Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discovery and Validation of Clinically Relevant Long Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary Recent efforts in biomedical research have focused on the identification of molecular biomarkers to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and eventually treatment of the most common human diseases worldwide, including cancer. In this context, a large number of studies point to a pivotal role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathophysiology of carcinogenesis, suggesting diagnostic or therapeutic potential. However, for most of them, supporting evidence is scarce and often based on a single large-scale analysis. Here, focusing on colorectal cancer (CRC), we present an overview of the main approaches for discovering and validating lncRNA candidate molecules, and provide a curated list of the most promising lncRNAs associated with this malignancy. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, with nearly two million newly diagnosed cases each year. The survival of patients with CRC greatly depends on the cancer stage at the time of diagnosis, with worse prognosis for more advanced cases. Consequently, considerable effort has been directed towards improving population screening programs for early diagnosis and identifying prognostic markers that can better inform treatment strategies. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as promising molecules, with diagnostic and prognostic potential in many cancers, including CRC. Although large-scale genome and transcriptome sequencing surveys have identified many lncRNAs that are altered in CRC, most of their roles in disease onset and progression remain poorly understood. Here, we critically review the variety of detection methods and types of supporting evidence for the involvement of lncRNAs in CRC. In addition, we provide a reference catalog that features the most clinically relevant lncRNAs in CRC. These lncRNAs were selected based on recent studies sorted by stringent criteria for both supporting experimental evidence and reproducibility.
Karyotypic studies of seven species of African megachiropterans (Mammalia: Pteropodidae)

Karyotypes of seven species of megachiropterans from Africa are described. Epomops franqueti, Hypsigncithus monstrosus, Lissonycteris angolensis, and Myonycteris torquata have a 2n = 36 and karyotypes that are similar to each other in morphology. Micropteropus pusillus (2n = 35) is similar to the above four, but possesses what ap-pears to be an X/YxY2 sex-determining system. Scotonycteris ophiodon (2n = 34, FN = 62) and Megaloglossus woermanni (2n = 34, FN = 62) are respectively distinctive from the other taxa studied, but may share several chromosomal characteristics with the other species.
Proactive C-ITS Decentralized Congestion Control Using LSTM

Vehicle density and channel utilization can vary significantly over short time intervals in complex and dynamic environments such as vehicular networks. In such situations, the European ITS-G5 technology proposed Decentralized Congestion Control (DCC) techniques, such as the reactive Transmit Rate Control (TRC) and the adaptive Dual α algorithms, to prevent performance degradation. This paper proposes a proactive DCC technique that uses a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), namely the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), to optimize the channel performance. We specifically use smoothed Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) forecasting time series calculated using an LSTM agent and provided as inputs to DCC algorithms to achieve faster channel load convergence and, as a result, improve network stability, channel load limitation, and resource allocation fairness. According to the simulation results, the proposed proactive DCC algorithms outperform existing algorithms in terms of reduction in average channel load and faster channel convergence.
PERSONAL VALUES AND THE USE OF SOURCES OF GUIDANCE AT WORK: A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND BRAZIL

The objective of this research was to test statistically significant correlations between personal values and employee’s use of sources of guidance when dealing with different events at work, comparing the United States and Brazil. 220 employees from a Brazilian university and 166 employees from an American university filled out a paper-and-pencil questionnaire comprised of two previously-validated scales. Based on the theoretical review, 8 hypotheses were raised to be empirically tested. The findings have practical implications for administrators and human resource professionals, who can benefit from knowledge about correlations between the constructs, especially when it comes to recruiting and selecting processes. Although the research was restricted to analyzing correlations, it elaborated a robust ground for future causality investigations and shed light on the importance of investigating specificities of work-related constructs in different nations, aiming at effective and contextualized management practices in times of raising globalization and internationalization.
Semi-distributed Traffic Engineering for Elastic Flows in Software Defined Networks

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is becoming the reference paradigm to provide advanced Traffic Engineering (TE) solutions for future networks. However, taking all TE decisions at the controller, in a centralized fashion, may require long delays to react to network changes. With the most recent advancements in SDN programmability some decisions can (and should indeed) be offloaded to switches.In this paper we present a model to route elastic demands in a general network topology adopting a semi-distributed approach of the control plane to deal with path congestion. Specifically, we envision a Stackelberg approach where the SDN controller takes the role of Leader, choosing the most appropriate subset of routing paths for the selfish users (network switches), which behave as Followers, making local routing decisions based on path congestion. To overcome the complexity of the problem and meet the time requirements of real-life settings, we propose effective heuristic procedures which take into accurate account traffic dynamics, considering a stochastic scenario where both the number and size of flows change over time. We test our framework with a custom-developed simulator in different network topologies and instance sizes. Numerical results show how our model and heuristics achieve the desired balance between making global decisions and reacting rapidly to congestion events.
Information Flow Matters: Improving Productivity Performance in Engineering and Construction

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Electrodeless Synthesis of Low Dispersity Au Nanoparticles and Nanoclusters at an Immiscible Micro Water/Ionic Liquid Interface

Owing to their biocompatibility, optical, and catalytic properties, Au nanoparticles (NPs) have been the subject of much research. Since smaller NPs have enhanced catalytic properties and NP morphology greatly impacts their effectiveness, controlled and reproducible methods of generating Au NPs are still being sought. Herein, Au NPs were electrochemically generated at a water|ionic liquid (w|IL) immiscible micro-interface, 25 µm in diameter, using a redox active IL and compared to results at a water|oil (w|o) one. The liquid|liquid interface is advantageous as it is pristine and highly reproducible, as well as an excellent means of species and charge separation. In this system, KAuCl4 dissolved in the aqueous phase reacts under external potential control at the water|P8888TB (tetraoctylphosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate) with trioctyl(ferrocenylhexanoyl)phosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (FcIL), an electron donor and redox active IL. FcIL was prepared with a common anion to P8888TB, which greatly enhances its solubility in the bulk IL. Simple ion transfer of AuCl4− and AuCl(4−γ)(OH)γ− at the w|P8888TB micro-interface were characterized voltammetrically as well as their heterogeneous electron transfer reaction with FcIL. This interfacial reaction generates Au NPs whose size can be thermodynamically controlled by modifying the pH of the aqueous phase. Critically, at low pH, nanoclusters, <1.7 nm in diameter, were generated owing to inhibited thermodynamics in combination with the supramolecular fluidic nature of the IL microenvironment that was observed surrounding the as-prepared NPs.
Optimal Battery Energy Storage Dispatch in Energy and Frequency Regulation Markets While Peak Shaving an EV Fast Charging Station

Battery Energy Storage Systems typically procure their primary revenues from regulated energy and ancillary services markets; nonetheless, they have great potential in supporting distribution network operators and their users. This paper evaluates the potential business case of battery storage systems integrating market application and services to a photovoltaic assisted electric vehicle fast-charging station. A mathematical deterministic optimization problem is formulated using mixed-integer linear programming to combine battery storage system operation in the day-ahead and frequency regulation market and the remunerated services offered to the charging station. The technical and economic feasibility of the solution and the applicability of the proposed framework is verified through a case study reflecting an existing photovoltaic assisted charging station in the Netherlands and considering the Dutch energy market framework and prices. The study shows that such battery storage system implementation is economically and technically advantageous for the players involved. The battery storage system can stack additional revenues on top of the market revenues. The charging station benefits from a reduced peak power and a 30% tariff reduction, and the system operator would indirectly benefit from the shaved charging station profile. Furthermore, the analysis shows that providing services to the charging station from the battery storage system does not significantly impact its market-related revenues.
The existence of path-factor uniform graphs with large connectivity

A path-factor is a spanning subgraph F of G such that every component of F is a path with at least two vertices. Let k ≥ 2 be an integer. A P ≥ k -factor of G means a path factor in which each component is a path with at least k vertices. A graph G is a P ≥ k -factor covered graph if for any e ∈ E ( G ), G has a P ≥ k -factor covering e . A graph G is called a P ≥ k -factor uniform graph if for any e 1 ,e 2 ∈ E ( G ) with e 1 6= e 2 , G has a P ≥ k -factor covering e 1 and avoiding e 2 . In other words, a graph G is called a P ≥ k -factor uniform graph if for any e ∈ E ( G ), G − e is a P ≥ k -factor covered graph. In this paper, we present two sufficient conditions for graphs to be P ≥3 -factor uniform graphs depending on binding number and degree conditions. Furthermore, we show that two results are best possible in some sense.
Sleep and Psychosocial Characteristics of Children with Narcolepsy According to Their Intellectual Profile: A Case–Control Study

Adequate intellectual abilities are a protective factor for psychosocial adjustments in chronic disorders. The main objective of this study was to assess the cognitive abilities, sleep, and psychosocial characteristics of children with narcolepsy compared to controls, according to their intellectual profile. Children underwent a polysomnography, completed an intellectual ability assessment, and filled out standardized questionnaires. The group with an intelligence quotient (IQ) in the area of high intellectual potential (high IQ, HIQ) consisted of 25 children with narcolepsy (HIQ-N, 40% boys, median age 11.5 years, 48% with obesity, 60% under treatment) and 25 controls (HIQ-C, 68% boys, median age 11.7 years). Compared to HIQ-C, HIQ-N had a lower perceptual reasoning index and fewer conduct disorders. The group with an IQ in the normal range (NIQ) consisted of 22 children with narcolepsy (NIQ-N, 55% boys, median age 12.1 years, 59% with obesity, 64% under treatment) and 21 controls (NIQ-C, 68% boys, median age 10 years). NIQ-N presented the same intellectual profile as NIQ-C but reported more school difficulties. In children with HIQ, those with narcolepsy appear to have a different cognitive profile than controls. NIQ seems to predict a greater impact of narcolepsy on daily-life functioning.
A Multiparameter Approach to Evaluate Post-Stroke Patients: An Application on Robotic Rehabilitation

Multidomain instrumental evaluation of post-stroke chronic patients, coupled with standard clinical assessments, has rarely been exploited in the literature. Such an approach may be valuable to provide comprehensive insight regarding patients’ status, as well as orienting the rehabilitation therapies. Therefore, we propose a multidomain analysis including clinically compliant methods as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), kinematics, and clinical scales. The framework of upper-limb robot-assisted rehabilitation is selected as a challenging and promising scenario to test the multi-parameter evaluation, with the aim to assess whether and in which domains modifications may take place. Instrumental recordings and clinical scales were administered before and after a month of intensive robotic therapy of the impaired upper limb, on five post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients. After therapy, all patients showed clinical improvement and presented pre/post modifications in one or several of the other domains as well. All patients performed the motor task in a smoother way; two of them appeared to change their muscle synergies activation strategies, and most subjects showed variations in their brain activity, both in the ipsi- and contralateral hemispheres. Changes highlighted by the new multiparametric instrumental approach suggest a recovery trend in agreement with clinical scales. In addition, by jointly demonstrating lateralization of brain activations, changes in muscle recruitment and the execution of smoother trajectories, the new approach may help distinguish between true functional recovery and the adoption of suboptimal compensatory strategies. In the light of these premises, the multi-domain approach may allow a finer patient characterization, providing a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying the relearning procedure and the level (neuro/muscular) at which it occurred, at a relatively low expenditure. The role of this quantitative description in defining a personalized treatment strategy is of great interest and should be addressed in future studies.
Realization theory for linear hybrid systems, part II: Reachability, observability and minimality

htmlabstractThe paper is the second part of the series of papers started in [1]. The paper deals with observability, reachability and minimality of linear hybrid systems. Linear hybrid systems are continuous-time hybrid systems without guards, whose continuous dynamics is determined by time-invariant linear control systems. We will show that that if a set of input-output maps has a realization by a linear hybrid system, then it has a realization by a minimal linear hybrid system. We will present conditions for observability and span-reachability of linear hybrid systems and we will show that minimality is equivalent to observability and span-reachability. We will sketch algorithms for checking observability and span-reachability and for transforming a linear hybrid system to a minimal one.
Complex spatiotemporal changes in land-use and ecosystem services in the Jeju Island UNESCO heritage and biosphere site (Republic of Korea)

Summary Jeju Island, designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site, continues to face the anthropogenic pressures of reckless development for regional tourism and economic revitalization purposes. Because land use/land cover (LULC) affects ecosystem services and human well-being, it is crucial to comprehensively identify the causes of changes in LULC based on long-term analyses. This study examined LULC changes on Jeju Island over 47 years from 1973 to 2019 and quantified changes in four ecosystem services: habitat quality, carbon stock, water yield and cumulative viewshed. From 1973 to 1998, forest land increased from 22% to 56%, but these restoration efforts were conducted in grassland, reducing that land type from 42% to 17%. This process increased the areas of highest habitat quality from 68% to 73%, and carbon stock increased from 20 to 30 million tonnes. Between 1998 and 2009, the area of cropland more than doubled from 21% to 44%. As a result, the areas of highest habitat quality decreased from 73% to 49%, and carbon stock decreased from 3.0 million tonnes to 2.3 million tonnes. Our analysis could help stakeholders and policymakers to develop their management planning and improve ecosystem services through restoration and conservation policies on Jeju Island.
A Compact Dual-Band Differential Negative Group Delay Circuit With Wideband Common Mode Suppression

A compact dual-band differential negative group delay (DNGD) circuit with wideband common mode suppression is proposed. Two small 180° phase shift swap structures of double-sided parallel striplines (DSPS) are adopted to realize intrinsic wideband common-mode suppression. The dual-band DNGD characteristic is achieved by the DSPS coupled asymmetrically with two different-length open-circuited resonators. The DNGD times and center frequencies of the lower and upper bands can be tuned independently. To verify the proposed DNGD circuit topology, a prototype is designed, fabricated, and measured. From the measured results, DNGD times are −1.60 ns and −1.43 ns at the center frequencies of 1.227 GHz and 1.575 GHz, respectively. The differential insertion loss is lower than 3.55 dB, the differential return loss is larger than 13.3 dB and the common-mode suppression is over 30.8 dB in both DNGD bands.
Loading Cost-Aware Model Caching and Request Routing for Cooperative Edge Inference

Most existing works on edge service caching and request routing fail to consider the influence of the service loading time. Meanwhile, the requests generated by end devices will change dynamically, which means that the caching strategy should adapt accordingly. In this paper, we investigate loading cost-aware joint model caching and request routing with cooperative edge computing, considering both the service loading time and the dynamic user requests. A system throughput maximization problem is formulated, which is proved to be NP-hard. Then, a randomized rounding-based online algorithm with M/(M − 2 ln N)-approximation ratio is proposed to solve it, where M and N are the numbers of end devices and deep neural network (DNN) models, respectively. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm achieves more than 42.7% throughput gain than baseline algorithms.
Optimization of Corn Steep Liquor Dosage and Other Fermentation Parameters for Ethanol Production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Type 1 and Anchor Instant Yeast

Bioethanol production has seen an increasing trend in research recently, with a focus on increasing its economic viability. The aim of this study is to develop a low-cost fermentation medium with a minimum of redundant nutritional supplements, thereby minimizing the costs associated with nutritional supplements and seed production. Corn steep liquor (CSL) in glucose fermentation by Saccharomyces Type 1 (ST1) strain and Anchor Instant Yeast (AIY), which are low-cost media, is used as a replacement for yeast extract (YE). The fermentation process parameters were optimized using artificial neural networks (ANN) and the response surface method (RSM). The study shows that for CSL, maximum average ethanol concentrations of 41.92 and 45.16 g/L, representing 82% and 88% of the theoretical yield, were obtained after 36 h of fermentation in a shake flask for ST1 and AIY, respectively. For YE, ethanol concentrations equivalent to 86% and 88% of theoretical yield were obtained with ST1 and AIY, respectively after 48 h. Although ANN better predicted the responses compared to RSM, optimum conditions were better predicted by RSM. This study shows that corn steep liquor is an inexpensive potential nutrient that may have significant cost implications for commercial ethanol production.
Determination of wood characteristics of Pinus brutia Ten. infested with Marchalina hellenica Genn.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the chemical, anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties of Marchalina hellenica Genn. -infested Pinus brutia Ten. wood. Studies were carried out on wood samples taken from uninfested trees, those with low M. hellenica infestation, and those with high infestation. In the P. brutia wood heavily infested with M. hellenica, statistically significant decreases were found in the holocellulose and α-cellulose ratios, the tracheid number in latewood, the growth ring width in earlywood and latewood, and the density and strength values. However, the density and strength values of the P. brutia wood samples that were not infested and those with low M. hellenica infestation did not statistically differ from one another.
Revascularization Techniques for Limb Salvage in Critical Limb Ischemia: A Single Institutional Study From Pakistan

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the frequency of successful limb salvage in patients presenting with critical limb ischemia utilizing the available revascularization modalities. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from April 2017 to August 2017. Methodology: A total of 96 patients with critical limb ischemia requiring urgent surgery for limb salvage were included in our study. Patients who had undergone previous surgeries for limb ischemia involving the same limb, had concurrent venous disease, or suffered from acute limb ischemia were excluded. All patients underwent either endoscopic angioplasty or bypass surgery. All patients were followed up for six months for the success of limb salvage and the requirement for amputation. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 26.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Results: Our patients had a mean age of 62.03±8.46 years, of whom 63 (65.6%) were men. A total of 47 (49.0%) patients required surgery for a non-healing ulcer, while 49 (51.0%) had resting leg pain. In 55 (57.3%) patients, bypass surgery was performed, while 35 (36.5%) underwent endoscopic angioplasty. The remaining six (6.2%) patients received a combination of both procedures. Limb salvage was successful in 78 (81.3%) patients. There was no difference between outcomes across gender (p=0.122), nor was there any difference in outcome between bypass surgery and endoscopic angioplasty (p=0.665). Conclusion: Encouraging results can be obtained in treatment of critical limb ischemia if revascularization techniques are utilized prudently in a time-effective manner and individualized to each patient's requirements.