Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Low Dose Sildenafil in Improvement of Implantation Rate in Case of Recurrent ICSI failure

Background: Infertile couples to have healthy children are one of primary tasks of assisted reproductive technologies. In order to fulfill these tasks, reproductive medicine constantly needs to obtain information on physiology and pathophysiology of infertility and to develop efficient strategies for ovarian hyper-stimulation. Objectives: Aim of the current Work was to evaluate the efficacy of oral sildenafil citrate 25 mg on pregnancy outcome, endometrial thickness, pattern and uterine arteries Doppler blood flow in patients with 3 or more concoctive unexplained recurrent IVF/ICSI implantation failure. Patients and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double blinded study included a total of seventy patients undergoing ICSI trial attending at the University Maternity Hospital IVFICSI unit. The included subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (study group): included 35 women with recurrent ICSI implantation failure with another trial of ICSI using the standard drugs and technique with the addition of sildenafil 25 mg orally twice daily. Group II (control group): included 35 women with recurrent ICSI implantation failure with another trial of ICSI using the standard drugs and technique (control group). Results: The statistical comparison between group I (Sildenafil Citrate) and group II (control) regarding endometrial thickness showed non significant differences before and significant differences after 21days of administration of Sildenafil Citrate. The statistical comparison in patients in group I (Sildenafil Citrate) regarding Pulsatility index, Resistance index and Systolic/ diastolic ratio showed significant differences of these parameters. Conclusion: It could be concluded from this study that adding of sildenafil citrate 25 mg orally twice daily for 21 days to patients with unexplained recurrent ICSI implantation failure, increase in pregnancy rate.
Manganese ferrite-based nanoparticles induce ex vivo, but not in vivo, cardiovascular effects

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used for various biomedical applications. Importantly, manganese ferrite-based nanoparticles have useful magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and potential for hyperthermia treatment, but their effects in the cardiovascular system are poorly reported. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the cardiovascular effects of three different types of manganese ferrite-based magnetic nanoparticles: citrate-coated (CiMNPs); tripolyphosphate-coated (PhMNPs); and bare magnetic nanoparticles (BaMNPs). The samples were characterized by vibrating sample magnetometer, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The direct effects of the MNPs on cardiac contractility were evaluated in isolated perfused rat hearts. The CiMNPs, but not PhMNPs and BaMNPs, induced a transient decrease in the left ventricular end-systolic pressure. The PhMNPs and BaMNPs, but not CiMNPs, induced an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, which resulted in a decrease in a left ventricular end developed pressure. Indeed, PhMNPs and BaMNPs also caused a decrease in the maximal rate of left ventricular pressure rise (+dP/dt) and maximal rate of left ventricular pressure decline (−dP/dt). The three MNPs studied induced an increase in the perfusion pressure of isolated hearts. BaMNPs, but not PhMNPs or CiMNPs, induced a slight vasorelaxant effect in the isolated aortic rings. None of the MNPs were able to change heart rate or arterial blood pressure in conscious rats. In summary, although the MNPs were able to induce effects ex vivo, no significant changes were observed in vivo. Thus, given the proper dosages, these MNPs should be considered for possible therapeutic applications.
Differences in growth and morphology between the spontaneous C3H mammary carcinoma in the mouse and its syngeneic transplants

The rate of growth of the C3H spontaneous mammary carcinoma in the mouse was compared with that of its first and 900th generation (C3HBA) syngeneic transplants. The microscopic appearance, change in relative volume of tissues, and relation of blood vessels to the tumor nodules were compared in the 3 tumors. The initial rate of growth and the retardation which subsequently occurred increased with transplantation. The relative volume of cancer cells decreased and necrosis increased with tumor growth in each of the tumors; the change was least in the spontaneous tumor and increased with transplantation. Blood vessels were confined to the internodular tissues in the transplants but were also present within the nodules in the spontaneous tumor. The results stress the importance of blood supply in determining retardation in the rate of tumor growth. It also emphasizes the care that should be taken in selecting an animal tumor model that simulates the human tumor, when the results are applied to the treatment of cancer in patients.
Viscous effects on the interaction between the coplanar decretion disc and the neutron star in Be/X-ray binaries

We study the viscous effects on the interaction between the coplanar Be-star disc and the neutron star in Be/X-ray binaries, using a three-dimensional, smoothed particle hydrodynamics code. For simplicity, we assume the Be disc to be isothermal at the temperature of half the stellar effective temperature. In order to mimic the gas ejection process from the Be star, we inject particles with the Keplerian rotation velocity at a radius just outside the star. Both the Be star and the neutron star are treated as point masses. We find that the Be-star disc is effectively truncated if the Shakura‐Sunyaev viscosity parameter αSS � 1, which confirms the previous semi-analytical result. In the truncated disc, the material decreted from the Be star accumulates, so that the disc becomes denser more rapidly than if around an isolated Be star. The resonant truncation of the Be disc results in a significant reduction of the amount of gas captured by the neutron star and a strong dependence of the mass-capture rate on the orbital phase. We also find that an eccentric mode is excited in the Be disc through direct driving as a result of a one-armed bar potential of the binary. The strength of the mode becomes greater in the case of a smaller viscosity. In a high-resolution simulation with αSS = 0.1, the eccentric mode is found to precess in a prograde sense. The mass-capture rate by the neutron star modulates as the mode precesses.
Interclonal gradient of virulence in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pangenome from disease and environment.

The population genomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was analysed by genome sequencing of representative strains of the 15 most frequent clonal complexes in the P. aeruginosa population and of the five most common clones from the environment of which so far no isolate from a human infection has been detected. Gene annotation identified 5892-7187 open reading frame (ORFs; median 6381 ORFs) in the 20 6.4-7.4 Mbp large genomes. The P. aeruginosa pangenome consists of a conserved core of at least 4000 genes, a combinatorial accessory genome of a further 10 000 genes and 30 000 or more rare genes that are present in only a few strains or clonal complexes. Whole genome comparisons of single nucleotide polymorphism synteny indicated unrestricted gene flow between clonal complexes by recombination. Using standardized acute lettuce, Galleria mellonella and murine airway infection models the full spectrum of possible host responses to P. aeruginosa was observed with the 20 strains ranging from unimpaired health following infection to 100% lethality. Genome comparisons indicate that the differential genetic repertoire of clones maintains a habitat-independent gradient of virulence in the P. aeruginosa population.
Enhancing the protein production levels in Escherichia coli with a strong promoter

In biotechnology, the use of Escherichia coli for recombinant protein production has a long tradition, although the optimal production conditions for certain proteins are still not evident. The most favorable conditions for protein production vary with the gene product. Temperature and induction conditions represent parameters that affect total protein production, as well as the amount of soluble protein. Furthermore, the choice of promoter and bacterial strain will have large effects on the production of the target protein. In the present study, the effects of three different promoters (T7, trc and lacUV5) on E. coli production of target proteins with different characteristics are presented. The total amount of target protein as well as the amount of soluble protein were analyzed, demonstrating the benefits of using a strong promoter such as T7. To understand the underlying causes, transcription levels have been correlated with the total amount of target protein and protein solubility in vitro has been correlated with the amount of soluble protein that is produced. In addition, the effects of two different E. coli strains, BL21(DE3) and Rosetta(DE3), on the expression pattern were analyzed. It is concluded that the regulation of protein production is a combination of the transcription and translation efficiencies. Other important parameters include the nucleotide‐sequence itself and the solubility of the target protein.
Recovery after stroke

One hundred and sixty-two patients were referred to a rehabilitation unit after an acute stroke. The patterns of recovery of overall functional ability, arm function, walking and speech in 92 of 101 survivors have been analysed. In all modalities the majority of recovery occurs within 3 months; although improvement is seen thereafter it does not reach statistical significance. Possible reasons for the apparent lack of late recovery are discussed.
Computer science research on scientific discovery

Abstract This article is an essay on directions and methodology in computer-science oriented research on scientific discovery. The essay starts by reviewing briefly some of the history of computing in scientific reasoning, and some of the results and impact that have been achieved. The remainder analyses some of the goals of this field, its relations with sister fields, and the practical applications of this analysis to evaluating research quality, reviewing, and methodology. An earlier review in this journal (Kocabas 1991b) analysed scientific discovery programs in terms of their designs, achievements and shortcomings; the focus here is research directions, evaluation and methodology, all from the viewpoint of computer science.
Cross-linked hyaluronic acid, process for the preparation thereof and use thereof in the aesthetic field

The present invention relates, in one aspect, to the use as dermal filler of a cross- linked biopolymer compatible with the tissues of the human organism based on hyaluronic acid cross-linked with urea. The biopolymer of hyaluronic acid and urea may be applied or injected in a soft tissue of human body for tissue augmentation.
To look for a needle in a haystack: the search for autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis

The search for autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been challenging for the last 3 decades. With the development of new proteomic methods and advances in expression and assay technologies, progress in the identification of MS autoantibodies has been made. A number of MS-specific autoantibodies have been proposed, most of them targeting proteins expressed in oligodendrocytes and along the myelin sheath. In this review, we summarize the status of antibody research in MS and then discuss recent developments and future strategies in defining and characterizing the potential antigenic targets of autoantibodies in MS.
Motion Planning with Safety Constraints and High-Level Task Specifications

We present a method to solve planning problems involving sequential decision making in unpredictable environments while accomplishing a high level task specification expressed using the formalism of linear temporal logic. Our method improves the state of the art by introducing a pruning step that preserves correctness while significantly reducing the time needed to compute an optimal policy. Our theoretical contribution is coupled with simulations substantiating the value of the proposed method.
Second-Order Intermodulation in Current-Commutating Passive FET Mixers

Amplitude-modulation detection in the mixer plagues the performance of the zero-intermediate-frequency receiver by downconverting the envelope of amplitude modulated blockers to baseband where the desired channel is after downconversion. Simple equations based on physical mechanisms of second-order intermodulation generation have been derived which can predict the IIP2 of the current-driven passive mixer accurately. Derived equations have been verified by SPECTRE and SPECTRE-RF simulations, and mixer optimization has been explained.
Comparative study of the photopic spectral sensitivity of domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) and humans

1. The photopic spectral sensitivity of domestic ducks and turkeys was determined using an operant psychophysical technique. Spectral sensitivity was determined over a range of specified wavelengths, including UVA, between 326 < λ < 694 nm and the results were directly compared with human spectral sensitivity measured under similar experimental conditions. 2. Domestic ducks and turkeys had similar spectral sensitivities to each other, and could perceive UVA radiation, although turkeys were more sensitive to UVA than ducks. For both species, peak sensitivity was between 544 < λ < 577 nm, with reduced sensitivity at λ = 508 and 600 nm. Both ducks and turkeys had a very different and broader range of spectral sensitivity than the human subjects tested. 3. Spectral sensitivity and UVA perception in these avian species are discussed in relation to their visual ecology and the mechanisms controlling neural processing of colour information.
Technical Note: A Problem with Identifying Nonlinear Interactions of Circadian and Homeostatic Processes

Having their origins in the two-process model of sleep regulation (Borbély, 1982; Daan et al., 1984), the two models of neurobehavioral functions presented in this issue (Folkard et al., 1999; Jewett and Kronauer, 1999) posit a circadian process and a homeostatic (sleep-/wake-dependent) process. While the model of Folkard et al. (1999) assumes that these two fundamental processes are additive (linear), the model of Jewett and Kronauer (1999) assumes that they are interactive (nonlinear). The latter is based on evidence from forced desynchrony (FD) experiments in which circadian amplitude depended on the level of the homeostatic sleep drive (Dijk et al., 1992; Jewett, 1997). While it is possible that the two processes interact in a nonlinear way, it is also possible that the observed nonlinear relationship is caused by nonlinearity of the neurobehavioral metrics used in the FD experiments (as also suggested by D. Beersma at the model meeting). To clarify this issue, simulations based on a FD protocol were performed. For simplicity, the circadian component C was described by a cosine function (period 24 h; Fig. 1) and the homeostatic component S by a saw-tooth function (period 28 h; linear increase during 2/3; linear decline during 1/3; Fig. 1). Both variables varied between 0 and 2 (arbitrary units). In a first simulation, a linear interaction was modeled by adding the two components. To mimic a nonlinear scale, a cutoff (floor effect) was introduced; that is, values below a threshold of 1 were set to the threshold level. Figure 1 illustrates that folding of the data at either 24 h or 28 h revealed the two constituent components to a large extent. Performing the folding at 24 h for different phases of S revealed that the amplitude of the circadian component depended on the phase of S. Similarly, folding at 28 h for different circadian phases resulted in a dependence of the amplitude of S on circadian phase.
Stress assessment based on Ergonomics coupled with image-processing tools and techniques for lean product design and development

ABSTRACT This paper presents an innovative lean ergonomic tool (LET) for mental stress through facial muscle activity assessment. An image-processing tool has been developed based on the analysis of facial angles. These angles were perceived by analyzing the stress levels of product development team members at certain conditions. A total number of 26 subjects participated in the experiments. On the basis of angular deviation levels, a stress level classification scheme was developed using neutral position of each team members for each task. Through statistical analysis, team members were divided into the groups of same degree of stress level. Each group was assigned a numerical expression value which was relative to the perceived stress level of that group for each task. Using five distinct action categories, a criterion for the evaluation of stress level was proposed which was validated through two distinct case studies. The developed LET will help the top management in taking corrective actions to reduce the stress level during product design and development.
Repetitive and adaptive control of robot manipulators with velocity estimation

This paper presents repetitive and adaptive motion control schemes for rigid-link robot manipulators, when the manipulator's joint velocities cannot be measured by the control system. The control objective consists in tracking a prescribed desired trajectory. In the case of repetitive control, the desired trajectory is periodic and it is required that the robot achieve the control objective through repeated learning trials. We assume that the robot inverse dynamics are totally unknown, except that they can be represented by an integral of the product of known differentiable kernel and an unknown influence function. In the case of adaptive control, it is assumed that only the manipulator inertia parameters are unknown and that the desired trajectory jerks are available to the control system. In both control schemes, a velocity observer, which is formulated based on the desired input/output relation of the manipulator, is used to estimate the manipulator joint velocities. A stability analysis of the repetitive and adaptive control schemes with velocity estimation is presented. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed repetitive control algorithm is successful in achieving the control objective without direct measurement of the joint velocities.
Selecting Predictor Subsets: Considering Validity and Adverse Impact

The paper proposes a procedure for designing Pareto-optimal selection systems considering validity, adverse impact and constraints on the number of predictors from a larger subset that can be included in an operational selection system. The procedure determines Pareto-optimal composites of a given maximum size thereby solving the dual task of identifying the predictors that will be included in the reduced set and determining the weights with which the retained predictors will be combined to the composite predictor. Compared with earlier proposals, the simultaneous consideration of both tasks makes it possible to combine several strategies for reducing adverse impact in a single procedure. In particular, the present approach allows integrating (a) investigating a large number of possible predictors (such as multitest battery of ability tests, or a collection of ability and nonability measures); (b) explicit predictor weighting within feasible test procedures of a given limited size.
Digital image processing software for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy from fundus photograph

Objective The aim of this study was to develop automated software for screening and diagnosing diabetic retinopathy (DR) from fundus photograph of patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods The extraction of clinically significant features to detect pathologies of DR and the severity classification were performed by using MATLAB R2015a with MATLAB Image Processing Toolbox. In addition, the graphic user interface was developed using the MATLAB GUI Toolbox. The accuracy of software was measured by comparing the obtained results to those of the diagnosis by the ophthalmologist. Results A set of 400 fundus images, containing 21 normal fundus images and 379 DR fundus images (162 non-proliferative DR and 217 proliferative DR), was interpreted by the ophthalmologist as a reference standard. The initial result showed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of this software in detection of DR were 98%, 67% and 96.25%, respectively. However, the accuracy of this software in classifying non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy was 66.58%. The average time for processing is 7 seconds for one fundus image. Conclusion The automated DR screening software was developed by using MATLAB programming and yielded 96.25% accuracy for the detection of DR when compared to that of the diagnosis by the ophthalmologist. It may be a helpful tool for DR screening in the distant rural area where ophthalmologist is not available.
Dependable and secure geocast in vehicular networks

Inter-vehicular communication envisions many applications to enhance traffic safety. One fundamental communication paradigm used to realize a wide range of such applications is called Geocast, that is, multi-hop broadcast dissemination of messages within a geographically restricted destination region. Because of the safety-related nature of many VANET applications, it is crucial that Geocast protocols ensure dependable dissemination of information. Here, dependability has two aspects. First, a Geocast protocol needs to scale to varying node densities - reliable delivery should be provided both in sparsely connected networks and also in scenarios with high channel load due to high node density. In addition, Geocast needs to be protected against attacks to achieve dependable dissemination of information even in presence of malicious nodes trying to suppress information delivery. In this work, we focus on the goal of Geocast security. We evaluate the impact of several attacks, and, based on these results, we introduce specific countermeasures against the discovered threats. Particularly, we highlight the intrinsic security properties already present in scalability-enhancing mechanisms. Thus, we show how security and scalability complement each other in Geocast protocols. In summary, our focus are lightweight and efficient measures to secure Geocast for usage in VANETs.
Will the Real 4 D , N = 1 SG Limit of Superstring / M-Theory Please Stand Up ? 1

At the component-level we study the 'beta-function-favored constraint' (βFFC) formalism, suggested in 1988 as the most natural formulation for supergravity derived from more fundamental theories. We begin with the suggestion that βFFC super-gravity be identified with new minimal supergravity together with an additional chiral compensator multiplet. After U A (1)-symmetry breaking, the non-propagating axion 2-form of new minimal supergravity becomes the propagating axion 2-form required by string theory. The final form of the theory is seen to uniquely allow four simultaneous features: (i) local supersymmetry, (ii) implementation of the Green-Schwarz mechanism, (iii) a supersymmetry-breaking order parameter chiral superfield, and (iv) a dilaton superpotential.