Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Original research article Magnetic resonance imaging to determine the distribution of a vaginal gel: before, during, and after both simulated and real intercourse

To provide effective contraception and protection against sexually transmitted disease, vaginal gels should maximally cover the cervical os and the vaginal epithelium before, during and after intercourse. To non-invasively monitor the intravaginal distribution of an applied intravaginal gel, we performed high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the female pelvis before, during and after both real and simulated sexual intercourse. We sought to determine whether simulated intercourse with a plastic phallus could be used as a surrogate for real intercourse for such experiments. Dilute gadolinium chelate solution was mixed with Gynol-II gel and introduced intravaginally to volunteer female human subjects using a conventional applicator. MRI was performed at 1.5 Tesla with a surface coil. Imaging of the female pelvis was performed: (1) immediately after insertion of the gel; (2) during real intercourse with a male partner (2 subjects) or simulated intercourse with a plastic phallus (4 subjects); and (3) after completion of real or simulated intercourse. Subjects were studied after application of both 3 mL and 5 mL of vaginal gel. Measurements of gel thickness covering the vaginal mucosa were made digitally using electronic calipers. The bolus of gel is initially located in the upper vaginal canal, superior to the urogenital diaphragm. Both real and simulated intercourse dramatically increases the spread of gel to the lower vagina. The cervix appears to be adequately covered with gel both before and after intercourse. Increasing the volume of the gel increases initial vaginal mucosal coverage but also increases leakage from the introitus. No statistically significant differences in vaginal mucosal coverage were found between patients having undergone real vs. simulated intercourse, or on post-intercourse scans of 3 mL versus 5 mL. MRI is a sensitive, reproducible means of tracking the spread of intravaginal medications. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Non-invasive determination of hepatic steatosis by acoustic structure quantification from ultrasound echo amplitude.

AIM To use leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice with demonstrated differences in steatosis levels to test a new diagnostic method using the acoustical structure quantification (ASQ) mode and the associated analytical parameter, "focal disturbance ratio" (FD-ratio). METHODS Nine ob/ob mice, at 5, 8, and 12 wk of age (n = 3 in each age group), were used as models for hepatic steatosis. Echo signals obtained from ultrasonography in the mice were analyzed by ASQ, which uses a statistical analysis of echo amplitude to estimate inhomogeneity in the diagnostic region. FD-ratio, as calculated from this analysis, was the focus of the present study. FD-ratio and fat droplet areas and sizes were compared between age groups. RESULTS No fibrosis or inflammation was observed in any of the groups. The fat droplet area significantly (P < 0.01) increased with age from 1.25% ± 0.28% at 5 wk to 31.07% ± 0.48% at 8 wk to 51.69% ± 3.19% at 12 wk. The median fat droplet size also significantly (P < 0.01) increased with age, from 1.33 (0.55-10.52) μm at 5 wk, 2.82 (0.61-44.13) μm at 8 wk and 6.34 (0.66-81.83) μm at 12 wk. The mean FD-ratio was 0.42 ± 0.11 at 5 wk, 0.11 ± 0.05 at 8 wk, and 0.03 ± 0.02 at 12 wk. The FD-ratio was significantly lower at 12 wk than at 5 wk and 8 wk (P < 0.01). A significant negative correlation was observed between the FD-ratio and either the fat droplet area (r = -0.7211, P = 0.0017) or fat droplet size (r = -0.9811, P = 0.0052). CONCLUSION This tool for statistical analysis of signals from ultrasonography using the FD-ratio can be used to accurately quantify fat in vivo in an animal model of hepatic steatosis, and may serve as a quantitative biomarker of hepatic steatosis.
Controlling dephasing decoherence by periodically performing tracking control and generalized measurement

We propose a method to overcome phase damping decoherence by periodically performing open loop tracking control and generalized measurement. Although it is impossible to stabilize a qubit subject to Markovian dynamics only by open loop coherent control, one can attain a dasiasoftenedpsila control goal with the help of periodical generalized measurement. The dasiasoftenedpsila control objective in our scheme is to keep the state of the controlled qubit to stay near a reference pure state all the time. Two sub-optimal control problems are given in the sense of trace distance and fidelity, respectively, and they are eventually reduced to the choice of a period T.
Update on cytogenetic and molecular changes in myelodysplastic syndromes

Abstract Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and a high propensity to transform to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the pathogenesis of the disease, both gene mutations and cytogenetic changes play an important role. The latter have been integrated into prognostic scoring systems including the IPSS (International Prognostic Scoring System) and WPSS (World Health Organization [WHO] classification-based Prognostic Scoring System). In these systems and in multivariate analyses comparing clinical and genetic data, complex karyotypes are associated with a particularly poor prognosis. del(5q) plays a distinct role by classifying the only genetically defined WHO subtype. Also, due to advancement in technology such as whole genome sequencing, the number of known mutations occurring in MDS is steadily increasing. Important recent discoveries include mutations in EZH2, DNMT3A, ASXL1 and IDH1/2. Like TET2, the most commonly mutated gene in MDS, all are involved in epigenetic regulation. Mutations such as ASXL1, RUNX1, EZH2, ETV6/TEL and TP53 have an adverse impact on patient overall survival. Early evidence suggests that some mutations might influence treatment response, necessitating reassessment of the prognostic effect of genetic alterations in the light of every new treatment. This review discusses clinical and biological effects of the most common cytogenetic and molecular aberrations in patients with MDS.
Loudspeaker sound quality: comparison of assessment procedures

In listening tests involving different loudspeakers and aimed at assessing the sound quality of these sound‐reproducing systems, the level is generally adjusted to compensate for differences in sensitivity. The loudness sensation must be alike for each system under test. Because of the non‐stationary nature of the musical signals used as test material in loudspeaker ratings, loudness assessment by using the current models (Zwicker, Mooreœ) remains slightly inaccurate. In practice, loudness is often equalized by ear by the experimenter. This study deals with the comparison of various test procedures. The first experiment was a paired comparison of loudspeakers where short‐duration stimuli were presented to listeners for preference ratings. In the second experiment, the same listeners were allowed to switch, at any time, from one loudspeaker to another one so that the proposed stimuli were longer. In both experiments the loudness was equalized by the experimenter. However, under normal listening conditions,.
Retrospective evaluation of two latex agglutination tests for detection of circulating antigens during invasive candidosis

Two latex agglutination tests for the detection of Candida antigens, Pastorex Candida (Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur, Marnes-la-Coquette, France) and Cand-Tec (Ramco Laboratories, Inc., Houston, Tex.), were applied to 79 serum samples from 19 patients who were retrospectively selected on the basis of mycological and clinical evidence of C. albicans infection and the availability of serial serum samples taken near the date of a positive culture. The specificity in 60 control individuals was 100% for Pastorex and 98.3% for Cand-Tec. The tests scored positive for 10 (52.6%) and 9 (47.4%) patients, respectively. Pastorex detected antigen in only 3 of 12 patients (25%) with positive antibody detection tests, but was positive for all 7 patients (100%) who produced no or a low antibody response, suggesting that the test performs better in the absence of antibodies. However, the sensitivity of Pastorex also increased with the number of samples available per patient, which was lower for high-antibody-responder patients (2.8 versus 5.7). If the patients who provided only one or two serum samples were eliminated, the sensitivity of Pastorex rose to 76.9%. For the Cand-Tec, the sensitivity was not related to the presence of antibodies, nor was it related to the number of samples per patient. The observed antigenemia was transient with both Pastorex and Cand-Tec. Only 12.5% of the positive reactions occurred on the same serum sample, confirming that the two tests react with different antigens. A positive antigen test preceded other diagnostic indications for 6 of 10 Pastorex-positive patients and 5 of 9 Cand-Tec-positive patients.
Digitization of Historical Texts at the National Library of Latvia

National Library of Latvia has just started a mass-digitization of books and periodicals. A total of about 3.5 million pages will be digitized, segmented, OCR-ed and made available on-line. The large scope of materials by language, format, orthography, logical structure and time of publishing causes many technical, syntactic and semantic problems that will need to be solved when creating a historical text portal.
Vertical Nanowire CMOS Parasitic Modeling and its Performance Analysis

In this paper, the analytical models of parasitic resistance and capacitance of vertical nanowire (VNW) FET are presented, considering device structural asymmetry. These models are then used to analyze the effect of channel, source-drain extension lengths, and nanowire diameter on device and VNW CMOS performance for 15 nm node. We find that the asymmetry in structure (between top and bottom electrodes) leads to asymmetric parasitic resistances and capacitances that play an important role in determining the circuit delays. Thus our models help to quantify the role of parasitics on VNW device and CMOS performance having device asymmetry. Further, these parasitic models have high potential for use in developing a compact model of a complete device for VNW circuit simulations.
Premeiotic transformation of germ plasm-related structures during the sea urchin spermatogenesis

Summary The germ plasm-related structures (GPRS) and the transformation that occurs to them during the spermatogenesis of the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina were studied by electron microscopy and morphometry. The GPRS were observed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, but not in spermatids and sperm, which suggests an important role for these structures during the onset of meiosis. It was proposed that the germinal granules are fragmented into the compact electron-dense nuage, and fragments of the latter penetrate into the periphery of the compact electron-lucent nuage. The process of nuage integration is completed with the formation of the combined nuage, which aggregates some mitochondria into clusters. Once formed, the mitochondrial clusters undergo dissemination and assume the appearance of the dispersed nuage with mitochondrial derivatives, which in turn develops into the scattered nuage. The scattered nuage, which presumably presents the composite mixture saturated with mitochondrial matrix, terminates the GPRS transformation.
Multi-sensor Fireproof Alarm System

According to present situation and unsaved problems of home fireproof alarm system, the intelligent fireproof alarm system based on public telephone net is introduced. In the system, flammable gas sensor, temperature sensor and smoke sensor are used as the detection devices; the Single Chip Microprocessor (SCM) is used as the control core unit; and the intelligent alarm function is accomplished by speech sound chip. The multi-sensor system makes the least error-alarm and enhances the reliability of the system. This paper presents the theory of Fireproof Alarm System (FAS) and expatiates the method and process in developing an applied FAS.
Lessons learned conducting breastfeeding intervention research in two northern plains tribal communities.

AIM The overall purpose of this article was to describe the challenges and benefits of conducting breastfeeding intervention research with two Native American Tribal communities. METHODS A focus group with an interpretive approach was used to collect data within this qualitative study as a means of incorporating a complex, holistic, subjective interpretation of the case managers' perceptions and experiences. In addition, researchers' field notes were used. Findings are discussed in relation to Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Framework. RESULTS Themes that emerged during the focus group discussions were related to innovation, relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, trialability, and observability. CONCLUSIONS Conducting research in Native American Tribal communities was both enriching and challenging. The research protocol needs to be culturally appropriate, and complex components need to be videotaped for review on an ongoing basis. Time constraints of case managers need to be examined prior to development of the research protocol.
Antigenic changes of L1210 leukemia in mice treated with 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)imidazole-4-carboxamide.

Strong antigenic changes were induced in two L1210 leukemia lines (L1210 Cr and L1210 Ha) after several passages in CDF1 and BDF1 mice treated with 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)imidazole-4-carboxamide (DIC). The leukemic cells of both lines originally compatible with DBA/2 and related hybrid hosts elicited a pronounced allograft reaction in the same animals. The L1210 Cr line was sensitive to the antitumor activity of DIC while L1210 Ha was not. Since no specific relationship could be found between the origin of drug resistance and the appearance of antigenic changes, any hypothesis based on selection of spontaneous mutants by DIC would appear to be excluded. In addition the possibility that DIC might play a direct role as a hapten on tumor cells was ruled out. DIC was found to exert a strong inhibition of the allograft reaction. However, the origin of antigenic lines could not be attributed to the immunosuppressive activity of DIC. It would appear that DIC acts in some way on tumor cells, changing their antigenic properties and preventing the immunoselection of the transformed cells by the host. It was suggested that DIC could activate a latent virus of L1210 leukemic cells or induce somatic mutation at the level of histocompatibility antigens.
Indirect sensorless speed control of a PMSG for wind application

In this paper, the sensorless control of a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) for wind turbine applications is presented. This kind of generator has many advantages, such as: high efficiency, high power density and low maintenance requirements. To improve these characteristics in the whole wind generator system a sensorless scheme is proposed, thereby avoiding problems of electromagnetic interferences and failures in the position sensor.
Reduced levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor contribute to synaptic imbalance during the critical period of respiratory development in rats

Previously, our electrophysiological studies revealed a transient imbalance between suppressed excitation and enhanced inhibition in hypoglossal motoneurons of rats on postnatal days (P) 12–13, a critical period when abrupt neurochemical, metabolic, ventilatory and physiological changes occur in the respiratory system. The mechanism underlying the imbalance is poorly understood. We hypothesised that the imbalance was contributed by a reduced expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which normally enhances excitation and suppresses inhibition. We also hypothesised that exogenous BDNF would partially reverse this synaptic imbalance. Immunohistochemistry/single‐neuron optical densitometry, real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were done on hypoglossal motoneurons in brainstem slices of rats during the first three postnatal weeks. Our results indicated that: (1) the levels of BDNF and its high‐affinity tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor mRNAs and proteins were relatively high during the first 1–1.5 postnatal weeks, but dropped precipitously at P12–13 before rising again afterwards; (2) exogenous BDNF significantly increased the normally lowered frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents but decreased the normally heightened amplitude and frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) during the critical period; (3) exogenous BDNF also decreased the normally heightened frequency of miniature IPSCs at P12–13; and (4) the effect of exogenous BDNF was partially blocked by K252a, a TrkB receptor antagonist. Thus, our results are consistent with our hypothesis that BDNF and TrkB play an important role in the synaptic imbalance during the critical period. This may have significant implications for the mechanism underlying sudden infant death syndrome.
Polyaniline deposition on tilted fiber Bragg grating for pH sensing

In this paper, we present the results of a new pH sensor based on a polyaniline (PAni) coating on the surface of a tilted fiber Bragg grating. The pH-sensitive PAni was deposited by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The performance of the fabricated pH sensor was tested and the obtained pH values were compared with the results obtained using a pH meter device. It was found that the sensor exhibits response to pH changes in the range of 2–12, achieving a sensitivity of 46 pm/pH with a maximum error due to the hysteresis effect of ±1.14 pH. The main advantages of this PAni-TFBG pH sensor are biochemical compatibility, temperature independence, long-term stability and remote real-time multipoint sensing features. This type of sensor could be used for biochemical applications, pipeline corrosion monitoring or remote-multipoint measurements.
Incorporating contaminant bioavailability into sediment quality assessment frameworks

The recently adopted sediment quality assessment framework for evaluating bay and estuarine sediments in the state of California incorporates bulk sediment chemistry as a key line of evidence (LOE) but does not address the bioavailability of measured contaminants. Thus, the chemistry‐based LOE likely does not provide an accurate depiction of organism exposure in all cases, nor is it particularly well suited for assessment of causality. In recent years, several methods for evaluating the bioavailability of sediment‐associated contaminants have emerged, which, if optimized and validated, could be applied to improve the applicability and broaden the scope of sediment quality assessment. Such methods include equilibrium‐based biomimetic extractions using either passive sampling devices (PSDs) or measures of rapidly desorbing contaminant pools, which provide information compatible with existing mechanistic approaches. Currently, these methods show promise in relating bioaccessible chemicals to effects endpoints, including bioaccumulation of hydrophobic organic compounds and/or toxicity due to metals. Using these methods, a bioavailability LOE for organics is proposed based on PSD and equilibrium partitioning theory that can be employed as an independent LOE or in assessing causality in tiered toxicity identification evaluations. Current and future research should be aimed at comparing the performance of PSDs and their relationships with effects concentrations, field validation of the most promising methods, addressing contaminant mixtures, further developing the parameterization of the proposed bioavailability LOE, and providing a better understanding of the underlying diagenetic cycling of metal contaminants that lead to exposure, affect bioavailability, and drive adverse outcomes. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 659–673. © 2010 SETAC
Teaching and Continuing Professional Development: an Italian experience

Abstract Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a key factor for effective implementation of Clinical Governance. The development of a quality system is, in fact, strictly related to the development of competencies of healthcare professionals. Lifelong learning has emerged as a new paradigm that underlines the need to maintain and continuously improve knowledge, competencies and attitudes in the changing scenario of healthcare systems. CPD accreditation is another fundamental issue and a variety of voluntary and compulsory approaches can be recognised at an international level. The experience of the University Hospital of Padova may be useful to demonstrate that CPD can be addressed to implement a Clinical Governance project.
A Generative Model for Score Normalization in Speaker Recognition

We propose a theoretical framework for thinking about score normalization, which confirms that normalization is not needed under (admittedly fragile) ideal conditions. If, however, these conditions are not met, e.g. under data-set shift between training and runtime, our theory reveals dependencies between scores that could be exploited by strategies such as score normalization. Indeed, it has been demonstrated over and over experimentally, that various ad-hoc score normalization recipes do work. We present a first attempt at using probability theory to design a generative score-space normalization model which gives similar improvements to ZT-norm on the text-dependent RSR 2015 database.
Physical activity for cancer survivors: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Objective To systematically evaluate the effects of physical activity in adult patients after completion of main treatment related to cancer. Design Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials with data extraction and quality assessment performed independently by two researchers. Data sources Pubmed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from the earliest possible year to September 2011. References from meta-analyses and reviews. Study selection Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of physical activity in adults who had completed their main cancer treatment, except hormonal treatment. Results There were 34 randomised controlled trials, of which 22 (65%) focused on patients with breast cancer, and 48 outcomes in our meta-analysis. Twenty two studies assessed aerobic exercise, and four also included resistance or strength training. The median duration of physical activity was 13 weeks (range 3-60 weeks). Most control groups were considered sedentary or were assigned no exercise. Based on studies on patients with breast cancer, physical activity was associated with improvements in insulin-like growth factor-I, bench press, leg press, fatigue, depression, and quality of life. When we combined studies on different types of cancer, we found significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), body weight, peak oxygen consumption, peak power output, distance walked in six minutes, right handgrip strength, and quality of life. Sources of study heterogeneity included age, study quality, study size, and type and duration of physical activity. Publication bias did not alter our conclusions. Conclusions Physical activity has positive effects on physiology, body composition, physical functions, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in patients after treatment for breast cancer. When patients with cancer other than breast cancer were also included, physical activity was associated with reduced BMI and body weight, increased peak oxygen consumption and peak power output, and improved quality of life.