Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of methyl methacrylate monomer on testosterone level in male rats. An experimental study.

INTRODUCTION Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is commonly used in medicine and dentistry. The adverse effects of MMA are well described in the literature. Animal studies have largely confirmed the risks reported in clinical observations. There is no study indicating direct implication of MMA on male fertility mechanism. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether MMA is able to modify the testosterone level. METHODS The target population consisted of 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats. They were closed in colony cages and divided into five groups: The first group (n=15) designated as the control group and four experimental groups (n=45). Experiments were conducted by exposing the four experimental groups to MMA with water at different concentrations (4% per hundred, 8% per hundred, 16% per hundred and 32% per hundred) administered per os. The exposure duration was eight months. Blood was obtained before and at the end of the exposure and the measurement of the testosterone level was made by EIA test. RESULTS The exposure of rats at a moderate concentration of MMA (16% per hundred) showed an increase in testosterone level of 60% (p = 0.003) while the other groups showed a decrease of testosterone level. The control group showed a decrease of 44.8% (p = 0.001), the rats exposed at 4% per hundred showed a decrease of 67.7% (p = 0.000), those exposed at 8% per hundred showed a decrease of 432% (p = 0.35), the rats exposed at 32% per hundred showed a decrease of 71.7% (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Despite the fact that MMA at low concentration was rapidly hydrolyzed in blood due to the nonspecific carboxylesterase and metabolized at high concentration by the liver, its effects on testosterone level were significant. These preliminary results showed an interference of the MMA with the testosterone hormonal equilibrium that could be an interesting target for further investigations.
The role of socioeconomic status in adjustment after ductal carcinoma in situ

A large body of literature suggests that socioeconomic status (SES) is positively associated with mental and physical health. However, little research has examined the impact of SES on psychological adjustment after a major stressor. The current study examined whether SES (education and financial status) was associated with distress (anxiety and depression) in women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This study also explored whether social support explained the association between SES and distress and whether social support buffered the impact of low SES on distress.
7 Schistosomasis and Bladder Cancer

Schistosomiasis also known as Bilharziasis, is a parasitic disease that dates back to antiquity. The ancient Egyptians, through settling and cultivating the Nile valley, were among the first to contract the disease. Thus, the main symptom hematuria was mentioned in Egyptian papyri (1500-1800 B.C.), and schistosome eggs were identified in Egyptian mummies through paleopathologic studies. In 1852, Theodor Bilharz, a German pathologist working in Cairo, discovered the worms in the portal circulation and was the first to describe the Pathology of the disease. Ferguson in 1911 was the first to report on the high frequency of bladder cancer in Egypt and to suggest an etiologic relation with urinary Schistosomiasis, a fact which is now generally accepted (Bolkainy & Chu 1981a). The aim of this article is to review the pathobiology of Schistosoma associated bladder cancer (SACB), describe the relationship between Schistiosomiasis and bladder cancer with respect to the mechanisms of carcinogenesis with emphasis on special features of SABC and recent methods of early detection.
Multicenter Prospective Study of Interferon α versus Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with New Diagnoses of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

We compared interferon α (IFN-α) therapy with stem cell transplantation (SCT) for patients with chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia in a multicenter prospective study to investigate the optimal indication and timing of SCT, especially from HLA-matched unrelated donors. Of 257 eligible patients, 145 patients who were younger than 50 years were assigned to the IFN-α cohort (n = 87) or the SCT cohort (n = 58), according to family donor availability. In the IFN-α cohort, 52 patients received IFN-α and chemotherapy (the IFN1 group), and 35 patients received an SCT from an unrelated donor (the U-SCT group). In the SCT cohort, 47 patients received an SCT from a related donor (the R-SCT group). In the IFN1 group, 88% of the patients achieved a complete hematologic response, and 33% achieved a complete cytogenetic response. At a median follow-up period of 53 months, the predicted 6-year survival rate was 72% in the IFN1 group, 81% in the R-SCT group, and 81% in the U-SCT group. When overall survival was evaluated for the IFN-α and R-SCT cohorts by intention to treat according to family donor availability, the 6-year survival rates were 76% and 84%, respectively. When the outcomes of the U-SCT and IFN1 groups were compared, the survival rate of U-SCT group patients was significantly better than for IFN1 group patients without a major cytogenetic response and seemed better for IFN1 group patients younger than 35 years. Therefore, U-SCT may be recommendable to patients who fail to achieve a major cytogenetic response in IFN-α therapy and to younger patients.
A compact model of stochastic switching in STT magnetic RAM for memory and computing

Spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM) is gaining momentum as a promising technology for high density and embedded nonvolatile memory. To enable the design of STT-RAM circuits for memory and computing, there is a need for accurate compact models capable of predicting the stochastic behavior. Here, we present a detailed model accounting for the anomalous thermal regime of switching deviating from the thermal model below 200 ns. Anomalous switching is explained by the non-linear barrier lowering of the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). The model is validated against write error rate (WER) data and applied to the design of random number generator (RNG) and stochastic computing primitives with STT-RAM.
Parasympathetic Modulation and Running Performance in Distance Runners

Boullosa, DA, Tuimil, JL, Leicht, AS, and Crespo-Salgado, JJ. Parasympathetic modulation and running performance in distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 23(2): 626-631, 2009-This study examined the relationships between basal heart rate (BHR) and heart rate recovery (HRR), parasympathetic modulation parameters, with running performance in distance runners. It was hypothesized that greater parasympathetic modulation would be significantly associated with greater running performance. Twelve well-trained endurance runners (23.2 ± 3.3 years; 175.6 ± 5.8 cm; 65.2 ± 6.7 kg) performed the Université de Montréal Track Test (UMTT) until volitional exhaustion (total final time, TUMTT), with the highest completed stage recorded as the maximal aerobic speed (MAS). More than 48 hours afterwards, participants ran at the MAS until volitional exhaustion, with maximal running time (Tlim) recorded. Maximum heart rate was significantly greater for the UMTT compared with Tlim (p = 0.004). Significant correlations were exhibited between MAS and BHR (r = −0.845, p = 0.001); mean drop in heart rate at the first minute of recovery after the UMTT (r = 0.617, p = 0.033) and Tlim (r = 0.787, p = 0.002); and mean drop in heart rate at the second minute of recovery after the UMTT (r = 0.630, p = 0.028). These results support previous reports that endurance training results in greater running performance and greater parasympathetic modulation before and after exercise. We suggest that coaches consider HRR and BHR for the monitoring of training for endurance performance.
Anaphylaxis and biphasic phase in Thailand: 4-year observation.

BACKGROUND Anaphylaxis, a severe systemic allergic reaction, can be fatal. However, its prevalence has been underestimated especially in biphasic phase, due to a lack of case awareness. This study aimed to determine the rate of anaphylaxis, describe clinical manifestations and management, and identify the causative agents and risk factors of biphasic anaphylactic reaction. METHODS An observational study was conducted at the Emergency Department of Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, during the period 2004-2008. RESULTS Of total 208 cases of anaphylaxis identified, the median age was 20.67 years; 52.9% were male. The anaphylaxis rate was 49 per 100,000 patient-years. No fatal case was found; 58.7% had a history of atopy, and 38.5% had experienced a previous allergic reaction, of whom 8.8% had had a previous anaphylactic reaction. The causative allergens were identified in 82.2% of cases; food allergy was most common. Urticaria was the most common presentation (87%). Among 6.3% of the patients who developed biphasic reaction, a significantly longer time from onset of symptoms to administration of epinephrine was detected, with a median of 240 minutes for those with biphasic anaphylaxis, versus 70 minutes for those without (p = 0.002). The median times from onset to hospital arrival and the arrival to administration of epinephrine were also significantly longer in the biphasic group than the non-biphasic patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). In multivariable regression models, the time intervals from onset and hospital arrival to administration of epinephrine continued to predict biphasic phase occurrence (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Anaphylaxis predominantly occurs among children and young adults. Delayed administration of epinephrine was associated with the occurrence of biphasic anaphylaxis.
Fatty acid composition in major depression: decreased omega 3 fractions in cholesteryl esters and increased C20: 4 omega 6/C20:5 omega 3 ratio in cholesteryl esters and phospholipids.

Recently, there were some reports that major depression may be accompanied by alterations in serum total cholesterol, cholesterol ester and omega 3 essential fatty acid levels and by an increased C20: 4 omega 6/C20: 5 omega 3, i.e., arachidonic acid/eicosapentaenoic, ratio. The present study aimed to examine fatty acid composition of serum cholesteryl esters and phospholipids in 36 major depressed, 14 minor depressed and 24 normal subjects. Individual saturated (e.g., C14:0; C16:0, C18:0) and unsaturated (e.g., C18:1, C18:2, C20:4) fatty acids in phospholipid and cholesteryl ester fractions were assayed and the sums of the percentages of omega 6 and omega 3, saturated, branched chain and odd chain fatty acids, monoenes as well as the ratios omega 6/omega 3 and C20:4 omega 6/C20:5 omega 3 were calculated. Major depressed subjects had significantly higher C20:4 omega 6/C20:5 omega 3 ratio in both serum cholesteryl esters and phospholipids and a significantly increased omega 6/omega 3 ratio in cholesteryl ester fraction than healthy volunteers and minor depressed subjects. Major depressed subjects had significantly lower C18:3 omega 3 in cholesteryl esters than normal controls. Major depressed subjects showed significantly lower total omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in cholesteryl esters and significantly lower C20:5 omega 3 in serum cholesteryl esters and phospholipids than minor depressed subjects and healthy controls. These findings suggest an abnormal intake or metabolism of essential fatty acids in conjunction with decreased formation of cholesteryl esters in major depression.
Minority carrier effects in GaInP laser diodes

Using a top-contact window, we have observed emission from a direct-gap monitor layer placed at the interface between the p-cladding and contact layers of an AlGaInP laser diode when driven under forward bias, thereby providing direct evidence for minority carrier (electron) leakage in these devices. We have further shown that the leakage is due to both drift and diffusion and, using pulsed optical excitation of a device under bias, we have determined a value of 170/spl plusmn/10 cm/sup 2/ V/sup -1/ s/sup -1/ for the mobility of minority carriers in the p-type cladding layer by a time-of-flight experiment. The data was analyzed using a simulation which takes account of the influence of recombination times in the well and monitor layer on the overall time response of the structure. The measured mobility corresponds to electron transport through the X-conduction band. We show that the drift component of the leakage current reduces the differential efficiency and is responsible for the decrease in external differential efficiency with increasing temperature. Because the leakage occurs by a mixture of drift and diffusion, the transit time does not decrease significantly with increasing drive current; however the impact of leakage on the modulation response is predicted to be very small unless the leakage becomes a substantial fraction of the total current.
Understanding poor comprehenders in different orthographies: Universal versus language-specific skills: Understanding poor comprehenders in different orthographies

Despite an emerging focus on poor comprehenders in recent reading research, a number of unresolved issues concerning the cognitive and linguistic underpinnings of this disorder remain. In this special issue, we bring together a set of six papers examining the strengths and weaknesses of different types of poor comprehenders across multiple languages, including English, French and Chinese. Key findings of these studies show that certain oral language skills, such as morphological awareness and syntactic awareness, are related to reading comprehension deficits in different languages, suggesting their universality. Intriguingly, dissociability and co-occurrence of reading comprehension difficulties have been identified in bilingual children whose L1 and L2 are quite disparate, with some bilinguals exhibiting reading comprehension deficits in a single language, while others display these deficits in both languages. These issues and their implications for future research are further discussed.
The neglected hepatitis C virus genotypes 4, 5 and 6: an international consensus report

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 4, 5 and 6 represent >20% of all HCV cases worldwide. HCV‐4 is mainly seen in Egypt, where it represents 90% of all HCV cases. Antischistosomal therapy was the main cause of contamination there, followed by procedures performed by informal providers and traditional healers such as dental care, wound treatment, circumcision, deliveries, excision and scarification. It is also highly prevalent in sub‐Saharan Africa and in the Middle East. In Europe, its prevalence has recently increased particularly among intravenous drug users and in immigrants. HCV‐5 is mainly found in South Africa, where it represents 40% of all HCV genotypes, but four pockets of HCV‐5 were found in France, Spain, Syria and Belgium and sporadic cases were found elsewhere. The mode of transmission is mainly iatrogenic and transfusion. HCV‐6 is found in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar and also in American and Australian from Asian origin. The response to treatment in HCV‐4 is intermediate between HCV‐1 and HCV‐2 and HCV‐3. A sustained viral response is achieved in 43–70% with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. It is higher in Egyptians than Europeans and Africans and is negatively related to insulin resistance and to the severity of fibrosis. It increases to >80% with 24 weeks of therapy only if a rapid virological response is achieved. In HCV‐5, a sustained virological response is achieved in >60% with 48 weeks of therapy. HCV‐6 is also considered an easy‐to‐treat genotype, leading to a response in 60–85% of cases.
Donepezil for psychotropic-induced memory loss.

BACKGROUND Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor marketed for treatment of memory loss and behavioral deterioration associated with the acetylcholine deficit of Alzheimer's disease. We investigated the utility and tolerability of donepezil in nongeriatric affective illness for treatment of psychotropic-induced memory loss, dry mouth, and constipation. METHOD Nondemented outpatients with stabilized DSM-IV affective illness took 5 mg/day of donepezil for 3 weeks and then increased to 10 mg/day in open trials. Self-rating scales of target symptoms were completed by patients before and 3 to 4 weeks after starting each dose condition. Patients who chose to continue donepezil therapy returned for clinical monitoring every 4 to 8 weeks. RESULTS Eleven women and 11 men (mean +/- SD age = 45.4+/-8.5 years) completed donepezil trials. Nineteen patients with memory loss rated improvement while taking 5 mg/day of donepezil (p<.001); subsequently, 6 rated further improvement with 10 mg/day (p = .057). Donepezil, 5 mg/day, also reduced ratings of dry mouth (N = 16; p<.001) and constipation (N = 11; p<.05). Side effects included insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; surprisingly, 2 bipolar patients became manic within hours of starting donepezil. Sixteen patients (72%) continued donepezil for an average of 7 months. Consideration of family histories suggested that donepezil response in affective illness may be an early indicator of vulnerability to dementia of the Alzheimer's type. CONCLUSION (1) Donepezil can reduce memory loss, dry mouth, and constipation in nongeriatric affective patients, but may trigger mania; and (2) long-term follow-up will reveal the predictive value for dementia of donepezil's memory restoration in nongeriatric subjects.
Physical foundations of biological complexity

Significance Living organisms are characterized by a degree of hierarchical complexity that appears to be inaccessible to even the most complex inanimate objects. Routes and patterns of the evolution of complexity are poorly understood. We propose a general conceptual framework for emergence of complexity through competing interactions and frustrated states similar to those that yield patterns in striped glasses and cause self-organized criticality. We show that biological evolution is replete with competing interactions and frustration that, in particular, drive major transitions in evolution. The key distinction between biological and nonbiological systems seems to be the existence of long-term digital memory and phenotype-to-genotype feedback in living matter. Biological systems reach hierarchical complexity that has no counterpart outside the realm of biology. Undoubtedly, biological entities obey the fundamental physical laws. Can today’s physics provide an explanatory framework for understanding the evolution of biological complexity? We argue that the physical foundation for understanding the origin and evolution of complexity can be gleaned at the interface between the theory of frustrated states resulting in pattern formation in glass-like media and the theory of self-organized criticality (SOC). On the one hand, SOC has been shown to emerge in spin-glass systems of high dimensionality. On the other hand, SOC is often viewed as the most appropriate physical description of evolutionary transitions in biology. We unify these two faces of SOC by showing that emergence of complex features in biological evolution typically, if not always, is triggered by frustration that is caused by competing interactions at different organizational levels. Such competing interactions lead to SOC, which represents the optimal conditions for the emergence of complexity. Competing interactions and frustrated states permeate biology at all organizational levels and are tightly linked to the ubiquitous competition for limiting resources. This perspective extends from the comparatively simple phenomena occurring in glasses to large-scale events of biological evolution, such as major evolutionary transitions. Frustration caused by competing interactions in multidimensional systems could be the general driving force behind the emergence of complexity, within and beyond the domain of biology.
Rotman lens for the millimeter wave frequency range Dirk Nüβler

Applications in radar system and communications systems require very often antennas with beam steering or multi beam capabilities. For the millimetre frequency range Rotman lenses can be useful as multiple beam forming networks for linear antennas providing the advantage of broadband performance. For microwave bands lens design is predominantly performed in stripline or microstrip technology to meet the requirements for compact low weight and low costs systems. The design and development of Rotman lens at 94 GHz feeding an antenna array for beam steering applications is presented. The construction is completely realized in waveguide technology. Experimental results are compared with theoretical considerations and electromagnetic simulations. The first approach for a two dimensional lens stack for 94 GHz is demonstrated.
Eliminating Ghosting Artifacts for Panoramic Images

This paper presents a gradient domain approach for eliminating ghosting artifacts caused by moving objects in panoramic images. In this approach, an eliminating ghosting operation is integrated into a panorama stitching process. For each source image, we pre-stitch it to the panoramic image and perform ghosting detection in the overlapping area. If a ghosting artifact is found, we locate the corresponding moving object in the source image, apply a gradient domain object removing and region filling operation to remove the moving object, and stitch the image again. In the gradient domain operation, a gradient vector field is created with gradients of the source image. The object region is emptied after the object is removed and filled with the best-fit patches found by the region filling process in the pixel color domain and the gradient domain. The updated gradient vector field is used for constructing a Poisson equation. A modified source image can be recovered from the gradient vector field by solving the Poisson equation with boundary conditions. When all source images are processed, the final panoramic image can be obtained and the ghosting artifacts are eliminated. The approach presents several advantages. Since the eliminating ghosting operation is performed in the gradient domain, it is very easy to integrate it with gradient domain image blending to produce high quality panoramic images. It can be applied to a general ghosting artifact case caused by moving objects. The approach is applied for producing mobile panoramic images and eliminating ghosting artifacts. It presents good performance in applications.
A new digital image scrambling method based on Fibonacci numbers

A new digital image scrambling method based on Fibonacci numbers is presented. The uniformity and periodicity of the scrambling transformation are discussed. Our scrambling transformation has the following advantages: (1) encoding and decoding is very simple and they can be applied in real-time situations (2) the scrambling effect is very good, the information of the image is re-distributed randomly across the whole image; and (3) the method can endure common image attacks, such as compression, noise and loss of data packet.