Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel classes of responsive and unresponsive C nociceptors in human skin

One hundred ninety-four cutaneous C-fibers were recorded from the human peroneal nerve; 118 units were found by mechanical stimuli and 76 units were detected by electrical stimulation through a surface electrode. Needle electrodes were then inserted for electrical intradermal stimulation in the innervation territory of the units. Afferent and efferent sympathetic C-fibers were identified by slowing of conduction velocity after activation either by physical or chemical skin stimuli, or by arousal maneuvers eliciting sympathetic reflexes. In addition to mechano-heat-responsive C units (CMH) also found in previous studies, we here report on novel classes of C nociceptors in human skin, namely, units responding only to mechanical stimuli (CM), units responding only to heating (CH), and units that were insensitive to mechanical and heating stimuli and also to sympathetic provocation tests (CMiHi). With the electrical search technique we found 45% CMH, 13% CM, 6% CH, 24% CMiHi, and 12% sympathetic units. Excitation by topically applied mustard oil occurred in 58% of CMH units, and in one-third of CM and CMiHi units, respectively. Some CM, CH, and CMiHi units were sensitized to heating and/or to mechanical stimuli after topical application of mustard oil or capsaicin. These units then acquired responsiveness to a stimulus modality to which they previously were insensitive. Such recruitment of previously silent nociceptors implies spatial summation to the nociceptive barrage at central levels, and may contribute both to primary hyperalgesia to heat and pressure after chemical irritation, and to secondary hyperalgesia as a consequence of central sensitization.
Fatal rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in a healthy individual

Rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis is a potentially lethal, opportunistic, fungal infection with protean manifestations, rapid progression, unpredictable course and high mortality. It is associated with angioinvasion and infarction, usually observed in diabetic ketoacidosis, immuno-compromised states and rarely reported in an apparently normal host. We present a case of an18-year-old patient with a chronic, painful, non healing ulcer with necrotic margins over the right side of the face which extended to both orbits involving eyes within a period of 1.5 month. Later he developed severe headache, decreased vision, inability to speak, seizures and status epilepticus with fatal outcome. Awareness of its occurrence in normal patients with prompt diagnosis and appropriate management may improve the outcome and decrease mortality.
Improving your data transformations: Applying the Box-Cox transformation

Many of us in the social sciences deal with data that do not conform to assumptions of normality and/or homoscedasticity/homogeneity of variance. Some research has shown that parametric tests (e.g., multiple regression, ANOVA) can be robust to modest violations of these assumptions. Yet the reality is that almost all analyses (even nonparametric tests) benefit from improved the normality of variables, particularly where substantial non-normality is present. While many are familiar with select traditional transformations (e.g., square root, log, inverse) for improving normality, the Box-Cox transformation (Box & Cox, 1964) represents a family of power transformations that incorporates and extends the traditional options to help researchers easily find the optimal normalizing transformation for each variable. As such, Box-Cox represents a potential best practice where normalizing data or equalizing variance is desired. This paper briefly presents an overview of traditional normalizing transformations and how Box-Cox incorporates, extends, and improves on these traditional approaches to normalizing data. Examples of applications are presented, and details of how to automate and use this technique in SPSS and SAS are included.
A New Eavesdropping-Resilient Framework for Indoor Visible Light Communication

Visible Light Communication (VLC) is a promising technique for high-speed, low-cost wireless services with the rapid development and wide deployment of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). However, the broadcast nature of the VLC makes eavesdroppers easily intercept the light communication in various settings, e.g., offices, conference rooms and airport lobbies. Although previous work put forward physical layer mechanisms to improve VLC security, they ignored the impact of light reflection and channel correlation on VLC security, which is not practical for the indoor environment. In this paper, we propose a new eavesdropping-resilient framework to defend against eavesdropping attacks under both Single Input Single Output (SISO) and Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) models. We propose a random time reversal scheme, that makes transmitted signal automatically focus on legitimate receivers while interfering the eavesdropper's channel with VLC's multipath redundancy, time reversal, and random choice technique. We analyze the impact of channel correlation on VLC security under the MISO model and find that the system secrecy capacity decreases. Therefore, we propose to use Karhunen-LoEve (KL) transform to improve the system secrecy capacity. Finally, we conduct extensive simulations to show that, our framework can make the eavesdropper's Bit Error Rate (BER) be above 0.0038, which is the threshold of Forward Error Correction (FEC), even when he tries to attack with Constant Modulus Algorithm (CMA). Furthermore, the system secrecy capacity is improved up to 3 Bit/Sec/Hz.
Effects of In Ovo feeding of dextrin‐iodinated casein in broilers: I. Hatch weights and early growth performance

&NA; This study was conducted to determine the effect of in ovo feeding of dextrin (Dext) and iodinated casein (IC) on hatch and early growth in broilers. Three experiments were conducted at a commercial hatchery using a commercial Inovoject™ system with treatments occurring in conjunction with vaccination at transfer from incubator to hatcher units (18.5 to 19 d embryonic development). In all 3 experiments, approximately 15,000 eggs (2,500 eggs per group) were treated and transferred to a single hatcher unit. Treatments in Exp. 1 consisted of buffered saline solution alone (Control, Cont) or a dextrin solution (Dext, 18% maltodextrin, 10% potato starch dextrin) containing zero, 80, 240, 720, or 2,160 &mgr;g IC/mL. The results of this initial experiment indicated that broiler chicks at hatch that received 240 and 720 &mgr;g IC/mL in Dext were heavier (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatment groups; there were no differences in hatchability between groups. Based on these findings, subsequent studies used treatments of zero, 240, and 480 &mgr;g/mL IC in Dext or Cont. In Exp. 2, hatch weights in all treatment groups were higher (P < 0.05) compared to those receiving Cont. In Exp. 3, chicks given Dext alone or 240 and 480 &mgr;g/mL in saline weighed less at hatch compared to the other treatment groups. However, chicks provided Dext alone in Exp. 3 had less weight loss after a 24‐hour holding period compared to the other groups. All treatment groups exhibited greater weight gain from one to 10 d compared to the Cont group. The results indicate that in ovo feeding of broiler embryos with Dext containing 240 and 480 &mgr;g IC/mL may have beneficial effects on broiler hatch weights and early growth rate.
Upregulation of CD200 is associated with regulatory T cell expansion and disease progression in multiple myeloma

Immune dysfunction is an important feature of multiple myeloma (MM) leading to infections, enhancement of tumour growth and resistance to chemotherapy. The overexpression of CD200, expansion of T regulatory (Treg) cell and increased levels of immune modulatory cytokines like IL10, IL6 and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) were suggested to have a role in this context. The aim of this study was to assess CD200 expression, Treg percentage by flow cytometry and immune modulatory cytokines (IL10, IL6, TGFβ) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in MM patients at diagnosis. This study included 50 MM patients at diagnosis and 20 healthy controls. The positive CD200 expression was detected in 72% of MM patients. Among the CD200 positive group, 4/13 patients (30.8%) were classified as stage I, 18/23 (78.3%) were in stage II and 14/14 (100%) were in stage III; according to International scoring system. Treg percentage was significantly higher in stage III, followed by stage II then stage I (p < 0.01). Serum IL6, IL10 and TGFβ were significantly higher in MM patients as compared with controls (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). The increased expression of CD200 and Treg percentages was associated with increased severity biomarkers (serum LDH and β2 microglobulin). The degree of CD200 expression was significantly positively correlated to Treg percentage (r = 0.565, p < 0.01). Analysis of the CD200 negative patients had a better progression free survival (p = 0.032) and overall survival (p = 0.04) as compared with those positive for CD200 expression. These findings illustrate a clear correlation between myeloma cell CD200 expression level and the frequency of immunosuppressive Treg cells. In conclusion, increased expression of CD200, expansion of suppressive Treg cells and elevation of cytokines might have a role in MM progression in this cohort of patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spiritual Care Perspectives of Danish Registered Nurses

A Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was selected to explicate the essence of spiritual care with six registered nurses working within hospital settings. Findings revealed that deep knowing of the patient was essential before registered nurses would engage in spiritual care. Furthermore, spirituality was understood as a private matter, with chaplains being seen as the most appropriate providers of such care. These findings suggest that within the culture of Danish nursing, a mandate to incorporate spiritual care into everyday nursing practice may be somewhat problematic.
One-Male Harems and Female Social Dynamics in Guinea Baboons

Little is known about the mating system and social organization of Guinea baboons. This study investigated whether Guinea baboons have a harem-based mating system similar to that of hamadryas and gelada baboons and whether one-male mating units also correspond to social units. Ten adult females in a captive multi-male multi-female group of Guinea baboons were focally observed 2 h per week for 12 weeks, and all observed copulations within the group were recorded. Some males copulated with a single female while others had harems of 2–4 females. All females copulated with a single male except 1 female that switched harems early in the study. The focal females had higher rates of social interaction with their harem members, especially their harem male, than with individuals outside the harem. Females appeared to be subordinate to the harem male but little or no physical aggression or herding behavior from the male was observed. Variation in female social interactions within the harem was not accounted for by their sexual interactions with the male or their genetic relatedness with the females. Females, however, appeared to maintain social relationships with their female relatives in other harems. Taken together, the results of this study show that both mating and affiliative interactions in Guinea baboons are concentrated within one-male units and that the social dynamics within and between these units share some similarities as well as differences with those of hamadryas and gelada baboons.
Robust watermarking and its applications to communication problems

Digital watermarking has recently gained an intense interest in research and applications. An invisible and secret signal, called watermark, is added to the host data. With the help of this watermark issuer of the data can be unveiled, unauthorised users can be identified, illicit copying can be avoided, any attempt to temper with the data can be detected and many other security services can be provided. In this thesis, the relations and differences between watermarking and communication systems are elaborated. Based on these results new methods for both watermarking and communication are derived. A new blind, robust and reversible watermarking scheme based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is presented in this thesis. Using this scheme watermark is arithmetically added to spatial domain or frequency domain. Watermark is extracted by using spreading codes only. Proposed watermarking scheme is simple, computationally efficient and can be applied to any image format. A novel idea that watermark can be part of the image is presented. By using watermark, which is a part of an image, digital watermarking can be used beyond simple security tasks. A part of an image is selected and embedded in the whole image as watermark. This watermarked image is attacked (transmitted or compressed). By using the extracted watermark and attacked selected part image quality can be assessed or jpeg quantization ratio can be estimated or even image can be equalized blindly. Furthermore, CDMA based watermarking is used to authenticate radio frequency signal. Spreaded watermark is added in the form of noise to the modulated radio frequency signal. If this noise is increased, watermarked signal automatically becomes a scrambled signal. Later watermark is extracted and by using reversibility of proposed scheme watermark is removed. Once the watermarked is removed original signal is restored, hence descrambled.
Amicrobial Pustulosis of the Folds

Background: Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds (APF) is a rare entity characterized by relapsing pustular lesions involving mainly the cutaneous folds. The disease typically occurs in the context of an autoimmune disorder and is classified within the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses. Objective: We studied 6 young females having APF associated with various autoimmune diseases or with the presence of serum autoantibodies and reviewed the literature, in order to give a clinical overview on this syndrome. Methods: Various routine and immunological laboratory tests, histopathological examination as well as direct and indirect immunofluorescence examinations were performed. In vitro neutrophil function was evaluated in 5 cases. We report our findings and compare our cases with those published in the literature. Results: Clinically, at least one major fold and at least one minor fold as well as the anogenital area were always involved. We documented an impaired neutrophil chemotaxis in 2 subjects, neutrophil dysfunction, thus failing to be a verifying criterion. Conclusion: APF is a neutrophilic dermatosis affecting young females, which usually shows a benign clinical behavior. Although systemic corticosteroids are the most widely used therapeutic agents, we suggest that the combination of cimetidine and ascorbic acid represents a safe alternative, which may induce long-lasting clinical remission.
Three‐dimensional analysis of connexin43 gap junction in the ex vivo rat seminiferous tubules: Short‐term effects of hormonal effectors

Cx43 gap junctions are essential for proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of germ cells during spermatogenesis. However, only few and indirect observations have been reported on the distribution of Cx43, the predominant Cx within the seminiferous tubules. In thepresent study, we developed an innovative method that allows visualization of the three‐ dimensional localization of Cx43 associated with gap junctions and their functionality in isolated spermatogenic stage‐specific seminiferous tubules. Cx43 gap junctions were present between myoid cells, between Sertoli cells, and between Sertoli and germ cells. Cx43 levels and coupling were stage‐dependent with higher values at stages VI–VIII of spermatogenesis and markedly reduced at stages IX–X. Short‐term exposure of seminiferous tubule fragments at stages VI–VIII and of the 42GPA9 Sertoli cell line transfected with a Cx43‐GFP vector, to FSH, cAMP, DHT, and 17β‐E2 significantly altered Cx43 distribution as well as gap junction coupling. These observations highlight a nongenomic effect of these testicular effectors on Cx43 gap junction. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic findings in dogs with aspiration pneumonia: 88 cases (2004-2006).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic findings in dogs with aspiration pneumonia. DESIGN Retrospective case series. Animals-88 dogs with aspiration pneumonia. PROCEDURES History, physical examination findings, and clinicopathologic data were obtained from medical records and analyzed for all 88 dogs. Thoracic radiographic findings for all dogs were reviewed to determine the type and location of pulmonary infiltrates. RESULTS Aspiration pneumonia was evident at admission to the hospital in 65 (74%) dogs and developed during hospitalization in 23 (26%) dogs. Less than half of these affected dogs had high values for rectal temperature, heart rate, or respiratory rate; however, most (68%) affected dogs had increased, decreased, or adventitious lung sounds. Neutrophilia with a left shift was a common finding. Hypoalbuminemia was detected in 31 of 58 (53%) dogs. Hypoxemia and a high alveolar-arterial gradient in partial pressure of oxygen were detected in 22 of 28 (79%) dogs and 27 of 28 (96%) dogs, respectively. Among the 88 dogs, thoracic radiography revealed a predominantly alveolar infiltrate in 65 (74%) dogs and an interstitial pattern in 23 (26%) dogs; a single lung lobe was affected in 46 (52%) dogs, most commonly the right middle lung lobe (21/46 [46%] dogs). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In dogs, aspiration pneumonia was often associated with abnormalities in pulmonary auscultation in the absence of objective changes in physical examination findings. However, neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypoxemia were frequently detected, and radiographic evidence of infiltrates in the right middle lung lobe was common.
Phospho-dependent and phospho-independent interactions of the helicase UPF1 with the NMD factors SMG5–SMG7 and SMG6

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a eukaryotic surveillance pathway that recognizes mRNAs with premature stop codons and targets them for rapid degradation. Evidence from previous studies has converged on UPF1 as the central NMD factor. In human cells, the SMG1 kinase phosphorylates UPF1 at the N-terminal and C-terminal tails, in turn allowing the recruitment of the NMD factors SMG5, SMG6 and SMG7. To understand the molecular mechanisms, we recapitulated these steps of NMD in vitro using purified components. We find that a short C-terminal segment of phosphorylated UPF1 containing the last two Ser-Gln motifs is recognized by the heterodimer of SMG5 and SMG7 14–3–3-like proteins. In contrast, the SMG6 14–3–3-like domain is a monomer. The crystal structure indicates that the phosphoserine binding site of the SMG6 14–3–3-like domain is similar to that of SMG5 and can mediate a weak phospho-dependent interaction with UPF1. The dominant SMG6–UPF1 interaction is mediated by a low-complexity region bordering the 14–3–3-like domain of SMG6 and by the helicase domain and C-terminal tail of UPF1. This interaction is phosphorylation independent. Our study demonstrates that SMG5–SMG7 and SMG6 exhibit different and non-overlapping modes of UPF1 recognition, thus pointing at distinguished roles in integrating the complex NMD interaction network.
Quorum-Sensing Regulation of Constitutive Plantaricin by Lactobacillus plantarum Strains under a Model System for Vegetables and Fruits

ABSTRACT This study aimed at investigating the regulatory system of bacteriocin synthesis by Lactobacillus plantarum strains in vegetables and fruits in a model system. Sterile and neutralized cell-free supernatant (CFS) from L. plantarum strains grown in MRS broth showed in vitro antimicrobial activities toward various indicator strains. The highest activity was that of L. plantarum C2. The antimicrobial activity was further assayed on vegetable and fruit agar plates (solid conditions) and in juices (liquid conditions). A regulatory mechanism of bacteriocin synthesis via quorum sensing was hypothesized. The synthesis of antimicrobial compounds seemed to be constitutive under solid conditions of growth on vegetable and fruit agar plates. In contrast, it depended on the size of the inoculum when L. plantarum C2 was grown in carrot juice. Only the inoculum of ca. 9.0 log CFU ml−1 produced detectable activity. The genes plnA, plnEF, plnG, and plnH were found in all L. plantarum strains. The genes plnJK and plnN were detected in only three or four strains. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography purification and mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of a mixture of eight peptides in the most active fraction of the CFS from L. plantarum C2. Active peptides were encrypted into bacteriocin precursors, such as plantaricins PlnJ/K and PlnH and PlnG, which are involved in the ABC transport system. A real-time PCR assay showed an increase in the expression of plnJK and plnG during growth of L. plantarum C2 in carrot juice.
Transracial adoption.

The recent statement by the Committee on Adoption and Dependent Care1 is to be lauded for most of its content. The conference mentioned held in St. Louis, April 1972, the Third North American Conference on Adoptable Children, was not named as a conference on interracial adoption as were its predecessors because parents' groups supporting these conventions wished to promote the adoption of all available children regardless of reason for nonadoption. The final statement phrase that ". the child will surely be sacrificed to the popular movement of his day" falsely implies that the practice of interracial adoption is a widespread, new phenomenon that will be harmful to the involved children.
Numerical simulation and experimental validation of ductile tearing in A106 Gr. B piping system under simulated seismic loading conditions

This work presents finite element ductile tearing simulation and experimental validation of a piping system with a circumferential surface cracked (SC) A106 Gr. B pipe under simulated seismic loading condition. The damage model for simulation is based on the multiaxial fracture strain energy. The parameters in the damage model are determined from tensile and fracture toughness test results under the monotonic loading condition. For the system dynamic time history analysis, the Rayleigh damping model is employed. For cyclic constitutive equations, two models were considered to confirm its sensitivity. Predicted crack initiation and ductile tearing agree well with the experimental results.
Association between trauma patients' severity and critical care nursing workload in China.

The correlation between patients' severity and nursing workload for multiple trauma patients within the first 24 h of admission was explored in this study. Multiple trauma adult patients (n = 229) admitted in the emergency rescue room of a public hospital in China over a 1 year period were enrolled in this study. The worst values of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II scores and the Nursing Activity Score were collected during the first 24 h after admission. The predicted number of registered nurses was calculated for the corresponding severity groups. In the results, one-way ANOVA revealed that the Nursing Activity Score in the seven severity groups differed significantly. The total Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score had a positive correlation with the Nursing Activity Score. The predicted number of registered nurses required was 0.6 for the low group, 0.7 for the moderate group, 1.0 for the severe group, and 1.1 for the extremely severe group. Patients' illness severity is an important indicator of nursing workload, especially in nurse staff allocation within the emergency department.