Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast and efficient FDTD analysis using non-uniform mesh for small antenna

The FDTD method is readily available for the analysis of the three-dimensional mixed-dielectric problem. However, the wavelength inside high dielectric constant material is shorter than in free space, the cell size must be determined by the shortest wavelength. The other problem of FDTD analysis is modeling the target antenna structure precisely, such as thin wires, or narrow slots that are very small compared to the main body of the other objects. If an uniform cell size is used throughout this problem, the cells in all the analysis region must be relatively small, which may greatly increase the total number of cells. To reduce the cell size and avoid an increase of the arrays in the computation, the FDTD method by using subcells in specific regions and a non-uniform mesh in the computational space has been proposed. However it has been also reported that the computation diverges if the ratio between two difference mesh sizes is larger than two. This paper presents the FDTD method by using different meshes with a large ratio of more than two. By interpolating the magnetic field component between the fine mesh and coarse mesh, the computation accuracy can be improved by a simple algorithm, and this algorithm is examined for a monopole mode patch antenna.
Comparing flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy for analyzing human sperm DNA fragmentation by TUNEL labeling

Conflicting results are reported by recent studies comparing flow cytometry (FCM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) for detecting sperm DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay. Each of the two technologies has specific peculiarities and limitations, but whereas the limitations of FM observation are well known, the biases due to the inability of FCM to recognize morphologically analyzed cells are less explored. In particular, so far, FCM analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation have included in the analyses M540 bodies, round semen structures exhibiting FSC/SSC properties similar to sperm. Semen M540 bodies, altogether with the occurrence of two sperm populations with different nuclear staining, concur to an underestimation of values of sperm DNA fragmentation by FCM. However, even considering such bias, the observed discrepancies between the performance of FM and FCM are not fully explained. We discuss here the possible variables that may affect the results of each of the two technologies and the necessary efforts to be taken to address this issue. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Long-term results of treatment of traumatic coxofemoral joint dislocation in dogs: 64 cases (1973-1992).

OBJECTIVE To determine long-term results of various treatments for traumatic coxofemoral joint dislocation in dogs. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 64 dogs that underwent closed reduction and bandage stabilization, extracapsular suture stabilization, transacetabular pinning, toggle pinning, DeVita pinning, or femoral head and neck excision. PROCEDURE Follow-up evaluations included owner evaluation (64 dogs), physical evaluation (23), and radiography (19). Follow-up time ranged from 8 to 156 months. RESULTS Owner evaluation scores after closed reduction were significantly better than scores after DeVita pinning, extracapsular suture stabilization, and femoral head and neck excision. On physical examination, 6 of 23 dogs were lame on the side of the previous dislocation. Signs of pain and crepitation were evident during palpation of 12 and 8 of 25 joints, respectively. Thirteen of 21 joints had radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease. There was a greater progression of degenerative joint disease in previously dislocated joints than in unaffected joints. There were not any significant differences between treatments in regard to results of physical and radiographic evaluation. Time between trauma and treatment and existence of concomitant injuries did not influence follow-up results, but there was a significant association between body weight and radiographic evaluation score. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Concomitant injuries do not appear to justify a worse prognosis in dogs with traumatic coxofemoral joint dislocation, nor does a delay in treatment of > 3 days. Gait abnormalities and degenerative joint disease might develop in the long term. Proper body weight should be maintained regardless of treatment.
Contract learning for self-care activities. A protocol study among chemotherapy outpatients.

Chemotherapy presents a challenge to patients and their families because of altered abilities for self-care. The nurse investigator initiated a protocol study with five patients responding to a query, "What do you need to know? ," related to chemotherapy. Evaluation was done during February and March 1989 in a private oncology/hematology clinic in Hawaii. This was an evaluative study designed to measure the effectiveness of a contract learning protocol. A descriptive case study approach was used to analyze findings. Orem's self-care deficit theory of nursing provided the theoretical framework for the protocol. Based on Orem's supportive educative system, the nurse utilized the three types of self-care requisites to develop a learning needs assessment tool. Contract learning reinforced management of self-care deficits with self-care activities. Four of the subjects were able to recognize symptoms, weigh options for actions, initiate self-care behaviors, and evaluate the effectiveness of self-care activities. Findings suggest that the protocol provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to patient's self-care deficits using adult learning principles.
Gain enhancement of a multiband square-loop patch antenna using an AMC-PEC substrate and a radome

In this paper, a high gain tetra-band microstrip patch antenna fed by a modified L-shaped strip has been designed, simulated and measured. The antenna consists of three concentric square-loop patches to support four operating modes and cover WLAN/Bluetooth, WiMAX, Mobile/Fixed satellite services, and WLAN/V2X commercial applications. In order to enhance gain of the antenna, the incorporating effect of the antenna with a superstrate and an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC)-perfect electric conductor (PEC) ground plane is investigated. It is demonstrated that the antenna gain is enhanced significantly when the superstrate is placed over the AMC-PEC ground plane based antenna. It shows a realized gain of 10.1 dBi at the first frequency band and achieves an increase in the gain by 7.5 dB. One outstanding result of the proposed design is that the air thickness between the square loops and the superstrate is about λ/40, because of the AMC-PEC ground plane. The proposed antenna has a low profile with overall dimensions of 0. 64λ×0. 64λ×0. 08λ for the frequency at 2.42 GHz. A prototype of the antenna is fabricated and tested to verify the design.
The n-PI-method for helical cone-beam CT

A new class of acquisition schemes for helical cone-beam computed tomography (CB-CT) scanning is introduced, and their effect on the reconstruction methods is analyzed. These acquisition schemes are based on a new detector shape that is bounded by the helix. It will be shown that the data acquired with these schemes are compatible with exact reconstruction methods, and the adaptation of exact reconstruction algorithms to the new acquisition geometry is described. At the same time, the so-called PI-sufficiency condition is fulfilled. Moreover, a good fit to the acquisition requirements of the various medical applications of cone-beam CT is achieved. In contrast to other helical cone-beam acquisition and reconstruction methods, the n-PI-method introduced in this publication allows for variable pitches of the acquisition helix. This additional feature will introduce a higher flexibility into the acquisition protocols of future medical cone-beam scanners. An approximative n-PI-filtered backprojection (n-PI-FBP) reconstruction method is presented and verified. It yields convincing image quality.
Hijacking oocyte DNA repair machinery in transgenesis?

Transgenesis refers to the modification of a genome to carry specified exogenous DNA sequences (transgenes, tgs) in a plant or animal; tgs are ideally transmissible through the germline. It has recently been shown that a membrane‐disrupted spermatozoon mixed with exogenous DNA can be microinjected into an unfertilized, metaphase II (mII) oocyte to generate transgenic mouse embryos and offspring. This is here referred to as metaphase II (mII) transgenesis. Exogenous DNA clearly becomes genomically integrated in this process, but how? Presumably, the integration process utilizes DNA repair and recombinational machinery resident within mII oocytes. With recent advances in the description of DNA recombination and repair per se and in relation to meiotic and mitotic cell cycles, we are now poised to explain features of mII transgenesis. Conversely, the method may of itself provide a new tool to probe these aspects of DNA metabolism. This article describes mII transgenesis in the context of DNA recombination and homeostasis in mII oocytes. A fuller understanding of the underlying recombinational mechanisms may enable improved methods of manipulating mammalian genomes and lead to gene targeting and genetic surgery in mII oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 56:319–324, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dilated cardiomyopathy in mice deficient for the lysosomal cysteine peptidase cathepsin L

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a frequent cause of heart failure and is associated with high mortality. Progressive remodeling of the myocardium leads to increased dimensions of heart chambers. The role of intracellular proteolysis in the progressive remodeling that underlies dilated cardiomyopathy has not received much attention yet. Here, we report that the lysosomal cysteine peptidase cathepsin L (CTSL) is critical for cardiac morphology and function. One-year-old CTSL-deficient mice show significant ventricular and atrial enlargement that is associated with a comparatively small increase in relative heart weight. Interstitial fibrosis and pleomorphic nuclei were found in the myocardium of the knockout mice. By electron microscopy, CTSL-deficient cardiomyocytes contained multiple large and apparently fused lysosomes characterized by storage of electron-dense heterogeneous material. Accordingly, the assessment of left ventricular function by echocardiography revealed severely impaired myocardial contraction in the CTSL-deficient mice. In addition, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings to some degree point to left ventricular hypertrophy that most likely represents an adaptive response to cardiac impairment. The histomorphological and functional alterations of CTSL-deficient hearts result in valve insufficiencies. Furthermore, abnormal heart rhythms, like supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, and first-degree atrioventricular block, were detected in the CTSL-deficient mice.
The expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and 3 in fat and placental tissue from women with gestational diabetes

The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are feedback inhibitors of signaling pathways induced by cytokines, hormones and growth factors. In the present study we measured the expression of SOCS1, SOCS3, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-6 receptor, IL-8 and leptin mRNA in paired samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and placental tissue obtained from 18 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 20 subjects with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), using quantitative RT-PCR. The patients with GDM had significantly higher IL-8 mRNA expression in VAT than the women with NGT (p = 0.007), whereas the expression of SOCS1, SOCS3 and other genes study did not differ significantly between the two groups. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that SOCS1 mRNA expression in VAT was significantly associated with prepregnancy BMI (β = −0.68, p = 0.03) and IL-8 mRNA expression (β = 0.66, p = 0.03), whereas SOCS3 mRNA expression in VAT was independently predicted by IL-6 mRNA expression (β = 0.94, p = 0.0002, R2 = 0.88). In conclusion, our results did not show significant differences in SOCS1 and SOCS3 mRNA expression in adipose and placental tissue obtained from pregnant women with and without GDM.
Frequency of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Children and Adolescents Referred to a Tertiary Care Center in Israel

Aims: To establish the frequency of dyslipidemia in obese Israeli children and adolescents and its association with other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Methods: Files of 262 patients (5.1–18.8 years) with BMI >95th percentile for age and gender were reviewed for anthropometric and biochemical parameters of CVD risk. Dyslipidemia and hypertension were defined as cut-off point ≧95th percentile of healthy children. Results: Compared to patients with normal lipid profile, dyslipidemic patients (n = 71) had significantly higher prevalence of fatty liver (p < 0.001), higher percent body fat (males, p = 0.044), and higher C-reactive protein (females, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in age, BMI-SDS, or familial CVD-related disorders. The hypertensive patients (n = 137) were significantly older than the normotensive patients (p < 0.001), had higher percent body fat (p = 0.008), larger waist circumference (p < 0.001), and higher HOMA-IR (p < 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in BMI-SDS. The most significant factors associated with CVD risk were waist circumference and insulin level. Conclusions: Obese Israeli children have high rates of CVD risk factors, most of them unrelated to BMI-SDS or age. Therefore, we recommend screening for them in obese children with increased waist circumference of any age to detect those who require more intense interventions.
A meta‐analysis of upright positions in the second stage to reduce instrumental deliveries in women with epidural analgesia

Background. Epidural analgesia is associated with an increased risk of instrumental delivery. We, in this study, present a systematic review in order to assess the effectiveness of maintaining an upright position during the second stage of labor to reduce instrumental deliveries among women choosing epidural analgesia. The study population included women with uncomplicated pregnancies at term with epidural analgesia established in the first stage of labor.
Establishing cross-sectional curves for height, weight, body mass index and waist circumference for 4- to 18-year-old Greek children, using the Lambda Mu and Sigma (LMS) statistical method.

BACKGROUND We sought to establish cross-sectional curves for body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference for 4- to 18-year-old Greek boys and girls, using the empirical distribution and the Lambda Mu and Sigma (LMS) statistical method. METHODS From March 2014 to May 2014, a total of 473,837 boys and girls aged 4 to 18 years who attended school in Greece were enrolled. The studied sample was representative, in terms of age-sex distribution and geographical region. Anthropometric indices measurements (i.e., height, weight and waist circumference) were performed and BMI was calculated and used to calculate normative values, using the percentiles of the empirical distributions and the LMS method. RESULTS Updated growth references for 4- to 18-year-old Greek children tabulated as critical percentiles and LMS values from 3 to 97 (P3, P10, P25, P50, P75, P90, P97) and smoothed curves are presented. Positive secular trends of height, weight and waist circumference were observed in children and adolescents 4 to 18 years old (all p values <0.001). At all ages, boys had higher anthropometric measurements than girls (all p values <0.01). Compared to 1998 data, mean height and weight were greater in 2014 for boys and girls at all ages. CONCLUSION Current national percentile curves for anthropometric indices could provide a more accurate estimation to assess physical growth in Greek children and adolescents. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (3): 239-248.
Methods of selecting electroencephalographic features for personal authentication

Biometric technology based on electroencephalography (EEG) identifies individuals by using personal characteristics in human brainwaves. This study aims to evaluate EEG features and channels for biometrics and to propose a methodology that selects the optimal features to discriminate individuals. Thirty healthy subjects participated in the study. While recording EEG signals from fourteen channels, subjects were asked to relax and keep eyes closed for two minutes. To evaluate intra-individual variability, we recorded EEG ten times for each subject across different days to reduce any within-day effect. From each channel, eight EEG features were calculated including alpha/beta power ratio, alpha/theta power ratio, beta/theta power ratio, median frequency, PSD entropy, permutation entropy, sample entropy, and maximum Lyapunov exponents. These features were evaluated by three feature selection algorithms based on Fisher score, reliefF, and information gain, respectively. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier along with a leave-one-out cross validation method discriminated self against others using the selected features. The best feature set was found to be composed of 23 features highly ranked on Fisher scores, which yielded a 18.56% half total error rate. In addition, EEG channels located on occipital and right temporal areas appeared to most contribute to authenticate individuals.
Haemolytic anaemia after oral self‐giving of naphthalene‐containing oil

A clinical case of suicide attempt by means of oral self‐giving of naphthalene‐containing oil in an old man was reported. Clinical features showed haemolytic anaemia supported by a decrease of haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count, an increase of bilirubin (prevalently indirect) and lactate dehydrogenase and very low levels of haptoglobin. Methaemoglobin (metHb) measured at admission to the Emergency Room and 19 days after poisoning was still above normal limits. No deficiency of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase was detected. The clinical manifestations ameliorated after treatment with concentrated red blood cells and ascorbic acid, with fast normalization of metHb. The clinical picture appeared almost normal 1 month after poisoning. The clinical diagnosis was ‘haemolytic anaemia caused by naphthalene’. Absence of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency probably reduced the severity of poisoning. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Navigation Lymphatic Supermicrosurgery for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Peripheral Lymphedema

Background: Lymphatic supermicrosurgery is becoming the treatment of choice for refractory lymphedema. Detection and anastomosis of functional lymphatic vessels are important for lymphatic supermicrosurgery. Methods Navigation lymphatic supermicrosurgery was performed using an operating microscope equipped with an integrated near-infrared illumination system (OPMI Pentero Infrared 800; Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). Eight patients with extremity lymphedema who underwent navigation lymphatic supermicrosurgery were evaluated. Results: A total of 21 lymphaticovenular anastomoses were performed on 8 limbs through 14 skin incisions. Lymphatic vessels were enhanced by intraoperative microscopic indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography in 12 of the 14 skin incisions, which resulted in early dissection of lymphatic vessels. All anastomoses showed good anastomosis patency after completion of anastomoses. Postoperative extremity lymphedema index decreased in all limbs. Conclusions: Navigation lymphatic supermicrosurgery, in which lymphatic vessels are visualized with intraoperative microscopic ICG lymphography, allows a lymphatic supermicrosurgeon to find and dissect lymphatic vessels earlier and facilitates successful performance of lymphaticovenular anastomosis.
Health Impact Assessment of PM10 Exposure in the City of Caen, France

Air pollution in Caen, a city in northwestern France, comes mainly from motor vehicles. The aim of this study was to assess the public health impact of both acute (with immediate or short-term effects) and chronic (with long-term effects) exposure to PM10 (particulate matter <10 μm). The standard World Health Organization (WHO) methodology for a health impact assessment (HIA) was used to calculate the attributable deaths and hospital admissions. Population exposure was estimated from PM10 concentrations collected by the local air quality measurement network. The relative risks were modeled with exposure-risk functions established in epidemiologic studies in the general population. The APHEA-2 program, which combines European time-series studies, was used to assess effects from acute exposures and a meta-risk was calculated from cohort studies to assess the effects of chronic exposure. The health impact of chronic exposure from 1998 through 2002 was estimated at 168 (101–238) deaths. Acute exposure (relative to a baseline level of 10 μg/m3) led to 26 (17–35) deaths and 43 (22–67) hospital admissions during this period. A 10% daily decrease in pollution would reduce the number of expected deaths from short-term exposure by 19%, while achieving compliance with European Union regulations (daily mean in 2010: 50 μg/m3) would reduce them by less than 3%. Because the health impact of the pollution in Caen is due mainly to relatively moderate levels, reducing everyday pollution levels through long-term regulation would be more beneficial than avoiding pollution peaks.
The Influence of GnRH Analog Therapy on Growth in Central Precocious Puberty.

BACKGROUND Children with central precocious puberty (CPP) present various somatic and psychological abnormalities. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate growth changes in girls with central precocious puberty treated with GnRH analog therapy and to analyze the factors affecting the auxological response to this treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 40 girls with puberty onset aged 6.0 ± 1.9 years (mean, ± SD), treated with 3.75 mg decapeptyl depot intramuscularly every 28 days. The treatment was initiated at the age of 7.5 ± 2.2 years and continued for 3.3 ± 2.3 years, until the age of 11.4 ± 0.9 years. Height (Ht), height standard deviation score (HtSDS), statural age, bone age and Ht prediction. RESULTS During the treatment a decline in HtSDS from 2.0 ± 1.36 to 1.24 ± 1.0 was observed (p = 0.0002); and a deceleration in the maturation of bones of 1.0 ± 0.29 year in the first year and 0.66 ± 0.33 year in the following years (p = 0.0008). The HtSDS at the end of the treatment was significantly higher than was predicted in pretreatment (1.33 ± 1.04 vs. 0.07 ± 1.39, p = 0.0005). Ht and HtSDS after treatment were positively correlated with the predicted Ht (PAH) before treatment and negatively correlated with the bone age/statural age ratio before treatment (p < 0.05). The PAH before and after treatment correlated inversely with the bone age/statural age ratio (p < 0.05). Two subgroups were analyzed according to the patients' age when therapy was introduced: group 1 included girls who were under the age of 7 when therapy was introduced, and group 2 included girls aged 7 or older. There was a statistically significant difference in the PAH SDS before treatment between these two subgroups: Group I (-) 1.3 ± 1.8 vs. Group II (-) 0.14 ± 1.2 and there was no difference in the PAH SDS after treatment: Group I (-) 0.7 ± 1.1 vs. Group II 0.31 ± 1.2. CONCLUSIONS The child's age at the beginning of GnRHa therapy was an important predictor of height prognosis; the therapy introduced under the age of 7 improves the PAH during treatment. Height prediction during the entire treatment period is worse in children with more advanced bone age for their statural age at the onset of treatment.