Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weight change and androgen levels during contraceptive treatment of women affected by polycystic ovary.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral contraceptive Diane 35 (ethinylestradiol + cyproteroneacetate EE/CPA) which is widely used in the treatment of PCOS in Europe, on body weight, lipid levels and endocrine parameters in non-obese women with PCOS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Nineteen PCOS women were examined in the early follicular phase of menstrual cycle, blood samples for the estimation of cholesterol (C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were taken before the start of treatment with Diane 35 and again after 7 +/- 3.8 months of treatment with Diane 35. Body weight (W) was recorded at the time of both examinations. RESULTS After the treatment with Diane 35 the levels of W (p<0.05), total C (p<0.05), TG (p<0.004) and SHBG (p<0.0001) increased significantly. In addition, significant negative correlation between SHBG levels before treatment and increase of W after Diane 35 was found (r= -0.56; p<0.02). Increase of W correlated negatively with T before treatment (r= 0.58; p< .02) and positively with the change in T level after treatment (r=0.50; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Increase of body weight in a significant number of PCOS-affected women was seen after treatment with Diane 35 and it is assumed to blunt ameliorating effects of this treatment on androgen levels. Considering our findings, we conclude that the treatment with CPA/EE can result in significant weight gain ameliorating positive effects of the treatment on androgen levels. These findings could underline the necessity of the finding new therapeutical options for PCOS, besides contraception. Studies concerning body composition during contraceptive treatment in PCOS would be also useful in the future.
Inconsistency of Bayesian Inference for Misspecified Linear Models, and a Proposal for Repairing It

We empirically show that Bayesian inference can be inconsistent under misspecification in simple linear regression problems, both in a model averaging/selection and in a Bayesian ridge regression setting. We use the standard linear model, which assumes homoskedasticity, whereas the data are heteroskedastic, and observe that the posterior puts its mass on ever more high-dimensional models as the sample size increases. To remedy the problem, we equip the likelihood in Bayes' theorem with an exponent called the learning rate, and we propose the Safe Bayesian method to learn the learning rate from the data. SafeBayes tends to select small learning rates as soon the standard posterior is not `cumulatively concentrated', and its results on our data are quite encouraging.
Neisseria wadsworthii sp. nov. and Neisseria shayeganii sp. nov., isolated from clinical specimens.

An analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences from archived clinical reference specimens has identified two novel Neisseria species. For each species, two strains from independent sources were identified. Amongst species with validly published names, the closest species to the newly identified organisms were Neisseria canis, N. dentiae, N. zoodegmatis, N. animaloris and N. weaveri. DNA-DNA hybridization studies demonstrated that the newly identified isolates represent species that are distinct from these nearest neighbours. Analysis of partial 23S rRNA gene sequences for the newly identified strains and their nearest neighbours provided additional support for the species designation. Bayesian analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that the newly identified isolates belong to distinct but related species of the genus Neisseria, and are members of a clade that includes N. dentiae, N. bacilliformis and N. canis. The predominant cellular fatty acids [16 : 0, summed feature 3 (16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-15 : 0 2-OH) and 18 : 1ω7c], as well as biochemical and morphological analyses further support the designation of Neisseria wadsworthii sp. nov. (type strain 9715(T) =DSM 22247(T) =CIP 109934(T)) and Neisseria shayeganii sp. nov. (type strain 871(T) =DSM 22246(T) =CIP 109933(T)).
Head-Slaved Tracking in a See-Through HMD: The Effects of a Secondary Visual Monitoring Task on Performance and Workload

Technological advances in helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) have permitted the design of “see-through” displays in which virtual imagery may be superimposed upon real visual environments. The utility of see-through displays in multitask environments remains uncertain, especially in environments that involve switching one's attention between those tasks represented in the virtual display and those existing in the real world. The present study was designed to assess the effects of a secondary visual monitoring task on performance and workload in a head-slaved tracking task. Participants attempted to center a reticle over a moving circular target using a Kaiser Electronics SimEye 2500 HMD while concurrently performing the visual monitoring task component of the Multi-Attribute Task Battery (MATB; Comstock & Arnegard, 1992), which was displayed on a computer monitor. Task difficulty for the head-slaved tracking task was varied by manipulating time delay. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for practical implementation of see-through HMDs in multi-task environments.
Measuring spectral and temporal resolution simultaneously: A comparison between two tests

Abstract Objective: Spectral- and temporal-resolution tests are seldom used in clinical practice despite their proven relevance for patients' speech understanding in noise and expected importance for hearing-aid fitting. The aim here was to investigate and compare two clinically applicable tests (‘tone test’ and ‘sweep test’) that measure both spectral and temporal resolution simultaneously. Design: Experiments were conducted monaurally via headphones. After examining test-retest reliabilities and learning effects we compared results from tone and sweep tests to results from conventional spectral and temporal-resolution tests and to speech perception in noise scores. Study Sample: A group of five normal-hearing listeners (aged 18–42 years, median 19) and 15 (sensorineurally) hearing-impaired listeners (aged 20–68 years, median 56). Results: It was found that the tone test corresponded much better to the conventional methods than the sweep test. Relating spectral and temporal-resolution results to speech perception in noise scores showed that the tone test seems to be slightly more relevant for speech perception than the sweep test. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the tone test (after modifications we suggest, based on our findings) is a fast and reliable test that is suitable for measuring spectral and temporal resolution in a clinical setting. Sumario Objetivo: Pocas veces se utilizan las pruebas espectrales y de resolución temporal en la práctica clínica a pesar de su probada relevancia en el reconocimiento del lenguaje en ruido y la expectativa de su importancia en la adaptación de auxiliares auditivos. El objetivo aquí fue investigar y comparar dos pruebas aplicables en la clínica (“prueba de tono” y “prueba de barrido”) que mide la resolución espectral y la temporal simultáneamente. Diseño: Los experimentos realizados fueron monoaurales por medio de auriculares. Después de examinar la confiabilidad test-retest y el efecto aprendizaje, comparamos los resultados de las pruebas de tono y de barrido con los resultados de las pruebas convencionales de resolución temporal y espectral y con los resultados de la percepción del lenguaje en ruido. Muestra: Un grupo de cinco sujetos normoyentes (edad 18-42, media 19) y cinco sujetos con hipoacusia sensorineural (edad 20-68 años, media 56). Resultados: Encontramos que la prueba de tono corresponde mucho mejor con los métodos convencionales que con la prueba de barrido. Con respecto a los resultados de la resolución temporal y espectral de la percepción del lenguaje en ruido, los resultados mostraron que la prueba de tono parece ser un poco más relevante para la percepción del lenguaje que la prueba de barrido. Conclusiones: En conclusión se puede concluir que la prueba de tono (después de modificaciones que sugerimos basados en nuestros hallazgos) es una prueba rápida, confiable y es apropiada para medir la resolución espectral y temporal en la clínica.
Sustained cocaine abstinence in methadone maintenance patients through voucher-based reinforcement therapy.

BACKGROUND Chronic cocaine abuse remains a serious and costly public health problem. This study assessed the effectiveness of a voucher-based reinforcement contingency in producing sustained cocaine abstinence. METHODS A randomized controlled trial compared voucher-based reinforcement of cocaine abstinence to noncontingent voucher presentation. Patients were selected from 52 consecutively admitted injecting heroin abusers in a methadone maintenance treatment program. Patients with heavy cocaine use during baseline period (N = 37) participated. Except where otherwise indicated, the term cocaine abuse is used in this article in a generic sense and not according to the DSM-III-R definition. Patients exposed to abstinence reinforcement received a voucher for each cocaine-free urine sample (ie, negative for benzoylecgonine) provided three times per week throughout a 12-week period; the vouchers had monetary values that increased as the number of consecutive cocaine-free urine samples increased. Control patients received noncontingent vouchers that were matched in pattern and amount to the vouchers received by patients in the abstinence reinforcement group. RESULTS Patients receiving vouchers for cocaine-free urine samples achieved significantly more weeks of cocaine abstinence (P = .007) and significantly longer durations of sustained cocaine abstinence (P = .001) than controls. Nine patients (47%) receiving vouchers for cocaine-free urine samples achieved between 7 and 12 weeks of sustained cocaine abstinence; only one control patient (6%) achieved more than 2 weeks of sustained abstinence. Among patients receiving vouchers for cocaine-free urine samples, those who achieved sustained abstinence ( > or = 5 weeks) had significantly lower concentrations of benzoylecgonine in baseline urine samples than those who did not achieve sustained abstinence (P < or = .01). Patients receiving voucher reinforcement rated the overall treatment quality significantly higher than controls (P = .002). CONCLUSION Voucher-based reinforcement contingencies can produce sustained cocaine abstinence in injecting polydrug abusers.
Validity of the Omron HJ-112 pedometer during treadmill walking.

PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to examine the validity of step counts measured with the Omron HJ-112 pedometer and to assess the effect of pedometer placement. METHODS Ninety-two subjects (44 males and 48 females; 71 with body mass index [BMI] <30 kg.m and 21 with BMI >or=30 kg.m) completed three, 12-min bouts of treadmill walking at speeds of 1.12, 1.34, and 1.56 mxs. A subset (21 males and 23 females; 38 BMI <30 kg.m and 6 BMI >or=30 kg.m) completed a variable walking condition. For all conditions, participants wore an Omron HJ-112 pedometer on the hip, in the pants pocket, in the chest shirt pocket, and around the neck. Hip pedometer placement was alternated between right and left sides with the Yamax Digiwalker SW-701. During each walk, an investigator recorded actual steps with a manual hand counter. RESULTS There was no substantial bias with the Omron in any speed condition (-0.1% to 0.5%). Bias was larger with the Yamax (-3.6% to 2.0%). The largest random error for the Omron was 3.7% in the variable-speed condition for the BMI <30 kg.m group, whereas random errors for the Yamax were larger and up to 20%. None of the Omron placement positions produced statistically significant bias. Hip mounting produced the smallest random error (1.2%), followed by shirt pocket (1.7%), neck (2.2%), and pants pocket (5.8%). CONCLUSION The Omron HJ-112 pedometer validly assesses steps in different BMI groups during constant- and variable-speed walking; other than that in the pants pocket, placement of the pedometer has little effect on validity.
Incorporation In Vivo of Radioisotopic Precursors into Seromucoid Proteins in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

In vivo incorporations of (14)C-leucine and (3)H-galactose into the seromucoid proteins are decreased in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The decrease in galactose incorporation is greater than that of leucine, and suggests that streptozotocin diabetes influences the metabolism of both the protein and sugar moieties of seromucoid glycoproteins.
Spatial distribution of “tissue‐specific” antigens in the developing human heart and skeletal muscle III. An immunohistochemical analysis of the distribution of the neural tissue antigen G1N2 in the embryonic heart; implications for the development of the atrioventricular conduction system

A monoclonal antibody raised against an extract from the Ganglion Nodosum of the chick and designated GIN2 proves to bind specifically to a subpopulation of cardiomyocytes in the embryonic human heart. In the youngest stage examined (Carnegie stage 14, i. e., 4 1/2 weeks of development) these GIN2‐expressing cells are localized in the myocardium that surrounds the foramen between the embryonic left and right ventricle. In the lesser curvature of the cardiac loop this “primary” ring occupies the lower part of the wall of the atrioventricular canal. During subsequent development, GIN2‐expressing cells continue to identify the entrance to the right ventricle, but the shape of the ring changes as a result of the tissue remodelling that underlies cardiac septation. During the initial phases of this process the staining remains recognizable as a continuous band of cells in the myocardium that surrounds the developing right portion of the atrioventricular canal, subendocardially in the developing interventricular septum and around the junction of the embryonic left ventricle with the subaortic portion of the outflow tract. During the later stages of cardiac septation, the latter part of the ring discontinues to express GIN2, while upon the completion of septation, no GIN2‐expressing cardiomyocytes can be detected anymore. The topographic distribution pattern of GIN suggests that the definitive ventricular conduction system derives from a ring of cells that initially surrounds the “primary” interventricular foramen. The results indicate that the atrioventricular bundle and bundle branches develop from GIN2‐expressing myocytes in the interventricular septum, while the “compact” atrioventricular node develops at the junction of the band of GIN2‐positive cells in the right atrioventricular junction (the right atrioventricular ring bundle) and the (“pentrating”) atrioventricular bundle. A “dead‐end tract” represents remnants of conductive tissue in the anterior part of the top of the interventricular septum. The location of the various components of the avian conduction system is topographically homologous with that of the GIN2‐ring in the human embryonic heart, indicating a phylogentically conserved origin of the conduction system in vertebrates.
Effect of Presbyopic Vision Corrections on Perceptions of Driving Difficulty

Objectives As the population ages, more people will be wearing presbyopic vision corrections when driving. However, little is known about the impact of these vision corrections on driving performance. This study aimed to determine the subjective driving difficulties experienced when wearing a range of common presbyopic contact lens and spectacle corrections. Methods A questionnaire was developed and piloted that included a series of items regarding difficulties experienced while driving under daytime and nighttime conditions (rated on five-point and seven-point Likert scales). Participants included 255 presbyopic patients recruited through local optometry practices. Participants were categorized into five age-matched groups; including those wearing no vision correction for driving (n = 50), bifocal spectacles (n = 54), progressive spectacles (n = 50), monovision contact lenses (n = 53), and multifocal contact lenses (n = 48). Results Overall, ratings of satisfaction during daytime driving were relatively high for all correction types. However, multifocal contact lens wearers were significantly less satisfied with aspects of their vision during nighttime than daytime driving, particularly regarding disturbances from glare and haloes. Progressive spectacle lens wearers noticed more distortion of peripheral vision, whereas bifocal spectacle wearers reported more difficulties with tasks requiring changes of focus and those who wore no optical correction for driving reported problems with intermediate and near tasks. Overall, satisfaction was significantly higher for progressive spectacles than bifocal spectacles for driving. Conclusions Subjective visual experiences of different presbyopic vision corrections when driving vary depending on the vision tasks and lighting level. Eye-care practitioners should be aware of the driving-related difficulties experienced with each vision correction type and the need to select corrective types that match the driving needs of their patients.
[Cardiovascular responses to hypertonic NaCI injection into the anteroventral third ventricle region in rats with fructose-induced hypertension and insulin resistance].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the hemodynamic sympathetic response evoked by NaCI microinjection into the third ventricle anteroventral brain area (AV3V) in rats long-term fed with high fructose diet. METHODS Twelve male rats received 60% fructose enriched diet for 6 months. Control rats (n=12) received regular diet. RESULTS Fructose diet increased (P< .01) body weight; plasma glucose, triglycerides; cholesterol, insulin; systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Basal heart rate (HR) did not change. AV3V microinjection of 2 microL of hypertonic 1.5 M NaCI in fructose fed rats increased SBP 44.64(3.6) mm Hg, DBP 19.9(2.4) mm Hg and HR 66.2(8.4) beats/min over basal values (P< .01). In control rats, smaller responses were observed, SBP increased 28.33(3.10) mm Hg, DBP 13.0(1.9) mm Hg and HR 23.0(5.0) beats/min over basal values (P< .01). CONCLUSIONS Long-term fructose diet in rats induces cardiovascular hyperactivity of AV3V neurons to sodium chloride, and is associated to hypertension and insulin-resistance.
Joint transceiver FIR filter design for multiuser MIMO channel shortening equalization and full equalization using channel duality

In this work, joint transceiver filter design for channel shortening equalization is studied for a multiuser multiple input multiple output (MIMO) frequency selective channel. We develop algorithms for the multiuser MIMO, broadcast, multiple access, and interference channel models, where the link between these models is established via channel duality. We also provide an algorithm for full equalization of these channel models as a special case of the proposed channel shortening equalizer. The main contributions of this paper are investigating the multiuser scenario for the joint transceiver design for MIMO channel shortening equalization and extending the channel duality theorem to shortening equalization and full equalization problems.
Effects of the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® on neuroplasticity

ABSTRACT Neuroplasticity, the ability of synapses to undergo structural adaptations in response to functional demand or dysfunctions is increasingly impaired in aging and Alzheimer's disease. EGb761® has been shown in several preclinical reports to increase nearly all aspects of impaired neuroplasticity (long-term potentiation, spine density, neuritogenesis, neurogenesis). While all three fractions of constituents (ginkgolides, flavonoids, bilobalide) seem to be active, the flavonoids and specifically the aglycone isorhamnetin seem to be most relevant.
Developmental and cell‐selective variations in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor degradation by calpain

NMDA receptors play critical roles in synaptic modulation and neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated the developmental changes in NR2 cleavage by NMDA receptor‐activated calpain in cultured cortical and hippocampal neurons. Calpain activity increased with development, associated with increased expression of NMDA receptors but not of calpain I. The activation of calpain in immature and mature cortical cultures was inhibited by antagonists of NR1/2B and NR1/2A/2B receptors, whereas the inhibition of NR1/2B receptors did not alter calpain activation in mature hippocampal cultures. The degradation of NR2 subunits by calpain differed with developmental age. NR2A was not a substrate of calpain in mature hippocampal cultures, but was cleaved in immature cortical and hippocampal cultures. NR2B degradation by calpain in cortical cultures decreased with development, but the level of degradation of NR2B in hippocampal cultures did not change. The kinetics of NMDA receptor‐gated whole cell currents were also modulated by calpain activation in a manner that varied with developmental stage in vitro. In early (but not later) developmental stages, calpain activation altered the NMDA‐evoked current rise time and time constants for both desensitization and deactivation. Our data suggest that the susceptibility of the NMDA receptor to cleavage by calpain varies with neuronal maturity in a manner that may alter its electrophysiological properties.
3-D Properties of the Switching Transient in a High-Speed Avalanche Transistor Require Optimal Chip Design

We have recently shown that only a small part of a Si bipolar junction transistor (BJT) conducts the current in a short-pulsing mode (≤ 2 ns), and a complicated temporal variation takes place in the size of operating emitter-base perimeter. Namely, the switched-on region in the corner of an emitter finger first shrinks down to just a few micrometers and only then spreads to ~ 100 μm by the end of the transient. Additionally important is the demonstrated ability of a tiny filament (≤ 10 μm) to quench the switching in the entire perimeter (1.6 mm). This creates the impression that an initial triggering inhomogeneity of the smallest size will always win the switching competition. It has been shown experimentally, however, that the sharpest corners (in size) “lose out” to the ~ 100 μm corners, a fact that has not been explained so far. It is shown here using quasi-3-D modeling that an optimal curvature for the corner of an emitter finger exists that provides minimal switching delay, resulting in the shortest current pulses of the highest amplitude. This finding is especially important when designing unique subnanosecond avalanche BJTs, the 3-D transient properties of which are of major importance.