Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oceanography outreach and education in informal and non-formal learning environments

Good outreach programmes for promoting public awareness and education in marine sciences are key ingredients to stimulate students interest on these research fields. However, though many scientists have always been individually active in outreach programmes, only recently these activities became part of more coordinated actions. The Italian Institute for Marine Science of CNR (ISMAR) has undertaken, in the last years, several projects aimed at the dissemination of its scientific research fields with the partnerships with other research institutions and schools, through contribution to science festivals and scientific museum [1] and organization of events. But marine sciences cover many topics: visible and amazing phenomena like those related to marine flora and fauna, biodiversity, under water volcanoes, tsunami etc. They are suitable for a public exhibition or educational programme for schools, as they easily catch the attention of a non-experts audience and can be often explained with the aid of direct observation. Other phenomena, like the ones related to the ocean physical and chemical parameters and their influence over ocean circulation and climate changes, rarely have been subjects of science projects in schools, due to the intrinsic difficulty to introduce and represent them in a simplified scheme. Also, for that reason, the target age of didactic projects focused on such topics is the high school. Lower level classes (primary and lower secondary schools) are usually not considered, while a recent study on the science perception, that is currently carried by the research centres based in La Spezia on a large sample of student population shows that 6 and 13 years old students are the best target for increasing young people's interest toward science (pers. Communication, Science Outreach Group of La Spezia). In order to fill this gap ISMAR U.O. S. of La Spezia, whose lines of research are mainly focused on physical oceanography, marine technology, outreach and science education, has set up, in collaboration with Associazione Casa della Scienza of Parma1, two interactive workshops aimed at introducing and explaining concepts like buoyancy and Archimede's principle, density and specific weight, and formation of ocean currents, for students and childrenfrom 8 to 14 years old.
Differential stability of 2′F-ANA•RNA and ANA•RNA hybrid duplexes: roles of structure, pseudohydrogen bonding, hydration, ion uptake and flexibility

Hybrids of RNA with arabinonucleic acids 2′F-ANA and ANA have very similar structures but strikingly different thermal stabilities. We now present a thorough study combining NMR and other biophysical methods together with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations on a fully modified 10-mer hybrid duplex. Comparison between the solution structure of 2′F-ANA•RNA and ANA•RNA hybrids indicates that the increased binding affinity of 2′F-ANA is related to several subtle differences, most importantly a favorable pseudohydrogen bond (2′F–purine H8) which contrasts with unfavorable 2′-OH–nucleobase steric interactions in the case of ANA. While both 2′F-ANA and ANA strands maintained conformations in the southern/eastern sugar pucker range, the 2′F-ANA strand’s structure was more compatible with the A-like structure of a hybrid duplex. No dramatic differences are found in terms of relative hydration for the two hybrids, but the ANA•RNA duplex showed lower uptake of counterions than its 2′F-ANA•RNA counterpart. Finally, while the two hybrid duplexes are of similar rigidities, 2′F-ANA single strands may be more suitably preorganized for duplex formation. Thus the dramatically increased stability of 2′F-ANA•RNA and ANA•RNA duplexes is caused by differences in at least four areas, of which structure and pseudohydrogen bonding are the most important.
Role of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray for management of adenoidal hypertrophy in children

Abstract Objectives: To study the role of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray for the management of adenoidal hypertrophy in children with more than 50 per cent obstruction, and to assess its impact on change in quality of life. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, interventional placebo-controlled study was conducted. A total of 100 children aged 2–12 years completed treatment and follow up. The symptoms and degree of obstruction were evaluated by nasopharyngoscopy conducted pre-treatment and 24 weeks post-treatment. Subjects received mometasone furoate nasal spray at a daily dose of 200 µg for 8 weeks, followed by a dose of 200 µg on alternate days for 16 weeks. Results were compared with those of a matched control group who were given saline nasal spray. Results: With mometasone treatment, there was an 89.8 per cent reduction in clinical symptom score, and the degree of obstruction dropped from 87 to 72 per cent (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant change in quality of life scores was seen in patients treated with the mometasone nasal spray (score change of 37.47) as compared with those given saline nasal spray (score change of 11.25) (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Mometasone nasal spray appears to be effective in treating children with obstructive adenoids.
Expressive search on encrypted data

Different from the traditional public key encryption, searchable public key encryption allows a data owner to encrypt his data under a user's public key in such a way that the user can generate search token keys using her secret key and then query an encryption storage server. On receiving such a search token key, the server filters all or related stored encryptions and returns matched ones as response. Searchable pubic key encryption has many promising applications. Unfortunately, existing schemes either only support simple query predicates, such as equality queries and conjunctive queries, or have a superpolynomial blowup in ciphertext size and search token key size. In this paper, based on the key-policy attribute-based encryption scheme proposed by Lewko et al. recently, we present a new construction of searchable public key encryption. Compared to previous works in this field, our construction is much more expressive and efficient and is proven secure in the standard model.
Modeling of the parenchymous vascularization and perfusion.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The authors sought to create a realistic model of the parenchymous vascularization and perfusion. METHODS A three-dimensional vascular model has been developed that reproduces the growth process of a vascular tree (angiogenesis). This model follows physical laws related to blood flow in vessels (Poiseuille's law), takes into account anatomic constraints, and optimizes a cost function related to the blood volume. RESULTS Vascular trees, the ramifications of which go from main arteries to small arterioles, were simulated. Vascular structures corresponding to either a normal tissue perfusion or an abnormal perfusion (for example, a local hypervascularization) were presented in three dimensions (volume rendering). Geometric and hemodynamic characteristics computed on these trees were consistent with those of real data found in the literature. The vascular model is also a good tool for studying the propagation of the contrast product in normal and abnormal vessels. CONCLUSIONS The three-dimensional vascular model presented in this article provides insight into the simulation and the understanding of anatomic or physiologic vascular modifications.
Gut bacteria from multiple sclerosis patients modulate human T cells and exacerbate symptoms in mouse models

Significance We have experimentally investigated the immunoregulatory effects of human gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis (MS). We have identified specific bacteria that are associated with MS and demonstrated that these bacteria regulate T lymphocyte-mediated adaptive immune responses and contribute to the proinflammatory environment in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our results expand the knowledge of the microbial regulation of immunity and may provide a basis for the development of microbiome-based therapeutics in autoimmune diseases. The gut microbiota regulates T cell functions throughout the body. We hypothesized that intestinal bacteria impact the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disorder of the CNS and thus analyzed the microbiomes of 71 MS patients not undergoing treatment and 71 healthy controls. Although no major shifts in microbial community structure were found, we identified specific bacterial taxa that were significantly associated with MS. Akkermansia muciniphila and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, both increased in MS patients, induced proinflammatory responses in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in monocolonized mice. In contrast, Parabacteroides distasonis, which was reduced in MS patients, stimulated antiinflammatory IL-10–expressing human CD4+CD25+ T cells and IL-10+FoxP3+ Tregs in mice. Finally, microbiota transplants from MS patients into germ-free mice resulted in more severe symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and reduced proportions of IL-10+ Tregs compared with mice “humanized” with microbiota from healthy controls. This study identifies specific human gut bacteria that regulate adaptive autoimmune responses, suggesting therapeutic targeting of the microbiota as a treatment for MS.
Full-band Monte Carlo device simulation of a Si/SiGe-HBT with a realistic Ge profile

In this paper we present full-band Monte Carlo simulations of an advanced Silicon/Silicon-Germanium Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor. In addition to this 2D MC simulations we performed simulations with a 1D MC model and a hydrodynamic model. For main internal distributions good consistency is found. We conclude with a microscopic investigation of the full-band Monte Carlo results.
The Economics of Movies: A Literature Survey

The film industry provides a myriad of interesting problems for economic contemplation. From the initial concept of an idea through production, distribution and finally exhibition there are many aspects to the film project and the film industry that present new and interesting puzzles worthy of investigation. Add to this the high level of data availability, and it is little wonder that an increasing number of researchers are being attracted to this industry. To date, however, there are no comprehensive surveys on the contribution of economists to this literature. This paper attempts to fill this void and unify what is known about the industry. It also identifies and discusses potential areas for new research.
Neurogenically mediated leakage of plasma protein occurs from blood vessels in dura mater but not brain

Utilizing 125I-BSA administered intravenously, a simple, reliable, and sensitive method was established for the detection of plasma protein extravasation in the dura of rats and guinea pigs following chemical, electrical, or immunological stimulation. Extravasated 125I-BSA or Evans blue was noted in the dura and conjunctiva but not in the temporalis muscle of saline-perfused rats following intravenous capsaicin, 1 mumol/kg. Capsaicin-induced extravasation was mediated by unmyelinated and small myelinated fibers since leakage did not develop in adult animals in whom these fibers were destroyed by capsaicin pretreatment (50 mg/kg) as neonates. An ipsilateral increase in Evans blue and 125I-BSA was found in the dura, eyelids, lips and gingival mucosa, and snout following electrical stimulation of the rat trigeminal ganglion. This increase was also C-fiber dependent. Among those peptides contained in perivascular afferent fibers and administered intravenously, substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), but not calcitonin gene-related peptide, caused a dose-dependent extravasation in the dura and conjunctiva of rats. Neonatal capsaicin pretreatment did not attenuate SP- nor NKA-induced effects in the dura and actually increased extravasation in the conjunctiva. Intravenous administration of 5-HT or bradykinin to normal adult rats or adult rats pretreated as neonates with capsaicin increased levels of 125I-BSA in both the dura and the conjunctiva. Histamine and prostaglandin E2, on the other hand, caused protein leakage in the conjunctiva but not in the dura of rats; however, histamine did induce extravasation in the dura of guinea pigs.
Health Literacy Approaches to Improving Communication between Dental Hygienists and Patients for HPV-Related Oral Cancer Prevention.

Purpose: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as a causal agent for oropharyngeal cancers, suggesting a new role for dental hygienists in HPV-related cancer prevention strategies. Health literacy assessment is an approach that can be used to understand providers' informational assets and needs for educating and discussing HPV prevention with patients. This study aimed to understand dental hygienists' level of health literacy regarding HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.Methods: Four focus group sessions with dental hygienists (n=48) were conducted at a national conference. The constant comparison method, with a priori codes for health literacy competencies (i.e., access/understand/appraise/apply), was utilized for this qualitative study.Results: Participants mentioned a variety of modes (e.g., magazines, journals) for accessing HPV-information; however, descriptions of understanding HPV and its relationship to oropharyngeal cancer varied. Participants considered patients' personal characteristics, the dental practice environment, and professional factors to appraise HPV-related information. Additionally, participants self-described themselves as being "prevention specialists. " These factors influenced how dental hygienists applied primary and secondary prevention of HPV-related care issues with their patients (e.g., education and oral-cancer screenings). Conclusions: Dental hygienists recognized the importance of HPV and oropharyngeal cancer prevention efforts, including oral-cancer screenings and promotion of the HPV vaccine. The study findings identified opportunities for intervention focusing on primary prevention.
Deterministic propagation model influence on a wireless digital transmission simulation in real environment

The purpose of This work is to describe the results of a CDMA digital transmission simulation in terms of quality, based on deterministic modeling of the propagation channel. This modeling allows a fast computation of the channel power delay profile (PDP), which is the common input of a digital transmission system. Thus, the harmful impact of the channel is shown under the original form of bit error rate (BER) maps. Such a representation becomes possible because of our propagation model efficiency, particularly compared to a ray tracing one. These maps represent a part of the Poitiers University in France.
Dietary Patterns Derived Using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis are Stable and Generalizable Across Race, Region, and Gender Subgroups in the REGARDS Study

Background: Examining diet as a whole using dietary patterns as exposures is a complementary method to using single food or nutrients in studies of diet and disease, but the generalizability of intake patterns across race, region, and gender in the United States has not been established. Objective: To employ rigorous statistical analysis to empirically derive dietary patterns in a large bi-racial, geographically diverse population and examine whether results are stable across population subgroups. Design: The present analysis utilized data from 21,636 participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study who completed the Block 98 food frequency questionnaire. We employed exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analyses on 56 different food groups iteratively and examined differences by race, region, and sex to determine the optimal factor solution in our sample. Results: Five dietary patterns emerged: the “Convenience” pattern was characterized by mixed dishes; the “Plant-based” pattern by fruits, vegetables, and fish; the “Sweets/Fats” pattern by sweet snacks, desserts, and fats and oils; the “Southern” pattern by fried foods, organ meat, and sweetened beverages; and the “Alcohol/Salads” pattern by beer, wine, liquor, and salads. Differences were most pronounced in the Southern pattern with black participants, those residing in the Southeast, and participants not completing high school having the highest scores. Conclusion: Five meaningful dietary patterns emerged in the REGARDS study and showed strong congruence across race, sex, and region. Future research will examine associations between these patterns and health outcomes to better understand racial disparities in disease and inform prevention efforts.
Fat-containing cells are eliminated during Dictyostelium development

ABSTRACT Triacylglycerol is a universal storage molecule for metabolic energy in living organisms. However, Dictyostelium amoebae, that have accumulated storage fat from added fatty acids do not progress through the starvation period preceding the development of the durable spore. Mutants deficient in genes of fat metabolism, such as fcsA, encoding a fatty acid activating enzyme, or dgat1 and dgat2, specifying proteins that synthesize triacylglycerol, strongly increase their chances to contribute to the spore fraction of the developing fruiting body, but lose the ability to produce storage fat efficiently. Dictyostelium seipin, an orthologue of a human protein that in patients causes the complete loss of adipose tissue when mutated, does not quantitatively affect fat storage in the amoeba. Dictyostelium seiP knockout mutants have lipid droplets that are enlarged in size but reduced in number. These mutants are as vulnerable as the wild type when exposed to fatty acids during their vegetative growth phase, and do not efficiently enter the spore head in Dictyostelium development. Summary: In contrast to many living organisms, storage fat is not beneficial for Dictyostelium cells when progressing through starvation and subsequent development of a dormant stage.
Nebulized liposomal amikacin for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients

Introduction: Chronic lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) is associated with more-rapid pulmonary decline and acute pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The treatment and eradication of this organism from CF airways is particularly difficult, making it the focus of many therapeutic endeavors. Inhaled antibiotics used for PsA treatment help to suppress growth of the organism, maintain lung function and reduce the frequency of pulmonary exacerbations. Areas covered: Herein, the authors discuss the currently available inhaled antibiotics for management of lung infections in CF patients. They also describe the recent results from clinical trials of agents under development, with a focus on liposomal amikacin for inhalation (LAI, Arikace™). The article also provides a summary of the results from relevant articles published in the English. Expert opinion: LAI is a unique formulation of amikacin that enhances drug delivery and retention in CF airways via incorporation into neutral liposomes. Results of a recent Phase II trial suggest that LAI, with the capacity for once-daily dosing and prolonged off-drug periods, may be an attractive choice of inhaled antibiotic to manage PsA lung infections in CF patients. Further data from Phase III studies assessing the efficacy and safety of LAI should better elucidate its potential.
The immune network in thyroid cancer

ABSTRACT The immune system plays critical roles in tumor prevention, but also in its initiation and progression. Tumors are subjected to immunosurveillance, but cancer cells generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that favors their escape from immune-mediated elimination. During chronic inflammation, immune cells can contribute to the formation and progression of tumors by producing mitogenic, prosurvival, proangiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors. Thyroid cancer is the most frequent type of endocrine neoplasia and is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the US. In this review, we discuss recent findings on how different immune cells and mediators can contribute to thyroid cancer development and progression.
Surgical cytoreduction of the primary tumor reduces metastatic progression in a mouse model of prostate cancer

Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide. The main cause of death in these patients is androgen-resistant metastatic disease. Surgery of the primary tumor has been avoided in these patients as there is no strong evidence that supports a beneficial effect. From the biological point of view, it appears rational to hypothesize that the primary tumor may contribute to the establishment and growth of metastases. Considering this, we propose that cytoreductive surgery (CS) in advanced metastatic stage slows the progression of metastatic disease. To test this, we used a mouse model of resectable orthotopic prostate cancer (PCa) and performed CS. After surgery, metastases were smaller and less numerous in the treated mice; an effect that was observable until the end of the experiment. These results suggest that CS alone delays the progression of metastatic disease and that although this effect may be temporary, it may translate to prolonged survival, especially when used with adjuvant therapy.
Orange Juice and Hesperetin Supplementation to Hyperuricemic Rats Alter Oxidative Stress Markers and Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity

Our objective was to examine the effect of orange juice and hesperetin on serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (MDA), uric acid and hepatic xanthine oxidase (XO) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity in hyperuricemic rats. Experimentally hyperuricemia in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg). Orange juice (5 ml/kg) and hesperetin (5 mg/kg) was given by oral gavage to rats for 2 weeks and biochemical data was measured. Data showed that orange juice supplementation increased serum TAC and decreased MDA concentration (p≤0.05). Orange juice also inhibited hepatic XO and XDH activity and decreased serum uric acid levels. Hesperetin, which is the main flavanone constituent in orange juice, also exhibited antioxidative and antihyperuricemic properties, but its effect was weaker than that of orange juice. Although the hypouricemic effect of allopurinol (5 mg/kg), as a positive control, was much higher than that of orange juice and hesperetin, it could not significantly change biomarkers of oxidative stress. These features of orange juice and hesperetin make them an attractive candidate for the prophylactic treatment of hyperuricaemia, particularly if these compounds are to be taken on a long-term basis.