Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
microRNA-195-Cdc42 axis acts as a prognostic factor of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous studies observed the downregulation of microRNA (miR)-195 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues, confirmed cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) as one target gene of miR-195, and demonstrated that miR-195 may act as a tumor suppressor in ESCC by regulating Cdc42 expression. This study aimed to explore the association of miR-195 and Cdc42 combined expression with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis. METHODS Expression of miR-195 and Cdc42 mRNA in 98 pairs of ESCC and paracancerous tissues were detected using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS miR-195 downregulation and Cdc42 upregulation were both prevalent in ESCC tissues, and negatively correlated with each other. In addition, miR-195 expression negatively correlated with TNM stage (P=0.008) and lymphatic metastasis (P=0.022), while Cdc42 expression positively correlated with TNM stage (P=0.011) and tumor differentiation (P=0.024). Moreover, combined expression of miR-195 and Cdc42 (miR-195/Cdc42) was found to be prognostic indicators for progression-free survival and overall survival of ESCC patients both in univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION The main findings of this study indicate the involvement of miR-195-Cdc42 axis in the progression of ESCC and suggest that the combined aberrant expression of miR-195 and Cdc42 mRNA can serve as a promising unfavorable prognostic biomarker in ESCC.
Tissue penetration and pulmonary disposition of tobramycin.

The pharmacokinetics of tobramycin, including the penetration into suction blister fluid (SBF), has been investigated in 12 patients with a mean age of 69.8 +/- 4.6 yrs, after a single i.m. administration of either 150 or 300 mg. Tobramycin demonstrated a concentration-independent pharmacokinetics and a high diffusion into the extravascular compartment with a penetration index (obtained by the SBF and serum AUC ratio) of 135% with no significant differences between the two groups of patients. Tobramycin was also administered as a single or multiple i.m. dose of 300 mg in 10 intensive care patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy for diagnostic purposes. The aminoglycoside mean concentration 6h after the single or last administration ranged from 5.3 to 5.5 mg/l and from 3.0 to 3.3 mg/l in alveolar lining fluid (ALF) and macrophages (AM), respectively, thus demonstrating that the once-daily dosage schedule leads to high and persistent levels in the bronchial alveolar tree, exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentrations in vitro for susceptible respiratory pathogens.
Vibratory Communication in the Jumping Spider Phidippus clarus: Substrate-borne Courtship Signals are Important for Male Mating Success

Recently, work has shown that multimodal communication is common throughout the animal kingdom but the function of multimodal signals is still poorly understood. Phidippus clarus are jumping spiders in which males produce multimodal (visual and vibrational) signals in both male-male (aggressive) and male-female (courtship) contexts. The P. clarus mating system is complex, with sex ratios and the level of male competition changing over the course of the breeding season. Vibrational signal components have been shown to function in male aggressive contests but their role in courtship has not been investigated. Here, we performed an experiment to test the role of vibrational signaling in courtship by observing mating success for males that were experimentally muted. We show that vibratory courtship signals, and in particular signaling rate, is an important component of mating success and potentially a target of female choice. While the ability to produce vibratory signals significantly increased mating success, some muted males were still able to successfully mate. In these trials, signaling rate also predicted mating success suggesting that redundant signal components may compensate for errors and perturbations in signal transmission or that vibratory signals function to enhance the efficacy of visual signals.
Is there a need for fully converged CFD solutions? Global extremum seeking applied to aerodynamic shape optimisation

Optimisation of aerodynamic shapes using computational fluid dynamics approaches has been successfully applied over a number of years, however the typical optimisation approaches employed utilise gradient algorithms that guarantee only local optimality of the solution. While numerous global optimisation techniques exist, they are usually too time consuming in practice. In this paper we show that interpreting the convergence of computational fluid dynamics solvers as plant dynamics allows recent results in global extremum seeking to be deployed. This alleviates the computational burden of requiring full convergence of the computation fluid dynamics solver. The approach is demonstrated on a simple example involving drag minimisation on a NACA aerofoil.
Dynamic Manipulation of a Virtual Object in Marker-less AR system Based on Both Human Hands

This paper presents a novel approach to control the augmented reality (AR) objects robustly in a marker-less AR system by fingertip tracking and hand pattern recognition. It is known that one of the promising ways to develop a marker-less AR system is using human’s body such as hand or face for replacing traditional fiducial markers. This paper introduces a real-time method to manipulate the overlaid virtual objects dynamically in a marker-less AR system using both hands with a single camera. The left bare hand is considered as a virtual marker in the marker-less AR system and the right hand is used as a hand mouse. To build the marker-less system, we utilize a skin-color model for hand shape detection and curvature-based fingertip detection from an input video image. Using the detected fingertips the camera pose are estimated to overlay virtual objects on the hand coordinate system. In order to manipulate the virtual objects rendered on the marker-less AR system dynamically, a vision-based hand control interface, which exploits the fingertip tracking for the movement of the objects and pattern matching for the hand command initiation, is developed. From the experiments, we can prove that the proposed and developed system can control the objects dynamically in a convenient fashion.
D2D underlay massive MIMO hybrid networks with improved physical layer secrecy and energy efficiency

For us to meet the green and reliable communication requirement by the forthcoming fifth generation mobile networks, this paper focuses on a secrecy constrained device‐to‐device (D2D) underlay massive multiple‐input multiple‐output hybrid network, where the D2D user (DU) and cellular user (CU) links are exposed to passive malicious eavesdroppers. The D2D transmitters harvest the power from the signals of dedicated power beacons (PBs), but also the ambient radio frequency (RF) interference of CUs. The signals of PBs are known previously at the receivers of both the D2D and cellular users but are not known at eavesdroppers so that it can be regarded as an artificial noise. For the interested hybrid networks, we first present an energy‐harvesting scheme based on the inversion power control where the power received at the corresponding receiver is higher than the receiver's sensitivity. Then, by modeling the locations of network elements as Poisson point process and applying stochastic geometry, we derive the sufficient probability that a typical D2D transmitter harvests sufficient energy to establish communication links. Finally, with the derived sufficient probability, we evaluate the performance of the CUs and DUs in the achievable ergodic rate and the secrecy outage probability. Both the analytical and simulated results show that precious power of network is saved because of the ambient RF interference exploited, and the secrecy of both D2D and cellular links is improved simultaneously because of the signal of PBs modeled as artificial noises at CUs and DUs.
Adaptive Monte Carlo algorithm to global radio resources optimization in H-CRAN

We propose an Adaptive Monte Carlo algorithm to perform global energy efficient resource allocation for Heterogeneous Cloud Radio Access Network (H-CRAN) architectures, which are forecast as future fifth-generation (5G) networks. We argue that our global proposal offers an efficient solution to the resource allocation for both high and low density scenarios. Our contributions are threefold: (i) the proposal of a global approach to the radio resource assignment problem in H-CRAN architecture, whose stochastic character ensures an overall solution space sampling; (ii) a critical comparison between our global solution and a local model; (iii) the demonstration that for high density scenarios Energy Efficiency is not a well suited metric for efficient allocation, considering data rate capacity, fairness, and served users. Moreover, we compare our proposal against three state-of-the-art resource allocation algorithms for 5G networks.
Stuttering Caused by Gabapentin

TO THE EDITOR: Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug that has diverse complications and side effects, but an extensive review of the literature [1] failed to show stuttering as one of the complications [2, 3]. A 58-year-old woman was recently hospitalized because of an intractable seizure. She had been taking Dilantin (Parke Davis, Morris Plains, New Jersey) as an antiepileptic drug. Gabapentin was administered, the seizures stabilized within a few days, and the patient was discharged. During a follow-up visit in the outpatient clinic, the patient presented with stuttering. The patient denied any history of stuttering. Gabapentin therapy was discontinued; 4 days later, the patient's stuttering subsided. We believe that this is the first case report to implicate gabapentin as a potential cause of stuttering.
Joint quantization strategies for low bit-rate sinusoidal coding

Transparent speech quality has not been achieved at low bit rates, especially at 2.4 kbps and below, which is an area of interest for military and security applications. In this paper, strategies for low bit rate sinusoidal coding are discussed. Previous work in the literature on using metaframes and performing variable bit allocation according to the metaframe type is extended. An optimum metaframe size compromise between delay and quantization gains is found. A new method for voicing determination from the LPC shape is also presented. The proposed techniques have been applied to the SB-LPC vocoder to produce speech at 1.2/0.8 kbps, and compared to the original SB-LPC vocoder at 2.4/1.2 kbps as well as an established standard (MELP) at 2.4/1.2/0.6 kbps in a listening test. It has been found that the proposed techniques have been effective in reducing the bit-rate while not compromising the speech quality.
Poster: collaborative policy administration

Policy driven management is widely used to manage networked resources and protect sensitive resources. Existing policy-driven management strategies rely heavily on policy administrators to specify and validate policies, which not only require in depth understanding of policy languages and domain knowledge, but also are error-prone. To simplify the tasks of policy administration, this paper proposes a novel policy administration framework, named collaborative policy administration (CPA). Essentially, the idea is that applications with similar functionalities shall have similar policies. Thus, to specify or validate policies, CPA will examine policies already specified by other applications in the same category and perform collaborative recommendation. In this paper, we consider the Android systems as a case study and show that CPA can strengthen Android security.
Challenges for Service Robots—Requirements of Elderly Adults with Cognitive Impairments

Objective We focused on identifying the requirements and needs of people suffering from Alzheimer disease and early dementia stages with relation to robotic assistants. Methods Based on focus groups performed in two centers (Poland and Spain), we created surveys for medical staff, patients, and caregivers, including: functional requirements; human–robot interaction, the design of the robotic assistant and user acceptance aspects. Using Likert scale and analysis made on the basis of the frequency of survey responses, we identified users’ needs as high, medium, and low priority. Results We gathered 264 completed surveys (100 from medical staff, 81 from caregivers, and 83 from potential users). Most of the respondents, almost at the same level in each of the three groups, accept robotic assistants and their support in everyday life. High level priority functional requirements were related to reacting in emergency situations (calling for help, detecting/removing obstacles) and to reminding about medication intake, about boiling water, turning off the gas and lights (almost 60% of answers). With reference to human–robot interaction, high priority was given to voice operated system and the capability of robotic assistants to reply to simple questions. Conclusion Our results help in achieving better understanding of the needs of patients with cognitive impairments during home tasks in everyday life. This way of conducting the research, with considerations for the interests of three stakeholder groups in two autonomic centers with proven experience regarding the needs of our patient groups, highlights the importance of obtained results.
Effects of Left Atrial Dilatation on the Endocardial Atrial Defibrillation Threshold: A Study in an Ovine Model of Pacing Induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Left atrial (LA) dilatation is a common finding in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). Progressive dilatation may alter the atrial defibrillation threshold (ADFT). In our study, epicardial electrodes were implanted on the LA free wall and right ventricular apex of eight adult sheep. Large surface area, coiled endocardial electrodes were positioned in the coronary sinus and right atrium (RA). LA dilatation was induced by rapid ventricular pacing (190 beats/min) for 6 weeks and echocardiographically assessed weekly along with the ADFT (under propofol anesthesia). LA effective refractory period (ERP) was measured every 2–3 days using a standard extra stimulus technique and 400 ms drive. The AF cycle length (AFCL) was assessed from LA electrograms. During the 6 weeks of pacing the mean LA area increased from 6.1 ± 1.5 to 21.3 ± 2.4 cm2. There were no significant changes in the mean ADFT (122 ± 15 V), circuit impedance (46 ± 5 Ω), or LA AFCL (136 ± 23 ms). There was a significant increase in the mean LA ERP (106 ± 10 ms at day 0, and 120 ± 13 ms at day 42 of pacing). In this study, using chronically implanted defibrillation leads, the minimal energy requirements for successful AF were not significantly altered by ongoing left atrial dilatation. This finding is a further endorsement of the efficiency of the coronary sinus/RA shock vector. Furthermore, the apparent stability of the AF present may be a further indication of a link between the type of AF and the ADFT.
ICT Projects and Planning: From Equipments to Activities

Our study is based on a comparative analysis of two institutional documents, produced in public primary and secondary Portuguese schools, meant to enhance the use of ICT resources: an application to the Iniciativa Escolas, Professores e Computadores Portateis (â? Schools, Teachers and Laptops Initiativeâ? ), which aimed at equipping schools with ICT equipment, and the ICT Plan, a biannual plan of action for the integration of ICT in educational activities involving all the members of the educative community. The analysis focused on the typologies of activities planned for each school in both documents. As these documents were produced in consecutive school years, it was possible to recognize a continuity and evolution relationship towards the activation of ICT resources when conceiving, planning and developing learning activities.
Decoupling: What is it and Does it Really Help Increase Consent to Organ Donation?

Although the notion of decoupling is simple and potentially controllable by organ donation requestors, evidence to date of its potential has been inconsistent. The impact of the timing of requests was analyzed using data from a study of organ donor-eligible patients and their families (N=420), involving 9 trauma hospitals located in southwest Pennsylvania and northeast Ohio. In-depth interviews where conducted with family members, healthcare professionals, and organ procurement organization staff involved in the process. Only a weak effect was found for the impact of timing on the decision using a bivariate, correlational analysis. Moreover, we found that raising the issue before rather than after the pronouncement of death was most strongly associated with consent to donation. This effect disappeared after examining decoupling in relation to other factors. However, active consideration of the patient's donation wishes and a clear understanding of the families' initial inclination toward donation were associated with consent to organ donation.
Repeated oral administration of lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli 0111:B4 modulated humoral immune responses in periparturient dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated oral exposure to LPS on humoral immune responses of periparturient dairy cows. Sixteen Holstein cows were assigned to two treatment groups 2 wk before the expected day of parturition. Cows were administered orally, twice weekly at wk −2, −1 and +1 around parturition, with the following treatments: 3 ml saline; or 3 ml of saline containing LPS from Escherichia coli 0111:B4. The amount of LPS administered during wk −2, −1, and +1 was 0.01, 0.05, or 0.1 µg/kg body weight, respectively. Multiple blood samples were collected by jugular vein and various immune and clinical variables were measured. Results indicated that, on one hand, concentrations of plasma IgG anti-LPS Abs decreased (P < 0.01) and those of IgM anti-LPS Abs increased (P < 0.01) in cows treated with oral LPS. On the other hand, there were no overall differences (P > 0.05) in the concentrations of serum amyloid A, LPS-binding protein, haptoglobin, cortisol, IgA anti-LPS Abs in the plasma, feed intake, body temperature and rumen contractions rate between the control and treatment groups. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show that repeated oral administration with LPS from E. coli 0111:B4 has the potential to stimulate humoral immune responses in periparturient dairy cows.
Rapid Skin Anesthesia Using a New Topical Amethocaine Formulation: A Preclinical Study

We developed a fast-acting topical amethocaine emulsion and tested its analgesic activity against heat or mechanically induced pain in a rat paw model. The first experiment was performed in rats made hyperalgesic or allodynic after carrageenan-induced inflammation. Rats were distributed in five subgroups, each receiving topically one of the following: amethocaine microemulsion, amethocaine gel (Ametop®gel), EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics) cream, amethocaine infiltration, or nothing (controls). The second experiment was conducted on healthy, selected heat- or touch-hypersensitive rats, which were distributed as in the first experiment. Paw withdrawal time from a heat and a mechanical stimulus was used as a pain index. In the first experiment, antihyperalgesic activity appeared at 4.2, 13.8, and 14 min after amethocaine microemulsion, gel, or EMLA cream, respectively. Amethocaine microemulsion was the only topical formulation with an antiallodynic effects, although less than with amethocaine infiltration. In healthy rats (second experiment), all topical formulations produced similar analgesic effects in heat-induced pain of the ipsilateral paw. Activity in the contralateral paw appeared earlier with amethocaine microemulsion, which was also the only one that increased touch-induced withdrawal time in the ipsi- and contralateral paws. Therefore, the microemulsion could be valuable for improving amethocaine skin penetration and thus bringing rapid pain relief.
Purification and Characterization of a Cytotonic Protein Expressed In Vitro by the Live Cholera Vaccine Candidate CVD 103-HgR

ABSTRACT Cholera vaccines developed by the deletion of CTX genes fromVibrio cholerae induce a residual reactogenicity in up to 10% of vaccinees. A novel cytotonic agent named secreted CHO cell elongating protein (S-CEP) was purified from culture supernatants of CVD 103-HgR (Levine et al., Lancet ii:467–470, 1988). Five fractionation steps yielded electrophoretically pure S-CEP with anMr of 79,000. A partially purified preparation caused fluid accumulation in the sealed infant mouse model. The amino terminus bore a unique sequence with strong homology to a cytotonic toxin of El Tor V. cholerae.
Understanding Net Generation Employees

The Net Generation is the digitally-savvy generation born between the years of 1980 and 1999. People born during this time are predicted to seek careers in the helping professions, be open to job stability and working in organizations, and intolerant of coworkers and leaders who are not technically competent. The Net Generation persona and its work-related skills and values are explored and implications are posed in this article for nurse administrators.
A framework for incident response in industrial control systems

Industrial control systems are used to control and supervise plants and critical infrastructures. They are crucial for operation of many industries and even society at large. However, despite efforts to secure such systems, there are frequent reports of incidents that lead to problems because of human error (e.g., installing unauthorized software on a mission-critical machine) or even cyber attacks. While such incidents should be prevented in the first place, it is not feasible to achieve 100% security; therefore, operators should be prepared to deal with incidents promptly and efficiently if they occur. In this paper, we present a general methodology and framework for investigating incidents in industrial control systems. The methodology is supported by a tool to automate an investigation, especially to efficiently determine the state of files on a device after an incident. This enables faster recovery from incidents by being able to identify suspicious files and focus on the files that have been modified compared to the initially installed files, or a previously taken baseline. An evaluation confirms the applicability of the methodology for an embedded industrial controller and for an industrial control system.
The role of prolactin in the mammary alveolus formation.

The effect of prolactin on the mammary gland growth, mainly on the alveolus formation, was examined with intraductal injection method.Results obtained here are summarized briefly as follows;1. On the glands having well developed duct system with some alveoli, prolactin may promote alveolus growth and induce secretion.2. On the mammary glands with moderately developed duct system but without any alveolus, prolactin seems to induce the alveolus formation and moreover, on the more developed duct system it seems to induce the secretion following to the alveolus formation.3. In the glands with slightly developed or rudimentary duct system without any alveolus, prolactin seems to induce duct growth promotion.