Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions of intracellular calcium and immune response in earthworms

Abstract Intracellular calcium level has a definite role in innate and adaptive immune signaling but its evolutionary aspects are not entirely clear yet. Very few information are accessible about calcium contents of invertebrate immunocytes, especially of celomocytes, the effector cells of earthworm immunity. Different basal and induced Ca 2+ levels characterize the various celomocyte subgroups. Intracellular calcium is mostly located in the endoplasmic reticulum and celomocytes exert intracellular Ca 2+ ATPase activity to maintain their calcium homeostasis. Immune molecules such as phytohemagglutinin and the chemoattractant fMLP caused the elevation of intracellular Ca 2+ level in celomocytes. All the evidence suggests that Ca 2+ influx may play a crucial role in the signal transduction of the earthworm’s innate immunity. Key Words: annelids ; celomocytes; intracellular signaling; lectins; chemoattractants Introduction Invertebrate organisms regulate their biochemical pathways by means of evolutionarily conserved molecular components (Crozatier and Meister, 2007). Calcium is one of the most ancient molecules participates in these intracellular pathways. Calcium acts as an intracellular mediator and its transient oscillations are necessary for cell activation and metabolism (Carafoli, 2002, 2005; Case
A unified approach for software process representation and analysis

This paper presents a unified approach for software process management which combines object-oriented (OO) structures with formal models based on (high-level timed) Petri nets. This pairing may be proved beneficial not only for the integrated representation of software development processes, human resources and work products, but also in analysing properties and detecting errors of a software process specification, before the process is put to actual use. The use of OO models provides the advantages of graphical abstraction, highlevel of understanding and manageable representation of software process classes and instances. Resulted OO models are mechanically transformed into a high-level timed Petri net representation to derive a model for formally proving process properties as well as applying managerial analysis. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach by addressing a simple software process modelling example problem used in the literature to exercise various software process modelling notations.
Effectiveness of Social Media Interventions for People With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Recent studies have shown that people with serious mental disorders spend time online for the purposes of disclosure, information gathering, or gaming. However, coherent information on the effects of social media on treatment for people with schizophrenia is still lacking. Objective Our aim was to determine the effects of social media interventions for supporting mental health and well-being among people with schizophrenia. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to determine the effects of social media interventions for supporting mental health and well-being among people with schizophrenia. Ten databases were searched, while search parameters included English-only manuscripts published prior to June 25, 2015. Study appraisals were made independently by 2 reviewers, and qualitative and quantitative syntheses of data were conducted. Results Out of 1043 identified records, only two randomized studies of moderate quality (three records, total N=331, duration 12 months) met the inclusion criteria. Participants were people with schizophrenia spectrum or an affective disorder. Social media was used as part of Web-based psychoeducation, or as online peer support (listserv and bulletin board). Outcome measures included perceived stress, social support, and disease-related distress. At 3 months, participants with schizophrenia in the intervention group reported lower perceived stress levels ( P=.04) and showed a trend for a higher perceived level of social support ( P=.06). However, those who reported more positive experiences with the peer support group also reported higher levels of psychological distress ( P=.01). Conclusions Despite using comprehensive searches from 10 databases, we found only two studies, whereas numerous reports have been published citing the benefits of social media in mental health. Findings suggest the effects of social media interventions are largely unknown. More research is needed to understand the effects of social media, for users with and without mental illness, in order to determine the impact on mental well-being ofsocial media use as well as its risks.
Inferring Human Population Sizes, Divergence Times and Rates of Gene Flow From Mitochondrial, X and Y Chromosome Resequencing Data

We estimate parameters of a general isolation-with-migration model using resequence data from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the Y chromosome, and two loci on the X chromosome in samples of 25–50 individuals from each of 10 human populations. Application of a coalescent-based Markov chain Monte Carlo technique allows simultaneous inference of divergence times, rates of gene flow, as well as changes in effective population size. Results from comparisons between sub-Saharan African and Eurasian populations estimate that 1500 individuals founded the ancestral Eurasian population ∼40 thousand years ago (KYA). Furthermore, these small Eurasian founding populations appear to have grown much more dramatically than either African or Oceanian populations. Analyses of sub-Saharan African populations provide little evidence for a history of population bottlenecks and suggest that they began diverging from one another upward of 50 KYA. We surmise that ancestral African populations had already been geographically structured prior to the founding of ancestral Eurasian populations. African populations are shown to experience low levels of mitochondrial DNA gene flow, but high levels of Y chromosome gene flow. In particular, Y chromosome gene flow appears to be asymmetric, i.e., from the Bantu-speaking population into other African populations. Conversely, mitochondrial gene flow is more extensive between non-African populations, but appears to be absent between European and Asian populations.
Microarray-Based Analysis of Differential Gene Expression between Infective and Noninfective Larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis

Background Differences between noninfective first-stage (L1) and infective third-stage (L3i) larvae of parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis at the molecular level are relatively uncharacterized. DNA microarrays were developed and utilized for this purpose. Methods and Findings Oligonucleotide hybridization probes for the array were designed to bind 3,571 putative mRNA transcripts predicted by analysis of 11,335 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) obtained as part of the Nematode EST project. RNA obtained from S. stercoralis L3i and L1 was co-hybridized to each array after labeling the individual samples with different fluorescent tags. Bioinformatic predictions of gene function were developed using a novel cDNA Annotation System software. We identified 935 differentially expressed genes (469 L3i-biased; 466 L1-biased) having two-fold expression differences or greater and microarray signals with a p value<0.01. Based on a functional analysis, L1 larvae have a larger number of genes putatively involved in transcription (p = 0.004), and L3i larvae have biased expression of putative heat shock proteins (such as hsp-90). Genes with products known to be immunoreactive in S. stercoralis-infected humans (such as SsIR and NIE) had L3i biased expression. Abundantly expressed L3i contigs of interest included S. stercoralis orthologs of cytochrome oxidase ucr 2.1 and hsp-90, which may be potential chemotherapeutic targets. The S. stercoralis ortholog of fatty acid and retinol binding protein-1, successfully used in a vaccine against Ancylostoma ceylanicum, was identified among the 25 most highly expressed L3i genes. The sperm-containing glycoprotein domain, utilized in a vaccine against the nematode Cooperia punctata, was exclusively found in L3i biased genes and may be a valuable S. stercoralis target of interest. Conclusions A new DNA microarray tool for the examination of S. stercoralis biology has been developed and provides new and valuable insights regarding differences between infective and noninfective S. stercoralis larvae. Potential therapeutic and vaccine targets were identified for further study.
European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition/European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children in Europe: Update 2014

Objectives: These guidelines update and extend evidence-based indications for the management of children with acute gastroenteritis in Europe. Methods: The guideline development group formulated questions, identified data, and formulated recommendations. The latter were graded with the Muir Gray system and, in parallel, with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations system. Results: Gastroenteritis severity is linked to etiology, and rotavirus is the most severe infectious agent and is frequently associated with dehydration. Dehydration reflects severity and should be monitored by established score systems. Investigations are generally not needed. Oral rehydration with hypoosmolar solution is the major treatment and should start as soon as possible. Breast-feeding should not be interrupted. Regular feeding should continue with no dietary changes including milk. Data suggest that in the hospital setting, in non–breast-fed infants and young children, lactose-free feeds can be considered in the management of gastroenteritis. Active therapy may reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. Effective interventions include administration of specific probiotics such as Lactobacillus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii, diosmectite or racecadotril. Anti-infectious drugs should be given in exceptional cases. Ondansetron is effective against vomiting, but its routine use requires safety clearance given the warning about severe cardiac effects. Hospitalization should generally be reserved for children requiring enteral/parenteral rehydration; most cases may be managed in an outpatients setting. Enteral rehydration is superior to intravenous rehydration. Ultrarapid schemes of intravenous rehydration are not superior to standard schemes and may be associated with higher readmission rates. Conclusions: Acute gastroenteritis is best managed using a few simple, well-defined medical interventions.
Is cannabis treatment for anxiety, mood, and related disorders ready for prime time?

Anxiety and related disorders are the most common mental conditions affecting the North American population. Despite their established efficacy, first‐line antidepressant treatments are associated with significant side effects, leading many afflicted individuals to seek alternative treatments. Cannabis is commonly viewed as a natural alternative for a variety of medical and mental health conditions. Currently, anxiety ranks among the top five medical symptoms for which North Americans report using medical marijuana. However, upon careful review of the extant treatment literature, the anxiolytic effects of cannabis in clinical populations are surprisingly not well‐documented. The effects of cannabis on anxiety and mood symptoms have been examined in healthy populations and in several small studies of synthetic cannabinoid agents but there are currently no studies which have examined the effects of the cannabis plant on anxiety and related disorders. In light of the rapidly shifting landscape regarding the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, it is important to highlight the significant disconnect between the scientific literature, public opinion, and related policies. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the current cannabis treatment literature, and to identify the potential for cannabis to be used as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety, mood, and related disorders. Searches of five electronic databases were conducted (PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsychINFO, and Google Scholar), with the most recent in February 2017. The effects of cannabis on healthy populations and clinical psychiatric samples will be discussed, focusing primarily on anxiety and mood disorders.
Transparent and abrasion-resistant superhydrophobic coating with robust self-cleaning function in either air or oil

This paper reports an easy method to prepare a transparent superhydrophobic coating which shows a robust resistance to oil contamination, knife-scratch, sandpaper abrasion and strong acid/base attack. A PDMS interlayer was introduced to support the partially embedded fluoroalkylsilane treated silica nanoparticles, and thus the coating retained superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties after knife-scratch or 9 sandpaper abrasion cycles. An OSP scraping ink bar was introduced to control the thickness of the silica nanoparticle suspension, and thus the coating shows good transparency for visible light. Moreover, this transparent superhydrophobic coating shows self-cleaning properties in either air or oil environment.
Electrical and Mössbauer study of polycrystalline PrFeO3

Preparation and study of polycrystalline PrFeO3 is presented in the present work. The crystal structure and phase purity was determined through x-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis.Magnetic ordering, Fe3+ ionic state of iron and existence of only one type of crystallographic site for iron ion in PrFeO3 is confirmed by the Mossbauer spectra at room temperature. The temperature dependent leakage current density (J-E) measurments are carried out over a temperature range of 150 - 250 K in order to sutdy the conduction mechanism and activation energy.
‘Their type of drugs’: perceptions of substance use, sex and social boundaries among young African American and Latino gay and bisexual men

Studies of sexuality have increasingly shifted their attention towards understanding the social contexts that inform and organise sexual behaviour. Building on this work, we examine how substance use and sex are socially organised and meaningful activities for young African American and Latino gay and bisexual men who use substances with sex. Drawing on 30 qualitative interviews in Los Angeles and New York, we identify the ways in which social boundaries inform substance use among these young men. We find that many of them view the gay and racial/ethnic communities they belong to as differentiated by patterns of substance use. Further, they see these communities as actively constructing group boundaries through substance use, sanctioning the use of particular substances while simultaneously discouraging the use or discussion of others. For these young men, racial/ethnic and gay communities provide salient contexts in which the use of certain substances and not others is socially meaningful. Findings demonstrate the important and heretofore unrecognised ways that perceived social boundaries inform these young men's use of substances. As both protective and marginalising influences, perceptions of communities and social identities have real consequences for the sexual health of young African American and Latino gay and bisexual men.
Antigenotoxic effect of plant extracts

This report reviews our study of antigenotoxic compounds from medicinal and aromatic plants performed over several years. The studies of this type are aimed at understanding the protective mechanisms which may be relevant for the primary prevention of cancer and other mutation-related diseases. Antigenotoxic potential in this study is estimated with prokaryotic and eukaryotic tests measuring spontaneous and induced mutations, recombination, mutagenic repair, chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei. Our results indicate that monoterpenoids from sage act as modulators of DNA repair pathways, whereas sage antioxidants interfere with metabolic activation enzymes. The potential use of sage extracts in cancer prevention is discussed.
Automated Annotation of Multimedia Audio Data with Affective Labels for Information Management

The emergence of digital multimedia systems is creating many new opportunities for rapid access to huge content archives. In order to fully exploit these information sources, the content must be annotated with significant features. An important aspect of human interpretation of multimedia data, which is often overlooked, is the affective dimension. Such information is a potentially useful component for content-based classification and retrieval. Much of the affective information of multimedia content is contained within the audio data stream. Emotional features can be defined in terms of arousal and valence levels. In this study low-level audio features are extracted to calculate arousal and valence levels of multimedia audio streams. These are then mapped onto a set of keywords with predetermined emotional interpretations. Experimental results illustrate the use of this system to assign affective annotation to multimedia data.
Association of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo with Osteoporosis and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Case Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common type of vertigo caused by the peripheral vestibular system. The majority of cases are accepted as idiopathic. Calcium metabolism also plays a primary role in the synthesis/absorption of otoconia made of calcium carbonate and thus might be an etiological factor in the onset of BPPV. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of osteoporosis and vitamin D in the etiology of BPPV by comparing BPPV patients with hospital-based controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a case-control study comparing the prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency in 78 BPPV patients and 78 hospital-based controls. The mean T-scores and serum vitamin D levels were compared. The risk factors of osteoporosis, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, and blood pressure were all compared between the groups. To avoid selection bias, the groups were stratified as subgroups according to age, sex, and menopausal status. RESULTS In this study, the rates of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency detected in BPPV patients were reasonably high. But there was no significant difference in mean T-scores and vitamin D levels, osteoporosis, and vitamin D deficiency prevalence between the BPPV group and controls. CONCLUSION The prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency is reasonably high in the general population. Unlike the general tendencies in the literature, our study suggests that osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency are not risk factors for BPPV; we conclude that the coexistence of BPPV with osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency is coincidental.
Behavioural social choice: a status report

Behavioural social choice has been proposed as a social choice parallel to seminal developments in other decision sciences, such as behavioural decision theory, behavioural economics, behavioural finance and behavioural game theory. Behavioural paradigms compare how rational actors should make certain types of decisions with how real decision makers behave empirically. We highlight that important theoretical predictions in social choice theory change dramatically under even minute violations of standard assumptions. Empirical data violate those critical assumptions. We argue that the nature of preference distributions in electorates is ultimately an empirical question, which social choice theory has often neglected. We also emphasize important insights for research on decision making by individuals. When researchers aggregate individual choice behaviour in laboratory experiments to report summary statistics, they are implicitly applying social choice rules. Thus, they should be aware of the potential for aggregation paradoxes. We hypothesize that such problems may substantially mar the conclusions of a number of (sometimes seminal) papers in behavioural decision research.
JRPIT 41.1.QXP:Layout 1

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) have recently gained increasing attention and have emerged as a technology with great potential for a wide range of applications. WMNs can be considered as a superset of traditional mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs), where the network is comprised of mobile client devices MESH_CLIENTs. In addition to MESH_CLIENTs, a WMN can also contain relatively static devices called mesh routers (MESH_ROUTERs). Such hybrid WMN are characterized by a high level of heterogeneity, since static MESH_ROUTERs are typically much less resource constrained than mobile MESH_CLIENTs, and are also often equipped with multiple radio interfaces. Traditional ad-hoc routing protocols do not differentiate between these types of nodes and therefore cannot achieve optimal performance in hybrid WMNs. In this paper, we propose simple extensions to the Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol, which aim to take advantage of the heterogeneity in hybrid WMNs by preferentially routing packets via paths consisting of high capacity MESH_ROUTERs. In addition, we implement a simple channel selection scheme that reduces interference and maximizes channel diversity in multi-radio WMNs. Our simulation results show that in hybrid WMNs, our extensions result in significant performance gains over the standard AODV protocol1. Classification: C2.2 [Computer-Communication Networks]: Network Protocols — Routing protocols General Terms: Mesh, Routing, Performance Additional