Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A compact fiber-optic SHG scanning endomicroscope and its application to visualize cervical remodeling during pregnancy

We report the development of an all-fiber-optic scanning endomicroscope capable of high-resolution second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging of biological tissues and demonstrate its utility for monitoring the remodeling of cervical collagen during gestation in mice. The endomicroscope has an overall 2.0 mm diameter and consists of a single customized double-clad fiber, a compact rapid two-dimensional beam scanner, and a miniature compound objective lens for excitation beam delivery, scanning, focusing, and efficient SHG signal collection. Endomicroscopic SHG images of murine cervical tissue sections at different stages of normal pregnancy reveal progressive, quantifiable changes in cervical collagen morphology with resolution similar to that of bench-top SHG microscopy. SHG endomicroscopic imaging of ex vivo murine and human cervical tissues through intact epithelium has also been performed. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of SHG endomicroscopy technology for staging normal pregnancy, and suggest its potential application as a minimally invasive tool for clinical assessment of abnormal cervical remodeling associated with preterm birth.
Wavelet networks: an alternative to classical neural networks

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are being widely used to predict and forecast highly nonlinear systems. Recently, Wavelet networks (WNs) have been shown to be a promising alternative to traditional neural networks. In this study, the robustness of WNs and ANNs in modeling two distinct time series is investigated. The first series represents a chaotic system (Henon map) and the second series represents a stochastic geophysical time series (streamflows). Monthly streamflow values of the English river between Umferville and Sioux Lookout, ON, Canada, are considered in this study. For the implementation of traditional ANNs, the weights and bias values are optimized using genetic algorithms (GAs). However, in WNs, along with weights and bias, the translation and dilation factors of wavelets are also optimized. Use of GAs to optimize the network parameters is to overcome the problem of convergence towards local optima. Results from the study indicate that, WNs are more suitable for modeling short time high frequency time series like Henon map. However, performance of WNs is comparable with that of ANNs in modeling low frequency time series like streamflows.
Fully-integrated digital average current-mode control 12V-to-1.xV voltage regulator module IC

This paper introduces a fully-integrated 12-to-1.xV voltage regulator module IC. A fully synthesizable digital two-loop controller has been realized through HDL tools. Several new IP blocks have been developed: a window delay-line based ADC, two independent PI compensators with shared hardware for calculations, high-resolution digital PWM (HR-DPWM), and a programmable dead-time module. The mixed-signal IC has been fabricated on a 0. 18μm 5V CMOS process. It incorporates the digital core and a synchronous rectifier power-stage, including a drive circuitry operating at 1.25MHz with the ability to deliver up to 10W from 12V input. The digital core has been realized by an automated synthesis process and place-and route tools, resulting in effective silicon area of 0.16mm2. Post-layout and experimental results of the fabricated IC operating in closed-loop are provided, demonstrating the performance and benefits of the new controller for meeting the requirements of tight output voltage regulation.
Effects of controlled blood cooling on hemodynamic stability and urea kinetics during high-efficiency hemodialysis.

Although the use of cooled dialysate during hemodialysis is associated with stabilization of intradialytic BP, the effects of blood cooling on hemodynamics and urea kinetics in high-efficiency hemodialysis have not been completely studied. In particular, the effects of blood cooling have not been elucidated in very short-time, high K/V dialysis treatments, in which postdialysis urea rebound is maximized. In theory, blood cooling could increase urea compartmentalization during treatment and decrease dialysis efficacy. Measurements of cardiovascular hemodynamics and urea kinetics were performed in 15 patients (56 studies) during dialysis, using a blood temperature monitor with control of dialysate temperature. Dialysate temperature was adjusted to either lower the core temperature or raise the core temperature by, respectively, producing negative heat-energy exchange (cooled dialysis) or keeping heat-energy exchange in the extracorporeal circuit neutral (thermoneutral dialysis) so that energy was not transferred to or from the patient. Each subject was studied on both protocols, thereby allowing each individual to act as his own control. In cooled dialysis, heat-energy exchange in the extracorporeal circuit was -266+/-15 kJ per treatment, and dialysate temperature averaged 35.7+/-0.02 degrees C. In thermoneutral dialysis, heat-energy exchange in the extracorporeal circuit averaged 5+/-31 kJ per treatment, and dialysate temperature averaged 37.1+/-0.02 degrees C. Dialysate cooling resulted in a reduction in mean body temperature compared with thermoneutral therapy (-0.22+/-0.04 versus +0.31+/-0.05 degrees C). Cooling resulted in a greater increase in peripheral vascular resistance index (+515+/-160 versus + 114+/-92 dyn.sec/cm5 per m2), an increase in mean arterial pressure (+4+/-3 versus -4+/-4 mmHg), a reduction in the maximum intradialytic fall in mean arterial pressure (-10+/-2 versus -18+/-3, mmHg), and a reduction in staff interventions for hypotension or dialytic symptoms (6 of 28 versus 12 of 28 studies). These differences occurred without differences in the change in blood volume (-14.3+/-1.8% versus -13.9+/-2.2%) or cardiac index (-0.4+/-0.1 versus -0.4+/-0.2, L/min per m2). Urea rebound (37+/-4% versus 38+/-3%) and effective Kt/V (1.29+/-0.05 versus 1.32+/-0.06) were not different between groups. Thus, body temperature cooling can be used to stabilize BP and reduce intradialytic events requiring staff intervention without compromising the efficacy of treatment in high-efficiency dialysis.
Hemorrhagic age-related macular degeneration managed with vitrectomy, subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator, gas tamponade, and upright positioning.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To investigate the outcomes of vitrectomy, subretinal tissue plasminogen (tPA) injection, gas tamponade, and upright positioning in patients with hemorrhagic neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective, noncomparative case series. Records of patients who were diagnosed with submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular AMD and underwent treatment with the combined method between 2004 and 2010 were reviewed. The main outcome measure was the difference between preoperative and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS In 10 eyes of 10 patients, mean preoperative and postoperative BCVA values were 1.75 and 1.23 logMAR, respectively (P = .011), after a mean follow-up time of 38.7 ± 26.5 months (range: 10 to 71 months). Eight of 10 patients (80%) gained at least three lines. CONCLUSION In patients with hemorrhagic neovascular AMD, treatment with vitrectomy, subretinal tPA injection, gas tamponade, and upright positioning was associated with better visual outcomes than those reported for patients with untreated disease.
Postburn Scars: An Update

Burn wounds give rise to the largest scars we can find in human pathology, influencing patients' quality of life. Despite the improved knowledge on pathophysiology, efficacy of the various treatments remains unsatisfactory. In this short review recent literature is examined with a focus on recent data on postburn pathological scars epidemiology and risk factors, which underline the high prevalence and the long evolution, pointing to identify this illness as a systemic inflammatory one, more frequent in women and in those of younger age, regulated by local factors relevant in wound healing.
A solar based SEPIC converter for street lighting application

There has been an increase in demand for clean and sustainable energy sources, and solar energy is currently considered to be one of the most valuable and abundant yet low-maintenance clean sustainable energy source. Photovoltaic solar energy systems require DC-DC converter in order to regulate and control the varying output of the solar panel. The single ended Primary inductance Converter topology performs the operation of a buck-boost converter but with no voltage polarity reversal. This paper suggests a converter design that will ensure high performance and cost efficiency while powering up an LED street lamp. The converter has been simulated in PSIM and the hardware was done by choosing the design values appropriately.A voltage input value of 24 volts and output value of 72 volts are assigned in correspondence with the street-lamp ratings. This design aims to have lower losses for higher switching frequencies, and maximize the added advantages of the proposed converter, such as low ripple, high efficiency and low electrical stress on the components.
Stable isotope study of a new chondrichthyan fauna ( Kimmeridgian , Porrentruy , Swiss Jura ) : an unusual freshwater-influenced isotopic composition for the hybodont shark

Chondrichthyan teeth (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) are mineralized in isotopic equilibrium with the surrounding water, and parameters such as water temperature and salinity can be inferred from the oxygen isotopic composition (δOp) of their bioapatite. We analysed a new chondrichthyan assemblage, as well as teeth from bony fish (Pycnodontiformes). All specimens are from Kimmeridgian coastal marine deposits of the Swiss Jura (vicinity of Porrentruy, Ajoie district, NW Switzerland). While the overall faunal composition and the isotopic composition of bony fish are generally consistent with marine conditions, unusually low δOp values were measured for the hybodont shark Asteracanthus. These values are also lower compared to previously published data from older European Jurassic localities. Additional analyses on material from Solothurn (Kimmeridgian, NW Switzerland) also have comparable, low-O isotopic compositions for Asteracanthus. The data are hence interpreted to represent a so far unique, freshwater-influenced isotopic composition for this shark that is classically considered a marine genus. While reproduction in freshwater or brackish realms is established for other hybodonts, a similar behaviour for Asteracanthus is proposed here. Regular excursions into lower salinity waters can be linked to the age of the deposits and correspond to an ecological adaptation, most likely driven by the Kimmeridgian transgression and by the competition of the hybodont shark Asteracanthus with the rapidly diversifying neoselachians (modern sharks).
Induction of delayed follicular rupture in the human by the selective COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib: a randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND The aims of the present study were to examine whether periovulatory administration of a cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor affects human ovulation and endocrine parameters. METHODS Thirteen healthy women, 30-40 years of age, without hormonal treatment and with regular menstrual cycles (27-34 days), were given the selective COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (n = 6) or placebo (n = 7) in a random double-blind fashion. In an initial control cycle, serial hormonal analyses, detection of a measurable mid-cycle urine LH peak and transvaginal ultrasound scans were performed to confirm normal ovulatory and endocrinological cyclic patterns, in all participating women. During the subsequent treatment cycle, serial ultrasound scans were performed. When the dominant follicle reached 14-16 mm in diameter, 25 mg rofecoxib or placebo was taken orally, once daily for 9 consecutive days, during which follicle size was monitored daily by ultrasound scans and serial hormone analyses were performed. RESULTS Four of the six women who received rofecoxib demonstrated delayed follicle rupture, >48 h after the LH peak, when compared with the placebo group, who all had follicular rupture >36 h after the detected LH peak. No differences in peripheral serum concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol, LH and FSH were observed between placebo and rofecoxib groups, when analysed at specified time intervals. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that selective COX-2 inhibition has a negative, local effect on human ovulation, resulting in delayed follicular rupture, without affecting peripheral hormonal cyclicity.
Mac‐1: a macrophage differentiation antigen identified by monoclonal antibody

We have previously described the derivation of M1/70, a hybrid myeloma line secreting monoclonal rat anti‐mouse cell surface antibody (Springer, T., Galfre, G., Secher, D. S. and Milstein, C, Eur. J. Immunol. 1978. 8: 539). We have now investigated the cellular distribution of this antigen using a 125I‐labeled anti‐rat IgG indirect binding assay, the fluorescence‐activated cell sorter, autoradiography and precipitation of cell surface molecules. Screening with a tumor cell panel showed strong reactivity with a macrophage‐like line but no reactivity with B or T lymphoma lines. In normal tissues, M1/70 antigen was found to be present in small amounts on spleen and exudate granulocytes and a subpopulation of bone marrow cells, in moderate amounts on spleen and blood monocytes and expressed in much larger amounts on spleen histiocytes and peritoneal exudate macrophages. In contrast, M1/70 antigen was found to be absent from erythroid and lymphoid cells. M1/70 antibody precipitated two polypeptides of 190 000 and 105 000 mol. wt. which were present in much greater amounts on peritoneal exudate macrophages than on spleen cells. The expression on phagocytes of two other antigens identified by monoclonal antibodies M1/69 and M1/9.3 was also examined. Monocytes and granulocytes expressed large amounts of M1/69 and low amounts of M1/70 antigen, while in peritoneal exudate macrophages this pattern was dramatically reversed. M1/70 thus defines a differentiation antigen on mononuclear phagocytes and granulocytes, the expression of which is specifically increased during monocyte maturation. This antibody is the first to be described which recognizes a discrete molecule specific to phagocytes.
Oxidative stress: an important phenomenon with pathogenetic significance in the progression of acute pancreatitis

Background—Reactive oxygen species and related oxidative damage have been implicated in the initiation of acute pancreatitis. Changes in these parameters during disease progression merit further investigation. Aims—To evaluate changes and the clinical relevance of superoxide radicals, endogenous antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation during the course of acute pancreatitis. Patients and methods—Superoxide radicals (measured as lucigenin amplified chemiluminescence), ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, α tocopherol, and lipid peroxidation (measured as thiobarbiturate reactive substances) were analysed in blood samples from 56 healthy subjects, 30 patients with mild acute pancreatitis, and 23 patients with severe acute pancreatitis. The association with grades of disease severity was analysed. Measurements were repeated one and two weeks after onset of pancreatitis. Results—In the blood from patients with acute pancreatitis, there were increased levels of the superoxide radical as well as lipid peroxides. There was notable depletion of ascorbic acid and an increased fraction of dehydroascorbic acid. Changes in α tocopherol were not great except in one case with poor prognosis. Differences between severe and mild acute pancreatitis were significant (p<0.01). Variable but significant correlations with disease severity scores were found for most of these markers. The normalisation of these indexes postdated clinical recovery one or two weeks after onset of disease. Conclusions—Heightened oxidative stress appears early in the course of acute pancreatitis and lasts longer than the clinical manifestations. The dependence of disease severity on the imbalance between oxidants and natural defences suggests that oxidative stress may have a pivotal role in the progression of pancreatitis and may provide a target for treatment.
The Prozac boom and its placebogenic counterpart -- a culturally fashioned phenomenon.

BACKGROUND The placebo effect describes the mind-body process of altering the body's physiological state as well as the brain's neurological state. Catalyzed by the mind's believing in a certain drug, ritual, and/or treatment, it generally refers to the phenomenon of an ill individual recovering to health. Subsequent to the Prozac boom (fluoxetine), which occurred during the 1980s and 90s in the United States, a new form of placebogenic phenomena was defined: 'cosmetic psychopharmacology', whereby the healthy individual is transformed to fit better in his/her cultural medium (defined by one's values and beliefs). In order to discover how cultural metaphors (e.g. media-generated symbolism, social ideals) influence psychopharmacological treatment, this report investigates the following questions: Is the Prozac Boom culturally fashioned? Is cosmetic psychopharmacology culturally fashioned? Are cosmetic psychopharmacology and its ability to better the individual (relative to American ideals) a placebogenic phenomenon? MATERIAL/METHODS The data and speculation for the present report was obtained via a cultural and critical review. RESULTS It would appear that (1) the Prozac Boom and subsequently its by product, cosmetic psychopharmacology, are culturally fashioned; (2) cosmetic psychopharmacology is considered to result from one's belief in a drug and thus is placebo-influenced. CONCLUSIONS Media-generated symbolism, which represents and reciprocally fashions the ideals and values of that society, influence the social perceptions of a drug's effectiveness and the quality of a particular treatment. In the clinical setting, the influential role of these preconceived notions about a certain treatment and/or drug need to be further considered and studied.
A Metal Halide Light Source for Laboratory Curing of Prosthetic Composite Materials

A high-intensity laboratory photo-curing unit has been developed with the aim of improving the post-curing properties of composite veneering materials. This study introduces the structure of the curing unit and examines the resulting properties of a representative composite material. The curing unit is equipped with two metal halide lamps that radiate both ultraviolet and visible light. Unlike conventional metal halide lamps for industrial use, these metal halide lamps radiate an increased intensity of visible radiation. Properties of a microfilled composite veneering material cured with the new metal halide unit were ascertained. A xenon photo-curing unit was also used as a control. The specimens cured with the metal halide unit exhibited greater Knoop hardness numbers and flexural moduli as compared with those cured with the xenon unit, and also showed reduced water solubility values. These results suggest that the metal halide light source is effective in curing composite materials within a shorter period of time and with improved conversion.
[Study on voltage-sensitive current of spiral ganglion cells in mice organ of Corti culture].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the property of voltage-sensitive current in cochlear spiral ganglion cells of the C57BL/10J mice, an inbred strain which develops early onset hearing loss. METHODS Organotypic cultures of organ of Corti were prepared from neonatal mice 0-5 days of age. Whole-cell current and voltage clamp techniques were used to study Na+, K+ and Ca2+ currents of the spiral ganglion cells in culture. RESULTS Cultures were maintained for 8-48 hours before use. Ganglion cells were identified first through their anatomical positions and finally through fast negative Na+ current. Spontaneous action potentials were recorded from some ganglion cells (4 out of 39). When present, spontaneous rates were around 20 spikes/sec, and might be as high as 135 spikes/sec. The mean resting potential was (-55 +/- 5) mV (n = 39). Under voltage clamp conditions, transient inward currents (negative) and outward (positive), steady-state voltage-dependent currents were recorded in normal HBSS. Rapid inward currents were totally blocked by 300 nM TTX applied locally to the culture. Inward currents recovered quickly after TTX wash out suggesting that the transient inward current was carried by Na+. The mean maximum amplitude of Na+ current was (-2.0 +/- 1.1) nA (n = 39) recorded in HBSS. Adding TEA (10 mmol/L) and 4-AP (0.15 mmol/L) to the bath solution or replacing K+ with Ca+ in the pipette solution partly blocked the sustained outward current. This suggests that the outward current was carried by K+. The mean maximum amplitude of K+ was (3.0 +/- 1.3) nA (n = 39) with 140 mM K+ in the pipette. Inward Ca2+ current was recorded in Ba2+ solution which mean peak amplitude was (-1.0 +/- 0.7) nA (n = 20). Ca2+ currents were reversibly blocked by 100 microM Cd2+. CONCLUSION Whole cell recordings from spiral ganglion neurons can be obtained from organotypic cultures of the organ of Corti. Fast Na+ current, sustained K+ current and L-type Ca2+ current were recorded in the spiral ganglion cells cultured for 1-2 days. Whole cell recording showed that cochlea spiral ganglion cells can generate spontaneous action potential one day after birth and the firing rates could reach levels equal to those recorded in vivo.
Carotid intima media thickness among young males with cardiovascular risk factors

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a condition where there are fat, cells and connective tissue deposition in the arterial wall. This may lead to reduced blood flow to the vital organs such as heart (ischemic heart disease) and brain (stroke). There is increasing prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) among the young population, especially males. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) of the common carotid artery is a novel marker of atherosclerosis. The aims of the current study were to compare these markers among young males with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors with healthy subjects and to determine the associations between these markers with other CVD risk factors. Methods: One hundred and eighty one men aged 20 to 40 years old were recruited from areas around Klang Valley. These comprised those having one or more risk factors of CVD [hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, first degree family history (FH) of CVD and smoker, n=128] and without risk factors (n=53). Measurements included peripheral blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and fasting blood sugar (FBS). Right and left CIMT were also measured via B mode ultrasound. Data were analyzed via SPSS version 15 and significance level was set at P<; 0.05. Results: The mean age of all the subjects was 26.47 ± 5.09 years old. Those with risk factors were older, had significantly higher BP, BMI, WC and lipid profiles. Nevertheless, most of these variables were within normal range. Other variables such as HR and FBS were comparable between the two groups. After adjustment for age, those with CV risk factors had significantly higher right CIMT (0.5600 ± 1417 vs 0.5267 ± 0733 mm, P<;0.05) but not left CIMT (0.5450 ± 0.1500 vs 0.5167 ± 1033 mm, P > 0.05) compared to healthy group. Both CIMTs correlate with other major CV risk factors. The predictors of CIMT were age, SBP and WC which contribute about 12% of the variance in CIMT. Conclusion: Young males with CV risk factors have increased RCIMT and this may be the early markers of CVD.