Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does the type of culture medium used influence birthweight of children born after IVF?

STUDY QUESTION Do culture media influence birthweight of children born after IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER Some studies have observed a significant effect of culture media on birthweight, while others have not, but since most studies compared different culture media, conventional meta-analysis was not possible. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Animal studies suggest that in vitro culture of embryos can have a significant effect on the birthweight of offspring when compared with in vivo developed embryos. The type of culture medium (or certain components of the medium) used is one of the causal factors. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We reviewed all available literature reporting on a relation between culture medium and birthweight in human studies and a selection of animal studies. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS An extensive literature search on Pubmed and Medline was performed with relevant search criteria relating to IVF, birthweight and culture medium. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Eleven studies reporting on a relationship between culture medium and birthweight in human were included in this review. Five of these found significant differences in birthweight when offspring born after culture in different culture media were compared. The remaining studies did not find differences in birthweight after changing culture medium. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of human studies is limited and different culture media with different compositions are compared which makes a comparison between the studies difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, most study designs were retrospective with consecutive use of different culture media and limited sample sizes, which makes bias of the results likely. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS If it could be confirmed that the type of culture medium used does indeed influence phenotypic characteristics (such as birthweight) of children born after IVF, it would underline the importance of monitoring the health of IVF children in relation to aspects of the laboratory techniques used during embryo culture. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No funding was applicable to this study. No conflict of interest is declared.
Fuzzy sliding mode control for pan-tilt-zoom system driven by ultrasonic motor

It is difficult for the traditional pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) system driven by electromagnetic motor to meet the growing demand for video surveillance system. The key bottleneck problem is high positioning accuracy, high dynamic performance and miniaturization of the PTZ system. This paper presents a PTZ system driven by two degree-of-freedom obelisk-shaped ultrasonic motor with single stator, and makes research on its intelligent control algorithm. First, analyses of the structure, driving mechanism and electromechanical coupling system characteristic of the PTZ system are conducted using both the method of simulation and experiment. Then for the sake of solving the complex nonlinear factors, parameter variation and external disturbance, this paper combines the fuzzy logic algorithm and the sliding mode control strategy to improve the control performance. The results of simulation show that this algorithm proposed in this paper has faster response, higher precision and also has a good robustness to prevent the effect of interference.
Mapeamento do uso do solo e cobertura vegetal - bioma cerrado: ano base 2002

O conteudo e abordado em cinco capitulos: 1 - Abordagem Metodologica; 2 - Resultados; 3 - Unidades Federativas Cobertas pelo Bioma Cerrado; 4 - Bacias Hidrograficas Cobertas pelo Bioma Cerrado; 5 - Consideracoes Finais.
Visual Localisation and Individual Identification of Holstein Friesian Cattle via Deep Learning

In this paper, we demonstrate that computer vision pipelines utilising deep neural architectures are well-suited to perform automated Holstein Friesian cattle detection as well as individual identification in agriculturally relevant setups. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to apply deep learning to the task of automated visual bovine identification. We show that off-the-shelf networks can perform end-to-end identification of individuals in top-down still imagery acquired from fixed cameras. We then introduce a video processing pipeline composed of standard components to efficiently process dynamic herd footage filmed by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). We report on these setups, as well as the context, training and evaluation of their components. We publish alongside new datasets: FriesianCattle2017 of in-barn top-down imagery, and AerialCattle2017 of outdoor cattle footage filmed by a DJI Inspire MkI UAV. We show that Friesian cattle detection and localisation can be performed robustly with an accuracy of 99.3% on this data. We evaluate individual identification exploiting coat uniqueness on 940 RGB stills taken after milking in-barn (89 individuals, accuracy = 86.1%). We also evaluate identification via a video processing pipeline on 46,430 frames originating from 34 clips (approx. 20 s length each) of UAV footage taken during grazing (23 individuals, accuracy = 98.1%). These tests suggest that, particularly when videoing small herds in uncluttered environments, an application of marker-less Friesian cattle identification is not only feasible using standard deep learning components - it appears robust enough to assist existing tagging methods.
Sea ice control of water isotope transport to Antarctica and implications for ice core interpretation

[1] Sea ice in the Southern Ocean is important for Antarctic climate and hydrology. The dependence of water isotope abundance (δ18O and deuterium excess) on the winter sea ice state is examined with the isotopic version of the Melbourne University general circulation model. Reductions in the ice concentration provide warmer temperatures in winter and allow higher precipitation totals further south, while the reverse occurs with increased ice extent. The model shows clear demarcation between the changes in the isotopic conditions over the sea ice pack, where local changes in surface exchange dominate, and those of the continent interior, which depend on the long-ranged transport aloft. While less sensitive to the forcing, the interior response is influenced by changes in turbulent mixing over the ice pack and modification of the vertical transport associated with diabatic heating. The interior deuterium excess response is more strongly affected by sea ice as it captures changes in temperature over the ice rather than just the final vapor mass. Traditional reconstruction of temperature from a single isotopic nuclide would give erroneous interpretation of change in the global mean temperature unless the sea ice changes in parallel; instead, the spatial structure of the sea ice response gives some hope for extracting past sea ice conditions from multicore analysis. This study begins to explore the role of entropy production during transport such that the isotopic interpretation is more closely tied to the dynamics of the atmosphere than is expressed by idealized parcel analysis.
An Abstract Architecture for Computational Reflection in Multi-agent Systems

We propose a general framework for computational reflection in multi-agent systems and address some technical issues related to its implementation. Potentials of computational models of cognition and reflection in a multi-agent system are detailed, and using such models, an abstract architecture of a reflective agent is designed. We also propose important characteristics of reflective multi-agent systems build upon the presented architecture.
The International Symposium on Micro-mechanical Engineering Direct Synthesis of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes on Silicon and Quartz Based Systems

A new technique of synthesizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) directly on the surface of Si and quartz substrates is introduced in this report. This technique adopted a liquid based dip-coat method to mount very small amount of catalyst metals on the surface of the substrates with using Mo/Co bimetallic acetate solution. Merits of this approach lie in its easy, costless, and geometry-flexible nature compared with conventional sputtering and deposition approaches. We used alcohol catalytic CVD (ACCVD) method that can produce relatively high quality SWNTs even at low temperature down to 600 °C. This low temperature process contributes to the prevention of agglomeration of catalytic metals on the surface and chemical reaction between catalytic metal and silicon, which helps us to eliminate any kind of intermediating support materials. Thereby synthesized SWNTs on Si and quartz substrates under various CVD conditions are characterized by means of SEM, TEM, Raman scattering, and optical absorbance measurements. The underlying reasons of why our experimental procedure and choice of catalyst worked for the synthesis of SWNTs are discussed through comparative studies. In the end of this report, some possible application of this technique is stated.
Proceeding of Mulawarman Pharmaceuticals Conferences

Banto ( Leersia hexandra Sw.) is a weed that is often used as animal feed, which is used to remove toxins in the body. The research to study the characteristics of Banto macroscopically and microscopically. A macroscopic test were carried out directly on the physical properties of Banto. Then a microscopic test of Bantos powder simplicia was conducted using a microscope. The result of the macroscopic examination of Banto show that Banto has smooth stem segments, roots on the stem segments, height can reach 1 m, leaf width reaches 0,4 cm-1 cm, leaf length is 5 cm-23 cm, the sides are rough and have sharp edges. For the results of the microscopic examination of fresh grass at 40× magnification and 100× magnification showed the presence of epidermis, stomata, and chlorophyll. The result of microscopic study of Banto simplicia at 40× magnification and 100× magnification showed the presence of epidermis and chlorophyll.
Disorder in Ca2+ Release Unit Locations Confers Robustness but Cuts Flexibility of Heart Pacemaking

Excitation-contraction coupling kinetics are dictated by the rate and rhythm of the excitations generated by sinoatrial-nodal cells. These cells generate local Ca releases (LCRs) that activate Na/Ca exchanger current, which accelerates diastolic depolarization and determines the rate and rhythm of the excitations. The LCRs are generated by clusters of ryanodine receptors, Ca release units (CRUs), residing in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. While the spatial CRU distribution in pacemaker cells exhibits substantial heterogeneity, it remains unknown if it has any functional importance. Using numerical modeling, here we showed that with a square lattice distribution of CRUs, Ca-induced-Ca-release propagation during diastolic depolarization is insufficient for pacemaking within a broad lower range of realistic ICaL densities. Allowing each CRU to deviate from its original lattice position fundamentally changes the model behavior: during diastolic depolarization sparks propagate, forming LCRs observed experimentally. As disorder in the CRU positions increases, the CRU distribution exhibits larger empty spaces but simultaneously CRU clusters, as in Poisson clumping. Propagating within the clusters, Ca release becomes synchronized, increasing AP firing rate and reviving pacemaker function within lower ICaL densities at which cells with lattice CRU distribution were dormant/non-firing. However, cells with fully disordered CRU positions cannot reach low firing rates and their β-adrenergic receptor stimulation effect was substantially decreased. Thus, order/disorder in CRU locations regulates Ca release propagation and could be harnessed by pacemaker cells to regulate their function. Excessive disorder is expected to limit heart rate range that may contribute to heart rate range decline with age and in disease. Summary The present numerical modeling study shows that disorder in locations of Ca release units in cardiac pacemaker cells has substantial functional impact by creating release clusters, similar to Poisson clumping, and opportunity of Ca release to propagate within the clusters.
The accuracy of endometrial sampling in the diagnosis of patients with endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia

Endometrial assessment by means of biopsy or sampling of endometrial cells is a minimally invasive alternative for dilatation and curettage (D&C) or hysteroscopy. The use of this technique is believed to reduce the cost of the diagnostic work‐up for abnormal uterine bleeding without reducing accuracy. Because the authors were not aware of any systematic review of this test, they performed a meta‐analysis to assess the accuracy of endometrial sampling devices in the detection of endometrial carcinoma and atypical hyperplasia.
The human genus.

A general problem in biology is how to incorporate information about evolutionary history and adaptation into taxonomy. The problem is exemplified in attempts to define our own genus, Homo. Here conventional criteria for allocating fossil species to Homo are reviewed and are found to be either inappropriate or inoperable. We present a revised definition, based on verifiable criteria, for Homo and conclude that two species, Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis, do not belong in the genus. The earliest taxon to satisfy the criteria is Homo ergaster, or early African Homo erectus, which currently appears in the fossil record at about 1.9 million years ago.
Vitamin A supplementation for extremely-low-birth-weight infants. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.

BACKGROUND Vitamin A supplementation may reduce the risk of chronic lung disease and sepsis in extremely-low-birth-weight infants. The results of our pilot study suggested that a dose of 5000 IU administered intramuscularly three times per week for four weeks was more effective than the lower doses given in past trials. METHODS We performed a multicenter, blinded, randomized trial to assess the effectiveness and safety of this regimen as compared with sham treatment in 807 infants in need of respiratory support 24 hours after birth. The mean birth weight was 770 g in the vitamin A group and 769 g in the control group, and the respective gestational ages were 26.8 and 26.7 weeks. RESULTS By 36 weeks' postmenstrual age, 59 of the 405 infants (15 percent) in the vitamin A group and 55 of the 402 infants (14 percent) in the control group had died. The primary outcome - death or chronic lung disease at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age - occurred in significantly fewer infants in the vitamin A group than in the control group (55 percent vs. 62 percent; relative risk, 0.89; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.80 to 0.99). Overall, 1 additional infant survived without chronic lung disease for every 14 to 15 infants who received vitamin A supplements. The proportions of infants in the vitamin A group and the control group who had signs of potential vitamin A toxicity were similar. The proportion of infants with serum retinol values below 20 microg per deciliter (0.70 micromol per liter) was lower in the vitamin A group than in the control group (25 percent vs. 54 percent, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Intramuscular administration of 5000 IU of vitamin A three times per week for four weeks reduced biochemical evidence of vitamin A deficiency and slightly decreased the risk of chronic lung disease in extremely-low-birth-weight infants.
Southern Ocean Climate and Sea Ice Anomalies Associated with the Southern Oscillation

The anomalies in the climate and sea ice cover of the Southern Ocean and their relationships with the Southern Oscillation (SO) are investigated using a 17-yr dataset from 1982 to 1998. The polar climate anomalies are correlated with the Southern Oscillation index (SOI) and the composites of these anomalies are examined under the positive (SOI . 0), neutral (0 . SOI .2 1), and negative (SOI ,2 1) phases of SOI. The climate dataset consists of sea level pressure, wind, surface air temperature, and sea surface temperature fields, while the sea ice dataset describes its extent, concentration, motion, and surface temperature. The analysis depicts, for the first time, the spatial variability in the relationship of the above variables with the SOI. The strongest correlation between the SOI and the polar climate anomalies are found in the Bellingshausen, Amundsen, and Ross Seas. The composite fields reveal anomalies that are organized in distinct large-scale spatial patterns with opposing polarities at the two extremes of SOI, and suggest oscillations that are closely linked to the SO. Within these sectors, positive (negative) phases of the SOI are generally associated with lower (higher) sea level pressure, cooler (warmer) surface air temperature, and cooler (warmer) sea surface temperature in these sectors. Associations between these climate anomalies and the behavior of the Antarctic sea ice cover are evident. Recent anomalies in the sea ice cover that are clearly associated with the SOI include the following: the record decrease in the sea ice extent in the Bellingshausen Sea from mid-1988 to early 1991; the relationship between Ross Sea SST and the ENSO signal, and reduced sea ice concentration in the Ross Sea; and the shortening of the ice season in the eastern Ross Sea, Amundsen Sea, far western Weddell Sea and lengthening of the ice season in the western Ross Sea, Bellinghausen Sea, and central Weddell Sea gyre during the period 1988‐94. Four ENSO episodes over the last 17 years contributed to a negative mean in the SOI (20.5). In each of these episodes, significant retreats in ice cover of the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas were observed showing a unique association of this region of the Antarctic with the Southern Oscillation.
Bilinear Semiclassical Moment Functionals and Their Integral Representation

We introduce the notion of bilinear moment functional and study their general properties. The analogue of Favard's theorem for moment functionals is proven. The notion of semiclassical bilinear functionals is introduced as a generalization of the corresponding notion for moment functionals and motivated by the applications to multi-matrix random models. Integral representations of such functionals are derived and shown to be linearly independent.
The Nuclear Receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor- (cid:1) Mediates the Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Palmitoylethanolamide

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), the naturally occurring amide of palmitic acid and ethanolamine, reduces pain and inflammation through an as-yet-uncharacterized mechanism. Here, we iden- tify the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- (cid:1) (PPAR- (cid:1) ) as the molecular target responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of PEA. PEA selectively activates PPAR- (cid:1) in vitro with an EC 50 value of 3.1 (cid:1) 0.4 (cid:2) M and induces the expression of PPAR- (cid:1) mRNA when applied topically to mouse skin. In two animal models, carrageenan-induced paw edema and phorbol ester-induced ear edema, PEA attenuates inflammation in wild-type mice but has no effect in mice deficient in PPAR- (cid:1) . The natural PPAR- (cid:1) agonist oleoylethanol-amide (OEA) and the synthetic PPAR- (cid:1) agonists GW7647 and Wy-14643 mimic these effects in a PPAR- (cid:1) –dependent manner. These findings indicate that PPAR- (cid:1) mediates the antiinflammatory effects of PEA and suggest that this
Well-posedness for flows in porous media with a hysteretic constitutive relation

In this thesis we study flows through porous media showing a hysteretic constitutive relation between the capillary pressure and the saturation of the fluid. The flow model used is based on mass conservation principle and Darcy's law coupled with mixed boundary conditions of Neumann and Signorini type. We prove an existence result in the case when the constitutive relation is described by a hysteresis operator of Preisach type. Moreover, a uniqueness result is established for the case when the boundary conditions reduce to the case of Dirichlet boundary conditions.
The Benefits of a Right to Silence for the Innocent

This article shows that innocent suspects benefit from exercising their right to silence during criminal proceedings. We present a model in which a criminal suspect can either make a statement or remain silent during police interrogation. At trial, the jury observes informative but imperfect signals about the suspect's guilt and the truthfulness of the suspect's statement. We show that a right to silence benefits innocent suspects by providing them with a safer alternative to speech, as well as by reducing the probability of wrongful conviction for suspects who remain silent with and without a right to silence.
Fraudulent Contracting of Work: Abusing Fixed-Term Contracts (Belgium, Estonia and Spain)

Excerpt] The abuse of fixed-term contracts raises various concerns. In most countries, fraud related to these contractual practices may occur when they are used for activities whose nature is not temporary or when they are renewed for longer periods or with a higher number of renewals than those permitted by law. These concerns were already present at the end of the 1990s, when some provisions were taken at European level to address the issue. In order to improve the quality of fixed-term work and to prevent abuse arising from the use of successive fixed-term employment contracts (excluding apprenticeship and training schemes and temporary agency work contracts), the interprofessional European social partners’ organisations concluded the European framework agreement on fixed-term contracts on 18 March 1999 (ETUC et al, 1999), later transposed into Directive 1999/70/EC. The directive: sets out a general principle of non-discrimination against fixed-term employees compared with permanent employees;details responsibilities on the part of the employer in terms of informing workers on fixed-term contracts about vacancies in the organisation; and sets out measures aimed at preventing abuses. In particular, the directive requires Member States to introduce one or more of the following measures: • objective reasons justifying the renewal of fixed-term contracts • the maximum total duration of successive fixed-term employment contracts or relationships • the number of renewals of such contracts or relationships.