Densest Subgraph in Dynamic Graph Streams

In this paper, we consider the problem of approximating the densest subgraph in the dynamic graph stream model. In this model of computation, the input graph is defined by an arbitrary sequence of edge insertions and deletions and the goal is to analyze properties of the resulting graph given memory that is sub-linear in the size of the stream. We present a single-pass algorithm that returns a $(1+\epsilon)$ approximation of the maximum density with high probability; the algorithm uses O(\epsilon^{-2} n \polylog n) space, processes each stream update in \polylog (n) time, and uses \poly(n) post-processing time where $n$ is the number of nodes. The space used by our algorithm matches the lower bound of Bahmani et al.~(PVLDB 2012) up to a poly-logarithmic factor for constant $\epsilon$. The best existing results for this problem were established recently by Bhattacharya et al.~(STOC 2015). They presented a $(2+\epsilon)$ approximation algorithm using similar space and another algorithm that both processed each update and maintained a $(4+\epsilon)$ approximation of the current maximum density in \polylog (n) time per-update.Comment: To appear in MFCS 201

Ecophysiological indicators of stress in female Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus

The study on the ecophysiological impacts of stress in female Persian sturgeon broodfishes revealed that the average cortisol level varried in all broodfish caught at the Sefidrud River (163.38±21.2ng mL-1), Sefidrud River estuary (260.27±19.7ng mL-1) and Gorganrud River estuary (179.38±20.8ng mL-1). The variations in serum glucose levels were 140.65±12.05mg dL-1, 144.44±5.9mg dL-1 and 126.24±11mg dL-1, respectively. The maximum level of cortisol (781 ng mL-1) and serum glucose (281 mg dL-1) were observed during the transport of broodfish from the capture stations to the hatcheries and the minimum level of cortisol (25.2 ng mL-1) and serum glucose (33 mg dL-1) were observed during the confinement of broodfishes in the breeding ponds. The rhythmic and significant variations of cortisol level during capture, handling, transport and confinement of female Persian sturgeon broodfish in all three regions can be regarded as a valuable indicator of stres

Mitogenic effects of phytohemagglutinin (PHA-P) and lipopolysacharide extracted from E.coli on cultured lymphocyte of the Caspian Sea ship sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventris)

The present study was designed to obtain the most effective dose for phtytohemagglutinin (PHA-P) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from E. coli to optimize the lymphocyte culture method, the highest mitotic index (MI) and metaphase plates number of ship sturgeon, Acipenser nudiventris. Twenty specimens of two-year old A. nudiventris weighing on average 137g and with an average length of 32cm were used in this study. Different doses (0, 40, 60 and 80kgml ^(-1)) of PHA-P, LPS and a combination of the most effective dose of both mitogenic factors {(40 kgml super(-1)) PHA-P+ (80kgml super(-1)) LPS} were added to the culture media and mitotic indices were calculated for each treatment. Results indicated that a dose of 40kgml^(-1) PHA-P and 80kgml ^(-1) LPS produced the highest MI (6.26 and 3.02 respectively). Using higher concentrations of PHA-P and LPS resulted in decreased MI, whereas at lower doses of these mitogenic factors, mitotic arrest of cultured lymphocytes was observed. Using a combination of the most effective dose of the two mentioned mitogens {(40kgml ^(-1)) PHA-P + (80kgml super(-1)) LPS} yielded a MI of about 3.84. A dose of 40kgml ^(-1) PHA-P produced the highest MI (6.26), the highest number of lymphocytes was cultured and the largest number of metaphase plate was counted

Antioxidant activity and properties of walnut brown seed coat extract

To date, there are few studies about the properties of walnut brown seed coat. The antioxidant activity and properties of walnut brown seed coat was considered in this study and the amounts of carotenoids, chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, vitamin E were determined. The antioxidant activity was determined by cupric assay, DPPH, and measurement of oxidative stability in sunflower oil against Copper sulfate. Walnut brown seed coat at 1 was effective antioxidant in comparison to BHT in inhibition of lipid peroxidation. This extract presented the highest vitamin E level (1.4± 0.042 mg/g). DPPH assay showed the extract had the high radical scavenging ability. The results of this study showed the walnut brown seed coat possessed strong antioxidant properties in vitro, hence it might be beneficial in human health. © 2009-2016, JGPT

Water osmolarity effect on spermatocrit and its relations to spermatozoan count in male breeders of Rutilus frisii kutum in the south-westen of the Caspian Sea

The relationship between morphometric characteristics, motile spermatozoan percentage and sperm motility duration among male breeders of Rutilus frisii kutum in four different rivers (Shirud, Khoshkrud, Sefidrud and Chalevand) of the southwestern part of the Caspian Sea and water osmolarity, pH and temperature in four region of each river (estuary, river entrance to sea, artificial reproduction site and upstream) were considered. The mean motility duration time was 37.2±4.2, 41.4±3.9, 52.9±2.1 and 47.8±3.4 in the four rivers respectively. Also, the percentage of motile cells was found to be 49±4.1, 58.2±6.8, 74±4.8 and 68.1±5.9 % for the rivers respectively. The mean osmolarity, temperature and pH were 71.7±66, 62.5±85.5, 40.2±34.2, 36.7±34.4 mOsml/l, 14, 15, 13.6±0.2, 14 degree C and 7.6~c0.1, 7.2±0.1, 7.4±0.1 and 7.2±0.1 respectively. Our findings showed that there is a positive relationship between motile spermatozoan percentage and duration of motility. With the decrease in river water osmolarity from estuaries up to the river upstream, the motile spermatozoan percentage and their duration increased. According to anadromous behavior of the fish, with increasing distance from artificial breeding sites toward river upstream, quantity of spermatozoa and spermatozoan activity increased enhancing success in fertilization attempts

Silybum marianum: Beyond Hepatoprotection.

Silybum marianum is a medicinal plant that has long been used as hepatoprotective remedy. It has been used for the treatment of numerous liver disorders characterized by functional impairment or degenerative necrosis. Its hepatoprotective activity is unique and acts in different ways, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, cell permeability regulator and membrane stabilizer, stimulation of liver regeneration and inhibition of deposition in collagen fibers, which may lead to cirrhosis. Most of documented data with Silybum marianum are about liver disorders; however, recently several beneficial properties on a wide variety of other disorders such as renal protection, hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerosis activities, cardiovascular protection, prevention of insulin resistance, especially in cirrhotic patients, cancer, and Alzheimer prevention. It is also used as a food remedy. This review article aims to present different aspects of Silybum marianum, especially the data in recently published articles about its effects on different diseases, apart from presenting the aspects of its hepatoprotection

Mutational spectrum of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies in a cohort of 112 Iranian patients and reporting of a possible founder effect

Background: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases that are inherited in both autosomal dominant (LGMDD) and autosomal recessive forms (LGMDR), the latter is more common especially in populations with high consanguineous marriages like Iran. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the genetic basis of patients who are suspicious of being affected by LGMDR. DNA samples of 60 families suspected of LGMD were extracted from their whole blood. Four short tandem repeat (STR) markers for each candidate genes related to LGMD R1 (calpain3 related)- R6 (δ-sarcoglycan-related) were selected, and all these 24 STRs were applied in two sets of multiplex PCR. After autozygosity mapping, Sanger sequencing and variant analysis were done. Predicting identified variants' effect was performed using in-silico tools, and they were interpreted according to the American College of Medical Genomics and Genetics (ACMG) guideline. MLPA was used for those patients who had large deletions. Fresh muscle specimens were taken from subjects and were evaluated using the conventional panel of histochemical stains. Results: forty out of sixty families showed homozygote haplotypes in CAPN3, DYSF, SGCA, and SGCB genes. The exons and intron-exon boundaries of the relevant genes were sequenced and totally 38 mutations including CAPN3 (n = 15), DYSF (n = 9), SGCB (n = 11), and SGCA (n = 3) were identified. Five out of them were novel. The most prevalent form of LGMDs in our study was calpainopathy followed by sarcoglycanopathy in which beta-sarcoglycanopathy was the most common form amongst them. Exon 2 deletion in the SGCB gene was the most frequent mutation in this study. We also reported evidence of a possible founder effect in families with mutations in DYSF and SGCB genes. We also detected a large consanguineous family suffered from calpainopathy who showed allelic heterogeneity. Conclusions: This study can expand our knowledge about the genetic spectrum of LGMD in Iran, and also suggest the probable founder effects in some Iranian subpopulations which confirming it with more sample size can facilitate our genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling. © 2020 The Author(s)

Plantago: A plant for internists

Plantago belongs to the Plantaginaceae family, with two species known as Plantago ovate Forsk and Plantago psyllium L. In herbal medicine Plantago husk powder is commonly as laxative. Application of Psyllium husk as a hydrocolloid fiber has been almost confirmed in treatment of diabetes type 2. Recent researches on Plantago indicate the effect of its fibers on reducing cholesterol, blood lipid and blood glucose of people with diabetes and reducing the risk of colon cancer. There are no side effects reported for patients under treatment with Plantago fiber. Regarding the fact that Psyllium is widely used, different aspects of it is discussed in the present study

Aloe vera: An update on its phytomedicinal, pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties

Medicinal plants are a good source for preparation of new drugs. Aloe vera [L.] is one of the valuable medicinal plants native to hot and dry zones and is usually planted outdoors in hot areas. Currently, various products obtained from this plant are produced in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries all over the world. Various products from this plant including beverages and cosmetic products are available. Consideration of this species and development of its processing industries in these regions can be an important step in job creation and proper use of poor agricultural lands. In this paper we aim to present the updates on Aloe vera plant, focusing on, botany, the phytomedicinal compounds, structural properties of the leaves