Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
非小细胞肺癌组织miRNA-221表达及其与预后的关系研究

背景与目的 microRNAs是肿瘤的重要调控因子，其中miRNA-221的表达与多种肿瘤相关，本研究旨在探讨miRNA-221在非小细胞肺癌组织中的表达及其与预后的关系。 方法 分析江苏省肿瘤医院2005年11月-2007年1月期间行手术治疗的117例非小细胞肺癌患者的临床资料。 采用实时定量逆转录聚合酶链反应检测上述病例肺癌标本中miRNA-221的水平；应用χ2检验分析miRNA-221表达水平与各临床病理参数的关系；采用Kaplan-Meier方法分析miRNA-221表达与非小细胞肺癌生存期（overall survival, OS）之间的关系；采用Cox风险比例模型分析各个协变量的联合效应。 以P < 0. 05认为差异有统计学意义。 结果 miRNA-221的表达量与患者年龄相关，与患者性别（χ2=0.070, P=0.791）、病理类型（χ2=0.414, P=0.520）、p-TNM分期（χ2=0.068, P=0.794）及吸烟史（χ2=0.206, P=0.650）无明显关系；生存分析显示miRNA-221高表达组患者生存期显著低于低表达组（P < 0.001）。 Cox风险比例模型分析显示miRNA-221表达可作为非小细胞肺癌患者预后不良的标志。 结论 miRNA-221的高表达提示非小细胞肺癌患者预后较差，是潜在的肺癌预后预测分子标志物。
Developing Mental Toughness: Lessons from Paralympians

Mental toughness (MT) is a key psychological variable related to perseverance and success in performance domains. MT and its development has been explored across a range of contexts and across different sports, but no research to date has examined MT in relation to Paralympic athletes. We sought to understand the lived-experiences of mentally tough Paralympians, aiming to conceptualize MT in a Paralympic context and investigate its development. Ten Paralympic athletes were interviewed using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The verbatim transcripts of the interviews served as the data for an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three broad themes and several subthemes emerged in conceptualizing Paralympian MT: characteristics (determination, defiance, pragmatic, optimistic, resilient, self-belief and independence and autonomy), cognitions (normalization, sense of escape, non-acceptance of constraints, influence perception and connection) and cognitive strategies (rational thinking, goal setting, pain management and control). In understanding MT development, two broad themes and several subthemes emerged: formative experiences (challenge, classification, setbacks, critical incident, trauma and recovery, sustained commitment, development of mind-set and perspective during challenge, failure, and acceptance), and support and coping resources (social support and significant others, external shaping, social support, overcoming problems, social comparison and reflective practice). The findings suggest that Paralympians benefited from exposure to highly demanding situations in a supportive environment and this helped develop mentally tough characteristics and behaviors and individualized cognitive coping strategies. Our findings highlight the association between the adaptive development of personal characteristics by overcoming physical and mental setbacks over a sustained time period. Overall, the findings suggest that to develop mentally tough characteristics and behaviors, athletes in general could benefit from exposure to highly demanding situations in a supportive environment.
Corporate giving in Taiwan: agency cost theory vs. value enhancement theory

Abstract This article examines the determinants of corporate giving (CG) in Taiwan according to agency cost (AC) and value enhancement (VE) theories. Panel regression test results reveal several new and interesting pieces of evidence. First, VE determinants outweigh AC determinants in explaining CG there. Second, the positive link between the current CG ratio (CGR) and the lagged CGR (CGR(-1)) suggests the consistent nature of CG. Third, after the global financial crisis in 2008, the influence of debt leverage on CGR vanished, but the impact of managerial insiders’ shareholdings on CGR became significant. Last, the influences of VE determinants and CGR(-1) on CGR remain during both pre-crisis and post-crisis periods. Moreover, after the crisis, CG was still motivated to create current value for shareholders, and was apparently used as a business strategy to signal companies’ financial or managerial stability.
Improved Class Preparation and Learning Through Immediate Feedback in Group Testing for Undergraduate Nursing Students

PURPOSE A mixed‐method educational evaluation project to increase learning through testing was conducted in a required senior nursing course. METHOD The Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF‐AT) was used to motivate preparation for optimal final examination performance. Students took multiple‐choice final exams in small groups, used critical thinking and collaboration to select best answers, and then used scratch‐off answer sheets indicating correct answers. A causal‐comparative evaluation design was used to assess effectiveness of the IF‐AT technique in improving learning as measured by final exam scores compared with results of traditional individual multiple‐choice final exams. FINDINGS Results indicated that the IF‐AT format was significantly more effective than traditional testing in enhancing learning. CONCLUSION Descriptive and qualitative evaluation data from students indicated students increased their learning, engaged in critical thinking, and prepared adequately for the exam. Students evaluated the test method as superior to standard testing. Implementation information is included.
Comparison of ketamine-propofol and remifentanil in terms of hemodynamic variables and patient satisfaction during monitored anaesthesia care.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare remifentanil and ketamine-propofol in terms of hemodynamic response, duration of recovery and patient satisfaction in operative hysteroscopy cases who underwent monitored anaesthesia care in combination with paracervical block. METHODS Monitored anaesthesia care was used in 60 ASA I-II female patients. The patients were divided into two groups as remifentanil (Group R) and ketamine-propofol (Group K-P). The hemodynamic effects of remifentanil and ketamine-propofol, and duration of recovery were recorded and compared. The patient satisfaction was also recorded and the two groups were compared. RESULTS Age, body mass, ASA status, duration of anaesthesia and type of surgery were found to be similar between groups. The time of the Aldrete score reaching ≥ 9 was found to be shorter in Group R when compared with Group KP (Group R: 4.1 ± 1.9 min, Group K-P: 6.1 ± 2.6 min) (P< 0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was found to be significantly higher in the remifentanil group (P ≤ 0.05). When the groups were compared in terms of patient satisfaction, in both groups this was found to be similar. CONCLUSION Sedation with remifentanil combined with a paracervical block during monitored anaesthesia care provides early recovery with effective sedation and analgesia in hysteroscopy procedures.
Maxwell-Bloch equations for spatially inhomogeneous semiconductor lasers. II. Spatiotemporal dynamics.

The spatiotemporal dynamics of broad-area lasers is analyzed on the basis of a space- and momentum-dependent density-matrix approach. To this means the space-dependent Maxwell-Bloch equations for the semiconductor laser (derived in our preceding paper I) are solved by direct numerical integration. The space and momentum resolved dynamics of the active semiconductor medium, described by microscopic charge-carrier distributions and nonlinear polarization functions, are treated self-consistently with the spatiotemporal dynamics of the light field. Carrier transport dynamics are approximated on the basis of an ambipolar diffusion approximation consistent with the microscopic processes. Boundary-influenced macroscopic waveguiding properties of typical conventional as well as tapered broad-area laser cavities are taken into account. The dynamics of the formation and longitudinal propagation of unstable transverse optical filamentary structures are analyzed. Simultaneous spectral and spatial hole burning with dynamical spatiospectral variations on ultrashort (ps and sub-ps) time scales are observed in the charge-carrier distributions, reflecting the interplay between stimulated emission and the relaxation dynamics of the carrier distributions as well as the polarization. The transverse hole burning leads to complex spatiotemporal patterns in the macroscopic intensity picture with different optical frequencies associated with various locations of the modelike near-field patterns. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Aggressive terrain following for motion-constrained AUVs

A motivating mission for AUVs is to collect a time series of images of a benthic site to monitor it for change. This mission includes performing a visual survey of an area of the seafloor and then returning to selected sites within that survey area on subsequent visits. To enable this capability for remote sites far from the launch point, an AUV designed for long-distance travel is required. Such AUVs are typically motion-constrained - they cannot hover and must maintain forward flight for controllability. In addition to a navigational system capable of returning the vehicle to the site, a terrain-following system is required to allow the motion-constrained AUV to fly safely within a few meters of the seafloor to collect images. Recent demonstrations using MBARI's Doradoclass AUVs combined with a Terrain-Relative Navigation system (TRN) have proven much of the navigational capability, demonstrating return-to-site within approximately 3 m. Imaging of the seafloor using these AUVs has also been demonstrated using a reactive obstacle avoidance control law. While successful, this reactive-only system is conservative, resulting in sections of the seafloor being missed during the imaging process. This paper presents an approach for planning terrain-following trajectories for an AUV that will allow it to operate safely in close proximity to rugged terrain. The approach fuses reactive obstacle avoidance with anticipatory information from the TRN system. Specifically, by including knowledge of known terrain ahead, a more aggressive trajectory can be planned, resulting in improved mission performance without compromising vehicle safety. A reactive system is still incorporated, but only to handle any unmapped obstacles that are encountered. The new terrain-following algorithm is described, and its feasibility is demonstrated through simulations using field data from AUV operations in Monterey Bay.
Examining Intercultural Competency through Social Exchange Theory.

Intercultural competency (ICC) has been an extensively researched area within the past decade, given the broad consensus that this trait constitutes one of the key competencies of the 21st century manager. However, somewhat under-explored are aspects including the implications and effects that pedagogies such as blended learning have on the inculcation of ICC traits, specifically within the context of multicultural, multi-ethnic university level student groups in Australia, within which this research has been conducted. Drawing on social psychology, this exploratory study examines perceptual data on blended learning experiences within a cross-cultural higher education setting. Results suggest that intercultural competency is best learned through social exchanges, such as faceto-face rather than blended learning. Our findings provide support for the importance of context, which is significantly related to cross-cultural studies and curriculum development and design.
Disinfection of Wastewater by Hydrogen Peroxide or Peracetic Acid: Development of Procedures for Measurement of Residual Disinfectant and Application to a Physicochemically Treated Municipal Effluent

The Montreal Urban Community Wastewater Treatment Plant (MUCWTP) located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, uses physicochemical treatment processes prior to discharging wastewater into the St. Lawrence River via an outfall tunnel of 2 hours retention time. Although chlorination facilities exist, they are not being used, and the MUCWTP is seeking alternative methods for disinfection to achieve a 2‐ to 3‐log fecal coliform reduction. Liquid chemical disinfectants were attractive options because of their low capital costs. This led to an investigation of the feasibility of using hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid. A method for measuring peroxycompounds (hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid plus hydrogen peroxide) was developed using the peroxidase‐based oxidation of 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenz‐thiazoline‐6‐sulfuric acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) with hydrogen peroxide. The validity of the method was confirmed using effluent from the MUCWTP. Recovery was higher than 90% for peracetic acid levels as low as 1.0 mg/L. Quenching of hydrogen peroxide was achieved with 50‐mg/L catalase; quenching of peracetic acid was achieved with 100 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate, followed by 50 mg/L of catalase. Batch disinfection tests were conducted on MUCWTP effluent. Hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid in wastewater over time could be modeled as a second‐order decay, with the decay “constant” being a function of the initial concentration of peroxycompounds. This function was the same for both hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, possibly indicating similar decomposition pathways in wastewater matrices. Disinfection was modeled using a modified Hom equation. Required doses of hydrogen peroxide to reach the target fecal coliform levels ranged from 106 to 285 mg/L, with the higher doses occurring when ferric chloride instead of alum was used as the coagulant. Hence, hydrogen peroxide was infeasible as a disinfectant for this application. On the other hand, the peracetic acid dose needed to achieve the target fecal coliform level was only 0.6 to 1.6 mg/L. Therefore, peracetic acid seems to be a promising disinfectant for physicochemical or primary effluent, or combined sewer overflows.
Failure of isolated kidney transplantation in a pediatric patient with primary hyperoxaluria type 2

PH type 2 is caused by decreased activity of GRHPR enzyme that eventually leads to ESRD and systemic oxalosis. Here, we describe an Iranian pediatric patient with PH2 and early ESRD development who received recommended treatment by undergoing isolated kidney transplantation. Diagnosis criteria included a history of reoccurring calcium oxalate renal stones and elevated oxalate levels combined with liver biopsy and decreased enzymatic activity at age five. ESRD prompted transplantation and was performed at age nine. On Day 12 post‐op, his serum creatinine level increased. A graft biopsy showed calcium oxalate crystal deposits in renal tubes with no evidence of acute rejection, which resolved with intensive hydration and administration of a potassium citrate solution. Subsequent biopsies confirmed results found in first biopsy. Despite the immunosuppressive therapy, his serum creatinine level increased again after 11 months. Renal tubular obstruction then led to graft nephrectomy. Pathological analysis of tissue confirmed findings of past biopsies. This was a very rare case of early ESRD in PH2 resulting in a failed isolated kidney transplant. As the GRHPR enzyme is predominantly expressed in liver, we suggest a combined liver‐kidney transplant may be beneficial in patients with PH2.
The politics of anti-corruption reforms and reversals in Uganda’s changing political terrain

Abstract The article discusses the increasing levels of public sector corruption despite the NRM government’s pursuing of accountability reforms and anti-corruption policy strategies. It asserts that having an impressive legal and institutional framework in place to enhance accountability and control corrupt tendencies may not be enough if political factors are ignored. In the absence of exemplary political leadership and support to institutions that enforce compliance, fighting corruption will remain a far cry. The article further argues that in circumstances where the political terrain ascribes to patron-client and neo-patrimonial instruments to consolidate and retain power, curbing public sector corruption will be elusive. The article insists that fighting public sector corruption largely depends on political commitment and less on the semblance of laws, institutions and technocrats.
Pgrmc1 (Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1) Associates with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Regulates Erlotinib Sensitivity*

Tumorigenesis requires the concerted action of multiple pathways, including pathways that stimulate proliferation and metabolism. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane receptor-tyrosine kinase that is associated with cancer progression, and the EGFR inhibitors erlotinib/tarceva and tyrphostin/AG-1478 are potent anti-cancer therapeutics. Pgrmc1 (progesterone receptor membrane component 1) is a cytochrome b5-related protein that is up-regulated in tumors and promotes cancer growth. Pgrmc1 and its homologues have been implicated in cell signaling, and we show here that Pgrmc1 increases susceptibility to AG-1478 and erlotinib, increases plasma membrane EGFR levels, and co-precipitates with EGFR. Pgrmc1 co-localizes with EGFR in cytoplasmic vesicles and co-fractionates with EGFR in high density microsomes. The findings have therapeutic potential because a Pgrmc1 small molecule ligand, which inhibits growth in a variety of cancer cell types, de-stabilized EGFR in multiple tumor cell lines. EGFR is one of the most potent receptor-tyrosine kinases driving tumorigenesis, and our data support a role for Pgrmc1 in promoting several cancer phenotypes at least in part by binding EGFR and stabilizing plasma membrane pools of the receptor.
The effect of oil price regulation on the financial perfomance of oil companies in Kenya

Kenya experienced sharp increase in prices of petroleum products between 2007 and 2011. It was observed oil firms were taking advantage of international prices changes to exploit the public. Due to public outcry and the need to protect consumers, the government introduced price controls on pump prices in December 2010. The objective of this study was to establish whether there exists a relationship that exists between price regulation and financial performance of firms in the Kenyan oil sector. This research study used causal research design. The target population for this study constituted five oil companies which had over five percent market share in the retail network were sampled for the purpose of this study. The study used secondary sources of data from published financial statements, Ministry of Energy statistics and industry reports. Financial data from statements of financial position, income statements and cash flow statements from January 2010 to December 2011 was used. Collected data was analyzed and presented using SPSS and Microsoft office 2007 applications. The study concluded that indeed price regulation on pump have affected financial performance of oil firms in Kenya. The local prices were found to lag behind international price quotations after introduction of price controls in 2011 by an average of 16%. A look at variance between margins allocated to OMCs as compared to Actual realized margins by oil firms reveals that oil firms have been losing part of their allocated margins to stock effects and volatility in exchange rates and financing costs. The study recommends that ERC formula should be revised in consultation with all oil marketers to cushion them from costs not factored in the gazetted formula.
Impact of the reference choice on scalp EEG connectivity estimation

Objective. Several scalp EEG functional connectivity studies, mostly clinical, seem to overlook the reference electrode impact. The subsequent interpretation of brain connectivity is thus often biased by the choice of a non-neutral reference. This study aims at systematically investigating these effects. Approach. As EEG reference, we examined the vertex electrode (Cz), the digitally linked mastoids (DLM), the average reference (AVE), and the reference electrode standardization technique (REST). As a connectivity metric, we used the imaginary part of the coherency. We tested simulated and real data (eyes-open resting state) by evaluating the influence of electrode density, the effect of head model accuracy in the REST transformation, and the impact on the characterization of the topology of functional networks from graph analysis. Main results. Simulations demonstrated that REST significantly reduced the distortion of connectivity patterns when compared to AVE, Cz, and DLM references. Moreover, the availability of high-density EEG systems and an accurate knowledge of the head model are crucial elements to improve REST performance, with the individual realistic head model being preferable to the standard realistic head model. For real data, a systematic change of the spatial pattern of functional connectivity depending on the chosen reference was also observed. The distortion of connectivity patterns was larger for the Cz reference, and progressively decreased when using the DLM, the AVE, and the REST. Strikingly, we also showed that network attributes derived from graph analysis, i.e. node degree and local efficiency, are significantly influenced by the EEG reference choice. Significance. Overall, this study highlights that significant differences arise in scalp EEG functional connectivity and graph network properties, in dependence on the chosen reference. We hope that our study will convey the message that caution should be used when interpreting and comparing results obtained from different laboratories using different reference schemes.
Injectable Lipid Emulsions—Advancements, Opportunities and Challenges

Injectable lipid emulsions, for decades, have been clinically used as an energy source for hospitalized patients by providing essential fatty acids and vitamins. Recent interest in utilizing lipid emulsions for delivering lipid soluble therapeutic agents, intravenously, has been continuously growing due to the biocompatible nature of the lipid-based delivery systems. Advancements in the area of novel lipids (olive oil and fish oil) have opened a new area for future clinical application of lipid-based injectable delivery systems that may provide a better safety profile over traditionally used long- and medium-chain triglycerides to critically ill patients. Formulation components and process parameters play critical role in the success of lipid injectable emulsions as drug delivery vehicles and hence need to be well integrated in the formulation development strategies. Physico-chemical properties of active therapeutic agents significantly impact pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition following intravenous administration of drug-containing lipid emulsion and hence need special attention while selecting such delivery vehicles. In summary, this review provides a broad overview of recent advancements in the field of novel lipids, opportunities for intravenous drug delivery, and challenges associated with injectable lipid emulsions.
Ensemble-based depression detection in speech

Depression detection using speech signal is becoming an attractive topic because it is fast, convenient and non-invasive. Many researches aimed at improving depression classification performance. This study investigated application of ensemble learners in depression detection and compared three speaking styles (interview, reading and picture description) in ensembles. A speech dataset collecting from 184 subjects (92 depressed patients and 92 healthy controls) was used for these goals. The results showed that ensemble learners perform better than individual learners apparently. Interview is a more effective speaking style than reading and picture description for speech acquisition. These findings suggest us ensemble model based multi-utterance in interview is the best way to detect depression.