Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An improved digital image watermarking scheme using the discrete Fourier transform and singular value decomposition

The paper presents an improved digital image watermarking algorithm by incorporating the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and singular value decomposition (SVD). The Fourier transformed carrier image is decomposed into four different frequency subbands by the proposed onion peel decomposition (OPD) algorithm and the SVD-based watermarking scheme is applied to attach the transformed watermark in all four carrier subbands. The proposed inverse OPD algorithm together with inverse DFT is utilized to reconstruct the watermarked image from the frequency blocks. The watermark extraction algorithm is simple and it performs the inverse of watermarking process. The experimental analysis on different images shows that the proposed algorithm produces good quality watermarked images. The watermarks extracted from watermarked images inflicted with potential attacks are also of better perception quality than those produced by other prominent algorithms in terms of subjective and objective metrics.
Construction of the Plasmid pCMV4-rZPC′ DNA Vaccine and Analysis of Its Contraceptive Potential1

Abstract Zona pellucida C (ZPC) is a major glycoprotein of the zona pellucida that possesses the sperm receptor function. ZPC induces autoantibody that can block sperm/oocyte interaction. We selected the partial sequence of rabbit ZPC (amino acid 263–415, rZPC′) as the target and constructed the pCMV4-rZPC′ gene vaccine by using DNA recombinant techniques. The total RNA was extracted from the ovaries of the sexually healthy female rabbit, and the rZPC′ cDNA, which was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, was directly inserted into the cloning vector PCR2.1 to construct the PCR2.1-rZPC′. This insertion fragment was subcloned into the pCMV4 vector to form the pCMV4-rZPC′ prototype DNA vaccine. All experimental BALB/C mice and New Zealand rabbits received i.m. injection of pCMV4-rZPC′ vaccine three times. The results show that 1) the pCMV4-rZPC′ construct expresses rZPC′ cDNA in mice muscle cells, 2) 60% of the immunized female mice were infertile at 6 wk after the immunization, 3) the mice immunized with pCMV4-rZPC′ DNA vaccine developed anti-rZPC antibodies that bound to the ovarian ZP in situ, and 4) antibodies against rZPC′ were also bound to normal animal ovarian ZP in vitro. The results indicate that anti-rZPC antibodies developed from pCMV4-rZPC′ DNA vaccine can prevent the fertility course and do not interfere with normal follicular development. The pCMV4-rZPC′ DNA vaccine may be possible to develop as a contraceptive vaccine.
Aging Effect on Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential

Objective: Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) is applied to explore the integrity of sacculocollic reflex. Although tests to evaluate vestibular-ocular reflex pathway have shown that vestibular function is adversely affected by aging, VEMP, in this study, is used as a novel test to define how aging influences sacculocollic reflex pathway. Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: Academic tertiary referral center. Subjects: Eighty normal subjects, equally divided into four groups according to their age, were enrolled to this study. Group I included patients aged <20 years, Group II patient ages ranged from 21 to 40 years, Group III patients were 41 to 60 years, and Group IV included patients older than 60 years. Interventions: Recordings of VEMP responses. Main Outcome Measures: The response rate and parameters of VEMP, including p13 latency, n23 latency, amplitude, and interaural difference ratio. Results: The VEMP response rates from Groups I to IV was 98%, 98%, 90%, and 60%, respectively, disclosing a significant difference only between Group IV and other groups (p < 0.05). The amplitude was negatively correlated with age in contrast to the n23 latency, correlating positively with age; both reached a significant difference (p < 0.05). Although the p13 latency had a trend to prolong as age increased, no significant correlation existed (p < 0.06). Moreover, the interaural difference ratio was also not significantly correlated with age. Conclusions: As age increased over 60 years, the VEMP response rate decreased dramatically. While age increased, the VEMP amplitude decreased in comparison to n23 latency prolonged. These findings might suggest that aging could deteriorate the saccular and corresponding neural functions. When interpreting the VEMP parameters, it should be kept in mind that aging could affect VEMP responses. Based on this study, we suggest establishing different reference values according to different age groups when evaluating VEMP response in patients with vestibular diseases.
Short course therapy with cefuroxime axetil for acute otitis media: results of a randomized multicenter comparison with amoxicillin/clavulanate.

BACKGROUND Otitis media is a common infection of childhood. Increasing antibiotic resistance rates among the principal causative pathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, are associated with failure of first line agents. OBJECTIVE This open, randomized, multicenter study compared the clinical efficacy of a short 5-day course of cefuroxime axetil (CAE) suspension with that of amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/CA) suspension for 8 or 10 days. METHODS Children age 6 to 36 months with acute otitis media with effusion, diagnosed by tympanocentesis and microbiologic culture, were randomized to receive CAE (30 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for 5 days) or A/CA 40 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for 10 days (A/CA-10). In French centers A/CA was given at 80 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for 8 days (A/CA-8). Patients were assessed 1 to 4 days after completing the course (posttreatment) and followed up at 21 to 28 days after completing the course. RESULTS Of the 716 patients randomized, 252 were treated with CAE, 255 with A/CA-10 and 209 with A/CA-8. In the clinically evaluable population, the proportions of patients with clinical cure at posttreatment were 175 of 203 (86%), 181 of 205 (88%) and 145 of 164 (88%) in the CAE, A/CA-10 and A/CA-8 groups, respectively, demonstrating equivalence among the three treatments. For patients <18 months old, clinical cures were 111 of 134 (83%), 116 of 131 (89%) and 83 of 99 (84%) in the CAE, A/CA-10 and A/CA-8 groups, respectively; equivalence was also demonstrated. At follow-up, 130 of 175 (74%) CAE, 121 of 172 (70%) A/CA-10, and 112 of 142 (79%) A/CA-8 had maintained cure. A total of 837 pretreatment pathogens were isolated from middle ear fluid in 73% (522 of 716) patients, the majority of isolates were S. pneumoniae (30%) and H. influenzae (27%). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, the incidence of drug-related diarrhea being higher in the A/CA-10 group (18%) than in either the CAE or A/CA-8 groups (10%). CONCLUSIONS A 5-day course of CAE, given twice daily, was shown to be equivalent to the two regimens of A/CA for treatment of acute otitis media with effusion in children.
Positive correlation of plasma PCSK9 levels with HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been demonstrated to be involved in not only lipid metabolism but also glucose homeostasis. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a ‘gold standard’ for monitoring long‐term glycaemic control. However, the correlation of plasma PCSK9 levels with HbA1c remains undetermined.
What is quality in maternity care? An international perspective

This paper delineates important considerations for having a better understanding of quality in maternity care. High quality requires providing a minimum level of care to all pregnant women and their new born babies and a higher level of care to those who need it; obtaining the best possible medical outcome of mother and baby; providing care which satisfies users and providers; and maintaining sound managerial and financial performance. While all these aspects are important, prioritizing among interventions to improve them will be influenced by cultural values, expectations and available resources.
The role of Allium cepa on aluminum-induced reproductive dysfunction in experimental male rat models

AIM: Reproductive toxicity is a major challenge associated with aluminum (Al) exposure. Studies that associated Al with reproductive dysfunction did not account for the possible influence of Allium cepa extract. This study, therefore, investigates the influence of A. cepa on aluminum-induced reproductive dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six male rats per group were assigned to one of the following four treatment groups: The control animals were on control diet. A. cepa-treated rats received 1 ml of the extract/100 g body weight (BW), Al-treated rats received 100 mg AlCl3 /kg BW, and A.cepa+Al received 1 ml of the extract/100 g BW plus 100 mg AlCl3 /kg BW. Rats were orally administered their respective doses. A. cepa treatment was for 8 weeks, while Al treatment was for the last 3 days of the experimental period. RESULTS: Results obtained showed that Al significantly decreased (P < 0.05) plasma testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), sperm count, motility, morphology and viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while lipid peroxidation index [malondialdehyde (MDA)] was significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Reproductive hormones (except testosterone), sperm qualities, and enzymatic antioxidants were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in A. cepa-treated rats and A. cepa plus Al-treated rats, while MDA was significantly (P < 0.05) improved. Weights of testes were comparable in all groups. CONCLUSION: It is thus suggested that Al exerts reproductive dysfunction by oxidative damage. A. cepa antagonizes the toxic effects of AlCl3 and improves the antioxidant status and sperm quality of male rat. However, testosterone level did not increase with A. cepa treatment.
Some measurements of fitness in older female employees of a Toronto department store.

WOMEN 40 years of age and over form a substantial and increasing part of the total labour force in most nations. Little scientific interest, however, has been shown in the fitness of this segment of the population. A review of cardiorespiratory performance1 noted only two papers on older women,2'3 each dealing with rather small numbers of subjects. Of two further recent reports, one considered the results for five men and three women jointly,4 while the other described findings on a larger group of subjects during very mild exercise.5 Other in¬ vestigators have described the strength6 and the state of nutrition79 of older women, but there has as yet been no broadly based study of fit¬ ness for this age group. Accordingly, we have carried out a detailed study of 62 women rang¬ ing in age from 41 to 69 years, all drawn from a distinct occupational group.the employees of
ABERRANT AMYGDALA–FRONTAL CORTEX CONNECTIVITY DURING PERCEPTION OF FEARFUL FACES AND AT REST IN GENERALIZED SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

Generalized social anxiety disorder (gSAD) is characterized by exaggerated amygdala reactivity to social signals of threat, but if and how the amygdala interacts with functionally and anatomically connected prefrontal cortex (PFC) remains largely unknown. Recent evidence points to aberrant amygdala connectivity to medial PFC in gSAD at rest, but it is difficult to attribute functional relevance without the context of threat processing. Here, we address this by studying amygdala–frontal cortex connectivity during viewing of fearful faces and at rest in gSAD patients.
What Affects the Recurrence and Clinical Outcome of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis?

Studies investigating the outcome of pigmented villonodular synovitis have been restricted to certain locations or types of the disease and have not provided adequate documentation of followup. We asked the following questions: What were the recurrence rates especially when considering location and type of pigmented villonodular synovitis? ; What was the long-term clinical outcome? ; and Was MR imaging essential for the correct diagnosis? We retrospectively reviewed 42 of 53 consecutive patients primarily treated at our institution (19 diffuse lesions and 23 nodular lesions in 19 large joints and 23 digits of the hands or feet). Ten patients had recurrences after an average followup of 80 months (range, 26-293.8 months). Recurrences were more frequent for the diffuse type than the nodular type and in large joints rather than in digits. The average Enneking score was 92% of normal limb function indicating that surgical treatment led to good functional results. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging results corresponded well with histologic diagnoses and intraoperative findings.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Los recursos naturales como palanca del desarrollo en América del Sur: ¿Ficción o realidad?

Este libro compila las ponencias presentadas en el Seminario “Recursos Naturales y Enfermedad Holandesa en America Latina”. El Seminario tuvo lugar en la Facultad de Ciencias Economicas de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) el 2 de diciembre de 2011 con apoyo de CAF Banco de Desarrollo de America Latina y de Centro internacional de investigaciones para el desarrollo (IDRC-CRDI).
Platelet Factor 4 Inhibits Proliferation and Cytokine Release of Activated Human T Cells1

Platelet factor 4 (PF-4), a platelet-derived CXC chemokine, has been shown to induce the differentiation of monocytes into a subset of macrophages that lack the expression of HLA-DR Ag. This suggests a potential role for PF-4 in the modulation of monocyte-dependent T cell activation. Using an Ag-specific stimulation model in which T cells were cocultured with monocytes in the presence of recall Ags, we could show that under these conditions PF-4-treatment caused a strong decrease of T cell proliferation as well as of IFN-γ release. However, inhibition of T cell functions such as proliferation, IL-2 release, and IL-2 mRNA production did also occur when isolated T cells were activated in the absence of monocytes with immobilized Abs directed against CD3 in combination with cross-linked anti-CD28 Abs. The effect could be reversed when low concentrations of exogenous IL-2 instead of anti-CD28 were used as a costimulus in combination with anti-CD3 Abs. Further evidence for direct modulation of T cell function by PF-4 was obtained by the detection of specific binding sites for the chemokine on the surface of these cells. Taken together, our results show that specific binding of PF-4, resulting in the down-regulation of the IL-2-release correlates with the inhibition of functions in activated T cells.
Study of the Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor in Greek women with gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed whether the Trp(64)Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor (beta3-AR), which has been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, weight gain, and earlier onset of type 2 diabetes, is more frequent in women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or whether it is associated with weight gain during pregnancy RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 311 Greek pregnant women (180 with GDM and 131 without GDM [control]) who underwent a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the third trimester of pregnancy were genotyped for the beta3-AR Arg(64) polymorphism. Insulin levels were also determined during the OGTT. RESULTS The frequency of Trp(64)Arg heterozygotes in this population was approximately 7% and was similar in the GDM and control groups (6.7 vs. 6.9%) as well as in the obese (BMI > or =27 kg/m2) and the nonobese (6.3 vs. 6.8%) subgroups. In the GDM group, BMI, fasting insulin resistance index, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in Trp(64)Arg carriers; these differences were no longer observed when obesity was considered. In the 4 subgroups (control Trp(64)Trp and Trp(64)Arg and GDM Trp(64)Trp and Trp(64)Arg), a highly significant trend was evident of an increase in the percentage of subjects with shorter height. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of the Arg(64) allele in Greek pregnant women is relatively rare compared with other ethnic groups and is probably not related to the development of GDM or obesity The observed tendency for shorter body height in Arg(64) carriers merits further evaluation in larger population samples.
Applicability of a Vacuum Interrupter as the Basic Switch Element in HVDC Breakers

High voltage, high current vacuum interrupters were experimentally tested in a simulated HVDC breaker circuit. Fault currents which rose to ~10 kA in 5 mS were commutated to zero by a charged capacitor in 5-10 ¿S. Negative recovery voltage across the interrupter developed to 150 kV in 1-2 XIS and positive recovery voltage to 110 kV in 50-60 ¿S. Either a saturable or linear reactor was placed in series with the interrupter. Results indicate that a linear reactor sufficies for reliable interruption of 8 KA dc against >100 kV.
IMPROVED VISUALIZATION OF POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY LESIONS USING SPECTRAL-DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

Purpose: To report the tomographic features of vascular lesions beneath the retinal pigment epithelium in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Design: Retrospective observational case series. Methods: Angiograms and images obtained using the prototype SD-OCT system were compared for 21 eyes of 21 patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy to identify sub-retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities visible on three-dimensional and enhanced SD-OCT images. Results: On angiography, a branching vascular network and at least 1 polypoidal lesion were visible in all 21 eyes; 10 eyes also had pigment epithelial detachment (PED). SD-OCT revealed a thin straight line of high reflectivity—Bruch’s membrane—associated with the branching vascular network in all 21 eyes, polypoidal lesions, 19 (90%) of the 21 eyes; and PED, 9 (90%) of the 10 eyes with PED. The vascular abnormalities of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (polypoidal lesion and branching vascular network) identified with angiograms were visualized on SD-OCT images in 20 of the 21 eyes (95%) as areas of moderate reflectivity between the clearly delineated abnormal section of retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch’s membrane. Conclusions: Enhanced SD-OCT imaging clearly depicted Bruch’s membrane beneath areas of abnormal retinal pigment epithelium in the same locations where the vascular abnormalities of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy were evident on angiography.
The social security reform process in Italy: where do we stand?

A reform process is underway in Italy. Achieving financial sustainability of the social security system has been the first objective characterizing the reforms of 1990s, but these have also introduced rules which aim at a more actuarially fair system. Indeed the social security system prevailing in Italy, financed on a PAYG basis, was, at the end of the 1980s, clearly unsustainable and also extremely unfair to some group of workers, enacting a form of perverse redistribution which is typical of ‘final salary’ defined benefit systems. It was also a system characterized by strong incentives to retire early. In this paper we briefly describe the different regimes of the Italian pension system in its recent history and focus on some aspects of the reform process taking place during the 1990s. Since economists and policy makers are still struggling to assess the results and the long-term effects of these reforms we provide both a survey of this debate and some fresh evidence on the evaluation of the policy changes. We carry out this analysis with a particular emphasis on two aspects which are relevant in the debate. On the one hand we stress the role of economic incentives and the overall fiscal implications of changing the systems as well as these incentives. On the other hand we emphasize the intergenerational considerations and the political implications of the ageing process of the Italian population. From our description it emerges that the overall design of the Italian reform is probably a good one, and yet some more steps need to be taken to speed up some of the positive effects of the reform process that, due the adverse demographic trends affecting PAYG systems as well as the political arena, could easily evaporate.
Low-dose whole brain radiotherapy combined with radiosurgery for primary CNS lymphoma achieving partial response to induction methotrexate-based chemotherapy.

Purpose For patients with primary CNS lymphoma who achieve complete response (CR) after induction methotrexate-based chemotherapy with rituximab, low-dose whole brain radiation therapy (LD-WBRT) appears effective and is well tolerated. For patients who respond to induction methotrexate-based chemotherapy with or without rituximab but have unifocal residual disease less than 3 cm in size, we hypothesized that LD-WBRT combined with radiosurgery would be effective at controlling residual disease and well tolerated. Methods Four adult patients with primary CNS lymphoma with a favorable response to induction chemotherapy but had residual disease less than 3 cm were identified. Induction chemotherapy consisted of methotrexate with or without additional agents including rituximab. LD-WBRT comprised 2340 cGy in 13 fractions. This was immediately preceded or followed by a single radiosurgery treatment of 12 12.5 Gy to the focus of residual disease defined on contrast enhanced T1 weighted MRI. Results The median follow-up was 17.1 months (range 10-23 months). All patients had residual disease after induction chemotherapy but achieved complete response (CR) following LD-WBRT and radiosurgery. Three patients remained free of disease. One patient developed distant brain recurrence 12 months after radiation but remained alive at last follow-up (17 months). No treatment-related neurotoxicity was observed. Conclusions The combination of induction methotrexate-based chemotherapy with or without rituximab, LD-WBRT and radiosurgery appears effective and well tolerated in patients with primary CNS lymphoma who achieve a partial response (PR) to chemotherapy with minimal residual disease. Longer follow-up and larger patient numbers are clearly needed for confirmation.