Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Band Selection for Hyperspectral Imagery Classification Without Manual Band Removal

The rich information available in hyperspectral imagery has provided significant opportunities for material classification and identification. Due to the problem of the “curse of dimensionality” (called Hughes phenomenon) posed by the high number of spectral channels along with small amounts of labeled training samples, dimensionality reduction is a necessary preprocessing step for hyperspectral data. Generally, in order to improve the classification accuracy, noise bands generated by various sources (primarily the sensor and the atmosphere) are often manually removed in advance. However, the removal of these bands may discard some important discriminative information, eventually degrading the classification accuracy. In this paper, we propose a new strategy to automatically select bands without manual band removal. Firstly, wavelet shrinkage is applied to denoise the spatial images of the whole data cube. Then affinity propagation, which is a recently proposed feature selection approach, is used to choose representative bands from the noise-reduced data. Experimental results on three real hyperspectral data collected by two different sensors demonstrate that the bands selected by our approach on the whole data (containing noise bands) could achieve higher overall classification accuracies than those by other state-of-the-art feature selection techniques on the manual-band-removal (MBR) data, even better than the bands identified by the proposed approach on the MBR data, indicating that the removed “noise” bands are valuable for hyperspectral classification, which should not be eliminated.
Characterization of the Murine Fatty Acid Transport Protein Gene and Its Insulin Response Sequence*

Fatty acid transport protein (FATP) was identified by expression cloning strategies (Schaffer, J. E., and Lodish, H. F. (1994) Cell 79, 427–436) and shown by transfection analysis to catalyze the transfer of long-chain fatty acids across the plasma membrane of cells. It is expressed highly in tissues exhibiting rapid fatty acid metabolism such as skeletal muscle, heart, and adipose. FATP mRNA levels are down-regulated by insulin in cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes and up-regulated by nutrient depletion in murine adipose tissue (Man, M. Z., Hui, T. Y., Schaffer, J. E., Lodish, H. F., and Bernlohr, D. A. (1996) Mol. Endocrinol. 10, 1021–1028). To determine the molecular mechanism of insulin regulation of FATP transcription, we have isolated the murine FATP gene and its 5′-flanking sequences. The FATP gene spans ∼16 kilobases and contains 13 exons, of which exon 2 is alternatively spliced. S1 nuclease and RNase protection assays revealed the presence of multiple transcription start sites; the DNA sequence upstream of the predominant transcription start sites lacks a typical TATA box. By transient transfection assays in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the inhibitory action of insulin on FATP transcription was localized to a cis-acting element with the sequence 5′-TGTTTTC-3′ from −1347 to −1353. This sequence is very similar to the insulin response sequence found in the regulatory region of other genes negatively regulated by insulin such as those encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, tyrosine aminotransferase, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that the murine FATP gene is localized to chromosome 8, band 8B3.3. Interestingly, this region of chromosome 8 contains a cluster of three other genes important for fatty acid homeostasis, lipoprotein lipase, the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1. These results characterize the murine FATP gene and its insulin responsiveness as well as present a framework for future studies of its role in lipid metabolism, obesity, and type II diabetes mellitus.
Immunostimulant, cerebroprotective & nootropic activities of Andrographis paniculata leaves extract in normal & type 2 diabetic rats

Background & objectives: A large number of plants have been recognized to be effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Persistent hyperglycaemia is associated with decreased function of immune system and cerebral ischaemia mainly due to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant widely used in folk medicine for various purposes. In this study the effect of chronic administration (7 days) of methanolic extract of A. paniculata leaves was studied in rats with experimentally induced diabetes, nootropic and immunostimulant activities were evaluated. The effect of acute administration of methanolic extract of A. paniculata leaves was also studied for cerebroprotective activity. Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) + nicotinamide (150 mg/kg). Various biochemical parameters were estimated using standard methods. Results: A significant (P<0.05) increase in cognitive function was observed in both normal and type 2 diabetic rats. Nootropic activity in terms of per cent reduction in latency period was more in type 2 diabetic rats. A significant increase in blood lymphocyte count, splenic lymphocyte count and peritoneal macrophage count was observed in both normal and type 2 diabetic rats. Immunostimulant activity was observed more in type 2 diabetic rats. The per cent decrease in cerebral infarction was more in type 2 diabetic rats when compared to normal rats. The per cent increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels was more in type 2 diabetic rats. Interpretation & conclusions: The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of A. paniculata leaves was evident by decreased tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased SOD levels. These properties may be responsible for the observed cerebroprotective activity. The methanolic leaf extract of A. paniculata showed significant immunostimulant, cerebroprotective and nootropic activities in normal and type 2 diabetic rats.
Maximum minimum eigenvalues based spectrum scanner for cognitive radios

In this paper we introduce a technique for spectrum scanning with the maximum minimum eigenvalue detection based spectrum sensing. The fundamental problem we address in this paper is the inability of using maximum minimum eigenvalue detection with filtering in time domain where the white noise becomes coloured. The solution we propose here is based on frequency domain rectangular filtering. By frequency domain rectangular filtering we take the spectral lines inside each sub-band and throw out the rest. After doing the frequency domain rectangular filtering, we generate the corresponding time domain signal and inject it to the maximum minimum eigenvalue detector. An experimental verification has been performed and the obtained results show that the technique is implementable with a performance better than the energy detector as a reference technique in terms of the probability of detection when both technique have the same probability of false alarm.
An Asymmetric Half-Bridge Resonant Converter Having a Reduced Conduction Loss for DC/DC Power Applications With a Wide Range of Low Input Voltage

A new asymmetric half-bridge (HB) resonant converter for dc/dc power system with a wide range of low input voltage is proposed in this paper. The proposed converter is easily derived based on the switch integration technique, merging a buck–boost, which is the same with the active-clamp forward's primary circuit, and the HB LLC resonant converter. By adopting the buck–boost circuit in front of the HB LLC resonant converter, higher input voltage of LLC resonant converter stage can be achieved. As a result, the primary conduction loss can be significantly reduced. In addition, to cover wide input voltage range, an asymmetric pulse width modulation control is applied. It can mitigate the design limitation for a high efficiency. Moreover, the proposed converter can achieve not only the small conduction loss and the optimal design for high efficiency, but also high power density and low cost due to the switch integration technique. The validity of the proposed converter is confirmed by the experimental results of a prototype converter with 36–72 VDC input and 300 W (12 V/25 A) output.
Technological catching-up and growth convergence among US industries

Using a non-parametric programming framework, we analyze input-output ratio convergence and technical efficiency catching-up among 63 North American industries over the period 1987-2014. We first separate efficiency gaps into two components: a technical efficiency effect taking into account industry size heterogeneity and a structural component which highlights the impacts of an input-output deepening or expanding effect on technological transfer over time. Secondly, a panel data analysis is performed to link input and output price evolutions with changes in technical efficiencies and input-output mixes. Results clearly show that convergence is observed for both technical and structural components. The impact of these convergence processes on the US economy is estimated at around 0.64% of additional growth. Moreover, these two convergence processes have positive influence onto final demand prices and profitability but negative impact onto suppliers’ prices while no effect can be established on employees or capital providers’ remunerations.
Partial Discharges Multi-Targets Localization in Power Transformers Based On Array Signal Processing

A new partial discharges multi-targets localization method is presented in this paper, which is based on array signal processing. Two ultrasonic sensor arrays are located on the inner wall of the transformer tank and detect the ultrasonic signal emitted by the partial discharge sources. Spatial spectrum estimation technique is used in analyzing the signal characteristic information (number of signals, direction-of-arrivals et. al) and the number of partial discharge signal estimation, direction-of-arrival estimation and distance estimation are accomplished. The performance of localizations is given by computer simulations. It shows that the method processes with high resolution and good estimated accuracy and can effectively estimate the location parameter of multiple partial discharge sources in transformer.
Air pollution-oriented ecological risk assessment in Xiamen city, China

ABSTRACT Urban energy consumption is one of the most important causes of air pollution. Air pollution-oriented ecological risk assessment is of great significance to the promotion of urban environmental protection. This paper focuses on ecological risk in Xiamen city caused by air pollutant discharge from urban energy consumption. The Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning model was used to establish two scenarios of energy consumption in Xiamen city, and based on different scenarios, we estimated urban energy consumption and discharge quantity of air pollutant (DQAP). A box model and an expert scoring method were used to calculate the air pollution burden (APB) of SO2, NO2, CO, PM10 and PM2.5 and to obtain the probabilities of different air pollution loads. An ecological risk assessment model was developed and utilized to predict Xiamen city’s ecological risks in 2020. The results showed that under an energy-saving scenario, the ecological risks for PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 are high, whereas the ecological risks for CO and PM10 are low. Under a baseline scenario, the ecological risks for PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 are moderate, whereas the ecological risks for CO and PM10 are low. In addition, the APB of SO2, NO2, CO, and PM2.5, but not of PM10, is predicted to rise. In the simulation, energy generation from coal is the main source of air pollution. Although the DQAP from automobiles is not high, it is predicted to rise year-on-year. In summary, the ecological risk due to pollution in Xiamen city is high, and the main pollutants are SO2, NO2 and PM2.5.
Autophagy 16‐like 1 rs2241880 G allele is associated with Crohn’s disease in German children

Aim: Genome‐wide association studies have described an association of the ATG16L1 (autophagy 16‐like 1) gene rs2241880 variant with Crohn’s disease (CD). Therefore, we evaluated this polymorphism in early‐onset CD in 152 children and 253 controls and for the first time determined ATG16L1 colonic expression in German CD children.
Multicenter evaluation of arbitrarily primed PCR for typing of Staphylococcus aureus strains

Fifty-nine isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and a single strain of Staphylococcus intermedius were typed by arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR). To study reproducibility and discriminatory abilities, AP-PCR was carried out in seven laboratories with a standardized amplification protocol, template DNA isolated in a single institution, and a common set of three primers with different resolving powers. The 60 strains could be divided into 16 to 30 different genetic types, depending on the laboratory. This difference in resolution was due to differences in technical procedures (as shown by the deliberate introduction of experimental variables) and/or the interpretation of the DNA fingerprints. However, this did not hamper the epidemiologically correct clustering of related strains. The average number of different genotypes identified exceeded those of the more traditional typing strategies (F. C. Tenover, R. Arbeit, G. Archer, J. Biddle, S. Byrne, R. Goering, G. Hancock, G. A. Hebert, B. Hill, R. Hollis, W. R. Jarvis, B. Kreiswirth, W. Eisner, J. Maslow, L. K. McDougal, J. M. Miller, M. Mulligan, and M. A. Pfaller, J. Clin. Microbiol. 32:407-415, 1994). Comparison of AP-PCR with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) indicated the existence of strains with constant PFGE types but variable AP-PCR types. The reverse (constant AP-PCR and variable PFGE patterns) was also observed. This indicates additional resolution for combined analyses. It is concluded that AP-PCR is well suited for genetic analysis and monitoring of nosocomial spreading of staphylococci. The interlaboratory reproducibility of DNA-banding patterns and the intralaboratory standardization need improvement.
The Effects of Social Media on the Undergraduate Medical Students

ackground: In recent years, social media like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have become the most visited websites in the world, with Facebook topping the list and recently the use of social networking sites has grown tremendously especially among the students. However, very little informations are known about the scale and purpose of use, how students use these sites and, more specifically, whether these sites help or hurt their academic progress. Aims of the study: The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of social media on undergraduate medical students of Babylon University. Method: A research questionnaire was designed to determine the factors of social media that have impact on students. Variables identified are age, gender, stage of student, type and duration of use of social media used, effect on study timings, time and duration of sleep at night, the number of days per week, benefit in the medical field, effect on scientific level, continuous sharing with teacher on these sites, and benefit from site of medical college. About 510 undergraduate medical students in Babylon University were randomly selected, six groups were taken according to the six stages of the medical college (85 students in each group). Results & discussion: The study revealed that ages of students range from 18 to 24 and female students form the largest percentages in all groups. From this research study it was also found that the highest percentages of students in all groups used Facebook and YouTube more than other types of social media and spend about 2 hours on internet. In addition to that higher percentage of students had a benefit from site of medical college and they had same or increased scientific level, moreover there was no relation between duration of use of social media and sleep with study timings and scientific level. Conclusion: Our study concluded that most of students in all groups use only two types of these media, majority of students spend all days of the week using these media, there was no continuous sharing with teacher in all groups and in most of students there was a benefit from site of medical college. The study also showed that duration of use of these networks has no effect on scientific level of students and most of students has the same or increased scientific level.
Immunoadjuvant potential of cross-linked dextran microspheres mixed with chitosan nanospheres encapsulated with tetanus toxoid

Abstract Context: Nasal mucosa is a desirable route for mucosal vaccine delivery. Mucosal co-administration of chitosan nanoparticles with absorption enhancers such as cross-linked dextran microspheres (CDM, Sephadex®) is a promising antigen delivery system. Objective: In the current study, the chitosan nanospheres loaded with tetanus toxoid (CHT:TT NPs) was prepared and characterized. The immune responses against tetanus toxoid after nasal administration of CHT:TT NPs alone or mixed with CDM were also determined. Materials and methods: Chitosan nanospheres were prepared by ionic gelation method. Particle size, releasing profile and antigen stability were evaluated by dynamic light scattering, diffusion chamber and SDS-PAGE methods, respectively. Rabbits were nasally immunized with different formulations loaded with 40 Lf TT. After three times immunizations with 2 weeks intervals, sera IgG titres and nasal lavage sIgA titres were determined. Results: Mean size of CHT NPs and CHT:TT NPs were 205 ± 42 nm and 432 ± 85 nm, respectively. The release profile showed that 42.4 ± 10.5% of TT was released after 30 min and reached to a steady state after 1.5 h. Stability of encapsulated TT in nanospheres was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The antibody titres showed that CHT:TT NPs-induced antibody titres were higher than TT solution. CHT NPs mixed with CDM induced the systemic IgG and nasal lavage sIgA titres higher than intranasal administration of TT solution (p < 0.001). Discussion and conclusion: As the results indicated, these CHT:TT NPs when co-administered with CDM were able to induce more immune responses and have the potential to be used in mucosal immunization.
Exploiting Local Coherent Patterns for Unsupervised Feature Ranking

Prior to pattern recognition, feature selection is often used to identify relevant features and discard irrelevant ones for obtaining improved analysis results. In this paper, we aim to develop an unsupervised feature ranking algorithm that evaluates features using discovered local coherent patterns, which are known as biclusters. The biclusters (viewed as submatrices) are discovered from a data matrix. These submatrices are used for scoring relevant features from two aspects, i.e., the interdependence of features and the separability of instances. The features are thereby ranked with respect to their accumulated scores from the total discovered biclusters before the pattern classification. Experimental results show that this proposed method can yield comparable or even better performance in comparison with the well-known Fisher score, Laplacian score, and variance score using three UCI data sets, well improve the results of gene expression data analysis using gene ontology annotation, and finally demonstrate its advantage of unsupervised feature ranking for high-dimensional data.
Soy isoflavone metabolism in cats compared with other species: urinary metabolite concentrations and glucuronidation by liver microsomes

Abstract 1. Soybean is a common source of protein in many pet foods. Slow glucuronidation of soy-derived isoflavones in cats has been hypothesized to result in accumulation with adverse health consequences. Here, we evaluated species’ differences in soy isoflavone glucuronidation using urine samples from cats and dogs fed a soy-based diet and liver microsomes from cats compared with microsomes from 12 other species. 2. Significant concentrations of conjugated (but not unconjugated) genistein, daidzein and glycitein, and the gut microbiome metabolites, dihydrogenistein and dihydrodaidzein, were found in cat and dog urine samples. Substantial amounts of conjugated equol were also found in cat urine but not in dog urine. 3. β-Glucuronidase treatment showed that all these compounds were significantly glucuronidated in dog urine while only daidzein (11%) and glycitein (37%) showed any glucuronidation in cat urine suggesting that alternate metabolic pathways including sulfation predominate in cats. 4. Glucuronidation rates of genistein, daidzein and equol by cat livers were consistently ranked within the lowest 3 out of 13 species’ livers evaluated. Ferret and mongoose livers were also ranked in the lowest four species. 5. Our results demonstrate that glucuronidation is a minor pathway for soy isoflavone metabolism in cats compared with most other species.
Effect of the addition of chia's by-product on the composition of fatty acids in hamburgers through chemometric methods.

BACKGROUND Hamburger is a meat-based food that is easy to prepare and is widely consumed. It can be enriched using different ingredients, such as chia's by-product, which is rich in omega-3. Chemometrics is a very interesting tool to assess the influence of ingredients in the composition of foods. A complete factorial design 2(2) (two factors in two levels) with duplicate was performed to investigate the influence of the factors (1) concentration of textured soy proteins (TSP) and (2) concentration of chia flour partially defatted (CFPD) as a partial replacement for the bovine meat and porcine fat mix in hamburgers. RESULTS The results of proximal composition, lipid oxidation, fatty acids sums, ratios, and nutritional indexes were used to propose statistical models. The factors TSP and CFPD were significant, and the increased values contributed to improve the composition in fatty acids, crude protein, and ash. Principal components analysis distinguished the samples with a higher content of chia. In desirability analysis, the highest level of TSP and CFPD was described as the optimal region, and it was not necessary to make another experimental point. CONCLUSION The addition of chia's by-product is an alternative to increase the α-linolenic contents and to obtain nutritionally balanced food.
Experimental evidence for growth advantage and metabolic shift stimulated by photophosphorylation of proteorhodopsin expressed in Escherichia coli at anaerobic condition

Since solar light energy is the source of all renewable biological energy, the direct usage of light energy by bacterial cell factory has been a very attractive concept, especially using light energy to promote anaerobic fermentation growth and even recycle low‐energy carbon source when energy is the limiting factor. Proteorhodopsin(PR), a light‐driven proton pump proven to couple with ATP synthesis when expressed heterogeneously, is an interesting and simple option to enable light usage in engineered strains. However, although it was reported to influence fermentation in some cases, heterogeneous proteorhodopsin expression was never shown to support growth advantage or cause metabolic shift by photophosphorylation so far. Hereby, we presented the first experimental evidence that heterogeneously expressed proteorhodopsin can provide growth advantage and cause ATP‐dependent metabolism shift of acetate and lactate changes in Escherichia coli at anaerobic condition. Those discoveries suggest further application potential of PR in anaerobic fermentation where energy is a limiting factor. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 947–956. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.