LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Sperm calcineurin inhibition prevents mouse fertility with implications for male contraceptive

Calcineurin inhibitors, such as cyclosporine A and FK506, are used as immunosuppressant drugs, but their adverse effects on male reproductive function remain unclear. The testis expresses somatic calcineurin and a sperm-specific isoform that contains a catalytic subunit (PPP3CC) and a regulatory subunit (PPP3R2). We demonstrate herein that male mice lacking Ppp3cc or Ppp3r2 genes (knockout mice) are infertile, with reduced sperm motility owing to an inflexible midpiece. Treatment of mice with cyclosporine A or FK506 creates phenocopies of the sperm motility and morphological defects. These defects appear within 4 to 5 days of treatment, which indicates that sperm-specific calcineurin confers midpiece flexibility during epididymal transit. Male mouse fertility recovered a week after we discontinued treatment. Because human spermatozoa contain PPP3CC and PPP3R2 as a form of calcineurin, inhibition of this sperm-specific calcineurin may lead to the development of a reversible male contraceptive that would target spermatozoa in the epididymis.
Examining the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with psoriasis: a critical review.

BACKGROUND
Increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in psoriasis patients could be due to a greater prevalence of traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors or increased inflammatory disease burden.


OBJECTIVE
To critically evaluate evidence on the etiology and magnitude of CV risk in psoriasis patients.


METHODS
A total of 497 articles were identified for review through a PubMed search using the terms "CVD and psoriasis"; 43 were selected. Data measuring the risk of comorbidities and CV risk factors in psoriasis were retrieved.


RESULTS
Psoriasis patients have an increased prevalence of CV risk factors. Evidence suggests an increased risk of CV morbidity and mortality associated with psoriasis itself. Risk estimates vary across studies (OR range 1.13-6.48), possibly due to heterogeneous study design and incomplete data.


CONCLUSION
Although additional data are required, increased awareness of the association of psoriasis with CV risk factors could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of comorbidities, with resultant improvement in morbidity and mortality.
Seeing Through Misinformation: A Framework for Identifying Fake Online News

The fake news epidemic makes it imperative to develop a diagnostic framework that is both parsimonious and valid to guide present and future efforts in fake news detection. This paper represents one of the very first attempts to fill a void in the research on this topic. The LeSiE (Lexical Structure, Simplicity, Emotion) framework we created and validated allows lay people to identify potential fake news without the use of calculators or complex statistics by looking out for three simple cues. Introduction A panel of experts convened by the BBC in 2016 named the breakdown of trusted sources of information as one of the most pressing societal challenges in the 21 century. In the same year, the Oxford Dictionaries named “post-truth” the “word of the year”. The outcomes of two of the most momentous events in 2016 — the US presidential election and Brexit — were thought to have been significantly influenced by the prevalence of fake news surrounding both events. The speed with which misinformation make its way online and find an audience is unprecedented in the history of communication. This phenomenon is fuelled by a combination of the ubiquity of social networks, credulous online media, and the peculiarities of human information processing (Silverman, 2015). As fake news articles are unconstrained by reality or facts, they can be crafted with considerable latitude to appeal to hopes, fears, wishes and curiosity, which in turn drives online virality and engagement (Silverman, 2015). This is complicated by the popularity of rumors as conversational currency in interpersonal interactions, especially under conditions of uncertainty (e.g. Southwell, 2013). Fake news viewing has been shown to foster feelings of inefficacy, alienation, and cynicism (Balmas, 2014). Moreover, fakes news (if plausible) can create a complex and demanding rhetorical situation for organizations (Veil et al., 2012), such that organizational legitimacy could be threatened and undermined (Sellnow, Littlefield, Vidolof, & Webb, 2009). On the political/international stage, the consequences of fake news can take on epic proportions: for example, over half of those who recalled seeing fake news about Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton during the US presidential election 1 Director of Operations and Technology, SSON Analytics. 2 Associate Professor, Corporate Communication (Practice), Singapore Management University.
Quadruple test parameters in art pregnancies.

AIM
Quadruple test is used for Down's syndrome screening in the second trimester of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in quadruple test parameters between pregnancies achieved by assisted reproductive treatments (ART) and spontaneous conception.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively compared levels of alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), unconjugated Estriol (uE3), inhibin-A and hCG and also screen positive test results.


RESULTS
Levels of all quadruple test parameters were statistically significantly increased in ART pregnancies when compared to spontaneous pregnancies, AFP was 1.4±0.74 and 1.16±0.53, (p=0.001), uE3 was 1.10±0.37 and 1.00±0.28, (p=0.004), hCG was 1.56±1.04 and 1.26±0.76, (p=0.001), inhibin A was 1.38±0.76 and 1.08±0.57, (p=0.001), screen positive tests were nearly doubled (4.8% and 8.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
Increased screen positive test results and quadruple test parameters in ART pregnancies may lead to unnecessary amniocentesis.
Nasal bone length, prenasal thickness, prenasal thickness-to-nasal bone length ratio and prefrontal space ratio in second- and third-trimester fetuses with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate nasal bone length (NBL), prenasal thickness (PT), prenasal thickness-to-nasal bone length (PT-NBL) ratio and prefrontal space ratio (PFSR) as markers for Down syndrome in the second and third trimesters.


METHODS
NBL, PT, PT-NBL ratio and PFSR were measured retrospectively in stored two-dimensional images or three-dimensional volumes (corrected to the mid-sagittal plane) of fetuses with Down syndrome, which were retrieved from the digital databases of participating units. Measurements were performed on the stored images and volumes by two experienced operators, and the values obtained were compared to our previously reported normal ranges for euploid fetuses in order to assess the detection rates for Down syndrome.


RESULTS
A total of 159 fetuses with Down syndrome were included in the analysis, six of which were excluded because of inadequate available images. Median maternal age was 36.0 years and median gestational age was 23 + 1 weeks. NBL and PT were correlated with gestational age (P < 0.001), but the PT-NBL ratio and PFSR were not. Mean NBL, PT, PT-NBL ratio and PFSR were 4.42 mm, 5.56 mm, 1.26 and 0.34, respectively. The nasal bone was absent in 23 (15.4%) cases. As a marker for Down syndrome, the PT-NBL ratio yielded the highest detection rate (86.2%), followed by PFSR (79.7%), PT (63.4%) and NBL (61.9%). All markers were abnormal in 33.6% of cases, whilst all were normal in 4.7%. At least one of the four markers was abnormal in 95.3%, and either the PT-NBL ratio or PFSR was abnormal in 93.8%. Detection rates were not related to gestational age.


CONCLUSIONS
The PT-NBL ratio and PFSR are robust second- and third-trimester markers for Down syndrome. Both provide high detection rates and are easy to use, as the cut-off for normality is constant throughout gestation. Ltd.
Requirements Engineering Practices in Very Small Software Enterprises: A Diagnostic Study

Requirements engineering practices have been identified as a key issue that affects the success rate of projects in most software organizations. The software engineering community has studied the requirements engineering practices of medium and large-sized organizations extensively, and has produced interesting and suitable solutions. However, several software engineering researchers have shown that most current requirements engineering practices are unsuitable for small and very small software companies. They have also highlighted that there is a lack of knowledge about the requirements engineering practices in these types of companies. This article presents the results of a diagnostic study the authors are performing in very small software companies in Chile. The study tries to identify the state of the practice in this niche and also the potential limitations to adopt appropriate requirements engineering practices in Chilean very small software enterprises.
Pixel Based Digital Image Forgery Detection Techniques

Due to rapid advances and availabilities of powerful image processing softwares, it is easy to manipulate and modify digital images. So it is very difficult for a viewer to judge the authenticity of a given image. For digital photographs to be used as evidence in law issues or to be circulated in mass media, it is necessary to check the authenticity of the image . In the paper, first, classification of Image forgery detection techniques is discussed and the two important techniques for pixel based forgery detection are discussed. A technique for copy-move forgery detection is discussed. But this approach takes into account only shifting of copied regions. So , another technique is discussed for fast-copy-move detection . Then both the approaches are analyzed and compared.Finally the conclusion and future work is discussed the conclusion and future work is discussed.
Understanding dynamic capabilities through knowledge management

Purpose – This paper sets out to integrate research on knowledge management with the dynamic capabilities approach. This paper will add to the understanding of dynamic capabilities by demonstrating that dynamic capabilities can be seen as composed of concrete and well-known knowledge management activities. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a literature review focusing on key knowledge management processes and activities as well as the concept of dynamic capabilities, the paper connects these two approaches. The analysis is centered on knowledge management activities which then are compiled into dynamic capabilities. Findings – In the paper eight knowledge management activities are identified; knowledge creation, acquisition, capture, assembly, sharing, integration, leverage, and exploitation. These activities are assembled into the three dynamic capabilities of knowledge development, knowledge (re)combination, and knowledge use. The dynamic capabilities and the associated knowledge management activities create flows to and from the firm’s stock of knowledge and they support the creation and use of organizational capabilities. Practical implications – The findings in the paper demonstrate that the somewhat elusive concept of dynamic capabilities can be untangled through the use of knowledge management activities. Practicing managers struggling with the operationalization of dynamic capabilities should instead focus on the contributing knowledge management activities in order to operationalize and utilize the concept of dynamic capabilities. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates that the existing research on knowledge management can be a key contributor to increasing our understanding of dynamic capabilities. This finding is valuable for both researchers and practitioners.
Per una comprensione non ideologica della laicità

Understanding the Autonomy of Politics and the Autonomy of Religion without Ideology - The aim of this essay is to argue a new thesis about the conception of the rightful autonomy of the political or civil sphere from that of religion and the Church. On the one hand, the relations between politics and religion are decided following the principle of autonomy, understood as a theoretical and practical affirmation of the autonomy of both spheres; autonomy supported by reciprocal collaboration in the service of the person. The secular State is a State of reason, grounded on rights and duties and on relations that do not oppose to religion, recognised as one of the multiple reality that constitute the public sphere. On the other hand, it is important to discern two different propositions of autonomy in the modern context. The first is marked with a hostile openness towards religion and a second, which is attentive to dialogue with it. The reason for this dichotomy has been caused by misunderstanding democratic reality, which are possible to solve with a double discernment: in what sense are all the people the foundation of political sovereignty? And which is the democratic value of ethic pluralism? Popular sovereignty becomes real when there is an effective respect of the inviolable nature of a several goods of the human person, beyond the different interests of the State or of the majority. Pluralism, when it is severed from the ethic of indifference and it is not relegated to private life, is another barrier in the face of the ambition of the State. Keywords: laicality, laicism, democracy, sovereignty, pluralism
Analysis of the Veracities of Industry Used Software Development Life Cycle Methodologies

Currently, software industries are using different SDLC (software development life cycle) models which are designed for specific purposes. The use of technology is booming in every perspective of life and the software behind the technology plays an enormous role. As the technical complexities are increasing, successful development of software solely depends on the proper management of development processes. So, it is inevitable to introduce improved methodologies in the industry so that modern human centred software applications development can be managed and delivered to the user successfully. So, in this paper, we have explored the facts of different SDLC models and perform their comparative analysis. Keywords—Software Development Life Cycle; Plan Driven Model; Agile Model; Development Environment; Industry Success
Impact of the method of reconstruction after oncologic oesophagectomy on quality of life--a prospective, randomised study.

OBJECTIVE
For patients undergoing oncologic surgery, the quality of life (QoL) is generally accepted as an important outcome parameter in addition to long-term survival, mortality and complication rates. This study focussed on the QoL in patients after oesophagectomy for cancer, comparing the method of reconstruction (narrow gastric tube vs whole stomach).


METHODS
In a prospective randomised single-centre study from 2007 to 2008, 104 patients underwent oesophagectomy for cancer. To assess the QoL, a questionnaire in reference to the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-OES24 was administered at 3 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Clinical data were collected prospectively, and follow-up was performed regularly.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the narrow gastric tube group (NGT group, n=52) and the whole-stomach group (WS group, n=52) with regard to patient and cancer characteristics, operative procedure, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalisation, and overall survival at 1 year. Regarding the postoperative complication, there were more cases of postoperative reflux oesophagitis and impairment of pulmonary function in the WS group (P<0.05). Regarding the QoL investigation, the scores of QoL dropped for all patients at 3 weeks after surgery. Slowly, recovery was found at both 6 months and 1 year in both groups. Patients in the NGT group reported significantly (P<0.05) better scores of QoL at both 6 months and 1 year.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who underwent gastric tube reconstruction develop less postoperative digestive tract complications, and have a quicker recovery and a better QoL during the follow-up period. Further investigation and data collection will allow the assessment of this procedure beyond 1 year after operation.
COMPARISON OF HOLISTIC AND FEATURE BASED APPROACHES TO FACE RECOGNITION

Declaration I certify that all work on this thesis was carried out between March 2003 and July 2003 and it has not been submitted for any academic award at any other college, institute or university. The work presented was carried out under the supervision of Dr. All other work in the thesis is my own except where acknowledged in the text.
Embedding requirements within Model-Driven Architecture

Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) brings benefits to software development, among them the potential for connecting software models with the business domain. This paper focuses on the upstream or Computation-Independent Model (CIM) phase of MDA. Our contention is that, whilst there are many models and notations available within the CIM phase, those that are currently popular and supported by the Object Management Group (OMG) may not be the most useful notations for business analysts nor sufficient to fully support software requirements and specification. Therefore, with specific emphasis on the value of the Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) for business analysts, this paper provides an example of a typical CIM approach before describing an approach that incorporates specific requirements techniques. A framework extension to MDA is then introduced, which embeds requirements and specification within the CIM, thus further enhancing the utility of MDA by providing a more complete method for business analysis.
Landforms and landscape evolution in the Skardu, Shigar and Braldu Valleys, Central Karakoram

Article history: The Central Karakoram, wh Accepted 15 November 2007 Available online 10 May 2008
Results of the citalopram to enhance cognition in Huntington disease trial.

BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to evaluate citalopram for executive functioning in Huntington's disease (HD).


METHODS
The study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Thirty-three adults with HD, cognitive complaints, and no depression (Hamilton Depression [HAM-D] rating scale ≤ 12) were administered citalopram 20 mg or placebo (7 visits, 20 weeks), with practice and placebo run-ins. The primary outcome was change in executive functioning.


RESULTS
The intent to treat analysis was controlled for practice effects, comparing visits 1 and 2 to visits 5 and 6 for citalopram versus placebo. There were no significant benefits on the executive function composite (treatment-placebo mean difference -0.167; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.361 to 0.028; P = .092). Citalopram participants showed improved clinician-rated depression symptoms on the HAM-D (t = -2.02; P = 0.05). There were no group differences on motor ratings, self-reported executive functions, psychiatric symptoms, or functional status.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no evidence that short-term treatment with citalopram improved executive functions in HD. Despite excluding patients with active depression, participants on citalopram showed improved mood, raising the possibility of efficacy for subsyndromal depression in HD.
A Systematic Power-Quality Assessment and Harmonic Filter Design Methodology for Variable-Frequency Drive Application in Marine Vessels

In maritime industry, high fuel costs encourage use of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) for energy-saving applications. However, introduction of such nonlinear loads in the vessel's power distribution network induces harmonics, which can lead to potential risks if are not predicted and controlled. In this paper, a systematic power-quality assessment and monitoring methodology is proposed to calculate VFD contribution to voltage distortion at the point of common coupling (PCC), considering the source short-circuit capacity and the existing vessel's power system harmonics. According to voltage harmonic distortion limits set by marine classification societies, design and sizing of appropriate harmonic attenuation filters is made, including ac and dc chokes and frequency-tuned passive filter options. The effectiveness of the proposed power-quality analyzing procedure is evaluated through a real practical example, which includes harmonic filter design for VFD retrofit application to fan and pump motors that operate constantly during sea-going operation in a typical tanker vessel. Power-quality field measurements obtained through a harmonic monitoring platform implemented on board verify that total voltage harmonic distortion and individual voltage harmonics at PCC are maintained below 5% and 3%, respectively, showing that design complies with relevant marine harmonic standards even in the worst operating case.
Compact Ka-band Cassegrain antenna with multimode monopulse tracking feed for satcom-on-the-move applications

High data rate satellite communications in Ka-band are an important and ongoing area of research and development. Especially compact antennas with high gain are of interest for bidirectional land mobile scenarios. In this paper, we describe a volume-efficient Cassegrain reflector antenna fed from a novel PCB-based multimode monopulse feed chain. The structure provides a dual circular polarisation communication mode as well as the TM01 mode for multimode monopulse tracking [1], [2]. The antenna is operational at 20GHz and 30 GHz, to cover the downlink and the uplink frequency ranges in Ka-band. This work contributes to the development of a ground-segment satellite user terminal for land-mobile communications in disaster scenarios.
Plug-in Approach to Active Learning

We present a new active learning algorithm based on nonparam et ic estimators of the regression function. Our investigation provides probabilistic bound s for the rates of convergence of the generalization error achievable by proposed method over a broa d class of underlying distributions. We also prove minimax lower bounds which show that the obtained rates are almost tight.
Clinical and Radiological Classification of the Jawbone Anatomy in Endosseous Dental Implant Treatment

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of present article was to review the classifications suggested for assessment of the jawbone anatomy, to evaluate the diagnostic possibilities of mandibular canal identification and risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury, aesthetic considerations in aesthetic zone, as well as to suggest new classification system of the jawbone anatomy in endosseous dental implant treatment.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
Literature was selected through a search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane electronic databases. The keywords used for search were mandible; mandibular canal; alveolar nerve, inferior; anatomy, cross-sectional; dental implants; classification. The search was restricted to English language articles, published from 1972 to March 2013. Additionally, a manual search in the major anatomy and oral surgery books were performed. The publications there selected by including clinical and human anatomy studies.


RESULTS
In total 109 literature sources were obtained and reviewed. The classifications suggested for assessment of the jawbone anatomy, diagnostic possibilities of mandibular canal identification and risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury, aesthetic considerations in aesthetic zone were discussed. New classification system of the jawbone anatomy in endosseous dental implant treatment based on anatomical and radiologic findings and literature review results was suggested.


CONCLUSIONS
The classification system proposed here based on anatomical and radiological jawbone quantity and quality evaluation is a helpful tool for planning of treatment strategy and collaboration among specialists. Further clinical studies should be conducted for new classification validation and reliability evaluation.