Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
L'hyperacousie d'intensité : mécanismes hypothétiques

L'hyperacousie d'intensite est une pathologie qui peut etre tres invalidante pour les personnes atteintes. La recherche a veritablement commence depuis les annees 2000 et s'intensifie dernierement. Les premiers modeles animaux permettent de mettre en evidence des mecanismes a la fois peripheriques et centraux. Le rehaussement de l'activite neuronale dans la voie auditive semble bien se confirmer. Plusieurs systemes pourraient contribuer a cette augmentation : un desequilibre dans les rapports excitation et inhibition, des reorganisations synaptiques peuvent modifier les motifs d'interpretation de l'intensite sonore en favorisant des liens avec le systeme des emotions. Cette revue fait le point sur les differentes hypotheses actuelles.
Subsequent neoplasms in 5-year survivors of childhood cancer: the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

BACKGROUND The occurrence of subsequent neoplasms has direct impact on the quantity and quality of life in cancer survivors. We have expanded our analysis of these events in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) to better understand the occurrence of these events as the survivor population ages. METHODS The incidence of and risk for subsequent neoplasms occurring 5 years or more after the childhood cancer diagnosis were determined among 14,359 5-year survivors in the CCSS who were treated from 1970 through 1986 and who were at a median age of 30 years (range = 5-56 years) for this analysis. At 30 years after childhood cancer diagnosis, we calculated cumulative incidence at 30 years of subsequent neoplasms and calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), excess absolute risks (EARs) for invasive second malignant neoplasms, and relative risks for subsequent neoplasms by use of multivariable Poisson regression. RESULTS Among 14,359 5-year survivors, 1402 subsequently developed 2703 neoplasms. Cumulative incidence at 30 years after the childhood cancer diagnosis was 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 19.1% to 21.8%) for all subsequent neoplasms, 7.9% (95% CI = 7.2% to 8.5%) for second malignant neoplasms (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer), 9.1% (95% CI = 8.1% to 10.1%) for nonmelanoma skin cancer, and 3.1% (95% CI = 2.5% to 3.8%) for meningioma. Excess risk was evident for all primary diagnoses (EAR = 2.6 per 1000 person-years, 95% CI = 2.4 to 2.9 per 1000 person-years; SIR = 6.0, 95% CI = 5.5 to 6.4), with the highest being for Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR = 8.7, 95% CI = 7.7 to 9.8) and Ewing sarcoma (SIR = 8.5, 95% CI = 6.2 to 11.7). In the Poisson multivariable analysis, female sex, older age at diagnosis, earlier treatment era, diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, and treatment with radiation therapy were associated with increased risk of subsequent neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS As childhood cancer survivors progress through adulthood, risk of subsequent neoplasms increases. Patients surviving Hodgkin lymphoma are at greatest risk. There is no evidence of risk reduction with increasing duration of follow-up.
Estimativa da evapotranspiração de referência em uma região do Alto Pantanal

O metodo de estimativa de evapotranspiracao de referencia (ETo) com maior precisao e o de Penman-Monteith, que necessita muitos dados climaticos. Contudo, os produtores rurais nem sempre dispoem desses dados, preconizando a utilizacao de metodos mais simples. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de alguns metodos empiricos de estimativa de ETo, no periodo seco e chuvoso na regiao do Alto Pantanal do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Foram utilizadas entre janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2011. As avaliacoes dos metodos consideraram os parâmetros da equacao de regressao (a e b), o coeficiente de determinacao (r²), estimativa do erro padrao (EEP), o indice de concordância (d) e o indice de desempenho (c). Os modelos empiricos avaliados foram os metodos Benevides-Lopez, Hamon, Jensen-Haise, Linacre, Priestley-Taylor e Turc. Conclui-se que os melhores metodos empiricos da estimativa da ETo independente do periodo avaliado, sao os de Priestley-Taylor e Turc.
Cytokine Gene Expression: Analysis using Northern Blotting, Polymerase Chain Reaction and in situ Hybridization

We describe here the use of northern blotting, PCR and in situ hybridization for the analysis of cytokine gene expression. These techniques, each with their advantages and disadvantages, have been used to monitor cytokine gene expression in sites of immune reactivity and in the developing thymus. Whilst expression of a gene usually correlates well with protein production from that gene, this may not always be the case. The development of methods to analyze protein production in situ, for instance by immunohistochemistry, together with analysis of mRNA expression will allow us to begin to understand the role of cytokines within the immune system of the intact animal.
Vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) protein: A novel and unique marker for cholinergic neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems

Acetylcholine (ACh) is synthesized in nerve terminals from choline and acetyl coenzyme A by the cytoplasmic enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). The neurotransmitter is thereafter transported into synaptic vesicles, where it is stored until release. cDNA clones encoding a vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT) were recently isolated. In this paper, we report on the generation of highly specific goat polyclonal antisera to the rat VAChT protein by using a synthetic carboxy‐terminal 20‐amino‐acid peptide sequence as an immunogen. Characterization of the antisera revealed recognition of VAChT, but not vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) protein, in transfected CV‐1 cells. VAChT immunoreactivity was also detected in cells that endogenously express the protein, such as in PC12 cells and in primary cultures of spinal motoneurons. Absorption controls showed that the VAChT antisera could be completely blocked at the 10 5 M concentration by cognate peptide used for immunization. The antisera cross‐reacted with the VAChT protein in rat and mouse but not in guinea pig, rabbit, or cat. Immunohistochemistry and confocal laser microscopy, using the goat VAChT antisera, showed strong immunoreactivity in discrete fibers and neuronal cell bodies of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Within cell bodies and axonal nerve terminals, as well as in dendrites, the staining appeared granular, presumably representing labeling of synaptic vesicles containing ACh. In the rat central nervous system, VAChT‐positive cell bodies were demonstrated in the cerebral cortex, striatum, septum, nucleus basalis, medial habenula, mesopontine complex, cranial, and autonomic and spinal motor nuclei and in the intermediomedial region near the central canal. High densities of VAChT‐immunoreactive axonal fibers were encountered in areas such as the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, striatum, basal forebrain, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus including median eminence, hippocampal formation, superior colliculus, interpeduncular nucleus, and pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei. In cranial and spinal motor nuclei, particularly large varicosities were seen in close proximity to the motoneuron cell somata and their proximal dendrites. In the peripheral nervous system, VAChT immunoreactivity was also detected in motor endplates of skeletal muscle as well as in fibers of sympathetic and parasympathetic abdominal ganglia, heart atrium, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, adrenal medulla, male genitourinary tract, and salivary and lacrimal glands. Direct double labeling revealed colocalization of VAChT and ChAT immunoreactivity in neurons. The results show that VAChT antisera represent novel and unique tools for the study of cholinergic neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. J. Comp. Neurol. 378:454–467, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Content Based Image Retrieval system Using K-Means Clustering Technique

In a typical CBIR system, low- level visual image features that is colour, texture, and shape are automatically extracted for image descriptions and indexing purposes. To search for desirable images, a user presents an image as an example of similarity, and the system returns a set of similar images based on the extracted features. In CBIR systems with relevance feedback (RF) [3], a user can mark returned images as positive or negative, which are then fed back into the systems as a new, refined query for the next round of retrieval. The process is repeated until the user is satisfied with the query result. Such systems are effective for many practical CBIR applications.
Atlantic Ocean Carbon Flux Basin-wide particulate carbon flux in the Atlantic Ocean : regional export patterns and potential for atmospheric CO 2 sequestration

Particle flux data from 27 sites in the Atlantic Ocean have been compiled with a view to determining regional variations in the strength and efficiency of the biological pump and quantifying basin-wide fluxes and estimating the potential oceanic sequestration of atmospheric CO2. An algorithm is derived relating annual particulate organic carbon (POC) flux to primary production and depth that yields variations in the Export Ratio (ER = POC FLUX/Primary Production) at 125 m of between 0.1 and 0.4 over the range of production from 50 to 400 gCm yr. Significant regional differences in changes of the ER with depth are related to the temporal stability of flux. Sites with more pulsed export have higher shallow ERs and show more rapid degradation of particulate organic carbon (POC) flux with depth, resulting in little variation in fluxes below ca. 3000 m. The opposing effects of organic carbon production and calcification on ∆pCO2 of surface seawater are combined to calculate an "effective carbon flux" at the depth of euphotic zone and at the base of the winter mixed layer. POC flux at the base of the euphotic zone between 65°N and 65°S amounts to 3.14 GtCyr, of which 5.7% is remineralised above the winter mixed layer, and is thus not available to sequestration on climatically relevant time scales. The effective carbon flux, termed Jeff, amounts to 2.47 GtCyr -1 and is a measure of the potential sequestration of atmospheric CO2 for the area considered. A shift in the composition of sedimenting particles (opal: carbonate ratio) is seen across the entire North Atlantic, indicating a basin-wide phenomenon that may be related to large-scale changes in climatic forcing.
Whole body protein synthesis in healthy adult humans: 13CO2 technique vs. plasma precursor approach.

Different methods for the estimation of whole body protein synthesis (PS) in healthy adult humans were simultaneously compared in seven young adult subjects (6 males, 1 female) fed for 6 days a diet providing 1 g protein.kg-1.day-1 and approximately 188 kJ.kg-1.day-1. A 24-h intravenous tracer study with L-[1-13C]leucine was performed starting at 6 P.M. on day 6. During fasted (6 h) and fed (6 h) steady states, PS was estimated using an approach based on 13CO2 excretion (PSexcr) and on urinary nitrogen excretion data (corrected for changes in body urea pool). Simultaneously, we used the conventional two-pool model and plasma [13C]ketoisocaproate enrichment for estimating PS. The latter mean estimates of PS were significantly higher than PSexcr during fasting [861 +/- 58 (SD) vs. 663 +/- 160 mg protein.kg-1.6 h-1; P < 0.01] and feeding (985 +/- 63 vs. 779 +/- 127 mg protein.kg-1.6 h-1; P < 0.01) and were much less variable. In hourly small-meal feeding, urinary nitrogen excretion was not a reliable index of body protein oxidation when measured over short periods of 6 h, thereby introducing a lack of precision in PSexcr. We suggest that application of the 13CO2 technique to measure PS in humans is limited by the need for relatively prolonged experimental periods of urine collection and tracer infusion within a given physiological state.
Six Conjectures in Quantum Physics and Computational Neuroscience

A paradox on Hilbert’s problem 6 is identified. To avoid the paradox, equilibrium-based YinYang bipolar sets and bipolar dynamic logic (BDL) are introduced. Bipolar quantum entanglement is defined. BDL leads to a bipolar axiomatization for physics. Applicability of BDL is discussed. Six conjectures in quantum physics and computational neuro¬science are posted.
Link quality estimation with the Gilbert-Elliot model for wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we apply the Gilbert-Elliot model to analyze measurements on a large-scale wireless sensor testbed with nodes equipped with CC1101 and CC2420 radio chips. The model considers a packet loss process as a sequence of transitions between Good and Bad states. We analyze the Packet Reception Ratio (PRR) based on the probabilities derived from the Gilbert-Elliot model. We show that the probabilities and other parameters (run and loss lengths) can very well discriminate between the main categories of link quality such as good and weak links. Identification of link quality is crucial for routing protocols such as RPL and LOADng.
Recognition of the cellular β1‐chain integrin by the bacterial AfaD invasin is implicated in the internalization of afa‐expressing pathogenic Escherichia coli strains

The afa operons from Escherichia coli associated with extra‐intestinal and intestinal infections have been characterized and the AfaD protein has been shown to be involved in the low internalization of laboratory strains expressing the afa‐3 operon. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the AfaD invasin during the interaction of pathogenic E. coli with epithelial cells. We show that AfaD is implicated in the entry of a clinical isolate into both HeLa and undifferentiated Caco‐2 cells. Once in the cytoplasm of these cells, the bacteria formed inclusions in which they were able to survive for at least 72 h. Internalization assays using polystyrene beads coated with His6‐tagged purified AfaD (rAfaD) demonstrated that this invasin mediates entry into cells derived from various tissues (intestine and urothelium) that are targets for afa‐positive strains. Consistent with the previous observation that an antibody blockade involving anti‐α5β1 integrin abolishes bacterial internalization, we show here that the entry of rAfaD‐coated beads was dependent on the production and accessibility of β1 integrins on the cells. The AfaD proteins belong to a family of invasins that are at least 45% identical. Despite their differences, the recombinant rAfaD‐III and rAfaD‐VIII proteins both bound to β1 integrins. Our results suggest that β1 integrin is a common receptor for AfaD invasins and that additional AfaD‐type‐specific receptors exist.
Virtual reality and learning: Where is the pedagogy?

The aim of this paper was to build upon Dalgarno and Lee's model or framework of learning in three-dimensional (3- D) virtual learning environments ( VLEs) and to extend their road map for further research in this area. The enhanced model shares the common goal with Dalgarno and Lee of identifying the learning benefits from using 3- D VLEs. The approach adopted here is to attempt a more pedagogical description using the concept of pedagogical immersion as derived from Mayes and Fowler's framework for mapping stages of learning onto types of learning environment. The paper adopts a 'design for learning' perspective and in doing so hopes the combined framework will prove useful to those designing learning activities in 3- D VLEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The Synergistic Effects of HIV, Diabetes, and Aging on Cognition: Implications for Practice and Research

ABSTRACT Thanks to highly active antiretroviral therapy, many people infected with HIV will likely live into old age. Although this is a welcome prognosis, new issues are emerging that may complicate the ability to successfully age in this clinical population. HIV and aging independently are related to cognitive impairments, so there are concerns that those aging with HIV may be more at risk of such cognitive impairments. Moreover, highly active antiretroviral therapy itself can create metabolic disorders, such as prediabetes and/or frank type 2 diabetes, which have also been linked to poorer cognitive functioning. Thus, concerns increase that, as people age with HIV and develop comorbid metabolic disorders that may lead to type 2 diabetes, they will be at triple risk of developing cognitive impairments that can impair everyday functioning and reduce quality of life. This article explores these issues and provides implications for practice and research.
Primary biliary cirrhosis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese patients: incidence and risk factors.

AIM To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Chinese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS We reviewed the data of 52 PBC-associated HCC patients treated at Beijing 302 Hospital from January 2002 to December 2013 and analyzed its incidence and characteristics between the two genders. The risk factors for PBC-associated HCC were analyzed via a case-control study comprising 20 PBC patients with HCC and 77 matched controls without HCC. The matched factors included gender, age, follow-up period and Child-Pugh scores. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the odds ratios of potential risk factors for HCC development. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The incidence of HCC in Chinese PBC patients was 4.13% (52/1255) and was significantly higher in the males (9.52%) than in the females (3.31%). Among the 52 PBC patients with HCC, 55.76% (29/52) were diagnosed with HCC and PBC simultaneously, and 5.76% (3/52) were diagnosed with HCC before PBC. The males with PBC-associated HCC were more likely than the females to have undergone blood transfusion (18.75% vs 8.33%, P = 0.043), consumed alcohol (31.25% vs 8.33%, P = 0.010), smoked (31.25% vs 8.33%, P = 0.010), had a family history of malignancy (25% vs 5.56%, P = 0.012), and had serious liver inflammation, as indicated by the elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (P < 0.05). Conditional logistic regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.116, 95%CI: 1.002-1.244, P = 0.045] and history of alcohol intake (AOR = 10.294, 95%CI: 1.108-95.680, P = 0.040) were significantly associated with increased odds of HCC development in PBC patients. CONCLUSION HCC is not rare in Chinese PBC patients. Risk factors for PBC-associated HCC include BMI ≥ 25 and a history of alcohol intake. In addition to regular monitoring, PBC patients may benefit from abstinence from alcohol and body weight control.
In vivo Effect of Apomorphine and Haloperidol on MPP+ Neurotoxicity

The involvement of dopaminergic (DAergic) receptor drugs in the neuroprotection against the neurotoxic action of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in the DAergic terminals in striatum was studied using an intracerebral microdialysis technique. Twenty-four hours after surgery (day 1), apomorphine and haloperidol, alone or with 1 mmol/l of MPP+ perfusion through the microdialysis probe, were systemically administered. Forty-eight hours after surgery (day 2), 1 mmol/l of MPP+ was perfused for 15 min in all groups of animals and the output of dopamine was measured. The amount of dopamine was directly proportional to the remaining striatal DAergic terminals. The results show that: (1) subcutaneous administration of apomorphine before MPP+ perfusion prevented MPP+-induced neurotoxicity, and (2) intraperitoneal administration of haloperidol before MPP+ perfusion did not prevent MPP+-induced neurotoxicity.
Long‐Term Effects of Profile‐Modifying Deep Plowing on Soil Properties and Crop Yield

The mention of trade names of commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing speciﬁ c information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA.Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 72:677-682doi:10.2136/sssaj2007.0122Received 30 Mar. 2007. *Corresponding author (R.Louis.Baumhardt@ars.usda.gov). © Soil Science Society of America677 S. Segoe Rd. Madison WI 53711 USAAll rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher.
An interactive system for learning rotational dynamics

The paper outlines an interactive problem-solving system based, to an extent, on constructivism. It takes the prior knowledge of students into account and allows them to initiate and control the interaction. The rationale for the program and the methods used to obtain the data informing the program development are detailed. Insight into the program is provided through a discussion of its features and internal structure. The program evaluation which was done through students using it for the solution of two problems and through student feedback using questionnaires and interviews, shows the potential and the need for an expansion of the system.
The larval trematodes of certain fresh-water molluscs

1. Observations have been made on the life cycles of Cercaria paracauda, Iles, G. tetraglandis, Iles, and C. Apatemon gracilis minor, Yamaguti. The development of the tetracotyle metacercaria of C. tetraglandis has been followed and also that of the metacercaria and adult of A. g. minor. The pathology and distribution of the metacercariae of the last two species within the leech, Erpobdella testacea (Sav.) has been studied. 2. It was noted that development of the metacercariae within the same host and resulting from the same infection was not simultaneous and that it was improbable that a 100 % encystment of the metacercariae would occur. Temperature was found to have a marked effect on the length of time required for encystment. 3. Data are given on the infectivity and excystation of the metacercariae of A. g. minor and on the biology and morphology of the adult of this subspecies. 4. Stress is placed on the importance, in the systematics of the digenetic trematodes, of considering both the morphological and biological characters of the adult and those of the related larval stages.
Anharmonic decay and the propagation of phonons in an isotopically pure crystal at low temperatures: Application to dark-matter detection.

We consider the propagation and anharmonic decay of high-energy phonons introduced into a perfect dielectric crystal at low temperatures. The phonon-decay rate is calculated for an fcc model with central forces between nearest neighbors. We give an approximate relation between the parameters entering into this model and the experimentally known properties of real crystals. A discussion is given of the range of wave vectors over which slow transverse phonons are stable against anharmonic decay. These results are relevant to the design of experiments to detect dark matter via the study of the phonons excited in a crystal when a dark-matter particle scatters off a nucleus. We discuss the primary phonon production mechanism and the possibility that there is an anisotropy of the phonon flux that is related to the direction in which the nucleus recoils.
Sex-ratio segregation distortion associated with reproductive isolation in Drosophila

Sex-ratio distortion is the most common form of non-Mendelian segregation observed in natural populations. It may occur even more frequently than direct observations suggest, because the dysgenic population consequences of a biased sex ratio are expected to result in the rapid evolution of suppressors, resulting in suppressed or “cryptic” segregation distortion. Here we report evidence for cryptic sex-ratio distortion that was discovered by introgressing segments of the genome of Drosophila mauritiana into the genome of Drosophila simulans. The autosomal suppressor of sex-ratio distortion, which is also associated with a reduction in hybrid male fertility, has been genetically localized to a region smaller than 80-kb pairs in chromosome 3.