD values were obtained. For a modulation index of 0.8, a THD value of 10.12% has been achieved in the output voltage waveform of the proposed inverter configuration. Comparison of the proposed inverter configuration and the classical single-phase topologies is given based on the power circuit component count. Moreover, analysis of the conduction power losses in the power semiconductor switches of the proposed inverter topology is given. To verify the performance of the proposed inverter architecture, simulations and experiments are carried out on a 2.12 kW rated prototype of the proposed inverter for an R-L load; and adequate results are presented.
Start-Up Phase Assessment of a UASB–Septic Tank System Treating Domestic Septage

About 65% of the annual domestic wastewater in Palestine is currently collected in cesspits, where inadequate disposal might cause cumulative public health risks and annual environmental degradation. This research presents the preliminary results for the start-up period of a pilot-scale UASB-septic tank system treating domestic septage of Birzeit town. Under different operational conditions, the performance of the pretreatment system for the removal of organic matter and nutrients was evaluated. Initial results showed that organic pollutants removal was mainly due to biophysical processes including sedimentation and microbial degradation. During the start-up phase, the system attained removal efficiency for CODtotal of about 80% compared to the removal for CODeo), and CODdis of 71% and 43%, respectively. Similarly, the continuous operation mode demonstrated that the system was quite effective in removing organic pollutants. Operational experience from the initial results revealed that seeding the UASB reactor with activated sludge during the start up period was not practical. Finally, the advantages of the UASB-septic tank application appeared to be achievable if adequate system operation and control over a long monitoring period were maintained.
Soil properties effect on random roughness decay by rainfall.

ABSTRACT Rainfall modifies random roughness (RR) at varying rates for different soils. Methods to estimate RR decay are needed for computer models which simulate physical processes occurring at or near the soil surface. The objective of this study was to estimate RR decay curves as a function of soil properties. Surface roughness has been reported for selected soils before and after simulated rainfall (5 to 80 mm on five soils, 35 to 300 mm on one soil) and before and after natural rainfall (7 to 350 mm on two soils). The soils represent a wide range of textural and physical properties. A modified exponential function was fit to normalized RR values (RR after rainfall/initial RR) using rainfall amount as an independent variable. The coefficients of this function were tiien approximated as a function of two soil properties: percentage organic carbon and percentage clay. Surface stability increased with greater amounts of organic carbon. Surface stability increased with clay content to about 31% and then decreased with greater amounts of clay. Random roughness decay curves may be estimated for specific soils by using the exponential function.
The dynamics of bursting in simple adaptive feedback systems with leakage

Three low-order simple examples of adaptive systems representative of rarely related applications are considered. These are model reference adaptive control, adaptive echo cancellation, and autoregressive moving average predictors. Bursting can be observed in the three applications when the input signal are not persistently exciting. It is shown that bursting is the time-domain manifestation of oscillatory behavior and that when the adaptive algorithms use leakage, it is possible to give bounds to the signals during bursts. In these operating conditions, bursting is transient and it is possible to estimate the length of time it will take to disappear. The conclusion to be drawn from the bifurcation analysis is that an appropriate level of leakage is necessary to provide protection against bursting due to a specific level of disturbances. Addition of leakage is associated with artificially forcing the parameter estimates towards a value which is determined a priori and is not associated with data-driven adaptation. In operation under more reasonable, i.e., nonbursting conditions, this leakage has a performance loss implication. >
Initial Nanoblade-Enhanced Laser-Induced Cathode Emission Measurements

Nanostructured photocathodes offer a unique functionality not possible in traditional photocathodes, increasing beam brightness by reducing the effective emission area. Inspired by field emitter tips, we examine a possible extension for higher current operation, an extended nanoblade capable of producing asymmetric emittance electron beams. A full understanding of emission is necessary to establish the effectiveness of nanoblades as usable cathode for electron accelerators. Utilizing wet etching of silicon wafers, we arrive at a robust sample capable of dissipating incident laser fields in excess of 20 GV/m without permanent damage. Initial predictions and experiments from the nanotip case predict energies up to the keV scale from electron rescattering and fine features on the order of the photon quantum. We will present initial electron data from 800 nm Ti:S laser illumination and measurements of a focused 1 keV beam.
Flow in curved pipes.

This paper brings together recent information on flow in curved pipes. As to fully developed laminar flow, the appearance of additional vortices for curved pipes of particular cross-sectional forms, existence of dual solutions, and effects of the pitch on the flow in a helically coiled pipe are presented. In the case of developing laminar flow in a curved pipe, fascinating behavior of the separation of the secondary flow boundary layer near the inner wall is shown. Flow in a rotating curved pipe and a periodically curved pipe are also discussed. Different hydrodynamic conditions at the inlet greatly affect the flow in the bend ; a strong swirl is created downstream of two 90° bends in combination according to the combination angles. A brief description of the discharge coefficients for bend flowmeters, and unsteady flow in curved pipes are also given.
How teaching academies promote interdisciplinary communities of practice: The Helsinki case

ABSTRACT Universities invest in teaching academies to reward outstanding teachers. Few studies have been published about the impact of teaching academies on teaching communities. The aim of this study was to see who excellent academic teachers spoke to when they discussed teaching and learning, and what kind of community a Teachers’ Academy established in 2013 offered to its Fellows. We analysed the answers to two open-ended questions from two surveys. The first survey (2013) was addressed to first-round applicants to the Academy in 2013 (N = 46, 32%) and the second (2018) to its Fellows (N = 56, 65%). In both surveys, most teachers had meaningful discussions with their close colleagues. In the second survey, the conversations with pedagogical experts merged with the discussions at the Academy. The 2018 survey also examined how well the Academy’s key objectives of providing teachers with an interdisciplinary community and peer support had been achieved in five years. The Academy had become an important community for teachers, in which teachers shared mutual appreciation for teaching and collaborated across disciplinary boundaries and campuses. A challenge for a teaching academy is to support its fellows in implementing the principles of scholarship of teaching and learning, that is, carrying out scholarly educational projects and sharing the results locally, nationally and internationally.
Ethnobotanical Usages of the Turkish Rumex Taxa

Objective: The genus Rumex is represented by 183 taxa across the world, with 48 taxa in Turkey. The most common species are R. acetosella L. , R. acetosa L. , R. alpinus L. , R. crispus L. , R. nepalensis Spreng. , R. patientia L. , R. pulcher L. , R. tuberosus L. and they are known by local names such as Kuzukulagi, Sortah, Tastursusu, Eksikulak, Labada, Dibikizil, Efelek, Eksilik, Kuzuoglagi, Kuzukikirdagi, Ak labada, Eksi yemis. In this study, those Rumex species used for medical and food purposes by people in Turkey were compiled. The aim of this study is to provide a basis for chemical, physiological, molecular or agricultural studies and to support them in easily accessing the bibliography without wasting time. Materials and Methods: Approximately 250 ethnobotanical articles were examined from Turkey and other countries around the world about the local usages of the genus Rumex. The data were listed as a table and according to the data compiled from these articles, the Use-Value (UV) index among species was calculated. Results: In the ethnobotanical studies compiled, it was determined that the species most used by people were R. crispus, R. acetocella and R. acetosa. 174 ethnobotanical usages in Turkey, 152 ethnobotanical usages from different countries for 27 Turkish Rumex taxa have been recorded. When the parts used were compared, it was seen that the leaves and roots are mostly used. Considering the usage purposes of the Rumex genus, it was revealed that there are many different uses, however, the most common uses are for food purposes. In the compiled study, the species with the highest UV values were calculated as R. crispus, R. acetosella, R. acetosa, R. patienta, and R. scutatus. Conclusion: Rumex taxa are used widely by people for reasons such as having a wide distribution area, growth around agricultural areas and being in areas where people can easily reach them. Also, they do not need special conditions for germination and growth. However, since they have a sourish flavour, consuming them raw as a salad can trigger some health problems. Although there are studies reporting that levels of oxalic acid, which is the source of this sour taste, decrease in cooking, there are also clinical studies that show that it can accumulate in the body and have some long-term toxic effects.
Accelerating the fuzzy front-end of NPD projects: methods and management

In rapidly changing competitive conditions, firms competing on the basis of their new products need to be proficient in accelerating their product development programmes. Several research studies have suggested that the entire NPD process can be improved. In this paper, however, we focus on the 'upfront' or 'fuzzy front-end' (FFE) phase. We review several studies which reveal useful insights into speeding the FFE. Next, we examine the benefits of accelerating the FFE as well as the challenges encountered. We then advance several approaches for speeding the FFE. If firms excel in managing and accelerating their FFE activities, it offers firms the opportunity to more rapidly develop and commercialise their new products. A major goal of our paper is to examine the importance of streamlining the FFE as well as to suggest various methods for accelerating this critical phase of the innovation process.
Survey on Robust Control of Precision Positioning Systems

A very high accuracy and resolution, stability, and fast response are the requirements of high precision positioning systems (HPPS). Accurate position sensing and feedback control of the motion are key to the successful precision positioning. In this paper, the robust control of HPPS literature published within last two decades is categorized and discussed. The paper also provides detailed technical descriptions on many such novel methods. According to the type of the control methodology applied in the reviewed literature, the paper categorizes them into seven main categories. The purpose is to emphasize the key role of advanced control techniques in improving precision, accuracy, and the speed of operation of these systems. While doing so, the paper also reviews literature on various applications of robust control for HPPS including some recent patents. However, the list of patents reviewed is not the least assumed to be complete or general. Nevertheless, the evolution and trends in the applications of robust control methods are shown. Based on the analysis of the reviewed patents, the expected future developments in this domain are highlighted.
ICT education in Fiji, issues and challenges faced by tertiary education sector: an empirical survey

The world moving rapidly into digital media and information, thus ICT education is becoming more and more important and this importance will continue to grow and develop into this century. This research would provide significant contribution to education sector by identifying various issues and challenges and challenges faced by education sector in conducting ICT education focused on tertiary level education. The primary data from three main tertiary education providers will be collected and estimate the models on information technology hours and determinant of personal computers or laptop usage.
A new computer-aided approach to the analysis of CuK converter by using the alternator equations

A novel approach to the computation of the transient and steady-state response of power electronic switching converters is presented. The solution exhibits precision and reflects the continuous character of the converter waveforms. The key to the approach is the extraction of the switching elements (transistors, or transistor and diode, operated as synchronous switches) in a time-varying two-port called an alternator. The remaining part of the converter is linear and time-invariant; it can be described, in the complex frequency domain, by a system of modified nodal equations. The constitutive equations of the alternator are added, providing a global model of the cyclically switching circuit in the s-domain. The converter is analyzed using the Laplace transform. The modified nodal equations of the converter are solved, and the inverse Laplace transform of their solutions is found. The time-domain solutions together with boundary conditions for cyclical operation of the converter are used for the computer-aided calculation of the transient and steady-state response. The method is applied to a coupled-inductor Cuk converter operating in a continuous conduction mode in which the transient state is due to a step-in-line input voltage. >
Effects of Wounding Stress and Storage Temperature on the Accumulation of Chlorogenic Acid Isomers in Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

Wounding stress is an effective strategy to increase the content of bioactive compounds in horticultural crops. Potato tubers subjected to wounding stress accumulate chlorogenic acid (CGA) and CGA isomers (neo-CGA and crypto-CGA), which are phenolics that prevent and treat different chronic and degenerative diseases. In this study, the effects of wounding stress and storage temperature (10 °C and 20 °C for 168 h) on the accumulation of CGA isomers in potatoes were evaluated. Results indicated that CGA accumulation was favored when wounded potatoes were stored at 20 °C for 120 h, obtaining a 1923.1% higher concentration when compared with samples before storage. Furthermore, wounded potatoes stored at 10 °C for 120 h showed the highest neo-CGA increase in concentration (712.2%). Likewise, the highest crypto-CGA concentration (84.9% higher than control samples) was quantified in wounded potatoes stored at 20 °C for 144 h. Based on the results from both the present study and previous reports, a strategy that summarizes effective postharvest stress conditions that induce the accumulation of specific CGA isomers in potatoes is presented. The tissue with an increased content of bioactive compounds could be used as raw material to produce functional foods or could be subjected to downstream processing to produce dietary supplements.
The 2D-QSAR study, Drug likeness and in-silico ADMET prediction of about 3,5-diaryl-1H-pyrazole derivatives as multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

In this research, the activity of 20 3,5-diaryl-1H-pyrazole derivatives was used as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the control of Alzheimer's disease (AD), an integrated 2D-QSAR quantitative structure-activity relationship calculation technique. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation with Becke's three-parameter hybrid method and Lee-Yang Parr's B3LYP function using the 6-31G (d) basis set is applied to calculate electronic descriptors, for topological descriptors ChemSketch and MarvinSketch programs are used. The dataset was randomly divided into training sets (15 compounds) which were used to generate the QSAR model and test sets (5 compounds) which were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the QSAR model. Many statistical coefficients were thus used to select the best model. (N =15; R=0.91; R2= 0.83; F = 17.549; MSE = 0.032; Adjusted R= 0.78; p-value<0.00017) The MLR proposed QSAR model was validated internally and externally by several criteria, namely the randomization test and the Golbreich-Tropsha criteria. The applicability domain of the proposed model was applied using the Williams diagram to determine which compounds are outside this domain Based on the better proposed QSAR model, new compounds with higher acetylcholinesterase inhibition ability were theoretically designed. As such, the drug-likeness and ADME prediction performed almost showed compliance with Lipinski's rule, and the molecules were shown to be good in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in general. These results may provide useful theoretical references for future experimental work.
Frequency domain data based model extraction for band‐limited digital predistortion of wideband RF power amplifiers

Bandwidth constraints pose significant challenges to linearization of wideband RF power amplifiers (PAs) with digital predistortion (DPD). A recently proposed band‐limited DPD scheme uses a band‐limited modeling technique to eliminate the bandwidth constraints and reduce DPD implementation cost. However, time consuming convolution operations are involved for model extraction in this time domain data based band‐limited modeling method. In this article, band‐limited model extraction is formulated as a generalized least squares problem and investigated from a frequency domain perspective. A frequency domain data based model extraction method is proposed, which greatly reduces the computational complexity for extracting band‐limited DPD model parameters. A 10 W GaN HEMT inverse class‐F PA excited by a 20 MHz four‐carrier WCDMA signal and a 40 MHz two‐carrier LTE signal is tested to validate the method. Experimental results show that the computationally efficient frequency domain data based model extraction method for band‐limited DPD provides as good linearization performance as the time domain data based method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 24:412–420, 2014.