Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The emerging role of mRNA methylation in normal and pathological behavior

Covalent RNA modifications were recently rediscovered as abundant RNA chemical tags. Similarly to DNA epigenetic modifications, they have been proposed as essential regulators of gene expression. Here we focus on 3 of the most abundant adenosine methylations: N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), N6,2′‐O‐dimethyladenosine (m6Am) and N1‐methyladenosine (m1A). We review the potential role of these modifications on mature mRNA in regulating gene expression within the adult brain, nervous system function and normal and pathological behavior.
Security Protocols with Privacy and Anonymity of Users

Security is very important for many Internet and mobile applications, but with the recent proliferation of tracking and profiling of users and unauthorized distribution of their personal data, user privacy is also becoming a very important issue. In addition, new technologies are introducing the possibility of innovative applications that require user anonymity. Privacy means that user identities and transactions are revealed and known only to transaction partners and only during the execution of the transaction. Anonymity, on the other hand, means that even transaction partners do not have access to that information. The requirements for providing standard security services, that require sharing of user identities and security credentials, are contrary to the requirements of privacy and anonymity. This paper describes an innovative solution to this problem: a design of extensions of standard security protocols – user authentication, key exchange protocol, and authorization protocol – to include privacy and even anonymity of users. The solution is based on the concept of a secure application proxy server, special cryptographic protocols, and encapsulated security objects.
Potential host-defense role of a human milk vitamin B-12-binding protein, haptocorrin, in the gastrointestinal tract of breastfed infants, as assessed with porcine haptocorrin in vitro.

BACKGROUND Limited information exists on the biological role of a vitamin B-12-binding protein, haptocorrin, in human milk. The expression of haptocorrin by human mammary epithelial cells and its presence in human milk suggest a potential physiologic function in breastfed infants. OBJECTIVE We investigated the extent to which haptocorrin could withstand proteolytic degradation and exert antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions designed to simulate the gastrointestinal tract of breastfed infants. DESIGN An in vitro model that simulates infant gastric and intestinal digestion was developed. The structural stability of porcine haptocorrin after exposure to digestive enzymes (pepsin and pancreatin) was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot analysis, column chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The antimicrobial activity of haptocorrin was determined by incubating haptocorrin with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O127 strain 2348/69 and monitoring bacterial growth. RESULTS The structural analysis of haptocorrin exposed to enzymes did not show a decrease in molecular weight, which indicated that haptocorrin can survive proteolytic degradation. Both haptocorrin exposed to digestive enzymes and undigested haptocorrin inhibited the growth of enteropathogenic E. coli and did so to a similar extent. Thus, haptocorrin in vitro not only retains its structure after exposure to proteases but also exhibits antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSION These results suggest that haptocorrin may exert a host-defense function against pathogens in the gastrointestinal tracts of breastfed infants.
Vitamin D as a Potential Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Vitamin D has been demonstrated to influence multiple aspects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. Both human and rodent central nervous systems express the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and/or its enzymatic machinery needed to fully activate the hormone. Clinical research suggests that vitamin D treatment can improve compromised human muscular ability and increase muscle size, supported by loss of motor function and muscle mass in animals following VDR knockout, as well as increased muscle protein synthesis and ATP production following vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D has also been shown to reduce the expression of biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease; diseases that share common pathophysiologies with ALS. Furthermore, vitamin D treatment greatly attenuates hypoxic brain damage in vivo and reduces neuronal lethality of glutamate insult in vitro; a hallmark trait of ALS glutamate excitotoxicity. We have recently shown that high‐dose vitamin D3 supplementation improved, whereas vitamin D3 restriction worsened, functional capacity in the G93A mouse model of ALS. In sum, evidence demonstrates that vitamin D, unlike the antiglutamatergic agent Riluzole, affects multiple aspects of ALS pathophysiology and could provide a greater cumulative effect.
FCTC followed by accelerated implementation of tobacco advertising bans

Objectives We sought to evaluate changes in countries' enacting advertising bans after the effect of ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Methods We compared adoption of advertising bans on five areas (TV and radio, print media, billboards, point-of-sale, sponsorship) in countries that did versus did not ratify the FCTC, accounting for years since the ratification of the Convention. Results On average, passage of complete advertising bans accelerated after FCTC ratification. The development was strongest among lower middle-income countries. Lack of state capacity was associated with lower likelihood of countries implementing complete advertising bans. Implementation of complete advertising bans slowed after 2007. Conclusions Implementation of FCTC Article 13 was followed by increased progress towards complete advertising bans, but progress is incomplete, especially among low-income countries. Low-income countries need comprehensive support to implement FCTC as part of a broad effort to reinvigorate progress on global implementation of the FCTC. Enforcing complete bans requires constant monitoring and attacking of tobacco industry efforts to circumvent them.
Analogical Based Approach to Forward and Inverse Problems for Asphalt Materials Characterization at Low Temperatures

Due to its environmental and economic benefits, the use of increased proportions of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in the construction of asphalt pavements has become a top priority. However, the blending process that happens during mixing between the new virgin binder and the RAP aged binder is not well comprehended, and the question if total blending occurs has not been answered. A number of models were developed and used to predict composite asphalt mixture properties from properties of the components. This type of approach is generally known as a forward problem. Recently, researchers started to investigate the possibility of predicting binder properties from mixture properties (inverse problem). In this paper the inverse problem of obtaining asphalt binder properties from asphalt mixture properties at low temperature is investigated using experimental asphalt binder and asphalt mixture creep stiffness data obtained with the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). First, a literature review of the models available is performed. Then, the forward problem of predicting the asphalt mixture properties from asphalt binder properties is investigated using a semi-empirical model and a transformation derived from analogical models, respectively. The same model and transformation are then applied to obtain binder properties from mixture properties. Results indicate that the transformation based on analogical models can be successfully utilized for both inverse and forward problems.
Inference of genetic architecture from chromosome partitioning analyses is sensitive to genome variation, sample size, heritability and effect size distribution

Genomewide association studies have contributed immensely to our understanding of the genetic basis of complex traits. One major conclusion arising from these studies is that most traits are controlled by many loci of small effect, confirming the infinitesimal model of quantitative genetics. A popular approach to test for polygenic architecture involves so‐called “chromosome partitioning” where phenotypic variance explained by each chromosome is regressed on the size of the chromosome. First developed for humans, this has now been repeatedly used in other species, but there has been no evaluation of the suitability of this method in species that can differ in their genome characteristics such as number and size of chromosomes. Nor has the influence of sample size, heritability of the trait, effect size distribution of loci controlling the trait or the physical distribution of the causal loci in the genome been examined. Using simulated data, we show that these characteristics have major influence on the inferences of the genetic architecture of traits we can infer using chromosome partitioning analyses. In particular, small variation in chromosome size, small sample size, low heritability, a skewed effect size distribution and clustering of loci can lead to a loss of power and consequently altered inference from chromosome partitioning analyses. Future studies employing this approach need to consider and derive an appropriate null model for their study system, taking these parameters into consideration. Our simulation results can provide some guidelines on these matters, but further studies examining a broader parameter space are needed.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF Stevia rebaudiana BERT . LEAVES AGAINST THIOACETAMIDE INDUCED TOXICITY

The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. is commonly known as hypocaloric bio-sweeteners. It can be used in multiple health diseases and traditionally the leaves of Stevia are used as sugar substitute. The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Stevia rebaudiana leaves against thioacetamide-induced (s.c.) hepatotoxicity. Aqueous leaves extract of Stevia rebaudiana (AESR) at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day were evaluated. Oral administration of Stevia leaves extract at 400 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in aspartate transaminase, (AST, 131.1±3.0 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 62.2±1.8 IU/L), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT, 13.0±0.3 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, 197.4±3.2 IU/L) and total bilirubin (0.23±0.0 mg/dL) compared to control. The glutathione (GSH) and MDA levels of the liver tissue samples were also measured. Histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extract also showed dose-dependent reduction of necrosis. The present investigation revealed the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous leaves extract of Stevia rebaudiana against thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity.
Illicit Substance Use in US Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

Study Design. A population-based cross-sectional survey. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of illicit drug use among US adults with and without chronic low back pain (cLBP). Summary of Background Data. Although addictive medications, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, are frequently prescribed to patients with cLBP, little is known about illicit drug use among Americans with cLBP. Methods. We used data from the back pain survey, administered to a representative sample of US adults aged 20 to 69 years (N = 5103) during the 2009 to 2010 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants with pain in the area between the lower posterior margin of the ribcage and the horizontal gluteal fold for at least 3 months were classified as having cLBP (N = 700). The drug use questionnaire was self-administered in a private setting, and included data on lifetime and current use of marijuana or hashish, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance, and logistic regression, adjusted for age, gender, race, and level of education, were used for comparisons. Results. About 46.5% of US adults with cLBP used marijuana versus 42% of those without cLBP [Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.06–1.74]. About 22% versus 14% used cocaine (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45–2.24), 9% versus 5% used methamphetamine (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.30–3.16), and 5% versus 2% used heroin (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.44–4.11). Subjects with cLBP who reported lifetime illicit drug use were more likely to have an active prescription for opioid analgesics than those without illicit drug use history: 22.5% versus 15.3%, P = 0.018. Conclusion. cLBP in community-based US adults was associated with higher odds of using marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Prescription opioid analgesic use was more common in cLBP sufferers with a history of illicit drug use. Level of Evidence: 2
Effect of preoperative pregabalin on postoperative pain relief in thyroidectomy patients: A prospective observational study

Background: Effective management of postoperative pain leads to increased patient satisfaction, earlier mobilization, reduced hospital stay and costs. One of the methods used for management of postoperative pain is preemptive analgesia-blockade of afferent nerve fibers before a painful stimulus. It modifies peripheral and central nervous system processing of noxious stimuli and reduces postoperative opioid consumption. In this study, we sought to determine whether the preoperative use of pregabalin reduced postoperative pain and morphine consumption in thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods: The observation was conducted on patients undergoing thyroidectomy surgery in two groups of 30 each. Of the two groups, one received a single oral dose of pregabalin 1 h preoperatively. Both the group of patients undergoes anesthesia in a similar manner. Following surgery the efficacy of the preoperative dose of pregabalin is observed by measuring the total opioid consumption 6 h postoperatively and assessing verbal numeric pain scales. Results: The mean time to request of rescue analgesia in pregabalin group was 322.07 ± 69.106 min when compared to morphine group 256.33 ± 111.978 min (P < 0.05). The mean pain scores in the postoperative period were also significantly lower in patients receiving pregabalin. Conclusion: Single oral dose of pregabalin was effective in reducing acute postoperative pain in thyroidectomy patients. It prolongs the time to the request of rescue analgesia and also results in lower postoperative pain scores in the immediate postoperative period. However a statistically significant low opioid consumption could not be proved.
Comparison of the effectiveness of 2 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometers with that of total body water and computed tomography in assessing changes in body composition during weight change.

BACKGROUND Little information is available on the assessment of changes in body composition as a function of weight change with the use of the fan beam of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine the accuracy of the fan beam of the QDR 4500A densitometer and the pencil beam of the QDR 2000 densitometer in estimating changes in whole-body lean soft tissue mass (LSTM(DXA)) and fat mass (FM) with weight change. DESIGN Thirty-seven subjects who lost 5.7 +/- 4.5 kg were measured before and after weight change. Using total body water and computed tomography (CT) of the midthigh, we compared changes in FFM(TBW) and LSTM(CT) with changes in LSTM(DXA). RESULTS Overall, compared with TBW, the fan beam gave a larger estimate of change (macro x +/- SD) in LSTM (fan beam - TBW: -0.7 +/- 1.6 kg) than did the pencil beam (pencil beam - TBW: -0.1 +/- 1.6 kg). When the change in LSTM obtained with the fan beam and pencil beam was regressed against the change in FFM(TBW), the slope of the line for the fan beam was 0.97 (r(2) = 0.61) and that for the pencil beam was 0.86 (r(2) = 0.61). Regression analysis showed that the results between the 2 units were not interchangeable. For the midthigh region, the change in LSTM(CT) was moderately correlated with the change in LSTM(DXA) with the fan beam and pencil beam. CONCLUSIONS The measurement of change in LSTM with the fan and pencil beams provides the same relation to changes in FFM assessed by TBW, but the 2 systems are not interchangeable.
Passive super-low frequency remote sensing technique for monitoring coal-bed methane reservoirs

Coal-bed methane (CBM), as an increasingly promising resource for the energy supply, deserves further exploration and accurate reservoir evaluation. It is also required to dynamically monitor the reservoirs (>200 m). Remote sensing methods in regular wavebands may fail in the depth sounding, with only imaging geo-objects shallower than 100 m. In contrast, the Super-Low Frequency (SLF) remote sensing technique has outstanding traits over others, including lower attenuation, all-weather and deeper penetration. In this paper, we have developed a non-imaging remote sensor to acquire electromagnetic signals in the Super-Low Frequency bands (i.e. SLF signals), which also enables us to fast and efficiently pre-process signals in a real-time display. In order to accurately identify producing CBM reservoirs, we mainly extract electromagnetic radiation (EMR) anomalies from processed SLF signals, and then dynamic analysis can be achieved. This technique has been validated by field experiments in Qin shui Basin, China.
Long-term impacts of college sexual assaults on women survivors' educational and career attainments

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the well-documented mental and physical health problems suffered by undergraduate women sexually assaulted while on campus with an exploration of how the trauma impacts a survivor's lifetime education trajectory and career attainment. Participants: In November and December 2015, researchers recruited US participants using an online crowdsourcing tool and a Listserv for sexual violence prevention and response professionals. Methods: Of 316 women who completed initial screening, 89 qualified to complete a Qualtrics survey. Eighty-one participants completed the online survey, and 32 participated in phone interviews. Results: Ninety-one percent of the participants reported health problems related to the assault that they attributed to difficulties they faced in their attainment of their education and career goals. Conclusions: The findings suggest the importance of simultaneously examining the effects of human capital losses and mental and physical health problems attributed to the costly public health problem of campus sexual assault.
Overlapping Nonmatching Grid Mortar Element Methods for Elliptic Problems

In the first part of the paper, we introduce an overlapping mortar finite element method for solving two-dimensional elliptic problems discretized on overlapping nonmatching grids. We prove an optimal error bound and estimate the condition numbers of certain overlapping Schwarz preconditioned systems for the two-subdomain case. We show that the error bound is independent of the size of the overlap and the ratio of the mesh parameters. In the second part, we introduce three additive Schwarz preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithms based on the trivial and harmonic extensions. We provide estimates for the spectral bounds on the condition numbers of the preconditioned operators. We show that although the error bound is independent of the size of the overlap, the condition number does depend on it. Numerical examples are presented to support our theory.
Relation between mothers' child-feeding practices and children's adiposity.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of obesity in American children is currently estimated to be 25%. Poor nutritional habits during childhood have been directly related to pediatric obesity. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the relation between mothers' child-feeding practices and children's adiposity in a sample of boys and girls from 2 ethnic groups. DESIGN A total of 74 white (25 boys and 49 girls) and 46 African American (22 boys and 24 girls) children ( plus minus SD age: 11 plus minus 1.7 y) and their mothers participated in this study. The children's body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The mothers' child-feeding practices were assessed with the Child Feeding Questionnaire. Dietary intake data were based on three 24-h dietary recalls conducted by use of the multiple-pass technique. RESULTS Two subscales of the Child Feeding Questionnaire, pressure to eat and concern for child's weight, explained 15% of the variance in total fat mass in both African American and white boys and girls (P < 0.001) after correction for total lean mass and energy intake (which explained 5% of the variance in total fat mass). Ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status did not contribute significantly to variance in total fat mass. CONCLUSIONS Child-feeding practices are key behavioral variables that explain more of the variance in total fat mass than does energy intake in a biethnic population of boys and girls. These findings have important implications for the prevention of obesity in children because they suggest that prevention programs need to focus on the feeding behaviors of parents in addition to the macronutrient and energy intakes of children.
ShakerVis: Visual analysis of segment variation of German translations of Shakespeare’s Othello

William Shakespeare is one of the world’s greatest writers. His plays have been translated into every major living language. In some languages, his plays have been retranslated many times. These translations and retranslations have evolved for about 250 years. Studying variations in translations of world cultural heritage texts is of cross-cultural interest for arts and humanities researchers. The variations between retranslations are due to numerous factors, including the differing purposes of translations, genetic relations, cultural and intercultural influences, rivalry between translators and their varying competence. A team of Digital Humanities researchers has collected an experimental corpus of 55 different German retranslations of Shakespeare’s play, Othello. The retranslations date between 1766 and 2010. A sub-corpus of 32 retranslations has been prepared as a digital parallel corpus. We would like to develop methods of exploring patterns in variation between different translations. In this article, we develop an interactive focus + context visualization system to present, analyse and explore variation at the level of user-defined segments. From our visualization, we are able to obtain an overview of the relationships of similarity between parallel segments in different versions. We can uncover clusters and outliers at various scales, and a linked focus view allows us to further explore the textual details behind these findings. The domain experts who are studying this topic evaluate our visualizations, and we report their feedback. Our system helps them better understand the relationships between different German retranslations of Othello and derive some insight.