Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroadaptive Changes Associated with Smoking: Structural and Functional Neural Changes in Nicotine Dependence

Tobacco smoking is the most frequent form of substance abuse. We provide a review of the neuroadaptive changes evidenced in human smokers with regard to the current neurobiological models of addiction. Addiction is thought to result from an interplay between positive and negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcing effects of the drugs are mediated by striatal dopamine release, while negative reinforcement involves the relief of withdrawal symptoms and neurobiological stress systems. In addition, drug-related stimuli are attributed with excessive motivational value and are thought to exert a control on the behavior. This mechanism plays a central role in drug maintenance and relapse. Further neuroadaptive changes associated with chronic use of the drug consist of reduced responses to natural rewards and in the activation of an antireward system, related to neurobiological stress systems. Reduced inhibitory cognitive control is believed to support the development and the maintenance of addiction. The findings observed in human nicotine dependence are generally in line with these models. The current state of the research indicates specific neuroadaptive changes associated with nicotine addiction that need to be further elucidated with regard to their role in the treatment of nicotine dependence.
Significance of dictionary for sparse coding based face recognition

Sparse representation based classification (SRC) successfully addresses the problem of face recognition under various illumination and occlusion conditions, if sufficient training images are given. This paper discusses the significance of dictionary in sparse coding based face recognition. We primarily address the problem of sufficiency of training data in various illumination conditions. The dictionary is generated using a lower dimensional representation of image, which emphasizes the subject specific unique information of the face image. This representation is called weighted decomposition (WD) face image, because it attempts to give more weightage to unique information of face image. The effect of illumination in computation of WD face image is reduced using edginess based representation of image, which is derived using one-dimensional (1-D) processing of image. 1-D processing provides multiple partial evidences, which are combined to enhance the face recognition performance. The experimental results suggest that the proposed approach addresses the issue of sufficiency of training data efficiently.
Why is This Happening to Me?: How Player Attribution can Broaden our Understanding of Player Experience

Games user research (GUR) measures the performance and preference of digital game players, and interprets these measurements in the context of theories that explain human behavior. There are many validated approaches for measuring player experience that are grounded in psychological theories on motivation and emotion. Attribution theory explains how people assign causes to events and how these attributions affect peoples' emotional reactions and motivations. In this paper we argue that attribution theory can provide additional value to the existing suite of GUR tools; however, there are currently no validated tools to assess player attribution in the context of games. This paper describes the conceptualization of player attribution based on literature, presents the development and validation of a scale to assess player attribution in games, and discusses the implications of adding player attribution to the toolbox of methods for the design and evaluation of digital games.
MR imaging of bone marrow in glycogen storage disease type IB in children and young adults.

OBJECTIVE Patients with glycogen storage disease type IB have neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction that predispose them to frequent infections, for which they are given granulocyte colony--stimulating factor. Because neutropenia is a consequence of defects in myeloid maturation, the bone marrow aspirations show hypercellularity due to myeloid hyperplasia. This study evaluated MR imaging of bone marrow in glycogen storage disease type IB with and without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. CONCLUSION As confirmed by the histologic results in bone marrow aspirations, abnormal findings on MR images of bone marrow in patients with glycogen storage disease type IB indicate an increased myelopoietic activity, which is augmented by treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.
Near‐Field Enhanced Plasmonic‐Magnetic Bifunctional Nanotubes for Single Cell Bioanalysis

Near‐field enhanced bifunctional plasmonic‐magnetic (PM) nanostructures consisting of silica nanotubes with embedded solid nanomagnets and uniformly dual‐surface‐coated plasmonic Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are rationally synthesized. The solid embedded sections of nanotubes provide single‐molecule sensitivity with an enhancement factor up to 7.2 × 109 for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). More than 2× SERS enhancement is observed from the hollow section compared to the solid section of the same nanotube. The substantial SERS enhancement on the hollow section is attributed to the dual‐sided coating of Ag NPs as well as the near‐field optical coupling of Ag NPs across the nanotube walls. Experimentation and modeling are carried out to understand the dependence of SERS enhancement on the NP sizes, junctions, and the near field effects. By tuning the aspect ratio of the embedded nanomagnets, the magnetic anisotropy of nanotubes can be readily controlled to be parallel or vertical to the long directions for nano‐manipulation. Leveraging the bifunctionality, a nanotube is magnetically maneuvered to a single living mammalian cell amidst many and its membrane composition is analyzed via SERS spectroscopy.
Infection of Human Cells by Dengue Virus Is Modulated by Different Cell Types and Viral Strains

ABSTRACT Although prior studies have investigated cellular infection by dengue virus (DV), many have used highly passaged strains. We have reassessed cellular infection by DV type 2 (DV2) using prototype and low-passage isolates representing genotypes from different geographic areas. We observed marked variation in the susceptibility to infection among cell types by different DV2 strains. HepG2 hepatoma cells were susceptible to infection by all DV2 strains assayed. Although the prototype strain generated higher titers of secreted virus than the low-passage isolates, this difference did not correspond to positive- or negative-strand viral RNA levels and thus may reflect variation in efficiency among DV2 isolates to translate viral proteins or package and/or secrete virus. In contrast, human foreskin fibroblasts were susceptible to the prototype and low-passage Thai isolates but not to five Nicaraguan strains tested, as reflected by the absence of accumulation of negative-strand viral RNA, viral antigen, and infectious virus. A similar pattern was observed with the antibody-dependent pathway of infection. U937 and THP-1 myeloid cells and peripheral blood monocytes were infected in the presence of enhancing antibodies by the prototype strain but not by low-passage Nicaraguan isolates. Again, the barrier appeared to be prior to negative-strand accumulation. Thus, depending on the cell type and viral isolate, blocks that limit the production of infectious virus in vitro may occur at distinct steps in the pathway of cellular infection.
Nature–culture–health activities as a method of rehabilitation: an evaluation of participants' health, quality of life and function

The dramatic increase in sickness absence and disability pensions in recent years are negative side-effects of our welfare society. Among others, people certified as long-term sick are offered participation in a programme of health-promoting activities (salutogenesis) in Asker, Norway. The aim of this study was to evaluate health, quality of life and function among participants included in a programme of community-based nature-culture-health activities. A qualitative evaluation study in 2003 included 30 men and 16 women aged 30–79 years old participating in 12 different health-promoting activities at the Nature–Culture–Health (NaCuHeal) Centre. The group activities were hiking, physical activities, gardening, music, singing, painting, dancing, dialogue groups for men or women, ethics, painting and local history. Around two-thirds of the participants reported to have improved their health status, quality of life and function, particularly when given the opportunity to utilize their own abilities and creativity. Belonging to a themed group seems to play a significant role in increasing self-efficacy and self-esteem. The majority of participants reported improved health, quality of life and functionality when considering returning to work due to their experiences in the NaCuHeal groups. Increasing the population's participation in health-promoting outdoor and cultural activities seem to be a useful method for enhance complete rehabilitation.
Increase in CD230 (cellular prion protein) fluorescence on blood lymphocytes in bovine spongiform encephalopathy–infected nonhuman primates

BACKGROUND: The cellular prion protein (PrPc) plays a central role in prion diseases such as variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. This disease can be transmitted by blood transfusion. However, the exact kinetics of blood infectivity and the blood fraction carrying infectivity have not yet been identified.
Soluble HLA-G is an independent factor for the prediction of pregnancy outcome after ART: a German multi-centre study.

BACKGROUND Soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) has been suggested as a non-invasive marker for embryo selection to improve pregnancy rates after assisted reproduction technique (ART). Our study aimed at the identification of parameters influencing the detection of sHLA-G in embryo cultures (ECs) and at the prognostic relevance of sHLA-G in a multi-centre study. METHODS In total 4212 EC from 2364 cycles were randomly collected from 29 German ART centres and analysed for sHLA-G by Luminex-based technology. RESULTS Among test and culture conditions, only the cleavage stage of the embryo was identified as an independent factor for sHLA-G detection (P < 0.001). Overall, sHLA-G was significantly associated with pregnancy after ART [P < 0.001; odds ratio: 2.0 (95% CI: 1.7-2.4)], suggesting that sHLA-G testing might improve the pregnancy rate from 30 to 40%. Importantly, the sHLA-G status of embryos could be associated with pregnancy after single embryo transfer [P = 0.002; odds ratio: 3.3 (95% CI: 1.5-6.8)] doubling the probability of pregnancy rate to 26% after sHLA-G testing. The patient's age, number of transferred embryos, morphological grading [EXP(B): 4.3 (95% CI: 2.1-8.9)] of embryos and sHLA-G status [EXP(B): 2.3 (95% CI: 1.8-3.1)] were independent predictors of pregnancy, with the latter two being most powerful. CONCLUSIONS This study provides significant evidence that the morphological scoring system is still the best strategy for the selection of embryos but that sHLA-G might be considered as a second parameter if a choice has to be made between embryos of morphologically equal quality.
Bioinformatics Original Paper Detection of Gene Copy Number Changes in Cgh Microarrays Using a Spatially Correlated Mixture Model

Motivation: Comparative genomic hybridization array experiments that investigate gene copy number changes present new challenges for statistical analysis and call for methods that incorporate spatial dependence between sequences along the chromosome. For this purpose, we propose a novel method called CGHmix. It is based on a spatially structured mixture model with three states corresponding to genomic sequences that are either unmodified, deleted or amplified. Inference is performed in a Bayesian framework. From the output, posterior probabilities of belonging to each of the three states are estimated for each genomic sequence and used to classify them. Results: Using simulated data, CGHmix is validated and compared with both a conventional unstructured mixture model and with a recently proposed data mining method. We demonstrate the good performance of CGHmix for classifying copy number changes. In Addition, the method provides a good estimate of the false discovery rate. We also present the analysis of a cancer related dataset.
Fault detection in finite frequency domain for linear systems under feedback control

This paper deals with the problem of fault estimation for linear systems under feedback control. The main contribution is the development of a new method to simultaneously design two different systems as estimator and controller, which can achieve better detection performance and control performance compared with the known results. Low frequency faults and high frequency disturbances are considered, and the design schemes are presented in terms of solutions to a set of linear matrix inequalities(LMIs). A VTOL aircraft example is used to demonstrate the method and its effectiveness.
Intranodal signal suppression in pelvic MR lymphography of prostate cancer patients: a quantitative comparison of ferumoxtran-10 and ferumoxytol

Objectives The key to MR lymphography is suppression of T2* MR signal in normal lymph nodes, while retaining high signal in metastatic nodes. Our objective is to quantitatively compare the ability of ferumoxtran-10 and ferumoxytol to suppress the MR signal in normal pelvic lymph nodes. Methods In 2010, a set of consecutive patients who underwent intravenous MR Lymphography (MRL) were included. Signal suppression in normal lymph nodes in T2*-weighted images due to uptake of USPIO (Ultra-Small Superparamagnetic Particles of Iron Oxide) was quantified. Signal suppression by two USPIO contrast agents, ferumoxtran-10 and ferumoxytol was compared using Wilcoxon’s signed rank test. Results Forty-four patients were included, of which all 44 had a ferumoxtran-10 MRL and 4 had additionally a ferumoxytol MRL. A total of 684 lymph nodes were identified in the images, of which 174 had been diagnosed as metastatic. USPIO-induced signal suppression in normal lymph nodes was significantly stronger in ferumoxtran-10 MRL than in ferumoxytol MRL (p < 0.005). Conclusions T2* signal suppression in normal pelvic lymph nodes is significantly stronger with ferumoxtran-10 than with ferumoxytol, which may affect diagnostic accuracy.
The Impact of HPV Female Immunization in Italy: Model Based Predictions

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. Since 2008 a vaccination program targeting 12-year-old girls has been initiated in Italy, backing up the cervical screening program already active since 1996. We propose a mathematical model of HPV transmission dynamics with the aim of evaluating the impact of these prevention strategies. The model considers heterosexual transmission of HPV types 16 and 18, structured by sex, age and sexual activity level, where transition to sexual activity is explicitly modeled from recent survey data. The epidemiological structure is a hybrid SIS/SIR, where a fraction of individuals recovering from infection develops permanent immunity against reinfection. Infections may progress to cervical lesions and cancer and heal spontaneously or upon treatment. Women undergoing hysterectomy (either after treatment of HPV lesions or by other causes) also transmit HPV infection. The model fits well both the age-specific prevalence of HPV infections and the incidence of cervical cancers in Italy, and accurately reproduces the decreasing trend in cancer incidence due to the introduction of the screening program. The model predicts that if the screening coverage is maintained at current levels, even in the absence of vaccination, such trend will continue in the next few decades, eventually plateauing at 25% below the current level. The additional initiation of routine vaccination targeting 12-year-old girls will further reduce cervical cancer incidence by two thirds at equilibrium, under realistic assumptions of 70% coverage and a duration of protective immunity of 50 years. If catch-up immunization of 25-year-old women at first cervical screening is also introduced, about 3,000 cervical cancer cases overall can be averted, corresponding to 9.6% of all cases expected in the scenario without catch-up. We conclude that HPV vaccination in addition to cervical screening will significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Italy.
Phase II study of bevacizumab with liposomal doxorubicin for patients with platinum- and taxane-resistant ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND Suppression of neoangiogenesis and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) each contribute to the management of platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer. The aim of this study is to test the combination of bevacizumab and PLD in women with resistant or refractory ovarian cancer. METHODS Eligibility criteria were no more than two prior treatments with platinum-containing regimens and one additional regimen, without anthracyclines. Treatment was administered every 3 weeks (bevacizumab 15 mg/kg beginning on cycle 2 and PLD 30 mg/m(2)). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months; the secondary end points included side-effects, overall response rates (ORR) and survival (OS). RESULTS Forty-six patients were enrolled. The average number of courses administered was 7. The median PFS was 6.6 months (range 1-24.6 months) according to Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup Committee (GCIC) criteria and 7.8 months (range 2-13.3 months) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). The median OS was 33.2 months (range 3-37.5+ months). The ORR was 30.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 17.2-46.1] and the clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 86.1% (95% CI 72.1-94.7). Adverse events included mucosal and dermal erosions (30% grade 3) and asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction. Additional toxic effects included hypertension, headache, renal dysfunction and proteinuria, wound healing delay, and one episode each of central nervous system (CNS) ischemia and hemolytic uremic syndrome. CONCLUSION PLD with bevacizumab has improved activity in recurrent ovarian cancer with increased toxicity.
Study on the Curing Process of Epoxy Asphalt

In the present study, the curing process of epoxy asphalt was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with attenuated total reflectance, fluorescent microscopy morphology, and surface free energy. FTIR was utilized to track the functional group changes in epoxy resin (part A) and asphalt containing a curing agent (part B) at different curing times. It is proposed that the curing agent (hardener) in the asphalt (part B) is a carboxylic acid. The curing process is the reaction between the carboxyl group and the epoxy group through which the ester carbonyl group is formed, whereby carbonyl acid molecules and epoxy molecules are bound together to form a cross-linked network. The fluorescent microscopy morphology analysis indicates that the cross-linked network did not form at the beginning of the reaction. In the cured epoxy asphalt system, the epoxy resin is the continuous phase, and the asphalt constitutes the dispersed phase. The sessile drop method was employed to measure the static contact angle between asphalt binders and three probe liquids. The surface free energies of the epoxy asphalt at different curing times were determined using the Owens–Wendt method. Contact angle and surface free energy measurements indicate that the polarity of epoxy asphalt was reduced and the dispersion part was increased with the extended curing time.
Camera calibration using spheres: a semi-definite programming approach

Vision algorithms utilizing camera networks with a common field of view are becoming increasingly feasible and important. Calibration of such camera networks is a challenging and cumbersome task. The current approaches for calibration using planes or a known 3D target may not be feasible as these objects may not be simultaneously visible in all the cameras. In this paper, we present a new algorithm to calibrate cameras using occluding contours of spheres. In general, an occluding contour of a sphere projects to an ellipse in the image. Our algorithm uses the projection of the occluding contours of three spheres and solves for the intrinsic parameters and the locations of the spheres. The problem is formulated in the dual space and the parameters are solved for optimally and efficiently using semidefinite programming. The technique is flexible, accurate and easy to use. In addition, since the contour of a sphere is simultaneously visible in all the cameras, our approach can greatly simplify calibration of multiple cameras with a common field of view. Experimental results from computer simulated data and real world data, both for a single camera and multiple cameras, are presented.
High Strength Glass Second Source Qualification to Composite Armor Specification MIL-L-46197(MR)

Abstract : Vetrotex RH glass woven roving fabric impregnated with Cyanamid CYCOM 4102 polyester resin was evaluated for structural armor applications. The mechanical and ballistic properties of this system were compared to MIL-L-46197 (MR) requirements. The specific lot of RH glass evaluated under this effort met MIL-L-46197 (MR) requirements. S-2 and RH fiberglass/polyester systems should meet specification requirements when manufactured and processed in strict compliance with MIL-L-46197(MR). The identification of this second high strength fiberglass source will generate pricing competition and cost savings for the Government. MIL-L-46197 (MR) has been amended and is now entitled LAMINATE: HIGH STRENGTH GLASS, FABRIC-REINFORCED, POLYESTER RESIN IMPREGNATED, Amendment No. 1, 22 November 1991.
Insulin-Receptor Gene and Its Expression in Patients With Insulin Resistance

We studied the structure of the insulin-receptor gene in normal individuals and in four unrelated patients with leprechaunism (Minn-1, Ark-1, Ark-2, Can-1) and four unrelated patients with the type A syndrome of insulin resistance, both disorders associated with genetic alterations in affinity, binding capacity, and kinase activity of the insulin receptor. Genomic cloning and Southern blot analysis indicate that the normal human insulin-receptor gene is ≥ 150 kilobases long and consists of a minimum of 17 exons, 6 in the genomic region of the α-subunit and 11 in the region of the β-subunit. Three of the patients, one with leprechaunism and two with type A syndrome, have decreases in insulin-receptor mRNA but on genomic blot analysis have no obvious abnormalities in the insulin-receptor gene. No distinctive pattern of restriction-fragment–length polymorphisms or evidence for major insertion or deletion mutations of the insulin-receptor gene was found in any of the patients. These data indicate that the insulin-receptor gene is > 35 times larger than coding regions and has a complex structure. Although leprechaunism and type A syndrome are most likely due to defects in the structure and expression of the insulin-receptor gene, they are likely to be associated with specific point mutations rather than major changes in gene structure.