Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Action of 25 microg 17beta-oestradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of vaginal atrophy in Greek postmenopausal women; clinical study.

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intravaginal application of 25 microg micronized oestradiol in postmenopausal women from the Greek population suffering from symptoms related to vaginal atrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS 91 women suffering from vaginal dryness, vaginal itching and dyspareunea were treated with 25 microg 17beta-oestradiol vaginal tablets. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. During the first two weeks the women inserted one vaginal tablet intravaginally once daily. Thereafter, the women inserted one tablet twice per week with at least a 3-day interval between treatments to maintain therapeutic response for ten weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by the relief of vaginal symptoms and safety by the concentrations of serum oestradiol (E2) and follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH). Pretreatment and post-treatment findings were compared and each patient served as her own control. RESULTS The rates of symptoms of vaginal dryness, vaginal itching and dyspareunea showed statistically significant differences over the course of the trial (Cochran Q test, p < 0.001). No one complained of vaginal dryness and vaginal itching after four and six weeks of treatment respectively, while in one patient the sensation of dyspareunea remained constant after the fourth week of treatment. Despite the statistically significant increase in blood oestradiol levels in relation to baseline values (ANOVA model of repeated measures, p < 0.001), these levels were within the normal range for postmenopausal women. Also, serum FSH levels were statistically significantly reduced from 47.4 mIU/ml at entry into the study to 45.5 mIU/ml after two weeks of treatment (dependent samples t-test, p < 0.003), but were clearly within the postmenopausal range. CONCLUSIONS The twice-weekly local single treatment with vaginal tablets containing 25 microg of 17beta-oestradiol was effective and safe for the relief of symptoms related to atrophic vaginitis in postmenopausal women from the Greek population.
Multi-atlas-based segmentation of the parotid glands of MR images in patients following head-and-neck cancer radiotherapy

Xerostomia (dry mouth), resulting from radiation damage to the parotid glands, is one of the most common and distressing side effects of head-and-neck cancer radiotherapy. Recent MRI studies have demonstrated that the volume reduction of parotid glands is an important indicator for radiation damage and xerostomia. In the clinic, parotid-volume evaluation is exclusively based on physicians’ manual contours. However, manual contouring is time-consuming and prone to inter-observer and intra-observer variability. Here, we report a fully automated multi-atlas-based registration method for parotid-gland delineation in 3D head-and-neck MR images. The multi-atlas segmentation utilizes a hybrid deformable image registration to map the target subject to multiple patients’ images, applies the transformation to the corresponding segmented parotid glands, and subsequently uses the multiple patient-specific pairs (head-and-neck MR image and transformed parotid-gland mask) to train support vector machine (SVM) to reach consensus to segment the parotid gland of the target subject. This segmentation algorithm was tested with head-and-neck MRIs of 5 patients following radiotherapy for the nasopharyngeal cancer. The average parotid-gland volume overlapped 85% between the automatic segmentations and the physicians’ manual contours. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the feasibility of an automatic multi-atlas based segmentation algorithm to segment parotid glands in head-and-neck MR images.
Design of the TRIO system-on-chip for aerospace

Several design and testing aspects of the TRIO smart sensor data acquisition chip, developed by JHU/APL for NASA spacecraft applications are presented. TRIO includes a 10 bit self-corrected analog-to-digital converter (ADC), 16/32 analog inputs, a front end multiplexer with selectable aquisition time, a current source, memory, serial and parallel bus, and control logic. So far TRIO is used in many missions including Contour, Messenger, Stereo, Pluto, and the generic JPL X2000 spacecraft bus.
Divergent Exploration of an Ontology

This paper discusses an ontology exploration tool which allows the users to explore an ontology according to their own perspectives. It extracts concepts from an ontology and visualizes them in a user-friendly form, i.e. conceptual map, in which the user is interested. It helps users to understand the extracted knowledge from the ontology, and contribute to integrated understanding of ontologies and domain dependent knowledge.
RT-SANE: Real Time Security Aware Scheduling on the Network Edge

Edge computing extends a traditional cloud data centre model often by using a micro data centre (mdc) at the network edge for computation and storage. As these edge devices are in proximity to users, this results in improved application response times and reduces load on the cloud data center (cdc). In this paper, we propose a security and deadline aware scheduling algorithm called RT-SANE (Real-Time Security Aware scheduling on the Network Edge). Applications with stringent privacy requirements are scheduled on an mdc closer to the user, whereas others can be scheduled on a cdc or a remote mdc. We also discuss how application performance and network latency influence the choice of an mdc or cdc. The intuition is that due to a lower communication latency between the user & the mdc, more applications are able to meet their deadlines when run on the mdc. Conversely, applications with loose deadlines may be executed on a cdc. In order to facilitate this, we also propose a distributed orchestration architecture and protocol that is both performance & security aware. Simulation results show that RTSANE offers superior real-time performance compared to a number of other scheduling policies in an Edge computing environment, while meeting application privacy requirements.
The learning type makes the difference – the interrelation of Kolb's learning styles and psychological status of preclinical medical students at the University of Erlangen

Theories on learning styles and types have been integral to discussions on the basics of teaching for nearly 40 years. The learning style typology of Kolb divides learners into four groups (Diverger, Assimilator, Converger and Accomodator), which differ both in terms of their learning behaviour as well as personality and preferences. We studied the sense of coherence and burnout symptoms in medical students of the preclinical semesters (1st to 4th semester) at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen within the context of the observed learning styles. A total of 530 students were interviewed in winter semester 2012/13 using standardized psychometric questionnaires. Our students showed a significant correlation between the respective learning styles and expression of a sense of coherence, as well as cognitive and emotional burnout symptoms. The learning styles of the students differed significantly within these same parameters. We also demonstrated that learning styles and types not only influence study performance, but that there are also relationships to sense of coherence and psychological ailments. A more forward-looking integration of the theory of learning types in the medical education curriculum could positively influence both the performance and psychological well-being of the students.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Coronary Artery Calcification in Subjects with Type 1 Diabetes Abbreviated title: Vitamin D and Coronary Calcification

This is an uncopyedited electronic version of an article accepted for publication in Diabetes Care. The American Diabetes Association, publisher of Diabetes Care, is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it by third parties. The definitive publisherauthenticated version will be available in a future issue of Diabetes Care in print and online at http://care.diabetesjournals. org. Diabetes Care Publish Ahead of Print, published online October 26, 2010
Machine learning based network intrusion detection

Network security has become a very important issue and attracted a lot of study and practice. To detect or prevent network attacks, a network intrusion detection (NID) system may be equipped with machine learning algorithms to achieve better accuracy and faster detection speed. One of the major advantages of applying machine learning to network intrusion detection is that we don't need expert knowledge as much as the black or white list model. In this paper, we apply the equality constrained-optimization-based extreme learning machine to network intrusion detection. An adaptively incremental learning strategy is proposed to derive the optimal number of hidden neurons. The optimization criteria and a way of adaptively increasing hidden neurons with binary search are developed. The proposed approach is applied to network intrusion detection to examine its capability. Experimental results show our proposed approach is effective in building models with good attack detection rates and fast learning speed.
Genetics of Intracranial Aneurysms

Background and Purpose— Genetic determinants probably play a role in the development of intracranial aneurysms. We review the present knowledge on this issue. Methods— This work entailed a comprehensive search of the literature, a critical appraisal of the identified papers, and a personal view of limitations and future directions. Results— We identified 10 genome-wide linkage studies in families and sib pairs with intracranial aneurysms. These studies have identified several loci, but only 4 (1p34.3–p36.13, 7q11, 19q13.3, and Xp22) have been replicated in different populations. For the loci on 1p34.3–p36.13 and 7q11 association with positional candidate genes has also been demonstrated: for locus on 1p34.3–p36.13 association with the perlecan gene and for 7q11 association with the elastin and collagen type 1 A2 genes. Conclusions— The progress in identifying genetic determinants for intracranial aneurysms is modest. Reasons for this modest progress include limitations of the present studies, limitations because of the nature of the disease, and limitations in our concept of aneurysms and aneurysm development. Future studies may benefit from strict definitions of familial aneurysms, reduced phenotypic heterogeneity (separating ruptured from unruptured aneurysms, and within these subsets probably also reduce morphological heterogeneity, eg, by grouping similar sites of aneurysms), taking into account age and other risk factors of the patients with aneurysms, and sufficiently large numbers of patients. In future studies we should not only look for genetic determinants of aneurysms, but also for genetic determinants of rupture of aneurysms. This would help in selecting patients for preventive treatment of aneurysms.
Personalized representative image selection for shared photo albums

In this paper, we present a novel method for personalizing the representative image selection using visual modeling and user statistics. For a given shared image album, a set of images that have the highest interest for a single user are determined. A personalized visual model is created using the given “interest set” to be able to select the most representative image(s) for that user from that album. The experiments show satisfactory performance in the task of representative image selection.
A rapid and efficient method for enriching mitochondrial DNA from plants

Abstract Current mitochondrial purification techniques are tedious and protracted due to their emphasis on recovering physiologically active mitochondria. However, for studies that are exclusively interested in isolating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for applications such as PCR and sequencing, respiring mitochondria − and the complex procedures that stem from the need to retain their function − are unnecessary. Still, global DNA extraction methods have proven insufficient for mitochondrial DNA isolation because nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments (NUMTs) pose unique challenges to accurate mtDNA quantification and characterization. We present a rapid and simple extraction technique that maximizes recovery of mitochondrial DNA from plant cells, while minimizing the presence of nuclear DNA. Through real-time PCR, we show that this method provides a significant increase in the enrichment of mitochondrial DNA compared to that of nuclear DNA in both Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica rapa. This method has important implications for future mitochondrial DNA analyses as it possesses few procedural limitations and minimizes the analytical problems typically associated with mtDNA purification by other techniques.
Long‐term effect of adenotonsillectomy on quality of life in pediatric patients

Hypothesis: Adenotonsillectomy improves general and disease‐specific quality of life for properly selected patients suffering for upper airway obstruction secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy (UAO) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study Design: Prospective, nonrandomized questionnaire. Specific Aims: To evaluate quality of life in patients with UAO and OSA using general quality of life instruments as well as disease‐specific instruments. The results will be compared both pre‐ and postoperatively. Methods: Fifty‐five patients aged 2 to 16 with the clinical diagnosis of UAO or OSA were recruited. The caregivers completed Children's Health Questionnaire Parent Form‐28 (CHQPF‐28) and OSA‐18 quality of life measures both pre‐ and postoperatively in the long and short term. Statistical analysis was performed using the unpaired Student t test, P value less than . 05, and Spearman Rank coefficient. Results: CHQ‐PF28 scores were improved in the Physical Summary parameter in long‐term follow‐up. Psychosocial scores did not improve significantly. OSA‐18 scores showed improvement in both the short‐and long‐term scores. Physical findings and symptoms did not impact scores in any domain. Conclusions: Quality of life in children with OSA does improve after adenotonsillectomy. Disease‐specific clinometric instruments show improvement in domains affected by the disease process. However, instruments used to assess general quality of life may show physical improvement but not psychosocial.
HGT-Gen: a tool for generating a phylogenetic tree with horizontal gene transfer

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a common event in prokaryotic evolution. Therefore, it is very important to consider HGT in the study of molecular evolution of prokaryotes. This is true also for conducting computer simulations of their molecular phylogeny because HGT is known to be a serious disturbing factor for estimating their correct phylogeny. To the best of our knowledge, no existing computer program has generated a phylogenetic tree with HGT from an original phylogenetic tree. We developed a program called HGT-Gen that generates a phylogenetic tree with HGT on the basis of an original phylogenetic tree of a protein or gene. HGT-Gen converts an operational taxonomic unit or a clade from one place to another in a given phylogenetic tree. We have also devised an algorithm to compute the average length between any pair of branches in the tree. It defines and computes the relative evolutionary time to normalize evolutionary time for each lineage. The algorithm can generate an HGT between a pair of donor and acceptor lineages at the same evolutionary time. HGT-Gen is used with a sequence-generating program to evaluate the influence of HGT on the molecular phylogeny of prokaryotes in a computer simulation study. Availability The database is available for free at http://www.grl. shizuoka.ac. jp/˜thoriike/HGT-Gen.html
Finding People in Repeated Shots of the Same Scene

The goal of this work is to find all occurrences of a particular person in a sequence of photographs taken over a short period of time. For identification, we assume each individual’s hair and clothing stays the same throughout the sequence. Even with these assumptions, the task remains challenging as people can move around, change their pose and scale, and partially occlude each other. We propose a two stage method. First, individuals are identified by clustering frontal face detections using color clothing information. Second, a color based pictorial structure model is used to find occurrences of each person in images where their frontal face detection was missed. Two extensions improving the pictorial structure detections are also described. In the first extension, we obtain a better clothing segmentation to improve the accuracy of the clothing color model. In the second extension, we simultaneously consider multiple detection hypotheses of all people potentially present in the shot. Our results show that people can be re-detected in images where they do not face the camera. Results are presented on several sequences from a personal photo collection.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcription plays no role in establishment or maintenance of a latent infection in murine sensory neurons

Using herpes simplex viruses deleted and restored for the latency-associated transcripts (LATs), we have quantitatively assessed the role of the transcripts in establishment and maintenance of latent infection. Determination of the number of neurons latently infected and the copy number of viral genomes per latently infected ganglion indicated that there is no difference between viruses expressing and not expressing the transcripts. In addition, the amount of viral DNA present in ganglia latently infected with the LAT-negative virus KOS 8117 did not differ from the value for LAT+ counterparts over an 11-month period of analysis. From these results we conclude that LATs play no role in establishment or maintenance of a latent infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. If these transcripts play a role in latency, they must function during the reactivation step.
Ambulatory monitoring of sleep disorders.

BACKGROUND Behavioural and functional activity monitoring has a long history in sleep research. The term "Actigraphy" refers to methods using computerized wristwatch-size devices (generally placed on the wrist, but also on the ankle or trunk) to record the movement it undergoes. Collected data are displayed on a computer and analyzed for change in rhythm parameters that in turn provide an estimate on wake-sleep parameters (such as total sleep time, percent of time spent asleep, total wake time, percent of time spent awake and the number of awakenings). Actigraphy provides a useful, cost-effective, non-invasive and portable method for assessing specific sleep disorders. The present review is an amalgam of current knowledge with proposed clinical application and for research of actigraph. CONCLUSION Actigraphy cannot stand alone as a diagnostic tool for all clinical groups. Particularly so with those diagnosed with sleep disorders with significant motility or long catatonic periods of wakefulness during sleep.
Recombinant Adenovirus Serotype 26 (Ad26) and Ad35 Vaccine Vectors Bypass Immunity to Ad5 and Protect Nonhuman Primates against Ebolavirus Challenge

ABSTRACT The use of adenoviruses (Ad) as vaccine vectors against a variety of pathogens has demonstrated their capacity to elicit strong antibody and cell-mediated immune responses. Adenovirus serotype C vectors, such as Ad serotype 5 (Ad5), expressing Ebolavirus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP), protect completely after a single inoculation at a dose of 1010 viral particles. However, the clinical application of a vaccine based on Ad5 vectors may be hampered, since impairment of Ad5 vaccine efficacy has been demonstrated for humans and nonhuman primates with high levels of preexisting immunity to the vector. Ad26 and Ad35 segregate genetically from Ad5 and exhibit lower seroprevalence in humans, making them attractive vaccine vector alternatives. In the series of studies presented, we show that Ad26 and Ad35 vectors generate robust antigen-specific cell-mediated and humoral immune responses against EBOV GP and that Ad5 immune status does not affect the generation of GP-specific immune responses by these vaccines. We demonstrate partial protection against EBOV by a single-shot Ad26 vaccine and complete protection when this vaccine is boosted by Ad35 1 month later. Increases in efficacy are paralleled by substantial increases in T- and B-cell responses to EBOV GP. These results suggest that Ad26 and Ad35 vectors warrant further development as candidate vaccines for EBOV.
QoS and Admission Probability Study for a SIP-Based Central Managed IP Telephony System

This work presents a study of a SIP-based IP telephony system in terms of Quality of Service (QoS) and admission probability. The system is designed for an enterprise with offices in different countries. A software IP PBX maintains the dial plan, and SIP proxies are used in order to implement Call Admission Control (CAC) and to allow the sharing of the gateways' lines. The system is implemented in a testbed where QoS parameters like One Way Delay (OWD), packet loss, jitter and ITU's R-factor are measured. Simulation is also used in order to build a scenario with a big number of offices in which establishment delays and admission probability are measured.
A method of randomizing a part of an FPGA configuration bitstream

FPGAs are widely used recently, and security on configuration bitstreams is of concern to both users and suppliers of configuration bitstreams (e.g., intellectual property vendors). In order to protect configuration bitstreams against the threats such as FPGA viruses, piracy and reverse engineering, configuration bitstreams need to be encrypted and authenticated before loaded into FPGAs. We previously proposed a configuration scheme that protects configuration bitstreams, which uses a part of a target circuit (i.e., a part of a configuration bitstream of a target circuit) as a secret key. Our proposed scheme has an advantage of using public-key cryptography, while other known methods can use only symmetric-key cryptography. However, ideally, the secret key should not be a part of a configuration bitstream but a random bit string. In this paper, we propose a method that randomizes a part of a configuration bitstream, so that it can be used as a one-time pad for our configuration scheme.