Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long non-coding RNA PVT1 regulates the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells via miR-3619-5p/MKL1 axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common malignant tumor of the digestive system. Plasma cell tumor heterotopic gene 1 (PVT1) is an intergenic long non-coding RNA that is aberrantly expressed in different cancers. Myocardin-related transcription factor A or megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is a transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor that has been shown to promote cancer cell migration and invasion. In this study, we investigated the relationship between PVT1 and MKL1 as a novel regulatory mechanism underlying HCC progression. We used HepG2 and Cos-7 cell lines. Transfection experiments with miR-3619-5p mimics/inhibitor, PVT1, siRNA-PVT1, MKL1, or siRNA-MKL1 were performed. RNA and protein levels were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell migration was assessed by transwell assay. Luciferase assays, RNA-FISH, RNA immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to confirm the interaction between PVT1, miR-3619-5p, and MKL1 in HCC cells. Overexpression of PVT1 was positively correlated with MKL1 upregulation, which promoted HepG2 cell migration. miR-3619-5p inhibited MKL1 expression in HCC cells by acting on its 3′-UTR. Furthermore, PVT1 promoted MKL1 expression and migration in HCC cells by directly binding to miR-3619-5p. In a positive feedback loop, MKL1 could activate PVT1 transcription by binding to the CArG box in the promoter region. Our findings may provide a basis for the development of novel targeted therapies in HCC.
m-SFT: A Novel Mobile Health System to Assess the Elderly Physical Condition

The development of innovative solutions that allow the aging population to remain healthier and independent longer is essential to alleviate the burden that this increasing segment of the population supposes for the long term sustainability of the public health systems. It has been claimed that promoting physical activity could prevent functional decline. However, given the vulnerability of this population, the activity prescription requires to be tailored to the individual’s physical condition. We propose mobile Senior Fitness Test (m-SFT), a novel m-health system, that allows the health practitioner to determine the elderly physical condition by implementing a smartphone-based version of the senior fitness test (SFT). The technical reliability of m-SFT has been tested by carrying out a comparative study in seven volunteers (53–61 years) between the original SFT and the proposed m-health system obtaining high agreement (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between 0.93 and 0.99). The system usability has been evaluated by 34 independent health experts (mean = 36.64 years; standard deviation = 6.26 years) by means of the System Usability Scale (SUS) obtaining an average SUS score of 84.4 out of 100. Both results point out that m-SFT is a reliable and easy to use m-health system for the evaluation of the elderly physical condition, also useful in intervention programs to follow-up the patient’s evolution.
Variation in the access to deep soil water pools explains tree-to-tree differences in drought-triggered dieback of Mediterranean oaks.

Individual differences in the access to deep soil water pools may explain the differential damage among coexisting, conspecific trees as a consequence of drought-induced dieback. We addressed this issue by comparing the responses to a severe drought of three Mediterranean oak species with different drought tolerance: Quercus pubescens and Quercus frainetto, mainly thriving at xeric and mesic sites respectively, and Quercus cerris, which dominates at intermediate sites. For each species we compared coexisting declining (D) and non-declining (ND) trees. The stable isotope composition (δ2H, δ18O) of xylem and soil water was used to infer a differential use of soil water sources. We also measured tree size and radial growth to quantify the long-term divergence of wood production between D and ND trees, and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in sapwood to evaluate if D trees presented lower NSC values. ND trees had access to deeper soil water than D trees except in Q. frainetto, as indicated by significantly more depleted xylem water values. However, a strong δ2H offset between soil and xylem water isotopes observed in peak summer could suggest that both tree types were not physiologically active under extreme drought conditions. Alternative processes causing deuterium fractionation, however, could not be ruled out. Tree height and recent (last 15-25 years) growth rates in all species studied were lower in D than in ND trees by 22% and 44%, respectively. Lastly, there was not a consistent pattern on NSC sapwood concentration, showing that in Q. pubescens was higher in ND trees, while in Q. frainetto the D trees were the ones exhibiting the higher NSC concentration. We conclude that the vulnerability to drought among conspecific Mediterranean oaks depends on the differential access to deep soil water pools, which may be related to differences in rooting depth, tree size and growth rate.
Herbal Medicine from Single Clove Garlic Oil Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Oxidative Status in High Fat Diet Mice

Introduction High fat diet (HFD) can cause lipid accumulation and contribute to various metabolic disorders. Single clove garlic oil (SCGO) has advantages over regular garlic due to its higher amounts of organosulfide compounds in particular. This study aimed to determine the ability of SCGO extract to ameliorate hepatic steatosis and improve oxidative status by modulating expression of tumour necrosis factor α and superoxide dismutase in mice fed a HFD. Methods Twenty-four adult male Balb/C mice were divided into six groups: i) normal diet; ii) positive control diet; iii) negative control diet; and iv) HFD with SCGO at 12.5 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg BW); v) HFD with SCGO at 25 mg/kg BW, vi) HFD with SCGO at 50 mg/kg BW. Liver weight and morphology, spleen weight, serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), TNF-α expression in the aorta and lipid profiles were assessed at the end of the experimental period. Results SCGO treatment was associated with significant decreases in liver and spleen weight as well as amelioration of hepatic steatosis. SCGO treatment also decreased TNF-α levels and expression. Serum levels of SOD in the SCGO groups were significantly increased compared with the negative control group. Lipid profiles were improved in the SCGO treatment groups compared with the negative control group. Conclusion SCGO as an herbal medicine could be an effective treatment for degenerative disorders caused by HFD.
Parents report fewer executive functioning problems and repetitive behaviors in young dual-language speakers with autism

ABSTRACT More dual language learners (DLLs) are being identified early with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, many families are still being advised against dual language exposure, despite a lack of evidence of negative impacts on language development in ASD. Research in typically developing children has noted advantages for bilinguals in domains such as executive functioning and social skills, but less is known about the effects in ASD. The present study evaluated differences in executive functioning and social communication in young children (n = 55) with ASD. Dual-language learners with ASD had significantly fewer parent reported executive functioning problems and repetitive behaviors; parent-reported social communication skills were generally comparable across groups. Our findings indicate that the bilingual advantage in executive functioning may extend to children with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Removal of 17α-ethinylestradiol and caffeine from wastewater by UASB-Fenton coupled system

ABSTRACT In aquatic systems, some substances considered as endocrine disruptors have been detected, which can be due to their incomplete elimination in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and inadequate disposal of pharmaceuticals. Among these contaminants are 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and caffeine (CAF). Moreover, it has been reported that this kind of contaminants may provoke different adverse effects in many aquatic organisms. Because of that, in the present study, up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors (UASB) coupled with the Fenton process was evaluated for EE2 and CAF removal spiked in wastewater samples. First, the best reaction conditions were established in each process. For UASB reactor, two hydraulic retention times (HRT 8 and 24 h) were evaluated, achieving the highest chemical organic demand (COD) removal (70 %) and drug elimination (84 %–86 %) with HRT 24 h. Subsequently, Fenton process was conducted at pH 3 with different levels of Fe2+ (0.05–0.5 mmol/L) and molar ratios Fe2+:H2O2 (1:1–1:10). Better results were obtained with 0.5 mmol Fe2+/L, and 1:10 ratio molar Fe2+:H2O2. Finally, UASB-Fenton coupled system allowed 80 % of COD decrease, almost complete removal of drugs and the toxicity of samples on Vibrio fischeri was reduced from 73 % to 30 %, demonstrating that this coupled system is a promising and efficient system for pharmaceutical compounds removal from wastewater. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Characterization of 27 novel gene-associated SSR markers in Indian catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) and their..

27 polymorphic EST-SSRs were used to analyze two natural populations of Clarias batrachus for population variability parameters. Allele numbers ranged from 2 to 12; and observed and expected heterozygosity values from 0.3658 and 0.6850; and 0.5668 and 0.5828, respectively. Fifteen loci showed no significant departure from HWE (p<0.05). Linkage disequilibrium test was significant for three pairs of loci. Two populations studied were found to be significantly divergent. Cross-species amplification for 7 loci was successful in two related species. These SSRs markers may be useful for the assessment of genetic variations and population differentiation studies in C. batrachus.
First report of the Non-native Midas Cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus (Gunther, 1864), in Laguna de Bay, Philippines

In recent years, increasing global trade, travel, and transport had rapidly increased the rate of introduction and diversity of non-native fish species. Once established, some introduced fish species can become aggressive and dangerously invasive. Here, we provide the first report of the occurrence of a non-native Midas cichlid Amphilophus citrinellus in Laguna de Bay using morphological analysis and genetic marker, specifically the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1). The results provide important information on the presence of another invasive species in Laguna de Bay that needs to be addressed since this species can competitively exclude, predate, and displace native species.
Interim Report for Task 4.4: Models and control strategies for optimal control of aggregated FirmPV systems

This is one of three interim reports completed by a UC Berkeley team of students and faculty in the Energy and Resources Group. The overall objective of the project is to determine the impact and value of coupling distributed storage with photovoltaic systems. Our specific focus is on understand distribution system impacts and the opportunity for creating value by incorporating storage into the CAISO’s dispatch process.
Study on Carbon Source Screening Technology for Prevention and Control of Banana Fusarium Wilt

With the spread of banana Fusarium wilt and the aggravation of the damage, it has become the biggest threat to the banana industry. Many studies have shown that bio-organic fertilizer plays an important role in the prevention and control of banana wilt, but most studies focused on biocontrol bacterium screening, not screening carbon sources that could prevent banana wilt, which lead to organic fertilizer fertilization without better effect. So that, a pot culture experiment (I) with inoculating Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense (FOC) on bananas was carried out to screen the carbon sources, and d-malic acid (CS2) to prevent and control banana wilt had been screened out by Biolog technology and Principal Component Analysis of microbial community level physiological profiling. To verify application effects of CS2, another banana pot experiment (II) with FOC inoculation had been done. The results showed that: (1) CS2 can effectively improve the activity of soil microorganisms. (2) CS2 can significantly reduce FOC population in soil, and the FOC population treated with CS2 was respectively lower than that treated with control carbon source (CS1) and without carbon source (CK1) 48% and 59%. (3) The banana wilt infection rate and disease index of CS2 treatment were significantly smaller than those of CS1 and CK1. (4) CS2 can promote the growth and biomass accumulation of bananas in pathogenic soil. In conclusion, the screening technology studied here can be applied to screen out the carbon sources for prevention of banana Fusarium wilt, which has great significance to the improvement of prevention effect of biological organic fertilizers to banana wilt.
A prospective study of discrepancy between clinical and pathological diagnosis of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm

Purpose Appendiceal tumoral lesions can occur as benign, malignant, or borderline disease. Determination of the extent of surgery through accurate diagnosis is important in these tumoral lesions. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of preoperative CT and identified the factors affecting diagnosis. Methods Patients diagnosed or strongly suspected from July 2016 to June 2019 with appendiceal mucocele or mucinous neoplasm using abdominal CT were included in the study. All the patients underwent single-incision laparoscopic cecectomy with the margin of cecum secured at least 2 cm from the appendiceal base. To compare blood test results and CT findings, the patients were divided into a mucinous and a nonmucinous group according to pathology. Results The total number of patients included in this study was 54 and biopsy confirmed appendiceal mucinous neoplasms in 39 of them. With CT, the accuracy of diagnosis was 89.7%. The mean age of the mucinous group was greater than that of the nonmucinous group (P = 0.035). CT showed that the maximum diameter of appendiceal tumor in the mucinous group was greater than that in the nonmucinous group (P < 0.001). Calcification was found only in the appendix of patients in the mucinous group (P = 0.012). Multivariate analysis revealed that lager tumor diameter was a factor of diagnosis for appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. Conclusion The accuracy of preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms in this study was 89.7%. Blood test results did not provide differential diagnosis, and the larger the diameter of appendiceal tumor on CT, the more accurate the diagnosis.
Common vs. Distinct Visuomotor Control Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are neurodevelopmental disorders with partly overlapping clinical phenotypes including sensorimotor impairments. However, direct comparative studies on sensorimotor control across these two disorders are lacking. We set out to compare visuomotor upper limb impairment, quantitatively, in ASD and SCZ. Patients with ASD (N = 24) were compared to previously published data from healthy control participants (N = 24) and patients with SCZ (N = 24). All participants performed a visuomotor grip force‐tracking task in single and dual‐task conditions. The dual‐task (high cognitive load) presented either visual distractors or required mental addition during grip force‐tracking. Motor inhibition was measured by duration of force release and from principal component analysis (PCA) of the participant's force‐trajectory. Common impairments in patients with ASD and SCZ included increased force‐tracking error in single‐task condition compared to controls, a further increase in error in dual‐task conditions, and prolonged duration of force release. These three sensorimotor impairments were found in both patient groups. In contrast, distinct impairments in patients with ASD included greater error under high cognitive load and delayed onset of force release compared to SCZ. The PCA inhibition component was higher in ASD than SCZ and controls, correlated to duration of force release, and explained group differences in tracking error. In conclusion, sensorimotor impairments related to motor inhibition are common to ASD and SCZ, but more severe in ASD, consistent with enhanced neurodevelopmental load in ASD. Furthermore, impaired motor anticipation may represent a further specific impairment in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 885‐896. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyanobacterial multi-copy chromosomes and their replication

ABSTRACT While the model bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis harbor single chromosomes, which is known as monoploidy, some freshwater cyanobacteria contain multiple chromosome copies per cell throughout their cell cycle, which is known as polyploidy. In the model cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, chromosome copy number (ploidy) is regulated in response to growth phase and environmental factors. In S. elongatus 7942, chromosome replication is asynchronous both among cells and chromosomes. Comparative analysis of S. elongatus 7942 and S. sp. 6803 revealed a variety of DNA replication mechanisms. In this review, the current knowledge of ploidy and DNA replication mechanisms in cyanobacteria is summarized together with information on the features common with plant chloroplasts. It is worth noting that the occurrence of polyploidy and its regulation are correlated with certain cyanobacterial lifestyles and are shared between some cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. Abbreviations NGS: next-generation sequencing; Repli-seq: replication sequencing; BrdU: 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine; TK: thymidine kinase; GCSI: GC skew index; PET: photosynthetic electron transport; RET: respiration electron transport; Cyt b6f complex: cytochrome b6f complex; PQ: plastoquinone; PC: plastocyanin. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Replication cycle of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942.
Malware Propagation in Large-Scale Networks

Malware is pervasive in networks, and poses a critical threat to network security. However, we have very limited understanding of malware behavior in networks to date. In this paper, we investigate how malware propagates in networks from a global perspective. We formulate the problem, and establish a rigorous two layer epidemic model for malware propagation from network to network. Based on the proposed model, our analysis indicates that the distribution of a given malware follows exponential distribution, power law distribution with a short exponential tail, and power law distribution at its early, late and final stages, respectively. Extensive experiments have been performed through two real-world global scale malware data sets, and the results confirm our theoretical findings.
APPAREL RECOMMENDATION SYSTEM USING DEEP LEARNING

: Now a days, the internet has been well known as a big data repository consisting of a variety of data types as well as large amount of unseen informative knowledge which can be discovered via a wide range of data mining or machine learning models. Although the development of e-commerce markets results in likely development of search engines, users are still facing a problem with accurate results. Instead, to achieve this problem recommendation engines are mostly helpful. Most e-commerce sites are developing recommendation systems analyze a large amount of transaction data without having any idea of what the items in the transactions mean or what they say about the customers who purchased or browsed items. Apparel fashion recommendation engine that utilizes deep convolutional neural networks using Amazon API to suggest products and provide customers with information to help them find the products. Utilizing deep neural networks enable us to parse such images into a high dimensional feature representation that allows us to recommend a pair from user preference tensor.
Investigation of the Forecasting Methods Use in the Drug Supply Chain: The Pharmacy Perspective in Greece

This paper reports on the findings of a questionnaire survey aimed to explore the use of drug demand forecasting methods from the pharmacy perspective in Greece. The study revealed that pharmacies have little benefited by the IT systems in terms of optimizing their inventory management and, in particular, exploiting the opportunities offered by demand forecasting. However, it is rather encouraging that the majority of them have realized that demand forecasting is necessary to determine the order quantity. The enhancement of customer satisfaction and the exploitation of probable quantitative and financial rebates offered by the supplier are perceived to be the most important benefits of the drug demand forecasting. Moreover, although, only around 30% of the respondents claimed to have cooperated with a pharmaceutical wholesaler in the past in order to achieve better demand forecasting of drugs, almost all of them say that they are willing to do so in the future. Maintaining long-term relationships with loyal customers, closely followed by the better response to changes in the pharmaceutical market, were considered as the most important benefits of such a cooperation.
A Theory of Economic Expansions with an Application to Spain ∗ Asset Price Bubbles and the Distribution of Firms : JOB MARKET PAPER LINK TO THE LATEST VERSION Haozhou Tang † January 17 , 2017

This paper studies the macroeconomic e ects of asset bubbles from the perspective of rms. I introduce bubbles into a model with rm heterogeneity and rm entry and exit: in a bubbly equilibrium, the price of a rm contains a fundamental component, which represents the net present value of pro ts, and a bubble component. I show that bubbles act as subsidies to new rms and have the following implications: i) bubbles lower the average productivity and pro tability of new rms; ii) bubbles increase the number of rms, wages, and aggregate output; iii) along transition dynamics, bubbles subsidize new rms rather than incumbents, aggravating misallocation and therefore depressing aggregate productivity. The model can be used to discriminate the alternative explanations of business cycles, like shocks to productivity, and shocks to nancial frictions. I argue that the Spanish economic expansion before the global nancial crisis can be well interpreted as a consequence of a bubble boom, and the recession as an outcome of a bubble crash. JEL Codes: E32, E44, O40