Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Classification on the Monogenic Scale Space : Application to Target Recognition in SAR Image

This paper introduces a novel classification strategy based on the monogenic scale space for target broad spectral information and simultaneous spatial localization. The components derived from the monogenic signal at different scales are then applied into a recently developed framework, sparse representation-based classification (SRC). Moreover, to deal with the data set, whose target classes are not linearly separable, the classification via kernel combination is proposed, where the multiple components of the monogenic signal are jointly considered into a unifying framework for target recognition. The novelty of this paper comes from: 1) the development of monogenic feature via uniformly downsampling, normalization, and concatenation of the components at various scales; 2) the development of score-level fusion for SRCs; and 3) the develop-ment of composite kernel learning for classification. In particular, the comparative experimental studies under nonliteral operating conditions, e.g., structural modifications, random noise corrup-tion, and variations in depression angle, are performed. The comparative experimental studies of various algorithms, includ-ing the linear support vector machine and the kernel version, the SRC and the variants, kernel SRC, kernel linear Barkathunisha Asst. Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication, Chendhuran College of Engg. & Tech., Pudukkottai, India. representation, and sparse representation of monogenic signal, are performed too. The feasibility of the proposed method has been successfully verified using Moving and Stationary Target Acquiration and Recognition database. The experimental results demonstrate that significant improvement for recognition accuracy can be achieved by the proposed method in comparison with the baseline algorithms.
An Atlas of [N II] and [O III] Images and Spectra of Planetary Nebulae

We present an atlas of Hubble Space Telescope images and ground-based, long-slit, narrowband spectra centered on the 6584 Å line of [N II] and the 5007 Å line of [O III]. The spectra were obtained for a variety of slit positions across each target (as shown on the images) in an effort to account for nonspherical nebular geometries in a robust manner. We have extended the prolate ellipsoidal shell model originally devised by Aaquist, Zhang, and Kwok to generate synthetic images, as well as long-slit spectra. Using this model, we have derived basic parameters for the subsample of PNe that present ellipsoidal appearances and regular kinematic patterns. We find differences between our parameters for the target PNe as compared to those of previous studies, which we attribute to increased spatial resolution for our image data and the inclusion of kinematic data in the model fits. The data and analysis presented in this paper can be combined with detections of nebular angular expansion rates to determine precise distances to the PN targets.
Cerebrospinal fluid tau and beta-amyloid 42 proteins identify Alzheimer disease in subjects with mild cognitive impairment.

CONTEXT Cerebrospinal fluid tau protein and beta-amyloid 42 (Abeta42) protein are altered even in very mild Alzheimer disease (AD). So far, few data exist for subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential of cerebrospinal fluid tau and Abeta42 for predicting progression from MCI to AD in a longitudinal study of 28 patients with MCI who received follow-up for 18 months. DESIGN An 18-month prospective study. SETTING Clinical follow-up study of community-residing subjects with MCI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cerebrospinal fluid tau and Abeta42 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline. The potential of both biomarkers was evaluated to predict the progression to dementia, the end point of this study, using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Of 28 subjects with MCI, 12 progressed to dementia (2 to frontotemporal dementia; 10 to AD). Six subjects had progressive MCI, and 10 subjects showed stable MCI. Cerebrospinal fluid tau levels were significantly elevated in patients who progressed to probable AD (P =.002) and subjects with progressive MCI (P =.003) compared with subjects who had stable MCI. Cerebrospinal fluid Abeta42 levels were significantly lower in patients who progressed to probable AD (P =.007) and those with progressive MCI (P =.04) than in subjects with stable MCI. Logistic regression analysis identified elevated tau protein level as a predictor of cognitive deterioration (P =.02), whereas a delayed verbal recall score at baseline was significantly associated with the development of probable AD (P =.03). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that altered tau and Abeta42 concentrations may be detectable in subjects who are clinically diagnosed as having MCI but demonstrate the pathological changes of AD.
Comparison of Two Rapid Whole-Blood Tests for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Chinese Patients

ABSTRACT Consecutive Chinese patients undergoing endoscopy for dyspepsia were tested for Helicobacter pylori infection by two rapid whole-blood tests: FlexPack HP (Abbott Laboratories) and Helisal One-Step (Cortecs Diagnostics). Biopsy-based tests (rapid urease test and histology) and the [13C]urea breath test were used as the “gold standard. ” One hundred sixty-one consecutive patients were studied, and 88 (54.7%) were confirmed to have H. pylori infection. The sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values were 81.8%, 83.6% (P= 0.008), 85.7% (P = 0.04), and 79.2% for FlexPack HP and 84.1%, 63.0% (P = 0.008), 73.3% (P = 0.047), and 76.7% for Helisal One-Step, respectively.
Relation of monophasic action potential recorded with contact electrode to underlying transmembrane action potential properties in isolated cardiac tissues: a systematic microelectrode validation study.

Monophasic action potentials, recorded with contact non-suction electrodes, have been used both clinically and experimentally. However, to date no systematic microelectrode validation studies have been done to underlying myocardial cell populations from different myocardial regions with different transmembrane potential profiles. In the present study transmembrane action potential properties, recorded with standard microelectrodes, were compared with monophasic action potentials recorded with contact electrodes in three different (endocardium, epicardium, and free running Purkinje fibre) isolated canine preparations during pacing and during spontaneous automatic activity. The mean transmembrane durations at 50% and 90% repolarisations (APD50 and APD90) of 19-30 cells at a monophasic action potential recording site was not statistically significant from monophasic action potential duration in all three tissue preparations studied. However, in endocardial preparations, composed of superficial (1-2 cell layers) Purkinje fibres with deeper ventricular muscle cells, the APD50 (139(17) ms) and APD90 (181(26) ms) of monophasic action potentials more closely reflected (but not significantly different) the underlying deeper ventricular muscle cells (APD50 134(14) ms and APD90 167(15) ms) rather than the mean transmembrane action potential durations of the underlying most superficial Purkinje fibres (166(22) ms for APD50 and 210(30) ms for APD90) (p less than 0.025). Tetrodotoxin (TTX) at 1 x 10(-6) mol.litre-1 shortened Purkinje fibre action potential duration and slightly lengthened that of ventricular muscle. Simultaneously recorded monophasic action potential showed an intermediate change in action potential duration. Incremental pacing and applied single premature stimuli resulted in similar degrees of shortening of action potential duration for both monophasic action potential and transmembrane potential in all three preparations. In endocardial preparations, barium chloride (4 mmol.litre-1) superfusion induced early afterdepolarisations, and spontaneous phase 4 depolarisations (n = 6) in both Purkinje and ventricular muscle cells giving rise to spontaneous automatic activity. These abnormal automatic activities were accurately detected by simultaneous monophasic action potential recordings. Suppression of automaticity by verapamil (0.2-0.5 micrograms.ml-1) as confirmed by transmembrane action potential recordings were similarly detected by monophasic action potential recordings (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Absence of protease‐resistant prion protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD), believed to be caused by a protease‐resistant isoform of prion protein (PrPSc), usually manifests itself as a clinically distinctive age‐related dementia because of its rapid progression, occasionally accompanied by cerebellar ataxia. Recently, a variant CJD (vCJD) has been described, which has prominent early psychiatric symptoms and an earlier age of death. Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is part of the extracellular fluid of the central nervous system (CNS), the bulk of its proteins are derived from the plasma and there is increasing concern about possible transmission of prion disease by blood. As investigation of CSF has played a significant role in the diagnosis and management of several neurological diseases, it was decided to characterize PrP present in the CSF of CJD individuals. Significant variation was observed in the level of PrP in the CSF from both non‐CJD and CJD (including vCJD) patients, and the detected PrP forms are protease‐sensitive. Using a conformation‐dependent immunoassay, it was further demonstrated that the PrP detected in the CSF from CJD patients was broadly similar in conformation to that found in non‐CJD patients. Taken together, the results of this study fail to demonstrate any correlation between the presence of protease‐resistant PrP isoform (PrPSc) in the CSF and disease manifestation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro Study of Starling’s Hypothesis in a Cultured Monolayer of Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells

Starling’s hypothesis that fluid movement across the microvascular wall is determined by the transmural differences in hydrostatic and osmotic pressures was tested using an in vitro model comprised of bovine aortic endothelial cells grown on a porous support. In all experiments, a 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution was maintained in the abluminal reservoir and the luminal reservoir contained either a 1 or a 5.5% BSA solution. The global osmotic pressure difference across the endothelial layers was thus either 0 or 20.3 cm H2O. When the luminal concentration of BSA was changed from 1 to 5.5% at a hydrostatic pressure differential of 5, 10 or 20 cm H2O, no reverse flow (in the reabsorption direction) was observed even though the hydrostatic pressure differential was far below the global osmotic pressure differential. In another case, the hydrostatic pressure differential was dropped quickly from 20 to 5 cm H2O, while a constant osmotic pressure differential was maintained by 5.5% BSA in the luminal reservoir. A strong transient reabsorption flow was observed over a 30-second period which diminished to undetectable levels within 2.5 min; then a sustained steady-state filtration flow was observed after 20 min. These in vitro experiments support other studies in capillaries showing transient reabsorption that decays to steady-state filtration at longer times.
EFFECT OF FASTING PERIOD AND FEED FORM ON POST MOLT PERFORMANCE AND EGG QUALITY IN LAYING HENS

Onehundred and eighty,60 weeksold,Hi-sex Brown laying hens were randomly classified into three equal experimental groups. Eachof them included twelve replicates, of 5 hens each. Birds in all replicateswere kept individually in wire cagesunder controlled conditions in a closed laying house.Experimental hens in groups 1, 2 and 3 were fasted all 24 hrs for 8, 10 and 12 days, respectively. All hens were receiving water ad libitum.At the end of fastening, birds in each group were divided into two equal subgroups. Birds in the first three subgroupswere fed on mash diets, while those of the second three subgroups fed pelleted diets. Body weight loss of fasted hens for 12 d (35.8%) excelled significantly those (30.6 and 27.3%) of fasted hens for 8 and 10 d, respectively. All fasted groups ceased egg production by 5d of the start of fasting and remained out of production until 19, 21 and 27 days before the onset of laying for 8, 10, 12 days fasted groups, respectively. They reached 50% hen-day post molt egg production by 40, 48, 55 d, respectively. During the experimental period, the mortality rate (MR) of 10 d fasted group (5.1%) decreased significantly than both of 8 and 12 d fasted groups (6.6%). The molted hens by 10 d fastingwhichfed on either fed oneither mash or pelleted diets had lower morality than the other subgroups. The molted hens by fasting 10 or 12 d had significantly better hen day egg production (HDP) and egg mass (EM); significantly moreshell and yolk percentages(SP and YP, respectively); and significantly less albumen percentage (AP) than those of the molted hens by 8 d. The molted hens by fasting 10 d had significantly improved feed conversation ratio (FCR) than thoseof fasted hens by 8 and 12 d. The differences due to fasting periods in egg weight (EW), feed consumption (FC), mortality rate (MR), egg shape index (ESI), Haugh unit (HU) and egg yolk index (EYI) were very limited and insignificant.Feeding on pelleted rations had significantly higher HDP, EW, EM, FC, shell thickness (ST), SP and HU; as well as significantly less FCR as compared with hens fed on mashdiets. Feed form did not affect MR, YP, AP, ESI and EYI. All fasted hens on mash dietshad significantly decreased FC; increased EW; and improved
Naphthalene and o-Xylene Adsorption onto High Carbon Fly Ash

Adsorption is an effective remediation technique for petroleum hydrocarbons because of its ease of use and high efficiency. The utilization of high-carbon content industrial by-products in such applications can present significant economic and environmental advantages. In this study, batch adsorption tests and petrographic analyses were used to investigate the adsorption of two nonpolar petroleum contam- inants, naphthalene and o-xylene, onto seven fly ashes with varying carbon contents, with powdered activated carbon (PAC) as a control. Six equilibrium isotherm models were used to evaluate the batch data. The results yielded nonlinear sorption isotherms characterized by high sorption capacity at low concentrations. The naphthalene and o-xylene adsorption capacity of the fly ashes was correlated with the unburned carbon content, specific surface area of the sorbent, and the percentage of the anisotropic and isotropic carbon content of the ash. On the basis of the Polanyi-Dubinin-Manes model, a pore-filling mechanism is the dominant mechanism for the adsorption of the nonpolar organic chemicals onto PAC, whereas the adsorption onto fly ash is likely to be governed by the unburned carbon content and the specific surface area of the ash. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0000335. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Model of anaesthetic induction by unilateral intracerebral microinjection of GABAergic agonists

General anaesthetic agents induce loss of consciousness coupled with suppression of movement, analgesia and amnesia. Although these diverse functions are mediated by neural structures located in wide‐ranging parts of the neuraxis, anaesthesia can be induced rapidly and reversibly by bilateral microinjection of minute quantities of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A‐R agonists at a small, focal locus in the mesopontine tegmentum (MPTA). State switching under these circumstances is presumably executed by dedicated neural pathways and does not require widespread distribution of the anaesthetic agent itself, the classical assumption regarding anaesthetic induction. Here it was asked whether these pathways serve each hemisphere independently, or whether there is bilateral redundancy such that the MPTA on each side is capable of anaesthetizing the entire brain. Either of two GABAA‐R ligands were microinjected unilaterally into the MPTA in awake rats, the barbiturate modulator pentobarbital and the direct receptor agonist muscimol. Both agents, microinjected on either side, induced clinical anaesthesia, including bilateral atonia, bilateral analgesia and bilateral changes in cortical activity. The latter was monitored using c‐fos expression and electroencephalography. This action, however, was not simply a consequence of suppressing spike activity in MPTA neurons, as unilateral (or bilateral) microinjection of the local anaesthetic lidocaine at the same locus failed to induce anaesthesia. A model of the state‐switching circuitry that accounts for the bilateral action of unilateral microinjection and also for the observation that inactivation with lidocaine is not equivalent to inhibition with GABAA‐R agonists was proposed. This is a step in defining the overall switching circuitry that underlies anaesthesia.
Functional Diversi fi cation of Kaurene Synthase-Like Genes in Isodon rubescens 1 [ OPEN ]

Ent-kaurene diterpenoids are the largest group of known Isodon diterpenoids. Among them, oridonin is accumulated in the leaves, and is the most frequently studied compound because of its antitumor and antibacterial activities. We have identified five copalyl diphosphate synthase (CPS) and six kaurene synthase-like (KSL) genes by transcriptome profiling of Isodon rubescens leaves. An in vitro assay assigns ten of them to five different diterpene biosynthesis pathways, except IrCPS3 that has a mutation in the catalytic motif. The Lamiaceae-specific clade genes (IrCPS1 and IrCPS2) synthesize the intermediate copalyl diphosphate (normal-CPP), while IrCPS4 and IrCPS5 synthesize the intermediate ent-copalyl diphosphate (ent-CPP). IrKSL2, IrKSL4, and IrKSL5 react with ent-CPP to produce an ent-isopimaradiene-like compound, ent-atiserene and ent-kaurene, respectively. Correspondingly, the Lamiaceae-specific clade genes IrKSL1 or IrKSL3 combined with normal-CPP led to the formation of miltiradiene. The compound then underwent aromatization and oxidization with a cytochrome P450 forming two related compounds, abietatriene and ferruginol, which were detected in the root bark. IrKSL6 reacts with normal-CPP to produce isopimaradiene. IrKSL3 and IrKSL6 have the gba tridomain structure, as these proteins tend to possess the bidomain structure of IrKSL1, highlighting the evolutionary history of KSL gene domain loss and further elucidating chemical diversity evolution from a macroevolutionary stance in Lamiaceae.
Pain and Ethnicity in Athletes

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between ethnicity and acute pain response in male athletes. Subjects included 93 male athletes (age = 18.65 ± .58 years) of differing ethnicity. Each subject performed a Cold Pressor Test (CPT) and was evaluated for pain threshold and pain tolerance times. Two one-way analyses of variance were performed to analyze the data. The results indicated that significant differences existed in pain tolerance times between ethnic groups (p<.05). However, no differences were observed in pain threshold times. These findings support the existence of a difference in pain tolerance between ethnic groups in collegiate athletes.
Maternal Floor Infarction of the Placenta Associated with Elevated Second Trimester serum Alpha-Fetoprotein

Maternal floor infarction is a recurring placental disease of ubiquitous perivillous fibrin deposition with obliteration of normal placental architecture. In this case, elevated levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were found as well as a small fetal-maternal bleed. The association between placental disease and elevated maternal serum AFP is discussed.
Role of Calcium in Exocytosis Induced by Hypotonic Swelling

Abstract: We studied the influence of Ca2+ on exocytosis induced by hypotonic shock using the fluorescent dyes acridine orange FM1‐43 and FM2‐10. It was shown using acridine orange that lowering osmolarity to 230 mOsm/L induces exocytosis both in calcium‐containing and calcium‐free media. By contrast, we were able to demonstrate calcium dependence of exocytosis using styryl dyes. Lowering osmolarity leads to an increase of neurotransmitter release in a calcium‐independent manner. Thus, our data suggest that hypotonic swelling induces calcium‐independent exocytosis. Calcium influx mediated by stretch channels is able to switch mode of exocytosis from “kiss and run” to full fusion.
Effects of thyroprotein on excretion of polychlorinated biphenyls by lactating cows.

Abstract Lactating dairy cows were fed 50mg daily of commercially available polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclor 1254 for 20 days. Upon withdrawal of this from the ration, groups were given 0, 2 g/100kg, or 4 g/100kg body weight of thyroprotein (Protamone) for 57 days. Animals that continued to lactate were studied for an additional 70 days. The average concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls in milk fat on day 20, the last day of dosing, was 6.01±. 6ppm. Declines of concentrations in cows not fed thyroprotein were described by a two-component first order equation with half-lives of 5.7 and 68 days. Thyroprotein feeding provided a nearly dose responsive increase in heart and respiration rate and also weight losses among treated animals. Milk and fat production was increased in most animals; however, stage of lactation appeared to influence magnitude of response. Thyroprotein increased clearance of polychlorinated biphenyls during the thyroprotein feeding phase of the study. By day 52 daily excretion by control animals averaged 1.09 mg/day compared to 1.39 and 1.87 for animals receiving 2 or 4 g/100kg body weight of thyroprotein. Withdrawal of thyroprotein resulted in a sharp decline in excretion of polychlorinated biphenyls from thyroprotein treated animals. On experimental day 98, control animals had an average daily excretion of . 87mg compared to . 67 and . 59 for the 2 and 4 g/100kg body weight of thyroprotein groups. These declines ultimately resulted in similar total excretion of polychlorinated biphenyls among all three experimental groups. Thyroprotein was not a practical means to increase rate of excretion of accumulated polychlorinated biphenyls.
Time-clustered Deaths and Substance Use Disorder among Young Adults.

This study assesses whether experiencing multiple deaths of loved ones clustered in time increases risk for substance use problems. Using survey data from a community sample of young adults in Miami, Florida (N = 1747), time-clustered deaths were categorized based on the age of the respondent at the time of each death, with less time between deaths representing greater time-clustering. Results indicate that young adults experiencing multiple deaths that are highly time clustered are at increased risk for substance use disorder and alcohol use. This study provides an alternative way of thinking about how young people may be affected by major life events. It suggests that the increased risk for substance use disorder associated with multiple deaths may be more likely to materialize when the deaths are highly clustered in time.