Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Serpine Gene Polymorphism in Recurrent Implantation Failure and Preeclampsia

This is a rare case of serpine gene polymorphism causing thrombophilia and recurrent implantation failure following intrauterine insemination. SERPINE1 gene encodes plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 and inhibits fibrinolysis, or clot dissolution. The 4G variant results in increased expression of SERPINE1 and consequently higher inhibition of fibrinolysis, thus leading to thrombophilia. The patient had unexplained primary infertility for 9 years. Ovulation induction was done with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist long protocol. Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) with step down protocol was used. Ovulation trigger was given with recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Ovum pick up was done after 40 h of trigger. A total of 13 eggs were collected. Patient was put on Cabergoline to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Four frozen embryos were transferred on day 14 after Laser-assisted hatching. EmbryoGlue was used to prevent implantation failure. Luteal phase support was given. She was put on enoxaparin and pregnancy has now been confirmed. The patient was on strict monitoring as this gene is also associated with preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Recombinant Immunoglobulin-like Protein A-Based IgM ELISA for the Early Diagnosis of Leptospirosis in the Philippines

Background Leptospirosis is an important but largely under-recognized public health problem in the tropics. Establishment of highly sensitive and specific laboratory diagnosis is essential to reveal the magnitude of problem and to improve treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a recombinant LigA protein based IgM ELISA during outbreaks in the clinical-setting of a highly endemic country. Methodology/Principal Findings A prospective study was conducted from October 2011 to September 2013 at a national referral hospital for infectious diseases in Manila, Philippines. Patients who were hospitalized with clinically suspected leptospirosis were enrolled. Plasma and urine were collected on admission and/or at discharge and tested using the LigA-IgM ELISA and a whole cell-based IgM ELISA. Sensitivity and specificity of these tests were evaluated with cases diagnosed by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), culture and LAMP as the composite reference standard and blood bank donors as healthy controls: the mean+3 standard deviation optical density value of healthy controls was used as the cut-off limit (0.062 for the LigA-IgM ELISA and 0.691 for the whole cell-based IgM ELISA). Of 304 patients enrolled in the study, 270 (89.1%) were male and the median age was 30.5 years; 167 (54.9%) were laboratory confirmed. The sensitivity and ROC curve AUC for the LigA-IgM ELISA was significantly greater than the whole cell-based IgM ELISA (69.5% vs. 54.3%, p<0.01; 0.90 vs. 0.82, p<0.01) on admission, but not at discharge. The specificity of LigA-IgM ELISA and whole cell-based IgM ELISA were not significantly different (98% vs. 97%). Among 158 MAT negative patients, 53 and 28 were positive by LigA- and whole cell-based IgM ELISA, respectively; if the laboratory confirmation was re-defined by LigA-IgM ELISA and LAMP, the clinical findings were more characteristic of leptospirosis than the diagnosis based on MAT/culture/LAMP. Conclusions/Significance The newly developed LigA-IgM ELISA is more sensitive than the whole cell-based IgM based ELISA. Although the final diagnosis must be validated by more specific tests, LigA-IgM ELISA could be a useful diagnostic test in a real clinical-setting, where diagnosis is needed in the early phase of infection.
Equity Effects of Congestion Charges: An Exploratory Analysis with MATSim

This paper shows an application of the multiagent, activity-based transport simulation MATSim to evaluate equity effects of a congestion charging scheme. A cordon pricing scheme was set up for a scenario of the city of Zurich, Switzerland, to conduct such an analysis. Equity is one of the most important barriers toward the implementation of a congestion charging system. After the challenges posed by equity evaluations are examined, it is shown that agent-based simulations with heterogeneous values of time allow for an increased level of detail in such evaluations. Such detail is achieved through a high level of disaggregation and with a 24-h simulation period. An important difference from traditional large-scale models is the low degree of correlation between travel time savings and welfare change. While traditional equity analysis is based on travel time savings, MATSim shows that choice dimensions not included in traditional models, such as departure time changes, can also play an important role in equity effects. The analysis of the results in light of evidence from the literature shows that agent-based models are a promising tool to conduct more complete equity evaluations not only of congestion charges but also of transport policies in general.
Codes correcting erasures and deletions for rank modulation

Error-correcting codes for permutations have received a considerable attention in the past few years, especially in applications of the rank modulation scheme for flash memories. While several metrics have been studied like the Kendall's τ, Ulam, and Hamming distances, no recent research has been carried for erasures and deletions over permutations. The problems studied in this paper are motivated by a hardware implementation of the rank modulation codes. If the flash memory cells represent a permutation, which is modulated by their relative charge levels, then we explore the problems arise when some of the cells are either erased or deleted. In each case we study how these erasures and deletions affect the information carried by the remaining cells. In particular, the cells can either be stable and do not change their values in the permutation or unstable where the remaining cells form an induced permutation with less symbols. Yet another erasure model, called here soft erasures, assumes that all cells can be read, however the relative levels between some of the cells is not known. Our main approach in tackling these problems is to build upon the existing works of error-correcting codes in the three metrics mentioned above and leverage them in order to construct codes in each model of deletions and erasures. Lastly, we follow up on codes in the Ulam distance and improve upon the state of the art results.
SPERM COMPETITION GAMES BETWEEN SNEAKS AND GUARDS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS USING DIMORPHIC MALE BEETLES

Abstract Sperm competition is widely recognized as a pervasive force of sexual selection. Theory predicts that across species increased risk of sperm competition should favor an increased expenditure on the ejaculate, a prediction for which there is much evidence. Sperm competition games have also been developed specifically for systems in which males adopt the alternative male mating tactics of sneaking copulations or guarding females. These models have not yet been tested in a comparative context, but predict that: across species male expenditure on the ejaculate should increase with increasing probability of a sneak mating; within species, sneaks should have the greater expenditure on the ejaculate; and the disparity in expenditure between sneaks and guards should be greatest in species with moderate risk of a sneak mating, and decline toward parity in species with low or high risk. Beetles in the genus Onthophagus are often characterized by dimorphic male morphologies that reflect the alternative mating tactics of sneak (minor males) and guard (major males). We conducted a comparative analysis across 16 species of male dimorphic onthophagines, finding that testes size increased across species with increasing frequency of the minor male phenotype. Minor males generally had the greater testes size, but across species the disparity between morphs was independent of the frequency of minor males. We present data on testes allometry from two populations of O. taurus that have undergone genetic divergence in the frequency of minor males. Consistent with the comparative analysis, these data support the notion that the relative frequency of sneaks in the population influences male expenditure on the ejaculate.
Advantage of singular configuration in pulling heavy object with a two-link mobile manipulator

In this paper, we reveal the advantage of singular configuration in pulling heavy objects with a two-link mobile manipulator. Unlike humans, the mobile manipulator can pull or drag the objects passing through its singular configuration where the manipulator is stretched out. The motion through singular configuration can generate, from the same amount of joint torques, much larger pulling force than the motion that avoids the configuration. Although the large force occurs only for a short period near the singular configuration, it can maximize the distance that the object is moved by the mobile manipulator under the condition that the consumption of joint torques is restricted. This advantage of singular configuration is verified by numerical simulations and theoretical analysis.
Harnessing IT student insight and energy tounderstand and address the IT enrollment issue

Much has been written about the steep decline in enrollments in university-based information technology (IT) programs. Not only is this phenomenon important to employers of graduates of these programs, it is also of great importance to the academic units that house these programs. This paper describes one university's novel approach to investigate the causes of this decline and to develop tactics to reverse this trend.
The evolution and revival structure of localized quantum wave packets

Localized quantum wave packets can be produced in a variety of physical systems and are the subject of much current research in atomic, molecular, chemical, and condensed‐matter physics. They are particularly well suited for studying the classical limit of a quantum‐mechanical system. The motion of a localized quantum wave packet initially follows the corresponding classical motion. However, in most cases the quantum wave packet spreads and undergoes a series of collapses and revivals. We present a generic treatment of wave‐packet evolution, and we provide conditions under which various types of revivals occur in ideal form. The discussion is at a level appropriate for an advanced undergraduate or first‐year graduate course in quantum mechanics. Explicit examples of different types of revival structure are provided, and physical applications are discussed.
Heat susceptibility of aquatic mycobacteria

An investigation was carried out to measure the heat susceptibility of opportunistic mycobacteria frequently isolated from domestic water supply systems. The study was conducted under standardized conditions designed to resemble those found in oligotrophic aquatic habitats. Strains of the following species were tested: Mycobacterium avium, M. chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii (two strains), M. marinum, M. phlei, M. scrofulaceum, and M. xenopi. Suspensions of the test strains were exposed to temperatures of 50, 55, 60, and 70 degrees C; samples were taken at defined intervals to determine the concentration of survivors. From these data, the decimal reduction times were calculated for each test strain and test temperature. The results indicate that M. kansasii is more susceptible to heat than Legionella pneumophila, whereas the heat susceptibilities of M. fortuitum, M. intracellulare, and M. marinum lie in the same order of magnitude as that of L. pneumophila. The strains of M. avium, M. chelonae, M. phlei, M. scrofulaceum, and M. xenopi were found to be more thermoresistant than L. pneumophila, with the highest resistance being found in M. xenopi. Thermal measures to control L. pneumophila may therefore not be sufficient to control the last five mycobacterial species in contaminated water systems.
Oral and genital tardive pain syndromes

We report the development of chronic painful oral or genital sensations in 11 patients with tardive akathisia, tardive dyskinesias, or tardive dystonia. In each case, the pain syndrome became a source of profound distress for the patient, overshadowing all other concurrent neuropsychiatric symptoms, and requiring treatment. Agents effective in treating tardive dyskinesia and tardive akathisia, such as catecholamine depletors, proved effective in reducing the painful sensations. Our observations support the concept of tardive pain as a complication of chronic neuroleptic exposure.
Immunohistochemical detection of CD79a expression in precursor T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemias

Twenty‐three cases of precursor T cell lymphoid malignancies were examined with respect to CD79a expression. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on frozen tissue sections using a broad panel of antibodies and Southern blot analysis was undertaken using DNA probes encoding immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene and T‐cell receptor (TCR) β, γ and δ genes. Twelve (52%) of the 23 cases examined demonstrated CD79a expression. IgH and TCRβ, γ and δ gene rearrangements were found in 5, 9, 12 and 20 cases, respectively. CD79a‐positive neoplastic cells exhibited a phenotype and genotype characteristic of an early stage of T cell differentiation. Immunohistochemical staining was also performed on human thymus and thymoma to investigate the normality of CD79a expression, to discover that low‐level expression of CD79a is common in thymocytes and thymoma‐associated lymphocytes. These results suggest that CD79a is expressed weakly and transiently in immature T‐lineage cells. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Augmenting the Technology Acceptance Model with Trust: Commercial Drivers’ Attitudes towards Monitoring and Feedback

This study evaluates truck drivers’ attitudes toward an on-board monitoring system (OBMS), using an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that accounts for drivers’ trust in OBMS. Crashes that involve trucks incur a high cost to society and driver-related factors contribute to about one third of all large truck fatal crashes in the US. Therefore, safety initiatives that can increase drivers’ awareness of their risky behaviors are highly desirable. In-vehicle feedback systems are designed to serve this purpose; however, their benefits will not be realized unless their information can positively influence safe driving. Acceptance constructs for the proposed model were measured using a survey administered after the monitoring system was introduced to the drivers but before the system was actually installed in their trucks. In line with the TAM, the results demonstrated that perceived usefulness is the most important determinant of intention to use the OBMS. Trust was also a major determinant of intention to use, suggesting that the acceptance model can be usefully augmented by this construct.
High prevalence of subclinical iron deficiency in whole blood donors not deferred for low hemoglobin

Blood donors that meet the hemoglobin (Hb) criteria for donation may have undetected subclinical iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of subclinical iron deficiency in whole blood donors with Hb levels above cutoff levels for donation by measuring zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels. In addition, prevalence rates based on other iron variables were assessed for comparison.
Potential and challenges of testis tissue xenografting from diverse ruminant species

In 2002, we reported that small fragments of testis tissue from immature mouse, pig or goat donors grafted in recipient mice undergo development, maturation and complete spermatogenesis, including the generation of fertilisation-competent murine, porcine or caprine sperm. Testis tissue xenografting (TTX) was then successfully applied using a range of donor species including laboratory/domestic/non-domestic animals and primates. This system offers a novel in vivo model for the study of testis function, and a previously unavailable opportunity to produce sperm in the grafts from immature donors of diverse species. The TTX model also provides easier access for experimental manipulation of the grafted testis tissue or its environment in the recipient mouse; something that is not feasible in many donor species. This application will allow analysis of, for instance, the effects of new hormone regimens, drugs or toxicants on testis function, without experimentation in the target species. Grafting of fresh or preserved testis tissue also can be used as an invaluable tool for the conservation of fertility from immature individuals of valuable or endangered animals. Reviewed here are an overview of the contributions by the author and colleagues and a critical examination of the salient literature on TTX especially using ruminant donors, as well as examples of its variety of current and potential applications for research in male reproductive biology and technologies using ruminant models. The challenges facing optimisation of TTX model as well as its field/experimental uses, along with insights and suggested remedies, are also discussed.
Effects of chemopreventive agents on the incidence of recurrent colorectal adenomas: a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Protective effects of several chemopreventive agents (CPAs) against colorectal adenomas have been well documented in randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, there is uncertainty regarding which agents are the most effective. Methods We searched for RCTs published up until September 2016. Retrieved trials were evaluated using risk of bias. We performed both pairwise analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA) of RCTs to compare the effects of CPAs on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas (primary outcome). Using NMA, we ranked CPAs based on efficacy. Results We identified 20 eligible RCTs enrolling 12,625 participants with a history of colorectal cancer or adenomas who were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or one of 12 interventions. NMA using all trials demonstrated that celecoxib 800 mg/day (relative risk [RR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.83), celecoxib 400 mg/day (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55–0.87), low-dose aspirin (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59–0.96) and calcium (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.96) were significantly associated with a reduction in the recurrence of any adenomas. NMA results were consistent with those from pairwise meta-analysis. The evidence indicated a high (celecoxib), moderate (low-dose aspirin) and low (calcium) Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) quality. NMA ranking showed that celecoxib 800 mg/day and celecoxib 400 mg/day were the best CPAs, followed by low-dose aspirin and calcium. Considering advanced adenoma recurrence, only celecoxib 800 mg/day and celecoxib 400 mg/day were demonstrated to have a protective effect (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.27–0.52 vs RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.38–0.60, respectively). Conclusion The available evidence from NMA suggests that celecoxib is more effective in reducing the risk of recurrence of colorectal adenomas, followed by low-dose aspirin and calcium. Since cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (eg, celecoxib) are associated with important cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal harms, more attention is warranted toward CPAs with a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio, such as low-dose aspirin and calcium.
How a Cell Crawls and the Role of Cortical Myosin II

ABSTRACT The movements of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae translocating on a glass surface in the absence of chemoattractant have been reconstructed at 5-second intervals and motion analyzed by employing 3D-DIAS software. A morphometric analysis of pseudopods, the main cell body, and the uropod provides a comprehensive description of the basic motile behavior of a cell in four dimensions (4D), resulting in a list of 18 characteristics. A similar analysis of the myosin II phosphorylation mutant 3XASP reveals a role for the cortical localization of myosin II in the suppression of lateral pseudopods, formation of the uropod, cytoplasmic distribution of cytoplasm in the main cell body, and efficient motility. The results of the morphometric analysis suggest that pseudopods, the main cell body, and the uropod represent three motility compartments that are coordinated for efficient translocation. It provides a contextual framework for interpreting the effects of mutations, inhibitors, and chemoattractants on the basic motile behavior of D. discoideum. The generality of the characteristics of the basic motile behavior of D. discoideum must now be tested by similar 4D analyses of the motility of amoeboid cells of higher eukaryotic cells, in particular human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Ju l 2 01 6 Remember the Curse of Dimensionality : The Case of Goodness-ofFit Testing in Arbitrary Dimension

Despite a substantial literature on nonparametric two-sample goodness-of-fit testing in arbitrary dimensions, there is no mention there of any curse of dimensionality. In fact, in some publications, a parametric rate is derived. As we discuss below, this is because a directional alternative is considered. Indeed, even in dimension one, Ingster (1987) has shown that the minimax rate is not parametric. In this paper, we extend his results to arbitrary dimension and confirm that the minimax rate is not only nonparametric, but exhibits a prototypical curse of dimensionality. We further extend Ingster’s work to show that simple tests based on bincounting achieve the minimax rate. Moreover, these tests adapt to the intrinsic dimensionality of the data — when the underlying distributions are supported on a lower-dimensional surface.
Laparoscopic, robotic and open method of radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades, numerous studies have indicated the feasibility of minimally invasive surgery for early cervical cancer without compromising the oncological outcome. OBJECTIVE: Systematic literature review and meta analysis aimed at evaluating the outcome of laparoscopic and robotic radical hysterectomy (LRH and RRH) and comparing the results with abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH). SEARCH STRATEGY: Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and Reference lists were searched for articles published until January 31st 2011, using the terms radical hysterectomy, laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, robotic radical hysterectomy, surgical treatment of cervical cancer and complications of radical hysterectomy. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies that reported outcome measures of radical hysterectomy by open method, laparoscopic and robotic methods were selected. Data collection and analysis: Two independent reviewers selected studies, abstracted and tabulated the data and pooled estimates were obtained on the surgical and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: Mean sample size, age and body mass index across the three types of RH studies were similar. Mean operation time across the three types of RH studies was comparable. Mean blood loss and transfusion rate are significantly higher in ARH compared to both LRH and RRH. Duration of stay in hospital for RRH was significantly less than the other two methods. The mean number of lymph nodes obtained, nodal metastasis and positive margins across the three types of RH studies were similar. Post operative infectious morbidity was significantly higher among patients who underwent ARH compared to the other two methods and a higher rate of cystotomy in LRH. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery especially robotic radical hysterectomy may be a better and safe option for surgical treatment of cervical cancer. The laparoscopic method is not free from complications. However, experience of surgeon may reduce the complications rate.