Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Sperm Aster Formation and Pronuclear Decondensation in Bovine Eggs Following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Using a Piezo-Driven Pipette: A Novel Assay for Human Sperm Centrosomal Function

Abstract In human fertilization, the sperm introduces the centrosome; the microtubule-organizing center and microtubules are organized within the inseminated egg from the sperm centrosome. These microtubules form a radial array, called the sperm aster, the functioning of which is essential to pronuclear movement for union of male and female genome. The sperm centrosomal function is considered to be necessary for the normal human fertilization process. Therefore, the dysfunction of sperm centrosome is a possible cause of human fertilization failure. However, little information is available regarding human sperm centrosomal function during fertilization in clinically assisted reproductive technology. To assess the human sperm centrosomal function, we examined sperm aster formation and pronuclear decondensation following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with human sperm into the bovine egg using a Piezo-driven pipette and ethanol activation of eggs. After human sperm incorporation into bovine egg, we observed that the sperm aster was organized from sperm centrosome, and that the sperm aster was enlarged as the sperm nuclei underwent pronuclear formation. The sperm aster formation rate at 6 h post-ICSI and the male pronuclear formation rate at 8–12 h post-ICSI were 60.0% and 83.3%, respectively. No difference of the sperm aster formation rate and the male pronuclear formation rate was observed between eggs activated with ethanol and eggs without artificial activation. We concluded that this heterologous Piezo-ICSI system into bovine egg can be a novel assay for human sperm centrosomal function, and it is possible to explicate a course of fertilization failure that was unknown until now.
The role of adaptations in two-strain competition for sylvatic Trypanosoma cruzi transmission

This study presents a continuous-time model for the sylvatic transmission dynamics of two strains of Trypanosoma cruzi enzootic in North America, in order to study the role that adaptations of each strain to distinct modes of transmission (classical stercorarian transmission on the one hand, and vertical and oral transmission on the other) may play in the competition between the two strains. A deterministic model incorporating contact process saturation predicts competitive exclusion, and reproductive numbers for the infection provide a framework for evaluating the competition in terms of adaptive trade-off between distinct transmission modes. Results highlight the importance of oral transmission in mediating the competition between horizontal (stercorarian) and vertical transmission; its presence as a competing contact process advantages vertical transmission even without adaptation to oral transmission, but such adaptation appears necessary to explain the persistence of (vertically-adapted) T. cruzi IV in raccoons and woodrats in the southeastern United States.
DETECCIÓN DE PROBLEMAS EN LA LOCALIZACIÓN DE USOS DEL SUELO MEDIANTE SIG Y AHP: EL CASO DE RIBA-ROJA DE TÚRIA (VALENCIA)

Los cambios en los usos del suelo en ocasiones se producen sin tener en cuenta las caracteristicas del territorio, lo que puede generar impactos medioambientales. En este articulo se han detectado los problemas en la localizacion de los usos del suelo del termino municipal de Riba-roja de Turia (Valencia). Para tal fin se han calculado los mapas de capacidad de acogida, los cuales muestran la idoneidad territorial para cada uno de los usos del suelo presentes. Estos mapas se han elaborado empleando Sistemas de Informacion Geografica (SIG) y tecnicas de Evaluacion Multicriterio (EMC), concretamente el Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Posteriormente se han cruzado las zonas actuales del area de estudio dedicadas a cada uso con el mapa de idoneidad territorial de cada uno de estos, detectando asi las zonas en las que se da un uso a pesar de que exista una baja idoneidad territorial para albergarlo. Esto sucede en el 19,28% del area de estudio.
The Role of Adiponectin in Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis

Obesity is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular causes. Adiponectin has been identified recently as one of the adipocytokines with important metabolic effects. It can suppress atherogenesis by inhibiting the adherence of monocytes, reducing their phagocytic activity, and suppressing the accumulation of modified lipoproteins in the vascular wall. In addition, as adiponectin decrease endothelial damage and stimulates production of NO from vascular endothelial cells, hypoadiponectinemia may be partially contribute to thrombus formation.
Pigmented contact dermatitis due to kojic acid. A paradoxical side effect of a skin lightener

Kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone; CAS 501-30-4) has been increasingly used as a skinlightening agent in cosmetic products. Despite it being considered to have high sensitizing potential (1), few cases of contact allergy have been reported in the literature (2, 3). We report a case of pigmented contact dermatitis to kojic acid. The clinical diagnosis and the histopathology of the lesions are briefly discussed. Case Report
Perception of Need and Receipt of Mental Health Treatment: A Three-Group Comparison of Young Adults With Psychological Distress.

OBJECTIVE This study examined mental health service use among three groups of young adults with assessed psychological distress: no perceived need for treatment, reported unmet need, and received treatment. METHODS Data came from participants ages 18 to 25 in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2008-2013) who met criteria for psychological distress (N=19,775). Demographic, access-, and need-related predictors of perceived need and treatment group were examined by using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Half the sample did not perceive a need for treatment (51.0%), and only one-third had received treatment (33.7%). White youths were more likely than those from other racial-ethnic groups to perceive a need and to receive treatment. Men were less likely than women to perceive need but equally likely to receive treatment. Higher education and having insurance also predicted treatment receipt. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to increase service utilization among young adults should increase awareness of mental health problems and facilitate access, particularly for racial-ethnic minority groups.
Screening for Caspase-3 Inhibitors: A New Class of Potent Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Caspase-3

From the authors'650,000 compound collection, they have selected approximately 15,000 potential small-molecule protease inhibitors, which were subjected to high-throughput screening against caspase-3. The screening yielded a series of hits that belong to 11 different scaffolds. Based on the structure of one of the hits, a new class of the small-molecule inhibitors with a double electrophilicwarhead, 8-sulfonyl-pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinoline-1,3-diones (SPQ), was synthesized and tested in follow-up mechanistic and antiapoptosis assays. Mechanistic analysis of a representative compound of this class, CD-001-0011, showed that the compound exhibited a high potency (IC 50 = 130 nM), was reversible though noncompetitive, and had a broad selectivity profile to other caspases belonging to groups I to III. The compound was effective in preventing staurosporineinduced apoptosis in a few cell lines and retinoic acid–induced apoptosis in zebrafish.
Abstract GS6-02: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oxybutynin (Oxy) for hot flashes (HF): ACCRU study SC-1603

Background: HF occur in about 75% of midlife women and are associated with quality of life disruption and premature endocrine therapy discontinuation among breast cancer survivors. Estrogen therapy, effective for HF, is contraindicated in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (BC). Previous studies have suggested that Oxy could be effective in managing HF. Methods: This randomized, placebo (P)-controlled trial enrolled women who had experienced HF ≥28 times per week over >30 days and of sufficient severity to seek treatment. Patients (pts) were randomized to receive oral Oxy at two doses: 2.5mg BID for 6 weeks (Oxy2.5), 2.5mg BID for a week with subsequent increase to 5mg BID (Oxy5), or matching P, in equal ratios. Baseline and monthly questionnaires were administered including a HF diary, the HF related daily interference scale (HFRDIS) and a symptom experience questionnaire. The primary endpoint was intra-patient change in weekly HF score and frequency from baseline to end of study compared using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: 150 pts were accrued between 2/23/2017-3/5/2018. 4 pts cancelled before starting treatment and were excluded from analyses. This interim report includes the first 104 pts for which at least one post-baseline evaluation was available. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the arms. Sixty-two percent were on tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for the duration of the study. Pts on both Oxy doses had a significantly greater reduction in HF score and frequency compared to P. Pts on Oxy2.5 had a mean change in HF score of -10 (SD 7.4) vs -5.1 (SD 9.7) with P, p=0.003; and a mean change in average weekly number of HF of -4.6 (SD 3.1) vs -2.3 (SD 3.9), p=0.002. Pts on Oxy5 had a mean change in HF score of -16.2 (SD 5.1) vs -5.1 (SD 9.7) with P, p Conclusions: Oxy is superior to P for management of HF. Oxy2.5 and 5 were both associated with significant improvements in HF scores and frequency as well as improvement in HF interference with several quality of life measures. While pts on Oxy experienced more side effects than pts on P, rates of discontinuation due to adverse events were low. This study was supported by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Citation Format: Leon-Ferre RA, Novotny PJ, Faubion SS, Ruddy KJ, Flora D, Dakhil C, Rowland KM, Graham ML, Le-Lindqwister N, Loprinzi CL. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oxybutynin (Oxy) for hot flashes (HF): ACCRU study SC-1603 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS6-02.
The design of an analogical encoding tool for game-based virtual learning environments

Game-based virtual learning environments have the potential to provide opportunities for engagement in authentic contexts while completing authentic tasks such as problem solving. However, research in problem-based learning indicates that scaffolding should be provided for learners to benefit from such learning environments. This paper describes the design of an anagogical encoding tool, a computer-based scaffold, in a game-based virtual learning environment. Research on analogical encoding suggests that teaching students to compare cases side-by-side to draw out the underlying principles improves knowledge acquisition and transfer. Analogical encoding aids students in attending to the deep underlying structures (ie, principles) of cases, thereby reducing the potential distraction of surface features. This paper intends to translate laboratory research findings on analogical encoding to a scaffolding tool in a game-based virtual learning environment.
Extracellular lipase of an entomopathogenic fungus effecting larvae of a scale insect

Lipases play an important role in the infection process of entomopathogenic fungi by hydrolyzing the ester bonds of lipoproteins, fats and waxes present on the insect surface and in the body. Here we report the purification and characterization of an extracellular lipase from Isaria fumosorosea. The enzyme was purified (138.46‐fold) in three steps using (NH4)2SO4 precipitation followed by DEAE‐cellulose and Sephadex G‐100 column chromatography. The molecular weight of purified enzyme was determined to be 31 KDa by SDS–PAGE. The optimum temperature and pH for enzyme activity were 35 °C and 7.0, respectively, using p‐nitrophenylpalmitate as the substrate. Lipolytic activity was enhanced in the presence of Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, and NH4+ salts, while Zn+2, Fe+2, and Cu+2 inhibited enzyme activity. The enzyme displayed broad substrate specificity with the highest activity observed for coconut oil and p‐nitrophenyl carprate. Topical co‐application of purified lipase with fungal conidial suspensions decreased the median survival time (ST50) of Dysmicoccus neobrevipes nymphs as compared to the fungus alone. Our results indicate that an extracellular lipase produced by I. fumosorosea can be exploited for development of enzyme‐based insect management.
Face recognition vendor test 2002

Summary form only given. The face recognition vendor test (FRVT) 2002 is an independently administered technology evaluation of mature face recognition systems. FRVT 2002 provides performance measures for assessing the capability of face recognition systems to meet requirements for large-scale, real-world applications. Participation in FRVT 2002 was open to commercial and mature prototype systems from universities, research institutes, and companies. Ten companies submitted either commercial or prototype systems. FRVT 2002 computed performance statistics on an extremely large data set-121,589 operational facial images of 37,437 individuals. FRVT 2002 1) characterized identification and watch list performance as a function of database size, 2) estimated the variability in performance for different groups of people, 3) characterized performance as a function of elapsed time between enrolled and new images of a person, and 4) investigated the effect of demographics on performance. FRVT 2002 showed that recognition from indoor images has made substantial progress since FRVT 2000. Demographic results show that males are easier to recognize than females and that older people are easier to recognize than younger people. FRVT 2002 also assessed the impact of three new techniques for improving face recognition: three-dimensional morphable models, normalization of similarity scores, and face recognition from video sequences. Results show that three-dimensional morphable models and normalization increase performance and that face recognition from video sequences offers only a limited increase in performance over still images. A new XML-based evaluation protocol was developed for FRVT 2002. This protocol is flexible and supports evaluations of biometrics in general The FRVT 2002 reports can be found at http://www.frvt. org.
Additional Material for "Unifying Data Representation Transformations"

This report shows an attempt to formalize the data representation transformation mechanism in the ``Unifying Data Representation Transformations'' paper. Since the mechanism described in the paper is targeted at the Scala programming language and the specification is written against System Fsub with local colored type inference formally reasoning about the calculus is a major undertaking. Instead, in this report we start from the simply typed lambda calculus with subtyping, natural numbers and unit. We add rewriting and adapt the calculus to propagate expected type information in a mechanism inspired from local colored type inference. Finally we show how the representation transformation mechanism (the convert phase) rewrites terms. We show that, given a series of assumptions about the inject phase, type-checking a term against the updated rules produces a correct and operationally equivalent term, with a minimum number of runtime coercions introduced for the annotations given. We finish the report by giving a series of examples which show how the code is transformed.
Oscillation attenuation for crane payloads by controlling the rope length using extended linearization techniques

Oscillation attenuation is an essential task for practically any crane application. Classically, such control strategies make use of the actuation of a crane trolley to counteract the motion of a swinging payload. As an alternative to controlling trolley motions, variations of the rope length can be considered. In contrast to scenarios where trolley motions are used to attenuate oscillations, the control of the rope length is a more challenging task due to non-negligible nonlinearities and due to the presence of points in the state-space for which controllability is not guaranteed. In this paper, a novel extended linearization approach is presented for the oscillation attenuation in crane systems, where the feedback gains are determined by using a robust optimization procedure which employs a formulation of the control task in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Simulation results and an experimental validation highlight the practical applicability of the proposed control procedure.
Hepatic lipogranulomas in patients with chronic liver disease: association with hepatitis C and fatty liver disease.

AIM To study the significance and clinical implication of hepatic lipogranuloma in chronic liver diseases, including fatty liver disease and hepatitis C. METHODS A total of 376 sequential, archival liver biopsy specimens were reviewed. Lipogranuloma, steatosis and steato-fibrosis were evaluated with combined hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS Fifty-eight (15.4%) patients had lipogranuloma, including 46 patients with hepatitis C, 14 patients with fatty liver disease, and 5 patients with other diseases. Hepatic lipogranuloma was more frequently seen in patients with hepatitis C (21%) and fatty liver disease (18%), and its incidence was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.0002 and P < 0.007, respectively). In addition, 39 out of the 58 patients with lipogranuloma were associated with steatosis and/or steato-fibrosis. Of the 18 lipogranuloma patients with clinical information available for review, 15 (83%) had risk factors associated with fatty liver disease, such as alcohol use, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Although the incidence of these risk factors was greater in patients with lipogranuloma than in control group (60%), it did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION Hepatic lipogranuloma is not limited to mineral oil use and commonly associated with hepatic steatosis, hepatitis C and fatty liver disease. With additional histological features of steato-fibrosis, lipogranuloma can also be used as a marker of prior hepatic steatosis.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the marine invader Microcosmus squamiger (Ascidiacea)

The ascidian Microcosmus squamiger is native to Australia and has recently spread worldwide. It has become a pest in some littoral communities within its introduced range. An enriched genomic library of M. squamiger resulted in a total of eight polymorphic loci that were genotyped in 20 individuals from a population within its introduced range, and 20 individuals more from a native population. The mean number of alleles per locus was 5.33 and mean observed heterozygosity was 0.432. No significant linkage disequilibrium was found among loci pairs. Significant genetic differentiation was observed between populations.
Modell für Nebensprechstörungen auf xDSL-Leitungen und dessen praktische Umsetzung

Die Arbeit befasst sich mit der Modellierung von Nebensprechstorungen auf Telefonanschlussleitungen fur die xDSL-Technik. Es werden die in realen Telefonanschlussnetzen auftretenden Nebensprechstorungen analysiert. Basieren auf diesen Untersuchungen wird fur die Analyse und Reproduktion von Nebensprechstorungen ein im Frequenzbereich arbeitendes Nebensprechmodell entwickelt. Mit diesem Modell konnen die auf den einzelnen Kupferzweidrahtleitungen auftretenden Nebensprechstorungen individuell simuliert und analysiert werden. Die Anpassung des Modells an die tatsachlichen Gegebenheiten erfolgt im laufenden Betrieb der Telefonanschlussleitungen. Zur Messung der Eingangsgrosen des Modells wird eine im Hinblick auf den Implementierungsaufwand optimierte Messschaltung konzipiert.
Containing Volatility: Windfall Revenues for Resource-Rich Low-Income Countries

An abundance of natural resources is both an opportunity and a challenge for developing countries. Several resource-rich, low-income countries receive amounts of foreign aid that are similar to or larger than their actual or potential revenues from natural resources. In such countries, the donors may have an opportunity to help a government to use its resource revenues productively and minimize the magnitude of risks created by resource rents. Development of aid instruments tailored for such purposes might be helped by model-based analysis of the effects of foreign aid on resource-rich, low-income economies and its interactions with the flows of natural resource revenues. This paper develops a growth model a la Barro in which the government receives windfalls (from natural resources and foreign aid) and rent-seeking agents contest for public funds. The key conclusion is that making aid countercyclical helps to achieve higher economic growth, and so does conditioning disbursements on enhancement of public capital. Introducing elements of insurance in the design of both aid products financing investments in infrastructure and social services and supporting policy and institutional reforms may help to achieve both of these objectives.
State probabilities for an M/M/1 queuing system with two capacity levels

Flexible capacity of production system gets in times of short-time working and economic crisis an increasingly important status. Therefore, models to handle flexible capacity of production systems are necessary. In production planning queuing theory is a widely applied modeling approach. Since classical M/M/1 queuing models neglect flexible capacity this work implements two production rates in an M/M/1 queuing model. Whenever the queue length is more than k, the system runs at high speed otherwise low speed is used. The aim of this paper is the calculation of the state probabilities of the Markov chain. The state probabilities are the basis for developing an approximation for the production lead time which is dedicated to further research. Finally, a simulation study for the evaluation of state probabilities for flexible capacity with one and two switching points is conducted.