Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abnormal placental cord insertion may induce intrauterine growth restriction in IVF-twin pregnancies.

BACKGROUND This study determined whether twins conceived through assisted reproduction technology (ART) have an increased risk of perinatal complications compared with natural twin pregnancies and investigated potential associated major risk factors. METHODS This retrospective study consisted of 199 twins born between 1994 and 2003. There were four groups according to conception modalities: 97 twins after spontaneous pregnancy, 24 after induced ovulation, 28 after intrauterine insemination (IUI) and 50 after IVF with embryo transfer. Analysis included preterm birth, Caesarean delivery, weight discordance, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low-birth-weight, Apgar score, chorionicity, gross placental pathology and placental umbilical cord insertion (UCI) site. RESULTS A significant difference was found in IUGR between the IVF group (7.0%) and spontaneous pregnancy group (14.9%). When maternal age was >30 years there was a 2.86-fold increase in the risk of IUGR. There was a 3.69-fold increased risk of IUGR in the presence of abnormal UCI (odds ratio 3.69, 95% CI 1.62-8.42) and a 2.18-fold increased risk of abnormal UCI in monochorionic twins when compared with dichorionic twins (odds ratio 2.18, 95% CI 1.30-3.66). CONCLUSION Twins conceived through ART are not at an increased risk of perinatal complications. A relationship has been found between abnormal UCI and IUGR.
Copper Directs ATP7B to the Apical Domain of Hepatic Cells via Basolateral Endosomes

Physiologic Cu levels regulate the intracellular location of the Cu ATPase ATP7B. Here, we determined the routes of Cu‐directed trafficking of endogenous ATP7B in the polarized hepatic cell line WIF‐B and in the liver in vivo. Copper (10 µm) caused ATP7B to exit the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) in vesicles, which trafficked via large basolateral endosomes to the apical domain within 1 h. Although perturbants of luminal acidification had little effect on the TGN localization of ATP7B in low Cu, they blocked delivery to the apical membrane in elevated Cu. If the vesicular proton‐pump inhibitor bafilomycin‐A1 (Baf) was present with Cu, ATP7B still exited the TGN, but accumulated in large endosomes located near the coverslip, in the basolateral region. Baf washout restored ATP7B trafficking to the apical domain. If ATP7B was staged apically in high Cu, Baf addition promoted the accumulation of ATP7B in subapical endosomes, indicating a blockade of apical recycling, with concomitant loss of ATP7B at the apical membrane. The retrograde pathway to the TGN, induced by Cu removal, was far less affected by Baf than the anterograde (Cu‐stimulated) case. Overall, loss of acidification‐impaired Cu‐regulated trafficking of ATP7B at two main sites: (i) sorting and exit from large basolateral endosomes and (ii) recycling via endosomes near the apical membrane.
Relationship of the Stretch‐Shortening Cycle to Sprint Performance in Trained Female Athletes

This study assessed the relationship of long and short stretch-shortening cycle test scores to sprint performances in trained female athletes. Seventeen trained, female, high school, competitive sprinters completed the following tests: countermovement jump for vertical distance (CMJ), bounce drop jump for height with minimum ground contact time (BDJ index), and ground contact time (GCT) during the BDJ and a 5-step bound (5B) test. Group mean and SD values were as follows: height, 167.7 ± 3.7 cm; body mass, 59.9 ± 7.2 kg; and percentage of body fat (PF), 20.3 ± 1.8%. Sprint performances at 30-, 100-, and 300-m distances were assessed. Stretch-shortening cycle performance and sprint results (mean ± SD) were as follows: CMJ, 33.8 ± 3.8 cm; BDJ index, 166.7 ± 24.7 cm/s; 5B test, 10.98 ± 0.76 m; 30-m sprint, 4.58 ± 0.17 seconds; 100-m sprint, 12.9 ± 0.61 seconds; and 300-m sprint, 45.03 ± 2.94 seconds. Correlations indicated that no relationship existed between PF and the dependent sprint variables. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) existed between CMJ and 30-m (r = −0.60), 100-m (r = −0.64), and 300-m (r = −0.55) sprint times; BDJ index and 30-m (r = −0.79) and 100-m (r = −0.75) sprint times; and 5B test and 300-m sprint time (r = −0.54). Multiple regression analysis found significant T values for BDJ index with 30-and 100-m sprints and CMJ and PF with 300 m. Results indicated that the BDJ index and CMJ tests were significantly related to sprint performances in female athletes.
Crystallization, mechanical, and fracture behaviors of spherical alumina‐filled polypropylene nanocomposites

The objectives of this paper are to study the crystallization behavior and fracture characteristics of spherical alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticle-filled polypropylene (PP) composites. Nanocomposites containing 1.5–5.0 wt % of the Al2O3 nanoparticles (pretreated with silane coupling agent) were prepared for this investigation. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) results show that a small amount of β-crystal of PP forms after adding the Al2O3 nanoparticles. According to differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and optical microscopy (OM) measurements, the Al2O3 nanoparticles make PP spherulite size reduced and crystallization temperature of PP enhanced, by acting as effective nucleating agents. However, there are no obvious differences in the crystallinity for the virgin PP and the Al2O3/PP nanocomposites. Tensile test shows that both the Young's modulus and the yield strength of the Al2O3/PP nanocomposites increase with the particle content increasing, suggesting that the interfacial interaction between the nanoparticles and PP matrix is relatively strong. Under quasi-static loading rate, the fracture toughness (KIC) of the Al2O3/PP nanocomposites was found to be insensitive to nanoparticle content. Under impact loading rate, the Izod impact strength and the impact fracture toughness (Gc) indicate that the impact fracture toughness increases initially with the addition of 1.5 wt % of the Al2O3 nanofillers into the PP matrix. However, with the further addition of up to 3.0 and 5.0 wt % nanoparticles, both the Izod impact strength and impact Gc change very little. By observing the single-edge-double-notch (SEDN) specimens with optical microscopy after four point bending (4PB) tests, it was found that numerous crazes and microcracks form around the subcritical crack tip, indicating that crazing and microcracking are the dominant fracture mechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation confirms this result. In addition, when the strain rate of 4PB tests was increased, some wave-like branches were formed along the fractured edge for the Al2O3/PP nanocomposites. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3652–3664, 2005
GEN03-5: Construction of Memory Circuits Using Unreliable Components Based on Low-Density Parity-Check Codes

In this paper, we analyze storage circuits constructed from unreliable memory components. We propose a memory construction, using low-density parity-check codes, based on a construction originally made by Taylor. The storage circuit consists of unreliable memory cells along with a correcting circuit. The correcting circuit is also constructed from unreliable logic gates along with a small number of perfect gates. The modified construction enables the memory device to perform better than the original construction. We present numerical results supporting our claims.
Interstitial cells of Cajal are involved in the afferent limb of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex

Background and aims: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) have been shown to be involved in nitrergic neurotransmission of the lower oesophageal sphincter and pylorus. Here we studied the role of ICC and nitric oxide (NO) in the inhibitory neurotransmission of the murine internal anal sphincter (IAS). Methods: The rectoanal inhibitory reflex, rectal compliance, and relaxation of the isolated IAS to electrical stimulation were measured in controls, KIT W/KIT Wv mice, and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) deficient mice. In addition, we evaluated the effect of blockade of nNOS using N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Distribution of nNOS positive neurones and ICC in the IAS was assessed immunohistochemically. Results: KIT positive ICC were present in a dense network in the IAS of controls but not in KIT W/KITWv mice. Relaxation of IAS muscle strips induced by electrical stimulation was diminished in nNOS−/− mice but not in KIT W/KIT Wv mice. Blockade of NOS reduced the relaxation of IAS muscle strips in both mice. Relaxation of the IAS to rectal distension was significantly diminished in KIT W/KIT Wv mice and nNOS deficient mice. In concert, in vivo blockade of NOS attenuated the relaxation of the IAS in controls. No significant difference in compliance was found. Conclusion: The inhibitory innervation of the IAS and the rectoanal inhibitory reflex are mediated by NO and the rectoanal inhibitory reflex requires an intact network of ICC in the IAS. Thus both loss of nitrergic innervation and deficiency of ICC lead to impaired anal relaxation and may play an important role in rectal evacuation disorders.
Beyond ethnography: engagement and reciprocity as foundations for design research out here

This paper explores an emerging paradigm for HCI design research based primarily upon engagement, reciprocity and doing. Much HCI research begins with an investigatory and analytic ethnographic approach before translating to design. Design may come much later in the process and may never benefit the community that is researched. However in many settings it is difficult for researchers to access the privileged ethnographer position of observer and investigator. Moreover rapid ethnographic research often does not seem the best or most appropriate course of action. We draw upon a project working with a remote Australian Aboriginal community to illustrate an alternative approach in Indigenous research, where the notion of reciprocity is first and foremost. We argue that this can lead to sustainable designs, valid research and profound innovation.
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Purpose— We developed a new postdischarge system of care comprising a structured assessment covering longer-term problems experienced by patients with stroke and their carers, linked to evidence-based treatment algorithms and reference guides (the longer-term stroke care system of care) to address the poor longer-term recovery experienced by many patients with stroke. Methods— A pragmatic, multicentre, cluster randomized controlled trial of this system of care. Eligible patients referred to community-based Stroke Care Coordinators were randomized to receive the new system of care or usual practice. The primary outcome was improved patient psychological well-being (General Health Questionnaire-12) at 6 months; secondary outcomes included functional outcomes for patients, carer outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Follow-up was through self-completed postal questionnaires at 6 and 12 months. Results— Thirty-two stroke services were randomized (29 participated); 800 patients (399 control; 401 intervention) and 208 carers (100 control; 108 intervention) were recruited. In intention to treat analysis, the adjusted difference in patient General Health Questionnaire-12 mean scores at 6 months was −0.6 points (95% confidence interval, −1.8 to 0.7; P=0.394) indicating no evidence of statistically significant difference between the groups. Costs of Stroke Care Coordinator inputs, total health and social care costs, and quality-adjusted life year gains at 6 months, 12 months, and over the year were similar between the groups. Conclusions— This robust trial demonstrated no benefit in clinical or cost-effectiveness outcomes associated with the new system of care compared with usual Stroke Care Coordinator practice. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Unique identifier: ISRCTN 67932305.
An in Vivo Map of the Yeast Protein Interactome

Protein interactions regulate the systems-level behavior of cells; thus, deciphering the structure and dynamics of protein interaction networks in their cellular context is a central goal in biology. We have performed a genome-wide in vivo screen for protein-protein interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by means of a protein-fragment complementation assay (PCA). We identified 2770 interactions among 1124 endogenously expressed proteins. Comparison with previous studies confirmed known interactions, but most were not known, revealing a previously unexplored subspace of the yeast protein interactome. The PCA detected structural and topological relationships between proteins, providing an 8-nanometer–resolution map of dynamically interacting complexes in vivo and extended networks that provide insights into fundamental cellular processes, including cell polarization and autophagy, pathways that are evolutionarily conserved and central to both development and human health.
Network externalities and the deployment of security features and protocols in the internet

Getting new security features and protocols to be widely adopted and deployed in the Internet has been a continuing challenge. There are several reasons for this, in particular economic reasons arising from the presence of network externalities. Indeed, like the Internet itself, the technologies to secure it exhibit network effects: their value to individual users changes as other users decide to adopt them or not. In particular, the benefits felt by early adopters of security solutions might fall significantly below the cost of adoption, making it difficult for those solutions to gain attraction and get deployed at a large scale. Our goal in this paper is to model and quantify the impact of such externalities on the adoptability and deployment of security features and protocols in the Internet. We study a network of interconnected agents, which are subject to epidemic risks such as those caused by propagating viruses and worms, and which can decide whether or not to invest some amount to deploy security solutions. Agents experience negative externalities from other agents, as the risks faced by an agent depend not only on the choices of that agent (whether or not to invest in self-protection), but also on those of the other agents. Expectations about choices made by other agents then influence investments in self-protection, resulting in a possibly suboptimal outcome overall. We present and solve an analytical model where the agents are connected according to a variety of network topologies. Borrowing ideas and techniques used in statistical physics, we derive analytic solutions for sparse random graphs, for which we obtain asymptotic results. We show that we can explicitly identify the impact of network externalities on the adoptability and deployment of security features. In other words, we identify both the economic and network properties that determine the adoption of security technologies. Therefore, we expect our results to provide useful guidance for the design of new economic mechanisms and for the development of network protocols likely to be deployed at a large scale.
The effect of cannabis use on memory function: an update

Investigating the effects of cannabis use on memory function appears challenging. While early observational investigations aimed to elucidate the longer-term effects of cannabis use on memory function in humans, findings remained equivocal and pointed to a pattern of interacting factors impacting on the relationship between cannabis use and memory function, rather than a simple direct effect of cannabis. Only recently, a clearer picture of the chronic and acute effects of cannabis use on memory function has emerged once studies have controlled for potential confounding factors and started to investigate the acute effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the main ingredients in the extract of the cannabis plant in pharmacological challenge experiments. Relatively consistent findings have been reported regarding the acute impairments induced by a single dose of Δ9-THC on verbal and working memory. It is unclear whether they may persist beyond the intoxication state. In the long-term, these impairments seem particularly likely to manifest and may also persist following abstinence if regular and heavy use of cannabis strains high in Δ9-THC is started at an early age. Although still at an early stage, studies that employed advanced neuroimaging techniques have started to model the neural underpinnings of the effects of cannabis use and implicate a network of functional and morphological alterations that may moderate the effects of cannabis on memory function. Future experimental and epidemiological studies that take into consideration individual differences, particularly previous cannabis history and demographic characteristics, but also the precise mixture of the ingredients of the consumed cannabis are necessary to clarify the magnitude and the mechanisms by which cannabis-induced memory impairments occur and to elucidate underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
α-Herpesvirus glycoprotein D interaction with sensory neurons triggers formation of varicosities that serve as virus exit sites

α-Herpesviruses constitute closely related neurotropic viruses, including herpes simplex virus in man and pseudorabies virus (PRV) in pigs. Peripheral sensory neurons, such as trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons, are predominant target cells for virus spread and lifelong latent infections. We report that in vitro infection of swine TG neurons with the homologous swine α-herpesvirus PRV results in the appearance of numerous synaptophysin-positive synaptic boutons (varicosities) along the axons. Nonneuronal cells that were juxtaposed to these varicosities became preferentially infected with PRV, suggesting that varicosities serve as axonal exit sites for the virus. Viral envelope glycoprotein D (gD) was found to be necessary and sufficient for the induction of varicosities. Inhibition of Cdc42 Rho GTPase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways strongly suppressed gD-induced varicosity formation. These data represent a novel aspect of the cell biology of α-herpesvirus infections of sensory neurons, demonstrating that virus attachment/entry is associated with signaling events and neuronal changes that may prepare efficient egress of progeny virus.
Keynote speech I

Engineering developments and innovations, as well as people's lifestyle in recent years are forcing educators to update Engineering curriculum to suit the needs of the students and their learning styles. In this talk the presenter will highlight the future trends in engineering education based on a recent review of literature and the views and experiences of the presenter as an educator. While Engineering is a vast discipline, the talk will narrow down and focus on Computer networking and hardware fields which are often included in the Electrical and Computer Engineering curricula. This talk will address the following key questions: Is flexible (anytime, anywhere) learning approach suitable for engineering education? Are virtual laboratories appropriate for engineering education? Is mobile learning (m-learning) model suitable for engineering education? By considering these issues we can determine how much emphasis should be placed on updating engineering curriculum to suit the diverse learning styles of our students. This is a knowledge sharing talk suitable for a general audience.
Effect of the Interpregnancy Interval on Perinatal Outcomes in Latin America

Objective: To estimate whether interpregnancy interval is independently associated with increased risk of perinatal death and other adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: We investigated the effect of interpregnancy interval on perinatal outcomes in 1,125,430 pregnancies recorded in the Perinatal Information System database of the Latin American Center for Perinatology and Human Development, Montevideo, Uruguay, between 1985 and 2004. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for 16 major confounding factors using multiple logistic regression models. Results: Compared with infants with interpregnancy intervals of 18–23 months, those born to women with intervals shorter than 6 months had an increased risk of early neonatal death (adjusted OR 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.96), fetal death (adjusted OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.28–1.83), low birth weight (adjusted OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.78–1.90), very low birth weight (adjusted OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.73–2.31), preterm birth (adjusted OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.71–1.89), very preterm birth (adjusted OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.67–2.26), and small for gestational age (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.25–1.36). Intervals of 6–11 months and 60 months and longer were also associated with a significantly greater risk for the 7 adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusion: In Latin America, interpregnancy intervals shorter than 12 months and longer than 59 months are independently associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. These data suggest that spacing pregnancies appropriately could prevent perinatal deaths and other adverse perinatal outcomes in the developing world. Level of Evidence: II-2
A Case for Multimedia QoS Provisioning in Home Networks

An analytical model for streaming multiple heterogeneous multimedia services over home networks is established,in which the quality of service (QoS) provisioning problems are investigated. The goal is to simultaneously support as many service streams as possible, and to optimally guarantee all users' QoS within residential environments. A novel admission control algorithm, in conjunction with a quality adaptation scheme is proposed, which is capable of effectively guaranteeing and improving the service quality. Upon examination of the simulation results, we conclude that the proposed model and schemes provide valuable guidelines for the planning of future home networks and multimedia systems
Ad hoc networking towards 4G: challenges and QoS solutions

Ad hoc networks are infrastructureless networks formed on-the-fly with limited life of existence. Even though they were primarily designed for military communications usage, ad hoc networks are now envisioned as cornerstones of future generation networking technologies (B3G and 4G). This paper gives a state-of-the-art survey on ad hoc networks and proposes some solutions for ad hoc networks convergence towards 4G.