Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Temperature on Seed Dormancy

Seed dormancy is an ecological adaptation that allows seasonal timing of germination for seeds in a population. Several environmental stimuli can trigger dormancy release, the most important being seed moisture content, light and temperature. Of these, temperature is arguably the most important. The objective of this brief review is to consider the various ways temperature impacts seed dormancy release. It will cover general aspects of seed dormancy, temperature effects on primary dormancy and considerations for conducting and interpreting seed dormancy research. Propagators of cultivated plants have long recognized that germination-delaying mechanisms exist in seeds. The first recorded discussion of seed dormancy was written by Theophrastus in 300 B.C. (Evenari, 1981). He recognized that germination of most seeds declined during storage (seed deterioration), while germination in some seeds increased (dormancy release). One problem with discussing seed dormancy is that there is no single recognized terminology to describe the many different types of seed dormancy. Crocker (1916) described seven types of dormancy based on treatments used to overcome them. Subsequently, Nikolaeva (1977) defined dormancy based primarily upon physiological controls. More recently, Lang (1987) proposed the terms eco-, para-, and endo-dormancy to simplify terminology. This system is currently utilized in American Society for Horticultural Science journals. However, this terminology is not sufficient to adequately describe all the types of dormancy found in seeds. Baskin and Baskin (1998) have developed the most complete set of terms to describe seed dormancy. They have extended the dormancy classifications of Nikolaeva to include additional specialty types. In this review, I will use a system based on the work of Nikolaeva, as modified by Baskin and Baskin (Hartmann et al., 2002). It is a classification system that I feel fits both the ecological and horticultural aspects of seed dormancy and is accepted by most of the scientists working in the field of seed biology (Table 1).
Ku-band oscillator using integrated defected ground structure resonator in 0.18μm CMOS technology

In the paper, we propose a novel voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) employing defected ground structure (DGS) band stop filter (BSF). The VCO operates from 15.24 GHz to 15.86 GHz. A square shaped DGS etched at the lowest metal layer (M1) below 50-Ohm microstrip line on the top metal layer (M6) of 0.18 μm 1P6M CMOS process. The proposed square-shaped DGS resonator achieves smaller size and higher quality factor than those of a conventional spiral inductor resonator at Ku band frequency. The power dissipation of the VCO is 4 mW. The measured carrier frequency and phase noise are 15.76 GHz and −127.57 dBc/Hz (104.25 dBc/Hz) at 10 MHz (1 MHz) offset frequency, respectively. The measured figure of merit (FoM) is 182.9 dB. The fabricated chip core VCO size is only 0.084mm2 which increases figure of merit (FoMa) to 194 dB.
Autonomic cooperative networking for wireless green sensor systems

Both the concept of cooperative transmission and the notion of autonomicity have emerged recently as the key elements of the future networked systems. Cooperative transmission allows for extending the transmission range achievable by power-constrained devices thanks to the use of their neighbours being able to reach more distant destination nodes. Autonomicity in turn enables a networked system to behave like a living organism and self-manage without any explicit need for an external intervention. Each of these ideas is highly applicable to wireless sensor networks in terms of conserving energy and improving transmission capabilities to facilitate smooth and durable system operation.
The Economics of the Proposed Mortgage Servicer Settlement

On March 4, 2011, the New York Times described a settlement ("settlement") proposed by a consortium of state attorneys general (AGs) to large mortgage servicers. The claims to be settled reportedly relate to failures to follow existing procedural rules relating to the foreclosure process. The settlement would make dramatic changes in those rules, and reportedly require a mortgage loan principal reduction program of $20 to 25 billion. The purpose of this study is to review how such a settlement would affect the housing market and the larger economy.We find that the proposed settlement would generate significant unintended negative consequences for housing and financial markets. In particular, we find that (1) the settlement is unlikely to provide broad or lasting benefits; (2) the settlement would be counterproductive in its overall effect because it would drive up the number of defaults and servicing costs; (3) the proposal would slow new home construction and consumer spending, and reduce access to credit; and (4) the increased costs imposed by the settlement, under some assumptions, could increase mortgage interest rates by 22 to 31 basis points per year. In light of all of these considerations, we conclude that the settlement would serve to extend, rather than end, the foreclosure crisis.
[The clinical outcome of proximal fibular osteosarcoma with en-bloc resection].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the local recurrence and 5-year survival of proximal fibular osteosarcoma. METHODS From October 1997 to July 2005, 12 patients with proximal fibular osteosarcoma were treated. There were 9 males and 3 females. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 (9-23) years old. Histopathological diagnosis were obtained by trut-cut biopsy, Enneking surgical stages of 12 lesions were as follows: 11 grade II B and 1 grade III. Induction chemotherapy was applied to all patients except one who left the hospital after the biopsy. Of 11 patients, 8 were performed Malawer type I resection, and 3 type II. All patients continued to get postoperative chemotherapy. RESULTS Regular follow-up was applied. Only 1 patient was found local recurrence one year after operation and received re-resection, the others did not. Four patients died of lung metastases, including the one who did not get treated, one stage III and two II B patients. The range of follow up was 6 to 117 months. The evaluated 5 year disease-free survival of 11 patients who got treated was 72.7% by using Kaplan Meier survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS The local recurrence is low, and 5 year disease-free survival is acceptable, in accordance with present point that marginal resection may not impact survival for fibular osteosarcoma. No knee instability is found in this group after great care is taken for proper reconstruction of lateral collateral ligament and reinsertion of biceps femoris tendon on the lateral condyle of tibia.
Do the feet of German and Australian children differ in structure? Implications for children's shoe design

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were any significant differences in the morphology of the feet of children living on two different continents. The shape and dimensions of the feet of 86 preschool and 419 primary school children from Australia, matched to the same number of German children for age, gender, height and BMI, were compared. The German children display significantly longer and flatter feet relative to their Australian counterparts, whereas the Australian children reveal a significantly smaller ball angle, implying that the forefoot of the Australian children is squarer in shape. These findings imply that footwear must be designed to cater to the unique foot dimensions of children in different continents to ensure that shoe shape matches foot shape. Most footwear companies do not vary the dimensions of their shoe lasts to accommodate intercontinental differences in foot morphology based on racial and/or environmental factors. The results of this study will have immediate implications for the design of comfortable footwear suitable for the developing feet of children.
Synthesis of well aligned silicon nanowire arrays by reflow of photoresist techniques

Well aligned Si nanowires (SiNWs) by Vapor-Liquid-Solid growth process are presented. Instead of using H2, the current work uses N2 as carrier gas. The growth conditions of SiNWs are controlled by the ratio of nitrogen versus silane gas. Tapering of nanowires was found at T=620degC and P=333 m torr, and the tapering parameter was reduced by increasing the N2 gas. Tapering of nanowires is attributed to volume reduction of Au catalyst which diffuses onto the side wall of nanowires. However, it is found that the N2 gas has a similar effect of O2 gas which can reduce diffusion of Au catalyst so that volume reduction of Au catalyst is not so significant and nanowire growth becomes untapered. By adopting reflow of photoresist techniques, the size of metal catalyst for SiNWs growth can be significantly reduced, and the growth location of SiNWs can be defined. Well aligned Si nanowires can be obtained. However, aspect ratio of the nano size hole in the photoresist after reflow has a significant effect on the amount of the Au in the nanoparticles and thus the quality and growth of the nanowires.
IG/MYC Rearrangements are the Main Cytogenetic Alteration in Plasmablastic Lymphomas

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive lymphoma characterized by a terminally differentiated B-cell phenotype that usually occurs in the immunocompromised or elderly patients. Although the clinical and pathologic characteristics of these tumors have been defined, the genetic alterations involved in their pathogenesis are not well known. In this study, we have investigated the chromosomal alterations of MYC, BCL2, BCL6, MALT1, PAX5, and IGH loci using fluorescence in situ hybridization in 42 PBL and 3 extracavitary primary effusion lymphomas. MYC rearrangements were identified in 20 of 41 (49%) PBL and the immunoglobulin (IG) genes were the partners in most tumors. MYC rearrangements were more common in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive (14 of 19, 74%) than EBV-negative (9 of 21, 43%) tumors (P<0.05). No rearrangements of BCL2, BCL6, MALT1, or PAX5 were detected in any PBL but gains of these loci were observed in 31% to 41% of the cases examined. Twelve of the 40 PBL in which 3 or more loci could be investigated had multiple simultaneous gains in 3 or more loci. No differences in the survival of the patients according to MYC were observed but the 4 patients with the longest survival (>50 mo) had no or low number of gains (<3). No rearrangements of any of these loci were seen in the primary effusion lymphomas. In conclusion, PBL are genetically characterized by frequent IG/MYC translocations and gains in multiple chromosomal loci. The oncogenic activation of MYC in these lymphomas may be an important pathogenetic element associated with EBV infection.
Estrogen Receptor β Signaling through Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog/Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt/Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Down-Regulates Blood-Brain Barrier Breast Cancer Resistance Protein

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is an ATP-driven efflux pump at the blood-brain barrier that limits central nervous system pharmacotherapy. Our previous studies showed rapid loss of BCRP transport activity in rat brain capillaries exposed to low concentrations of 17-β-estradiol (E2); this occurred without acute change in BCRP protein expression. Here, we describe a pathway through which sustained, extended exposure to E2 signals down-regulation of BCRP at the blood-brain barrier. Six-hour exposure of isolated rat and mouse brain capillaries to E2 reduced BCRP transport activity and BCRP monomer and dimer expression. Experiments with brain capillaries from estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ knockout mice and with ER agonists and antagonists showed that E2 signaled through ERβ to down-regulate BCRP expression. In rat brain capillaries, E2 increased unphosphorylated, active phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); decreased phosphorylated, active Akt; and increased phosphorylated, active glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3. Consistent with this, inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) or Akt decreased BCRP activity and protein expression, and inhibition of PTEN or GSK3 reversed the E2 effect on BCRP. Lactacystin, a proteasome inhibitor, abolished E2-mediated BCRP down-regulation, suggesting internalization followed by transporter degradation. Dosing mice with E2 reduced BCRP activity in brain capillaries within 1 h; this reduction persisted for 24 h. BCRP protein expression in brain capillaries was unchanged 1 h after E2 dosing but was substantially reduced 6 and 24 h after dosing. Thus, E2 signals through ERβ, PTEN/PI3K/Akt/GSK3 to stimulate proteasomal degradation of BCRP. These in vitro and in vivo findings imply that E2-mediated down-regulation of blood-brain barrier BCRP has the potential to increase brain uptake of chemotherapeutics that are BCRP substrates.
An XMM-Newton Observation of the Lagoon Nebula and the Very Young Open Cluster NGC 6530

We report the results of an XMM-Newton observation of the Lagoon Nebula (M 8). Our EPIC images of this region reveal a cluster of point sources, most of which have optical counterparts inside the very young open cluster NGC 6530. The bulk of these X-ray sources are probably associated with low and intermediate mass pre-main sequence stars. One of the sources experienced a flare-like increase of its X-ray flux making it the second brightest source in M 8 after the O4 star 9 Sgr. The X-ray spectra of most of the brightest sources can be fitted with thermal plasma models with temperatures of kT af ew keV. Only a few of the X-ray selected PMS candidates are known to display H emission and were previously classified as classical T Tauri stars. This suggests that most of the X-ray emitting PMS stars in NGC 6530 are weak-line T Tauri stars. In addition to 9 Sgr, our EPIC field of view contains also a few early-type stars. The X-ray emission from HD 164816 is found to be typical for an O9.5 III-IV star. At least one of the known Herbig Be stars in NGC 6530 (LkH 115) exhibits a relatively strong X-ray emission, while most of the main sequence stars of spectral type B1 and later are not detected. We also detect (probably) diuse X-ray emission from the Hourglass Region that might reveal a hot bubble blown by the stellar wind of Herschel 36, the ionizing star of the Hourglass Region.
The Gene History of Zebrafish tlr4a and tlr4b Is Predictive of Their Divergent Functions1

Mammalian immune responses to LPS exposure are typified by the robust induction of NF-κB and IFN-β responses largely mediated by TLR4 signal transduction pathways. In contrast to mammals, Tlr4 signal transduction pathways in nontetrapods are not well understood. Comprehensive syntenic and phylogenetic analyses support our hypothesis that zebrafish tlr4a and tlr4b genes are paralogous rather than orthologous to human TLR4. Furthermore, we provide evidence to support our assertion that the in vivo responsiveness of zebrafish to LPS exposure is not mediated by Tlr4a and Tlr4b paralogs because they fail to respond to LPS stimulation in vitro. Zebrafish Tlr4a and Tlr4b paralogs were also unresponsive to heat-killed Escherichia coli and Legionella pneumophila. Using chimeric molecules in which portions of the zebrafish Tlr4 proteins were fused to portions of the mouse TLR4 protein, we show that the lack of responsiveness to LPS was most likely due to the inability of the extracellular portions of zebrafish Tlr4a and Tlr4b to recognize the molecule, rather than to changes in their capacities to transduce signals through their Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR) domains. Taken together, these findings strongly support the notion that zebrafish tlr4a and tlr4b paralogs have evolved to provide alternative ligand specificities to the Tlr immune defense system in this species. These data demonstrate that intensive examination of gene histories when describing the Tlr proteins of basally diverging vertebrates is required to obtain fuller appreciation of the evolution of their function. These studies provide the first evidence for the functional evolution of a novel Tlr.
Binding of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac Toxin to Aminopeptidase in Susceptible and Resistant Diamondback Moths (Plutella xylostella)

Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin bound to a 120-kDa protein isolated from the brush border membranes of both susceptible and resistant larvae of Plutella xylostella, the diamondback moth. The 120-kDa protein was purified by Cry1Ac toxin affinity chromatography. Like Cry1Ac-binding aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2) from other insects, this protein was eluted from the affinity column with 200 mM N-acetylgalactosamine. The purified protein had aminopeptidase activity and bound Cry1Ac toxin on ligand blots. Purified aminopeptidase was recognized by antibodies to the cross-reacting determinant found on phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C-solubilized proteins. The results show that the presence of Cry1Ac-binding aminopeptidase in the brush border membrane is not sufficient to confer susceptibility to Cry1Ac. Furthermore, the results do not support the hypothesis that resistance to Cry1Ac was caused by lack of a Cry1Ac-binding aminopeptidase.
Perspectives and policies: Ecological industry substitutes in wetland restoration of the middle Yangtze

Wetlands are considered multi-functional ecosystems with important protection and use functions. However, before the 1980s, wetlands in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, China were mainly reclaimed as paddy fields. In wetland restoration since 1998, there has been an urgent need to develop ecological industry substitutes that are economically efficient while having no negative effects on wetland ecology. Based on the research projects conducted in this region, five industry options were recommended, including 1) growing hydrophytes with high economic value, 2) raising livestock on the seasonal grasslands, 3) planting commercial seasonal vegetables, 4) developing aquaculture in the low-lying paddy fields, and 5) ecological tourism. Policies promoting these industries were aimed at solving problems concerning 1) input shortages and local farmers’ unfamiliarity with required agricultural technologies and 2) integrated use of the regional ecological environment with wildlife protection.
A randomized two-year study of the effects of dynamic strength training on muscle strength, disease activity, functional capacity, and bone mineral density in early rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of a 2-year program of strength training on muscle strength, bone mineral density (BMD), physical function, joint damage, and disease activity in patients with recent-onset (<2 years) rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS In this prospective trial, 70 RA patients were randomly assigned to perform either strength training (all major muscle groups of the lower and upper extremities and trunk, with loads of 50-70% of repetition maximum) or range of motion exercises (without resistance) twice a week; all were encouraged to engage in recreational activities 2-3 times a week. All patients completed training diaries (evaluated bi-monthly) and were examined at 6-month intervals. All were treated with medications to achieve disease remission. Maximum strength of the knee extensors, trunk flexors and extensors, and grip strength was measured with dynamometers. BMD was measured at the femoral neck and lumbar spine by dual x-ray densitometry. Disease activity was determined by the Disease Activity Score, the extent of joint damage by the Larsen score, and functional capacity by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ); walking speed was also measured. RESULTS Sixty-two patients (31 per group) completed the study. Strength training compliance averaged 1.4-1.5 times/week. The maximum strength of all muscle groups examined increased significantly (19-59%) in the strength-training group, with statistically significant improvements in clinical disease activity parameters, HAQ scores, and walking speed. While muscle strength, disease activity parameters, and physical function also improved significantly in the control group, the changes were not as great as those in the strength-training group. BMD in the femoral neck and spine increased by a mean +/- SD of 0.51 +/- 1.64% and by 1.17 +/- 5.34%, respectively, in the strength-training group, but decreased by 0.70 +/- 2.25% and 0.91 +/- 4.07% in the controls. Femoral neck BMD in the 17 patients with high initial disease activity (and subsequent use of oral glucocorticoids) remained constantly at a statistically significantly lower level than that in the other 45 patients. CONCLUSION Regular dynamic strength training combined with endurance-type physical activities improves muscle strength and physical function, but not BMD, in patients with early RA, without detrimental effects on disease activity.
On the Minimum Distance of Full-Length RS-LDPC Codes

Let q be a power of 2 and y ≤ q an integer. Based on the codewords of [q, 2, q - 1] extended Reed-Solomon (RS) code over the finite field Fq, we can construct a (γ, q)-regular low-density parity-check (LDPC) code, called a full-length RS-LDPC code and denoted by C(γ, q). In this letter, the minimum distance of these codes is investigated. For any given q and y <; q, an upper bound on d(C(γ, q)), the minimum distance of C(γ, q), is provided. Furthermore, we determine the values of d(C(γ, q)) for y = 2, 3, and 4, and present the closed-form expressions on the numbers of minimum-weight codewords in C(γ, q) for γ = 2 and 3.
A Wideband Square-Slot Antenna Array With Superstrate and Electromagnetic Bandgap Reflector for 60-GHz Applications

A <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1 \times 4$ </tex-math></inline-formula> antenna array with wideband and high gain is proposed for 60-GHz applications. The operating bandwidth is from 57 to 66 GHz. A superstrate above and an electromagnetic bandgap reflector below the array structure increase peak gain and decrease backward radiation, respectively. This paper elaborates the design guidelines. The slot stubs are designed appropriately to increase the bandwidth of square-slot antenna and maintain the radiation pattern. The simulated and measured impedance bandwidth (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert S_{11}\vert \le -10$ </tex-math></inline-formula> dB) are 28.8% (52.6–69.9 GHz) and 23.2% (52.6–66.5 GHz), respectively. The peak antenna gain ranging from 57 to 66 GHz is simulated to be 14.2–12.4 dBi, while the measured peak gain at 57, 60, 63, and 66 GHz are 13.6, 13.4, 12.6, and 11.3 dBi, respectively. The above results can satisfy requirement of many commercial applications.