Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sparse Coding-Inspired High-Resolution ISAR Imaging Using Multistage Compressive Sensing

Sparse coding-inspired high-resolution inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging based on multistage compressive sensing (CS) is proposed in this paper. To achieve high cross-range resolution within a short coherent processing interval (CPI), we divide the ISAR imaging process into multiple stages, each of which can be regarded as sparse-coding processing, and the encoding and decoding matrices can be obtained by solving an optimization problem using the error backpropagation algorithm. The decoding matrix can be regarded as a sparse dictionary, and we can recover the ISAR image by exploiting the smoothed ${l_0}$ norm algorithm based on the decoding matrix and CS theory. The ISAR image is then transformed into a time-domain echo by the inverse fast Fourier transform, and the echo can be regarded as the input for the next stage. At each stage, the resolution is gradually improved until we obtain the expected high-resolution ISAR image. Thus, the signals' energy can be fully accumulated step by step, and we can obtain a less noise and focused ISAR image. Experimental results show that the proposed method can obtain higher quality ISAR images compared with other current techniques, and that it is an effective approach to ISAR imaging within a short CPI.
Functional Characterization of Propeptides in Plant Subtilases as Intramolecular Chaperones and Inhibitors of the Mature Protease *

Subtilisin-like serine proteases (SBTs) are extracellular proteases that depend on their propeptides for zymogen maturation and activation. The function of propeptides in plant SBTs is poorly understood and was analyzed here for the propeptide of tomato subtilase 3 (SBT3PP). SBT3PP was found to be required as an intramolecular chaperone for zymogen maturation and secretion of SBT3 in vivo. Secretion was impaired in a propeptide-deletion mutant but could be restored by co-expression of the propeptide in trans. SBT3 was inhibited by SBT3PP with a Kd of 74 nm for the enzyme-inhibitor complex. With a melting point of 87 °C, thermal stability of the complex was substantially increased as compared with the free protease suggesting that propeptide binding stabilizes the structure of SBT3. Even closely related propeptides from other plant SBTs could not substitute for SBT3PP as a folding assistant or autoinhibitor, revealing high specificity for the SBT3-SBT3PP interaction. Separation of the chaperone and inhibitor functions of SBT3PP in a domain-swap experiment indicated that they are mediated by different regions of the propeptide and, hence, different modes of interaction with SBT3. Release of active SBT3 from the autoinhibited complex relied on a pH-dependent cleavage of the propeptide at Asn-38 and Asp-54. The remarkable stability of the autoinhibited complex and pH dependence of the secondary cleavage provide means for stringent control of SBT3 activity, to ensure that the active enzyme is not released before it reaches the acidic environment of the trans-Golgi network or its final destination in the cell wall.
Financial Analysis of Three Value-Added Dairy Enterprises in Vermont, Wisconsin, and New York

Value-added agriculture has grown in recent years and is often promoted as a rural development or business survival strategy. For dairy operations, value-added often has meant adding a processing enterprise to an existing dairy farm. This case study examined whether it was profitable to transition to a value-added operation, comparing and contrasting the business characteristics and financial performance of three businesses of similar size in Vermont, Wisconsin, and New York. The methods included the development of income statements, balance sheets, and economic costs and returns in order to evaluate the profitability of the farming and processing enterprises for each business. The financial data were collected from a previous study done by Nicholson and Stephenson (2006) for the fiscal year 2003. Tabular summaries of the key information from these statements were constructed to facilitate comparisons of the farming and processing enterprises separately for the three businesses. Results indicated that similar size operations in terms of cow numbers can have highly different production and financial outcomes. For two of the three businesses, the processing enterprise was profitable based on net income, but only one business had a positive (and small) rate of return on assets (accounting for equity capital and operator labor costs). None of the three processing businesses were profitable when the full economic costs of milk production and processing were accounted for. It is also important to note that none of the three operations had positive net incomes for both the dairy and processing enterprises, which appears to question a basic premise underlying value-added businesses. Although this study will be beneficial for the business owners and others interested in value-added operations, a more in-depth and up-to-date iv study would be beneficial to determine the specific factors involved in a successful value-added enterprise.
Transcriptome Profiling of Tomato Uncovers an Involvement of Cytochrome P450s and Peroxidases in Stigma Color Formation

Stigma is a crucial structure of female reproductive organ in plants. Stigma color is usually regarded as an important trait in variety identification in some species, but the molecular mechanism of stigma color formation remains elusive. Here, we characterized a tomato mutant, yellow stigma (ys), that shows yellow rather than typical green color in the stigma. Analysis of pigment contents revealed that the level of flavonoid naringenin chalcone was increased in the ys stigma, possibly as a result of higher accumulation of p-coumaric acid, suggesting that naringenin chalcone might play a vital role in yellow color control in tomato stigma. To understand the genes and gene networks that regulate tomato stigma color, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses were performed to compare the transcriptomes of stigmas between ys mutant and wild-type (WT). We obtained 507 differentially expressed genes, in which, 84 and 423 genes were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated in the ys mutant, respectively. Two cytochrome P450 genes, SlC3H1 and SlC3H2 which encode p-coumarate 3-hydroxylases, and six peroxidase genes were identified to be dramatically inhibited in the yellow stigma. Further bioinformatic and biochemical analyses implied that the repression of the two SlC3Hs and six PODs may indirectly lead to higher naringenin chalcone level through inhibiting lignin biosynthesis, thereby contributing to yellow coloration in tomato stigma. Thus, our data suggest that two SlC3Hs and six PODs are involved in yellow stigma formation. This study provides valuable information for dissecting the molecular mechanism of stigma color control in tomato. Statement: This study reveals that two cytochrome P450s (SlC3H1 and SlC3H2) and six peroxidases potentially regulate the yellow stigma formation by indirectly enhancing biosynthesis of yellow-colored naringenin chalcone in the stigma of tomato.
CONSUMER DEMAND FOR EGGS AND MARKET IMPLICATIONS

Domestic population growth and greater use of processed eggs over the past three decades offset the decline in per-capita shell egg use and left total egg consumption for domestic food purposes averaging about 5 billion dozen a year. This paper analyzes effects of prices, income, and household characteristics on the demand for eggs. Evidence from a complete demand system indicates that eggs are more price inelastic than either red meat or poultry. The own-price elasticity for eggs was found to be -0.1429. The income elasticity for eggs, derived from an analysis of the 1977-78 USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey, was estimated to be approximately -0.05. Region of household residence, season, race, age, and household size also influence egg consumption and expenditures.
The effects of different forms of feedback on fuzzy and verbatim memory of science principles.

BACKGROUND Previous models of the effects of feedback account for lower-order learning outcomes but do not adequately describe experimental findings for higher-order learning. AIMS Based on a connectionist model of feedback effects, this investigation aims to show that feedback that allows only one learner response facilitates proposition-specific verbatim encoding, while feedback that requires the learner to try again on error facilitates relational fuzzy encoding. Sample and methods. Volunteer high school students were randomly assigned to one of 5 print-based lesson treatments that consisted of four science expository texts with adjunct inference-level questions covering science principles. The five treatments included delayed feedback, single-try immediate feedback, multiple-try immediate feedback, and two control treatments, questions without feedback, and text only. A post-test given 5 days after instruction was designed to measure both verbatim and fuzzy outcomes. RESULTS Multiple-try immediate feedback was best for paraphrased post-test questions (fuzzy) and worse for verbatim post-test questions. CONCLUSIONS Fuzzy trace theory complements a connectionist model of feedback, and may provide a fruitful approach for describing the effects of feedback on different learning outcomes.
Nonspecific amine immobilization of ligand can Be a potential source of error in BIAcore binding experiments and may reduce binding affinities.

The interaction of monovalent forms of NC41, an anti-viral neuraminidase antibody, and the antiidiotype antibody 11-1G10 has been used as a model system for BIAcore analysis to demonstrate the potential problems resulting from the nonspecific amine coupling procedure. To avoid complications due to antibody bivalency, monovalent Fab fragments and monomeric recombinant scFvs were used. When immobilized by amine coupling, the 11-1G10 anti-idiotype fragments were found to have an artificially reduced affinity for NC41 compared to the results obtained using site-directed immobilization via C-terminal thiol residue and from solution equilibrium measurements. The NC41 antibody fragments, on the other hand, were able to retain their 11-1G10 binding affinity when immobilized nonspecifically through free amine groups. These data, in combination with the known sequences of the two antibodies, suggested that nonspecific immobilization through one or more lysine residues close to or within the CDR2 region of the 11-1G10 VH domain was responsible for the reduced strength of the interaction with NC41. These results emphasize the need to use site-specific immobilization strategies when accurate kinetic measurements are required.
Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and hepatic safety of desvenlafaxine for 1 year in women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause

ObjectiveA previous trial of the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desvenlafaxine (administered as desvenlafaxine succinate) raised concerns on potential serious cardiovascular and hepatic events. The current study was designed to estimate these events in desvenlafaxine versus placebo in a larger population followed for 1 year. MethodsHealthy postmenopausal women seeking treatment of vasomotor symptoms were randomized to placebo or desvenlafaxine 100 mg/day in a 1-year, multicenter, double-blind study. Safety was monitored throughout. Potential ischemic cardiovascular events (coronary heart disease–related death, new-onset myocardial infarction or unstable angina requiring hospitalization, and unscheduled revascularization procedures) and cerebrovascular events (definite stroke or probable stroke) identified by investigator reports and periodic adverse event review based on Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities Query were reviewed by blinded adjudication boards. Hepatic events (aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase >5 times the upper limit of normal) were evaluated. ResultsA total of 2,118 participants (1,066 desvenlafaxine, 1,052 placebo) took one or more doses of study medication (mean, 280 d). There was one cardiovascular event; a placebo-treated participant was adjudicated to have had a myocardial infarction. One desvenlafaxine-treated participant was adjudicated to have had a probable stroke. Two participants in each treatment group had hepatic events. The excess risk (90% CI) of desvenlafaxine over placebo per 1,000 woman-years was −1.07 (−2.86 to 0.72) for cardiovascular events, 1.11 (−0.68 to 2.9) for cerebrovascular events, and 0.08 (−3.51 to 3.67) for hepatic events. ConclusionsThere is no evidence for an increased risk of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or hepatic events associated with desvenlafaxine 100 mg/day compared with placebo for the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
Simultaneous quantification of vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in human serum by LC-MS/MS

Abstract Introduction. Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D is the established biomarker of vitamin D status although serum concentrations of vitamin D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D may also be of interest to understand the in vivo kinetics of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Method. An LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in serum. After protein precipitation of the serum it was loaded on a HybridSPE column to separate vitamin D metabolites from phospholipids. Vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the eluate were derivatized by 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione to improve sensitivity in the following LC-MS/MS analysis. Results. Using only 100 μL serum the limit of quantification was < 0.2 ng/mL for vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The method was validated up to 100 ng/mL (260 nmol/L) for vitamin D3, up to 100 ng/mL (240 nmol/L) for 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and up to 200 ng/mL (499 nmol/L) for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Precision was < 6.5% for vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and < 10.2% for 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Conclusion. We demonstrate that a method including not only serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 but also vitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 could easily be implemented in most modern biochemical laboratories. The method could be used to study the metabolism of endogenous synthesized vitamin D3 as well as vitamin D3 in intervention studies.
A framework of ubiquitous learning environment

In the past years, during the research on ubiquitous learning, we have completely or partially explored three kinds of e-learning systems, PC-based (ECLUE), PDA-based (CLUE+), and mobile phone-based (CLUE+1). Based on these research backgrounds, we explore the concept and the construction of ubiquitous learning environment (ULE). ULE is established on the combinations between real world and virtual space, personal space and shared space. Learning in ULE is conducted in the interactions among three essential communicative elements: social human, object in real world, and artifact in virtual space. Learning process is social transfer process between tacit and explicit knowledge. Human-based social network and broad context-awareness are very important for various interactions and social knowledge building in ULE. This paper proposes a five-dimension representation method for context-awareness information description. Additionally, this paper also gives a simple discussion to related learning terms, including blending learning (BL), social and emotional learning (SEL), and service learning (SL), which are contributive to our deeper understanding to learning in ULE. On practical dimension, this paper presents an example model for ULE implementation by integrating three background learning systems.
Neurovascular territory involved in different etiological subtypes of ischemic stroke in the Perugia Stroke Registry

We studied the correlation between the potential causes of stroke (TOAST etiological groups) and the involvement of different vascular territories seen on computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with ischemic stroke. Information from consecutive patients with a first‐ever stroke have been prospectively coded and entered into a computerized data bank (Perugia Stroke Registry). A population of 1719 patients were evaluated: 1284 patients (74.7%) had ischemic stroke. Large artery disease was the main cause of entire middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarcts (40.9%), superficial MCA territory infarcts (35.7%), and watershed infarcts (68.2%). The highest presence of emboligenic heart disease was found in the entire MCA territory infarcts (28.8%) or superficial (29.4%) supratentorial infarcts and in cerebellar infarcts (36.8%). Small artery disease was the most common presumed cause of deep MCA infarcts (75.0%) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory infarcts (52.1%). In conclusion: stroke location could depend on its etiology. Lacunar infarcts are the most prevalent (36.7%), being mostly localized in the deep MCA territory; large artery disease includes more than two‐thirds of watershed infarcts; the most prevalent territories involved in cardioembolic stroke are the entire MCA and posterior fossa.
Differentiation-dependent expression of the brown adipocyte uncoupling protein gene: regulation by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

Uncoupling protein (UCP) is expressed only in brown adipocytes and is responsible for the unique thermogenic properties of this cell type. The novel brown preadipocyte cell line, HIB-1B, expresses UCP in a strictly differentiation-dependent manner. Transgenic mice studies have shown that a region from kb -2.8 to -1.0 of the marine UCP gene is required for brown adipocyte-specific expression. Subsequent analysis identified a potent 220-bp enhancer from kb -2.5 to -2.3. We show that this enhancer is active only in differentiated HIB-1B adipocytes, and we identify a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) response element, referred to as UCP regulatory element 1 (URE1), within the enhancer. URE1 has differentiation-dependent enhancing activity in HIB-1B cells and is required for enhancer action, since mutations of URE1 that block protein binding abolish enhancer activity. We also show that PPAR gamma antibodies block binding to URE1 of nuclear extracts from cultured brown adipocytes and from the brown adipose tissue of cold-exposed mice. Protein binding to URE1 increases substantially during differentiation of HIB-1B preadipocytes, and PPAR-gamma mRNA levels increase correspondingly. Although forced expression of PPAR gamma and retinoid X receptor alpha activates the enhancer in HIB-1B preadipocytes, these receptors are not capable of activating the enhancer in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Our results show that PPAR gamma is a regulator of the differentiation-dependent expression of UCP and suggest that there are additional factors in HIB-1B cells required for brown adipocyte-specific UCP expression.
Posterior tibial artery access using transradial techniques: Retrograde approach to inaccessible lower extremity lesions

Percutaneous intervention of chronic limb ischemia is often limited by vascular access especially in patients with previous surgical interventions. This warrants development of alternative endovascular techniques, particularly for patients in whom traditional ipsilateral antegrade or contralateral retrograde access has failed or is not possible. We describe a novel approach to the posterior tibial artery using retrograde access with transradial techniques including closure devices in two patients with inaccessible antegrade access. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening of Iranian Thalassemic Families for the Most Common Deletions of the β-Globin Gene Cluster

δβ-Thalassemia (thal) is a disorder, characterized by increased levels of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) in adult life. A considerable number of deletions of variable size and position in the β-globin gene cluster are associated with the clinical manifestation of δβ-thal. In this study we have determined the presence of the eight most common deletions in Iranian patients. Thirty-two patients from 19 families were referred to the Kariminejad-Najmabadi Pathology and Genetics Center, Tehran, Iran (a private genetics center), within the past 3 years with elevated levels of Hb F and low mean corpuscular volume (MCV). After obtaining their informed consent, DNA was extracted from whole blood by the salting-out method. Detection of eight deletions was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These deletions included the hereditary persistence of fetal Hb (HPFH) 1 (Black) and 3 (Indian), Spanish (−114 kb), Sicilian (−13,377 bp), Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thal (−100 kb), Asian-Indian inversion-deletion Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thal, and the Turkish form of inversion-deletion (δβ)0-thal, as well as the Hbs Lepore, which are characterized by unequal crossovers between the δ- and β-globin genes. We found the Sicilian (−13,377 bp) and Hb Lepore deletions as well as the Asian-Indian Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thal in 11 (57.89%), three (15.78%) and five (26.31%) families, respectively. None of the aforementioned deletions were found in one of the patients. This is the first study of the deletions involved in δβ-thal in Iranian patients. Our study highlights the importance of detecting these mutations for prenatal diagnosis carrier detection and genotype/phenotype prediction.
A Unified Continuous and Discrete Model for Double-Gate MOSFETs With Spatially Varying or Pulsed Doping Profiles

This paper presents a unified continuous and discrete model covering all device operating regions of double-gate MOSFETs for the first time. With a specific variable transformation method, the 1-D Poisson’s equation in the Cartesian coordinate for double-gate MOSFETs is transformed into the corresponding form in the cylindrical coordinate. Such a transformed cylindrical Poisson’s equation results in a simple algebraic equation, which correlates the (inversion-charge induced) surface potential to the field and allows the long-channel drain-current formula to be derived from the Pao–Sah integral. This model can be readily applied to predict the effects of both continuous and discrete doping variations. The short-channel-effect model is also developed by solving the 2-D Poisson’s equation using the eigenfunction-expansion method. The accuracy of both long-channel and short-channel models is confirmed by the numerical calculations and TCAD simulations.
Rapid and Sensitive Routine Detection of All Members of the Genus Enterovirus in Different Clinical Specimens by Real-Time PCR

ABSTRACT We developed a rapid and sensitive method for the routine detection of all members of the enterovirus genus in different clinical specimens by using real-time TaqMan quantitative PCR. Multiple primer and probe sets were selected in the highly conserved 5′-untranslated region of the enterovirus genome. Our assay detected all 60 different enterovirus species tested, whereas no reactivity was observed with the viruses from the other genera of the picornaviridae family, e.g., hepatovirus and parechovirus. Weak cross-reactivity was observed with 7 of the 90 different high-titer rhinovirus stocks but not with rhinovirus-positive clinical isolates. Analysis of a well-characterized reference panel containing different enteroviruses at various concentrations demon-strated that the enterovirus real-time TaqMan PCR is as sensitive as most of the currently used molecular detection assays. Evaluation of clinical isolates demonstrated that the assay is more sensitive than the “gold standard” method, i.e., viral culture. Moreover, the PCR assay can be used on different clinical specimens, such as plasma, serum, nose and throat swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, and bronchoalveolar lavage, without apparent inhibition. Our data demonstrate that the real-time TaqMan PCR is a rapid and sensitive assay for the detection of enterovirus infection. The assay has a robust character and is easily standardized, which makes it an excellent alternative for the conventional time-consuming viral culture.