Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upregulated SOX9 expression indicates worse prognosis in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

It was recently reported that increased SOX9 expression drives tumor growth and promotes cancer invasion during human tumorigenicity and metastasis. However, the prognostic value of SOX9 for the survival of patients with solid tumors remains controversial. The present meta-analysis was thus performed to highlight the link between dysregulated SOX9 expression and prognosis in cancer patients. A systematic literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Embase to identify eligible studies. A random-effects meta-analytical model was employed to correlate SOX9 expression with overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and clinicopathological features. In total, 17 studies with 3307 patients were eligible for the final analysis. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) suggested that high SOX9 expression has an unfavourable impact on OS (HR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.36–2.02, P < 0.001) and DFS (HR = 3.54, 95% CI 2.29–5.47, P = 0.008) in multivariate analysis. Additionally, the pooled odds ratios (ORs) indicated that SOX9 over-expression is associated with large tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and a higher clinical stage. Overall, these results indicated that SOX9 over-expression in patients with solid tumors might be related to poor prognosis and could serve as a potential predictive marker of poor clinicopathological prognosis factor.
Mobile mediated interaction with pervasive displays

With the rise of pervasive computing, technology becomes increasingly interwoven and embedded into our environments. As an effect, the number of available computing devices in our surroundings is increasing substantially. That is, a growing number of different device classes is at the user’s disposal (e.g., personal devices such as mobile phones and interactive surfaces such as tabletop computers). All these device classes potentially serve as pervasive displays that support users to perform all kinds of tasks. Accordingly, users can apply different devices for solving tasks depending on their current context (i.e., where, with whom, and what etc.) The ensemble of these different devices in the environment span a space in which users can interact in a multitude of diverse ways, which we refer to as pervasive interaction space. The promise of this interaction space is highly embedded technology that blends in the environment allowing users to quickly adapt to their current context for instance, switching from a large stationary device to a small portable device or vice versa when starting to collaborate with others. However, possibilities based on direct interaction, such as touch, are limited regarding a number of aspects including user identification, accessing and sharing personal data. Further, often physical access is required in order to interact directly with pervasive displays. In addition, direct interaction is mainly focusing on a specific device and neglects available other devices (e.g., the user’s mobile phone), which is contradicting the goal of calm technology that allows users to focus on their task and not on the technology they are using. One versatile option to address these challenges is using mediated interaction techniques. Mediation in this context means the application of a device that negotiates communication between a user and an interaction target (i.e., a pervasive display). For instance, handheld pointing devices allow users to bridge spatial distance in order to interact with a remote display. Using personal mobile devices as a mediator yields additional inherent advantages as users can be identified and the user’s digital context (e.g., photos, messages etc.) can be accessed. In the context of this thesis, a structured analysis of prior art was conducted. Based on this review of prior art, two general research goals were identified: (1) how to interact in pervasive interaction spaces using mobile mediated interaction. (2) what implication result from using mobile mediated techniques for co-located collaboration and data
The Comprehensive Organizational Plan: How a COP Can Protect and Serve Your Health Care Organization

In today's hyperturbulent and competitive health care environment, health care organizations must improve operating efficiency, reduce duplication, and compete effectively in the health care market to survive. The comprehensive organizational plan is a 5-stage development tool for health care organizations that is intended to protect and serve the health care organization in its survival efforts. Through its 5 planning stages-competitive, facilities, financial, human resources, and marketing-the comprehensive organizational plan assists the organization in optimizing the goals of cost containment, quality preservation, and universal access.
Human Prehension and Dexterous Robot Hands

The human hand is versatile in its interactions with the envi ronment, demonstrating skills that designers of dexterous robot hands would like to emulate. Various postures and features of the human hand combine to provide a great deal of functional ity. In this article, an analysis of human prehensile capability is presented, comparing a symbolic description of prehension to an opposition-space, parameterized framework. By pointing out features of the human hand in prehensile tasks, we hope to offer insights that designers can use for building more versatile robot and prosthetic hands.
Enhancing the three-phase synchronous reference frame PLL to remove unbalance and harmonic errors

This paper presents a modified three-phase phase locked loop, consisting of a multi-block adaptive notch filter (ANF) integrated into a conventional three-phase synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (SRFPLL). The addition of the ANF to the system allows it to become frequency adaptive. Also, since the ANF consists of multiple blocks which are in parallel with one another, the system is able to remove multiple input signal distortions. Thus, the proposed system is able to eliminate the double frequency ripple that is normally caused in the conventional three-phase SRFPLL by input unbalance, as well as harmonic errors, despite the presence of frequency variations in the input signal. The proposed system is compared to a conventional three-phase SRFPLL, as well as a three-phase SRFPLL with a simple notch filter, and the advantages of the proposed system are discussed.
Improvement in diabetes care of underinsured patients enrolled in project dulce: a community-based, culturally appropriate, nurse case management and peer education diabetes care model.

OBJECTIVE To improve clinical diabetes care, patient knowledge, and treatment satisfaction and to reduce health-adverse culture-based beliefs in underserved and underinsured populations with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 153 high-risk patients with diabetes recruited from six community clinic sites in San Diego County, California were enrolled in a nurse case management (NCM) and peer education/empowerment group. Baseline and 1-year levels of HbA(1c), lipid parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, knowledge of diabetes, culture-based beliefs in ineffective remedies, and treatment satisfaction were prospectively measured. The NCM and peer education/empowerment group was compared with 76 individuals in a matched control group (CG) derived from patients referred but not enrolled in Project Dulce. RESULTS After 1 year in Project Dulce, the NCM and peer education/empowerment group had significant improvements in HbA(1c) (12.0-8.3%, P < 0.0001), total cholesterol (5.82-4.86 mmol/l, P < 0.0001), LDL cholesterol (3.39-2.79 mmol/l, P < 0.0001), and diastolic blood pressure (80-76 mmHg, P < 0.009), which were significantly better than in the CG, in which no significant changes were noted. Accepted American Diabetes Association standards of diabetes care, knowledge of diabetes (P = 0.024), treatment satisfaction (P = 0.001), and culture-based beliefs (P = 0.001) were also improved. CONCLUSIONS A novel, culturally appropriate, community-based, nurse case management/peer education diabetes care model leads to significant improvement in clinical diabetes care, self-awareness, and understanding of diabetes in underinsured populations.
Myeloid Expression of Cytochrome P450 4F3 Is Determined by a Lineage-specific Alternative Promoter*

The cytochrome P450 4F3 (CYP4F3) gene encodes two functionally distinct enzymes that differ only by the selection of exon 4 (CYP4F3A) or exon 3 (CYP4F3B). CYP4F3A inactivates leukotriene B4, a reaction that has significance for controlling inflammation. CYP4F3B converts arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, a potent activator of protein kinase C. We have previously shown that mRNAs coding for CYP4F3A and CYP4F3B are generated from distinct transcription start sites in neutrophils and liver. We therefore investigated mechanisms that regulate the cell-specific expression of these two isoforms. Initially, we analyzed the distribution of CYP4F3 in human leukocytes and determined a lineage-specific pattern of isoform expression. CYP4F3A is expressed in myeloid cells and is coordinate with myeloid differentiation markers such as CD11b and myeloperoxidase during development in the bone marrow. In contrast, CYP4F3B expression is restricted to a small population of CD3+ T lymphocytes. We identified distinct transcriptional features in myeloid, lymphoid, and hepatic cells that indicate the presence of multiple promoters in the CYP4F3 gene. The hepatic promoter depends on a cluster of hepatocyte nuclear factor sites 123–155 bp upstream of the initiator ATG codon. The myeloid promoter spans 400 bp in a region 468–872 bp upstream of the ATG codon; it is associated with clusters of CACCT sites and can be activated by ZEB-2, a factor primarily characterized as a transcriptional repressor in cells that include lymphocytes. ZEB-2 interacts with C-terminal binding protein and Smads, and this would provide opportunities for integrating environmental signals in myelopoiesis and inflammation.
Analysis and Modelling of Affective Japanese Sitting Postures

Not only facial expressions but also body gestures and postures play an important role in non-verbal communication. Whilst evidence shows that affective standing postures account for at least four affective dimensions - arousal, valence, potency and avoidance - it is not clear if the same is true for sitting postures. We investigated the perception of sitting postures and the body descriptors that guide these perceptual processes. Japanese body postures were collected and measured through conventional sensors. Japanese observers were recruited for the study. The results show that, for Japanese observers, the three dimensions of arousal, valence and dominance were necessary to account for most of the variance in the perception of the set of affective postures. It also showed that, for Japanese observers, the rating of dominance was modulated by the position of the legs, arms and trunk. We build an emotion estimation system in real time and evaluate the system.
Ontogeny of conspecific and heterospecific alarm call recognition in wild Verreaux's sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi)

The production of vocalizations in nonhuman primates is predominantly innate, whereas learning influences the usage and comprehension of vocalizations. In this study, I examined the development of alarm call recognition in free‐ranging infant Verreaux's sifakas. Specifically, I investigated their ability to recognize conspecific alarm calls as well as those of sympatric redfronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus) in Kirindy forest, western Madagascar. Both species have functionally referential alarm calls for aerial predators and give general alarm calls for both aerial and general predators and also other kinds of threats, such as intergroup encounters with conspecifics. I conducted playback experiments with members of two birth cohorts (nine and ten individuals) to determine the age at which infant Verreaux's sifakas discriminate between conspecific alarm calls, heterospecific alarm calls, and non‐alarm vocalizations (parrot song). Most 3–4 months old infants fled toward adults after hearing any playback stimuli, whereas 4–5‐month‐old infants did so only after presentation of alarm calls. Moreover, all infants of these age classes showed a longer latency to flee after the parrot song indicating their emerging ability to discriminate between alarm calls and non‐alarm stimuli. At an age of about 6 months, infants switched from fleeing toward adults to performing adult‐like escape responses after presentation of conspecific and heterospecific alarm calls. Thus, the ability to discriminate between alarm from non‐alarm stimuli precedes the appearance of adult‐like responses. The transition to adult‐like escape behavior was coincident with the physical independence of infants from their mothers. Am. J. Primatol. 70:127–135, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LYAPUNOV-LIKE CONDITIONS FOR ROBUST NONLINEAR STABILIZATION

In this work, we propose a methodology for the expression of necessary and sufficient Lyapunov-like conditions for the existence of stabilizing feedback laws. The methodology is an extension of the well-known Control Lyapunov Function (CLF) method and can be applied to very general nonlinear timevarying systems with disturbance and control inputs, including both finiteand infinite-dimensional systems.
Copper signaling in the brain and beyond

Transition metals have been recognized and studied primarily in the context of their essential roles as structural and metabolic cofactors for biomolecules that compose living systems. More recently, an emerging paradigm of transition-metal signaling, where dynamic changes in transitional metal pools can modulate protein function, cell fate, and organism health and disease, has broadened our view of the potential contributions of these essential nutrients in biology. Using copper as a canonical example of transition-metal signaling, we highlight key experiments where direct measurement and/or visualization of dynamic copper pools, in combination with biochemical, physiological, and behavioral studies, have deciphered sources, targets, and physiological effects of copper signals.
Context-aware location in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things is rapidly diffusing, though severe modifications are needed to the current Internet architecture to cope with its new requirements. A major step forward is decoupling the name of an object (identifier) from its physical location (locator), which are both expressed by the IP address currently. We argue that additional advantages can be brought if context metadata are provided along with the locator, thus forming an enriched locator. In this work, we propose an efficient architecture that allows the enriched locators to be distributed efficiently and in a scalable manner. The distribution protocol exploits the multiple Distributed Hash Table concept, which is well established in peer-to-peer overlays. Preliminary evaluation results obtained with a practical testbed implemented are reported.
State Space Models for Dynamic Style Analysis of Portfolios

This paper presents a framework and methods for the estimation of linear and non-linear state space (SS) models, occasionally subject to restrictions, to construct and estimate several models for style analysis with time varying exposures. The study is conducted by applying these models to an artificial portfolio and to return series of Brazilian investment funds. The results confirm the belief that dynamic allocations in a portfolio are a more realistic assumption for investment funds management.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Japanese Version of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months after delivery is globally recommended as optimal infant feeding. However, if mothers evaluate their own breastfeeding by this standard, many might be disappointed because they fail to meet it. In contrast, the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale (MBFES) measures mothers’ satisfaction with breastfeeding regardless of the duration or exclusivity of breastfeeding. The MBFES has been used in Western countries, but not in Japan. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the MBFES (the JMBFES) and to conduct psychometric testing among Japanese-speaking mothers in Japan. Methods: The JMBFES was developed using forward translation, blind back-translation, panel discussion, and pilot testing. Breastfeeding Japanese mothers (n = 414) completed the JMBFES when their infants were 4 months old. For validation testing we used principal components analysis (promax rotation). We deleted items as necessary to improve reliability. We also used multiple linear regression to examine associations of JMBFES scores with breastfeeding intention and with breastfeeding outcomes. Results: The analysis revealed subscales that were generally similar to the original 30-item MBFES. Reliability was satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha ≥ .77). Scores on the JMBFES and on most of its subscales were positively associated with both breastfeeding intention and breastfeeding outcomes. The subscale measuring potentially negative experiences was not statistically significantly associated with breastfeeding at 1 month, after adjustment for likely confounders. Conclusion: The results of reliability testing (Cronbach’s alpha) and of validation testing indicate that the JMBFES can be used in Japan to explore mothers’ satisfaction with breastfeeding.
The Role of the Arab Descendants in Islamic Preaching and the Development of Religious Education in West Sulawesi: Tracing the Significance of the Role and The Their Impacts on the Development in Polewali, Mandar

The coming and development of Islam in a region could not be separated from the role of ulama (Islamic scholars or preachers), i.e. the local ulama and the Arab-descendant ulama. In Mandar (West Sulawesi) some names of ulama worth mentioning included Syekh Abdurrahim Kamaluddin, Syekh Abdul Mannan, Raden Mas Suryo Adilogo, Syekh Zakaria al Maghribi, etc. Of those ulama, some came from several regions in the Indonesian archipelago, some were Arab descendants, and some even came directly from the Middle east. However, those earliest preachers only left traces of history. Today their genealogical descendants are no longer found. There was their genealogical vacuum until the end of 19th century. This research analyzes the role of the Arab descendants in in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi, by putting forward two questions, namely: 1) How was the picture of the spread of the Arab descendants in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi? And how was the institutional system built by the Arab descendants in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi? To investigate, this research used a qualitative descriptive approach. The results of research showed that the first entry and development of the Arab descendants in Mandar were marked by the coming of the Arab-descendant preacher named Syekh Alwi bin Abdullah bin Sahl (circa 1880s). Until today, the Arab descendants spreading in Mandar have come from his clan, followed by other Arab descendants coming from other clans. Keywords: the Arabs, educational institution, the Arab descendants
An Ethanol-Based Proliposome Technology for Enhanced Delivery and Improved Respirability of Antiasthma Aerosols Generated Using a Micropump Vibrating-Mesh Nebulizer

Salbutamol sulphate liposomes were generated using ethanolbased proliposomes followed by nebulization using an Aeroneb Pro vibrating-mesh nebulizer. The droplet size, output and fine particle fraction (FPF) of the drug incorporated in liposome formulation were compared to those of a conventional drug solution. Aerosol output was determined gravimetrically and drug output was analyzed by using high performance liquid chromatography. The potential of aerosol deposition in deep lung was evaluated using inertial impaction and laser diffraction. The effect of formulation surface tension on the aerosol performance was studied. Output and FPF were improved using liposomes compared to the conventional solution, for instance, FPF values were 57.85% and 45.81% respectively. The volume median diameter as measured by laser diffraction was respectively 3.44 I¼m and 3.22 I¼m; however, the higher FPF of the liposome formulation is justified by the lower polydispersity of its aerosol. The improved aerosol performance using liposomes was attributed to the reduction of surface tension caused by the presence of phospholipid. This is the first study that demons trates the ability of liposomes to improve the nebulized drug output and FPF.
Video-to-Shot Tag Propagation by Graph Sparse Group Lasso

Traditional approaches to video tagging are designed to propagate tags at the same level, such as assigning the tags of training videos (or shots) to the test videos (or shots), such as generating tags for the test video when the training videos are associated with the tags at the video-level or assigning tags to the test shot when given a collection of annotated shots. This paper focuses on automatical shot tagging given a collection of videos with the tags at the video-level. In other words, we aim to assign specific tags from the training videos to the test shot. The paper solves the V2S issue by assigning the test shot with the tags deriving from parts of the tags in a part of training videos. To achieve the goal, the paper first proposes a novel Graph Sparse Group Lasso (shorted for GSGL) model to linearly reconstruct the visual feature of the test shot with the visual features of the training videos, i.e., finding the correlation between the test shot and the training videos. The paper then proposes a new tagging propagation rule to assign the video-level tags to the test shot by the learnt correlations. Moreover, to effectively build the reconstruction model, the proposed GSGL simultaneously takes several constraints into account, such as the inter-group sparsity, the intra-group sparsity, the temporal-spatial prior knowledge in the training videos and the local structure of the test shot. Extensive experiments on public video datasets are conducted, which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for dealing with the video-to-shot tag propagation.