LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D is positively associated with sperm motility and increases intracellular calcium in human spermatozoa.

BACKGROUND
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in human spermatozoa, and VDR-knockout mice and vitamin D (VD) deficiency in rodents results in impaired fertility, low sperm counts and a low number of motile spermatozoa. We investigated the role of activated VD (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) in human spermatozoa and whether VD serum levels are associated with semen quality.


METHODS
Cross-sectional association study of semen quality and VD serum level in 300 men from the general population, and in vitro studies on spermatozoa from 40 men to investigate the effects of VD on intracellular calcium, sperm motility and acrosome reaction. All men delivered samples for routine semen analysis and blood for measurements of follicle stimulating hormone, Inhibin B, 25-hydroxy-VD, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH).


RESULTS
In the association study, 44% were VD insufficient (<50 nM), and VD was inversely correlated with PTH (P < 0.0005). VD serum levels correlated positively with sperm motility and progressive motility (P < 0.05), and men with VD deficiency (<25 nM) had a lower proportion of motile (P = 0.027), progressive motile (P = 0.035) and morphologically normal spermatozoa (P = 0.044) compared with men with high VD levels (>75 nM). 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased intracellular calcium concentration in human spermatozoa through VDR-mediated calcium release from an intracellular calcium storage, increased sperm motility and induced the acrosome reaction in vitro.


CONCLUSIONS
1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased intracellular calcium concentration, sperm motility and induced the acrosome reaction in mature spermatozoa, and VD serum levels were positively associated with sperm motility, suggesting a role for VD in human sperm function.
Towards automated classification of fine-art painting style: A comparative study

This paper presents a comparative study of different classification methodologies for the task of fine-art genre classification. 2-level comparative study is performed for this classification problem. 1st level reviews the performance of discriminative vs. generative models while 2nd level touches the features aspect of the paintings and compares semantic-level features vs low-level and intermediate level features present in the painting.
Quality assurance in analytical chemistry : applications in environmental, food, and materials analysis, biotechnology, and medical engineering

Description: Reliability of analytical data depends on appropriate quality assurance methods. This holds true for environmental and food monitoring, materials analysis, but also for analytics in biotechnology or in medicine (in–vitro diagnostics, point–of–care testing). The authors of this best–selling title describe a proven and integrated concept for quality assurance. The new edition is enhanced by a chapter on the important topical subject of measurement uncertainty, plus a CD–ROM with interactive examples in the form of Excel–spreadsheets. These allow readers to gain an even better comprehension of the statistical procedures for quality assurance while also incorporating their own data. Following an introduction, the text goes on to elucidate the 4–phase model of analytical quality assurance: establishing a new analytical process, preparative quality assurance, routine quality assurance and external analytical quality assurance. Besides updating the relevant references, the authors incorporated the latest international standards in the field. From reviews of the previous edition: "extremely informative and comprehensive" Accreditation and Quality Assurance "The book successfully combines the role of authoritative textbook and reference manual, with that of a practical handbook and guide to the selection of an appropriate AQA strategy." The Analyst "This book presents a unique, four–phase strategy for quality assurance." Journal of the American Chemical Society
Cisplatin otoprotection using transtympanic L-N-acetylcysteine: a pilot randomized study in head and neck cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of transtympanic L-N-Acetylcysteine (L-NAC) administration in patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.


STUDY DESIGN
Prospective randomized nonblinded open-label clinical trial.


METHODS
Transtympanic 2% L-NAC was administered to one randomly selected ear with the other ear as control in each patient. Primary outcome parameter was the difference in the loss of pure tone averages (PTA) at 2, 4, and 8 kHz between the L-NAC and control ear at 1 to 2 months following chemotherapy.


RESULTS
Eleven patients completed the study, with two patients demonstrating significantly better hearing in the L-NAC treated ear (18.2%). However, for the overall group, the difference in hearing preservation did not reach significance. Two percent L-NAC administration was well tolerated in this patient population. There were no adverse effects associated with L-NAC.


CONCLUSION
Although the study did not demonstrate a significant benefit overall, transtympanic L-NAC was associated with significantly better hearing in two patients. Better delivery methods may improve the efficacy of this treatment. L-NAC remains a promising drug in preventing cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
PACON 2005 Harmonization of Port and Industry

PACON 2005 Harmonization of Port and Industry ABSTRACTS TABLE OF CONTENTSS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Analysis and synthesis of networked control systems: A survey of recent advances and challenges.

A networked control system (NCS) is a control system which involves a communication network. In NCSs, the continuous-time measurement is usually sampled and quantized before transmission. Then, the measurement is transmitted to the remote controller via the communication channel, during which the signal may be delayed, lost or even sometimes not allowed for transmission due to the communication or energy constraints. In recent years, the modeling, analysis and synthesis of networked control systems (NCSs) have received great attention, which leads to a large number of publications. This paper attempts to present an overview of recent advances and unify them in a framework of network-induced issues such as signal sampling, data quantization, communication delay, packet dropouts, medium access constraints, channel fading and power constraint, and present respective solution approaches to each of these issues. We draw some conclusions and highlight future research directions in end.
The Top Ten Maps of the Twentieth Century: A Personal View

The first BCS President of the twenty-first century reflects on the cartography of the twentieth century and identifies those 'maps' that he believes have had significant influence on the development of the discipline during that century.
Omega-3 fatty acid treatment and T(2) whole brain relaxation times in bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE
The authors hypothesized that changes in brain membrane composition resulting from omega-3 fatty acid administration in patients with bipolar disorder would result in greater membrane fluidity, as detected by reductions in T(2) values.


METHOD
Women with bipolar disorder (N=12) received omega-3 fatty acids for 4 weeks. A cohort of bipolar subjects (N=9) and a group without bipolar disorder (N=12) did not receive omega-3 fatty acids. T(2) values were acquired at baseline and after 4 weeks.


RESULTS
Bipolar subjects who received omega-3 fatty acids had significant decreases in T(2). There was a dose-dependent effect when the bipolar omega-3 fatty acid group was subdivided into high- and low-dose cohorts.


CONCLUSIONS
Omega-3 fatty acids lowered T(2) values, consistent with the hypothesis that the fluidity of cell membranes was altered. Further studies are needed to clarify the significance of alterations in brain physiology induced by omega-3 fatty acids, as reflected in T(2) values.
A Remote and Sensorless Stator Winding Resistance Estimation Method for Thermal Protection of Soft-Starter-Connected Induction Machines

This paper proposes a remote and sensorless stator winding resistance estimation method for thermal protection of soft-starter-connected induction motors. By changing the gate drive signals of the thyristors in the soft starter, a small adjustable dc bias can be intermittently injected to the motor for the estimation of the stator winding resistance. Based on online and continuous monitoring of the stator winding resistance, the stator winding temperature can be monitored using only motor voltage and current. In addition, the torque pulsation caused by the injected dc bias is analyzed. It can also be controlled under an acceptable level by adjusting the level of the injected dc signal. The influence of cable resistance is also studied, and a compensation method is proposed. The proposed method has been verified by experimental results from two induction motors. The proposed stator resistance estimation method can provide remote, sensorless, and accurate thermal protection for soft-starter-connected induction motors.
Designing to Mitigate Effects of Flicker in LED Lighting: Reducing risks to health and safety

How often has this scenario happened? You are driving at night behind a car that has bright light-emitting diode (LED) taillights. When looking directly at the taillights, the light is not blurry, but when glancing at other objects, a trail of lights appears, known as a phantom array. The reason for this trail of lights might not be what you expected: it is not due to glare, degradation of eyesight, or astigmatism. The culprit may be the flickering of the LED lights caused by pulse-width modulating (PWM) drive circuitry. Actually, many LED taillights flicker on and off at frequencies between 200 and 500 Hz, which is too fast to notice when the eye is not in rapid motion. However, during a rapid eye movement (saccade), the images of the LED lights appear in different positions on the retina, causing a trail of images to be perceived (Figure 1). This disturbance of vision may not occur with all LED taillights because some taillights keep a constant current through the LEDs. However, when there is a PWM current through the LEDs, the biological effect of the light flicker may become noticeable during the eye saccade.
A Probabilistic On-Line Mapping Algorithm for Teams of Mobile Robots

An efficient probabilistic algorithm for the concurrent mapping and localization problem that arises in mobile robotics is presented. The algorithm addresses the problem in which a team of robots builds a map on-line while simultaneously accommodating errors in the robots’ odometry. At the core of the algorithm is a technique that combines fast maximum likelihood map growing with a Monte Carlo localizer that uses particle representations. The combination of both yields an on-line algorithm that can cope with large odometric errors typically found when mapping environments with cycles. The algorithm can be implemented in a distributed manner on multiple robot platforms, enabling a team of robots to cooperatively generate a single map of their environment. Finally, an extension is described for acquiring three-dimensional maps, which capture the structure and visual appearance of indoor environments in three dimensions. KEY WORDS—mobile robotics, map acquisition, localization, robotic exploration, multi-robot systems, threedimensional modeling
Sparse coding with an overcomplete basis set: A strategy employed by V1?

The spatial receptive fields of simple cells in mammalian striate cortex have been reasonably well described physiologically and can be characterized as being localized, oriented, and bandpass, comparable with the basis functions of wavelet transforms. Previously, we have shown that these receptive field properties may be accounted for in terms of a strategy for producing a sparse distribution of output activity in response to natural images. Here, in addition to describing this work in a more expansive fashion, we examine the neurobiological implications of sparse coding. Of particular interest is the case when the code is overcomplete--i.e., when the number of code elements is greater than the effective dimensionality of the input space. Because the basis functions are non-orthogonal and not linearly independent of each other, sparsifying the code will recruit only those basis functions necessary for representing a given input, and so the input-output function will deviate from being purely linear. These deviations from linearity provide a potential explanation for the weak forms of non-linearity observed in the response properties of cortical simple cells, and they further make predictions about the expected interactions among units in response to naturalistic stimuli.
Effects of de-alcoholised wines with different polyphenol content on DNA oxidative damage, gene expression of peripheral lymphocytes, and haemorheology: an intervention study in post-menopausal women.

PURPOSE
Epidemiological studies suggest that a moderate consumption of wine is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and with a reduced mortality for all causes, possibly due to increased antioxidant defences. The present intervention study was undertaken to evaluate the in vivo effects of wine polyphenols on gene expression in humans, along with their supposed antioxidant activity.


METHODS
Blood haemorheology and platelet function were also evaluated. In order to avoid interferences from alcohol, we used de-alcoholised wine (DAW) with different polyphenol content. A randomised cross-over trial of high-proanthocyanidin (PA) red DAW (500 mL/die, PA dose = 7 mg/kg b.w.) vs. low-PA rosé DAW (500 mL/die, PA dose = 0.45 mg/kg) was conducted in 21 post-menopausal women in Florence, Italy. Oxidative DNA damage by the comet assay and gene expression by microarray was measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes, collected during the study period. Blood samples were also collected for the evaluation of haematological, haemostatic, haemorheological, and inflammatory parameters.


RESULTS
The results of the present study provide evidence that consumption of substantial amounts of de-alcoholised wine for 1 month does not exert a protective activity towards oxidative DNA damage, nor modifies significantly the gene expression profile of peripheral lymphocytes, whereas it shows blood-fluidifying actions, expressed as a significant decrease in blood viscosity. However, this effect does not correlate with the dosage of polyphenols of the de-alcoholised wine.


CONCLUSIONS
More intervention studies are needed to provide further evidence of the health-protective effects of wine proanthocyanidins.
HAIRY POLYP on the dorsum of the tongue – detection and comprehension of its possible dinamics

BACKGROUND
The formation of a Hairy Polyp on the dorsum of the tongue is a rare condition that may hinder vital functions such as swallowing and breathing due to mechanical obstruction. The authors present the situation on a child with an approach of significant academic value.


METHODS
Imaging diagnostics with the application of a topical oral radiocontrastant was used to determine the extent of the tumor. Performed treatment was complete excision and diagnostics was confirmed with anatomopathological analysis.


RESULTS
The patient was controlled for five months and, showing no signs of relapse, was considered free from the lesion.


CONCLUSION
Accurate diagnostics of such a lesion must be performed in depth so that proper surgical treatment may be performed. The imaging method proposed has permitted the visualization of the tumoral insertion and volume, as well as the comprehension of its threatening dynamics.
Simulating Self-Motion I: Cues for the Perception of Motion

When people move there are many visual and non-visual cues that can inform them about their movement. Simulating self-motion in a virtual reality environment thus needs to take these non-visual cues into account in addition to the normal high-quality visual display. Here we examine the contribution of visual and non-visual cues to our perception of self-motion. The perceived distance of self-motion can be estimated from the visual flow field, physical forces or the act of moving. On its own, passive visual motion is a very effective cue to self-motion, and evokes a perception of self-motion that is related to the actual motion in a way that varies with acceleration. Passive physical motion turns out to be a particularly potent self-motion cue: not only does it evoke an exaggerated sensation of motion, but it also tends to dominate other cues.
The Order of Prenominal Adjectives in Natural Language Generation

The order of prenominal adjectival modifiers in English is governed by complex and difficult to describe constraints which straddle the boundary between competence and performance. This paper describes and compares a number of statistical and machine learning techniques for ordering sequences of adjectives in the context of a natural language generation system.
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in disease

There is growing evidence that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of both intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. Intestinal disorders include inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and coeliac disease, while extra-intestinal disorders include allergy, asthma, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Integrating the teaching of computer organization and architecture with digital hardware design early in undergraduate courses

This paper describes a new way to teach computer organization and architecture concepts with extensive hands-on hardware design experience very early in computer science curricula. While describing the approach, it addresses relevant questions about teaching computer organization, computer architecture and hardware design to students in computer science and related fields. The justification to concomitantly teach two often separately addressed subjects is twofold. First, to provide a better insight into the practical aspects of computer organization and architecture. Second, to allow addressing only highly abstract design levels yet achieving reasonably performing implementations, to make the integrated teaching approach feasible. The approach exposes students to many of the essential issues incurred in the analysis, simulation, design and effective implementation of processors. Although the former separation of such connected disciplines has certainly brought academic benefits in the past, some modern technologies allow capitalizing on their integration. Indeed, the new approach is enabled by the availability of two new technologies, fast hardware prototyping platforms built with reconfigurable, hardware and powerful computer-aided design tools for design entry, validation and implementation. The practical implementation of the teaching approach comprises lecture as well as laboratory courses, starting in the third semester of an undergraduate computer science curriculum. In four editions of the first two courses, most students have obtained successful processor implementations. In some cases, considerably complex applications, such as bubble sort and quick sort procedures were programed in assembly and or machine code and run at the hardware description language simulation level in the designed processors.
The Treatment and Outcome of Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Synchronous Metastases

INTRODUCTION
There is a strong association between poor overall survival and a short disease-free interval for patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and metastatic disease. Patients with STS and synchronous metastases should have a very dismal prognosis.The role of surgery in this subgroup of patients with STS has not been defined.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
A single-institution retrospective review was performed of 48 patients with STS and synchronous metastases in regard to patient demographics, presentation, tumor characteristics, metastatic sites, treatment, follow-up, and survival over a 27-year period.


RESULTS
Most primary tumors were >/=10 cm (58%), high-grade histology (77%), and located on the extremity (60%).The most frequent site of metastatic disease was the lung (63%); 27% of patients had metastases to >/=2 organ sites. Surgery to the primary tumor was performed in 94% of patients (n = 45) and 68% had additional radiation therapy (n = 32). Thirty- five percent of patients underwent at least one metastastectomy (n = 17). Chemotherapy was administered to 90% of patients (n = 43); 31% received >/=3 different regimens (n = 15) and 25% were given intra-arterial or intracavitary therapy (n = 12). Median overall survival was 15 months with a 21% 2-year survival. Local control of the primary tumor was achieved in 54% (n = 26), and metastastectomy was performed in 35% (n = 17). No analyzed factors were associated with an improvement in overall survivalConclusions: Despite multiple poor prognostic factors, the survival of patients with STS and metastases is comparable to those who develop delayed metastatic disease. However, unlike patients who present with metachronous disease, there was no improved survival observed for patients treated with metastastectomy. Consequently, treatment for patients with STS and synchronous metastases should be approached with caution. Surgical management of STS with synchronous metastases must be considered palliative and should be reserved for patients requiring palliation of symptoms. Patients must also be well informed of the noncurative nature of the procedure.
Introduction to Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization and blood safety in Iran.

Currently, in Iran blood transfusion is an integral part of the national health system and blood donation is voluntary and nonremunerated and blood and its components may not be a source of profit. In 1974 and following establishment of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) all blood transfusion activities from donor recruitment to production of blood components and delivery of blood and blood products were centralized. The activities of IBTO are followed the laws and regulations of Ministry of Health and criteria of Iran National Regulatory Authority. In order to meet the country's demand in 2007 IBTO collected about 1.7 millions units of blood from the population of 70 millions. In 1979 coincided with the Islamic revolution the number of blood units collected throughout the country were 124,000 units or 3.4 unit per 1000 population whereas after about 30 years this increased to about 25 unit per 1000 population. With improving the pool of voluntary donors, IBTO has been successful in excluding "family replacement" donation since 2007 and reached to 100% voluntary and nonremunerated blood donation. Currently more than 92% of blood donors in Iran are male and contribution of female in blood donation is less than 8%. Although all donated blood in Iran screened for HBsAg since 1974, screening of blood units for HIV and HCV started since 1989 and 1996, respectively. The frequency of HBV infection in blood donors showed a significant decline from 1.79% in 1998 to 0.4% in 2007. The overall frequency of HCV and HIV infection are 0.13% and 0.004% respectively.
Click Chemistry, A Powerful Tool for Pharmaceutical Sciences

Click chemistry refers to a group of reactions that are fast, simple to use, easy to purify, versatile, regiospecific, and give high product yields. While there are a number of reactions that fulfill the criteria, the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azides and terminal alkynes has emerged as the frontrunner. It has found applications in a wide variety of research areas, including materials sciences, polymer chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences. In this manuscript, important aspects of the Huisgen cycloaddition will be reviewed, along with some of its many pharmaceutical applications. Bioconjugation, nanoparticle surface modification, and pharmaceutical-related polymer chemistry will all be covered. Limitations of the reaction will also be discussed.