We demonstrate an application of a CMOS image sensor using pulse frequency modulation for retinal prosthesis. To increase the sensitivity we use a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) instead of a conventional integration method. The fundamental device characteristics of PFM are described. Based on the results of the PFM pixel circuit, we have fabricated a 128 x 128 pixel array chip using 0.35μm CM...

[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the correlation between the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and diaphragmatic motion during breathing. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 20 healthy female students who listened to an explanation of the study methods, purpose and agreed to participate in the experiment. [Methods] Radiograph equipment was used to examine diaphrag...

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) force and coordination are related to urinary incontinence severity and to sexual satisfaction. Health professionals frequently combine classic PFM exercises with hip adduction/abduction contraction to treat these disorders, but the real benefits of this practice are still unknown. Based on a theoretical anatomy approach whereby the levator ani muscle is inserted into ...

Background: Sickle cell disease (HbSS) is a major health problem in Nigeria and ma-laria has been implicated as a leading cause of morbidity/mortality in sickle cell disease patients. Few reasons were put forward to explain the observed morbidity/mortality of HbSS subjects due to Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria. Objectives: To determine the level of immunoglobulin classes (IgM, Ig...

Most synthetic polymers lack biological and chemical functionalities. This lack of functionality restricts the polymer properties and prevents them from controlling specific cell-material interactions. Polymers with free functional groups allow facile modifications, which can be used to control the biointerface. Here we created a functionalizable polymer, poly(fumaroyl bioxirane) maleate (PFM),...

There is no consensus on the amount of exercise necessary to improve pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. We reviewed the pathophysiology of PFM dysfunction and the evolution of PFM training regimens since Kegel introduced the concept of pelvic floor awareness and the benefits of strength. This paper also describes the similarities and differences between PFM and other muscular groups, reviews t...

A novel approach for nanoscale imaging and characterization of the orientation dependence of electromechanical properties-vector piezoresponse force microscopy (Vector PFM)-is described. The relationship between local electromechanical response, polarization, piezoelectric constants, and crystallographic orientation is analyzed in detail. The image formation mechanism in vector PFM is discussed...

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to verify whether precise contraction of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) using visual feedback actually affects the thickness of abdominal muscles. [Subjects] The subjects were 29 healthy adults in their 20s who consented to participate in this study. [Methods] This study provided visual feedback on PFM using one ultrasound device and identified changes in t...

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity after vaginal birth, and the effect of parity on PFM strength and quality of life (QoL) in women with urinary incontinence. [Subjects and Methods] Patients (n=241) who gave birth vaginally and experienced urinary incontinence were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of women having 1-3 children, g...

Introduction: Since the last few decades, the government of Ethiopia has introduced and adopted participatory forest management (PFM) in different regions of the country. However, there is a lack of research dealing with perceptions and attitudes of local people towards PFM in Wof-Washa Forests (WWF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of local people towards PF...