Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International Immunonutrition Workshop Session 6 : Role of physical activity on immune function Physical activity , immunity and infection

During the last few decades, scientific evidence has confirmed a wide range of health benefits related to regular physical activity. How physical activity affects the immune function and infection risk is, however, still under debate. Commonly, intensive exercise suppresses the activity and levels of several immune cells, while other immune functions may be stimulated by moderate physical activity. With this knowledge, the understanding of the relationship between different levels of physical activity on the immune function has been raised as a potential tool to protect health not only in athletes but also in the general population; the mechanisms that translate a physically active lifestyle into good health continue to be investigated. Reviewing the literature, although several outcomes (i.e. the mechanisms by which different levels and duration of physical activity programmes affect numerous cell types and responses) remain unclear, given that the additional benefits encompass healthy habits including exercise, the use of physical activity programmes may result in improved health of elderly populations. Moderate physical activity or moderate–regulated training may enhance the immune function mainly in less fit subjects or sedentary population and the pre-event fitness status also seems to be an important individual factor regarding this relationship. Although adequate nutrition and regular physical activity habits may synergistically improve health, clinical trials in athletes using nutritional supplements to counteract the immune suppression have been inconclusive so far. Further research is necessary to find out to what extent physical activity training can exert an effect on the immune function.
Secure Routing for Mobile Ad hoc Networks

In this paper we present a survey of secure ad hoc routing protocols for mobile wireless networks. A mobile ad hoc network is a collection of nodes that is connected through a wireless medium forming rapidly changing topologies. The widely accepted existing routing protocols designed to accommodate the needs of such self-organized networks do not address possible threats aiming at the disruption of the protocol itself. The assumption of a trusted environment is not one that can be realistically expected; hence several efforts have been made towards the design of a secure and robust routing protocol for ad hoc networks. We briefly present the most popular protocols that follow the table-driven and the source-initiated on-demand approaches. Based on this discussion we then formulate the threat model for ad hoc routing and present several specific attacks that can target the operation of a protocol. In order to analyze the proposed secure ad hoc routing protocols in a structured way we have classified them into five categories; solutions based on asymmetric cryptography, solutions based on symmetric cryptography, hybrid solutions, reputation-based solutions and a category of add-on mechanisms that satisfy specific security requirements. A comparison between these solutions can provide the basis for future research in this rapidly evolving area.
Secure Routing for Mobile Ad hoc Networks

The emergence of the Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) technology advocates self-organized wireless interconnection of communication devices that would either extend or operate in concert with the wired networking infrastructure or, possibly, evolve to autonomous networks. In either case, the proliferation of MANET-based applications depends on a multitude of factors, with trustworthiness being one of the primary challenges to be met. Despite the existence of well-known security mechanisms, additional vulnerabilities and features pertinent to this new networking paradigm might render such traditional solutions inapplicable. In particular, the absence of a central authorization facility in an open and distributed communication environment is a major challenge, especially due to the need for cooperative network operation. In particular, in MANET, any node may compromise the routing protocol functionality by disrupting the route discovery process. In this paper, we present a route discovery protocol that mitigates the detrimental effects of such malicious behavior, as to provide correct connectivity information. Our protocol guarantees that fabricated, compromised, or replayed route replies would either be rejected or never reach back the querying node. Furthermore, the protocol responsiveness is safeguarded under different types of attacks that exploit the routing protocol itself. The sole requirement of the proposed scheme is the existence of a security association between the node initiating the query and the sought destination. Specifically, no assumption is made regarding the intermediate nodes, which may exhibit arbitrary and malicious behavior. The scheme is robust in the presence of a number of non-colluding nodes, and provides accurate routing information in a timely manner.
Writing and Reading

Four approaches to the investigation of connections between language by hand and language by eye are described and illustrated with studies from a decade-long research program. In the first approach, multigroup structural equation modeling is applied to reading and writing measures given to typically developing writers to examine unidirectional and bidirectional relationships between specific components of the reading and writing systems. In the second approach, structural equation modeling is applied to a multivariate set of language measures given to children and adults with reading and writing disabilities to examine how the same set of language processes is orchestrated differently to accomplish specific reading or writing goals, and correlations between factors are evaluated to examine the level at which the language-by-hand system and the language-by-eye system communicate most easily. In the third approach, mode of instruction and mode of response are systematically varied in evaluating effectiveness of treating reading disability with and without a writing component. In the fourth approach, functional brain imaging is used to investigate residual spelling problems in students whose problems with word decoding have been remediated. The four approaches support a model in which language by hand and language by eye are separate systems that interact in predictable ways.
Human / Mouse Phylogenetic Footprinting of Potential Transcription Regulatory Signals

Phylogenetic footprinting is an efficient approach for revealing potential transcription factor binding sites in promoter sequences. The idea is based on an assumption that functional sites in promoters should evolve much slower then other regions that do not bear any conservative function. Therefore, potential transcription factor (TF) binding sites that are found in the evolutionally conservative regions of promoters have more chances to be considered as " real " sites. The most difficult step of the phylogenetic footprinting is alignment of promoter sequences between different organisms (f.e. human and mouse). The conventional alignment methods often can not align promoters due to the high level of sequence variability. We have developed a new alignment method that takes into account similarity in distribution of potential binding sites (motif-based alignment). This method has been used effectively for promoter alignment and for revealing new potential binding sites for various transcription factors. We made a systematic phylogenetic footprinting of human/mouse conserved non-coding sequences (CNS). 60 thousand potential binding sites were revealed in human and mouse genomes. We have developed a database of the predicted potential TF binding sites.
Fugitive green-house gas emissions during biological wastewater treatment: investigating sources and mitigation strategies in laboratory and full-scale systems

The exponential increase of the atmospheric concentration of green-house gases due to human activities is responsible for the acceleration of global warming and climate change. Recently, scientific studies have pointed at wastewater treatment systems as relevant sources of fugitive green-house gases (GHGs) such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). Nitric oxide (NO) can also be emitted during wastewater treatment, and it is a potent ozone-depleting compound and a precursor of N2O. Due to the high global warming potential of N2O and CH4, emission of these gases (even at low levels) may be relevant and increase severely the overall carbon footprint of a wastewater treatment system.
Human mitochondrial ferritin improves respiratory function in yeast mutants deficient in iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis, but is not a functional homologue of yeast frataxin

We overexpressed human mitochondrial ferritin in frataxin‐deficient yeast cells (Δyfh1), but also in another mutant affected in [Fe‐S] assembly (Δggc1). Ferritin was correctly processed and expressed in the mitochondria of these cells, but the fraction of total mitochondrial iron bound to ferritin was very low, and most of the iron remained in the form of insoluble particles of ferric phosphate in these mitochondria, as evidenced by gel filtration analysis of the mitochondrial matrix (fast protein liquid chromatography [FPLC]) and by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Mutant cells in which ferritin was overexpressed still accumulated iron in the mitochondria and remained deficient in [Fe‐S] assembly, suggesting that human mitochondrial ferritin is not a functional homologue of yeast frataxin. However, the respiratory function was improved in these mutants, which correlates with an improvement of cytochrome and heme synthesis. Overexpression of mitochondrial ferritin in [Fe‐S] mutants resulted in the appearance of a small pool of high‐spin ferrous iron in the mitochondria, which was probably responsible for the improvement of heme synthesis and of the respiratory function in these mutants.
Snowpark evolution in France from 1990 to 2010: A plurality of compromises and gradual rationalization behind a major territorial innovation

The article describes the snowpark innovation in French ski resorts through a processual approach focusing on what constitutes the link between heterogeneous stakeholders. The process studied is first that of a reversal of the norm, leading to new conventions. Relocation from the edge to the center has not, however, obliterated the subcultural identity of freestyle. Moreover, despite the fact that snowparks have become mainstream, a number of their features remain laden with cultural specificities, showing the compromises made by resort managers. At the same time, increasing snowpark attendance is the result of other compromises making it possible to go beyond an elitist trend and its latent competitive technical escalation. These various compromises joined with a process of rationalization which, for its part, contributed to the gradual solidification of the network constituted around these facilities.
Chemistry and Biological Activity of Feed Additive for Poultry Farming

— Essential oils are one of the most important groups of biologically active substances present in plants. Due to the chemical diversity of components, essential oils and their preparations have a wide spectrum of pharmacological action. They have bactericidal, antiviral, fungicidal, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, sedative and other activities. They are expectorant, spasmolytic, sedative, hypotensive, secretion enhancing, antioxidant remedies. Based on preliminary pharmacological studies, we have developed a formulation called “Phytobiotic” containing essential oils, a feed additive for poultry as an alternative to antibiotics. Phytobiotic is a water-soluble powder containing a composition of essential oils of thyme, clary, monarda and auxiliary substances: dry extract of liquorice and inhalation lactose. On this stage of research, the goal was to study the chemical composition of provided phytobiotic, identify the main substances and determine their quantity, investigate the biological activity of phytobiotic through in vitro and in vivo studies. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 38 components were identified in phytobiotic, representing acyclic-, monocyclic-, bicyclic-, and sesquiterpenes. Together with identification of main active substances, their quantitative content was determined, including acyclic terpene alcohol β-linalool, acyclic terpene ketone linalyl acetate, monocyclic terpenes: D-limonene and γ-terpinene, monocyclic aromatic terpene thymol. Provided phytobiotic has pronounced and at the same time broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. In the cell model, phytobiotic showed weak antioxidant activity, and it was stronger in the ORAC (chemical model) tests. Meanwhile anti-inflammatory activity was also observed. When fowls were supplied feed enriched with phytobiotic, it was observed that gained weight of the chickens in the experimental group exceeded the same data for the control group during the entire period of the experiment. The survival rate of broilers in the experimental group during the growth period was 98% compared to -94% in the control group. As a result of conducted researches probable four different mechanisms which are important for the action of phytobiotics were identified: sensory, metabolic, antioxidant and antibacterial action. General toxic, possible local irritant and allergenic effects of phytobiotic were also investigated. Performed assays proved that formulation is safe.
An Evaluation of Ethnocentric Scale (CETSCALE) Among Indian Consumers of Imported Foods

The present study focuses on examining ethnocentric tendencies of Indian consumers towards imported food products. The study has been conducted in the city of Chandigarh. A sample of 250 respondents was selected by using convenience sampling. However, only 210 questionnaires were found legible and rest was rejected. For the purpose of generating a sample, the population consisted of all the consumers who have consumed imported food products offered by retail outlets. The 17-items CETSCALE developed by Shimp and Sharma (1987) was administered to the respondents by the researcher. It has been found that the 17-item CETSCALE as a measure to examine ethnocentric tendencies of Indian consumers of imported foods is internally consistent and multi-dimensional. The CETSCALE ratings are found to be relatively higher in case of females as compared to males, indicating females have more ethnocentric tendencies in comparison to males. It is also found that as age increases, ethnocentric tendencies increase. Respondents in the age group of 60 years or more are found to have highest level of ethnocentrici ty, whereas those in the age group 20-30 years are found to have lowest level of ethnocentricity. Hence, young consumers especially in their early 20s and 30s are the most potential segment for targeting imported food products as they are more likely to have favourable evaluation of imported food products as compared to consumers in the higher age groups. In general, Indian consumers are not very highly ethnocentric with regard to the purchase of imported food products. It is concluded that the foreign producers of imported foods need not fear foreign-origin of imported foods to negatively influence their demand in India.
Estimating sea-level allowances for Atlantic Canada under conditions of uncertain sea-level rise

This paper documents the methodology of computing sea-level rise allowances for Atlantic Canada in the 21st century under conditions of uncertain sea-level rise. The sea-level rise allowances are defined as the amount by which an asset needs to be raised in order to maintain the same likelihood of future flooding events as that site has experienced in the recent past. The allowances are determined by combination of the statistics of present tides and storm surges (storm tides) and the regional projections of sea-level rise and associated uncertainty. Tide-gauge data for nine sites from the Canadian Atlantic coast are used to derive the scale parameters of present sea-level extremes using the Gumbel distribution function. The allowances in the 21st century, with respect to the year 1990, were computed for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A1FI emission scenario. For Atlantic Canada, the allowances are regionally variable and, for the period 1990–2050, range between –13 and 38 cm while, for the period 1990–2100, they range between 7 and 108 cm. The negative allowances in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence region are caused by land uplift due to glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA).
A SCENARIO BASED FRAMEWORK FOR THE STOCK ASSESSMENT OF NORTH ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA TAKING INTO ACCOUNT TRANS- ATLANTIC MOVEMENT, STOCK MIXING AND MULTIPLE FLEETS *

SUMMARY The assessment of North Atlantic bluefin tuna has been based on the assumption that two separate populations of bluefin tuna exist in the North Atlantic, one on the west and another on the east part of the Atlantic (including the Mediterranean Sea), and that the mixing of the two populations is limited. Management measures have been adopted on the basis that the management regime imposed in the western Atlantic does not affect the population of bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and vice versa. Recent tagging data suggest that the migratory patterns of fish from the two populations are much more complex and extensive than it was previously believed. If the degree of mixing of the two stocks is greater than the 1-2% which is currently assumed, then the recovery of the depleted western stock might not be possible under the existing management regime. A multi-area, fleet-disaggregated, age-structured population dynamics model is used to test this hypothesis and evaluate the effectiveness of existing and alternative management measures under different mixing scenarios. The model simulates the dynamics of the two bluefin tuna stocks in the North Atlantic and of the fisheries that target them and explicitly models the trans-Atlantic migration of the fish. RESUME L’evaluation sur le thon rouge de l’Atlantique nord s’est fondee sur l’hypothese selon laquelle deux populations distinctes de thon rouge existent dans l’Atlantique nord, une a l’ouest et l’autre a l‘est de l’Atlantique (mer Mediterranee comprise), et que le melange des deux populations est limite. Des mesures de gestion ont ete adoptees etant entendu que le regime de gestion impose dans l’Atlantique ouest n’affecterait pas la population de thon rouge dans l’Atlantique est et vice-versa. Les recentes donnees de marquage suggerent que les schemas migratoires des poissons des deux populations sont bien plus complexes et etendus qu’on ne l’avait cru auparavant. Si le degre de melange des deux stocks est superieur a 1-2%, ce qui constitue l’hypothese actuelle, le retablissement du stock decime de l’ouest risque alors de ne pas etre possible en vertu du regime de gestion existant. Un modele dynamique de population structure par âge, par flottille individualisee et a zones multiples est utilise pour tester cette hypothese et evaluer l’efficacite des mesures de gestion existantes et alternatives selon differents scenarios de melange. Le modele simule la dynamique des deux stocks de thon rouge dans l’Atlantique nord et des pecheries qui les ciblent et modelise explicitement la migration transatlantique du poisson. RESUMEN
Neural stem and progenitor cells retain their potential for proliferation and differentiation into functional neurons despite lower number in aged brain

Citation for published version (APA): Ahlenius, H. , Visan, V. , Kokaia, M. , Lindvall, O. , & Kokaia, Z. (2009). Neural stem and progenitor cells retain their potential for proliferation and differentiation into functional neurons despite lower number in aged brain. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 29(14), 4408-4419. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.6003-08.2009
Classiﬁcation of healthcare data using genetic fuzzy logic system and wavelets

Healthcare plays an important role in promoting the general health and well-being of people around the world. The difﬁculty in healthcare data classiﬁcation arises from the uncertainty and the high-dimensional nature of the medical data collected. This paper proposes an integration of fuzzy standard additive model (SAM) with genetic algorithm (GA), called GSAM, to deal with uncertainty and computational challenges. GSAM learning process comprises three continual steps: rule initialization by unsupervised learning using the adaptive vector quantization clustering, evolutionary rule optimization by GA and parameter tuning by the gradient descent supervised learning. Wavelet transformation is employed to extract discriminative features for high-dimensional datasets. GSAM becomes highly capable when deployed with small number of wavelet features as its computational burden is remarkably reduced. The proposed method is evaluated using two frequently-used medical datasets: the Wisconsin breast cancer and Cleveland heart disease from the UCI Repository for machine learning. Experiments are organized with a ﬁve-fold cross validation and performance of classiﬁcation techniques are measured by a number of important metrics: accuracy, F-measure, mutual information and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results demonstrate the superiority of the GSAM compared to other machine learning methods including probabilistic neural network, support vector machine, fuzzy ART-MAP, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system. The proposed approach is thus helpful as a decision support system for medical practitioners in the healthcare practice. (cid:2) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
NextGen Sequencing Technology-based Dissection of Physiological Systems Characterization of the rat developmental liver transcriptome

Richard H. Chapple, Polyana C. Tizioto, Kevin D. Wells, Scott A. Givan, JaeWoo Kim, Stephanie D. McKay, Robert D. Schnabel, and Jeremy F. Taylor Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil; Research Core Facilities, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; and Department of Animal Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont