Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Target Detection Techniques for OFDM-Based Passive Radar Exploiting Spatial Diversity

Recently, the benefit of using a channel-based detector (CHAD) with a passive radar exploiting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing waveforms radiated, e.g., by DVB-T transmitters of opportunity has been studied. When multiple antennas are available on receive, we state that CHAD can be seen as space–time array-processing performing on a particular coherent frequency datacube. Building on this new interpretation, we propose an improved version of CHAD in the form of fully dimensional space–time adaptive processing (STAP). Optimization of the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio is obtained combining a linearly constrained minimum variance space–time adaptive beamforming and a least squares spatial adaptive filtering. Unlike classical STAP approaches, no training data are used here and only one space–time sample matrix inversion is required. The computational load is then highly reduced allowing a practical deployment. Moreover, since no beamscan in space is performed, the knowledge of array characteristics is not required and the performance shall not be impacted by any calibration errors. Finally, all the target returns being located in a single 2D (range-Doppler) surveillance map, the detection process is then simplified. Results on experimental data show the interests of this new surveillance scheme: No need for a prior rejection of the dominant interference, systematic reduction of secondary lobes, and discrimination of slow moving targets.
Phase III trial of trimodality therapy with cisplatin, fluorouracil, radiotherapy, and surgery compared with surgery alone for esophageal cancer: CALGB 9781.

PURPOSE The primary treatment modality for patients with carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction has been surgery, although primary radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy produces similar results. As both have curative potential, there has been great interest in the use of trimodality therapy. To this end, we compared survival, response, and patterns of failure of trimodality therapy to esophagectomy alone in patients with nonmetastatic esophageal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four hundred seventy-five eligible patients were planned for enrollment. Patients were randomly assigned to either esophagectomy with node dissection alone or cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) and fluorouracil 1,000 mg/m(2)/d for 4 days on weeks 1 and 5 concurrent with radiation therapy (50.4 Gy total: 1.8 Gy/fraction over 5.6 weeks) followed by esophagectomy with node dissection. RESULTS Fifty-six patients were enrolled between October 1997 and March 2000, when the trial was closed due to poor accrual. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to trimodality therapy and 26 were assigned to surgery alone. Patient and tumor characteristics were similar between groups. Treatment was generally well tolerated. Median follow-up was 6 years. An intent-to-treat analysis showed a median survival of 4.48 v 1.79 years in favor of trimodality therapy (exact stratified log-rank, P = .002). Five-year survival was 39% (95% CI, 21% to 57%) v 16% (95% CI, 5% to 33%) in favor of trimodality therapy. CONCLUSION The results from this trial reflect a long-term survival advantage with the use of chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery in the treatment of esophageal cancer, and support trimodality therapy as a standard of care for patients with this disease.
Adenosine 5′-Triphosphate Release and Membrane Collapse in Glycerol-Requiring Mutants of Bacillus subtilis

Glycerol-requiring mutants of Bacillus subtilis could not sporulate in nutrient sporulation medium even when additional glycerol was added from the beginning of growth. Sporulation could be partially restored either by the frequent addition of small amounts of glycerol during the developmental period or by the single addition of both 10 mM glycerol and 10 mM malate. But sporulation could be completely restored by the addition of 50 mM glycerol-phosphate from the beginning. At the end of growth of the glycerol mutants in nutrient sporulation medium, the cell membrane collapsed and separated from the cell wall, and much of the cellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate was released into the medium. These observations were made in two glycerol mutants, one derived from strain 168 containing glycerol-teichoic acid in the cell wall and the other derived from strain W23 containing ribitol-teichoic acid.
Towards Improving the Integration of Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics Education

Arguments have recently asserted the need for change in undergraduate biology education, particularly with regard to the role of mathematics. The crux of these protests is that rapidly developing technology is expanding the types of measurements and subsequent data available to biologists. Thus future generations of biologists will require a set of quantitative and analytic skills that will allow them to handle these types of data in order to tackle relevant questions of interest. In this spirit, we describe here strategies (or lessons learned) for undergraduate educators with regard to better preparing undergraduate biology majors for the new types of challenges that lay ahead. The topics covered here span a broad range, from classroom approaches to the administrative level (e.g., fostering inter-departmental communication, student advising) and beyond. A key theme here is the need for an attitude shift with regard to mathematics education by both students and faculty alike. Such a shift will facilitate the development and implementation of new teaching strategies with regard to improving integration of mathematics and biology pedagogy.
Population Genetic Analysis of the N-Acylsphingosine Amidohydrolase Gene Associated With Mental Activity in Humans

To understand the evolution of human mental activity, we performed population genetic analyses of nucleotide sequences (∼11 kb) from a worldwide sample of 60 chromosomes of the N-acylsphingosine amidohydrolase (ASAH1) gene. ASAH1 hydrolyzes ceramides and regulates neuronal development, and its deficiency often results in mental retardation. In the region (∼4.4 kb) encompassing exons 3 and 4 of this gene, two distinct lineages (V and M) have been segregating in the human population for 2.4 ± 0.4 million years (MY). The persistence of these two lineages is attributed to ancient population structure of humans in Africa. However, all haplotypes belonging to the V lineage exhibit strong linkage disequilibrium, a high frequency (62%), and small nucleotide diversity (π = 0.05%). These features indicate a signature of positive Darwinian selection for the V lineage. Compared with the orthologs in mammals and birds, it is only Val at amino acid site 72 that is found exclusively in the V lineage in humans, suggesting that this Val is a likely target of positive selection. Computer simulation confirms that demographic models of modern humans except for the ancient population structure cannot explain the presence of two distinct lineages, and neutrality is incompatible with the observed small genetic variation of the V lineage at ASAH1. On the basis of the above observations, it is argued that positive selection is possibly operating on ASAH1 in the modern human population.
Masculinization of female isopods (Crustacea) correlated with non-Mendelian inheritance of cytoplasmic viruses.

When in genetic females external male characters differentiate, the phenomenon is called "male pseudohermaphroditism. " This male differentiation occurs in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea, suborder Oniscoidea) and sometimes involves only some epithelial areas (gynandromorphous mosaics). It is not induced by male hormones or by abnormal ovary function. This intersexuality is transmitted maternally (by the intersex females) or paternally (by the brothers of intersex females) to between 30% and 60% of their offspring. Although it occurs at 20 degrees C, the male differentiation disappears when breeding takes place at 27 degrees C. Male characters differentiate in normal females--even in other Oniscoidea species (Porcellio dilatatus, Porcellio laevis, Armadillidium vulgare)--after injection of a 0.22-micron filtered tissue extract. Since an inhibitor of bacterial protein synthesis (gentamycin) does not inhibit this masculinizing effect, we infer that neither organelles nor bacteria are involved. Intersexuality is always correlated with the presence of cytoplasmic viral particles in both intersex-female and transmitter-male tissues. Striking similarities to the Drosophila S virus are noted. A reovirus-like Oniscoidea masculinizing virus, which probably acts only on the epithelial areas sensitive to the male hormones, is most likely the causative agent of this intersexuality. Here we report the conversion of secondary sexual characters putatively caused by a virus.
Magnetic resonance myocardial first‐pass perfusion imaging: Parameter optimization for signal response and cardiac coverage

Fast imaging techniques allow monitoring of contrast medium (CM) first‐pass kinetics in a multislice mode. Employing shorter recovery times improves cardiac coverage during first‐pass conditions, but potentially flattens signal response in the myocardium. The aim of this study was therefore to compare in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) two echo‐planar imaging strategies yielding either extended cardiac coverage or optimized myocardial signal response (protocol A/B, six/four slices; preparation pulse, 60°/90°; delay time, 10/120 msec; readout flip angle, 10°/50°; respectively). In phantoms and myocardium of normal volunteers (N= 10) the CM‐induced signal increase was 2.5–3 times higher with protocol B (P < 0.005) than with protocol A. For the detection of individually diseased coronary arteries (≥1 stenosis with ≥50% diameter reduction on quantitative coronary angiography (QCA)), receiver‐operator characteristics of protocol B (signal upslope in 32 sectors/heart) yielded a sensitivity/specificity of 82%/73%, which was superior to protocol A (P < 0.05, N= 14). For the overall detection of CAD, the sensitivity/specificity of protocol B was 85%/81%. An adequate signal response in the myocardium is crucial for a reliable detection of perfusion deficits during first‐pass conditions. The presented protocol B detects CAD with a sensitivity and specificity similar to scintigraphic techniques. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:556–562. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Factors Affecting Stock Market Volatility and Contagion

In recent years, the rapid growth in cross border international portfolio investments reflects the globalization of financial markets. The impetus for globalized financial markets initially comes from financial liberalization and high growth of capital such as superannuation funds, mutual funds, private funds and provident funds. In South-East Asia, the investment portfolios have been growing continuously after the financial crisis in 1997 because of the revival of Asian financial markets presenting new challenges to practitioners, policy makers and researchers in the finance discipline. Also, there are significant shifts in economics and financial variables underlying emerging markets due to re-alignment of currency values, deregulation and globalisation. This revival can make South-East Asian financial markets more attractive and result in higher growth. As a result, South-East Asian financial markets have become attractive market for foreign investors. However, South-East Asian nations have to counter the adverse impacts of domestic and global economic factors which make their financial markets volatile. The study of the factors affecting stock market has recognized the relationship between equity price, company performance, economic variables, financial liberalization, market integration, and incidents. However, these studies have not included some of the most significant recent change in the financial market, namely: oil price fluctuation, US subprime crisis, and the changing nature of political uncertainty. The literature on the contagion effects and the transmission of credit crisis has been limited to the developed financial markets in the western economies and those of the emerging markets in particular Thailand and South-East Asia financial markets have largely been left untouched. This is a serious limitation in the literature given the regional and international significance of these emerging markets. The purpose of the research is to identify the dominant factors affecting stock market volatility in Thailand and measure the contagion effects of stock market volatility in Thailand on other South-East Asian stock markets.
Study of a 6DOF robot assisted ultrasound scanning system and its simulated control handle

Ultrasound scanning is a commonly used diagnostic method in hospital because of its' high efficiency and limited side effects. In this paper, a robot assisted ultrasound scanning system was developed to help doctors do the remote diagnosis. Doctor could control the ultrasound probe through the Internet from a remote place and receive the ultrasound image in real time. Simultaneously, the robot system does not need to change the doctors' habits for the ultrasound diagnosis and it could be used by doctors quickly.
PKR-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms Are Involved in Translational Shutoff during Sindbis Virus Infection

ABSTRACT The replication of Sindbis virus (SIN) profoundly affects the metabolism of infected vertebrate cells. One of the main events during SIN infection is the strong inhibition of translation of cellular mRNAs. In this study, we used a combination of approaches, including the study of SIN replication in PKR−/− mouse embryo fibroblasts or in the presence of an excess of catalytically inactive PKR. We show that the PKR-dependent inhibition of translation is not the only and most likely not the major pathway mediating translational shutoff during SIN infection. The PKR-independent mechanism strongly affects the translation of cellular templates, whereas translation of SIN subgenomic RNA is resistant to inhibition, and this leads to a benefit for viral replication. Our findings suggest that both PKR-dependent and non-PKR-dependent mechanisms of SIN-induced translational shutoff can be manipulated by using SIN replicons expressing mutated SIN nsP2 or kinase-defective PKR. Specifically, we show that expression of heterologous genes from SIN-based and most likely other alphavirus-based replicons can be increased by downregulating both the PKR-dependent and PKR-independent translational shutoffs.
Remittances, Labour Supply and Activity of Household Members Left-Behind

Abstract This paper analyses the role of remittances on labour supply and activity of household members left behind, by explicitly distinguishing between different types of self-employment. Contrary to the existing evidence, we find no ‘dependency’ effect of remittances. Our results show that remittances received by households in Tajikistan decrease the probability of wage employment and increase that of small-scale self-employment activities of men staying behind, without affecting the number of job-specific hours worked. Any positive effect on economic development would be, however, limited, as self-employment is in rather small-scale activities that do not generate a regular income stream.
A comparison of writing exercises to motivate young women to practise breast self-examinations.

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the novel use of written emotional disclosure procedures for motivating health behavior change, specifically engagement in breast self examination (BSE) among college-aged women. Writing instructions were tailored to a precontemplative stage of change in accordance with the transtheoretical model proposed by Prochaska and DiClemente (1983) to test the hypothesis that stage-matched writing strategy would facilitate greater contemplation than a stage-mismatched writing strategy and a control condition. DESIGN AND METHODS Precontemplative women (N=55) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (a) a stage-matched consciousness-raising writing exercise; (b) a stage-mismatched BSE action-oriented exercise; or (c) a control condition, and measured on contemplation, preparation, and action, as well as performance of BSEs. RESULTS Analyses indicated that both the consciousness-raising writing exercise and the BSE action-oriented exercise increased participants' level of contemplation when compared to the control condition. Women assigned to the BSE action-oriented exercise endorsed more statements indicative of an action stage of change and exhibited a trend for greater performance of BSE compared to the other two conditions. CONCLUSIONS The application of writing exercises and the relevance of stage-matching is discussed in the context of the stage of change model.
Improving production efficiency in the presence of genotype by environment interactions in pig genomic selection breeding programmes

We simulated a genomic selection pig breeding schemes containing nucleus and production herds to improve feed efficiency of production pigs that were cross-breed. Elite nucleus herds had access to high-quality feed, and production herds were fed low-quality feed. Feed efficiency in the nucleus herds had a heritability of 0.3 and 0.25 in the production herds. It was assumed the genetic relationships between feed efficiency in the nucleus and production were low (rg = 0.2), medium (rg = 0.5) and high (rg = 0.8). In our alternative breeding schemes, different proportion of production animals were recorded for feed efficiency and genotyped with high-density panel of genetic markers. Genomic breeding value of the selection candidates for feed efficiency was estimated based on three different approaches. In one approach, genomic breeding value was estimated including nucleus animals in the reference population. In the second approach, the reference population was containing a mixture of nucleus and production animals. In the third approach, the reference population was only consisting of production herds. Using a mixture reference population, we generated 40-115% more genetic gain in the production environment as compared to only using nucleus reference population that were fed high-quality feed sources when the production animals were offspring of the nucleus animals. When the production animals were grand offspring of the nucleus animals, 43-104% more genetic gain was generated. Similarly, a higher genetic gain generated in the production environment when mixed reference population was used as compared to only using production animals. This was up to 19 and 14% when the production animals were offspring and grand offspring of nucleus animals, respectively. Therefore, in genomic selection pig breeding programmes, feed efficiency traits could be improved by properly designing the reference population.
Is early‐onset microsatellite and chromosomally stable colorectal cancer a hallmark of a genetic susceptibility syndrome?

Most colorectal cancers show either microsatellite or chromosomal instability. A subset of colorectal cancers, especially those diagnosed at young age, is known to show neither of these forms of genetic instability and thus might have a distinct pathogenesis. Colorectal cancers diagnosed at young age are suggestive for hereditary predisposition. We investigate whether such early‐onset microsatellite and chromosomally stable colorectal cancers are a hallmark of a genetic susceptibility syndrome. The ploidy status of microsatellite stable (familial) colorectal cancers of patients diagnosed before age 50 (n = 127) was analyzed in relation to the histopathological characteristics and family history. As a control the ploidy status of sporadic colorectal cancer, with normal staining of mismatch repair proteins, diagnosed at the age of 69 years or above (n = 70) was determined. A diploid DNA content was used as a marker for chromosomal stability. Within the group of patients with (familial) early onset microsatellite stable colorectal cancer the chromosomally stable tumors did not differ from chromosomally unstable tumors with respect to mean age at diagnosis, fulfillment of Amsterdam criteria or pathological characteristics. Segregation analysis did not reveal any family with microsatellite and chromosomally stable colorectal cancer in 2 relatives. The prevalence of microsatellite and chromosomally stable colorectal cancer was not significantly different for the early and late onset group (28 and 21%, respectively). We find no evidence that early‐onset microsatellite and chromosomally stable colorectal cancer is a hallmark of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noradrenergic modulation of cognition: Therapeutic implications

The noradrenaline (norepinephrine) system exerts profound influences on cognition via ascending projections to the forebrain, mostly originating from the locus coeruleus. This paper provides an overview of available infrahuman and healthy human studies, exploring the effects of specific noradrenergic manipulations on dissociable cognitive functions, including attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, response inhibition and emotional memory. Remarkable parallels across species have been reported which may account for the mechanisms by which noradrenergic medications exert their beneficial effects in disorders such as depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The literature is discussed in relation to prevailing models of noradrenergic influences over cognition and novel therapeutic directions, including in relation to investigating the effects of noradrenergic manipulations on other disorders characterized by impulsivity, and dementias. Unanswered questions are also highlighted, along with key avenues for future research, both proof-of-concept and clinical.
Electrostatics-driven shape transitions in soft shells

Significance Shape is a fundamental property of an object that influences its interaction with the environment and often determines the object’s functional capabilities. Understanding how to generate and control shape by modifying the environmental conditions is of primary importance in designing systems that respond to external cues. We show here that electrostatic interactions can be used to change the equilibrium shape of soft, nanometer-sized shells. We find that a uniformly charged, spherical shell undergoes shape changes, transforming into ellipsoids, discs, and bowls, as the electrolyte concentration in the environment is decreased. This electrostatics-based shape design mechanism, regulated by varying properties external to the shell, can be used to build efficient nanocontainers for various medical and technological applications. Manipulating the shape of nanoscale objects in a controllable fashion is at the heart of designing materials that act as building blocks for self-assembly or serve as targeted drug delivery carriers. Inducing shape deformations by controlling external parameters is also an important way of designing biomimetic membranes. In this paper, we demonstrate that electrostatics can be used as a tool to manipulate the shape of soft, closed membranes by tuning environmental conditions such as the electrolyte concentration in the medium. Using a molecular dynamics-based simulated annealing procedure, we investigate charged elastic shells that do not exchange material with their environment, such as elastic membranes formed in emulsions or synthetic nanocontainers. We find that by decreasing the salt concentration or increasing the total charge on the shell’s surface, the spherical symmetry is broken, leading to the formation of ellipsoids, discs, and bowls. Shape changes are accompanied by a significant lowering of the electrostatic energy and a rise in the surface area of the shell. To substantiate our simulation findings, we show analytically that a uniformly charged disc has a lower Coulomb energy than a sphere of the same volume. Further, we test the robustness of our results by including the effects of charge renormalization in the analysis of the shape transitions and find the latter to be feasible for a wide range of shell volume fractions.