Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional SAR imaging of a ground moving target using the InISAR technique

In this paper, a three-dimensional (3-D) interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging method for moving targets is presented. This imaging method is based on the ISAR principle and the simple observation that all scatterers on a moving target move in tandem. The angular motion parameters in the cross-range directions could be estimated using the overall range profile of the moving target. Registration of the respective complex images at the two (or more) interferometric antennas can then be achieved via compensating the respective echoes at the raw data level, thus avoiding phase-unwrapping processing and image-resampling processing as required by conventional methods. Finally, a 3-D image of the moving target can then be reconstructed from the 3-D spatial coordinates of these scatterers. Furthermore, the method works well even for a target moving in heavily cluttered environments.
The ‘duality’ of VET in Austria: institutional competition between school and apprenticeship

This article analyses the structure and development of Austrian apprenticeship in the context of the country’s wider vocational education and training (VET) system. In doing so, it draws on official data and survey results as well as the available, related literature on historical institutionalism. It begins with an analysis of the basic structure of the VET system and shows that the modernising element in VET in Austria has always been situated in the schooling sector, whereas the structure of the apprenticeship system has changed little, remaining primarily in the traditional sectors of employment. It goes on to analyse recent developments in the apprenticeship system, revealing signs of a ‘crisis’ that is being resolved by establishing more institutional forms of apprenticeship. Finally, the developments in Austria are analysed with regard to more basic questions relating to the strengths and weaknesses of the apprenticeship model, indicating some quite paradoxical features and unresolved puzzles.
The HIV Matrix Protein p17 Promotes the Activation of Human Hepatic Stellate Cells through Interactions with CXCR2 and Syndecan-2

Background The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) p17 is a matrix protein involved in virus life's cycle. CXCR2 and Syndecan-2, the two major coreceptors for the p17 protein, are expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a key cell type involved in matrix deposition in liver fibrotic disorders. Aim In this report we have investigated the in vitro impact of p17 on HSCs transdifferentiation and function and underlying signaling pathways involved in these processes. Methods LX-2 cells, a human HSC line, and primary HSC were challenged with p17 and expressions of fibrogenic markers and of p17 receptors were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Downstream intracellular signaling pathways were evaluated with qRT-PCR and Western blot as well as after pre-treatment with specific pathway inhibitors. Results Exposure of LX2 cells to p17 increases their contractile force, reshapes the cytoskeleton fibers and upregulates the expression of transdifferentiation markers including αSMA, COL1α1 and endothelin-1 through the activation of Jak/STAT and Rho signaling pathways. These effects are lost in HSCs pre-incubated with a serum from HIV positive person who underwent a vaccination with a p17 peptide. Confocal laser microscopy studies demonstrates that CXCR2 and syndecan-2 co-associate at the plasma membrane after exposure to p17. Immunostaining of HIV/HCV liver biopsies from co-infected patients reveals that the progression of liver fibrosis correlates with a reduced expression of CXCR2. Conclusions The HIV matrix protein p17 is pro-fibrogenic through its interactions both with CXCR2 and syndecan-2 on activated HSCs.
Success for Some

Results from an evaluation of a 3-year Success for All program applied under difficult circum stances show positive effects for the kindergarten component but a mix of nonsignificant, positive, and negative results for other early elementary grades. Large negative effects were found for achievement ratings of students'performance in Years 2 and 3 for all cohorts. Previous evaluations have reported results for a limited range of outcome measures and used a narrow range of outcome measures. Future evaluations of Success for All programs should assess attainment of the stated goal of the program—to get all students reading at grade level by Grade 3. This attempt to implement the program in a difficult school implies that the program may not be effective wherever and whenever attempted.
Differential Molecular Responses of Rice and Wheat Coleoptiles to Anoxia Reveal Novel Metabolic Adaptations in Amino Acid Metabolism for Tissue Tolerance1[W][OA]

Rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) are the most important starch crops in world agriculture. While both germinate with an anatomically similar coleoptile, this tissue defines the early anoxia tolerance of rice and the anoxia intolerance of wheat seedlings. We combined protein and metabolite profiling analysis to compare the differences in response to anoxia between the rice and wheat coleoptiles. Rice coleoptiles responded to anoxia dramatically, not only at the level of protein synthesis but also at the level of altered metabolite pools, while the wheat response to anoxia was slight in comparison. We found significant increases in the abundance of proteins in rice coleoptiles related to protein translation and antioxidant defense and an accumulation of a set of enzymes involved in serine, glycine, and alanine biosynthesis from glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate or pyruvate, which correlates with an observed accumulation of these amino acids in anoxic rice. We show a positive effect on wheat root anoxia tolerance by exogenous addition of these amino acids, indicating that their synthesis could be linked to rice anoxia tolerance. The potential role of amino acid biosynthesis contributing to anoxia tolerance in cells is discussed.
News coverage and support for European integration, 1990-2006

Citizens depend on information from the mass media when forming their opinion about political issues. Studies have shown that news media coverage of the EU can affect general and policy-specific support for European integration. Extant research has focused on individual-level analyses at specific points in time. The present study considers whether the visibility and the framing of EU news coverage conceptualized as contextual factors influence EU support at an aggregate level. We look at this question in seven EU member states for the period 1990-2006. By utilizing aggregated data of the content analytical indicators and aggregate public support measures in a time-series design, we relate variation in news content to subsequent public opinion dynamics. Our results suggest that both the framing of EU news in terms of benefit and conflict matters for public support. While benefit framing increases public support, conflict framing decreases support. We conclude with a discussion of the use of news content as a contextual variable in explaining the public opinion dynamics and potential benefits of this approach for future media effects research.
Dynamics of Enamel Formation in the Rat Incisor Tooth

Enamel formation was reviewed by morphology and radioautography in rat incisors. Labeled amino acids and sugars were used as matrix precursors whereas labeled calcium monitored mineral deposition. All ameloblasts synthesize organic material, but only cells in the zone of secretion release labeled matrix. The pattern of matrix deposition indicates that enamel rods are elaborated by Tomes' processes within cavities formed by interrod partitions. The latter are elaborated by cytoplasmic projections from adjacent ameloblasts. Initially - labeled matrix is added as a band near the cells. With time the label randomizes throughout the entire immature enamel and most of it is lost in the zone of maturation. However, a glycoprotein component attributed to remnants of Tomes' process membrane persists in mature enamel. Labeled calcium is incorporated into crystals which grow at a uniform rate throughout the entire layer of enamel in the zone of secretion and up to the middle of the zone of maturation. The ribbon-like crystals are built close to the cell membrane and elongate as the cell recedes. Crystal elongation occurs in the same location as new matrix is deposited; that is, rod crystals are related to Tomes' processes and interrod crystals, to cytoplasmic projections. The crystals grow to full size mainly by thickening and this growth presumably displaces the organic matrix.
Influence of Same-Sex and Mixed-Sex Exercise Settings on the Social Physique Anxiety and Exercise Intentions of Males and Females

Situational social physique anxiety (SPA) and immediate exercise intentions in male and female fitness club members were examined in response to all-female, all-male, and mixed-sex exercise setting scenarios. Overall, women showed higher levels of situational SPA than men. SPA increased significantly from an all-female, to a mixed-sex, to an all-male exercise setting for women but not for men. More women indicated they would shorten their workout in response to the all-male vs. all-female or mixed-sex exercise scenarios. For all-male and mixed-sex scenarios, participants who intended to shorten their workout also tended to report higher situational SPA scores. The results indicate that the presence of men in an exercise setting stimulates physique anxiety in women, and that exercising in an all-female environment may have the least negative impact on the exercise behavior of women.
Investigating pupils' questions in the primary classroom

The paper presents the findings of a coding system applied to the questions generated by primary school pupils to a narrative text. The coding schedule proved consistent across university and teacher researchers. The results and discussion centre on the question type and the degree of understanding displayed by pupils. Suggestions are put forward for the use of a community of inquiry approach to question generation as a means of empowering pupils and allowing the speaking and listening requirements of the National Curriculum to be met in a holistic manner.
Local and In‐Transit Metastases Following Definitive Excision for Primary Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma

A total of 672 consecutive patients with clinical stage I and stage II primary cutaneous malignant melanoma were treated by excision of 3.0 to 5.0 cm of surrounding skin down to and including the underlying fascia when the lesion exceeded 0.5 mm thickness (Breslow measurement). More conservative margins were taken in locations where such excisions would result in significant cosmetic or functional morbidity and for thinner lesions (<0.5 mm). Seven of 658 patients with clinical stage I disease (1.1%) and three of 14 patients with clinical stage II disease (21.4%) developed histologically verified local metastases within 5 cm of the primary excision scar or skin graft. Fifteen patients wth stage I disease developed in-transit metastases (2.3%) at a site more than 5.0 cm proximal to the surgical scar or skin graft but not beyond the regional nodal group. Two patients with stage II disease who had developed local metastases also developed in-transit metastases (14.3%). No patient with a lesion less than 1.0 mm thick has had a local recurrence. Nine of the ten pattients (90%) who developed local metastases and 12 of the 17 patients (70.6%) who developed in-transit metastases have also developed systemic metastases to date. Local and in-transit metastases following such definitive excision is a significant indicator of disseminated systemic metastatic melanoma.
Religious behavior and neuroticism, spontaneity, and worldmindedness.

To determine the relation of religious behavior to certain areas of personality, such as neuroticism, spontaneity, and worldmindedness, dimensions of personal and religious behavior were isolated by factor analysis and interrelated by canonical analysis. Characteristics of religious behavior and personalityreligion interaction differ among Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Baha'is, and non-affiliates. The Baha'i interaction redefines religion. The findings are discussed in terms of the definition of religion, psychosocial variables to which religion is related, differences among religious groups, and unity through religion. Studies of religion must distinguish between independent dimensions of religious behavior and their differential correlation with personality in different religious groups.
Students' Experiences of Ability Grouping—disaffection, polarisation and the construction of failure†

This paper reports findings from the first two years of a four-year longitudinal study into the ways that students' attitudes towards, and achievement in, mathematics are influenced by ability-grouping practices in six schools. Through the use of questionnaires administered to the whole cohort of 943 students, interviews with 72 students and approximately 120 hours of classroom observation, the relative achievement in, and the changes in attitudes towards, mathematics are traced as the students move from year 8 to year 9, with students in four of the six schools moving from mixed-ability grouping to homogenous ability groups or 'sets'. Ability-grouping was associated with curriculum polarisation. This was enacted through restriction of opportunity to learn for students in lower sets, and students in top sets being required to learn at a pace which was, for many students, incompatible with understanding. The same teachers employed a more restricted range of teaching approaches with 'homogeneous' groups tha.
The Influence of Humor in Radio Advertising on Program Enjoyment and Future Intent to Listen

Research has found that humor in advertising can have effects on media evaluation. This experimental research discovers that positive effects suggested by excitation transfer and framing theories can apply specifically to radio advertising. It also extends previous research beyond the American context. Although gender sometimes leads to differences in humor appreciation, no important differences were identified in this research. Indirect links between humorous advertisements and potential audience ratings are uncovered, although direct links were not proven.
Premarital Relationship Stability: A Review of Recent Research

This article is a review of the theory and recent literature on premarital relationship stability. First, current theories and models that have been used to explain the development of premarital relationships are discussed. Second, research since 1990 that focuses on the individual, dyadic, and social network factors that predict premarital relationship stability is presented. Third, we integrate the findings of the review into a commitment model and make some brief observations about theoretical, conceptual, and methodological issues that must be addressed to further understand the development of premarital relationships.
Who me? - What did I do? : a case study to explore learner perceptions of reasons for persistent disruptive behaviour and the possible outcome of this in level two classes in a college of further education

This research uses learner voice to explore low level disruption in level two classrooms in a college of further education. The aim of the research is to develop a better understanding of factors influencing classroom interaction and learner achievement, and to suggest ways in which the findings may be used to minimise disruption in the classroom. The learners who took part in the research had been identified by teaching staff as persistent disrupters in level two vocational classes. The purpose of the research was explained to each individual and the research comprised of three stages: individual interviews were held with learners; a card sorting exercise, selected for its interactive qualities, was conducted with each learner; and college-held data was used to establish factors which affected behaviour in the classroom. The research findings have been theoretically grounded in Giddens’ structuration theory. Structuration theory facilitated recognition of changes in behaviour in classrooms, and the identification of explanatory patterns. It has been used to underpin the final argument; that reasons for disruption are complex, different for each learner, and can be critical to learner progression. The findings demonstrate that individual, home and community and institutional factors have the capacity to influence learner behaviour in the classroom. Whilst the impact of these factors can vary from individual to individual, they can all be seen to be of significant relevance to achievement and progression. The value of learner voice can be seen in the insight gained into individual learner experiences and in the attempt taken to use this information to address the balance of power in the classroom.
MEMS sensor with giant piezoresistive effect using metall-semiconductor hybrid structure

The piezoresistance effect of silicon has been widely used in MEMS sensors [1–3]. Strain engineering is now considered to be the one of the most promising strategies for developing high performance sub-10-nm silicon devices [4]. Strain silicon sensors show typically a gauge factor of below 100, depending on temperature, orientation, doping level and stress direction. The magnitude of piezoresistance in single crystal silicon is determined by piezoresistive coefficients (π11, π12, π44). Interesting electromechanical properties have been observed in silicon nanowires [5] and carbon nanotubes [6]. This new materials show an unusual large piezoresistance effect compared with bulk silicon. One of disadvantages of using this new materials is the complicated and expensive manufacturing. In this paper we report on the first realized pressure sensor approach, which uses the proposed metal-semiconductor (silicon) hybrid structures in order to achieve higher K-factor.
Safety and Efficacy of Resolute Zotarolimus-Eluting Stents Compared With Everolimus-Eluting Stents: A Meta-Analysis

Background—Although new-generation drug-eluting stents represent the standard of care among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, there remains debate about differences in efficacy and the risk of stent thrombosis between the Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent (R-ZES) and the everolimus-eluting stent (EES). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the R-ZES compared with EES in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods and Results—A systematic literature search of electronic resources was performed using specific search terms until September 2014. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed comparing clinical outcomes between patients treated with R-ZES and EES up to maximum available follow-up. The primary efficacy end point was target-vessel revascularization. The primary safety end point was definite or probable stent thrombosis. Secondary safety end points were cardiac death and target-vessel myocardial infarction. Five trials were identified, including a total of 9899 patients. Compared with EES, R-ZES had similar risks of target-vessel revascularization (risk ratio [RR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–1.24; P=0.50), definite or probable stent thrombosis (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.86–1.85; P=0.24), cardiac death (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.79–1.30; P=0.91), and target-vessel myocardial infarction (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.89–1.36; P=0.39). Moreover, R-ZES and EES had similar risks of late definite or probable very late stent thrombosis (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.53–2.11; P=0.87). No evidence of significant heterogeneity was observed across trials. Conclusions—R-ZES and EES provide similar safety and efficacy among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Soccer: A world sport for women

Since the 1980s football has become one of the fastest-growing female sports in China. Female players have forced their way into this traditional bastion of male identity and prestige with confidence, and in doing so, have projected radical and successful images of femininity. The national team obtained second place at the Third World Cup and won the Asian Cup and the Asian Games ten times. (Note: They are different competitions.) The Chinese proudly call them ‘Iron Roses’. With these successes behind them they were used recently as models to inspire Chinese male footballers to qualify for the World Cup in 2002. Women football players strongly challenge traditional Chinese culture and symbolize the ideal gender relations of post-1949.
FHL2 Binds Calcineurin and Represses Pathological Cardiac Growth

ABSTRACT Stress-induced hypertrophic growth of the heart predisposes the heart to arrhythmia, contractile dysfunction, and clinical heart failure. FHL2 (four-and-a-half LIM domain protein 2) is expressed predominantly in the heart, and inactivation of the gene coding for FHL2 leads to exaggerated responsiveness to adrenergic stress. Activation of calcineurin occurs downstream of β-adrenergic signaling and is required for isoproterenol-induced myocardial hypertrophy. Based on these facts, we hypothesized that FHL2 suppresses stress-induced activation of calcineurin. FHL2 is upregulated in mouse hearts exposed to isoproterenol, a β-adrenergic agonist, and isoproterenol-induced increases in the NFAT target genes RCAN1.4 and BNP were amplified significantly in FHL2 knockout (FHL2−/−) mice compared with levels in wild-type (WT) mice. To determine whether the effect of FHL2 on NFAT target gene transcript levels occurred at the level of transcription, HEK 293 cells and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were transfected with a luciferase reporter construct harboring the NFAT-dependent promoters of either RCAN1 or interleukin 2 (IL-2). Consistent with the in vivo data, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of FHL2 led to increased activation of these promoters by constitutively active calcineurin or the calcium ionophore ionomycin. Importantly, activation of the RCAN1 promoter by ionomycin, in control and FHL2 knockdown cells, was abolished by the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine, confirming the calcineurin dependence of the response. Overexpression of FHL2 inhibited activation of both NFAT reporter constructs. Furthermore, NRVMs overexpressing FHL2 exhibited reduced hypertrophic growth in response to constitutively active calcineurin, as measured by cell cross-sectional area and fetal gene expression. Finally, immunostaining in isolated adult cardiomyocytes revealed colocalization of FHL2 and calcineurin predominantly at the sarcomere and activation of calcineurin by endothelin-1-facilitated interaction between FHL2 and calcineurin. FHL2 is an endogenous, agonist-dependent suppressor of calcineurin.
Middle School Students’ Preferences for Anti-Bullying Interventions

In this study, 285 middle school students in the United States were surveyed to obtain their preferences regarding anti-bullying intervention strategies. Participants rated their preferences for 15 common anti-bullying intervention strategies involving teachers, students, and non-teaching staff. The strategies were generated based on a review of the literature. Overall, students rated seven of the 15 strategies as being ‘sometimes’ or ‘almost always’ helpful. Participants tended to prefer intervention strategies in which teachers effectively managed their classrooms, thereby deterring bullying, as well as providing direct assistance to students. The results were also suggestive of students desiring teachers to be proactive in helping them solve bully-victim conflicts. Students tended not to prefer strategies that involved non-teaching staff.