Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Fine Tuning of Pain Thresholds: A Sophisticated Double Alarm System

Two distinctive features characterize the way in which sensations including pain, are evoked by heat: (1) a thermal stimulus is always progressive; (2) a painful stimulus activates two different types of nociceptors, connected to peripheral afferent fibers with medium and slow conduction velocities, namely Aδ- and C-fibers. In the light of a recent study in the rat, our objective was to develop an experimental paradigm in humans, based on the joint analysis of the stimulus and the response of the subject, to measure the thermal thresholds and latencies of pain elicited by Aδ- and C-fibers. For comparison, the same approach was applied to the sensation of warmth elicited by thermoreceptors. A CO2 laser beam raised the temperature of the skin filmed by an infrared camera. The subject stopped the beam when he/she perceived pain. The thermal images were analyzed to provide four variables: true thresholds and latencies of pain triggered by heat via Aδ- and C-fibers. The psychophysical threshold of pain triggered by Aδ-fibers was always higher (2.5–3°C) than that triggered by C-fibers. The initial skin temperature did not influence these thresholds. The mean conduction velocities of the corresponding fibers were 13 and 0.8 m/s, respectively. The triggering of pain either by C- or by Aδ-fibers was piloted by several factors including the low/high rate of stimulation, the low/high base temperature of the skin, the short/long peripheral nerve path and some pharmacological manipulations (e.g. Capsaicin). Warming a large skin area increased the pain thresholds. Considering the warmth detection gave a different picture: the threshold was strongly influenced by the initial skin temperature and the subjects detected an average variation of 2.7°C, whatever the initial temperature. This is the first time that thresholds and latencies for pain elicited by both Aδ- and C-fibers from a given body region have been measured in the same experimental run. Such an approach illustrates the role of nociception as a “double level” and “double release” alarm system based on level detectors. By contrast, warmth detection was found to be based on difference detectors. It is hypothesized that pain results from a CNS build-up process resulting from population coding and strongly influenced by the background temperatures surrounding at large the stimulation site. We propose an alternative solution to the conventional methods that only measure a single “threshold of pain”, without knowing which of the two systems is involved.
Predominate HIV1-specific IgG activity in various mucosal compartments of HIV1-infected individuals.

Evaluating mucosal humoral immunity is important for understanding local immunity induced by HIV infection or vaccination and designing prophylactic strategies. To characterize the mucosal humoral immunity following HIV infection, the levels of immunoglobulins (Igs), antibodies (Abs), and HIV1-specific Ab activity were evaluated in cervicovaginal secretions (CVS), saliva, breast milk, and sera of HIV-infected individuals. HIV1-specific IgG activity was significantly higher than that of IgA in CVS, saliva, and breast milk. The highest HIV1-specific IgG activity was found in breast milk. The data suggest that anti-HIV1 Abs in CVS were most likely serum derived. However, HIV1-specific Abs in saliva and breast milk were mainly locally produced. The prevalence of HIV1-specific Abs in seropositive subjects was 97% for IgG and 95% for IgA in CVS, 100% for IgG and 80% for IgA in saliva, and 59% for IgG and 94% for IgA in breast milk. These data provide evidence for both a better understanding of the nature of humoral mucosal responses after HIV1 infection and the development of strategies to induce desirable functional mucosal immunity for preventing HIV transmission.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE CONFINED WITH PLASTIC PIPE

This paper will discuss how plastic pipe-confined concrete (PPC) is a composite system obtained by filling a plastic pipe with concrete. PPC focuses on piers exposed to the tidal zone or the air-earth zone in marine and saline environments and protects them from salt damages by isolating and eliminating the exposed zones of the concrete structure from the aggressive substances. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes were chosen to make PPC. Ultimate strength, the stress-strain curve, ductility of PPC and the effects of plastic-pipe thickness, and the compressive strength of core concrete fcu on them were investigated in this paper. Results indicate: 1) the ductility ratio of PPC is 1.17 to 4.27 times that of common concrete (CC), and the energy absorption E of PPC is 10.7 to 26 times that of CC; 2) the pipe thickness and fcu have significant effects on onset behavior and post-peak behavior of the stress-strain curves and the ultimate strength of PPC; and 3) the ductility ratio of PPC greatly increases with the increase of pipe thickness and decreases with the increase of fcu.
Creating Walk-Through Images from a Video Sequence of a Dynamic Scene

Tour into the picture (TIP), proposed by Horry et al. (Horry, Anjyo, & Arai, 1997, ACM SIGGRAPH '97 Conference Proceedings, 225232) is a method for generating a sequence of walk-through images from a single reference image. By navigating a 3D scene model constructed from the image, TIP provides convincing 3D effects. This paper presents a comprehensive scheme for creating walk-through images from a video sequence by generalizing the idea of TIP. To address various problems in dealing with a video sequence rather than a single image, the proposed scheme is designed to have the following features: First, it incorporates a new modeling scheme based on a vanishing circle identified in the video, assuming that the input video contains a negligible amount of motion parallax effects and that dynamic objects move on a flat terrain. Second, we propose a novel scheme for automatic background detection from the video, based on 4-parameter motion model and statistical background color estimation. Third, to assist the extraction of static or dynamic foreground objects from video, we devised a semiautomatic boundary-segmentation scheme based on enhanced lane (Kang & Shin, 2002, Graphical Models, 64 (5), 282303). The purpose of this work is to let users experience the feel of navigating into a video sequence with their own interpretation and imagination about a given scene. The proposed scheme covers various types of video films of dynamic scenes, such as sports coverage, cartoon animation, and movie films, in which objects are continuously changing their shapes and locations. It can also be used to produce a variety of synthetic video sequences by importing and merging dynamic foreign objects with the original video.
Green Tea Polyphenol EGCG Sensing Motif on the 67-kDa Laminin Receptor

Background We previously identified the 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) as the cell-surface receptor conferring the major green tea polyphenol (–)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) responsiveness to cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism for interaction between EGCG and 67LR remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible role of EGCG-67LR interaction responsible for its bioactivities. Methodology/Principal Findings We synthesized various peptides deduced from the extracellular domain corresponding to the 102-295 region of human 67LR encoding a 295-amino acid. The neutralizing activity of these peptides toward EGCG cell-surface binding and inhibition of cancer cell growth were assayed. Both activities were inhibited by a peptide containing the 10-amino acid residues, IPCNNKGAHS, corresponding to residues 161-170. Furthermore, mass spectrometric analysis revealed the formation of a EGCG-LR161-170 peptide complex. A study of the amino acid deletion/replacement of the peptide LR161-170 indicated that the 10-amino acid length and two basic amino acids, K166 and H169, have a critical role in neutralizing EGCG’s activities. Moreover, neutralizing activity against the anti-proliferation action of EGCG was observed in a recombinant protein of the extracellular domain of 67LR, and this effect was abrogated by a deletion of residues 161-170. These findings support that the 10 amino-acid sequence, IPCNNKGAHS, might be the functional domain responsible for the anti-cancer activity of EGCG. Conclusions/Significance Overall, our results highlight the nature of the EGCG-67LR interaction and provide novel structural insights into the understanding of 67LR-mediated functions of EGCG, and could aid in the development of potential anti-cancer compounds for chemopreventive or therapeutic uses that can mimic EGCG-67LR interactions.
A 15 µm-Pitch, 8.7-ENOB, 13-Mcells/sec Logarithmic Readout Circuit for Multi-Level Cell Phase Change Memory

This paper presents a narrow-pitch readout circuit for multi-level phase change memory (PCM) employing an architecture of two-step 5 bit logarithmic ADC. A single-slope-architecture based fine ADC yields a 15 μm-width compact single channel readout circuit for column parallel readout structure. A current-mode 2 bit flash ADC for coarse conversion and the pipelined architecture between the coarse and fine conversion enhance the readout rate up to 13 Mcells/sec. With the enhanced residue accuracy provided by the replica circuit of residue generator, the ADC achieves excellent linearity of 9.96 b (linear ADC equivalent). The integration-based residue generation effectively reduces circuit noise and yields 8.7 ENOB. The prototype chip was fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS process and the measured power consumption from a single channel readout circuit was 105 μW at 13 Mcells/sec conversion rate at 1.2 V supply.
Generation of CD8+ T Cell Memory in Response to Low, High, and Excessive Levels of Epitope1

The magnitude of a virus-specific memory CTL population can dramatically influence the outcome of secondary infections, yet little is known about the determinants of memory size. We investigated the impact of epitope levels on CTL memory generation by using a recombinant vaccinia virus system that allows for a broad range of epitope expression with the same infectious dose of virus. The size of the memory pool was examined using MHC class I/peptide tetramer staining and IFN-γ ELISPOT analysis following priming with viruses expressing low, high, or excessive epitope levels. The size of the epitope-specific CD8+ T cell memory population correlates with Ag dose at the low and high levels of epitope expression. However, at excessive epitope levels, the number of functional, IFN-γ-producing, epitope-specific memory cells is significantly reduced compared with the number of tetramer+ cells. These results demonstrate that the level of epitope expressed during an acute viral infection in vivo can dramatically influence CTL memory size. Furthermore, when epitope is overexpressed, the quality of the response can be adversely affected. Therefore, epitope expression level is an important consideration when developing approaches to optimize CTL memory induction.
Effects of initial fiber length and fiber length distribution on the properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced-polypropylene composites

In this study, short carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites with three different initial carbon fiber lengths were prepared by using extrusion compounding and injection molding techniques. The physical and morphological properties of the prepared short carbon fiber-reinforced composites were investigated by means of tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Final fiber length distributions of composites were also determined by using an image analyzing program. It was found that the maximum number of fibers was observed in the range from 51 to 100 µm. Number average final fiber lengths were calculated between 230 and 280 µm. Regardless of the used initial carbon fiber length, tensile strength and modulus values of the composites increased with the increasing carbon fiber content. It has been concluded that the initial fiber length at the studied range did not have any significant effect on the properties of composites.
Monitoring of seizures in the newborn

Neonatal seizures are a distinct and not uncommon sign of neurological disease in the newborn, most often occurring in association with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy at term. The diagnosis and monitoring of seizures in the newborn is a considerable challenge, with many suspected clinical seizures having no electrographic correlates, while many electrographic seizures have no clinical correlate. Continuous video-EEG is the gold standard for seizure monitoring, but few centres have the resources or expertise required. Amplitude-integrated EEG can be a helpful monitoring tool in experienced hands, but has potential for error when used by inexperienced staff. Automated seizure detection algorithms show much promise and some cotside systems are already available. The efficiency and accuracy of these systems is likely to improve.
Multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to pancreatic cystic lesions

Pancreatic cystic lesions are commonly encountered today with the routine use of cross-sectional imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The majority of patients discovered to have a pancreatic cyst are completely asymptomatic; yet the presence of such a finding instills fear in the minds of both patient and physician, as the concern for malignant transformation to pancreatic cancer is great despite the relatively low overall likelihood of cyst progression. Not all cysts in the pancreas represent pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs), and not all PCNs have significant malignant potential. Mucinous PCNs are the most concerning, as these lesions have the greatest potential for cancerous transformation to adenocarcinoma. Within the group of mucinous PCNs, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) involving the main pancreatic duct are the most worrisome, and surgical resection should be pursued if the patient has appropriate operative risks. IPMN lesions involving the branch ducts, and mucinous cystadenomas, have a lower likelihood for malignancy, and they may be closely followed for the development of any worrisome or high-risk features. Surveillance of known PCNs is performed with a combination of CT, MRI and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) may be used to assess cyst fluid cytology, and also to detect cyst fluid amylase level, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and DNA molecular analysis in certain cases. The presence or absence of specific cyst morphological features, as well as the cyst fluid analysis, is what enables the physician to guide the patient towards continued surveillance, versus the pursuit of surgical resection.
Effect of concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution on the surface morphology of cut human dentin.

The effect of concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution, alone and in combination with acid-etching with 37% phosphoric acid for 60 s, on the surface morphology of cut human dentin was investigated by SEM and compared to controls in which saline solution rather than hydrogen peroxide solution was used. Examination of the specimens revealed that the smear layer on the surface of cut dentin was not removed by hydrogen peroxide alone, and that a dense amorphous precipitate was formed on the surface of the smear layer after extended exposure. The precipitate accumulation was first noted after 20 min of exposure. Examination of the dentin after hydrogen peroxide exposure followed by acid-etching revealed the presence of a fine granular deposit on an otherwise clean dentin surface. A modest amount of amorphous precipitate was seen over the entire dentin surface after 60 min of hydrogen peroxide exposure. Examination of specimens that were acid-etched before being exposed to hydrogen peroxide indicated that the smear layer was effectively removed and the orifices of the dentinal tubules were enlarged to permit more effective penetration of the peroxide solution. It also resulted in less accumulation of precipitate on the dentin surface than the other methods.
Maternal and Paternal Body Mass Index and Offspring Obesity: A Systematic Review

Background/Aims: It has been hypothesized that the intrauterine environment is an independent factor in obesity development. If so, the maternal effect is likely to be a stronger influencing factor (‘fetal overnutrition hypothesis'). We aimed to systematically evaluate the associations of offspring body mass index (BMI, or adiposity) with pre-pregnancy BMI (or adiposity) of the mother and the father. Methods: The Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched in March 2012. Results: Seven cohort studies were eligible for the analysis. Among these, 2 groups of trials presented different data from the same parent-offspring cohorts (the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, ALSPAC, and the Mater-University Study of Pregnancy, MUSP). In total, 3 large birth cohorts and 1 additional small study were identified. Three studies provided a direct comparison of parent-offspring associations, with a statistically stronger maternal influence found only in the MUSP cohort. Equivocal results were obtained from all studies describing the ALSPAC cohort. The parental effect (indirectly estimated based on the presented odds ratio) was similar in the Finnish cohort. In 1 additional small study, maternal BMI was found to be a strong predictor of childhood obesity. Conclusions: There is only limited evidence to support the ‘fetal overnutrition hypothesis'.
WaaZam!: supporting creative play at a distance in customized video environments

We present the design, and evaluation of WaaZam, a video mediated communication system designed to support creative play in customized environments. Users can interact together in virtual environments composed of digital assets layered in 3D space. The goal of the project is to support creative play and increase social engagement during video sessions of geographically separated families. We try to understand the value of customization for individual families with children ages 6-12. We present interviews with creativity experts, a pilot study and a formal evaluation of families playing together in four conditions: separate windows, merged windows, digital play sets, and customized digital environments. We found that playing in the same video space enables new activities and increases social engagement for families. Customization allows families to modify scenes for their needs and support more creative play activities that embody the imagination of the child.
In vivo analysis of the regulation of the anti‐Müllerian hormone, as a marker of Sertoli cell differentiation during testicular development, reveals a multi‐step process

Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the TGF‐β family which elicits its main action during male sex differentiation. This hormone is probably the most convenient marker of Sertoli cell differentiation and maturation throughout testicular development. Studying AMH gene regulation may thus be one way of identifying effectors of Sertoli cell differentiation. To this end we first tried to locate and then to characterise DNA elements responsible for in vivo transcriptional control of AMH expression. We obtained transgenic mice expressing a reporter gene (LacZ), under control of various putative AMH regulatory sequences. Analysis of transgenic animals revealed that activation of the AMH gene probably requires a two‐step regulatory process. The first step corresponds to the initial activation of the AMH gene occurring at around 12.0‐dpc. It requires the presence of regulatory DNA encompassed within a maximum of 370‐bp upstream of the translation start site of the gene, delimited by the presence of an upstream housekeeping gene (SAP‐62). Following this initial transient phase, a second phase seems to account for the persistence of AMH gene expression until the onset of puberty. As the 370‐bp regulatory region is not sufficient on its own to allow the triggering of this second phase, it seems possible that additional control elements are required for normal AMH expression throughout testicular development. The complete array of regulatory elements remains to be located. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59:256–264, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility and long-term efficacy of video-assisted thoracic surgery for unexpected pathologic N2 disease in non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES: This study compares early and late outcomes for treatment by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) versus treatment by thoracotomy for clinical N0, but post-operatively unexpected, pathologic N2 disease (cN0-pN2). METHODS: Clinical records of patients with unexpected N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent VATS were retrospectively reviewed, and their early and late outcomes were compared to those of patients undergoing conventional thoracotomy during the same period. RESULTS: VATS lobectomy took a longer time than thoracotomy (P < 0.001), but removal of thoracic drainage and patient discharge were earlier for patients in the VATS group (P < 0.001). There was no difference in lymph node dissection, mortality and morbidity between the two groups (P > 0.05). The median follow-up time for 287 patients (89.7%) was 37.0 months (range: 7.0-69.0). The VATS group had a longer survival time than for the thoracotomy group (median 49.0 months vs. 31.7 months, P < 0.001). The increased survival time of the VATS group was due to patients with a single station of N2 metastasis (P = 0.001), rather than to patients with multiple stations of N2 metastasis (P = 0.225). CONCLUSIONS: It is both feasible and safe to perform VATS lobectomy on patients with unexpected N2 NSCLC. VATS provides better survival rates for those patients with just one station of metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes.
Near-Infrared Adaptive Optics Imaging of High-Redshift Quasars

The properties of high-redshift quasar host galaxies are studied in order to investigate the connection between galaxy evolution, nuclear activity, and the formation of supermassive black holes. We combine new near-IR observations of three high-redshift quasars (2 < z < 3), obtained at the ESO Very Large Telescope equipped with adaptive optics, with selected data from the literature. For the three new objects we were able to detect and characterize the properties of the host galaxy, found to be consistent with those of massive elliptical galaxies of MR ∼ − 24.7 for the one radio-loud quasar, and MR ∼ − 23.8 for the two radio-quiet quasars. When combined with existing data at lower redshift, these new observations depict a scenario where the host galaxies of radio-loud quasars are seen to follow the expected trend of luminous (~5L*) elliptical galaxies undergoing passive evolution. This trend is remarkably similar to that followed by radio galaxies at z > 1.5. Radio-quiet quasar hosts also follow a similar trend but at a lower average luminosity (~0.5 mag dimmer). The data indicate that quasar host galaxies are already fully formed at epochs as early as ~2 Gyr after the big bang and then passively fade in luminosity to the present epoch.