Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spinal astrocytic activation contributes to mechanical allodynia in a rat model of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that glial cells play an important role in the generation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Activated glial cells produce numerous mediators such as proinflammatory cytokines that facilitate neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity. Similarly, bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis shares many characteristics of neuropathic pain. However, related report on the involvement of spinal glia in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis-associated pathological pain and the underlying mechanisms are still lacking. The present study investigated spinal glial activation and underlying molecular mechanisms in a rat model of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. Results A rat model of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis was established via systemic injection with cyclophosphamide. Mechanical allodynia was tested with von Frey monofilaments and up-down method. Moreover, Western blots and double immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and location of glial fibrillary acidic protein, OX42/Iba1, P-P38, NeuN, interleukin (IL)-1β, phosphorylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (P-NR1), and IL-1 receptor I (IL-1RI) in the L6-S1 spinal cord. We found that glial fibrillary acidic protein rather than OX42/Iba1 or P-P38 was significantly increased in the spinal cord of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. L-alpha-aminoadipate but not minocycline markedly attenuated the allodynia. Furthermore, we found that spinal IL-1β was dramatically increased in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, and activated astrocytes were the only source of IL-1β release, which contributed to allodynia in cystitis rats. Besides, spinal P-NR1 was statistically increased in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis and only localized in IL-1RI positive neurons in spinal dorsal horn. Additionally, NR antagonist significantly attenuated the cystitis-induced pain. Interestingly, the time course of the P-NR1 expression paralleled to that of IL-1β or glial fibrillary acidic protein. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that astrocytic activation but not microglial activation contributed to the allodynia in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis and IL-1β released from astrocytes might bind to its endogenous receptor on the neurons inducing the phosphorylation of NR1 subunit, leading to sensory neuronal hyperexcitability and pathological pain.
Comparative evaluation of peri-implant tissues in patients wearing mandibular overdenture with different implant platforms

Background: The poor hygiene of peri-implant tissues causes inflammation at tissue-implant interface, which may impair the rehabilitation success. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of external hexagon and Morse taper implants on peri-implant health in patients wearing mandibular overdentures for 1 year. Materials and Methods: A total of 46 implants were evaluated, 28 external hexagon and 18 Morse taper. Plaque index in the mini-abutment, bleeding index, peri-implant inflammation, keratinized mucosa zone, probing depth, and marginal mucosa level were evaluated after 3 months and 1 year of prostheses insertion. Results: Deeper probing was found in the external hexagon group compared with Morse taper (P = 0.024) after 1 year of rehabilitation. Although the Morse taper group exhibited worse scenario of peri-implant inflammation than the external hexagon group (P = 0.001), both groups showed reduced inflammation after 1 year. A larger keratinized mucosa zone was observed with external hexagon implants (P = 0.020). No significant difference was found between the groups for plaque index in the mini-abutment, bleeding index, and marginal mucosa level. Conclusion: In a follow-up period of 1 year, it was concluded that the external hexagon group had a larger probing depth than the Morse taper group. However, better periodontal conditions about inflammation and keratinized mucosa zone were found in external hexagon implants. It was found no influence of implant platform on plaque index in the mini-abutment, bleeding index, and marginal mucosa level.
Reversibility diagrams: A tool for finite-difference model study

A discrete operators impact on the finite-difference models of continuous dynamical systems is an important problem in the area of nonlinear dynamics. One possible approach to study the properties of finite-difference schemes is based on the time-reversibility estimation. This property is closely related to the discrete model symmetry and symplecticity. We propose the algorithm for constructing the reversibility diagram — a graphic tool than can be used to determine the range of the simulation parameters and symmetry of resulting finite-difference scheme. The results of experimental studies are shown for simple finite-difference models of a memristive circuit.
Pre-trained classifiers with One Shot Similarity for context aware face verification and identification

Most affect based systems analyse facial expressions for emotion detection, and utilize face detection and recognition methods in order to do effective affect analysis. Recent work has demonstrated the efficacy of deep architectures for face recognition by training as classifiers on voluminous datasets. Some architectures are trained as classifiers, and some directly learn an embedding via a triplet loss function. In this paper, we consider the case of one shot prediction from the feature space learnt initially via classification, i.e. we consider the situation where we have a pre-trained model, but do not have access to the training data and are required to make predictions on novel faces with just one training image per identity. We utilize the one shot similarity metric in order to compute similarity scores and compare it with the state-of-the-art results on the Youtube videos face dataset (YTF). We demonstrate the effect of temporal context on frame wise face recognition, and use a probabilistic majority voting scheme over past frames to determine current frame identity. Additionally, we found a number of labelling errors in the Youtube face dataset that were not published in the errata, and have published the same online for the benefit of the community.
Determination of residual stresses in thick-section weldments

The purpose of this study is to develop an analytical method for predicting through thickness distribution of residual stresses in a thick plate with a multipass welding process. The analysis was carried out in two steps. The first step was to develop a thermal model for heat flow analysis in a two-dimensional cross-section of the plate. For a modeling of the heat input to the cross-section, a ramp heat input was used to avoid numerical instability and to include the effect of a moving arc. The best ramp time was selected by an analysis of the root pass on a 1/2-in
Gas flow rate dependence of the discharge characteristics of a helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet interacting with a substrate

A 2D (axisymmetric) computational study of the discharge characteristics of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet as a function of gas flow rate was performed. The helium jet emerged from a dielectric tube, with an average gas flow velocity in the range 2.5–20 m s−1 (1 atm, 300 K) in a nitrogen ambient, and impinged on a substrate a short distance dowstream. The effect of the substrate conductivity (conductror versus insulator) was also studied. Whenever possible, simulation predictions were compared with published experimental observations. Discharge ignition and propagation in the dielectric tube were hardly affected by the He gas flow velocity. Most properties of the plasma jet, however, depended sensitively on the He gas flow velocity, which determined the concentration distributions of helium and nitrogen in the mixing layer forming in the gap between the tube exit and the substrate. At low gas flow velocity, the plasma jet evolved from a hollow (donut-shaped) feature to one where the maximum of electron density was on axis. When the gas flow velocity was high, the plasma jet maintained its hollow structure until it struck the substrate. For a conductive substrate, the radial ion fluxes to the surface were relatively uniform over a radius of ~0.4–0.8 mm, and the dominant ion flux was that of He+. For a dielectric substrate, the radial ion fluxes to the surface peaked on the symmetry axis at low He gas flow velocity, but a hollow ion flux distribution was observed at high gas flow velocity. At the same time, the main ion flux switched from N2+ to He2+ as the He gas flow velocity increased from a low to a high value. The diameter of the plasma ‘footprint’ on the substrate first increased with increasing He gas flow velocity, and eventually saturated with further increases in velocity.
Direct effects of warming increase woody plant abundance in a subarctic wetland

Abstract Both the direct effects of warming on a species’ vital rates and indirect effects of warming caused by interactions with neighboring species can influence plant populations. Furthermore, herbivory mediates the effects of warming on plant community composition in many systems. Thus, determining the importance of direct and indirect effects of warming, while considering the role of herbivory, can help predict long‐term plant community dynamics. We conducted a field experiment in the coastal wetlands of western Alaska to investigate how warming and herbivory influence the interactions and abundances of two common plant species, a sedge, Carex ramenskii, and a dwarf shrub, Salix ovalifolia. We used results from the experiment to model the equilibrium abundances of the species under different warming and grazing scenarios and to determine the contribution of direct and indirect effects to predict population changes. Consistent with the current composition of the landscape, model predictions suggest that Carex is more abundant than Salix under ambient temperatures with grazing (53% and 27% cover, respectively). However, with warming and grazing, Salix becomes more abundant than Carex (57% and 41% cover, respectively), reflecting both a negative response of Carex and a positive response of Salix to warming. While grazing reduced the cover of both species, herbivory did not prevent a shift in dominance from sedges to the dwarf shrub. Direct effects of climate change explained about 97% of the total predicted change in species cover, whereas indirect effects explained only 3% of the predicted change. Thus, indirect effects, mediated by interactions between Carex and Salix, were negligible, likely due to use of different niches and weak interspecific interactions. Results suggest that a 2°C increase could cause a shift in dominance from sedges to woody plants on the coast of western Alaska over decadal timescales, and this shift was largely a result of the direct effects of warming. Models predict this shift with or without goose herbivory. Our results are consistent with other studies showing an increase in woody plant abundance in the Arctic and suggest that shifts in plant–plant interactions are not driving this change.
Early dropout prediction in distance higher education using active learning

Students' dropout prediction in higher education is an important and challenging research topic for universities. The successful implementation of a distance learning course is fundamental for educational institutions, for this reason the reduction of dropout rates is of vital importance. Although the use of machine learning methods in the educational field is relatively new, significant studies have been presented in recent years dealing with the dropout phenomenon. These studies point out several factors influencing the successful course completion, while indicating the complexity and difficulty of accurate early dropout prediction. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the efficiency of active learning methodologies to predict students' dropout rates in a distance web-based course in a timely manner. Active learning is a typical of methods trying to effectively use unlabeled data along with a small amount of labeled ones. A plethora of experiments are conducted using a variety of active learners indicating that an early prediction of high-risk students can be obtained.
Expression pattern of the class I homeobox genes in ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE Although some sporadic reports reveal the link between the homeobox (HOX) genes and ovarian carcinoma, there is no comprehensive analysis of the expression pattern of the class I homeobox genes in ovarian carcinoma that determines the candidate genes involved in ovarian carcinogenesis. METHODS The different patterns of expression of 36 HOX genes were analyzed, including 4 ovarian cancer cell lines and 4 normal ovarian tissues. Using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantification analysis, the specific gene that showed a significantly higher expression in ovarian cancer cell lines than in normal ovaries was selected, and western blot analysis was performed adding 7 ovarian cancer tissue specimens. Finally, immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical analyses were performed to compare the pattern of expression of the specific HOX gene between ovarian cancer tissue and normal ovaries. RESULTS Among 36 genes, 11 genes had a different level of mRNA expression between the cancer cell lines and the normal ovarian tissues. Of the 11 genes, only HOXB4 had a significantly higher level of expression in ovarian cancer cell lines than in normal ovaries (p=0.029). Based on western blot, immunohistochemical, and immunocytochemical analyses, HOXB4 was expressed exclusively in the ovarian cancer cell lines or cancer tissue specimens, but not in the normal ovaries. CONCLUSION We suggest HOXB4 may be a novel candidate gene involved in ovarian carcinogenesis.
Randomized, Crossover Study of Immersive Virtual Reality to Decrease Opioid Use During Painful Wound Care Procedures in Adults.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of immersive virtual reality (IVR) distraction therapy during painful wound care procedures in adults on the amount of opioid medications required to manage pain. A convenience sample of consenting, adult inpatients requiring recurrent painful wound care procedures was studied. Using a within-subject, randomized controlled trial study design, 2 sequential wound procedures were compared, 1 with IVR distraction therapy and 1 without IVR. Total opioid medications administered before and during the wound procedures were recorded and pain and anxiety were rated before and after the 2 wound procedures. The IVR intervention included the wearing of virtual reality goggles and participation in an immersive, computer generated, interactive, 3-dimensional virtual world program. Data were analyzed with Student's t test and chi-square analysis, with P < 0.05 considered significant. A total of 18 patients were studied, with 12 completing both study wound procedures and 6 completing a single wound procedure. The amount of opioid administered before each of the 2 wound procedures was similar with and without IVR. Total opioid administration during the dressing procedures with IVR was significantly less than when no IVR was used, 17.9 ± 6.0 and 29.2 ± 4.5 mcg/kg fentanyl, respectively (t = -2.7; df = 14; P = 0.02). Two of 15 patients (11%) requested more than 1 opioid rescue dose with IVR and 9 of 15 patients (60%) requested more than 1 rescue dose without IVR. Seventy-five percentage of participants stated that they would want to use IVR with future dressing changes. Pain and anxiety scores were similar for the wound procedures with and without IVR (P > 0.05). IVR significantly reduced the amount of opioid medication administered during painful wound care procedures when IVR was used compared with no IVR. Since pain scores were similar before and after the wound procedures with IVR and without IVR, the 39% reduction in opioid medication during IVR supports its use as a pain distraction therapy during painful procedures.
Factor Structure of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II: Evidence of a Bifactor Model

Personal growth initiative has been shown to be an important predictor of psychological health. It is currently measured by the Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II (PGIS-II), which consists of 4 interrelated factors. Past research across various samples has consistently selected the 4-factor model as the best fit for the data compared to single-factor and second-order models. However, its fit has typically been adequate (not strong), and, to date, no research has examined alternate factor structures, such as a bifactor solution. The current study examined 4 theoretically informed potential models—single-factor, 4-factor, second-order 4 factor, and bifactor—across 3 samples drawn from different populations: 223 college students, 307 Mechanical Turk participants, and 281 clinical therapy clients. Across all 3 samples, the bifactor model was the best fit for the data, and tests of multigroup invariance indicated this model was invariant through the scalar level. Finally, analyses of the explained common variance and percentage of uncontaminated correlations indicated that the PGIS-II can be appropriately modeled unidimensionally.
Practice improves peri-saccadic shape judgment but does not diminish target mislocalization

Significance Visual sensitivity is markedly reduced during saccades, and peri-saccadic stimuli are misperceived as being closer to the saccade target. We show here that peri-saccadic shape discrimination improves significantly with practice. Unlike classical training paradigms that lead to better performance despite external masking, this perceptual learning occurs in the presence of natural, self-induced masking due to the eye movement (i.e., saccadic suppression). Improvement is generalized across saccade direction and stimulus location but is specific to the stimulus type and task. In contrast, stimulus mislocalization remains as pronounced. Thus, the representation of stimulus position probably involves an obligatory process triggered by the upcoming saccade. The results point to a dissociation between shape and location representations of peri-saccadic stimuli. Visual sensitivity is markedly reduced during an eye movement. Peri-saccadic vision is also characterized by a mislocalization of the briefly presented stimulus closer to the saccadic target. These features are commonly viewed as obligatory elements of peri-saccadic vision. However, practice improves performance in many perceptual tasks performed at threshold conditions. We wondered if this could also be the case with peri-saccadic perception. To test this, we used a paradigm in which subjects reported the orientation (or location) of an ellipse briefly presented during a saccade. Practice on peri-saccadic orientation discrimination led to long-lasting gains in that task but did not alter the classical mislocalization of the visual stimulus. Shape discrimination gains were largely generalized to other untrained conditions when the same stimuli were used (discrimination during a saccade in the opposite direction or at a different stimulus location than previously trained). However, performance dropped to baseline level when participants shifted to a novel Vernier discrimination task under identical saccade conditions. Furthermore, practice on the location task did not induce better stimulus localization or discrimination. These results suggest that the limited visual information available during a saccade may be better used with practice, possibly by focusing attention on the specific target features or a better readout of the available information. Saccadic mislocalization, by contrast, is robust and resistant to top-down modulations, suggesting that it involves an automatic process triggered by the upcoming execution of a saccade (e.g., an efference copy signal).
Reply to Improving the survival of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III and IV melanoma

Sloot et al reported that the survival of 610 patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III to IV melanoma at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, including those with brain metastases, improved significantly since the introduction of immune checkpoint and BRAF/MEK-targeted therapies. From 2000 through 2008, the mean survival among these individuals was 7.5 months and was 8.5 months from 2009 through 2010; by 2011, the mean survival was 22.7 months. We have confirmed the results of the study by Sloot et al using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. SEER data from populationbased cancer registries include 28% of the US population. We analyzed 24-month cause-specific survival data from 359,433 patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III/IV melanoma from 2004 through 2012, the only years for which such data are available. Cause-specific survival was as follows: 46.8% in 2004, 47.3% in 2005, 47.7% in 2006, 49.4% in 2007, 50.1% in 2008, 50.2% in 2009, 50.4% in 2010, 51.5% in 2011, and 50.8% in 2012. The chi-square test was statistically significant (2-sided P <.001), as was the test for linear-by-linear association (Mantel-Haenszel test for trend) (2-sided P<.001). Compared with the dramatic jump in survival reported by Sloot et al, the modestly improving survival we report from the SEER database may be due to the relatively slow adoption of targeted therapies. In major cancer centers, such as the Moffitt Cancer Center, patients may choose among many clinical trials to obtain new agents at little or no cost. However, outside these centers, these agents are far beyond the average patient’s means. Regardless of financial status, patients always are better served at an institution that is highly rated for the treatment of their condition. In fact, mortality is one of the bases on which cancer treatment facilities are rated, and the Moffitt Cancer Center is one of the top 10 cancer hospitals in the country, according to US News & World Report (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/fl/ moffitt-cancer-center-6391069/cancer). Nevertheless, financial toxicity often confronts the patient with cancer. Along with fatigue, nausea, and pain, oncologists now are faced with patients’ subjective financial distress. One study indicated that patients with cancer are 2.7 times more likely to declare bankruptcy compared with individuals without cancer. Those who do declare bankruptcy are 79% more likely to die than those who do not. Oncologists must accept the reality of financial toxicity as a distinct adverse effect of cancer treatment. We can only hope that in the years to come, a solution will be found for this difficult problem.