Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MiR-130b Is a Prognostic Marker and Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer through Targeting STAT3

Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in human cancer and contribute to the tumorigenesis, but their roles in pancreatic cancer are still largely unknown. In this study, our data showed that miR-130b was significantly downregulated in 52 pairs of pancreatic cancer tissues and five cell lines. Furthermore, the deregulated miR-130b was correlated with worse prognosis, increased tumor size, late TNM stage, lymphatic invasion and distant metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that miR-130b expression was a significant and independent prognostic predictor for pancreatic cancer patients. Functional studies indicated that the overexpression of miR-130b dramatically suppressed the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, which could be attributed to the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S phase. Meanwhile, an overexpressed miR-130b remarkably inhibited the invasive ability of pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, the dual luciferase assay revealed that STAT3 was directly targeted by miR-130b, which was further confirmed by the inverse expression of miR-130b and STAT3 in pancreatic cancer samples. Our findings suggested that miR-130b might have a considerable potential in prognosis identification and application of therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Understanding the Pathways to Resilience

Drawing on social ecological resilience frameworks, this study added adolescents’ voices to explore how they achieve academic and behavioural competencies despite being in high-risk environments in a Chinese context. Thirty-one 11th grade resilient students (12 male and 19 female) based on the previous quantitative results were interviewed. Results showed that the key people in the lives of resilient individuals are located in the micro-system of individuals’ ecological social environment (e.g., family and school). They have six important roles: caring and support in everyday life; academic expectations and involvement; spiritual encouragement; behavioural discipline and guidance; providing opportunities for meaningful involvement and role modelling. In addition, having positive life goals, perseverance and confidence were identified as common attributes of the resilient Chinese adolescents. Students’ accounts indicate that their resilience is grounded in cultural beliefs.
Contextual gaps and perception of privacy when using Facebook

As social networking sites (SNSs) have become another medium to communicate with publics, many communicators have focused on more effective ways to approach and interact with customers. With such an idea, many researchers have paid attention to the site users’ perceptions of the company and their privacy concerns. However, not only is a SNS a useful tool for corporate communication, but also it is a social interaction sphere with friends, family, and even strangers. Thus, although a SNS has shed light on a promising corporate communication sphere, there are few studies that consider both contexts – organization-to-public communication and peer-to-peer communication, as a rising field for new research. Therefore, this study aims to look at both contexts in the same SNS to provide more useful insights to scholars and practitioners in order to communicate with publics more efficiently with regard to Facebook users’ multiple selves and perception of privacy concerns. Through this framework, the present study seeks to create a strategy for minimizing customers’ privacy concerns and negative perceptions when they communicate with a company, as corporations adjust to a more ideal self presentation for effective communication. To accomplish this goal, the present study conducted a survey using two contexts— peer-to-peer communication and organization-to-public communication each with a brief situation scenario. Participants tended to have higher privacy concerns when they have lower boundary permeability, lower linkage with others, and higher ownership of their privacy. In terms of contexts, the subjects showed high sensitivity to the current context when they have lower boundary permeability, lower linkage with other, and higher ownership that all led to higher privacy concerns. INDEX WORDS: Facebook, Multiple-selves, Privacy Management Theory (PMT), Boundary Management Rules, Corporate communication, Public relations, Peer-to-peer communication CONTEXTUAL GAPS AND PERCEPTION OF PRIVACY WHEN USING FACEBOOK: MULTIPLE SELVES – A FRIEND VS. A CONSUMER
SEMSim: A Distributed Architecture for Multi-scale Traffic Simulation

With the fast urbanization of our modern society, transportation systems in cities are facing increasing problems such as congestion, collisions, and high levels of emissions. Researchers have been searching for solutions by investigating better urban planning and transportation policies, introducing new technologies such as Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), or introducing more environmentally friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs). Traffic modeling and simulation is one tool adopted by researchers for more than half a century [1] to help authorities assess new infrastructure design, and new policies without impacting real traffic. City-scale nanoscopic traffic simulation is a challenging problem that requires parallelization and distribution. In this paper, we have given an overview of the architecture for our nanoscopic traffic simulator SEMSim. For efficient parallel simulation, reducing the dependencies between the various LPs is crucial. We have specified a multi-objective optimization problem concerned with the allocation of agents to clusters. In our future work, we will implement a nanoscopic traffic simulation and devise methods to solve this problem dynamically. Given the difficulty of the problem, these methods will have to make use of domain-specific knowledge, such as information about the topology of the road network.
Nahalal: Cache Organization for Chip Multiprocessors

This paper addresses cache organization in chip multiprocessors (CMPs). We show that in CMP systems it is valuable to distinguish between shared data, which is accessed by multiple cores, and private data accessed by a single core. We introduce Nahalal, an architecture whose novel floorplan topology partitions cached data according to its usage (shared versus private data), and thus enables fast access to shared data for all processors while preserving the vicinity of private data to each processor. Nahalal exhibits significant improvements in cache access latency compared to a traditional cache design.
Detection of differentially expressed genes in synovial fibroblasts by restriction fragment differential display.

OBJECTIVE To identify differentially expressed genes in synovial fibroblasts and examine the effect on gene expression of exposure to TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. METHODS Restriction fragment differential display was used to isolate genes using degenerate primers complementary to the lysophosphatidic acid acyl transferase gene family. Differential gene expression was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry using a variety of synovial fibroblasts, including cells from patients with osteoarthritis and self-limiting parvovirus arthritis. RESULTS Irrespective of disease process, synovial fibroblasts constitutively produced higher levels of IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) (CCL2) than skin fibroblasts. Seven genes were differentially expressed in synovial fibroblasts compared with skin fibroblasts. Of these genes, four [tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2), growth regulatory oncogene beta (GRObeta), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and granulocyte chemotactic protein 2 (GCP-2)] were all found to be constitutively overexpressed in synoviocytes derived from patients with osteoarthritis. These four genes were only weakly expressed in other synovial fibroblasts (rheumatoid and self-limiting parvovirus infection). However, expression in all types of fibroblasts was increased after stimulation with TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Three other genes (aggrecan, biglycan and caldesmon) were expressed at higher levels in all types of synovial fibroblasts compared with skin fibroblasts even after stimulation with TNF-alpha and IL-1. CONCLUSIONS Seven genes have been identified with differential expression patterns in terms of disease process (osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis), state of activation (resting vs cytokine activation) and anatomical location (synovium vs skin). Four of these genes, TFPI2, GRObeta (CXCL2), MnSOD and GCP-2 (CXCL6), were selectively overexpressed in osteoarthritis fibroblasts rather than rheumatoid fibroblasts. While these differences may represent differential behaviour of synovial fibroblasts in in vitro culture, these observations suggest that TFPI2, GRObeta (CXCL2), MnSOD and GCP-2 (CXCL6) may represent new targets for treatments specifically tailored to osteoarthritis.
An fMRI Study of Local Synchronization in Different Subfrequency Bands during the Continuous Feedback of Finger Force

Conventional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies on motor feedback employ periodical blocked paradigm which does not allow frequency analysis of brain activity. Here, we carried out an fMRI study by using a continuous paradigm, that is, continuous (8 min) feedback of finger force. Borrowing an analytic method widely used in resting-state fMRI studies, that is, regional homogeneity (ReHo), we compared the local synchronization in some subfrequency bands between real and sham feedback, and the subbands were defined as Slow-6 (0.0–0.01 Hz), Slow-5 (0.01–0.027 Hz), Slow-4 (0.027–0.073 Hz), Slow-3 (0.073–0.198 Hz), and Slow-2 (0.198–0.25 Hz). Our results revealed that the five subfrequency bands of brain activity contributed to the changes of ReHo between real and sham feedback differently, and, more importantly, the changes in basal ganglia were only manifested in Slow-6, implicating the fact that ReHo in ultraslow band may be associated with the functional significance of BG, that is, motor control. These findings provide novel insights into the neural substrate underlying motor feedback, and properties of the ultraslow band of local synchronization deserve more attention in future explorations.
Determinant factors for implementing learning study in developing countries: the case of Tanzania

Abstract The study explored the contributing factors in implementing the learning study approach in Tanzanian secondary schools. Three mathematics teachers formed a learning study group, guided by the variation theory of learning, to share their experiences on how to implement a Learner-Centred Approach (LCA) in their school milieu. Teachers were interviewed at the end of each intervention phase on the prospects they encountered in the course of implementing the learning studies. Classroom observation notes were taken to supplement the interview data, which were analysed using phenomenographic variation framework. The results show that the school’s administrative support, the existing curriculum and perceived positive outcomes of the learning studies were the key factors contributing to the learning study perfection. We therefore, conclude that careful attention should be taken into account to promote key aspects for sustainable implementation of the learning studies in developing countries’ secondary schools with similar attributes to the Tanzanian context.
An Exploratory Study on Correlates of Depression in Young Adults

The study aimed to understand and study the various physical, social and psychological factors of depression and also to study the gender difference in the various correlates of depression with regard to the different dimensions of Physical, Social and Psychological (Cognitive, Emotional and Behavioral) in the two sections of Symptomatology and Risk Factors for Depression. Data was analyzed using Content and Thematic Analysis. A sample of 30 young adults including both men and women revealed a wide variety of themes and responses with regard to the various dimensions of depression in both the sections of Symptomatology and Risk Factors.
A dual-switch push-pull converter with LLC resonant tank at secondary side for high reliable and high power aerospace applications

A new push-pull converter with features of soft switching and anti-shoot-through capability is proposed for aerospace applications. By embedding LLC resonant tank at the secondary side, the zero-voltage switching for MOSFETs and zero-current switching for Diodes can be achieved. Based on the fundamental harmonic approximation analysis, the operation principle of the proposed converter is analyzed, which is similar to the traditional LLC converters. A 500W prototype was built to verify the merits of the proposed converter. Experimental results show that all the power devices can be operated under soft-switching conditions, while achieving high conversion efficiency and high reliability.
Transient adhesion of neutrophils to endothelium

Fluorescently labeled polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were used to measure adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC) cultured in vitro. Stimulation of PMN with phorbol dibutyrate (PDB), TNF, or C5a caused an increase in adhesion followed by a return to prestimulation levels of adhesion of longer times of incubation. Maximal adhesion of PMN to EC occurred rapidly in response to C5a (5 min) and more slowly with TNF or PDB (15 min). PMN stimulated to adhere with C5a detached from EC by 15 min. PMN from CD11/CD18-deficient patients and PMN incubated with anti-CD18 mAbs failed to bind to EC despite maximal stimulation. Anti-CD11a/CD18 and anti-CD11b/CD18 each partially inhibited adhesion, and a combination of these two reagents completely blocked adhesion. The adhesion we measured was therefore completely dependent on CD11/CD18, and CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 each contributed to adhesion. Stimuli that enhanced adhesion of PMN to EC also enhanced expression of CD11b/CD18 on the cell surface, but the time course of expression correlated poorly with changes in adhesivity. To determine if changes in the expression of CD11b/CD18 are necessary for the changes in adhesivity, we used enucleate cytoplasts that did not increase expression of CD11b/CD18. Cytoplasts showed a normal rise and fall in adhesivity in response to PDB. We conclude that the transient adhesion of stimulated PMN to naive EC is regulated by changes in the nature of existing CD11/CD18 molecules on the PMN surface. Changes in expression of CD11b/CD18 may contribute to enhancement of adhesivity, but a definite role for this phenomenon has yet to be established.
Hybrid geometry representations with applications in medical imaging and model repair

A key issue in computer aided design is the accurate and efficient mathematical representation of static and dynamic geometric models. Unfortunately there is no single design that fits all needs equally well. While e.g., parametric representations allow for fast enumeration of points on the model and thus for fast rendering, volumetric representations better support inside/outside queries and Boolean operations like intersection and union. The efficiency of geometric algorithms thus directly relates to the efficiency of the underlying data structures, a fact that becomes in particular apparent in dynamic models that need to be updated frequently. In this thesis we design and evaluate so-called hybrid geometry representations that combine the advantages of the traditional parametric, implicit and volumetric frameworks. Our goal is to selectively enhance applications by functionality that would otherwise be difficult to implement in a single representation alone. We demonstrate the applicability of hybrid models and show how applications from as diverse fields as medical imaging and CAD model repair can take advantage of this concept. In particular we turn our attention to hybrid representations that allow the user to explicitly control the topology of the geometric model. In the first part of the thesis, we examine active contour models (curves as well as surfaces) which frequently are employed in medical imaging for segmentation, pattern matching and object recognition. Here, the principal challenge is to incorporate a priori knowledge about the topology of the object of interest into the dynamic contour. We present hybrid extensions to traditional parametric (snake) and geometric (level-set) active contour models, that allow the user to explicitly control splitting and merging of the evolving contour and to efficiently incorporate topological constraints. In the second part of the thesis we investigate how hybrid geometry representations and algorithms can be successfully applied in model repair. CAD data like architectural or automotive models often contains artefacts like gaps, intersections, overlaps, and inconsistent normal orientations. Unfortunately, such “triangle soups” cannot directly be used in downstream applications which often are very particular about the topological and geometrical quality of their input. We present algorithms that combine volumetric and explicit methods to resolve these artefacts and produce high-quality, manifold and watertight reconstructions.
Novelty and Usefulness Trade-Off: Cultural Cognitive Differences and Creative Idea Evaluation

Creativity and innovation have become critical organizational capabilities in today’s global environment, and leveraging creative potential of employees across various cultural contexts has become increasingly important. Although recognized among researchers, cross-cultural differences in creativity are not yet well understood. We contribute to this line of research by constructing a theoretical model that focuses on cultural differences in cognition (i.e., holistic vs. analytic thinking) that affect the evaluation of creative ideas. The cultural cognition perspective allows us to theorize about the interrelationship between an idea’s novelty and its usefulness. We propose that to the extent there is a trade-off between an idea’s novelty and usefulness, cultural differences in cognition will systematically influence the trade-off relationship such that Easterners will perceive a stronger trade-off between novelty and usefulness as compared with their Western counterparts. Such effects of cultural cognition, however, can be reduced by contextual factors of multicultural exposure, cognitive team diversity, and organizational climate for innovation. Our cultural cognition perspective complements the extant cultural value and social norms perspectives on cross-cultural differences in creativity and innovation.
Consistency analysis of RSSI measurement for distance estimation of Wireless Sensor nodes

Wireless Sensor Devices are becoming more attractive as a sensor platform compared to wired sensor device because of the ease of installation and freedom in sensor placement. The field of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) has been increasing with the advancement of modern science and technology. In order to determine the location of sensor nodes, lots of localization algorithm have been established and proposed by the researchers. Since the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is assumed to be a strong parameter, most of researches have been worked out for localization algorithm using RSSI. But it is found that lots of irregular values of RSSI are produced at different conditions. Thus it is so much troublesome to get the actual position of sensor nodes using RSSI. In our experiments, we tried to investigate the reasons of deviation in RSSI values in different conditions using TelosB sensor nodes. We showed the effects of different obstacles between the sensor nodes and their different orientations as well. The results show that, the distances, obstacles and sensor node orientations play a significant role in changing the RSSI values.
Robust Speaker Verification Based on Max Pooling of Sparse Representation

In the human nervous system, sensory inputs are coded in a sparse manner where only small num- bers of neurons are active at a given time, thus the sparse coding is reasonable to be as a plausible model of the auditory cortex. In this paper, we propose a biologically inspired feature extraction method for speaker verification based on sparse coding. When encoding the speech data using sparse coding model, the learned dictionary has the similar characteristics with simple cell receptive fields of auditory neurons and the sparse coding coefficients simulate the response of the auditory cortex neuron. Moreover, every dictionary is learned from every speaker training sample, so that it has more individual information of the speaker and is useful for discriminating different speakers with less dictionary atoms. And based on human auditory masking effect, a neuron which performs a Max Pooling operation on the pooled inputs responds to the strongest one of its in- puts and inhibits other weaker inputs. The robustness of the proposed method is better in terms of a strategy to represent natural sounds. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the baseline system on two typical corpuses.
Routines , Hierarchies of Problems , Procedural Behaviour : Some Evidence From Experiments 1 0 DVVLPR ( JLGL

A laboratory experiment was performed as replication of the original one created by M. Cohen and P. Bacdayan at Michigan University. It consists in a twopersons card game played by a large number of pairs, whose actions are stored in a computer’s memory. In order to achieve the final goal each player must discover his sub-goals, and must coordinate his action with the partner’s one. The game therefore involves the division of knowledge and cooperation among players, and gives rise to the emergence of organizational routines. It is suggested that the organizational routines, i.e. the sequences of patterned actions which lead to the realization of the final goal, cannot be fully memorized because of their variety and number. It is shown that players do not possess all the knowledge needed by an hypothetical supervisor to play the best strategy: they generally explore only a limited part of the space of the potential rules, and therefore learn and memorize a simple, bounded set of "personal" meta-rules. These meta-rules, also called "production rules" in standard Cognitive Science’s language, are of the form <If "Condition" then "Action">. Each "Condition" can concern either the game configurations or the partner’s action. In the former case the identification of an appropriate "Action" depends on the sub-goals exploration . In the latter it depends on the recognition (or discovery) of interaction rules ; in this eventuality the production rule embodies a dynamic and possibly cooperative reaction to the partner’s action. Organizational procedures (routines) therefore emerge as the outcome of a distributed process generated by "personal" production rules . These routines, as in von Hayek’s view, "can be understood as if it were made according to a single plan, although nobody has planned it. " (Hayek, 1980, p. 54). Empirical evidence is provided to support the