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Sensation
Kinds of Sensation Terms modified by Sensation Selected AbstractsSAATCHI, SENSATION, AND WHY CONTEMPORAR Y ART SHOULD NOT BE CONCEDED TO THE LEFTECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Issue 2 2002Bunny Smedley Commentators from the ,Right' have contributed little to ,is-it-art' discussions. The Saatchi Sensation exhibition of 1997 offers the opportunity to explain what contribution anti-socialist, anti-collectivist writers might make. In particular, they should be honest in their response to contemporary art rather than treating it as a no-go area. [source] ARCHITECTURAL GEOGRAPHIES OF THE AIRPORT BALCONY: MOBILITY, SENSATION AND THE THEATRE OF FLIGHTGEOGRAFISKA ANNALER SERIES B: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2008Peter Adey ABSTRACT. Contemporary studies within the apparent ,mobility turn' focus upon airports as sites indicative of our mobile world, yet they tend to forgo investigations of the contextual architectural geographies that shape and inflect these mobilities. This paper examines the relationship between the architecture of the airport balcony and practices of seeing. While recent scholarship has taken airports to be incredible symbolizers of power and places of heightened visual scrutiny, the paper explores how through the architectural mediation of seeing, early airports were designed to instil specific inspirations, beliefs and messages within the airport user , constructing a new and modern experience. Far from a blank space evacuated of social presence and meaning, the paper investigates how airport design interacts with and shapes social experience. By examining the mobile practices and experiences of inhabiting the airport balcony, the paper advances conceptualizations of moving and seeing by complicating their practice as ,collective individuations' of social, architectural and sensual engagements, registers, and percepts. [source] 1. NARRATIVE FORM AND HISTORICAL SENSATION: ON SAUL FRIEDLÄNDER'S THE YEARS OF EXTERMINATION,HISTORY AND THEORY, Issue 3 2009ALON CONFINO ABSTRACT Saul Friedländer's magnum opus, The Years of Extermination, has been received worldwide as an exemplary work of history. Yet it was written by a historian who in the last two decades has strenuously asserted the limits of Holocaust representation. At the center of this essay is a problem of historical writing: how to write a historical narrative of the Holocaust that both offers explanations of the unfolding events and also suggests that the most powerful sensation about those events, at the time and since, is that they are beyond words. I explore Friedländer's crafting of such a narrative by considering, first, the role of his attempt in The Years of Extermination to explain the Holocaust and, second, the narrative form of the book. The book is best seen, I argue, not primarily as a work of explanation but as a vast narrative that places an explanation of the Holocaust within a specific form of describing that goes beyond the boundaries of the historical discipline as it is usually practiced. This form of describing goes beyond the almost positivist attachment to facts that dominates current Holocaust historiography. By using Jewish individual testimonies that are interspersed in the chronological history of the extermination, Friedländer creates a narrative based on ruptures and breaks, devices we associate with works of fiction, and that historians do not usually use. The result is an arresting narrative, which I interpret by using Johan Huizinga's notion of historical sensation. Friedländer sees this narrative form as specific to the Holocaust. I view this commingling of irreducible reality and the possibility of art as a required sensibility that belongs to all historical understanding. And in this respect, The Years of Extermination only lays bare more clearly in the case of the Holocaust what is an essential element in all historical reconstruction. [source] DETERMINATION OF COOLNESS AND DAMPNESS SENSATIONS CREATED BY FABRICS BY FOREARM TEST AND FABRIC MEASUREMENTSJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 4 2009SIBEL KAPLAN ABSTRACT Clothing is continuously in an interaction with the body both thermally and mechanically. Different sensations constituting the comfort status of a person arise as a result of this interaction. Coolness sensation perceived during skin-fabric contact is one of these sensations arising from the transient heat flow from skin to the fabric as skin is usually warmer than clothing. In this study, coolness to touch and dampness sensations created by knitted fabrics having different compositions and physical surface characteristics were investigated by forearm test conducted on seven males. Besides physical properties (weight, yarn count, thickness, density), surface roughness and friction properties of the inner surfaces of the fabrics touching the skin were also determined. Microscopic photographs were taken to have an idea about hairiness properties of the inner surfaces and optical porosity values were calculated by analysis of the microscopic images by using MATLAB software. It was found out that coolness and dampness sensations arise during skin,fabric contact are mostly related to the permeability and surface roughness characteristics of fabrics, and the effect of fabric material is more on dampness sensation than coolness sensation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS In the recent years, consumers pay attention more to the mechanical, thermal and visual sensations stimulated by the dynamic body,clothing interactions besides the aesthetic properties of their clothing. They take into consideration feelings they have during first touch with the clothing into their purchase decisions. Coolness to touch sensation perceived during first contact with the fabric and dampness sensation , which is very important during wear conditions including sweating , are two of them and they are related to the thermophysiological aspect of clothing comfort. For producing garments giving desirable feelings, it is very important to determine fabric properties influencing these sensations. A subjective evaluation method , the forearm test , was used to find out the relationships between coolness and dampness sensations and fabric properties. Results of this study are thought to be beneficial data for fabric manufacturers aiming to produce clothing for specific end users. [source] MODELING OF SWEET, BITTER AND IRRITANT SENSATIONS AND THEIR INTERACTIONS ELICITED BY MODEL ICE WINESJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 5 2006CANAN NURGEL ABSTRACT Interactions between taste and irritant sensations elicited by model ice wine solutions were investigated, including the use of U and ,, models for predicting the perceived intensity of these sensory interactions. Fifteen solutions of varying ethanol and sugar concentrations representative of commercial ice wine values were evaluated in two trials by a trained sensory panel (n = 12) for perceived sweetness, bitterness and heat intensities. Sweetness perception of lower sugar-concentration level in ice wine model solution was affected by ethanol concentration. The sweetness intensities of the sugar and ethanol mixtures are higher than the sweetness intensities of sugar solutions. The ,, index indicates a slight synergy between ethanol and sugar on sweetness perception. The bitterness intensities elicited by ethanol,sugar mixtures are lower than those elicited by unmixed ethanol solutions. The ,, index indicates inhibition of ethanol and sugar perception on bitterness perception. Suppression of heat sensation was found in model base wine solutions across sugar and ethanol concentrations. [source] PERCEPTION OF MOUTHFEEL SENSATIONS ELICITED BY RED WINE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH SENSITIVITY TO 6-N-PROPYLTHIOURACILJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 3 2006GARY J. PICKERING ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationship between sensitivity to the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) , a genetically determined trait used as an index of general taste acuity , and a range of oral sensations elicited by 16 varietal red wines. Seventeen subjects were trained using descriptive analysis (DA) techniques and developed a lexicon consisting of three taste and 10 tactile attributes representing sensations experienced both in-mouth (IM) and after expectoration (AE). Analysis of variance showed that PROP super-tasters (ST) (n = 8) rated 11 of these 13 sensations differently compared to PROP nontasters (NT) (n = 8), specifically acidity, saltiness, heat/irritation, tingle/prickle, particulate IM, particulate AE, smoothness IM, smoothness AE, grippy/adhesive, mouthcoat and overall astringency. The greater sensitivity of ST to the textural components of red wine is discussed in the context of greater lingual acuity and implications for DA panels, psychophysics and wine consumer behavior. [source] SENSATIONS, SWATCHES, AND SPECKLED HENSPACIFIC PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2003Jeremy Fantl Both arguments have been used to show that there is no "Highest Common Factor" between appearances we judge the same , no such thing as "real" sensations. But, we argue, both only impugn the assumption of epistemic certainty regarding introspective reports. [source] Pain Sensation during Intradermal Injections of Three Different Botulinum Toxin Preparations in Different Doses and DilutionsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2006GOTTFRIED KRANZ MD BACKGROUND Pain sensation associated with injections of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is commonly reported. To date differences in pain sensation between the commercially available products containing BoNT have not been quantified. OBJECTIVES The pain sensations during injection of Dysport, Botox, Neurobloc, and pure saline (control) were compared. In addition, the nociceptive effect of different volumes used for the dilution of the same BoNT dose was investigated. METHODS In a prospective, double-blind, controlled trial, 10 healthy subjects were injected intradermally with Dysport (12 U), Botox (3 and 4 U), Neurobloc (150 and 300 U) reconstituted in 0.9% saline, and pure saline. Pain sensation was quantified during injections. RESULTS Neurobloc injections caused significantly more injection pain than Botox, Dysport, and saline. No significant differences between Dysport, Botox, and saline were found, although there was a trend toward less pain with pure saline injections. Higher pain levels with higher volumes could not be demonstrated significantly. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that BoNT type B injections are associated with substantial pain. There is a considerable difference between the commercially available BoNT type B compared to the two BoNT type A preparations. Therefore, considering mitigation of injection pain seems necessary when using BoNT type B. [source] That Which Makes the Sensation of Blue a Mental Fact: Moore on Phenomenal RelationismEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHILOSOPHY, Issue 3 2007Benj Hellie A gift of a dollar for each article in the philosophy of perception and consciousness published since 1990 making reference, explicitly or implicitly, to Moore's discussion in the second half of Moore 19031 of an alleged ,transparency' and ,diaphanousness' pertaining to some aspect of perceptual experience would very likely cover the tab of a mid-priced dinner for two.2 Moore's poetically expressed observations have captured the imagination of contemporary philosophers of perception and consciousness, and have served as the basis of much fruitful discussion in those areas. Still, despite all the attention these observations have received, the contemporary literature lacks a close reading of the second half of Moore's paper, without which it is impossible to understand Moore's observations in the context in which they were originally expressed. It is understandable that such a close reading is lacking: the second half of Moore's paper has been rightly described by one of his most sympathetic and dedicated interpreters as ,extremely dense and opaque' (Klemke 2000: 55).3 But despite the evident difficulties of the task, I aim here, with some trepidation, to provide the missing close reading. The main points of my interpretation will be these. The centerpiece of the anti-idealist manoeuvrings of the second half of the paper is a phenomenological argument for what I will call a relational view of perceptual phenomenal character, on which, roughly, ,that which makes the sensation of blue a mental fact' is a relation of conscious awareness, a view close to the opposite of the most characteristic contemporary view going under the transparency rubric.4 The discussion of transparency and diaphanousness is a sidelight, its principal purpose to shore up the main line of argumentation against criticism; in those passages all Moore argues is that the relation of conscious awareness is not transparent, while acknowledging that it can seem to be. My discussion will proceed as follows. In section 1, I will discuss some theses and elucidate some notions from the philosophy of perception and consciousness which will be central to my interpretation; having done so, I will be in a position to explain how an accurate understanding of Moore may contribute to theoretical advances in the philosophy of perception and consciousness. The next two sections contain the exegetical heart of the paper: section 2 provides an analysis of Moore's case for the relational view; section 3 attempts to explain the place of the relational view in the overall refutation of idealism. Section 4 critically discusses a pair of competing interpretations. Section 5 wraps things up, drawing concluding morals as to the campaigns on behalf of which Moore should and should not be enlisted. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,PHYSIOLOGY: Sensation and Sexual Arousal in Circumcised and Uncircumcised MenTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2007Kimberley Payne PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Research, theory, and popular belief all suggest that penile sensation is greater in the uncircumcised as compared with the circumcised man. However, research involving direct measurement of penile sensation has been undertaken only in sexually functional and dysfunctional groups, and as a correlate of sexual behavior. There are no reports of penile sensation in sexually aroused subjects, and it is not known how arousal affects sensation. In principle, this should be more closely related to actual sexual function. Aim., This study therefore compared genital and nongenital sensation as a function of sexual arousal in circumcised and uncircumcised men. Methods., Twenty uncircumcised men and an equal number of age-matched circumcised participants underwent genital and nongenital sensory testing at baseline and in response to erotic and control stimulus films. Touch and pain thresholds were assessed on the penile shaft, the glans penis, and the volar surface of the forearm. Sexual arousal was assessed via thermal imaging of the penis. Results., In response to the erotic stimulus, both groups evidenced a significant increase in penile temperature, which correlated highly with subjective reports of sexual arousal. Uncircumcised men had significantly lower penile temperature than circumcised men, and evidenced a larger increase in penile temperature with sexual arousal. No differences in genital sensitivity were found between the uncircumcised and circumcised groups. Uncircumcised men were less sensitive to touch on the forearm than circumcised men. A decrease in overall touch sensitivity was observed in both groups with exposure to the erotic film as compared with either baseline or control stimulus film conditions. No significant effect was found for pain sensitivity. Conclusion., These results do not support the hypothesized penile sensory differences associated with circumcision. However, group differences in penile temperature and sexual response were found. Payne K, Thaler L, Kukkonen T, Carrier S, and Binik Y. Sensation and sexual arousal in circumcised and uncircumcised men. J Sex Med 2007;4:667,674. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,WOMEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH: Genital Sensation and Sexual Function in Women Bicyclists and Runners: Are Your Feet Safer than Your Seat?THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2006Marsha K. Guess MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Bicycling is associated with neurological impairment and impotence in men. Similar deficits have not been confirmed in women. Aim., To evaluate the effects of bicycling on genital sensation and sexual function in women. Methods., Healthy, premenopausal, competitive women bicyclists and runners (controls) were compared. Main Outcome Measures., (1) Genital vibratory thresholds (VTs) were determined using the Medoc Vibratory Sensation Analyzer 3000. (2) Sexual function and sexually related distress were assessed by the Dennerstein Personal Experience Questionnaire (SPEQ) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS). Results., Forty-eight bicyclists and 22 controls were enrolled. The median age was 33 years. The bicyclists were older, had higher body mass indices (BMIs), were more diverse in their sexual orientation, and were more likely to have a current partner. Bicyclists rode an average of 28.3 ± 19.7 miles/day (range 4,100), 3.8 ± 1.5 days/week, for an average of 2.1 ± 1.8 hours/ride. The mean number of years riding was 7.9 ± 7.1 years (range 0.5,30). Controls ran an average of 4.65 ± 2.1 miles/day (range 1.5,8) and 5.0 ± 1.2 days/week. On bivariate analysis, bicyclists had significantly higher VTs than runners, indicating worse neurological function at all sites (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis found significant correlations between higher VTs and bicycling at the left and right perineum, posterior vagina, left and right labia. Increasing VTs at the clitoris, anterior vagina, and urethra were associated with age. In bicyclists, there were no correlations between VTs and miles biked per week, duration of riding, or BMI. Composite SPEQ scores indicated normal sexual function in all sexually active subjects. Neither group suffered from sexually related distress. Conclusion., There is an association between bicycling and decreased genital sensation in competitive women bicyclists. Negative effects on sexual function and quality of life were not apparent in our young, healthy premenopausal cohort. Guess MK, Connell K, Schrader S, Reutman S, Wang A, LaCombe J, Toennis C, Lowe B, Melman A, and Mikhail MK. Genital sensation and sexual function in women bicyclists and runners: Are your feet safer than your seat? J Sex Med 2006;3:1018,1027. [source] Effect of Gabapentin on the Sensation and Impact of Tinnitus,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2006Carol A. Bauer MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: This study evaluated the effectiveness of gabapentin in treating chronic tinnitus in two populations: participants with tinnitus with associated acoustic trauma and participants with tinnitus without associated acoustic trauma. The hypothesis was that gabapentin would decrease both subjective and objective features of tinnitus in the trauma group but would be less effective in the nontrauma group. Study Design: Prospective, placebo-controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Methods: Pure-tone audiograms and personal histories were used to categorize tinnitus etiology as either secondary to acoustic trauma or not associated with acoustic trauma. Participants were restricted to those with moderate to severe tinnitus for at least 1 year. All participants received gabapentin in a graduated ascending-descending dose series extending over 20 weeks (peak dose of 2,400 mg/d). Results: There was a significant improvement in tinnitus annoyance for the trauma group (P = .05). Other subjective aspects of tinnitus were not significantly affected in either group. Between-subject variability of therapeutic response was considerable. Nevertheless, in consideration of subjective loudness ratings, 4 of 19 nontrauma participants and 6 of 20 trauma participants showed an improvement of 20% or better. In consideration of psychoacoustic loudness estimates, 3 of 19 nontrauma and 6 of 20 trauma participants showed an improvement of 20 dB HL or greater. Evenly dividing each group into high and low responders revealed significant improvement in loudness at 1,800 and 2,400 mg/day for the trauma high-response subgroup (P = .007). No significant improvement was obtained for other subgroups. Conclusion: Gabapentin is effective in reducing subjective and objective aspects of tinnitus in some individuals, with the best therapeutic response obtained in individuals with associated acoustic trauma. [source] A pilot study of patient-led identification of the midline of the lumbar spineANAESTHESIA, Issue 4 2002J. S. Wills Summary The midline of the lumbar spine is usually identified by palpation of the spinous processes. Placement of an epidural or spinal needle is more difficult when these bony landmarks are impalpable. This pilot study investigated the ability of 50 healthy volunteers to identify the midline of their own backs, using light touch or proprioception. The midline as identified in this manner was compared with the ,gold standard' as defined by the interspinous line. Sensation to light touch was the most accurate, with 90% of the volunteers able to identify the midline to within 6.5 mm. Proprioception using a finger to touch the midline was less accurate. This study was carried out on volunteers with palpable spinous processes but suggests that, in certain circumstances, a patient-led identification of the midline may be of value. [source] Movement-Induced Focal Motor Seizures and Choreoathetosis As- sociated with Nonketotic Hyperglycemia: A Case ReportEPILEPSIA, Issue 2000Hisashi Tanaka Case Report: We report the case of a diabetic woman who developed right-sided reflex seizures and bilateral choreoathetosis during an episode of nonketotic hyperglycemia. The patient was a 67-year-old woman with a 14-year history of HCV-related liver cirrhosis who experienced polydipsia and polyuria in January 1998. She began to have episodes of abnormal hyperkinetic movements of the right upper extremity and tonic-clonic seizures in the right arm triggered by voluntary movements of right or bilateral arms in the beginning of March 1998. The seizures increased in frequency and consequently left her disabled. She was admitted to our hospital with complaints of these abnormal motor phenomena on March 9, 1998. Neurological examinations revealed that she was alert, well-oriented, and that cranial nerve functions were normal. Slight motor weakness of the right upper limb and deep tendon hyporeflexes were observed in all extremities. Sensations and cerebellar functions were intact. Choreic or athetotic involuntary movements were seen in the bilateral upper limbs and neck. These involuntary movements were increased by voluntary movement or posturing of the upper limbs. The focal tonic-clonic seizures were easily triggered by voluntary movements such as knotting a cord. This seizure suddenly began by tonic movements in the right upper limb and gradually progressed to the right hemi-face and neck without loss of consciousness. The average duration of seizures was about one minute. The laboratory data demonstrated mild leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hepatic dysfunction, and hyperglycemia without ketosis. Fasting blood glucose was 41 I mg/dl, and HbAlc was 14.5%. Blood ammonia was within normal levels. Cranial CT revealed no abnormalities. Brain MRI on T I-weighted images demonstrated bilateral high signal intensity in the putamen. An interictal EEG revealed a symmetrical slow background activity of 7,8 Hz. An ictal EEG recording showed a 2.5 4 Hz irregular sharp and slow wave discharge in the bilateral frontal-central regions. Treatment with carbamazepine was ineffective for the seizures. However, the seizures completely disappeared after the administration of insulin on March 17. Under good control of the hyperglycemia, the abnormal involuntary movements decreased gradually and then completely disappeared; the patient became neurologically asymptomatic by March 30. The follow-tip EEG demonstrated 9-Hz alpha background activity without any epileptic discharges. Conclusions: Nonketotic hyperglycemia has been rarely reported to cause stimulus-induced seizures or hyperkinetic involuntary movements such as hemichorea-ballism. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of both induced seizures and involuntary movements simultaneously caused by hyperglycemia. Movement-induced seizures and choreoathetoid movements in this patient can be considered to result from transiently-increased activity in the basal ganglia and/or cerebral cortex associated with metaholic disorders. [source] Investigation into the correlation between sensation and leg movement in restless legs syndromeMOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 9 2005Paul V. Birinyi Abstract We evaluated rest effects on restless legs syndrome (RLS) sensory and motor symptoms. During two 60-minute Suggested Immobilization Tests (SIT) subject's signals of RLS leg sensations and periodic leg movements while awake (PLMW) were recorded. Sensations, PLMW, sensations preceding or after PLMW, sensations occurring without following PLMW, and PLMW occurring without preceding sensation were determined. The RLS patients were divided into equal-sized high and low PLMW groups for further analysis. Data from 46 subjects (28 RLS and 18 controls) revealed sensations increased linearly with rest in RLS patients and controls. Movement rate increased linearly with rest for controls but increased rapidly for the first 45 minutes for all RLS patients. PLMW/hour increased with further rest for low but not high PLMW patients. Sensations followed by PLMW and PLMW without preceding sensations followed similar patterns. Sensations without subsequent PLMW increased dramatically in the last 15 minutes of the SITs. Whereas both sensory and motor signs of RLS increase with rest, there is minimal increase for controls. Patients with higher but not lower PLMW rates reached a ceiling for PLMW after 35 to 40 minutes. The temporal dissociation between sensory and motor events supports viewing these motor and sensory events as separate but loosely linked manifestations of RLS. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,WOMEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH: Vaginal Orgasm Is Associated with Vaginal (Not Clitoral) Sex Education, Focusing Mental Attention on Vaginal Sensations, Intercourse Duration, and a Preference for a Longer PenisTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2010Stuart Brody PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Evidence was recently provided for vaginal orgasm, orgasm triggered purely by penile,vaginal intercourse (PVI), being associated with better psychological functioning. Common sex education and sexual medicine approaches might undermine vaginal orgasm benefits. Aims., To examine the extent to which women's vaginal orgasm consistency is associated with (i) being told in childhood or adolescence that the vagina was the important zone for inducing female orgasm; (ii) how well they focus mentally on vaginal sensations during PVI; (iii) greater PVI duration; and (iv) preference for above-average penis length. Methods., In a representative sample of the Czech population, 1,000 women reported their vaginal orgasm consistency (from never to almost every time; only 21.9% never had a vaginal orgasm), estimates of their typical foreplay and PVI durations, what they were told in childhood and adolescence was the important zone for inducing female orgasm, their degree of focus on vaginal sensations during PVI, and whether they were more likely to orgasm with a longer than average penis. Main Outcome Measures., The association of vaginal orgasm consistency with the predictors noted above. Results., Vaginal orgasm consistency was associated with all hypothesized correlates. Multivariate analysis indicated the most important predictors were being educated that the vagina is important for female orgasm, being mentally focused on vaginal sensations during PVI, and in some analyses duration of PVI (but not foreplay) and preferring a longer than average penis. Conclusions., Focusing attention on penile,vaginal sensation supports vaginal orgasm and the myriad benefits thereof. Brody S, and Weiss P. Vaginal orgasm is associated with vaginal (not clitoral) sex education, focusing mental attention on vaginal sensations, intercourse duration, and a preference for a longer penis. J Sex Med 2010;7:2774,2781. [source] Haptic-constraint modeling based on interactive metaballsCOMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 5 2010Hui Chen Abstract Adding interactive haptic-constraint sensations is important in interactive computer gaming and 3D shape design. Usually constraints are set on vertices of the object to drive the deformation. How to simulate dynamic force constraints in interactive design is still a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a novel haptic-constraint modeling method based on interactive metaballs, during which the haptic-constraint tools are attracted to the target location and then control the touch-enabled deformation within the constrained areas. The interactive force feedbacks facilitate designers to accurately deform the target regions and fine carve the details as their intention on the objects. Our work studies how to apply touch sensation in such constrained deformations using interactive metaballs, thus users can truly feel and control the soft-touch objects during the deforming interactions. Experimental results show that the dynamic sense of touch during the haptic manipulation is intuitively simulated to users, via the interacting interface we have developed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Ethnic variations in facial skin neurosensitivity assessed by capsaicin detection thresholdsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2009Roland Jourdain Background: Ethnic variations in sensitive skin have not been thoroughly explored and remain controversial. Objective: To objectively assess ethnic variations in facial skin neurosensitivity through individual detection thresholds of topically applied capsaicin. Patients/Methods: The single-blind, controlled study was performed in 144 women from three ethnicities: Asian, African, and Caucasian. Five solutions with increasing capsaicin concentration were successively applied to one side of nasolabial folds, while the other side simultaneously received the vehicle as control. The test was discontinued when the volunteer reported on the capsaicin side a sensation whatever its nature. Otherwise the experimenter continued the test, using the next solution with higher capsaicin content and so on, until the subject experienced a sensation on the capsaicin side. Results: Each ethnic group was divided into six sub-groups according to the level of sensitivity to capsaicin, i.e. from detection of the lowest concentration up to no detection of the highest concentration, 100-fold higher. Asian women tended to have higher capsaicin detection thresholds than Caucasians, but lower thresholds than Africans. Nevertheless, the distribution did not greatly differ between the three ethnicities. Conclusions: The capsaicin skin neurosensitivity test is painless and the changes across individuals of different ethnic backgrounds appear minimal. [source] P44 A case of contact dermatitis caused by a NSAID's soluble agentCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Yoshimi Kato A fifty five year-old man had experienced itching sensation when he applied analgesic plasters for his lumbago. He tried to use several kinds of analgesic plasters, however he felt itching sensation whenever he used them. He applied a plaster containing ferbinac for his left elbow joint's pain on April 2003. On the next day, an itching erythema developed on the area where the plaster was applied. He was treated with a difluprednate ointment, and his dermatitis gradually improved. He visited our clinic for precise medical examination for finding out the causative agent of his dermatitis on May 13, 2003. We conducted 48 hours closed patch testing with the plaster he used and it's ingredients. He reacted positively to the plaster containing ferbinac and crotamiton 5%p that was used for dissolute the active drug. He also reacted positively to a cream containing ketoprofen, however he reacted negatively to ketoprofen 1%p. Crotamoton was also used in the ketoprofen cream. [source] Chest wall kinematics, respiratory muscle action and dyspnoea during arm vs. leg exercise in humansACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2006I. Romagnoli Abstract Aim:, We hypothesize that different patterns of chest wall (CW) kinematics and respiratory muscle coordination contribute to sensation of dyspnoea during unsupported arm exercise (UAE) and leg exercise (LE). Methods:, In six volunteer healthy subjects, we evaluated the volumes of chest wall (Vcw) and its compartments, the pulmonary apposed rib cage (Vrc,p), the diaphragm-abdomen apposed rib cage (Vrc,a) and the abdomen (Vab), by optoelectronic plethysmography. Oesophageal, gastric and trans-diaphragmatic pressures were simultaneously measured. Chest wall relaxation line allowed the measure of peak rib cage inspiratory muscle, expiratory muscle and abdominal muscle pressures. The loop Vrc,p/Vrc,a allowed the calculation of rib cage distortion. Dyspnoea was assessed by a modified Borg scale. Results:, There were some differences and similarities between UAE and LE. Unlike LE with UAE: (i) Vcw and Vrc,p at end inspiration did not increase, whereas a decrease in Vrc,p contributed to decreasing CW end expiratory volume; (ii) pressure production of inspiratory rib cage muscles did not significantly increase from quiet breathing. Not unlike LE, the diaphragm limited its inspiratory contribution to ventilation with UAE with no consistent difference in rib cage distortion between UAE and LE. Finally, changes in abdominal muscle pressure, and inspiratory rib cage muscle pressure predicted 62% and 41.4% of the variability in Borg score with UAE and LE, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusion:, Leg exercise and UAE are associated with different patterns of CW kinematics, respiratory muscle coordination, and production of dyspnoea. [source] Could chronic pain and spread of pain sensation be induced and maintained by glial activation?ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1-2 2006E. Hansson Abstract An injury often starts with acute physiological pain, which becomes inflammatory or neuropathic, and may sometimes become chronic. It has been proposed recently that activated glial cells, astrocytes and microglia within the central nervous system could maintain the pain sensation even after the original injury or inflammation has healed, and convert it into chronic by altering neuronal excitability. Glial cell activation has also been proposed to be involved in the phenomenon of spread of pain sensation ipsilaterally or to the contralateral side (i.e. mirror image pain). Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, released due to an inflammatory process, interact with the endothelial cells of the blood,spinal cord and blood,brain barriers. The barriers open partially and substances may influence adjacent glial cells. Such substances are also released from neurones carrying the ,pain message' all the way from the injury to the cerebral cortex. Pro-inflammatory cytokines may be released from the microglial cells, and astroglial Ca2+ -transients or oscillations may spread within the astroglial networks. One theory is that Ca2+ -oscillations could facilitate the formation of new synapses. These new synapses could establish neuronal contacts for maintaining and spreading the pain sensation. If this theory holds true, it is possible that Ca2+ waves, production of cytokines and growth factors could be modified by selective anti-inflammatory drugs to achieve a balance in the activities of the different intercellular and intracellular processes. This paper reviews current knowledge about glial mechanisms underlying the phenomena of chronic pain and spread of the pain sensation. [source] Results of a Survey of 5,700 Patient Monopolar Radiofrequency Facial Skin Tightening Treatments: Assessment of a Low-Energy Multiple-Pass Technique Leading to a Clinical End Point AlgorithmDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 8 2007FRCP, FRCPC, JEFFREY S. DOVER MD INTRODUCTION Monopolar radiofrequency is an effective means of nonsurgical facial skin tightening. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine whether using larger tips at lower energy and multiple passes, using patient feedback on heat sensation and treating to a clinical end point of visible tightening, would yield better results than single passes with small tips at high energy, as measured by patient and physician satisfaction. METHODS Fourteen physicians from four specialties were surveyed to determine the answers to the following three questions. (1) Is patient's feedback on heat sensation a valid and preferred method for optimal energy selection? (2) Do multiple passes at moderate energy settings yield substantial and consistent efficacy? (3) Is treating to a clinical end point of visible tightening predictable of results? RESULTS A total of 5,700 patient treatments were surveyed. Comparisons were made using the original algorithm of high-energy, single pass to the new algorithm of lower energy and multiple passes with visible tightening as the end point of treatment. Using the original treatment algorithm, 26% of patients demonstrated immediate tightening, 54% observed skin tightening 6 months after treatment, 45% found the procedure too painful, and 68% of patients found the treatment results met their expectations. With the new multiple-pass algorithm, 87% observed immediate tightening, 92% had the tightening six months after treatment, 5% found the procedure too painful, while 94% found the treatment results met their expectations. CONCLUSIONS Patient feedback on heat sensation is a valid, preferable method for optimal energy selection in monopolar radiofrequency skin-tightening treatments. [source] Warm and Neutral Tumescent Anesthetic Solutions Are Essential Factors for a Less Painful InjectionDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2006CHIH-HSUN YANG MD BACKGROUND Tumescent local anesthesia is widely used in dermatologic surgery. Minimizing pain associated with injections is crucial to successful surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the pain associated with warm and room temperatures in neutralized or nonneutralized tumescent anesthetic solutions injection. METHODS Thirty-six patients with axilla osmidrosis who underwent local anesthesia for surgery were randomly assigned to three groups. Group A received warm neutral (40°C) and room-temperature neutral (22°C) tumescent injections to each axillary region. Group B received warm neutral (pH 7.35) and warm nonneutral (pH 4.78) tumescent injections on each side of axilla. Group C received warm nonneutral and room-temperature nonneutral tumescent injections on each side of axilla. Pain associated with infiltration of anesthesia was rated on a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS A statistically significant decrease (p < .001) in pain sensation was reported on the warm, neutral injection side (mean rating, 32.7 mm) compared with the room-temperature, neutral injection side (mean rating, 53.3 mm). Patient-reported pain intensity was significantly lower on the side that received warm, neutral tumescent anesthesia (mean rating, 26.8 mm) than on the side receiving warm, nonneutral tumescent anesthesia (mean rating, 44.9 mm; p < .001). The difference in VAS scores between warm neutral (mean rating, 23.9 mm) and room-temperature nonneutral (mean rating, 61.2 mm) was statistically significant (p < .001). CONCLUSION The warm, neutral tumescent anesthetic preparation effectively suppressed patient pain during dermatologic surgical procedures. [source] Pain Sensation during Intradermal Injections of Three Different Botulinum Toxin Preparations in Different Doses and DilutionsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2006GOTTFRIED KRANZ MD BACKGROUND Pain sensation associated with injections of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is commonly reported. To date differences in pain sensation between the commercially available products containing BoNT have not been quantified. OBJECTIVES The pain sensations during injection of Dysport, Botox, Neurobloc, and pure saline (control) were compared. In addition, the nociceptive effect of different volumes used for the dilution of the same BoNT dose was investigated. METHODS In a prospective, double-blind, controlled trial, 10 healthy subjects were injected intradermally with Dysport (12 U), Botox (3 and 4 U), Neurobloc (150 and 300 U) reconstituted in 0.9% saline, and pure saline. Pain sensation was quantified during injections. RESULTS Neurobloc injections caused significantly more injection pain than Botox, Dysport, and saline. No significant differences between Dysport, Botox, and saline were found, although there was a trend toward less pain with pure saline injections. Higher pain levels with higher volumes could not be demonstrated significantly. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that BoNT type B injections are associated with substantial pain. There is a considerable difference between the commercially available BoNT type B compared to the two BoNT type A preparations. Therefore, considering mitigation of injection pain seems necessary when using BoNT type B. [source] Subungual Schwannoma: A Rare LocationDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2005Sang Eun Moon MD background. Schwannoma is a benign tumor of neural tissue and usually develops in deeper soft tissue. Cutaneous involvement is uncommon, and a subungual location is extremely rare. In fact, it has not been previously reported. objective. To present a case of subungual schwannoma. method. A 49-year-old man had a subungual tumor on his right thumb of 8 years duration. The lesion caused a mild stinging sensation in winter and grew slowly. The tumor was excised using a transungual approach. After closure, the wound was dressed with a trimmed original nail plate. results. The nail plate grew normally, and there was no recurrence 1 year postoperatively. conclusion. We describe a case of schwannoma that developed in the subungual area of a thumb. Although schwannoma rarely develops in this area, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subungual tumor. [source] Lidocaine Iontophoresis for Local Anesthesia Before Shave BiopsyDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2003William T. Zempsky MD Background. Lidocaine iontophoresis is a method of topical anesthesia in which lidocaine is driven into the skin under the influence of electric current. Objective. To compare lidocaine iontophoresis to placebo for topical anesthesia before shave biopsy in adult patients. Methods. This was a single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of iontophoresis of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in patients undergoing shave biopsy. Patients were evaluated for sensation to pinprick after iontophoresis. After completion of the procedure, those patients who did not receive supplemental lidocaine rated the pain associated with the procedure using a 10-cm visual analog scale. The investigator also evaluated the patient's pain after biopsy. Treatment sites were examined for evidence of adverse events such as erythema, urticaria, or burns. Results. Forty-one patients undergoing shave biopsy for evaluation of skin lesions were enrolled. Nineteen of 21 patients in the lidocaine group versus 2 of 20 placebo patients required no supplemental anesthesia (P<0.001). The pain reported by the patient on the visual analog scale subsequent to the procedure was significantly lower in the lidocaine group (P<0.001). In concordance with the results reported by the patients, investigators rated pain lower in the lidocaine group (P<0.001). Blanching and/or erythema occurring at the iontophoresis-treated site in 37 of 41 patients resolved within 1 hour. There were no other treatment-related events. Conclusions. Lidocaine iontophoresis is a safe and effective method of administering topical anesthesia before shave biopsy in adult patients. [source] Retinal Evaluation After 810 nm Dioderm Laser Removal of EyelashesDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2002Randal T. H. Pham MD background. When operating hair removal lasers on the face or in the periorbital region, even with an ocular shield in place, patients often report seeing "flashing lights" each time the laser is fired. This phenomenon suggests stimulation of retinal photoreceptors and raises laser safety issues. objective. To perform retinal electrophysiologic studies to evaluate the safety of hair removal lasers in the periorbital region. methods. Five patients with severe trichiasis secondary to trachoma were studied. The 810 nm Dioderm laser (Cynosure, Inc., Chelmsford, MA) was used to treat the eyelash follicles on the lower eyelid of each patient. Cox III metal eye shields (Oculo-Plastik, Inc., Montreal, Canada) were placed behind the eyelids of both eyes during the laser procedure. Prior to irradiation, a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation including pupillary and slit-lamp examination, funduscopy, and full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) was performed. A comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation including ERG testing was repeated 30 minutes and 3,6 months after completion of treatment. An independent blinded assessor evaluated the ERG studies. Subjective reports of laser light sensation, pain, and discomfort during and after the laser procedure were also assessed. results. There was no detectable change in slit-lamp, pupillary, or funduscopic evaluations after periorbital laser irradiation. Similarly the pre- and posttreatment ERGs were unchanged. Three patients reported seeing flashing lights during the procedure. conclusion. We found no ERG evidence of retinal damage after laser hair removal in the periorbital region, with Cox III-type ocular shields over the eyes, even when patients subjectively reported "flashing lights" during laser irradiation. [source] Clinical presentations of alopecia areataDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 4 2001Maria K. Hordinsky Alopecia areata (AA) may can occur on any hair-bearing region. Patients can develop patchy nonscarring hair loss or extensive loss of all body hair. Hair loss may fluctuate. Some patients experience recurrent hair loss followed by hair regrowth, whereas others may only develop a single patch of hair loss, never to see the disease again. Still others experience extensive loss of body hair. The heterogeneity of clinical presentations has led investigators conducting clinical therapeutic trials to typically group patients into three major groups, those with extensive scalp hair loss [alopecia totalis (AT)], extensive body hair loss [alopecia universalis (AU)], or patchy disease (AA). Treatment outcomes have been correlated with disease duration and extent. Recently, guidelines were established for selecting and assessing subjects for both clinical and laboratory studies of AA, thereby facilitating collaboration, comparison of data, and the sharing of patient-derived tissue. For reporting purposes the terms AT and AU, though still used are defined very narrowly. AT is 100% terminal scalp hair loss without any body hair loss and AU is 100% terminal scalp hair and body loss. AT/AU is the term now recommended to define the presence of AT with variable amounts of body hair loss. In this report the term AA will be used broadly to encompass the many presentations of this disease. Development of AA may occur with changes in other ectodermal-derived structures such as fingernails and toenails. Some investigators have also suggested that other ectodermal-derived appendages as sebaceous glands and sweat glands may be affected in patients experiencing AA. Whether or not function of these glands is truly impaired remains to be confirmed. Many patients who develop patchy or extensive AA complain of changes in cutaneous sensation, that is, burning, itching, tingling, with the development of their disease. Similar symptoms may occur with hair regrowth. The potential involvement of the nervous system in AA has led to morphologic investigations of the peripheral nervous system as well as analysis of circulating neuropeptide levels. In this article the clinical presentations of AA are reviewed. The guidelines for conducting treatment studies of AA are presented and observations on changes in cutaneous innervation are introduced. Throughout the text, unless otherwise noted, AA will be used in a general way to denote the spectrum of this disease. [source] The relationship between unimanual capacity and bimanual performance in children with congenital hemiplegiaDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2010LEANNE SAKZEWSKI Aim, This study explores the relationship between unimanual capacity and bimanual performance for children with congenital hemiplegia aged 5 to 16 years. It also examines the relationship between impairments and unimanual capacity and bimanual performance. Method, Participants in this cross-sectional study attended a screening assessment before participating in a large, randomized trial. They comprised 70 children with congenital hemiplegia (39 males, 31 females; mean age 10y 6mo, SD 3y); 18 were classified in the Manual Ability Classification System level I, 51 in level II, and one in level III. Eighteen were in Gross Motor Function Classification System, level I and 52 in level II. Sixty-five participants had spasticity and five had dystonia and spasticity. Fifteen typically developing children (7 males, 8 females; mean age 8y 8mo, SD 2y 7mo), matched to study participants for age and sex, were recruited as a comparison group for measures of sensation, grip strength, and movement efficiency. Outcome measures for unimanual capacity were the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function (MUUL), and the Jebsen,Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). The Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) evaluated bimanual performance. Upper limb impairments were measured using assessments of stereognosis, moving two-point discrimination, spasticity, and grip strength. Results, There was a strong relationship between unimanual capacity (MUUL) and bimanual performance (AHA; r=0.83). Linear regression indicated MUUL and stereognosis accounted for 75% of the variance in AHA logit scores. Sensory measures were moderately correlated with unimanual capacity and bimanual performance. Age, sex, and grip strength did not significantly influence bimanual performance. There was no difference between children with right- and left-sided hemiplegia for motor performance. Interpretation, Findings of our study confirm a strong relationship between unimanual capacity and bimanual performance in a cohort of children with congenital hemiplegia. However, the directionality of the relationship is unknown and therapists cannot assume improvements in unimanual capacity will lead to gains in bimanual performance. [source] MafA transcription factor identifies the early ret-expressing sensory neuronsDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Laure Lecoin Abstract Dorsal root ganglia proceed from the coalescence of cell bodies of sensory neurons, which have migrated dorsoventrally from the delaminating neural crest. They are composed of different neuronal subtypes with specific sensory functions, including nociception, thermal sensation, proprioception, and mechanosensation. In contrast to proprioceptors and thermonociceptors, little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing the early commitment and later differentiation into mechanosensitive neurons. This is mainly due to the absence of specific molecular markers for this particular cell type. Using knockout mice, we identified the bZIP transcription factor MafA as the first specific marker of a subpopulation of "early c-ret" positive neurons characterized by medium-to-large diameters. This marker will allow further functional characterization of these neurons. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70:485,497, 2010 [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||