Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Value of “Three Dimensional Multidetector CT Hysterosalpingography” in Infertile Patients with Non-Contributory Hysterosalpingography: A Prospective Study

Background: Infertility is a common health problem requiring imaging to delineate the anatomical causes in women. Three dimensional multi-detector computed tomography hysterosalpingography (3D-MDCT-HSG) offers an easy workup for uterine, tubal and peritoneal factors. Methods: To present the spectrum of uterine, tubal and peritoneal factors on 3D-MDCT-HSG and determine its diagnostic accuracy for female factor infertility, a prospective study was conducted on 25 infertile women with non-diagnostic HSG from November 2012 to March 2014. Sixty four slice MDCT acquired the scan during pre-ovulatory phase by contrast instillation into uterine cavity. A blinded reviewer interpreted the 3D-MDCT-HSG and results were compared with final diagnosis made on hystero-laproscopy in 22 patients. Diagnostic accuracy of 3D-MDCT-HSG for various factors was expressed as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value. Results: MDCT-HSG demonstrated definite findings in 96% of patients having non-diagnostic HSG. In this study, tubal, uterine and peritoneal abnormalities were present in 68.75%, 56% and 32% of cases, respectively. 48 tubes in 25 patients were evaluated of which 22 tubes were blocked constituting the commonest finding present in 15 (60%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for uterine factors was 83.33%, 100%, 100% and 96.84%, respectively, for tubal factors 93.55%, 94.68%, 85.29% and 96.83%, respectively and for peritoneal factors 62.5%, 92%, 71.43% and 88.46%, respectively. Mean effective radiation dose was 1.76±0.18 mSv in MDCT-HSG. Conclusion: 3D-MDCT-HSG can detect various factors responsible for female infertility especially tubal and uterine; in cases where HSG fails to clearly delineate the pathology.
The role of enterovirus infections in type 1 diabetes in Tunisia

Abstract Background: Enteroviral infections have long been suspected in having a role in β cell destruction and therefore leading to the onset of clinical type 1 diabetes (T1D). The frequency of enterovirus (EV)-related T1D in North Africa is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between infection with EV and T1D in Tunisia. Methods: A total of 95 T1D patients (41 children and 54 adults) and 141 healthy control subjects (57 children and 84 adults) were tested for the presence of EV-RNA by a highly sensitive nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Results: EV-RNA was detected more frequently in plasma from diabetic patients than in plasma of controls (31.6% vs. 7.8%, p<0.0001; OR=5.45; 95% CI 2.44–12.43). RT-PCR revealed positive in 53.7% of T1D children and 14.8% of T1D adults. There was a statistically significant difference between children and adults with T1D (p<0.0001). Positivity of EV-RNA according to the time after the occurrence of the disease did not show any significant difference (p=0.34). Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies were not associated with EV-RNA (p=0.65). Conclusions: EV-RNA is associated with T1D mellitus in the Tunisian population especially in children. These results support the hypothesis that EV act as environmental risk factors for T1D.
Classification in Systems Design: Exploiting the Survival Value of Categories

Classification is a pervasive human activity. The ability to classify phenomena encountered in daily life in useful ways is fundamental to human survival and adaptation. Not surprisingly, then, classification phenomena are widespread in the Information Systems field. In traditional applications, classes play a fundamental role in the conceptual modeling of information systems requirements, as well as in the design of databases and object-oriented software. Furthermore, classification is the fundamental task in applications such as data mining, and the development of domain ontologies to support information sharing in Semantic Web applications. However, despite the pervasiveness of classification, little research exists looking at the fundamental principles underlying classification, and their implications for information systems. Using ideas from cognitive psychology and ontology, prior research has proposed necessary conditions for classes to be meaningful abstractions of information about things in a domain. In this paper, we extend those principles to define criteria that underlie effective (and efficient) classification. We present a formal approach for characterizing what may be considered “good” classes based on the inferences that a class enables. The formalization is then used to suggest practical guidelines for choosing (and defining) classes. The paper proposes modeling rules illustrated with examples, and concludes by showing how our research adheres to design science research guidelines and outlining some extensions and future directions.
Equivariant semi-topological invariants, Atiyah's kr-theory, and real algebraic cycles

We establish an Atiyah-Hirzebruch type spectral sequence relating real morphic cohomology and real semi-topological K-theory and prove it to be compatible with the Atiyah-Hirzebruch spectral sequence relating Bredon cohomology and Atiyah's KR-theory constructed by Dugger. An equivariant and a real version of Suslin's conjecture on morphic cohomology are formulated, proved to come from the complex version of Suslin conjecture and verified for certain real varieties. In conjunction with the spectral sequences constructed here this allows the computation of the real semi-topological K-theory of some real varieties. As another application of this spectral sequence we give an alternate proof of the Lichtenbaum-Quillen conjecture over $\R$, extending an earlier proof of Karoubi and Weibel.
Disorders of narcissism : diagnostic, clinical, and empirical implications

Foreword. Diagnostic and Theoretical Considerations. Introduction to Section I. Normal narcissism: an etiological and ethological perspective. Pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: theoretical background and diagnostic classification. Further developments in the clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. The DSM narcissistic personality disorder: historical reflections and future directions. Developmental aspects of normal and pathological narcissism. Treatment Implications. Introduction to Section II. Transference and countertransference in the treatment of narcissistic patients. Psychoanalysis of patients with primary self-disorder: a self psychological perspective. An object relations theory approach to psychoanalysis with narcissistic patients. Treatment of narcissistic disorders in the intensive psychiatric milieu. Narcissistic patients in group psychotherapy: containing affects in the early group. Schema-focused therapy for narcissistic patients. Manifestations of narcissistic disorders in couples therapy: identification and treatment. Special Clinical Considerations. Introduction to Section III. Affect regulation and narcissism: trauma, alexithymia, and psychosomatic illness in narcissistic patients. Pathological narcissism and self-regulatory processes in suicidal states. Research. Introduction to Section IV. Empirical studies of the construct validity of narcissistic personality disorder. Pathological narcissism: long-term stability and presence in Axis I disorders. Association between psychopathy and narcissism: theoretical views and empirical evidence. Narcissistic personality disorder in adolescent inpatients: a retrospective record review study of descriptive characteristics. Afterword. Index.
Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology a New Method of Fingerprint Authentication Using 2d Wavelets

A new approach for fingerprint verification, based on wavelets and pseudo Zernike moments (PZMs), is discussed. PZMs are robust to noisy images, invariant to rotation and have a good image reconstruction capability [4]. PZMs have been used for global analysis and so they are used to extract global features (the shape of the fingerprint image). Wavelets are good at local analysis and so they help to extract local features (minutiae) from a fingerprint. Therefore, this hybrid approach extracts most significant features from the fingerprint images and achieve better verification rate. Different types of wavelets are used for the study but the result shows that Symmlet orthonormal wavelet of order 8 gives best verification rate.
Protective effects of vitamin C and selenium supplementation on methomyl-induced tissue oxidative stress in adult rats

Methomyl (MET) is used worldwide in agriculture and health programs. Besides its advantages in the agriculture, it causes several toxic effects. The objective of this study was to examine the potential ability of vitamin C and/or selenium (Se), to alleviate the oxidative damage parameters, against MET-induced changes in blood biochemical markers and oxidative damage in liver and kidney of male Wistar rats. The animals were randomized into five groups of eight each: group I served as control rats; group II received MET (8 mg/kg body weight (BW)) in drinking water; group III received both MET and vitamin C (200 mg/kg BW; by intraperitoneal injection); group IV received both MET and Se (0.6 mg/100 g BW). Animals of group V were treated with MET, vitamin C and Se. A significant increase in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) was determined. Furthermore, renal markers such as urea and creatinine were increased in MET-treated rats. Additionally, serum cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly enhanced. Exposure of rats to MET caused significant increase in malondialdehyde levels, thus causing a drastic alteration in antioxidant defense system, particularly in the activities of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. However, simultaneous supplementation with vitamin C and Se restored these parameters partially. In conclusion, the results of the current study revealed that MET-induced toxicity caused perturbations of some biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation and alterations in the antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney homogenates. Administration of vitamin C and Se exhibited protective effect by inhibiting MET-induced toxicity in liver and kidney.
Moyamoya Disease: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Diagnosis

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic, occlusive cerebrovascular disease characterized by progressive stenosis at the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery and an abnormal vascular network at the base of the brain. Although its etiology remains unknown, recent genetic studies identified RNF213 in the 17q25-ter region as an important susceptibility gene of MMD among East Asian populations. Possibly because of genetic differences, MMD is relatively common in people living in East Asian countries such as Korea and Japan, compared to those in the Western Hemisphere. The prevalence of MMD appears to be slightly lower among Chinese, compared to Koreans or Japanese. There are two peaks of incidence with different clinical presentations, at around 10 years and 30-40 years. The peak appears to occur later in women than men. In children, ischemic symptoms, especially transient ischemic attacks, are predominant. Intellectual decline, seizures, and involuntary movements are also more common in this age group. In contrast, adult patients present with intracranial hemorrhage more often than pediatric patients. In patients with MMD, intracerebral hemorrhage is more often accompanied by intraventricular hemorrhage than in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. These different age peaks and different clinical presentations in each age group are also observed in MMD patients in the USA. Catheter angiography is the diagnostic method of choice. Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and computed tomographic angiography are noninvasive diagnostic methods. High-resolution vessel wall MR imaging also helps diagnose MMD by revealing concentric vessel wall narrowing with basal collaterals.
A Novel Class of RanGTP Binding Proteins

The importin-α/β complex and the GTPase Ran mediate nuclear import of proteins with a classical nuclear localization signal. Although Ran has been implicated also in a variety of other processes, such as cell cycle progression, a direct function of Ran has so far only been demonstrated for importin-mediated nuclear import. We have now identified an entire class of ∼20 potential Ran targets that share a sequence motif related to the Ran-binding site of importin-β. We have confirmed specific RanGTP binding for some of them, namely for two novel factors, RanBP7 and RanBP8, for CAS, Pse1p, and Msn5p, and for the cell cycle regulator Cse1p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have studied RanBP7 in more detail. Similar to importin-β, it prevents the activation of Ran's GTPase by RanGAP1 and inhibits nucleotide exchange on RanGTP. RanBP7 binds directly to nuclear pore complexes where it competes for binding sites with importin-β, transportin, and apparently also with the mediators of mRNA and U snRNA export. Furthermore, we provide evidence for a Ran-dependent transport cycle of RanBP7 and demonstrate that RanBP7 can cross the nuclear envelope rapidly and in both directions. On the basis of these results, we propose that RanBP7 might represent a nuclear transport factor that carries an as yet unknown cargo, which could apply as well for this entire class of related RanGTP-binding proteins.
State versus trait conceptualisation of psychological capital

A recent stream of research termed Positive Organisational Behaviour, has resulted in a field of research focused upon an individual’s Psychological Capital (PsyCap), a higher order construct comprised of hope, optimism, self-efficacy and resilience. PsyCap has been be defined as “an individual’s positive psychological state of development and as characterised by: (1) having confidence (self-efficacy) to take on and put in the necessary effort to succeed at challenging tasks; (2) making a positive attribution (optimism) about succeeding now and in the future; (3) persevering towards goals and, when necessary, redirecting paths to goals (hope) in order to succeed; and (4) when beset by problems and adversity, sustaining and bouncing back and even beyond (resiliency) to attain success” (Luthans, Youssef, & Avolio, 2007, p. 3). Higher levels of PsyCap within an individual have been linked to a number of desirable outcomes including positive work attitudes such as job satisfaction, engagement and affective commitment, behaviours such as increased performance and increased well-being (Avey, Reichard, Luthans, & Mhatre, 2011; Luthans, Avolio, Avey, & Norman, 2007). PsyCap has been described as a ‘state-like’ construct, meaning that the construct is more stable over time than a pure state but less stable than a trait. It is measured via the PsyCap Questionnaire, termed the PCQ-24, which has a reported test-retest reliability of . 52 over a period of two weeks (Luthans, Avolio, et al., 2007). For an organisation, the advantage of a state construct able to result in desirable outcomes is that the organisation may be able offer training or bring about interventions to increase that construct, thereby improving organisational performance. Alternatively, if a construct is stable over time and related to positive
The Global Comparators project: international comparison of 30-day in-hospital mortality by day of the week

Objective To examine the association of mortality by day of the week for emergency and elective patients. Design Retrospective observational study using the international dataset from the Global Comparators (GC) project consisting of hospital administrative data. Setting 28 hospitals from England, Australia, USA and the Netherlands during 2009–2012. Participants Emergency and surgical-elective patients. Main outcome measures In-hospital deaths within 30 days of emergency admission or of elective surgery. Results We examined 2 982 570 hospital records; adjusted odds of 30-day death were higher for weekend emergency admissions to 11 hospitals in England (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.13 on Sunday), 5 hospitals in USA (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24 on Sunday) and 6 hospitals in the Netherlands (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.33 on Saturday). Emergency admissions to the six Australian hospitals showed no daily variation in adjusted 30-day mortality, but showed a weekend effect at 7 days post emergency admission (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.22 on Saturday). All weekend elective patients showed higher adjusted odds of 30-day postoperative death; we observed a ‘Friday effect’ for elective patients in the six Dutch hospitals. Conclusions We show that mortality outcomes for our sample vary within each country and per day of the week in agreement with previous studies of the ‘weekend effect’. Due to limitations of administrative datasets, we cannot determine the reasons for these findings; however, the international nature of our database suggests that this is a systematic phenomenon affecting healthcare providers across borders. Further investigation is needed to understand the factors that give rise to the weekend effect. The participating hospitals represent varied models of service delivery, and there is a potential to learn from best practice in different healthcare systems.
Drosophila Nipped-B Protein Supports Sister Chromatid Cohesion and Opposes the Stromalin/Scc3 Cohesion Factor To Facilitate Long-Range Activation of the cut Gene

ABSTRACT The Drosophila melanogaster Nipped-B protein facilitates transcriptional activation of the cut and Ultrabithorax genes by remote enhancers. Sequence homologues of Nipped-B, Scc2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Mis4 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe are required for sister chromatid cohesion during mitosis. The evolutionarily conserved Cohesin protein complex mediates sister chromatid cohesion, and Scc2 and Mis4 are needed for Cohesin to associate with chromosomes. Here, we show that Nipped-B is also required for sister chromatid cohesion but that, opposite to the effect of Nipped-B, the stromalin/Scc3 component of Cohesin inhibits long-range activation of cut. To explain these findings, we propose a model based on the chromatin domain boundary activities of Cohesin in which Nipped-B facilitates cut activation by alleviating Cohesin-mediated blocking of enhancer-promoter communication.
A unique acute myeloid leukemia patient with cryptic NUP98-NSD1 gene and ASXL1 mutation

* Th ese two authors contributed equally to the paper. Correspondence: Depei Wu, MD, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Th e First Affi liated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R. China. Tel: 86 512 67780390. Fax: 86 512 65222463. E-mail: wudepei@medmail.com. cn or Yun Zhao, PhD, Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R. China. Tel: 86 512 65880899 ext. 3501. Fax: 86 512 65880929. E-mail: zhaoy@suda.edu. cn
‘Culture’ in quail: social influences on mate choices of female Coturnix japonica


We have shown previously that after a focal female Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica, sees a conspecific male mating, the focal female's tendency to affiliate and to mate with that male is significantly increased. Here we describe two experiments demonstrating that a focal female quail that has seen a conspecific male mating subsequently shows an enhanced tendency to affiliate not only with that particular male, but also with other males that share his characteristics. The results have important implications for our understanding of the role of social learning in the evolution of male characteristics. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Effect of Resistance Training on Capillary Density Around Slow and Fast Twitch Muscle Fibers in Diabetic and Normal Rats

Background: It is well accepted that skeletal muscle conforms to exercise stimulus by increasing capillary density and angiogenesis, but there is less evidence regarding the effect of resistance training on capillary density in flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and soleus muscle. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the effect of resistance training on capillary density around soleus and FHL muscles in type 1 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male rats were divided into four groups: (1) control; (2) diabetic; (3) diabetic trained and (4) control trained (n = 9 each). A Single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin at a dose of 55 mg/kg was used for induction of diabetes. The rats in the trained group undertook one training session per day for 3 days/week. Training was done with the use of a 1 meter high ladder inclined at 80°. After 4 weeks, the plasma nitrite concentrations were measured. Capillary/fiber ratio was determined around soleus and FHL muscles by immunohistochemistry. Results: Plasma Nitric Oxide (NO) concentration was increased after resistance training in diabetic animals (P < 0.05). Capillary/fiber ratio around the soleus muscle of diabetic group was more than control rats. Resistance training did not alter capillary/fiber ratio in diabetic animals (1.00 ± 0.6 vs. 1.07 ± 0.07, respectively). Capillary/fiber ratio around FHL muscle was significantly different between diabetic and control and did not alter after exercise (diabetes: 1.1702 ± 0.09; diabetic trained: 1.1714 ± 0.08; control: 0.79 ± 0.08; control trained: 0.73 ± 0.03). There was a positive correlation between plasma NO concentration and capillary density in the soleus muscle (R2 = 0.65). Conclusions: Resistance training could not improve capillary/fiber ratio in soleus and FHL muscle of diabetic animals in spite of increase in some angiogenic factors including NO.
Symbolic Meta-Policy: (Not) Tackling Climate Change in the Transport Sector

This paper seeks to understand how the UK government's headline climate change targets are translated into action at the local level in the transport sector drawing on the findings of research in two English regions. In doing so, these headline targets are identified as a symbolic meta-policy that results in little action on the ground and which challenges established conceptions of policy implementation. Both the ‘meta’ and ‘symbolic’ aspects of the policy offer part of the explanation for the lack of substantive action on the ground. As a meta-policy, the headline targets across government require the elaboration of other policies at other levels such as targets for government departments and local authorities, but these are largely absent, leaving the meta-policy without teeth. Over time, these headline targets have developed into a symbolic policy, serving political goals but having little practical effectiveness.
A cluster of deaths by footwear, 1894-1900

Age-related macular degeneration is treated by radiation delivered from a miniature x-ray tube inserted via a catheter around the globe of the eye, to a position behind the macula. The process can employ an applicator with several parallel guides, inserted around the eye to receive the catheter with x-ray tube (or an isotope) at a matrix of different positions. Methods are described for properly locating the catheter and x-ray tube, using illumination on the catheter and viewing through the front of the eye, or sensors on the catheter and a scanned beam shone from the front of the eye. Fluorescent material excited by x-rays can also be used. Also described are methods and devices for immobilizing the probe once properly located in the eye, for standoff of the x-ray tube from the target tissue, and for achieving prescription radiation dose in the choroid while eliminating dose to adjacent tissues. The x-ray treatment can be enhanced using a radiosensitizing drug, and can be combined with PDT.