854 research outputs found
Polarization measurements in elastic scattering of and on polarized protons, in the range of energy between 6 and 17.5 GeV
No full text
A fast FPGA-based clustering algorithm for real time image processing2009 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record (NSS/MIC)
No full textReal time image analysis has undergone a rapid development in the last few years, due to the increasing availability of low cost computational power. However computing power is still a limit for some high quality applications. High-resolution medical image processing, for example, are strongly demanding for both memory (similar to 250 MB) and computational capabilities allowing for 3D processing in affordable time. We propose the reduction of execution time of image processing exploiting the computing power of parallel arrays of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). We apply this idea to an algorithm that finds clusters of contiguous pixels above a certain programmable threshold and process them to produce measurements that characterize their shape.
It is a fast general-purpose algorithm for high-throughput clustering of data "with a two dimensional organization". The two-dimensional problem is well processed by FPGAs since their available logic is naturally organized into a 2-dimensional array. The algorithm is designed to be implemented with FPGAs but it can also profit of cheaper custom electronics. The key feature is a very short processing time that scales linearly with the amount of data to be processed. This means that clustering can be performed in pipeline with the image acquisition, without suffering from combinatorial delays due to looping multiple times through the whole amount of data
The Role of Mifepristone in Cervical Maturation and Induction of Labor: A Narrative Review of the Literature
No full textBackground: The objective of this review is to demonstrate the efficacy of mifepristone as an inducing agent of labor by analyzing its impact on cervical maturation and maternal and neonatal outcomes. The research results showed that mifepristone facilitates cervical ripening and enhances uterine sensitivity. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted to descriptively summarize and compare available data. No formal meta-analytic model was applied. The analysis was descriptive and based on pooled aggregated data without the use of inferential modeling. Studies published through November 2024 were retrieved using the Medline, Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The search was based on a combination of keywords: “mifepristone”, “induction”, and “labor”. Randomized clinical trials and prospective and retrospective studies concerning full-term pregnancies with unfavorable cervices were included, while studies concerning termination of pregnancy or intrauterine death were excluded. The outcomes analyzed included cesarean section rates, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and oxytocin and prostaglandin use. Results: Ten studies were analyzed, with a total of 1561 patients. The use of mifepristone showed a reduction in the use of oxytocin (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.70–1.01), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.065), and a highly significant reduction in prostaglandin use (42.7% vs. 78.9%; RR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.48–0.60; p < 0.0001), with no significant difference in cesarean section rate (18.9% vs. 23.6%; RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.63–1.01; p = 0.068). However, a significantly higher rate of neonatal ICU admissions was observed in the mifepristone group (13.9% vs. 9.3%; RR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.08–2.02; p = 0.014). Only studies excluding patients with a previous cesarean section were included for the analyses of cesarean sections, oxytocin, and prostaglandin use, while all studies were retained for NICU evaluation. Conclusions: Mifepristone represents a promising option for labor induction due to its ability to improve cervical maturation and reduce the need for additional uterotonic agents. Our pooled analysis confirmed a significant reduction in prostaglandin and oxytocin use, and a non-significant trend toward fewer cesarean deliveries. However, the observed increase in NICU admissions in the mifepristone group raises important concerns regarding neonatal safety. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this association reflects underlying clinical factors, variations in NICU admission policies, or a true pharmacological effect. Future research should focus on optimizing dosing regimens, identifying patient subgroups who benefit most, and clarifying neonatal outcomes through long-term follow-up
- …
