Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of the sex of first child on the prognosis in secondary recurrent miscarriage.

BACKGROUND The carriage of a male fetus often initiates maternal immunological reactions against male-specific minor histocompatibility (HY) antigens, which, in theory, could result in subsequent recurrent miscarriage (RM). METHODS Information about subsequent pregnancy outcome was procured among 182 women with RM after a birth (secondary RM) referred since 1986 using questionnaires, telephone interviews and registers. RESULTS Significantly more of the women had had a male first-born as compared with a female first-born (110 versus 72; P < 0.02). By January 2002, 58% of those who had a male first-born had given birth to a second live infant compared with 76% of those who previously had had a female first-born (P = 0.01). Women in the former group had a significantly lower chance of having a second child than those in the latter (adjusted hazard ratio 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.86). The number of miscarriages after admission and the risk of secondary infertility were significantly greater in women with a male first-born than among those with a female first-born (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02; respectively). CONCLUSIONS A male first-born seems to be associated with a less favourable reproductive potential among women with secondary RM. Maternal immunization against HY antigens may be responsible for these findings.
The palliative efficacy of modified Mohs paste for controlling canine and feline malignant skin wounds

ABSTRACT In veterinary medicine, the management of malignant skin wounds is highly challenging. We conducted a study on seven case animals (four dogs and three cats) which presented with malignant skin wounds. All seven animals had signs and symptoms which were controlled following treatment with a modified Mohs paste. Upon obtaining informed consent from their owners, the animals requiring management of malignant wounds were enrolled in this study. The modified Mohs paste was prepared by mixing zinc chloride, zinc oxide starch powder, glycerin, and distilled water. The modified Mohs paste was topically applied to and left to remain on the malignant wounds for one hour, under controlled conditions. Once the paste was removed, the wounds were irrigated with a solution of sterile saline. At the first examination, the wounds of each animal were observed for signs of exudate, malodor, and bleeding. In every case, visible improvement was observed immediately after the modified Mohs paste treatment. Specifically, the size of the malignant wounds, and the number of times the dressing gauze required changing, significantly decreased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The open malignant skin wounds caused by mammary gland tumors disappeared in two cases. The Mohs paste has been shown to be a viable option for the palliative treatment in canine and feline malignant skin wound management.
IBC based verifiable hash chains for reliable internet access in intelligent transportation systems

This paper addresses the problem of unreliable internet access in Intelligent Transportation System through a secure acknowledgement routing protocol. Identity-Based Digital Signature scheme is preferred over traditional certificate based Digital Signature due to underlying resource constrained Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network. Verifiable hash chains paired with IBS are used in the protocol to increase the computation efficiency in comparison to the repetitive use of Digital Signatures. Our protocol helps to achieve the security objectives of authentication and non-repudiation of packet receiver during remote internet access by a vehicular node through gateway nodes. It provides immunization to impersonation and packet dropping attack in the network.
Evolution of Natural Resistance to the Newer Penicillins

We wish to thank Dr. E. T. Knudsen, of Beecham Research Laboratories, for the generous supply of methicillin. Our thanks are also due to Dr. I. A. Tounjer and Sisters B. M. Shelton and P. J. Gower for their very efficient ward work. We also thank Mr. G. L. C. Usher, the chief technician, Mr. V. van Geersdaele, the senior laboratory technician, and their staff for dealing with the increased bacteriological work.
Role of integrins in regulating epidermal adhesion, growth and differentiation

Mammalian epidermis is renewed throughout life by proliferation of a multipotential stem cell population and terminal differentiation of stem cell progeny. In recent years, extracellular matrix receptors of the integrin family have been identified as important regulators of epidermal homeostasis, influencing the balance between stem cell renewal and differentiation. Integrin expression is altered when the epidermis is damaged or diseased, and there is good evidence that specific integrins can contribute positively or negatively to pathogenesis. In this review I summarize what is known about the expression and function of epidermal integrins, and highlight the challenges for future research.
Human TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐expressing dendritic cells from transgenic pigs attenuate human xenogeneic T cell responses

Kemter E, Lieke T, Kessler B, Kurome M, Wuensch A, Summerfield A, Ayares D, Nagashima H, Baars W, Schwinzer R, Wolf E. Human TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐expressing dendritic cells from transgenic pigs attenuate human xenogeneic T cell responses. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 40–51. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
A hybrid model-classifier framework for managing prediction uncertainty in expensive optimisation problems

Many real-world optimisation problems rely on computationally expensive simulations to evaluate candidate solutions. Often, such problems will contain candidate solutions for which the simulation fails, for example, due to limitations of the simulation. Such candidate solutions can hinder the effectiveness of the optimisation since they may consume a large portion of the optimisation budget without providing new information to the optimiser, leading to search stagnation and a poor final result. Existing approaches to handle such designs either discard them altogether, or assign them a penalised fitness. However, this results in loss of beneficial information, or in a model with a severely deformed landscape. To address these issues, this study proposes a hybrid classifier-model framework. The role of the classifier is to predict which candidate solutions are likely to crash the simulation, and this prediction is then used to bias the search towards valid solutions. Furthermore, the proposed framework employs a trust-region approach, and several other procedures, to manage the model and classifier, and to ensure the progress of the optimisation. Performance analysis using an engineering application of airfoil shape optimisation shows the efficacy of the proposed framework, and the possibility to use the knowledge accumulated in the classifier to gain new insights into the problem being solved.
Acute modulation of calcium currents and synaptic transmission by gabapentinoids

Gabapentin and pregabalin are anticonvulsant drugs that are extensively used for the treatment of several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Gabapentinoids (GBPs) are known to have a high affinity binding to α2δ-1 and α2δ-2 auxiliary subunit of specific voltage-gated calcium channels. Despite the confusing effects reported on Ca2+ currents, most of the studies showed that GBPs reduced release of various neurotransmitters from synapses in several neuronal tissues. We showed that acute in vitro application of pregabalin can reduce in a dose dependent manner synaptic transmission in both neuromuscular junctions and calyx of Held-MNTB excitatory synapses. Furthermore presynaptic Ca2+ currents treated with pregabalin are reduced in amplitude, do not show inactivation at a clinically relevant low concentration of 100 μM and activate and deactive faster. These results suggest novel modulatory role of acute pregabalin that might contribute to better understanding its anticonvulsant/analgesic clinical effects.
Sentiment analysis on tweets using ClowdFlows platform

In the research paper I am using social media (Twitter) as a source of opinions about pre-defined topics. Then, I apply sentiment analysis, semantic search and mining approaches in order to extract opinions about the pre-defined topics and classify them for the purpose of insights discovery. Moreover, all the methods adopted in this investigation is integrated into ClowdFlows platform that allows to construct and execute workflows in real-time.
Software Performance Evaluation

Modern software systems are expected to satisfy increasingly stringent requirements for performance and scalability. To avoid the pitfalls of inadequate quality of service, it is important to evaluate the expected performance and scalability characteristics of systems during all phases of their lifecycle. At every stage, performance evaluation is conducted out with a specific set of goals and constraints. In this article, we present an overview of the major methods and techniques for software performance evaluation. We start by considering the different types of workload models that are typically used in performance evaluation studies. We then discuss performance measurement techniques, including platform benchmarking, application profiling, and system load testing. Following this, we survey the most common methods and techniques for performance modeling of software systems. We consider the major types of performance models used in practice and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we briefly discuss operational analysis as an alternative to queueing theoretic methods. Keywords: performance evaluation; performance engineering; benchmarking; performance models; workload models; performance measurement; software profiling; software scalability
On the Linking Set Problem

We consider the Linking Set Problem which occurs as a subproblem in a decomposition procedure to solve large scale p-median problems such as the Optimal Diversity Management Problem. We show that a greedy algorithm solves the Linking Set Problem when the costs have a special structure. This special structure usually occurs when the Linking Set Problem arises from the decomposition of location problems as a consequence of a well-known property of the objective functions of the location problems. We also provide a combinatorial algorithm to solve the linear relaxation problem based on the lagrangean relaxation and show that there is no linear gap in the case the particular structure of the costs is verified. For general costs we compare two exact algorithm that have been proposed in the literature.
Gametophytic Self-Incompatibility Systems.

is one of the mechanisms that have evolved to encourage outbreeding in flowering plants and is defined as “the inability of a fertile hermaphrodite seed plant to produce zygotes after self-pollination” (de Nettancourt, 1977). The effectiveness of SI in promoting outbreeding is believed to be one of the most important factors that ensured the evolu- tionary success of flowering plants (Whitehouse, 1951). It is a genetically controlled phenomenon, and in many cases, the control is by a single locus (known as the S locus) with a large number of alleles, up to severa1 hundred in some species (Ockendon, 1974; de Nettancourt, 1977). SI has been a favor- ite topic for botanists and geneticists since Darwin (1877) first discussed the phenomenon and suggested the idea of its cen- tral significance during the evolution of flowering plants. During the century or more of work on the subject, there have been a number of key reviews, the most significant
Pneumatic balloon dilatation in achalasia: a prospective comparison of safety and efficacy with different balloon diameters

Background : Pneumatic dilatation is considered to be the first line therapy for achalasia, but long‐term outcome studies are scarce and limited by their retrospective design. There is also no consensus on the optimal method for performing pneumatic dilation as regard to balloon diameter, amount and the rate inflation pressure.
Retinitis Pigmentosa: Genetic Percentages

• A total of 173 patients, from 124 families, with retinitis pigmentosa were evaluated for the presence of various forms of genetic transmission. Of the 124 pedigrees, it was evident that some form of genetic transmission had occurred in 59 (48%). In 65 families (52%), the proband was the only known affected family member (isolated case). In those families with known genetic transmission, 17% (10 patients) were X-linked recessive, 39% (23 patients) were either probable or certain autosomal dominant, 41% (24 patients) were certain or probable autosomal recessive, and 3% (2 patients) were of a genetic type that could not be determined with certainty. These findings are, to my knowledge, the first published series from the United States to indicate that the X-linked recessive form of retinitis pigmentosa is a more prevalent genetic trait than has been emphasized previously.
Phosphorylation of WASP by the Cdc42-associated Kinase ACK1

ACK1 is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that associates specifically with Cdc42. Relatively few ACK1 substrates and interacting proteins have been identified. In this study, we demonstrated that ACK1 phosphorylates the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), a Cdc42 effector that plays an important role in the formation of new actin filaments. ACK1 and WASP interact in intact cells, and overexpression of ACK1 promotes WASP phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of WASP in vitro was enhanced by the addition of Cdc42 or phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate, presumably due to release of the autoinhibitory interactions in WASP. Surprisingly, when we mapped the sites of WASP phosphorylation, we found that ACK1 possesses significant serine kinase activity toward WASP (directed at Ser-242), as well as tyrosine kinase activity directed at Tyr-256. A serine peptide derived from the Ser-242 WASP phosphorylation site is also a substrate for ACK1. ACK1 expressed in bacteria retained its serine kinase activity, eliminating the possibility of contamination with a copurifying kinase. Serine phosphorylation of WASP enhanced the ability of WASP to stimulate actin polymerization in mammalian cell lysates. Thus, the tyrosine kinase ACK1 acts as a dual specificity kinase toward this substrate. In contrast to other dual specificity kinases that more closely resemble Ser/Thr kinases, ACK1 is a tyrosine kinase with an active site that can accommodate both types of hydroxyamino acids in substrates.
Geometric approach to higher weights

The notion of higher (or generalized) weights of codes is just as natural as that of the classical Hamming weight. The authors adopt the geometric point of view and always treat the q-ary case. Some results and proofs being new, the main goal is to present a clear picture of what is known on the subject.
Interconnection Network for Structured Low-Density Parity-Check Decoders

Most structured codes use the group-and-permute design approach in which rows and columns are divided into groups of the same size. Row/column groups and individual row-column are connected by some permutation. A general group-and-permute decoder requires an interconnection network for group-to-group communication. In this paper we suggest the use of self-routed Benes networks based on the communication pattern of LDPC codes. Bipartite edge coloring is used to schedule messages such that there are no switch network output conflicts. The looping routing algorithm for Benes networks is used to compute switching codes. Both scheduling information and switching codes are pre-computed and stored for each design code since they do not change in the lifetime of the code
A theory of maintenance and an application By

This paper derives a model of maintenance and repair expenses from an analytical framework based on rational economic behavior in which maintenance, utilization and service life are appropriately integrated and estimates it with the help of data from 433 automobiles imported into Greece from various countries. On the theoretical plain it is shown that the model allows endogenously for most of the variables that have been identified in the relevant literature as important determinants of maintenance expenditures. Also the model yields sharp sign predictions for the included variables and by doing so it sheds considerable light on several outstanding issues in this area. On the empirical plain it is found that: a) the best functional form is obtained when the model is estimated using the GMM estimator in conjunction with country specific dummy variables to allow for shifts in the intercepts; b) as expected, the reported amounts of outlays for maintenance and repair are related positively to the automobile’s age, intensity of utilization, and road accidents, and negatively to quality, and c) Japanese made cars may be least demanding in maintenance outlays, followed by cars from Germany, and, lastly, by cars made in all other countries. JEL classification: D12, E2
CARBAMAZEPINE (TEGRETOL) AS AN ANTICONVULSANT A CONTROLLED DOUBLE‐BLIND COMPARISON WITH DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN (DILANTIN)

A large double blind crossover study of carbamazepine (CBZ) in comparison to diphenylhydantoin (DPH) is underway, and the results are presented for the first 20 patients to complete the protocol. The importance of preparatory steps is outlined – beginning with the gathering of preliminary kinetic data about half‐life and peak‐time in epileptic patients. A detailed pilot study was performed with open administration of the agents and hospitalization during the crossover. Detailed blood level monitoring and dose‐equivalence calculations lead to the design of blind crossover protocol from the pilot study.
Towed array shape estimation using Kalman filters-theoretical models

The dynamical behavior of a thin flexible array towed through the water is described by the Paidoussis equation. By discretizing this equation in space and time a finite-dimensional state-space representation is obtained where the states are the transverse displacements of the array from linearity in either the horizontal or vertical plane. The form of the transition matrix in the state-space representation describes the propagation of transverse displacements down the array. The outputs of depth sensors and compasses located along the array are shown to be related in a simple, linear manner to the states. From this state-space representation a Kalman filter which recursively estimates the transverse displacements and hence the array shape is derived. It is shown how the properties of the Kalman filter reflect the physics of the propagation of motion down the array. Solutions of the Riccati equation are used to predict the mean square error of the Kalman filter estimates of the transverse displacements. >
Vehicle Control During Curve Driving

Most of the available vehicle-control models in the literature are based on the assumption that the automobile driver acts as an error-correcting mechanism with continuous attention allocated to the steering task. Based on a preview-predictor model, the time-to-line crossing (TLC) description was developed to quantify the potential role of error-neglecting strategies in driving. Ina previous study the usefulness of the TLC concept was illustrated for straight lane keeping. In the present analysis TLC was applied to describe steering through a curve. When entering a curve, drivers made an anticipatory steering action based on the perceived road curvature and the internal estimate of the vehicle characteristics. This process was analyzed in a field study in which subjects entered curves of different curvatures, with different speeds and with/without temporary withdrawal of visual feedback. The TLC analysis appears particularly suited to describe the quality of the anticipatory steering action and may serve as a general description of curve driving.
Behavioral measures of drinking: patterns from the Alcohol Interlock Record.

AIMS This report reviews breath test data captured by the alcohol ignition interlock, a device that prevents a car from starting when BAC (breath alcohol concentration) is elevated. DESIGN The predictors were elevated BAC test rates from ignition interlock equipped cars of traffic offenders convicted of DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) and who used interlocks for 6-18 months. Outcome data were future DUI convictions. SETTINGS Québec and Alberta, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Approximately 10000 interlock users from these two culturally distinctive English- and French-speaking Provinces. MEASUREMENT Predictor patterns were analyzed from among 23 million breath tests. Repeat DUI convictions accumulated up to several years after interlock removal were studied as an outcome to be predicted by the rate of BAC tests > or = 20 mg/dl (0.02%) while the interlock was installed. Data were analyzed with sensitivity and survival methods. FINDINGS A median of eight interlock breath tests per day per driver were logged (a rate of 3000 tests/year). Less than 1% of all tests were over 0.02%, but the rate of elevated BAC tests, particularly those taken at 7-9 a.m., strongly predicts repeat DUI offenses 2 years hence. The interlock record is an unobtrusive measure of drinking behavior and can be used to profile driver risk. CONCLUSIONS With new legal mandates, North American use of these DUI control devices is increasing rapidly from the current 5% penetration rate. Interlock data may eventually come to serve as a useful adjunct for patient monitoring by alcohol counselors as well as by courts and motor vehicle authorities.
Diurnal Variations of Response to Light in the Fiddler Crab, Uca

bundles (upper right; light areas are groups of sperm tails) and after release of spermatozoa (center, and free in funnel). The strongly basophilic cells at upper left are gonia in the apical proliferative region. 436 X. FIG. 3. -Similar to section shown in Fig. 2; preparation as in Fig. 2, but exposed to ribonuclease. Note loss of cytoplasmic basophilia and reduction in intensity of nuclear basophilia in cyst-cells. 436 X. FIG. 4. -Glycogen in cyst-cell envelope. Longitudinal section of maturing sperm bundle, periodic acid-Schiff. Note concentration of glycogen-rich cyst-cell cytoplasm at head end of bundle (upper). 436 X. FIG. 5. -Alkaline phosphatase in acrosomal granules and neighboring areas of cyst-cell cytoplasm. Gomori method, hexose diphosphate at pH 9.4. Nuclear portions of sperm heads counterstained (cf. Fig. i). I,I55X. FIG. 6. -Sudanophilic bodies in cyst-cells, roof of funnel cavity. Calcium formaldehyde, sudan black. Note scattered small vacuoles, large blackened spheres. I,155X. FIG. 7. -Glycogen in cyst-cells in vas efferens funnel. Periodic acid-Schiff. Black spots and small clear spheres are refractile bodies of unknown significance. I,155 X. FIG. 8. -Osmiophilic bodies in cyst-cells, funnel cavity. Worley preparation. Compare with Fig. 6. I,155X. FIG. 9. -Sudanophilia in cyst-cell, upper part of vas efferens. Calcium formaldehyde, sudan black. Note clumped vacuolar structures and absence of large spheres shown in Fig. 6. Cf. Figs. 8 and io. I,I55X. FIG. io. --Sudanophilia after postchromation, cyst-cell in vas efferens. Calcium formaldehyde, dichromate calcium, sudan black. Note vacuolar structures and scattered blackened