Uterine contractility is known to play significant role in women's health. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging have been used for assessing uterine peristalsis, however they lack practicality, objectivity, and costeffectiveness. In this paper, the ElectroUteroGraph (EUG) and novel electrodes are introduced, to cover the unmet need of practical intrauterine contractility assessment. The EUG measures biopotentials produced by uterine muscle contraction, similar to the basis of electrocardiography. Methods: The EUG was used to fifteen healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Amplitude and frequency-related features were derived from our recordings. Results: The EUG and novel electrodes did not cause any pain or discomfort to the patients, over their multiple recording sessions. The collected data showed difference between the proliferative and luteal phase of menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The EUG can accurately measure uterine electrical activity, in a simple, standardized, safe and pain-free approach, leading to objective evaluation of uterine peristalsis.
Silicon nitride (SiNx), has been widely regarded as a CMOS photonics enabling material, facilitating the development of low-cost CMOS compatible waveguides and related photonic components. We have previously developed an NH3-free SiN PECVD platform in which its optical properties can be tailored. Here, we report on a new type of surface-emitting nitrogen-rich silicon nitride waveguide with antenna lengths of L > 5 mm. This is achieved by using a technique called small spot direct ultraviolet writing, capable of creating periodic refractive index changes ranging from -0.01 to -0.04. With this arrangement, a weak antenna radiation strength can be achieved, resulting in far-field beam widths < 0.015 0 , while maintaining a minimum feature size equal to 300 nm, which is compatible with DUV scanner lithography.
This paper presents a broadband high-Q tunable negative inductor based on a gyrator topology. In order to reduce the risk of instability and to increase circuit bandwidth, simple inverters are used as transconductance amplifier. A complete stability analysis and careful circuit design details using SOI 180 nm technology are presented. Post-layout simulations results show a negative inductance variation from -24 nH to -13.7 nH. For a bandwidth from 10 MHz to 1 GHz, inductance value error remains under 12.5 %. Circuit power consumption is 16 mW; and area consumption is 120 m by 84 m.
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