Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cancer of the larynx/hypopharynx, tobacco and alcohol: Iarc international case‐control study in Turin and Varese (Italy), Zaragoza and Navarra (Spain), Geneva (Switzerland) and Calvados (France)

A case‐control study on larynx and hypopharynx cancer was carried out in 6 populations including the city of Turin and the province of Varese (Italy), the provinces of Navarra and Zara‐goia (Spain), the canton of Geneva (Switzerland), and the departement of Calvados (France). This report presents an analysis of the risk associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption based on 1,147 male cases and 3,057 male population controls. Special attention was given to the study of the risk at various sites of larynx and hypopharynx. The effect of tobacco is similar for all sites and the risk associated with ever smoking is on the order of 10. The risks from alcohol drinking depend on site. They are similar for epilarynx and hypopharynx (RR = 4.3, for more than 80 g/day) and lower for endolarynx (RR = 2.1, For more than 80 g/day). For all sites the risk decreases after quitting (RR = 0.3 after 10 years); exclusive use of filter cigarettes is protective (RR = 0.5 relative to smokers of plain cigarettes only) as is exclusive use of blond tobacco (RR = 0.5 relative to smokers of black tobacco only). Inhalation increases the risk of endolaryngeal cancer but not that of hypopharynx or epilarynx. The relative risks for joint exposure to alcohol and tobacco are consistent with a multiplicative model.
Fermented Aloreña Table Olives as a Source of Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus pentosus Strains

A collection of 31 Lactobacillus pentosus strains isolated from naturally fermented Aloreña green table olives were screened in depth in the present study for their probiotic potential. Several strains could be considered promising probiotic candidates since they showed good growth capacity and survival under simulated gastro-intestinal conditions (acidic pH of 1.5, up to 4% of bile salts and 5 mM of nitrate), good ability to auto-aggregate which may facilitate their adhesion to host cells as multiple aggregates and the subsequent displacement of pathogens. Moreover, co-aggregation of lactobacilli with pathogenic bacteria was shown with Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Enteritidis as good defense strategy against gut and food pathogens. Furthermore, they exhibited adherence to intestinal and vaginal cell lines, such property could be reinforced by their capacity of biofilm formation which is also important in food matrices such as the olive surface. Their antagonistic activity against pathogenic bacteria by means of acids and plantaricins, and also their different functional properties may determine their efficacy not only in the gastro-intestinal tract but also in food matrices. Besides their ability to ferment several prebiotics, the new evidence in the present study was their capacity to ferment lactose which reinforces their use in different food matrices including dairy as a dietary adjunct to improve lactose digestibility. Lactobacillus pentosus CF2-10N was selected to have the best probiotic profile being of great interest in further studies. In conclusion, spontaneous fermented Aloreña table olives are considered a natural source of potential probiotic L. pentosus to be included as adjunct functional cultures in different fermented foods.
Microcyclic rusts of hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

Rust fungi infecting hollyhock and other plants in Malveae are frequently intercepted at ports of entry to the USA, particularly Puccinia malvacearum and P. heterogenea. These two species can be difficult to distinguish and can be further confused with other, less common species of microcyclic rust fungi infecting hollyhock: P. heterospora, P. lobata, P. platyspora, and P. sherardiana. Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. malvacearum and P. heterogenea are closely related, along with P. sherardiana and P. platyspora. A key to the six microcyclic Puccinia species infecting hollyhock is presented.
The Role of Consciousness in Memory

Conscious events interact with memory systems in learning, rehearsal and retrieval (Ebbinghaus 1885/1964; Tulving 1985). Here we present hypotheses that arise from the IDA computional model (Franklin, Kelemen and McCauley 1998; Franklin 2001b) of global workspace theory (Baars 1988, 2002). Our primary tool for this exploration is a flexible cognitive cycle employed by the IDA computational model and hypothesized to be a basic element of human cognitive processing. Since cognitive cycles are hypothesized to occur five to ten times a second and include interaction between conscious contents and several of the memory systems, they provide the means for an exceptionally fine-grained analysis of various cognitive tasks. We apply this tool to the small effect size of subliminal learning compared to supraliminal learning, to process dissociation, to implicit learning, to recognition vs. recall, and to the availability heuristic in recall. The IDA model elucidates the role of consciousness in the updating of perceptual memory, transient episodic memory, and procedural memory. In most cases, memory is hypothesized to interact with conscious events for its normal functioning. The methodology of the paper is unusual in that the hypotheses and explanations presented are derived from an empirically based, but broad and qualitative computational model of human cognition.
Robust speech representation of voiced sounds based on synchrony determination with PLLs

We propose to include synchrony effects, known to exist in the auditory system, to represent voiced parts of the speech signal in a robust way. The system decomposes the input signal by means of a bandpass filter bank, and utilizes a bank of phase locked loops (PLLs) to obtain information on the frequencies present at a specific time. This information about the frequency distribution is transformed into a spectral-like representation based on synchrony effects. Noisy speech recognition experiments are performed using this synchrony-based spectrum, which is transformed into a small set of coefficients by using a transformation similar to that utilized for mel cepstrum features. We show that recognition performance compared to mel cepstrum features is advantageous, when measured over a range of SNR conditions, especially in the high noise level case.
The development of a hybrid scaffold for use in oesophageal tissue engineering

The oesophagus as an organ can be affected by a number of medical conditions which may necessitate the need for extensive treatment to correct. One potential approach is to tissue engineer a suitable biomaterial-based replacement for oesophageal tissue. Small intestine submucosa (SIS) is one of a number of naturally-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials currently in clinical use; however one of their key limitations is poor mechanical properties. In this work it was found that SIS can be consistently and reliably processed into tubular scaffolds which impart certain potential advantages. The decellularisation of tubular SIS was carried out using four different protocols. One protocol emerged as the most suitable by the criteria mentioned, a perfusion-based method using sodium deoxycholate. Electrospinning was used produce to polymers PLGA nanofibres which mechanically reinforced the tubular SIS. It was hypothesised that this would improve the ECM material’s mechanical properties. Attachment remained an issue between the two layers but this was overcome by altering the shape of the SIS. The SIS-PLGA scaffold was produced with varying fibre alignment, a factor shown to have some influence in vitro and in vivo. The drug delivery potential of the fibres was also considered and the scaffolds had VEGF added to them. Evaluation was by physical testing, in vitro analysis and in vivo implantation. The PLGA scaffold were found to perform well both mechanically and in terms of biocompatibility. They also performed well in vivo with a limited foreign body reaction. The highly aligned fibres (5000 rpm) group was chosen as the best in terms of its all-round properties including good cellular infiltration. The electrospun fibres remained intact at 4 weeks which indicates a potential lasting support role, which was intended. The result of the VEGF incorporation was that there was an increase in the blood vessel density of the tissue surrounding the scaffolds highlighting the benefits of adding growth factors to the scaffold. Overall, it was concluded that the hybrid scaffold have potential for use in oesophageal tissue engineering.
Towards a More Accurate Availability Evaluation

Data availability evaluation is the crucial problem to build large-scale, high available peer-to-peer storage systems by governing many unreliable hosts. However, many recent studies equate host availability with data availability and calculate data availability based on the traditional definition of host availability. By analyzing the trace of live P2P system, we argue that there is a significant difference between them and it is far more inaccurate and misleading to use host availability to evaluate data availability because of peers' incentives and rationalities. To achieve a precise data availability evaluation, firstly, we present an evaluation model which combines peers' incentives and host availability together. Furthermore, we illustrate that the traditional definition of host availability has serious drawbacks because it ignores the effect of time of day and peers' different online pattern. So we improve the accuracy of our model by considering both factors. Finally, we introduce how to implement this model in practice and propose some its applications to P2P storage systems.
Is the objective food environment associated with perceptions of the food environment?

Abstract Objective The present study examined whether objective measures of the food environment are associated with perceptions of the food environment and whether this relationship varies by socio-economic disadvantage. Design The study is a cross-sectional analysis of self-report surveys and objective environment data. Women reported their perceptions on the nutrition environment. Participants’ homes and food stores were geocoded to measure the objective community nutrition environment. Data on the average price and variety of fruit and vegetables were used to measure the objective consumer nutrition environment. Setting The study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003–2004. Subjects Data presented are from a sample of 1393 women aged 18–65 years. Results Overall the match between the perceived and objective environment was poor, underscoring the limitations in using perceptions of the environment as a proxy for the objective environment. Socio-economic disadvantage had limited impact on the relationship between perceived and objective nutrition environment. Conclusions Further research is needed to understand the determinants of perceptions of the nutrition environment to enhance our understanding of the role of perceptions in nutrition choices and drivers of socio-economic inequalities in nutrition.
Thermal Analysis of Nanoparticles: Methods, Kinetics and Recent Advances | NIST

This chapter provides an overview of the thermal techniques available to study nanoparticles, with particular attention to thermogravimetric analysis, calorimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The advantages of thermal analysis for nanoparticle characterization include minimal sample preparation and rapid analysis of a number of properties. Relevant measurements include: purity and composition, phase changes, coating/functionalization composition and properties, and kinetics of reactive processes. Because of their low cost and high speed, thermal analysis tests are suitable for quality control, environmental monitoring, and research, particularly for verification of the nanoparticle’s morphology and composition. New thermal analysis techniques are being developed that require much less sample. As these techniques become robust, they will broaden the scope and applications for thermal analysis of nanoparticles.
Alcohol Drinking andSecondPrimaryCancer Risk in Patients with Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancers : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

Background: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data from observational studies to assess the strength of the association of alcohol drinkingwith second primary cancer risk in patients with upper aerodigestive tract (UADT; oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus) cancer. Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched up to July 2012 and the reference lists of studies included in the analysis were examined. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Nineteen studies, 8 cohort and 11 case–control studies, were included. In highest versus lowest meta-analyses, alcohol drinking was associated with significantly increased risk of UADT second primary cancers (RR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.96–4.50). Significantly increased risks were also observed for UADT and lung combined (RR, 1.90; 95%CI, 1.16–3.11) and all sites (RR, 1.60; 95%CI, 1.22–2.10) secondprimary cancers. For an increase in the alcohol intake of 10 grams per day, dose–response meta-analysis resulted in a significantly increased RR of 1.09 (95% CI, 1.04–1.14) for UADT second primary cancers. Conclusions:Alcohol drinking in patients with UADT cancer is associated with an increased risk of second primary cancers. Studies conducted in alcohol drinking patientswithUADTcancer and evaluating the effect of alcohol cessation on second primary cancer and other outcomes are needed. Impact:Our results emphasize the importance of prevention policies aiming to reduce alcohol drinking. Health-care professionals should encourage alcohol drinking patients with UADT cancer to reduce their consumption and reinforce the surveillance of this at-risk subpopulation. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(2); 324–31. 2013 AACR.
Attitude testing examining certain psychological correlates of physical activity.

Abstract This research concerned instrument improvement and validation of the Physical Estimation and Attraction Scales (PEAS) constructed to contain 2 scores: Estimation of one's physical ability and Attraction to vigorous physical activity. An item pool of 155 attitude statements was administered to 710 males, grades 9–12. Factor analysis revealed 7 factors including 1 massive factor composed almost entirely of Attraction statements. Further item analyses produced a final inventory of 89 items. Preferred responses (N = 187) were summed to obtain scores for Estimation, Attraction, and the 7 factors. Internal reliability coefficients (KR–20) of scales ranged from . 70 to . 90. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained between scales composed of Estimation items and measures of height, athletic experience, self-acceptance (IAV), and physical fitness (Fleishman Basic Fitness Test). Within experimental limitations the rationale of the PEAS appeared to be substantiated.
Pharmacological validation of behavioural measures of akinesia and dyskinesia in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

In an attempt to define clinically relevant models of akinesia and dyskinesia in 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats, we have examined the effects of drugs with high (l‐DOPA) vs. low (bromocriptine) dyskinesiogenic potential in Parkinson's disease on three types of motor performance, namely: (i) abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) (ii) rotational behaviour, and (iii) spontaneous forelimb use (cylinder test). Rats with unilateral 6‐OHDA lesions received single daily i.p. injections of l‐DOPA or bromocriptine at therapeutic doses. During 3 weeks of treatment, l‐DOPA but not bromocriptine induced increasingly severe AIMs affecting the limb, trunk and orofacial region. Rotational behaviour was induced to a much higher extent by bromocriptine than l‐DOPA. In the cylinder test, the two drugs initially improved the performance of the parkinsonian limb to a similar extent. However, l‐DOPA‐treated animals showed declining levels of performance in this test because the drug‐induced AIMs interfered with physiological limb use, and gradually replaced all normal motor activities. l‐DOPA‐induced axial, limb and orolingual AIM scores were significantly reduced by the acute administration of compounds that have antidyskinetic efficacy in parkinsonian patients and/or nonhuman primates (−91%, yohimbine 10 mg/kg; −19%, naloxone 4–8 mg/kg; −37%, 5‐methoxy 5‐N,N‐dimethyl‐tryptamine 2 mg/kg; −30%, clozapine 8 mg/kg; −50%, amantadine 40 mg/kg). l‐DOPA‐induced rotation was, however, not affected. The present results demonstrate that 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats do exhibit motor deficits that share essential functional similarities with parkinsonian akinesia or dyskinesia. Such deficits can be quantified using novel and relatively simple testing procedures, whereas rotometry cannot discriminate between dyskinetic and antiakinetic effects of antiparkinsonian treatments.
On some implicit and semi-implicit staggered schemes for the shallow water and Euler equations

In this paper, we propose implicit and semi-implicit in time finite volume schemes for the barotropic Euler equations (hence, as a particular case, for the shallow water equations) and for the full Euler equations, based on staggered discretizations. For structured meshes, we use the MAC finite volume scheme, and, for general mixed quadrangular/hexahedral and simplicial meshes, we use the discrete unknowns of the Rannacher-Turek or Crouzeix-Raviart finite elements. We first show that a solution to each of these schemes satisfies a discrete kinetic energy equation. In the barotropic case, a solution also satisfies a discrete elastic potential balance; integrating these equations over the domain readily yields discrete counterparts of the stability estimates which are known for the continuous problem. In the case of the full Euler equations, the scheme relies on the discretization of the internal energy balance equation, which offers two main advantages: first, we avoid the space discretization of the total energy, which involves cell-centered and face-centered variables; second, we obtain an algorithm which boils down to a usual pressure correction scheme in the incompressible limit. Consistency (in a weak sense) with the original total energy conservative equation is obtained thanks to corrective terms in the internal energy balance, designed to compensate numerical dissipation terms appearing in the discrete kinetic energy inequality. It is then shown in the 1D case, that, supposing the convergence of a sequence of solutions, the limit is an entropy weak solution of the continuous problem in the barotropic case, and a weak solution in the full Euler case. Finally, we present numerical results which confirm this theory.
Post‐sensitization administration of non‐digestible oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium breve M‐16V reduces allergic symptoms in mice

To support dietary management of severe cow's milk allergic infants, a synbiotic mixture of non‐digestible oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium breve M‐16V (B. breve) was designed from source materials that are completely cow's milk‐free. It was investigated whether this specific synbiotic concept can reduce an established food allergic response in a research model for hen's egg allergy. Mice were orally sensitized once a week for 5 weeks to ovalbumin (OVA) using cholera toxin (CT) as an adjuvant. Non‐sensitized mice received CT in PBS only. Sensitized mice were fed a control diet or a diet enriched with short‐chain‐ (scFOS) and long‐chain fructo‐oligosaccharides (lcFOS), B. breve or scFOSlcFOS + B. breve for 3 weeks starting after the last sensitization. Non‐sensitized mice received the control diet. Anaphylactic shock symptoms, acute allergic skin responses and serum specific IgE, mMCP‐1 and galectin‐9 were measured upon OVA challenge. Activated Th2‐, Th1‐cells and regulatory T‐cells were quantified in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and cytokine profiles were analyzed. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured in ceacal samples. The acute allergic skin response was reduced in mice fed the scFOSlcFOS + B. breve diet compared to mice fed any of the other diets. A reduction in mast cell degranulation (mMCP‐1) and anaphylactic shock symptoms was also observed in these mice. Unstimulated splenocyte cultures produced increased levels of IL10 and IFNg in mice fed the scFOSlcFOS + B. breve diet. Correspondingly, increased percentages of activated Th1 cells were observed in the spleen. Allergen‐specific re‐stimulation of splenocytes showed a decrease in IL5 production. In summary; post‐sensitization administration of scFOSlcFOS + B. breve was effective in reducing allergic symptoms after allergen challenge. These effects coincided with changes in regulatory and effector T‐cell subsets and increases in the SCFA propionic acid. These results suggest immune modulatory benefits of dietary intervention with a unique combination of scFOSlcFOS + B. breve in established food allergy. Whether these effects translate to human applications is subject for ongoing clinical studies.
Interaction of the Sympathetic Nerve with Pancreatic Cancer Cells Promotes Perineural Invasion through the Activation of STAT3 Signaling

Perineural invasion (PNI) is one of the most important causes of local recurrence and poor survival in pancreatic cancer. However, the exact mechanism of PNI is still not clear. In this study, we sought to identify the reciprocal signaling interactions between sympathetic nerves and pancreatic cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms. We used mouse dorsal root ganglia and pancreatic cancer cells cocultured in vitro, cellular and molecular biology, and animal models to evaluate the function of the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) in PNI progression and pathogenesis. NE promoted PNI of pancreatic cancer cells and increased levels of phosphorylated STAT3 in a concentration-dependent manner. NE-mediated activation of STAT3 was inhibited by blocking β-adrenergic receptors (AR) and by blocking protein kinase A, but not through blocking α-AR. Blocking STAT3 could inhibit NE-induced NGF, MMP2, and MMP9 expression and attenuate the migratory, invasive ability and PNI of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, PNI of pancreatic cancer cells was blocked by treatment with a STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor in vivo. These studies show that NE plays a critical role in pancreatic cancer PNI development and progression through the β-AR/PKA/STAT3 signaling pathway. Reciprocal signaling interactions between the sympathetic nerves and pancreatic cancer cells critically contribute to pancreatic cancer PNI pathogenesis. Inhibition of the activity of sympathetic nerves or STAT3 may be potential strategies for pancreatic cancer PNI therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(3); 264–73. ©2012 AACR.