Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Prognostic Value of Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 in Various Human Cancers: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Background Many studies have investigated the prognostic value of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in human cancers. However, these studies were often limited by small sample sizes. Therefore, we performed this updated meta-analysis to summarize the potential value of MALAT1 as a biomarker for early treatment and to predict survival in various human malignant neoplasms, through the inclusion of the latest literature and improved methodology. Methods Twelve eligible articles were systematically obtained from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Cochrane Library, from inception up to June 30, 2015. Survival was assessed using pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results By combining the results of 12 studies, we found elevated MALAT1 expression was associated with poor survival in most cancers, with a pooled HR of 1.90 (95% CI, 1.56-2.30) for overall survival (OS) and 3.06 (95% CI, 2.06-4.56) for recurrence-free survival/disease-free survival. Subgroup analyses according to ethnicity, tumor type, assay method, sample size, HR-calculation method and analysis type did not affect the predictive role of MALAT1 for OS in various cancer types. Further, by combining results from studies that used multivariate analyses, we found elevated MALAT1 was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 1.98; 95% CI, 1.58-2.48). Conclusions MALAT1 could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in various cancers and may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment and early detection of recurrence.
An Effective Defense against Intrusive Web Advertising

Intrusive Web advertising such as pop-ups and animated layer ads, which distract the user from reading or navigating through the main content of Web pages, is being perceived as annoying by an increasing number of users. As a response to the growing amount of extraneous content on today's Web and due to the lack of regulations imposed on abusive advertisers the author discusses the pros and cons of ad blocking, explores the different types of Web advertisements currently available and presents Quero, a novel Web browser-based content filter which implements a rule-based classifier that exploits, for example, hints present in the URL in order to classify objects as ads. Additionally, the author conducts a Web study to characterize online ads and measure the effectiveness of his solution against a manual classification. As a result, it is shown that a surprisingly small number of rules is sufficient to block almost all ads on the Web.
A validation of the proactive personality scale.

In a study, we carried out a validation of the Proactive Personality Scale (PPS; Seibert, Crant, & Kraimer, 1999), that measures the inclination to take action and change the environment to realize one’s goals. Participants were 139 employees, working in two companies. The majority of participants were blue-collar workers. The instrument used was a questionnaire. A 7-item version of the scale was constructed. Moreover, by applying confirmatory factor analysis, we demonstrated the distinction between proactivity and other individual difference variables: work-related self-efficacy, selfempowerment, locomotion. Also the predictive validity of the scale was shown. As expected, proactivity influenced organizational citizenship behaviors; it was not correlated instead with organizational commitment and turnover intentions. We discussed this lack of correlation in terms of the category of employees examined (mostly blue-collar workers).
Automatic Annotation and Evaluation of Error Types for Grammatical Error Correction

Until now, error type performance for Grammatical Error Correction (GEC) systems could only be measured in terms of recall because system output is not annotated. To overcome this problem, we introduce ERRANT, a grammatical ERRor ANnotation Toolkit designed to automatically extract edits from parallel original and corrected sentences and classify them according to a new, dataset-agnostic, rule-based framework. This not only facilitates error type evaluation at different levels of granularity, but can also be used to reduce annotator workload and standardise existing GEC datasets. Human experts rated the automatic edits as “Good” or “Acceptable” in at least 95% of cases, so we applied ERRANT to the system output of the CoNLL-2014 shared task to carry out a detailed error type analysis for the first time.
Divergence with gene flow as facilitated by ecological differences: within-island variation in Darwin's finches

Divergence and speciation can sometimes proceed in the face of, and even be enhanced by, ongoing gene flow. We here study divergence with gene flow in Darwin's finches, focusing on the role of ecological/adaptive differences in maintaining/promoting divergence and reproductive isolation. To this end, we survey allelic variation at 10 microsatellite loci for 989 medium ground finches (Geospiza fortis) on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos. We find only small genetic differences among G. fortis from different sites. We instead find noteworthy genetic differences associated with beak. Moreover, G. fortis at the site with the greatest divergence in beak size also showed the greatest divergence at neutral markers; i.e. the lowest gene flow. Finally, morphological and genetic differentiation between the G. fortis beak-size morphs was intermediate to that between G. fortis and its smaller (Geospiza fuliginosa) and larger (Geospiza magnirostris) congeners. We conclude that ecological differences associated with beak size (i.e. foraging) influence patterns of gene flow within G. fortis on a single island, providing additional support for ecological speciation in the face of gene flow. Patterns of genetic similarity within and between species also suggest that interspecific hybridization might contribute to the formation of beak-size morphs within G. fortis.
Movie Ratings and Third-Person Perception

Students enrolled in an undergraduate mass communication course were asked to estimate self and third-person effects on learning, attitudes, and behavior after reading a movie plot synopsis that contained 6 versions of a rating, ranging from PG-13 to R, with varying degrees of sexual content. This study introduces media content that is neither harmful nor persuasive, as is often the case in third-person effect research, and this study also incorporates an age-based media rating system into a third-person framework. Respondents in this study considered others to be more affected by media messages along cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions; however, contrary to other third-person studies, we found perceived social distance to outweigh perceived likelihood of exposure.
Gene-expression analysis of gleason grade 3 tumor glands embedded in low- and high-risk prostate cancer

The Gleason score (GS) of prostate cancer on diagnostic biopsies is an important parameter for therapeutic decision-making. Biopsy GS under-estimates the actual GS at radical prostatectomy in a significant number of patients due to sampling artifact. The aim of this study was to identify markers that are differentially expressed in Gleason grade 3 (GG3) tumor glands embedded in GS 4 + 3 = 7 and GS 3 + 3 = 6 prostate cancer using laser capture microdissection and RNA sequencing. GG3 tumor glands embedded in nine GS 3 + 3 = 6 and nine GS 4 + 3 = 7 prostate cancers were isolated by laser capture microdissection of frozen radical prostatectomy specimens. After RNA amplification and RNA sequencing, differentially expressed genes in both GG3 components were identified by a 2log fold change > 1.0 and p-value < 0.05. We applied immunohistochemistry on a tissue micro-array representing 481 radical prostatectomy samples for further validation on protein level. A total of 501 genes were up-regulated and 421 down-regulated in GG3 glands embedded in GS 4 + 3 = 7 as compared to GS 3 + 3 = 6 prostate cancer. We selected HELLS, ZIC2 and ZIC5 genes for further validation. ZIC5 mRNA was up-regulated 17 fold (p = 8.4E–07), ZIC2 8 fold (p = 1.3E–05) and HELLS 2 fold (p = 0.006) in GG3 glands derived from GS 4 + 3 = 7. HELLS expression of ≥ 1% occurred in 10% GS < 7, 17% GS 7 and 43% GS >7 prostate cancer (p < 0.001). Using a cut-off of ≥ 1%, protein expression of ZIC5 was present in 28% GS < 7, 43% GS 7 and 57% GS > 7 cancer (p < 0.001). ZIC2 was neither associated with GS nor outcome in our validation set. HELLS was independently predictive for biochemical-recurrence after radical prostatectomy (HR 2.3; CI 1.5–3.6; p < 0.01). In conclusion, HELLS and ZIC5 might be promising candidate markers for selection of biopsy GS 6 prostate cancer being at risk for up-grading at prostatectomy.
Experiences of Physical Activity One Year after Bariatric Surgery

Background and purpose: Obesity is a major global health problem today and the only evidence-based method leading to a long-lasting weight reduction is bariatric surgery. Physical activity improves health, decreases the incidence of several diseases and may influence weight loss outcome after bariatric surgery. Knowledge regarding how patients experience physical activity after bariatric surgery could provide us with better tools to enhance physically active. Methods: The aim of the present study was to describe how patients experience physical activity one year after bariatric surgery. An inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyse semi-structured interviews with twenty-four patients one year after bariatric surgery. Results: The main findings emerged in four overarching themes: "Hindrances of physical activity", "Physical activity with a less obese body implies achievement", "Coming to an understanding of the benefits of physical activity" and "Need of support". Conclusion: According to our findings patients experience both achievements and hinders with regard to physical activity one year after surgery. Patients had an increased understanding of the benefits of physical activities, but support appears necessary to obtain and maintain a suitable level.
Software-based transparent and comprehensive control-flow error detection

Shrinking microprocessor feature size and growing transistor density may increase the soft-error rates to unacceptable levels in the near future. While reliable systems typically employ hardware techniques to address soft-errors, software-based techniques can provide a less expensive and more flexible alternative. This paper presents a control-flow error classification and proposes two new software-based comprehensive control-flow error detection techniques. The new techniques are better than the previous ones in the sense that they detect errors in all the branch-error categories. We implemented the techniques in our dynamic binary translator so that the techniques can be applied to existing x86 binaries transparently. We compared our new techniques with the previous ones and we show that our methods cover more errors while has similar performance overhead.
Workers on transformation of the shelter object of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant into an ecologically-safe system show qEEG abnormalities and cognitive dysfunctions: A follow-up study

Objectives. The present study aimed at assessing bioelectric activity and cognitive functions in the workers on the conversion project of the “Shelter” object (SO) of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant into an environmentally safe system. Methods. A total of 196 men were included and examined before (t0) and after (t1) working on the SO in the period 2004–2008. They underwent a qEEG and a battery of neuropsychological and psychiatric assessments. Results. At t1, the organized type of qEEG shifted towards the disorganized one. An increase of spectral δ-power in the left frontotemporal area, of θ- and α-power in the left temporal area, with redistribution of α-activity to the front and reduction of dominant frequency in the left temporal area, were registered. Further, neurocognitive tests revealed the presence of mild cognitive disorders at t1. Interestingly, those subjects previously exposed to radiation with no consequences, were more resistant to these detrimental effects. Conclusions. Taken together, the disturbances observed may be considered as cognitive symptoms of a chronic fatigue syndrome resulting from the exposure to ionizing radiation. Simple and non-invasive assessments, such as those performed by us, may be helpful to detect early brain changes caused by the presence of radiological risk factors.
Phosphorylated α‐synuclein can be detected in blood plasma and is potentially a useful biomarker for Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies containing phosphorylated and aggregated α‐synuclein (α‐syn). α‐Syn is present in human body fluids, including blood plasma, and is a potential biomarker for PD. Immunoassays for total and oligomeric forms of both normal and phosphorylated (at Ser‐129) α‐syn have been used to assay plasma samples from a longitudinal cohort of 32 patients with PD (sampled at mo 0, 1, 2, 3), as well as single plasma samples from a group of 30 healthy control participants. The levels of α‐syn in plasma varied greatly between individuals, but were remarkably consistent over time within the same individual with PD. The mean level of phospho‐α‐syn was found to be higher (P=0.053) in the PD samples than the controls, whereas this was not the case for total α‐syn (P= 0.244), oligo‐α‐syn (P=0.221), or oligo‐phospho‐α‐syn (P=0.181). Immunoblots of plasma revealed bands (at 21, 24, and 50‐60 kDa) corresponding to phosphorylated α‐syn. Thus, phosphorylated α‐syn can be detected in blood plasma and shows more promise as a diagnostic marker than the nonphosphorylated protein. Longitudinal studies undertaken over a more extended time period will be required to determine whether α‐syn can act as a marker of disease progression. —Foulds, P. G. , Mitchell, J. D. , Parker, A. , Turner, R. , Green, G. , Diggle, P., Hasegawa, M. , Taylor, M. , Mann, D. , Allsop, D. Phosphorylated α‐synuclein can be detected in blood plasma and is potentially a useful biomarker for Parkinson's disease. FASEB J. 25, 4127–4137 (2011). www.fasebj. org
The Effect of Cognitive and Relational Social Capital on Structural Social Capital and Micro-Enterprise Performance

Social capital and its dimensions are highly interrelated, and the outcome of social capital provides entrepreneurs with resources and knowledge that are not available in the first place. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of relational and cognitive social capital on structural social capital and the effect of structural social capital on the performance of micro-enterprises owned and managed by women in Peninsular Malaysia. This study uses a cross-sectional approach, and quantitative data are collected through structured interviews. It was found that cognitive social capital has a significant positive effect on structural social capital, and structural social capital has a significant positive effect on micro-enterprise performance. It was found that relational social capital has a positive but insignificant effect on structural social capital. Therefore, women entrepreneurs should emphasize on making the communication process easier and on ensuring that their business values, norms, interpretation, and meaning are shared and communicated to relevant parties to improve network ties and to build a dense network, which is essential in providing access to resources and knowledge. This, in return, is expected to improve the micro-enterprise performance in Malaysia.
Low Rate of Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia by Cardiologists in Patients With Suspected and Proven Coronary Artery Disease

BackgroundAlthough specific guidelines for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia have been published, it is not known whether physicians treating patients likely to have lipid disorders have adopted the recommendations. Methods and ResultsThe approach of cardiologists to the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in a metropolitan teaching hospital was assessed by interviewing patients with chest pain who were admitted for coronary angiography in 1988–1989 and by measuring fasting blood lipid profiles. At 1 month and again 12–24 months later, patients were contacted by telephone to determine if there had been any changes in treatment. Of 95 patients evaluated, 81 had coronary artery disease. Only 17% of those with high levels of total cholesterol and/or low density lipoprotein cholesterol were being actively treated with diet and/or drugs. In the remaining patients, either lipid studies had not been done or abnormal results had not been addressed. There was little change in treatment approach during the month after the diagnostic procedure. Furthermore, the experience was similar in those patients subjected to coronary revascularization. One to 2 years after the initial intervention, 69 of the original study group could be contacted again. Although active dietary or pharmacological therapy was initiated in some individuals during this interval, it was stopped in others. Thirty-five percent of hypercholesterolemic patients were receiving targeted therapy. ConclusionsThus, only a small proportion of patients with documented coronary artery disease and hypercholesterolemia were being actively treated for their lipid disorder, suggesting that the published treatment guidelines have not yet been fully accepted. However, an encouraging improvement in frequency of treatment of hypercholesterolemia was documented during the 1–2-year observation period.
An Investigation of the Effectiveness of Vocabulary Learning Strategies on Iranian EFL Learners' Vocabulary Test Score.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of vocabulary learning strategies on Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary test score. To achieve this aim, fifty Intermediate level students from Kish English Institute were randomly selected from among fifteen classes after administering the Oxford Placement Test (OPT). Then, an intermediate level vocabulary test of 20 questions based on their class textbook named Total English was given to them. A questionnaire of vocabulary learning strategies (VLSQ) was, then, distributed among students to find out how each learner learned new vocabulary and in what way. Finally, the whole data gathered from OPT; vocabulary test and VLSQ were analyzed through SPSS by applying Chi-square and descriptive analysis. The findings showed a significant effect of vocabulary learning strategies on EFL learners’ performance in a vocabulary test.
Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 gene polymorphisms in generalized aggressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize exogenous ligands such as lipopolysaccharide and bacterial lipoprotein during the immune responses to pathogens. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether TLR2 and TLR4 gene polymorphisms are related to susceptibility to generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). METHODS A total of 245 subjects were included in the present study. Genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of 90 patients with GAgP and 155 periodontally healthy subjects. Probing depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque accumulation, and bleeding on probing were recorded. The TLR2 gene Arg753Gln and Arg677Trp polymorphisms and TLR4 gene Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The data were analyzed by chi2 and Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the distribution of TLR2 and TLR4 genotypes and allele frequencies between GAgP patients and healthy subjects (P > 0.05). The TLR2 753Gln allele was found in 3.9% of the GAgP patients compared to 6.1% in the healthy group. The GAgP patients and healthy subjects did not show homozygosity for the TLR2 mutant alleles. The TLR2 677Trp mutant allele was not found in any of the subjects; 2.2% of the GAgP patients and 2.9% of the periodontally healthy subjects were identified as having the TLR4 299Gly polymorphic allele. With regard to the TLR4 399Ile polymorphic allele, 1.1% of the GAgP patients and 2.3% of the periodontally healthy subjects had this allele. CONCLUSIONS The present study failed to find any significant association between the TLR polymorphisms and GAgP, potentially because of the small sample size. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to examine the prevalence of these polymorphisms in a Turkish population with aggressive periodontitis.
A Constrained Genetic Algorithm for Rebalancing of Services in Cloud Data Centers

In Infrastructure-as-a-Service cloud data centers, services are provided to cloud customers in the form of virtual machines. Cloud customers can place restrictions on these services by specifying affinity and anti-affinity constraints. Load imbalance is one key issue that cloud data centers regularly face when running these services. Load imbalance arises when existing services are stopped either by the cloud customers or in the event of host power cycling. One way to achieve load balance in such situations is to perform load rebalancing. Load rebalancing is a process of migrating services among hosts to ensure uniform resource distribution. By doing load rebalancing, SLA violations due to resource shortages on over-utilized hosts can be mitigated. The benefits of load rebalancing come at the expense of migration cost. The presence of affinity and anti-affinity constraints make the load rebalancing challenging. In this paper, we focus on load rebalancing of services with affinity and anti-affinity constraints by applying a novel genetic algorithm. Our objective function aims at reducing the number of migrations and variation of available resources in the hosts. Experimental results show that our algorithm achieves a good resource balance while being computationally efficient.
Usenix Association 10th Usenix Symposium on Networked Systems Design and Implementation (nsdi '13) 241 Pinpoint: Localizing Interfering Radios

This paper presents PinPoint, a technique for localizing rogue interfering radios that adhere to standard protocols in the inhospitable ISM band without any cooperation from the interfering radio. PinPoint is designed to be incrementally deployed on top of existing 802.11 WLAN infrastructure, and used by network administrators to identify and troubleshoot sources of interference which may be disrupting the network. PinPoint's key contribution is a novel algorithm that accurately computes the line of sight angle of arrival (AoA) and cyclic signal strength indicator (CSSI) of the target interfering signal at all APs, even when the line of sight (LoS) component is buried by stronger multipath components, interference and noise. PinPoint leverages this algorithm to design an optimization technique, which can localize interfering radios and simultaneously identify the type of interference. Unlike several localization techniques which require extensive pre-deployment calibration (e.g. RF-Fingerprinting), PinPoint requires very little calibration by the network administrator, and uses a novel algorithm to self-initialize its bearings, even if the locations of some AP are initially unknown and are oriented randomly. We implement PinPoint on WARP software radios and deploy in an indoor testbed spanning an entire floor of our department. We compare PinPoint with the best known prior RSSI [8, 11] and MUSIC-AoA based approaches and show that PinPoint achieves a median localization error of 0.97 meters, which is around three times lower compared to the RSSI [8, 11] and MUSIC-AoA based approaches .