Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aberrant promoter methylation of laminin-5-encoding genes in prostate cancers and its relationship to clinicopathological features.

PURPOSE Laminin-5 (LN5) is an essential component of the basement membrane (BM) and is composed of three chains that are the products of three distinct genes (LAMA3, LAMB3, and LAMC2). Differential expression of LN5 genes has been reported in prostate and other cancers. Recently, in lung cancers, we developed methylation-specific PCR assays for each gene and demonstrated that the aberrant methylation as the mechanism of inactivation of genes. In this study, we investigated the aberrant promoter methylation of LN5 genes in prostate cancers and correlated the data with clinicopathological features. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Promoter methylation of LN5-encoding genes was analyzed in 101 prostate cancer samples by methylation-specific PCR assay. In addition, we analyzed 32 nonmalignant prostate tissue samples. The methylation index (MI) was determined as the methylated fraction of the genes examined. RESULTS The frequencies of loss of expression for the LAMA3, LAMB3, and LAMC2 genes in six prostate cancer cell lines were 83, 67, and 50%, respectively, whereas the methylation frequencies were 83, 67, and 33%, respectively. The concordances between loss of expression and methylation for the three genes were 100, 100, and 83%, respectively. The frequency of methylation of LN5-encoding genes in prostate cancers and nonmalignant prostate tissues, respectively, were: 44 and 12% for LAMA3 (P = 0.001); 18 and 6% for LAMB3; and 41 and 9% for LAMC2 (P = 0.001). In addition, methylation frequencies of any one or two genes, frequencies of at least one-gene methylation and mean chain MI were significantly higher in prostate cancers than in nonmalignant prostate tissues. For clinicopathological correlations, the high Gleason score (GS) group, high preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) group, and high stage group had significantly higher methylation frequencies of LAMA3 than their corresponding low groups. Methylation frequency of at least one gene and mean chain MI was significantly higher in the high PSA group and high-stage group than their respective low groups. There was significant correlation between MI and PSA. The high GS group had higher frequencies of at least one gene methylation and mean chain MI than the low GS group. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate frequent epigenetic silencing of LN5-encoding genes in prostate cancers and it correlates with clinicopathological features of poor prognosis. These findings are of biological interest and potentially of clinical importance.
The superior colliculus and the steering of saccades toward a moving visual target

Following the suggestion that a command encoding the expected here-and-now target location feeds the oculomotor system during interceptive saccades, we tested whether this command originates in the deep superior colliculus (SC). Monkeys generated saccades to targets that were static or moving along the preferred axis, away from (outward) or toward a fixated target (inward) with a constant speed (20°/s). Vertical and horizontal motions were also tested. Extracellular activity of 57 saccade-related neurons was recorded in 3 monkeys. The movement field (MF) parameters (boundaries, center and firing rate) were estimated after spline fitting the relation between the saccade amplitude and the average firing rate of the motor burst. During radial motion, the inner MF boundary shifted in the same direction as the target motion for some neurons, not all. During vertical motion, both lower and upper boundaries were shifted upward during upward motion whereas the upper boundary only shifted during downward motions. For horizontal motions, the medial boundaries were not changed. The MF center was shifted only for outward motion. Regardless of the motion direction, the average firing rate was consistently reduced during interceptive saccades. Our study shows an involvement of the saccade-related burst of SC neurons in steering the gaze toward a moving target. When observed, the shifts of MF boundary in the direction of target motion correspond to commands related to antecedent target locations. The absence of shift in the opposite direction shows that SC activity does not issue predictive commands related to the future target location. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT By comparing the movement field (MF) of saccade-related neurons between saccades toward static and moving targets, we show that the motor burst issued by neurons in the superior colliculus does not convey commands related to the future location of a moving target. During interceptive saccades, the active population consists of a continuum of neurons, ranging from cells exhibiting a shift in the center or boundary of their MF to cells which exhibit no change. The shifts correspond to residual activity related to the fact that the active population does not change as fast as the target in the visual field. By contrast, the absence of shift indicates commands related to the current target location, as if it were static.
Biodegradable Microparticles and Nanoparticles by Electrospraying Techniques

Purpose Biodegradable microparticles and nanoparticles are receiving increased attention for their ability to serve as a viable carrier for site-specific delivery of genes, drugs and other biomolecules. Electrospraying represents a challenging technology which allows for the preparation of biodegradable particles with high bioavailability, good encapsulation, controlled release and fewer toxic properties. Methods Chitosan and polycaprolactone (PCL) particles were processed via electrospraying with control of basic process parameters: voltage and flow rate. Results PCL microparticles with spherical shape or flattened particles were obtained as a function of the concentration of the processed solutions, which affects evaporation and chain entanglement formation. Chitosan nanoparticles with submicrometric sizes were obtained by carefully adjusting voltage and flow rate, which enables the control of particle size and distribution. Conclusion We evaluated the benefits of the electrospraying technique to control the morphology of biodegradable microparticles and nanoparticles for drug-delivery applications. The implementation of simple technological solutions which combine the use of standard electrospraying and electrospinning by simultaneous or sequential steps, opens the way toward the development of new, interesting devices for drug-delivery applications such as tumor targeting and oral delivery.
New global dimensions of business excellence

This study explores the concept of business excellence and provides a new dimension to global business excellence. Drawing on extant literature, the study traces the history of business excellence and seeks to answer the question of how society views business excellence in the world today. The grounded theory research method is used to conceptualise a model of new global excellence showing the role that ethics play in business. The findings are that there are conflicting accounts in literature and praxis in relation to the role of business excellence models in business. Some see it as a strategic model while other consider as an operational tool. The findings suggest there is the need for a resultant shift in emphasis from quality and award systems and rather consider the tactical role of the business excellence models in organisations and the implications for quality training and development in organisations.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: A Multicenter, Prospective, Risk-Adjusted Analysis From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Objective:To compare laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass procedures with respect to 30-day morbidity and mortality rates, using multi-institutional, prospective, risk-adjusted data. Summary Background Data:Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for weight loss is being performed with increasing frequency, partly driven by consumer demand. However, there are no multi-institutional, risk-adjusted, prospective studies comparing laparoscopic and open gastric bypass outcomes. Methods:A multi-institutional, prospective, risk-adjusted cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic and open gastric bypass procedures was performed from hospitals (n = 15) involved in the Private Sector Study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Data points have been extensively validated, are based on standardized definitions, and were collected by nurse reviewers who are audited for accuracy. Results:From 2000 to 2003, data from 1356 gastric bypass procedures was collected. The 30-day mortality rate was zero in the laparoscopic group (n = 401), and 0.6% in the open group (n = 955) (P = not significant). The 30-day complication rate was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group as compared with the open group: 7% versus 14.5% (P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to control for potential confounding variables and showed that patients undergoing an open procedure were more likely to develop a complication, as compared with patients undergoing an laparoscopic procedure (odds ratio = 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–3.25). Propensity score modeling revealed similar results. A prediction model was derived, and variables that significantly predict higher complication rates after gastric bypass included an open procedure, a high ASA class (III, IV, V), functionally dependent patient, and hypertension as a comorbid illness. Conclusions:Multicenter, prospective, risk-adjusted data show that laparoscopic gastric bypass is safer than open gastric bypass, with respect to 30-day complication rate.
Revisiting the Role of Governance and Institutions in the Impact of Financial Liberalization on Economic Growth using the PSTR Model

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the dual effect of financial liberalization over more than three decades, starting from the independent contributions of Ronald I. McKinnon and Edwards S. Shaw on this topic. In this regard, the paper revisits the effects of financial liberalization and governance on growth. Moreover, it presents a summary of current research in this area, covering the conclusions of the endogenous growth models, issues on volatility and the relationship between financial liberalization, institutions, governance and economic growth. To study data of 54 countries from 1985 to 2010 and because the nexus between financial liberalization and economic growth is nonlinear and depends on specific national factors especially institutions quality and governance, the Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) model is used. The main result of this study shows that a better contribution of financial liberalization to economic growth requires the interrelationship and the complementarity between financial liberalization and governance. Overall, regardless of the level of liberalization, output income is always higher with better governance and institutions.
Firewalking and Religious Healing: The Anastenaria of Greece and the American Firewalking Movement

"If the Saint calls you, if you have an open road, then you don't feel the fire as if it were your enemy," says one of the participants in the Anastenaria. This compelling work evokes and contrasts two forms of firewalking and religious healing: first, the Anastenaria, a northern Greek ritual in which people who are possessed by Saint Constantine dance dramatically over red-hot coals, and, second, American firewalking, one of the more spectacular activities of New Age psychology. Loring Danforth not only analyzes these rituals in light of the most recent work in medical and symbolic anthropology but also describes in detail the lives of individual firewalkers, involving the reader personally in their experiences: he views ritual therapy as a process of transformation and empowerment through which people are metaphorically moved from a state of illness to a state of health. Danforth shows that the Anastenaria and the songs accompanying it allow people to express and resolve conflict-laden family relationships that may lead to certain kinds of illnesses. He also demonstrates how women use the ritual to gain a sense of power and control over their lives without actually challenging the ideology of male dominance that pervades Greek culture. Comparing the Anastenaria with American firewalking, Danforth includes a gripping account of his own participation in a firewalk in rural Maine. Finally he examines the place of anthropology in a postmodern world in which the boundaries between cultures are becoming increasingly blurred.
Preparation of some new neoglycoproteins by amidination of bovine serum albumin using 2-imino-2-methoxyethyl 1-thioglycosides.

The cyanomethyl 1-thioglycosides of beta-D-galactose, 6-O-methyl-beta-D-galactose, alpha-L-arabinose, beta-D-fucose, beta-L-fucose, beta-D-glucose, beta-D-xylose, beta-D-allose, alpha-D-mannose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-galactose, 2-deoxy-beta-D-glucose, and 3-O-methyl-beta-D-glucose were prepared from the respective pseudothiourea derivatives and chloroacetonitrile. The nitrile function in the aglycon of the cyanomethyl 1-thioglycosides was converted to a methyl imido ester by treatment with sodium methoxide in methanolic solutions, thereby affording the 2-imino-2-methoxyethyl 1-thioglycosides [Lee, Y.C. , Stowell, C.P., & Krantz, M.J. (1976) Biochemistry 15, 3956-3963]. The stability of these reagents was investigated. The 2-imino-2-methoxyethyl 1-thioglycosides were then used to attach carbohydrates to bovine serum albumin. Amidination could be accomplished within a few hours in a pH range of 7-10. The extent of amidination could be controlled by varying the ratio of imido ester to protein amino group. These new neoglycoproteins were used to determine stereospecificity of the rabbit hepatic carbohydrate-binding system [Stowell, C.P., Lee, R.T. , & Lee, Y.C. (1980) Biochemistry (following paper in this issue)].
Dimensional reduction of web traffic data

Dimensional reduction may be effective in order to compress data without loss of essential information. Also, it may be useful in order to smooth data and reduce random noise. The model presented in this paper was motivated by the structure of the msweb web-traffic dataset from the UCI archive. It is proposed to reduce dimension (number of the used web-areas or vroots) as a result of the unsupervised learning process maximizing specially defined average log-likelihood divergence. Two different web-areas will be merged in the case if these areas appear together frequently during the same sessions. Essentially, roles of the web-areas are not symmetrical in the merging process. The web-area or cluster with bigger weight will act as an attractor and will stimulate merging. In difference, the smaller cluster will try to keep independence. In both cases the powers of attraction or resistance will depend on the weights of the corresponding clusters. Above strategy will prevent creation of one super-big cluster, and will help to reduce number of non-significant clusters. The proposed method was illustrated using two synthetic examples. The first example is based on an ideal vlink matrix which characterizes weights of the vroots and relations between them. The vlink matrix for the second example was generated using specially designed web-traffic simulator.
Perceived Characteristics of E-cigarettes as an Innovation by Young Adults.

OBJECTIVES We examined channels through which information about e-cigarettes has flowed, public perception of e-cigarettes as an innovation, and how these may influence use. METHODS An online survey of US adults aged 18-24 years (N = 874) was used. Measures included information channels, perception of e-cigarettes as an innovation, and intention to use. RESULTS Television ranked first for exposure to e-cigarette information. The most positive innovation attributes were observability and relative advantage. A structural model showed that information exposure and favorable perception as an innovation predicted use. CONCLUSIONS The high degree of e-cigarette awareness combined with depiction of the devices as a favorable innovation may contribute to their wider adoption and may argue for regulation of e-cigarette advertising.
Automated normalized FLAIR imaging in MRI‐negative patients with refractory focal epilepsy

Background: Patients with focal epilepsy that is refractory to medical treatment are often considered candidates for resective surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a very important role in the presurgical work‐up of these patients, but is unremarkable in about one‐third of cases. These patients are often deferred from surgery or have a less positive outcome if surgery is eventually undertaken. The aim of this study was to evaluate our recently described voxel‐based technique using routine T2‐FLAIR (fluid‐attenuated inversion‐recovery) scans in MRI‐negative patients and to compare the results with video‐EEG (electroencephalography) telemetry (VT) findings.
Comparison among journal impact factor, SCimago journal rank indicator, eigenfactor score and h5-index of environmental engineering journals

This paper reflects analyses the leading and reputable journal research quality indicators accepted by scientific and academic communities for evaluation and judgment of scientific journals in the field of environmental engineering. Selected research assessment measures are expected to highlight similarities within each indicator, indicate differences among alternative indicators, capture similar performance characteristics of highly cited journals, and show degree and type of correlations with indicators, and hence add significant journals informational values. Bibliometric indicators that are used to appraise quality ranking for journals use algorithms that are complex and other databases. The major objective of this research work is to assess presently applied (2015) quality indices of journal scientific impact with emphasis on Journal Impact Factor (JIF), Eigenfactor Score (ES), and SCImago Journal Rank indicator (SJR). Particular environmental engineering journals were chosen from their category within Web of Science. The 2015 JIFs and ESs are obtained from Journal Citation Report and the SJR from the SCImago Journal and country rank website. Chosen journals were listed and their associated information retrieved from their sites. Attempts were rendered to apply JIF, SJR and ES quality indexes for ranking and judging quality of environmental engineering journals. All journals were assessed in virtue of their JIF, ES and SJR. Likewise, correlations between indices were drawn through employment of Pearson’s and Spearman’s statistical correlations of the SPSS software. All journals examined have the premier standard of quality as being indexed in distinct and honored databases such as: Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. JIF ranged between 8.328 and 0.129; ES varied between 0.05722 to as low as 0.00001, JSR oscillated between 2.322 and 0.127 and H5 swung between 121 to 5. A high Pearson’s (r) statistical correlation occurred between JIF and both H5 and SJR indicators for journals in this category (r = 0.859 and r = 0.853, respectively), while it is rather lower between JIF and ES values (r = 0.629). With respect to Spearsman’s rho statistical correlation a high correlation appeared between JIF and each of H5 and SJR indicators for journals in Environmental engineering (coefficient value of 0.867 and 0.862, respectively) and a nearly similar correlation between JIF and ES rankings (coefficient value = 0.851)
A New Multistatic FMCW Radar Architecture by Over-the-Air Deramping

Frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar is widely adopted solution for low-cost, short to medium range sensing applications. However, a multistatic FMCW architecture suitable for meeting the low-cost requirement has yet to be developed. This paper introduces a new FMCW radar architecture that implements a novel technique of synchronizing nodes in a multistatic system, known as over-the-air deramping (OTAD). The architecture uses a dual-frequency design to simultaneously broadcast an FMCW waveform on a lower frequency channel directly to a receiver as a reference synchronization signal, and a higher frequency channel to illuminate the measurement scene. The target echo is deramped in hardware with the synchronization signal. OTAD allows for low-cost multistatic systems with fine range-resolution, and low peak power and sampling rate requirements. Furthermore, the approach avoids problems with direct signal interference. OTAD is shown to be a compelling solution for low-cost multistatic radar systems through the experimental measurements using a newly developed OTAD radar system.
Characterization of NbTiN-Based Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors on Si Waveguide

We have fabricated and characterized a niobium titanium nitride (NbTiN)-based superconducting nanowire single- photon detector (SSPD or SNSPD) on the silicon (Si) waveguide toward the realization of waveguide-coupled SSPD. The superconducting critical temperature and critical current were 7.85 K and 34.4 μA at 0.3 K, respectively. We investigated the optical response of the fabricated device and found that the device exhibited a single-photon response. Furthermore, the fabricated device showed a clear bias current dependence of the output counts similar to conventional SSPDs.
Simulation for NPP of grassland ecosystem in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau based on the process model

Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau plays an important role in estimating net primary productivity of grassland ecosystem for global carbon cycling research. In this paper, boreal ecosystem productivity simulator (BEPS) model was modified according to the characteristics of grassland canopy. A hypothesis of horizontal homogeneity and vertical layer was put forward for grassland canopy and BEPS was modified to GEPS (grassland ecosystem productivity simulator) to simulate the NPP of grassland ecosystem. With MODIS products (MOD15A2 and MOD12Q1) and routine meteorological data, net primary productivity of grassland ecosystem was simulated in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in 2006 based on GEPS. The result shows that NPP of grassland ecosystem in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is between 20 and 500 gC/m2·a, which is close to the other studies. The spatial distribution of NPP of grassland ecosystem in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau has the trend of decreasing from east to west. Finally the seasonal change of NPP was investigated based on monthly NPP, which has good coherence with the seasonal changes of temperature. This study suggests that the process model - GEPS - is suitable to simulate NPP of grassland ecosystem in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Flexible Labor Regulations and Informality in Egypt

Do more flexible labor market regulations reduce informal employment in formal firms? This paper examines the effects of changes in labor regulations on the incidence of formal employment. Using the case of Egypt, we study the effects of the introduction of more flexible labor regulations in 2003 on the probability that non-contractual workers will be granted a formal employment contract. To identify the effect of the law and control for potential confounding factors, we use a difference-in-difference estimator that measures the difference in the pre and post-law probability of obtaining a formal contract across a treatment group of non-contractual workers initially employed in formal firms and a comparison group of non-contractual workers initially employed in informal firms. The latter serve as a useful comparison group since informal firms are unlikely to formalize as a result of the law, so that the only way their workers can become formal is to move to another firm. Our findings show that the passage of the new labor law did in fact increase the probability of transitioning to formal employment for non-contractual workers employed in formal firms by about 3-3.5 percentage points, or the equivalent of at least a fifth of informal workers in formal firms.