Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spirituality and Quaker Approaches to Substance Use and Addiction

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has held a consistent testimony of abstinence and moderation regarding alcohol and other substances. This paper outlines the historical background, and describes modern Quaker understandings of moderation. It then outlines hitherto unpublished results regarding spirituality from the only study to date about Quaker behaviour and atttitudes regarding substance use. The association between low substance use and religiosity is established in the literature, but the role of spirituality is less defined. This study methodology allowed an unusually detailed analysis of different aspects of spirituality. Results generally support Miller’s suggestion that idiographic spirituality may have a role in resilience to higher substance use. However, spiritual practice through prayer/meditation emerges as having a more consistent role in the Quaker sample—a finding that is of interest and potential significance in considerations of resilience and recovery. The community dimension of shared spiritual attitudes towards substance use, and the spiritual values that underlie the interpretation of testimony, are also explored. The congruence that some Quakers find with the spiritual approaches of Alcoholics Anonymous is also discussed. It is concluded that spirituality is a significant factor in a Quaker balance that can mitigate immoderate use and support recovery from addiction, without, in general, excluding those who use at higher levels.
Ventilatory efficiency and aerobic capacity in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized study

Objectives: To assess ventilatory efficiency and aerobic capacity in people with multiple sclerosis and whether treadmill walking or progressive strength training has an effect on these parameters in this population. Methods: In all, 24 adults with multiple sclerosis with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of ≤6 completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test before and after 8 weeks of exercise. They were randomized to treadmill walking of low-to-moderate intensity (50%–70% of peak heart rate) or progressive strength training (six repetitions × two at 80% of one repetition maximum). Both groups exercised for 30 min three times per week. Primary outcome measure was ventilatory efficiency measured as the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) ratio and oxygen uptake efficiency slope. Secondary outcome was aerobic capacity, measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Results: Despite low aerobic capacity, ventilatory efficiency was found to be within normal range. After 8 weeks of exercise, no significant between-group differences emerged in (1) VE/VCO2 ratio (26 ± 2.2 to 26 ± 2.0, 29 ± 2.0 to 28 ± 2.3, p = 0.66), (2) oxygen uptake efficiency slope (2697 ± 442 to 2701 ± 577, 2473 ± 800 to 2481 ± 896, p = 0.71), or (3) VO2peak in mL/kg/min (28 ± 4.4 to 30 ± 4.3, 29 ± 6.7 to 29 ± 6.4, p = 0.38) in treadmill walking and progressive strength training, respectively. There were no significant within-group differences either. No adverse events occurred during cardiopulmonary exercise test or exercise training. Conclusion: In people with mild-to-moderate multiple sclerosis, 8 weeks of treadmill walking of low-to-moderate intensity or progressive strength training did not have any effect on ventilatory efficiency or aerobic capacity. Although aerobic capacity was lower than reference values, ventilatory efficiency was not reduced.
Short-term load forecasting using comprehensive combination based on multi- meteorological information

Short-term load forecasting is always a popular topic in electric power industry because of its essentiality in energy system planning and operation. In the deregulated power system, the increase for a few percentages in the prediction accuracy would bring benefits worth of millions of dollars, which makes load forecasting become more important than ever before. This paper focuses on the short-term load forecasting for a power system in the United States, where several alternative meteorological forecasts are available from different commercial weather services. To effectively make use of the alternative meteorological predictions to the load forecasting system, a new comprehensive forecasting methodology has been proposed in this paper. Specifically, combining forecasting using adaptive coefficients is applied to share the strength of the different temperature forecasts in the first stage, and then ensemble neural networks has been used to improve the model's generalization performance based on Bagging. The proposed load forecasting system has been verified by using the real data from a utility. A range of comparisons with different forecasting models have been conducted. The forecasting results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed methodology.
Impact of work therapy on health status among homeless, substance-dependent veterans: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the health outcomes of clinician-supervised, performance-based, abstinence-contingent therapeutic work programs on homeless persons with addiction disorders. This study examined the effect of the Department of Veterans Affairs compensated work therapy program (CWT) on nonvocational outcomes. With mandatory urine screenings and adherence to addiction treatment schedules, CWT provided work opportunities (wages, hours, and responsibilities) with jobs created from Veterans Affairs contracts competitively obtained from private industry. METHODS Homeless, substance-dependent veterans (N = 142) from 4 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers were randomized, assessed at baseline, and reassessed at 3-month intervals for 1 year. Both CWT and control groups had access to comprehensive rehabilitation, addictions, psychiatric, and medical services. Data were analyzed to determine an immediate CWT effect after treatment and rates of change during 1 year. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, patients in the CWT program were more likely to (1) initiate outpatient addictions treatment, (2) experience fewer drug and alcohol problems, (3) report fewer physical symptoms related to substance use, (4) avoid further loss of physical functioning, and (5) have fewer episodes of homelessness and incarceration. No effect on psychiatric outcomes was found. CONCLUSION Work therapy can enhance nonvocational outcomes of addiction treatment for homeless persons, although long-term gains remain unknown.
Cytotoxic effect of saffron stigma aqueous extract on human transitional cell carcinoma and mouse fibroblast.

INTRODUCTION Saffron has been suggested to have inhibitory effects on tumoral cells. We evaluated the cytotoxic effect of aqueous extract of saffron on human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and mouse non-neoplastic fibroblast cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human TCC 5637 cell line and mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) were cultivated and incubated with different concentrations of aqueous extract of saffron stigma (50 microg/mL to 4000 microg/mL). Cytotoxic effect of saffron was evaluated by morphologic observation and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay after 24, 48, 72, and 120 hours in each cell line. RESULTS After 24 hours, morphological observations showed growth inhibitory effects at saffron extract concentrations higher than 200 microg/mL for L929 cells and at concentrations of 50 microg/mL to 200 microg/mL for the TCC cells. These changes became more prominent after 48 hours. However, significant growth inhibitory effects of the extract were shown at concentrations of 400 microg/mL and 800 microg/mL. Higher concentrations of saffron correlated inversely with cell population of both cell lines. Significant reduction of the survived cells was seen at concentrations of 400 microg/mL and 2000 microg/mL for TCC and L929 cell lines, respectively. After 120 hours, decrease in the percentage of survived cells at higher concentrations of saffron extract was seen in both cell lines. At a concentration of 800 microg/mL, the survived L929 cells plummeted to less than 60% after 120 hours, while no TCC cells survived at this time. No L929 cells survived at 2000 microg/mL. CONCLUSION Saffron aqueous extract has inhibitory effects on the growth of both TCC 5637 and normal L929 cell lines. This effect is dose dependent.
Expression and Processing of a Small Nucleolar RNA from the Epstein-Barr Virus Genome

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are localized within the nucleolus, a sub-nuclear compartment, in which they guide ribosomal or spliceosomal RNA modifications, respectively. Up until now, snoRNAs have only been identified in eukaryal and archaeal genomes, but are notably absent in bacteria. By screening B lymphocytes for expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) induced by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), we here report, for the first time, the identification of a snoRNA gene within a viral genome, designated as v-snoRNA1. This genetic element displays all hallmark sequence motifs of a canonical C/D box snoRNA, namely C/C′- as well as D/D′-boxes. The nucleolar localization of v-snoRNA1 was verified by in situ hybridisation of EBV-infected cells. We also confirmed binding of the three canonical snoRNA proteins, fibrillarin, Nop56 and Nop58, to v-snoRNA1. The C-box motif of v-snoRNA1 was shown to be crucial for the stability of the viral snoRNA; its selective deletion in the viral genome led to a complete down-regulation of v-snoRNA1 expression levels within EBV-infected B cells. We further provide evidence that v-snoRNA1 might serve as a miRNA-like precursor, which is processed into 24 nt sized RNA species, designated as v-snoRNA124pp. A potential target site of v-snoRNA124pp was identified within the 3′-UTR of BALF5 mRNA which encodes the viral DNA polymerase. V-snoRNA1 was found to be expressed in all investigated EBV-positive cell lines, including lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL). Interestingly, induction of the lytic cycle markedly up-regulated expression levels of v-snoRNA1 up to 30-fold. By a computational approach, we identified a v-snoRNA1 homolog in the rhesus lymphocryptovirus genome. This evolutionary conservation suggests an important role of v-snoRNA1 during γ-herpesvirus infection.
A fine structure study of the anthocodium in Renilla mulleri. Evidence for the existence of a bioluminescent organelle, the luminelle

A fine structure study of the anthocodium of the sea pansy, Renilla mulleri, was undertaken. The anthocodium, a known site of bioluminescence, was selected in order to determine whether a structural entity could be found which would satisfy the biochemical and physiological features associated with the known sites of bioluminescence in this animal. These sites, termed lumisomes, have previously been shown to be small (0.1-0.2 mum), membrane-enclosed vesicles which contain all the proteins necessary for bioluminescence and its immediate control. One of the lumisomal proteins is an intensely green fluorescent protein and has been used as a probe for the detection of the cellular sites of bioluminescence. This green fluorescence was associated only with gastrodermal cells. We report the identification of a unique morphological entity, restricted to the cells of the gastrodermis, which satisfies the biochemical and physiological requirements for bioluminescence in Renilla. It is a large (4-6 mum), membrane-bounded subcellular organelle comparable in size to a subcellular structure whose green fluorescence is typically associated with the in vivo bioluminescence. Furthermore, it is filled with smaller membrane-bounded vesicles which have the same size and shape as the lumisomes. We suggest that the organelle identified in this study be termed a luminelle.
Factor Structure and Validation of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol (J-SOAP)

The Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol (J-SOAP) was first developed in 1994 in response to the need for a structured method of assessing risk of recidivism among juvenile sexual offenders (R. A. Prentky, B. Harris, K. Frizzell, & S. Righthand, 2000). Over the ensuing years the scale has been subjected to a series of studies that have sought to examine its psychometric properties and its validity. The current paper reports on results from three of these studies, one of which looks at the factor structure of the items. The other two studies examine concurrent validity by looking at J-SOAP Scales 1 and 2 in relation to the Level of Service Inventory—Youth Version with: Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) (R. D. Hoge & D. A. Andrews, 1996) and other selected variables and discriminant validity by looking at the ability of J-SOAP scales to differentiate between juvenile sex offenders in the community and juvenile sex offenders in residential placement. The revision of the scale is discussed based on the research that has developed the scale and the research that has employed it.
Elevation of Plasma Soluble T Cell Costimulatory Molecules CTLA-4, CD28 and CD80 in Children with Allergic Asthma

Background: The surface expression of T cell costimulatory molecules CTLA-4 and CD28 and their counter-ligands, B7 molecules (CD80, CD86), is differentially induced for T cell activation and expansion in allergic asthma. However, the role of their soluble forms in plasma has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether expression is altered and whether soluble costimulatory molecules are clinically relevant in asthmatic patients. Methods: Plasma concentrations of soluble CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4), CD28, CD80 and CD86 in 51 children with chronic allergic asthma with or without inhaled corticosteroid treatment, and 22 sex- and age-matched control subjects were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma total IgE concentration was measured using a microparticle immunoassay. Results: Asthmatic patients had higher logarithmic plasma total IgE concentration (IgElog) than healthy subjects (p < 0.0001). In non-steroid-treated patients, plasma sCTLA-4, sCD28 and sCD80 but not sCD86 concentrations were significantly higher than those of control subjects (all p < 0.05). Plasma sCD80 and sCD86 but not sCTLA-4 and sCD28 concentrations correlated significantly with IgElog of all subjects (p < 0.05). There were also significant positive correlations between sCTLA-4 and sCD28 (p = 0.0007), and between sCD80 and sCD86 in all asthmatic patients (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Plasma sCTLA-4, sCD28 and sCD80 concentrations are elevated in allergic asthma. The increased expression of these soluble proteins may reflect the dysregulation of T cell activation, contributing to the immunopathogenesis of allergic asthma.
Genetic markers associated with progression in early mycosis fungoides

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare, but potentially devastating malignancy. It classically presents with cutaneous patches and plaques and can progress to tumours on the skin with lymph node, blood and visceral involvement. While most patients with MF have a relatively benign disease course, a subset of patients will develop progressive disease that is often fatal.
Biomarkers of inflammation and hemostasis associated with left ventricular mass: The Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

PURPOSE Biomarkers of inflammation and hemostasis have been associated with left ventricular (LV) mass. We studied relationships of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL6), D-dimer, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), soluble tumor necrosis factor type 1 receptor (sTNFR1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), factor VIII, fibrinogen, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) with LV mass in an asymptomatic population. Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to characterize LV mass; biomarkers were measured using standardized protocols (N = 763 to 4979). Adjusted models were used to associate each biomarker with LV mass while correcting for potential confounding. FINDINGS LV mass was associated with many biomarkers after adjustment for demographic characteristics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Although the demographic and risk factor adjustments attenuated the association of CRP and IL6 with LV mass, further adjustment for weight changed regression coefficients from positive to negative for CRP and IL6 for LV mass. sTM, Factor VIII, and vWF were directly associated with LV mass in fully-adjusted models. For sTNFR1, sICAM-1, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and PAI-1, adjustment for risk factors and weight rendered associations with LV mass nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort free of clinical cardiovascular disease, several hemostasis and inflammation markers were associated with LV mass. The unusual finding of a negative relationship of CRP and IL6 with LV mass only after adjustment for weight suggests that the effects of inflammation on LV mass are strongly influenced by obesity.
Unwanted sex: Health and risk behaviors in college women

www.tnpj. com The Nurse Practitioner • October 2010 49 nwanted sex is a serious public health issue that disproportionately affects college women. Unwanted sex can refer to overt sexual coercion and rape, but can also include more subtle forms of partner pressure resulting in sexual activity that is regretted, upsetting, or harmful. In the United States, approximately 16% of all women have experienced rape or attempted rape during their lifetime, and a high proportion of these situations occur during the college years; approximately 20% to 25% of college-aged women have reported some type of sexual assault. Additionally, rape is reported to affect college women of all ages, not just freshman. Given the scope of this problem, the purpose of this research was to understand college women’s health behaviors related to unwanted sex. The long-term health consequences of unwanted sex are numerous and severe. According to Frampton, the far-reaching effects of sexual assault include the potential for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, major depression, alcohol and drug abuse, chronic pelvic pain, chronic headaches, eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and suicide. These consequences for college students are devastating and may contribute to loss of personal and academic success. The underreporting of unwanted sex is signifi cant and highlights the sensitive and complex nature of this problem. Only 2% of college women report the crime to police and 4% report it to college authorities. It has been shown, however, that 70% of women do discuss the assault with somebody, usually a friend. Furthermore, it is more likely that incidences will be reported to police or authorities if the assault is perpetrated by a stranger; however, the majority of unwanted sexual experiences on campuses are perpetrated by a friend or romantic partner. Additionally, how those who have experienced sexual assault or rape label the experiences adds to the complexities. One research study on labeling reported that women who had experiences that met the formal definitions of rape might not label the experiences as such. Reasons women said they did not label the experience as rape included coerced or intoxicated consent, did not say no, self-blame, By Holly B. Fontenot, MS, RN, WHNP-BC, and Heidi Collins Fantasia, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC
Traffic Congestion Detection System through Connected Vehicles and Big Data

This article discusses the simulation and evaluation of a traffic congestion detection system which combines inter-vehicular communications, fixed roadside infrastructure and infrastructure-to-infrastructure connectivity and big data. The system discussed in this article permits drivers to identify traffic congestion and change their routes accordingly, thus reducing the total emissions of CO2 and decreasing travel time. This system monitors, processes and stores large amounts of data, which can detect traffic congestion in a precise way by means of a series of algorithms that reduces localized vehicular emission by rerouting vehicles. To simulate and evaluate the proposed system, a big data cluster was developed based on Cassandra, which was used in tandem with the OMNeT++ discreet event network simulator, coupled with the SUMO (Simulation of Urban MObility) traffic simulator and the Veins vehicular network framework. The results validate the efficiency of the traffic detection system and its positive impact in detecting, reporting and rerouting traffic when traffic events occur.
Allele-Specific Expression Patterns Reveal Biases and Embryo-Specific Parent-of-Origin Effects in Hybrid Maize[W]

We employed allele-specific expression (ASE) analyses to document biased allelic expression in maize (Zea mays). A set of 316 quantitative ASE assays were used to profile the relative allelic expression in seedling tissue derived from five maize hybrids. The different hybrids included in this study exhibit a range of heterosis levels; however, we did not observe differences in the frequencies of allelic bias. Allelic biases in gene expression were consistently observed for ∼50% of the genes assayed in hybrid seedlings. The relative proportion of genes that exhibit cis- or trans-acting regulatory variation was very similar among the different genotypes. The cis-acting regulatory variation was more prevalent and resulted in greater expression differences than trans-acting regulatory variation for these genes. The ASE assays were further used to compare the relative expression of the B73 and Mo17 alleles in three tissue types (seedling, immature ear, and embryo) derived from reciprocal hybrids. These comparisons provided evidence for tissue-specific cis-acting variation and for a slight maternal expression bias in ∼20% of genes in embryo tissue. Collectively, these data provide evidence for prevalent cis-acting regulatory variation that contributes to biased allelic expression between genotypes and between tissues.
Predictability of stimulus deviance and the mismatch negativity

THE purpose of this study was to test the previous report that generation of the mismatch negativity (MMN) component of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) is indifferent to the predictable occurrence of stimulus deviance. A pattern of standards (S) and deviants (D) were delivered in a predictable fashion (SSSSD) at two different speeds (1.3 s and 100 ms). An MMN was obtained to the D position tone at the slow but not the fast pace. These results demonstrate that, unlike the P3 component, the MMN is sensitive to the predictable occurrence of stimulus deviance when the predictability can be detected by the brain within the estimated limits of sensory memory.