Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
No association of the A260G and A386G DAZL single nucleotide polymorphisms with male infertility in a Caucasian population.

BACKGROUND The human DAZ gene family includes two autosomal genes, BOULE and DAZL, and a Y-chromosomal DAZ gene cluster. All are RNA-binding proteins and assumed to be master regulators of germline gene expression. We have investigated the impact of two DAZL polymorphisms, located at nucleotide positions 260 (SNP 260) and 386 (SNP 386), on the fertility of Caucasian men. These single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been described previously to be associated with spermatogenic failure. METHODS Blood samples were collected and genomic DNA was extracted from 165 normozoospermic men and 202 oligo- or azoospermic patients, of whom 28 displayed an AZFc deletion. The frequencies of A or G allelic variants in SNP 260 and 386 were analysed via TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. In both cases, the A to G transition leads to a threonine to alanine change. RESULTS A total of 24.2% of the controls showed a heterozygous nucleotide variant (AG) for the SNP 260 and the remaining 75.8% were homozygous for A. In the AZFc-deleted group, this distribution was significantly different, with 39.3% for AG, 57.1% for AA and 3.6% for GG. However, the increased heterozygosity was not correlated with sperm counts and morphology. The patients without deletions displayed a similar allelic pattern to the controls (24.1% AG/75.9% AA). For SNP 386, only the AA nucleotide variant was found in all subjects studied and in no case was the previously described heterozygous AG variant found. CONCLUSION In a selected Caucasian population, the DAZL SNP 386 is completely absent and SNP 260 is not associated with spermatogenic failure and therefore does not represent a molecular marker for genetic diagnosis of male infertility.
Progesterone receptor isoforms as a prognostic marker in human endometrial carcinoma

The possible role of specific progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms (PRA and PRB) as predictive factors in endometrial carcinoma is unclear. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical significance of intratumoral PR isoform status in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. We studied 103 cases of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma using immunohistochemistry. We correlated the findings with various clinicopathological parameters of the patients. PRA and PRB immunoreactivity was detected in 51/103 (48.5%) and 79/103 (76.7%) of carcinoma cases, respectively. A significant positive correlation was detected between the status of PRB immunoreactivity and the amount of PRB mRNA by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (P = 0.012). PR isoform expression was significantly lower in the cases with higher histological grade (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.002, for PRA and PRB, respectively). Cases that were negative for either one or both PR isoforms were significantly associated with shorter disease‐free and overall survival of the patients. The absence of either one or both of these two PR isoforms was detected in all nine patients who died (100.0%), whereas the absence of these immunoreactivities was detected only in 43 of 94 (45.7%) patients who had lived during the same period. In addition, multivariate analysis demonstrated that an absence of PRA immunoreactivity was an independent risk factor in disease‐free survival of the patients (P = 0.0258). The results of our study demonstrated that loss or absence of PR isoform expression determined by immunohistochemistry could become an important prognostic indicator in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1308–1314)
Childhood chronic illness: prevalence, severity, and impact.

BACKGROUND Using data from the 1988 National Health Interview Survey, this article presents national estimates of the prevalence and impact of childhood chronic conditions. METHODS Proxy responses to a checklist of child health conditions administered for 17,110 children under 18 years of age were used. Conditions were classified as chronic if they were first noticed more than 3 months prior to the interview or if they were the type that would ordinarily be of extended duration, such as arthritis. RESULTS An estimated 31% of children were affected by chronic conditions. Among these children, highly prevalent conditions included respiratory allergies 9.7 per 100, repeated ear infections 8.3 per 100 and asthma 4.3 per 100. These children can be divided into three groups: 66% with mild conditions that result in little or no bother or activity limitation; 29% with conditions of moderate severity that result in some bother or limitation of activity, but not both; and 5% with severe conditions that cause frequent bother and limitation of activity. The 5% with severe conditions accounted for 19% of physician contacts and 33% of hospital days related to chronic illness. CONCLUSIONS Childhood chronic conditions have highly variable impacts on children's activities and use of health care.
Generic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for civilian application-A feasibility assessment and market survey on civilian application for aerial imaging

UAV or commonly known as pilotless aircraft is widely known in military usage. It can perform task fully autonomous or remotely piloted or both. UAV can perform task where human life can be of risk at the same time an alternative to cost effective solution. Use of UAV in civilian application has started to become common as technology become more readily available in the civilian arena. Availability and accessibility of advance autonomous technology for civilian has encourages wide range of civilian UAVs been developed. Gathering of data shows that most Civilian used UAV have wing span around 3 meter while its total takeoff weight is less than 6kg. This is important due to the nature of mission in civilian usage which may endanger properties and life forms that includes human. Small size, low speed UAV has relatively small kinetic energy in the event of crashes. This paper will look into the existing civilian UAVs and identify demands that yet to be addressed. In this paper we have identified the design goals to fill in the existing gap while keeping affordability in mind. This paper also dealt with the parameter that will assist in the conceptual design of a slow speed, easy to fly civilian use UAV. Final goal is to build the prototype and demonstrate the capability of such craft completing the predefined mission typical of civilian usage.
Joint building ventures as a new instrument for urban development: a qualitative analysis of Baugruppen in Freiburg, Germany

Abstract This article reviews a special type of collaborative housing that has emerged in the German housing market in response to the growing need for urban housing and increasing focus on active and networking housing communities and stable neighbourhoods. Joint building ventures are projects in which private individuals jointly establish residential property. However, the academic literature on this issue is underdeveloped. To foster a better understanding of the topic, this article focuses specifically on detecting the strengths and weaknesses of this type of joint building venture and its contribution to a higher homeownership rate. The qualitative interview data were collected between December 2015 and March 2016 in Freiburg, Germany. The findings reveal perceived advantages in terms of supportive networks, customised solutions and potential cost savings, whereas the identified disadvantages are high financial risks, mutual dependencies and personal efforts. Practical implications and avenues for future research are derived.
Estrogen receptor: A prognostic factor in breast cancer

Two‐hundred‐seventeen women with primary breast carcinoma had an estrogen receptor determination tested by both the dextran‐coated charcoal assay and sucrose density gradient. The results were correlated with the disease‐free interval, survival, response to hormone therapy or chemotherapy, and site of recurrent disease. The disease‐free interval (DFI) was significantly longer in premenopausal patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) determination compared with premenopausal patients with estrogen receptor negative (ER‐) determinations, irrespective of nodal involvement (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the postmenopausal patients.
A Comparison of Arteries and Veins in Oxidative Stress: Producers, Destroyers, Function, and Disease

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of oxygen metabolism, normally present in low levels inside cells, where they participate in signaling processes. The delicate balance in the continuous cycle of ROS generation and inactivation is maintained by enzymatic and nonenzymatic endogenous systems. Overwhelming production of ROS (by such sources as the mitochondrial electron transport chain, NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, or uncoupled nitric oxide synthase), when inadequately counteracted by destruction through antioxidant systems (such as superoxide dismutase or catalase), leads to a prooxidant state also known as oxidative stress. Increased levels of ROS and markers of oxidative stress have been consistently found in such cardiovascular diseases as atherosclerosis or hypertension, although controversy still exists over the pathophysiological role of oxidative stress in these conditions. ROS can modulate vascular function either by direct oxidative damage or by activating cellular signaling pathways that lead to abnormal contractile, inflammatory, proliferative, or remodeling properties of the blood vessel. Most current research focuses on these processes in arteries, leaving veins, “the other side“ of vascular biology, in obscurity. Veins are different structurally and functionally from arteries. Equipped with a smaller smooth muscle layer compared to arteries, but being able to accommodate 70% of the circulating blood volume, veins can modulate cardiovascular homeostasis and contribute significantly to hypertension pathogenesis. Although the reports on the quantitative differences in ROS production in veins compared to arteries had conflicting results, there is a clear qualitative difference in ROS metabolism and utilization between the two vessel types. This review will compare and contrast the current knowledge of ROS metabolism in arteries versus veins in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying vascular diseases would greatly benefit from a more thorough exploration of the role of veins and venous oxidative stress.
Meta-analysis of plethysmography and rheography in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis

Background: Plethysmography and rheography techniques have been widely studied as diagnostic tests for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This study aimed to systematically review the accuracy of these tests for diagnosing clinically suspected DVT. Methods: The following databases were searched: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Database of Reviews of Effectiveness, the ACP Journal Club (1966 to 2004), and citation lists of retrieved articles. Studies that compared plethysmography or rheography to a reference standard of ultrasound or contrast venography were selected. Standardised data were extracted and study quality determined against validated criteria. Data were analysed by random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. Results: The meta-analysis included 78 studies, reporting 82 patient cohorts. Sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) were: 75% (73% to 77%) and 90% (89% to 91%) for impedance plethysmography, 83% (81% to 85%) and 81% (79% to 82%) for strain-gauge plethysmography, 85% (79% to 90%) and 91% (81% to 95%) for air plethysmography, 91% (87% to 94%) and 71% (66% to 75%) for light-reflex rheography, and 86% (83% to 89%) and 93% (91% to 95%) for phleborheography. Meta-regression was limited by poor reporting of studies. There was some evidence that diagnostic performance depended on the proportion of males in the cohort and reporting of study setting. Conclusions: Although plethysmography and rheography techniques add diagnostic value, they have inadequate diagnostic performance to act as a stand-alone test in DVT diagnosis. Evaluation of their role in combination with other tests, or standardised clinical assessment, is required.
Use of pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to reconstruct the upper limb with large soft tissue defects.

OBJECTIVE To report the technique of reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects in the upper extremity using pedicled latissimus dorsi myocu-taneous flaps. METHODS Six patients with large skin and soft tissue defects were included in this report. There were 5 trauma patients and the rest one needed to receive plastic surgery for his extremity scar. All wounds were in the upper extremity. The sizes of defects ranged from 15 cm multiply 6 cm to 30 cm multiply 18 cm. Pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were designed according to the defect area and raised with part of latissimus dorsi. The thoracodorsal artery and its perforators were carefully protected during surgery. RESULTS All flaps healed primarily without flap congestion, margin necrosis or infection. The skin donor sites either received split-thickness skin graft (3 cases, mostly from the anterior thigh) or was closed primarily (3 cases) and had minimal morbidity. Follow-up of 6-12 months showed that the contour of flap was aesthetic and the function of limb was excellent. CONCLUSION Our experience indicates that the pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is favorable for reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects in the upper extremity.
Disruption of virus-host cell interactions and cell signaling pathways as an anti-viral approach against influenza virus infections

Abstract Influenza is still one of the major plagues worldwide with the threatening potential to cause pandemics. In recent years, increasing levels of resistance to the four FDA approved anti-influenza virus drugs have been described. This situation underlines the urgent need for novel anti-virals in preparation for future influenza epidemics or pandemics. Although the anti-virals currently in use target viral factors such as the neuraminidase or the M2 ion channel, there is an increase in pre-clinical approaches that focus on cellular factors or pathways that directly or indirectly interact with virus replication. This does not only include inhibitors of virus-supportive signaling cascades but also interaction blockers of viral proteins with host cell proteins. This review aims to highlight some of these novel approaches that represent a paradigm change in anti-viral strategies against the influenza virus. Although most of these approaches are still in an early phase of preclinical development they might be very promising particularly with respect to the prevention of viral resistance to potential drugs.
Quantitation of inflammatory responses to bacteria in young cystic fibrosis and control patients.

Recent studies suggest that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). The goal of the present study was to quantitatively compare bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) inflammation and its relation to bacterial infection, between children with CF and children with other chronic respiratory problems. Differential cell counts, immunoreactive interleukin 8 (IL-8), and quantitative bacterial cultures were done in BALF from 54 CF (median age 1.8 yr) and 55 control patients (median age 1.0 yr) who underwent bronchoscopy for clinical indications. Among infected CF patients, those with Pseudomonas aeruginosa did not have more inflammation than those without P. aeruginosa. The ratio of neutrophils or of IL-8 to bacteria in BALF was significantly greater for CF patients compared with control subjects, regardless of pathogen. Calculation of linear regression for either neutrophils or IL-8, as a function of bacterial quantity, yielded positive slopes for both CF and control patients, but with significant elevations for CF. We conclude that the inflammatory response to bacterial infection is increased or prolonged in CF compared with control patients, and that this increase is not necessarily due to pathogens specific for CF (e.g., P. aeruginosa). These data may provide further rationale for anti-inflammatory therapy early in CF.
Analysis of ACO-OFDM, DCO-OFDM and Flip-OFDM for IM/DD optical-wireless and optical-fiber system

The three types of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing techniques named Asymmetrically-clipped Optical OFDM (ACO-OFDM), DC biased Optical OFDM (DCO-OFDM) and Flip-OFDM systems are analyzed and compared in optical wireless and optical fiber system. Data are taken using MATLAB and the simulation software called Optisystem 13. The techniques are compared in terms of their bit error rate (BER) with respect to electrical energy to the noise power ratio (Eb/N0) in presence of additive white Gaussian noise in case of optical wireless channel and by thermal noise in case of optical fiber channel. Different forms of Quadrature Amplitude modulation (QAM) have been used for modulating the OFDM signal such as 4-, 16-, 64 and 256-QAMs. After the final analysis, it is seen that ACO-OFDM requires a lower power to reach the target BER of 10-4 compared to DCO-OFDM and Flip-OFDM in both optical wireless and fiber channels. In the last part, the three bipolar OFDM systems are analyzed by observing their receiver sensitivity using PIN photodiode in 25 km optical fiber channel. The result shows that ACO-OFDM has a better sensitivity than DCO-OFDM and Flip-OFDM.
Essays on the economics of unemployment and retirement

This dissertation consists of three chapters that study issues related to unemployment and retirement decisions of workers.The first chapter examines the impact of additional pension benefits on the retirement timing of low-income female workers in Germany. Using administrative pension insurance records from Germany, it studies the impact of a pension subsidy program on retirement decisions of recipients. The kinked schedule of the policy allows me to identify the causal effect using a regression kink design. The estimation suggests that 100 euros in additional monthly pension benefits induce female recipients to claim pensions earlier by about 10 months. A back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that the ratio of the behavioral cost to the mechanical cost of this subsidy program is 0.3, which is smaller than that of other anti-poverty programs. The second chapter studies the total labor supply effects of Unemployment Insurance (UI) for older workers – both at the extensive and the intensive margin. It documents sharp bunchings in UI inflows at age discontinuities created by UI eligibility for workers in their 50s. Using a combination of regression discontinuity designs and bunching techniques, we quantify the magnitude of these responses exploiting a variety of thresholds, kinks, and notches induced by the UI and retirement institutions. We estimate the total effect using a dynamic life-cycle structural model. Results suggest that the impact of UI extension on non-employment durations for older workers is almost twice as large as the impact for younger workers. The third chapter examines the impact of receiving written advance notification of layoff on the labor supply of displaced workers by exploring the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. The California WARN Act, implemented in 2003, expands the requirements of the federal WARN Act. It provides protection to workers in smaller firms and at smaller layoff events. Using the Displaced Worker Supplement to the Current Population Surveys from 1996 to 2018 and a differences-in-difference method, I find that the displaced workers affected by the mini WARN Acts are 3\% more likely to claim unemployment insurance. Conditional on claiming UI, they are less likely to exhaust UI.
Nowcasting GDP Growth by Reading Newspapers

[eng] GDP statistics in France are published on a quarterly basis, 30 days after the end of the quarter. In this article, we consider media content as an additional data source to traditional economic tools to improve short term forecast / nowcast of French GDP. We use a database of more than a million articles published in the newspaper Le Monde between 1990 and 2017 to create a new synthetic indicator capturing media sentiment about the state of the economy. We compare an autoregressive model augmented by the media sentiment indicator with a simple autoregressive model. We also consider an autoregressive model augmented with the Insee Business Climate indicator. Adding a media indicator improves French GDP forecasts compared to these two reference models. We also test an automated approach using penalised regression, where we use the frequencies at which words or expressions appear in the articles as regressors, rather than aggregated information. Although this approach is easier to implement than the for¬mer, its results are less accurate.
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coliInduces Apoptosis Which Augments Bacterial Binding and Phosphatidylethanolamine Exposure on the Plasma Membrane Outer Leaflet

ABSTRACT Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a gastrointestinal pathogen that causes watery diarrhea and hemorrhagic colitis and can lead to serious and even fatal complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome. We investigated the ability of EHEC to kill host cells using three human epithelial cell lines. Analysis of phosphatidylserine expression, internucleosomal cleavage of host cell DNA and morphological changes detected by electron microscopy changes revealed evidence of apoptotic cell death. The rates and extents of cell death were similar for both verotoxin-producing and nonproducing strains of EHEC as well as for a related gastrointestinal pathogen, enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). The induction of apoptosis by bacterial attachment was independent of verotoxin production and greater than that produced by a similar treatment with verotoxin alone. Expression of phosphatidylethanolamine, previously reported to bind EHEC and EPEC, was also increased on apoptotic cells but with little correlation to phosphatidylserine expression. Phosphatidylethanolamine levels but not phosphatidylserine levels on dying cells correlated with EHEC binding. Cells treated with phosphatidylethanolamine-containing liposomes also showed increased EHEC binding. These results suggest that bacterial induction of apoptosis offers an advantage for bacterial attachment by augmenting outer leaflet levels of the phosphatidylethanolamine receptor.