Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leukaemia inhibitory factor and interleukin 11 levels in uterine flushings of infertile patients with endometriosis.

BACKGROUND Exact aetiology of infertility in stage I/II endometriosis patients is not known. Interleukin 11 (IL-11) and leukaemia-inhibitory factor (LIF) are factors associated with implantation window in human eutopic endometrium. We decided to test whether there is an altered secretion of these factors, which could explain receptivity defect in patients with minimal endometriosis. METHODS Uterine flushing and endometrial samples were collected 7-9 days after ovulation (implantation window) from infertile patients with stage I/II endometriosis (n = 14) and fertile, endometriosis-free controls (n = 21). IL-11 and LIF were assessed in uterine flushings in eutopic endometria in all patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In eutopic endometrium, semiquantitative RT-PCR was performed for LIF and IL-11 mRNA expressions. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found in uterine flushing in women with and without endometriosis with regard to IL-11 levels (0.0 pg/ml versus 0.0 pg/ml) and LIF (25.53 pg/ml versus 36.26 pg/ml). These results were confirmed by the results of RT-PCR, where there were also no differences between studied groups. CONCLUSIONS There is no receptivity defect with regard to LIF and IL-11 secretions by eutopic endometrium in infertile women with endometriosis.
Analysis of the Static Function of the Popliteus Tendon and Evaluation of an Anatomic Reconstruction

Background The popliteus tendon has important dynamic and static stabilizing functions at the knee. Evaluation of its static role as the “fifth ligament” of the knee and a subsequent analysis of a popliteus tendon reconstruction has not been performed. Hypothesis In vitro knee stability can be restored to a popliteus tendon—deficient knee with an anatomic popliteus tendon reconstruction. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Eleven nonpaired cadaveric knees were tested under the following popliteus tendon states: intact, sectioned, and reconstructed using an autogenous semitendinosus graft. Each knee was subjected to 10-N·m varus moments, 5-N·m external and internal torques, and 88-N anterior and posterior loads at flexion angles of 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90°. A 6 degrees of freedom electromagnetic motion tracking system was used to assess motion changes of the tibia with respect to the femur. Results Significant increases in external rotation and small but significant increases in internal rotation, varus angulation, and anterior translation motion were found after sectioning the popliteus tendon compared to the intact state. Significant decreases in external rotation were found in the reconstructed state compared with the sectioned state at knee flexion angles of 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90°. Comparing the reconstructed state to the intact state, there were no significant differences at knee flexion angles of 0° and 20°, but significant decreases of external rotation were found at knee flexion angles of 30°, 60°, and 90°. Additionally, there were small but significant differences between the reconstructed and intact state with respect to varus angulation at knee flexion angles of 20°, 30°, and 60°; anterior translation at 20° and 30°; and internal rotation at all flexion angles. Conclusion The popliteus tendon has important primary stabilization roles at the knee. The authors also found that an anatomic popliteus tendon reconstruction significantly reduced the increase in external rotation that occurred with sectioning the popliteus tendon; however, differences seen with respect to internal rotation, varus angulation, and anterior translation were not restored. Clinical Significance The popliteus tendon functions essentially as the fifth major ligament of the knee. An anatomic popliteus tendon reconstruction can restore external rotation stability to knees with popliteus tendon injury.
Modes de recherche d'emploi et transitions individuelles sur le marché du travail : applications microéconométriques au Panel Téléphonique du CEREQ (1989-93)

Cette these a pour objectif d'etudier le role des modes de recherche dans la prospection d'emploi. Elle se structure en deux parties. La premiere partie s'attache a analyser les modes comme des facteurs a part entiere de la recherche d'emploi. Elle met en evidence, a travers des enquetes internationales, l'existence d'une pluralite de modalites d'insertion. Cette pluralite a rarement ete prise en compte par la litterature, notamment par les modeles de recherche qui sont restes focalises sur deux strategies exclusives d'acces a l'emploi : la recherche sur le marche et la recherche dans l'emploi. L’analyse econometrique des choix des modes, basee sur les donnees du panel telephonique du CEREQ (1989-1993), met en outre en evidence l'existence d'une regle endogene de selection des modes. Les modes sont en effet choisis par les individus en fonction non seulement de leurs attributs personnels mais aussi de l'existence d'autres alternatives de choix sur le marche. L’etude des modes de recherche nous conduit donc a conclure que les multiples modes d'acces a l'emploi constituent autant d'inputs a la production d'information qui decoule de la prospection. Face a ce resultat, la deuxieme partie de la these propose d'evaluer l'impact des modes de prospection dans l'efficience de la recherche d'emploi. En prenant en compte la multiplicite des outputs de la prospection (duree d'acces a l'emploi, contrat de travail obtenu, stabilite de l'emploi, salaire. . . ), les resultats econometriques, issus de l'exploitation de l'ensemble des vagues du panel telephonique, soulignent l'impact discriminant des modes de recherche. Ils etablissent que la strategie la plus efficiente est de combiner le reseau social et les procedures marchandes. L'analyse des transitions chomage - emploi montre que la selection des modes au cours des periodes de prospection depend, outre des attributs individuels, de l'experience professionnelle accumulee. Cependant, aucun effet d'apprentissage dans la recherche n'est mis en evidence. L’analyse dynamique fait egalement apparaitre deux trajectoires type sur le marche du travail decoulant de l'existence d'une file d'attente dans laquelle les individus sont selectionnes en fonction de leur niveau de diplome et de leur experience.
Unary automatic graphs: an algorithmic perspective

This paper studies infinite graphs produced from a natural unfolding operation applied to finite graphs. Graphs produced using such operations are of finite degree and automatic over the unary alphabet (that is, they can be described by finite automata over the unary alphabet). We investigate algorithmic properties of such unfolded graphs given their finite presentations. In particular, we ask whether a given node belongs to an infinite component, whether two given nodes in the graph are reachable from one another and whether the graph is connected. We give polynomial-time algorithms for each of these questions. For a fixed input graph, the algorithm for the first question is in constant time and the second question is decided using an automaton that recognises the reachability relation in a uniform way. Hence, we improve on previous work, in which non-elementary or non-uniform algorithms were found.
Single-Level Rigid Fixation Combined with Coflex: A Biomechanical Study

Background The purpose of this biomechanical in vitro study was to compare the kinematics and intradiscal pressure achieved with 2 methods: L4–L5 pedicle screw-rod fixation (PSRF) with an upper L3–L4 Coflex device and L4–L5 PSRF alone. The results were used to characterize the biomechanics of the topping-off operation with a Coflex device for the lumbar motion segment adjacent to single-level rigid fixation. Material/Methods Six human cadaveric spine specimens were biomechanically tested in vitro (6 males, 0 females). The 3-dimensional specimen motion in response to applied loads during flexibility tests was determined. Loads were applied along anatomic axes to induce flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. All specimens were first studied with intact lumbar motion segments, then with L4–L5 PSRF alone, and finally with L4–L5 PSRF with an upper L3–L4 Coflex device. A non-paired comparison of the 3 configurations under 3 different conditions was made. Results PSRF, with or without a Coflex device, significantly increased the range of motion (ROM) in the upper adjacent motion segments in all directions of loading. The intradiscal pressure (IDP) changed slightly. A correlation analysis showed that the ROM and IDP are significantly positively correlated. The application of the upper motion segment of the Coflex device provided greater stability in all directions of motion than did PSRF alone, particularly for extension (p<0.05), while use of a Coflex device did not significantly decrease the IDP compared with PSRF alone (p>0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that L4–L5 PSRF with an L3–L4 Coflex device is more stable than L4–L5 PSRF alone. PSRF with an upper Coflex device is a promising alternative to PSRF alone. Based on these biomechanical tests, it might be considered a protective method to prevent adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), although some limitations with this in vitro study must be addressed in the future.
Measuring δ13C of atmospheric air with non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy

The potential use of non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy for measuring δ13C in air is demonstrated. This technique has already been successfully established for breath test analyses in medical diagnostics, where the CO2 concentration ranges from 1 to 5 vol.% in the exhaled breath of vertebrates. For breath tests, the sensitivity and accuracy has been improved to reach a standard deviation of 0.2 ‰ (delta-value). Further adjustments were necessary to improve the sensitivity of the instrument at concentration levels typical of atmospheric air. The long-term stability is given by a standard deviation of 0.35 ‰ for CO2 concentrations of about 400 ppm with signal averaging over 60 s.
Computed Tomography Imaging of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors With Pathology Correlation

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumors that typically arise in association with the muscularis propria of gastrointestinal (GI) tract wall. They occur most frequently in the stomach (60%) but also can occur in the small bowel (30%) or elsewhere, including the colon and rectum (5%) and esophagus (<5%). In addition, a GIST may occur as a primary tumor of the omentum, mesentery, or retroperitoneum. They account for 1%-3% of gastric neoplasms, 20% of small bowel tumors, and 0.2%-1% of colorectal tumors. These tumors arise pathologically from the wall of the GI tract and can be characterized as benign, borderline, or with low or high malignant potential based on the pathologic appearance. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role for the diagnosis and staging of these neoplasms because it can identify the tumor and assess for local spread or distant metastases. This article reviews the role of CT in the detection and characterization of GISTs. The optimal CT technique for visualization of small bowel tumors is reviewed, and a variety of GISTs are illustrated. Pathologic correlation is also included.
On the Quest of Dening Consciousness

About forty meanings attributed to the term consciousness can be identied and categorized based on functions and experiences. The prospects for reaching any single, agreed-upon, theory-independent denition of consciousness appear remote. Here, the goal is to search for a theory-dependent optimal (with the least number of problems) and general denition accommodating most views. This quest is mostly based on the premise that evolution must have optimized our mental system in terms of experience and function. Based on a dual-aspect dual-mode proto-experience/subjective experience optimal framework, an optimal denition of consciousness describes it as a mental aspect of a system or a process with two sub-aspects: conscious experience and conscious function. A more general denition
Posttranscriptional regulation and assembly into ribosomes of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein-beta-galactosidase fusion

To study the regulation of ribosomal protein genes, we constructed a 'lacZ fusion of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RP51A gene, containing the first 64 codons of RP51A. In a strain lacking an intact RP51A gene (cells are viable due to the presence of an active RP51B gene), beta-galactosidase activity is 10-fold greater than in a strain containing RP51A. RP51A-lacZ mRNA levels are equal in the two strains, indicating that regulation is posttranscriptional. In the absence of the RP51A gene, the fusion protein is predominantly cytoplasmic and associated with polysomes, whereas in the presence of RP51A, the fusion protein is predominantly nuclear, and none is associated with polysomes. Deletions were made in the RP51A-coding portion of the fusion gene. The most extensively deleted gene, containing only the first seven RP51A codons fused to lacZ, produced a high level of beta-galactosidase activity in both the presence and the absence of the RP51A gene. In both cases, little or none of this shorter fusion protein was found associated with polysomes. Thus, a regulatory site (or sites) lies in the protein-coding region of RP51A. We suggest that posttranscriptional regulation of the rp51 fusion protein is related to assembly of the protein into ribosomes.
The eXtensible Dynamic Presentation Manager for Content Adaptation

Human computer interaction studies deals with systems and tools that are able to improve user experience during interaction with computer. For this purpose, modern Web application are expected to supply multimodal and multi-channel access, adaptivity and transcoding features. We present in this work the Extensible Dynamic Presentation Manager (XDPM) which is a set of innovative tools that support the Extensible Presentation Language (XPL) in the adaptation of contents to different working contexts. The adaptation is performed according to the delivery context information which have been formalized by means of a profiler system. A profile holds information about the specific access device, the user preferences and the device working conditions.
Characterization of RNA editome in primary and metastatic lung adenocarcinomas

RNA editing results in post-transcriptional modification and could potentially contribute to carcinogenesis. However, RNA editing in advanced lung adenocarcinomas has not yet been studied. Based on whole genome and transcriptome sequencing data, we identified 1,071,296 RNA editing events from matched normal, primary and metastatic samples contributed by 24 lung adenocarcinoma patients, with 91.3% A-to-G editing on average, and found significantly more RNA editing sites in tumors than in normal samples. To investigate cancer relevant editing events, we detected 67,851 hyper-editing sites in primary and 50,480 hyper-editing sites in metastatic samples. 46 genes with hyper-editing in coding regions were found to result in amino acid alterations, while hundreds of hyper-editing events in non-coding regions could modulate splicing or gene expression, including genes related to tumor stage or clinic prognosis. Comparing RNA editome of primary and metastatic samples, we also discovered hyper-edited genes that may promote metastasis development. These findings showed a landscape of RNA editing in matched normal, primary and metastatic tissues of lung adenocarcinomas for the first time and provided new insights to understand the molecular characterization of this disease.
Component-based decision trees for classification

Typical data mining algorithms follow a so called "black-box" paradigm, where the logic is hidden from the user not to overburden him. We show that "white-box" algorithms constructed with reusable components design can have significant benefits for researchers, and end users as well. We developed a component-based algorithm design platform, and used it for "white-box" algorithm construction. The proposed platform can also be used for testing algorithm parts reusable components, and their single or joint influence on algorithm performance. The platform is easily extensible with new components and algorithms, and allows testing of partial contributions of an introduced component. We propose two new heuristics in decision tree algorithm design, namely removal of insignificant attributes in induction process at each tree node, and usage of combined strategy for generating possible splits for decision trees, utilizing several ways of splitting together, which experimentally showed benefits. Using the proposed platform we tested 80 component-based decision tree algorithms on 15 benchmark datasets and present the results of reusable components' influence on performance, and statistical significance of the differences found. Our study suggests that for a specific dataset we should search for the optimal component interplay instead of looking for the optimal among predefined algorithms.
The therapeutic potential of stem cells

In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in stem cells, not just within the scientific and medical communities but also among politicians, religious groups and ethicists. Here, we summarize the different types of stem cells that have been described: their origins in embryonic and adult tissues and their differentiation potential in vivo and in culture. We review some current clinical applications of stem cells, highlighting the problems encountered when going from proof-of-principle in the laboratory to widespread clinical practice. While some of the key genetic and epigenetic factors that determine stem cell properties have been identified, there is still much to be learned about how these factors interact. There is a growing realization of the importance of environmental factors in regulating stem cell behaviour and this is being explored by imaging stem cells in vivo and recreating artificial niches in vitro. New therapies, based on stem cell transplantation or endogenous stem cells, are emerging areas, as is drug discovery based on patient-specific pluripotent cells and cancer stem cells. What makes stem cell research so exciting is its tremendous potential to benefit human health and the opportunities for interdisciplinary research that it presents.
Repeated double-poling sprint training in hypoxia by competitive cross-country skiers.

PURPOSE Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) was recently shown to improve repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in cycling. This phenomenon is likely to reflect fiber type-dependent, compensatory vasodilation, and therefore, our hypothesis was that RSH is even more beneficial for activities involving upper body muscles, such as double poling during cross-country skiing. METHODS In a double-blinded fashion, 17 competitive cross-country skiers performed six sessions of repeated sprints (each consisting of four sets of five 10-s sprints, with 20-s intervals of recovery) either in normoxia (RSN, 300 m; FiO2, 20.9%; n = 8) or normobaric hypoxia (RSH, 3000 m; FiO2, 13.8 %; n = 9). Before (pre) and after (post) training, performance was evaluated with an RSA test (10-s all-out sprints-20-s recovery, until peak power output declined by 30%) and a simulated team sprint (team sprint, 3 × 3-min all-out with 3-min rest) on a double-poling ergometer. Triceps brachii oxygenation was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS From pretraining to posttraining, peak power output in the RSA was increased (P < 0.01) to the same extent (29% ± 13% vs 26% ± 18%, nonsignificant) in RSH and in RSN whereas the number of sprints performed was enhanced in RSH (10.9 ± 5.2 vs 17.1 ± 6.8, P < 0.01) but not in RSN (11.6 ± 5.3 vs 11.7 ± 4.3, nonsignificant). In addition, the amplitude in total hemoglobin variations during sprints throughout RSA rose more in RSH (P < 0.01). Similarly, the average power output during all team sprints improved by 11% ± 9% in RSH and 15% ± 7% in RSN. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal greater improvement in the performance of repeated double-poling sprints, together with larger variations in the perfusion of upper body muscles in RSH compared with those in RSN.
MRAM crossbar based configurable logic block

Spintronics-based non-volatile storage devices promise great potential to be integrated in reconfigurable circuits to overcome the major hurdles related to conventional flash and SRAM memories, such as low logic density, high standby power and long (re) boot latency. In this paper, we describe a compact design of configurable logic block based on Magnetic RAM (MRAM) crossbar architecture. The logic density can be increased greatly (~5 times) compared to conventional designs; the standby power can be nearly zero thanks to the non-volatility of MRAM. Its high speed and power efficiency (~10.4 Tera-OPS/Watt in computing mode) are also demonstrated through mixed CMOS/Magnetic spice simulations. Fully dynamic reconfiguration through context switching is also studied, which could be achieved with low area overhead.
Moodle analytics dashboard: A learning analytics tool to visualize users interactions in moodle

The present work describes the Moodle Analytics Dashboard (MAD), a tool developed to allow the visualization of students and professors logs in Moodle disciplines. MAD provides an easy way to obtain graphical visualization of several aspects related to students and professors accesses in virtual learning disciplines, thus helping professors to better follow teaching and learning process, as well as to visually identify potential at-risk students, or to better understand how the different educational resources are being used. The paper presents the theoretical foundations and the technologies used to develop MAD, together with the most important features of the tool and the first results obtained during the preliminary stages of validation.
Identification of Variants in Primary and Recurrent Glioblastoma Using a Cancer-Specific Gene Panel and Whole Exome Sequencing

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive, malignant brain tumor typically resulting in death of the patient within one year following diagnosis; and those who survive beyond this point usually present with tumor recurrence within two years (5-year survival is 5%). The genetic heterogeneity of GBM has made the molecular characterization of these tumors an area of great interest and has led to identification of molecular subtypes in GBM. The availability of sequencing platforms that are both fast and economical can further the adoption of tumor sequencing in the clinical environment, potentially leading to identification of clinically actionable genetic targets. In this pilot study, comprised of triplet samples of normal blood, primary tumor, and recurrent tumor samples from three patients; we compared the ability of Illumina whole exome sequencing (ExomeSeq) and the Ion AmpliSeq Comprehensive Cancer Panel (CCP) to identify somatic variants in patient-paired primary and recurrent tumor samples. Thirteen genes were found to harbor variants, the majority of which were exclusive to the ExomeSeq data. Surprisingly, only two variants were identified by both platforms and they were located within the PTCH1 and NF1 genes. Although preliminary in nature, this work highlights major differences in variant identification in data generated from the two platforms. Additional studies with larger samples sizes are needed to further explore the differences between these technologies and to enhance our understanding of the clinical utility of panel based platforms in genomic profiling of brain tumors.