SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Encircling granulosa cells protects against di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate-induced apoptosis in rat oocytes cultured <i>in vitro</i>

Summary The present study investigated if the presence of encircling granulosa cells protected against di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)-induced oxidative stress in rat oocytes cultured in vitro . Denuded oocytes and cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were treated with or without various doses of DEHP (0.0, 25.0, 50.0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 μM) in vitro . Morphological apoptotic changes, levels of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and expression levels of apoptotic markers (Bcl2, Bax, cytochrome c ) were analyzed. Our results showed that DEHP induced morphological apoptotic changes in a dose-dependent manner in denuded oocytes cultured in vitro . The effective dose of DEHP (400 µg) significantly ( P &gt;0.05) increased oxidative stress by elevating ROS levels and the mitochondrial membrane potential with higher mRNA expression and protein levels of apoptotic markers (Bax, cytochrome c ). Encircling granulosa cells protected oocytes from DEHP-induced morphological changes, increased oxidative stress and ROS levels, as well as increased expression of apoptotic markers. Taken together our data suggested that encircling granulosa cells protected oocytes against DEHP-induced apoptosis and that the presence of granulosa cells could act positively towards the survival of oocytes under in vitro culture conditions and may be helpful during assisted reproductive technique programmes.
Extracellular matrix networks in bone remodeling

Bones are constantly remodeled throughout life to maintain robust structure and function. Dysfunctional remodeling can result in pathological conditions such as osteoporosis (bone loss) or osteosclerosis (bone gain). Bone contains 100 s of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and the ECM of the various bone tissue compartments plays essential roles directing the remodeling of bone through the coupled activity of osteoclasts (which resorb bone) and osteoblasts (which produce new bone). One important role for the ECM is to serve as a scaffold upon which mineral is deposited. This scaffold is primarily type I collagen, but other ECM components are involved in binding of mineral components. In addition to providing a mineral scaffolding role, the ECM components provide structural flexibility for a tissue that would otherwise be overly rigid. Although primarily secreted by osteoblast-lineage cells, the ECM regulates cells of both the osteoblast-lineage (such as progenitors, mature osteoblasts, and osteocytes) and osteoclast-lineage (including precursors and mature osteoclasts), and it also influences the cross-talk that occurs between these two oppositional cells. ECM influences the differentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells to become osteoblasts by both direct cell-ECM interactions as well as by modulating growth factor activity. Similarly, the ECM can influence the development of osteoclasts from undifferentiated macrophage precursor cells, and influence osteoclast function through direct osteoclast cell binding to matrix components. This comprehensive review will focus on how networks of ECM proteins function to regulate osteoclast- and osteoblast-mediated bone remodeling. The clinical significance of these networks on normal bone and as they relate to pathologies of bone mass and geometry will be considered. A better understanding of the dynamic role of ECM networks in regulating tissue function and cell behavior is essential for the development of new treatment approaches for bone loss.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Anal Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Infection Among HIV-Infected Women in France in the Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Era

Little is known about the type-specific prevalence of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and risk factors for anal high-risk (HR) HPV infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women.A cross-sectional study of anal and cervical HPV infection was nested within a gynecological cohort of HIV-infected women. Specimens were tested for type-specific DNA using a polymerase chain reaction-based assay.The study population consisted of 311 women with a median age of 45.3 years, of whom 42.8% originated from sub-Saharan Africa and 96.8% were receiving combination antiretroviral therapy. The median CD4(+)cell count was 612/μL, and the HIV load was <50 copies/mL in 84.1%. HR-HPV types were detected in the anal canal in 148 women (47.6%) and in the cervix in 82 (26.4%). HPV-16 was the most prevalent type in both the anal canal (13.2% of women) and the cervix (5.1%). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with prevalent anal HR-HPV infection were CD4(+)count <350/μL (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-6.5), concurrent cervical lesions (2.6; 1.0-4.3), and cervical HR-HPV infection (1.8; 1.0-3.2).The high prevalence of HR-HPV types, including HPV-16, in the anal canal of HIV-positive women is concerning. Anal cancer screening should be considered for HIV-positive women as part of their routine care.
Adapting Modeling & Simulation for Network Enabled Operations

Abstract : If there is a particular theme central to the body of literature produced by the CCRP Publication Series, it involves the challenges of complexity and the nature of an appropriate response to this complexity. This book continues our treatment of the subject of complexity and its implications for military organizations. Network Enabled Capability, first introduced to a wide audience with the CCRP publication of Network Centric Warfare in 1999, is, as the author points out, the embodiment of the military s transition from the Industrial Age to the Information Age. The struggles to understand, accept, and develop a network enabled approach to military operations mirror similar developments in the adoption of the Internet that have given birth to a variety of new business and organizational models. The relatively rapid rise of online book stores and more recently eBooks came to many as a surprise. The traditional brick-and-mortar bookstore is an endangered species that must adapt to these new realities or be relegated to a niche market. Hard copy books may soon follow. The increasing complexity of military missions from disaster relief through stabilization and peace support to warfighting has, in the CCRP literature, been referred to as Complex Endeavors. In Complex Endeavors it is not only the environment that is complex; it is also us, no longer a single organization, but a heterogeneous collective. Regrettably, this development, decades in the making, seems to continue to catch some by surprise. Many seem to think that business as usual is still an option. Many recognize that change is needed but do not understand how to change and do not accept the changes proposed by others. The rising calls for action are not advocating simply more expertise but a new kind of expertise; not more competencies but rather more agility. Nowhere is this more true than in the critical area of Command and Control.
AACC Clinical Lab Expo dal 28.07.-30.07.2015 ad Atlan ta

Partecipazione allo stand della comunità Berlin-Brandenburger all'AACC Clinical Lab Expo dal 28.07.-30.07.2015 ad Atlanta/USA
S.H.S.I.U.M. — SYSTÈME DE MATÉRIEL HUMAIN-MACHINE INTÉGRÉ

CRÉATION D’UN SYSTÈME INTÉGRÉ DE MATÉRIEL/LOGICIEL HUMAIN-MACHINE POUR L’OPTIMISATION NUMÉRIQUE ET VIRTUELLE DE LA PRODUCTION INDUSTRIELLE, LA SIMULATION VIRTUELLE ET À DISTANCE DE LA PRODUCTION ET LA GESTION VIRTUELLE ET À DISTANCE DES ACTIVITÉS DE MAINTENANCE.
Robust FOPI and FOPID controller design for FFOPDT plants in embedded control applications using frequency-domain analysis

In this paper, we address the problem of fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller design for a fractional first-order plus dead time (FFOPDT) plant, the characteristics of which are studied. All the equations involved in the computation of control system robustness criteria in the frequency domain are derived, and an algorithm based on the Newton-Raphson method is proposed to obtain the solutions thereof. The performance criteria are considered as the basis for optimizing the parameters of the FOPID controller. The initial gains of the controller are obtained using well established conventional PID tuning rules. For optimization a simple parameter sweep method is used, as well as the Nelder-Mead simplex search method. An illustrative example of the controller design procedure is provided. The results are partially carried over to a FOPID controller prototype. The results of this work can be applied to embedded control and are useful in solving automatic controller tuning problems.
Air induced friction reducing ship coating

The overall goal of AIRCOAT is to make European waterborne transport more energy efficient and less polluting by developing a disruptive hull coating that reduces the frictional resistance of ships.
The AIRCOAT project will enhance a passive air lubrication technology that utilises the biomimetic Salvinia effect. This effect enables trapping air through combination of a hydrophobic micro-structured surface with hydrophilic pins. The project will technologically implement this effect on a self-adhesive foil system. Applying a ship with such an AIRCOAT foil will produce a thin permanent air layer, which reduces the overall frictional resistance while acting as a physical barrier between water and hull surface.
Besides substantially reducing main engine fuel oil consumption and hence exhaust gas emission, the air barrier further inhibits the attachment of fouling, the release of biocide substances (of underlying coatings) to the water and mitigates the radiation of ship noise. As a refit technology, it is immediately applicable to the whole fleet, is independent of the fuel type and can be combined with other efficiency improving technologies. Consequently, the technology creates both an economical and an environmental benefit. 
The interdisciplinary AIRCOAT consortium will develop small-scale prototypes to optimise the surface characteristics of this new technology supported by experimental and numerical methods. AIRCOAT will further produce large-scale pilots to demonstrate the efficiency and industrial feasibility in operational environments (laboratory, research ships and container ship). Finally, the project will perform a full-scale validation process to boost the technology towards market readiness.
The AIRCOAT project will demonstrate the high potential of this game-changing technology to revolutionise the maritime coating sector and to become a ground-breaking future energy efficiency and emission reduction technology.
Exclusions of environmental vibrations affected by railway operations using metamaterials

With the rapid development of high speed rail system, ground vibration mitigation solutions are desperately needed. As a novel vibration mitigation method, metamaterial can theoretically yield excellent performance in shielding dynamic waves in broad frequency bands. However, the application of metamaterials in railway-induced vibration mitigation is a very recent and ongoing topic. Therefore, the XeRo project aims to establish new and practical contribution towards a better understanding of the mitigation effects by metamaterials for railway-induced environmental vibrations. The experienced researcher (ER) will: 1) investigate the dominant frequencies of railway environment based on a 3D coupled train-track-soil interaction model; 2) design and develop the metamaterial based on the locally resonant mechanism; 3) characterize and optimize the metamaterial with respect to viscoelastic multi-layered soils; and 4) demonstrate the mitigation effect of the metamaterial on railway environmental vibration. 
Implemented at the University of Porto, and supervised by Prof Rui Calcada, the XeRo project will allow the ER to diversify her individual competence by developing skills in railway dynamics, academic dissemination and networking; student supervision; and research management and leadership. The XeRo project will also strongly benefit the ER’s inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary expertise and strengthen her international network considering a secondment will be carried out at the University of Birmingham.
A two-way transfer of knowledge is guaranteed since the XeRo project combines the ER’s expertise in metamaterial design and railway vibration evaluation and the host’s expertise in the numerical modelling and dynamic analysis of train-induced ground vibrations. Therefore, the XeRo project will contribute to Europe’s knowledge-based society, policy makers and rail industries by providing invaluable knowledge on the novel vibration mitigation solution in railways.
International student transition: Focusing on researching international pedagogy for educational sustainability

The internationalisation of higher education has brought new dimensions of inquiry into cross-cultural aspects of pedagogy and practice. From the student learning perspective, a smooth transition into new and foreign learning environments is believed to determine academic success. However, the international academic transition period can be challenging for many students. Problems have been reported in the areas of poor decoding of English language and critical thinking skills; failure to participate in collaborative learning modes (e.g. group discussions); and difficulties communicating effectively in social settings. Refuting arguments have been provided by those seeking to break down ill-formed correlations between cultural anomalies and cognitive deficit. This paper takes the premise that sustainable forms of pedagogy in international contexts hinge on researching the language, culture and discourse intersection in academic learning communities during student transition. It will examine international students’ cross-cultural learning experiences as attributed to internal and external factors. The paper discusses international students’ interpretations of those intercultural communicative subtleties that are manifest in academic discourse and that may be overlooked by the academic community. The paper concludes by providing some implications for sustaining teaching and learning in international contexts.
Implementazione di un processo tecnologico innovativo al fine di ampliare l'offerta dell'azienda "MAL-PAK".

Questo progetto riguarda l'implementazione di una nuova tecnologia di stampa industriale che utilizza inchiostri ecologici rispettosi dell'acqua. Il richiedente implementerà il nuovo processo e amplierà l'offerta del prodotto. Il livello di innovazione del progetto è stato definito come un'innovazione a livello nazionale. Il richiedente dispone dell'infrastruttura appropriata per realizzare il progetto — la sala di produzione è adattata per attuare l'oggetto del progetto, ossia l'acquisto di una macchina da stampa flessografica cilindrica con cilindro centrale. Uno degli aspetti più importanti della tecnologia da implementare è quello di eliminare la necessità di solventi nel processo di stampa a favore delle vernici ad acqua. Il risultato del progetto sarà un'estensione del ciclo di vita del prodotto — imballaggio con stampe. Grazie all'implementazione della nuova tecnologia, il richiedente sarà in grado di introdurre vernici concettuali nel processo tecnologico, la cui struttura e il cui metodo di utilizzo sono stati sviluppati in collaborazione con CHESPA. La nuova tecnologia sarà utilizzata nella stampa flessografica di pellicole PE e polipropilene PP.
Expression of the c-fos-monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 fusion gene in the spinal cord and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in transgenic rats after nociceptive stimulation

We generated transgenic rats expressing the c-fos and monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 (mRFP1) fusion gene in the central nervous system after adequate stimulation. In the present study, the time-course of the induction patterns of mRFP1 fluorescence in the spinal cord and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was compared with that of Fos-like immunoreactivity (LI) within 24 h after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of 0.9% saline and 5% formalin in both hind paws. Control rats were not treated. In the control and saline/formalin injected rats, scattered mRFP1 fluorescence in the spinal cord and the PVN was observed at 0 min, though there was little Fos-LI in the same region. The mRFP1 fluorescence in the spinal cord and the PVN was increased at 3h after formalin. On the other hand, the changes of Fos-LI in the spinal cord and the PVN were relatively shorter than those of the mRFP1 fluorescence after formalin. These results suggest that the c-fos-mRFP1 fusion gene expression is slightly upregulated in normal conditions and nociceptive stimulation-induced induction of the fusion gene may be maintained longer than the endogenous c-fos gene expression in the spinal cord and the PVN. Next, nocifensive behavior and mRFP1 fluorescence and Fos-LI in the spinal cord and the PVN after s.c. injection of formalin, 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD) and saline were compared. Although the 4α-PDD injected rats seldom displayed nocifensive behaviors like s.c. saline injection, 4α-PDD injection caused mRFP1 fluorescence and Fos-LI significantly in the spinal cord and the PVN unlike s.c. saline injection.
CORD LOCK

A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a length of cord. The cord lock may include a first cord-clamp bar and a second cord-clamp bar that are movably coupled to each other, to allow control of frictional resistance on a cord threaded through various apertures and cord-receiving channels of the cord lock. The cord lock may be incorporated into an article such that it is at least partially concealed within an article layer.
Obesity and Exercise-Induced Airway Obstruction Measured by Impulse Oscillometry

Background: the efficacy of impulse oscillometry (IOS) as an effortless technique for detection of different aspects of airway resistance in non-athlete obese men has not been fully appreciated. The objective was to evaluate concomitant airway responses induced by obesity and exercise pre and post an exercise bronchial provocation test and to recognize whether IOS variables relate to spirometry variables. Settings: 15 obese (BMI ≥ 35) and 13 lean (BMI ≤ 25) young men were enrolled in the study. Spirometry and IOS parameters were performed at baseline and for 20 mints after a treadmill exercise challenge of 8 minutes at 5-mint intervals. Heart rate (200 - 0.5 × age) was documented to verify exercise intensity. Obese subjects were screened based on the criteria of having a well-preserved FEV1/FVC ratio. Results: Correlations were found between resting FEV1 and IOS except for Ax (area of reactance) in the obese group. R5 at 5-min post-challenge was well correlated with the percent decrease in FEV1. Spirometry revealed significant differences in post-challenge percent changes only at 5-min after exercise; however, IOS identified differences in respiratory resistance at 5 and 10-min post-challenge time points. In obese group, sensitivity for X and R5 was 86% and 78%, respectively. Conclusions: obesity had no additive effects on proximal airway changes induced by exercise; however, IOS detected a difference in degree of small peripheral airway response to exercise in obese group, suggesting that IOS is a more sensitive measure of exercise-induced airway narrowing. IOS parameters, especially Ax may be more sensitive for detection of pulmonary function in obese people.
Ingresso nel mercato NewConnect e supporto consultivo per Massmedica sp. z o.o. nella raccolta di capitali e investitori

Sa 42799(2015/X) Regolamento CE n. 651/2014 Articolo 18 Aiuti per servizi di consulenza alle PMI L'obiettivo del progetto è quello di sostenere il richiedente nell'accesso al mercato dei capitali, nonché di attivare il mercato degli investitori creando le condizioni per avviare la cooperazione degli investitori con la Società. La ricorrente assume l'acquisizione di non più di 4 milioni di PLN. Queste misure consentiranno un significativo sviluppo e ampliamento dell'offerta aziendale con un prodotto innovativo per il ripristino permanente delle strutture del collagene. Il progetto prevede l'acquisizione da parte della Società di servizi di consulenza forniti da Prometeia Capital sp. z o.o. ("Adviser"), relativi alla preparazione della documentazione al fine di attrarre investitori e ricapitalizzare la Società. Il consulente preparerà i seguenti documenti: Due Dilligence Report, valutazione della società, documento di offerta, teaser di investimento, presentazione degli investitori, documento informativo, politica informativa, procedura di circolazione delle informazioni riservate. La documentazione sarà utilizzata per emettere e vendere azioni. Il consulente condurrà uno studio della Società e preparerà un Rapporto Due Dilligence per determinare la situazione finanziaria e formale-legale della Società. La valutazione della Società sarà fornita agli investitori, giustificando il prezzo proposto delle azioni e l'Investment Teaser, presentando concise informazioni sulla Società. Gli investitori interessati riceveranno un documento di offerta contenente informazioni dettagliate sulla Società, sui titoli e sui meccanismi di offerta. La presentazione dell'investitore sarà presentata durante gli incontri con gli investitori. Il documento informativo sarà redatto al fine di richiedere l'introduzione di azioni alla negoziazione sul mercato NewConnect. Saranno inoltre predisposte la Procedura di circolazione delle informazioni riservate e la Politica Informatica della Società, specificando le regole di circolazione e presentazione delle informazioni, in particolare per la necessità per la Società di adempiere ai propri obblighi di informazione. Tutti i documenti sono necessari per l'attuazione efficiente ed efficace del progetto. A causa della natura innovativa del progetto
FRESIA JOINT STOCK COMPANY IN THE ACRONYM “FRESIA S.P.A.”

THE INVESTMENT PROGRAM IS PARTLY ALREADY REALISED AND CONSISTS OF THE PURCHASE OF TWO LATEST GENERATION CNC MACHINE TOOLS AND THE PURCHASE OF A SERIES OF COMPONENTS FOR MEASURING MACHINERY. AS FAR AS THE MEASURING MACHINERY IS CONCERNED, A THREE-AXIS CONTROL SYSTEM WITH ITS CONTROL BUTTON, A FIVE-AXIS HEAD, A SOFTWARE WITH A SCANNER SYSTEM ON FIVE AXES HAS BEEN PURCHASED. THE COST OF SUCH ACQUISITIONS AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 38 THOUSAND. IT IS PLANNED TO BUY A CNC LATHE FOR AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO 236 THOUSAND ‘TO WHICH YOU WILL GO’ TO ADD A HORIZONTAL MACHINING CENTER TO CNC FOR AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO MORE THAN 900 THOUSAND’. FRESIA HAS DECIDED TO LAUNCH THIS IMPORTANT INVESTMENT PLAN IN ORDER TO MEET THE PRODUCTION NEEDS RECORDED IN RECENT YEARS THAT HAVE SEEN THE INCREASE IN TURNOVER IN AN EXCEPTIONAL WAY, ESPECIALLY AS REGARDS THE EXPORT QUOTA. IN ORDER TO SUCCEED IN