bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Proposal of a New Chaotic Map for Application in the Image Encryption Domain
Authors: Abu-Amara Fadi , Ahmad Jawad
Published: November 2022

Several chaos-based image encryption schemes have been proposed in the last decade. Each encryption scheme has pros and cons regarding its speed, complexity, and security. This paper proposes a new chaotic map called Power-Chaotic Map (PCM). Characteristics of the proposed PCM, such as chaotic behaviour, randomness, sensitivity, and s-unimodality, are investigated. As an application of the proposed chaotic map, an image encryption scheme is proposed to encrypt greyscale and text images. The proposed three-phase image encryption scheme performs a series of substitution and permutation operations. The Pixel-Level phase utilises the PCM’s generated keystreams to perform the substitution operation of image pixels. The Row-Level phase permutates, via a proposed pseudorandom number generator, pixel locations of each row and then shuffles row locations. Finally, the Column-Level phase performs a substitution operation on pixels of each column. Performance of the proposed PCM-based image encryption scheme is investigated through histogram analysis, statistical correlation analysis, key sensitivity, encryption performance of text images, and permutation and substitution properties. Experimental results indicate that the PCM has a wider range of chaotic behaviour than well-known one-dimensional maps, meets the s-unimodality property, has high sensitivity, and generates keystreams with random-like behaviour. Furthermore, results indicate that the PCM-based image encryption scheme provides high encryption security for text images, high key sensitivity, immunity against brute-force attacks, strong statistical correlation results, strong encryption performance, and low computational complexity.
Observational limits on the Nash theory of gravity with matter contents
Authors: Al-Ajmi Mudhahir
Published: November 2022

We generalize the original Nash theory of gravity by adding the matter fields by specifying a proper form of the field equations on more general footings for space with matter contents. We first derive the equations of motion in the flat Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) spacetime and examine the behaviors of the solutions by invoking specific forms of the Hubble parameter. We also classify the physical behaviors of the solutions by employing the stability analysis. We check the consistency of the model by considering particular cosmological parameters. We use observational data from Supernovae Ia (SNeIa) and baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO) to constrain the parameters of the model. Interestingly, we discover the best fit of our model with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] assuming the Hubble parameter [Formula: see text].
Plane wave analysis of the second post-Newtonian hydrodynamic equations
Authors: Kremer Gilberto M.
Published: November 2022

The second post-Newtonian hydrodynamic equations are analyzed within the framework of a plane wave solution. The hydrodynamic equations for the mass and momentum density are coupled with six Poisson equations for the Newtonian and post-Newtonian gravitational potentials. Perturbations of the basic fields and gravitational potentials from a background state by assuming plane wave representations lead to a dispersion relation where the Jeans instability condition emerges. The influence of the first and second post-Newtonian approximations on the Jeans mass is determined. It was shown that the relative difference of the first post-Newtonian and the Newtonian Jeans masses is negative while the one of the second post-Newtonian approximation is positive. The two contributions imply a smaller mass needed for an overdensity to initiate the gravitational collapse than the one given by the Newtonian theory.
Japan’s Significance for the United Kingdom’s Shaping Ambitions in the Indo-Pacific
Authors: HENG Yee-Kuang
Published: November 2022

The United Kingdom’s Indo-Pacific “tilt” has been warmly encouraged by Japan, its closest security partner in Asia. As UK-Japan strategic alignment evolves, the security and defence documents of both partners appear to also converge around a desire to “create” or “shape” a desirable regional environment. This paper illustrates how states may do so, using Japan and the UK as case studies. It investigates the theoretical premise and policy instruments available, before assessing opportunities and constraints.
Philippine-US Alliance in Transition: Towards Polycentric Relations?
Authors: UNTALAN Carmina Yu
Published: November 2022

The fragile Indo-Pacific security environment calls for recalibrating the Philippine-US alliance. Instead of attempting to revive the anachronistic hub-and-spokes system that tottered during the Duterte administration, Washington and Manila should move towards a polycentric type of relations that considers substate actors in conducting foreign affairs. This would be necessary to address traditional and non-traditional security concerns endangering the region’s stability.
The Reshaping of China-India Relations
Authors: LOU Chunhao , WANG Chong
Published: November 2022

China-India relations are becoming increasingly competitive and volatile. The deep-rooted dynamic is the dysfunctioning of the previous interaction framework that had ensured relatively stable bilateral relationship for decades. This paper explores the main obstacles and dynamics of the current China-India relationship, including the border issue, economic relations and the Quad. It also shares some thoughts on what China and India should do to move forward the bilateral relationship.
How Did We Get Here and Where are We Going?
Authors: CHAMBERS Georgina
Published: November 2022

The YourIVFSuccess website was created to help people make informed decisions about IVF treatment. It was developed by the University of New South Wales in collaboration with clinicians and consumers with funding from the Australian Government and launched in early 2021. The Website provides a searchable database of all fertility clinics in Australia, and includes comparable information on the types of patients, their treatment and their success rates compared to national averages. It also includes an IVF Success Estimator which allows patients to enter their own characteristics and receive an individualised estimate their chances of having a baby using IVF, based on data from over 600,000 IVF cycles performed in Australia. This presentation will provide background to the Website development, why each measure of success was chosen, and planned future enhancements.
COVID-19 Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy
Authors: FEINBERG Eve C.
Published: November 2022

Background: The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic has posed significant challenges to the field of reproductive medicine.

Aim: This talk will update the audience on the timeline of the pandemic, emergence of recommendations regarding fertility and reproductive medicine care, present state of the pandemic, vaccine development, data on vaccination in pregnancy, and combatting misinformation/vaccine hesitancy.

Method: Review of current literature, review of guidance documents from international societies

Results: Maternal morbidity with COVID-19 is greater than that seen in non-pregnant counterparts. This skews the risk/benefit profile in favor of vaccination, even in the absence of randomized clinic trials that did not include pregnant women. Emerging vaccination data are showing a favorable safety profile of the vaccine and vaccination should be encouraged in all women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy.

Conclusion: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic should help to guide provision of reproductive care in future pandemics.
Elective Oocyte Cryopreservation: What Patients Understand and What They Need to Understand
Authors: HAMMARBERG Karin
Published: November 2022

Life circumstances, including not having a partner, may prevent women from having children during their most fertile years. To avoid age-related infertility women who plan to have children at an age when their fertility is likely to have declined can freeze their eggs when they are younger and use them in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure when the time for childbearing is right for them. Research shows that a significant proportion of young women would consider safeguarding their reproductive potential or are at least open to the idea of oocyte freezing. To make informed decisions about fertility preservation women need accurate and realistic information about the likelihood of a live birth considering their circumstances; the cost of retrieval, storage, and later use of the eggs; the known and potential risks of the procedure for the woman herself and any future children; and the potential emotional risks of elective oocyte cryopreservation. In this presentation I will suggest how clinics can ensure women have all the information they need to make the best possible decision they can about if and when to freeze their eggs.
Blurring the Lines Between Life and Death — Ethical and Psychological Considerations in Posthumous Conception
Authors: LAWSON Angela
Published: November 2022

ART practitioners routinely offer embryo and oocyte/sperm cryopreservation services to patients and couples who are interested in future family building. Unfortunately, some patients, whether due to disease or accident, die after cryopreserving their genetic material. In the event of a patient’s death, their partner or other family members may desire to use those materials to achieve pregnancy. However, posthumous reproduction (reproductive attempts after the death of a partner) has resulted in a number of ethical issues regarding pre-death consent from the deceased patient and ambiguous legal and social status for the resulting child(ren).

Multiple psychological issues also arise during the course of posthumous reproduction. This includes decision making in the context of grieving the death of a loved one, family disagreements about posthumous reproduction, and coping with potential pregnancy-related adverse events. Further, it is unknown what if any psychological burden posthumously conceived children or their family members will bear as the child grows. From an ethical standpoint, it is often unclear as to who should have rights to these gametes or embryos as pre-death consent forms have often not been completed. Because of the psychological and ethical concerns regarding posthumous reproduction many practitioners have concerns about facilitating such treatment. This presentation will address the psychological and ethical issues in posthumous reproduction and will provide direction to providers for how to address these issues with surviving loved ones.
Practical Tips with Posthumous Use
Authors: PAGE Stephen
Published: November 2022

Background: Posthumous use remains a controversial topic. Far too often, posthumous sperm retrieval occurs following the making of urgent Supreme Court orders-when both case law and statute say that such urgent orders are neither necessary or are legally dubious.

The surviving parent then is often told to commence court proceedings in order to be able to either use or export the gamete-when often the best approach is not to go to court, but instead demonstrate to the clinics concerned that there has been full compliance with the law and the Ethical Guidelines’ requirements as to posthumous use.

In recent years there have been many cases concerning posthumous use, most of which point the way to making the process easier-either in that State or by cross-border reproduction.

Aim: To demystify law and practice about posthumous use.

Method: To set out the law concerning posthumous use in each Australian State and Territory (both statute and case law) in the accompanying paper, set out practical tips for practitioners about what to look for, and to provide flowcharts for each State and Territory about what needs to be covered in any posthumous case.

Results: Too often widows are told to spend considerable sums in unnecessary court cases. Court cases are usually not required in order to lawfully undertake posthumous use. A leading case about posthumous use from Queensland, for example, omitted in all its numerous citations a significant High Court of Australia case about gametes. A significant Western Australian case about who is a donor may also have implications in other States.

Conclusion: As per the method.
Reproductive Health of Adults Conceived by IVF and GIFT
Authors: LEWIS Sharon , KENNEDY Joanne , GLYNN Anne , HAMMARBERG Karin , AMOR David , HICKEY Martha , MCBAIN John , BIGGS Sarah , HALLIDAY Jane
Published: November 2022

Background: We have an established cohort of singleton adults conceived by IVF and GIFT born from January 1982 to December 1992, and matched controls conceived without assisted reproduction (non-ART). They have participated in two previous studies: 1) a telephone interview study when aged 21 years on average and 2) a clinical review 6 years later. As these adults are reaching the average age of first-time parents, it is important to determine their reproductive health.

Aim: To examine the reproductive health of IVF/GIFT-conceived adults compared to non-ART controls.

Method: Contact details were confirmed via email or the Australian Electoral Roll. Participants were asked to complete a 15-minute online questionnaire hosted in REDCap with questions about fertility and reproductive health, well-being, self-reported health status, demographics and important potential outcome modifiers. Data were analysed using chi-squared and [Formula: see text]-tests.

Results: 231 IVF (60%), 74 GIFT (65%) and 153 non-ART (41%) control participants completed the questionnaire. As there were no outcome differences between IVF and GIFT, their results are combined. The overall median age of the IVF/GIFT group and controls was 31.3 years, and 63% were female in both groups. In both groups just over a third had already given birth, with 15% and 18% respectively reporting having had medical advice for fertility concerns. Endometriosis was the only condition more common in IVF/GIFT-conceived females compared to female controls (16% versus 8%, p=0.07). There were no differences between IVF/GIFT and non-ART conceived women on other female reproductive conditions such as PCOS (18% and 16% respectively) and painful periods (26% and 30% respectively). All male conditions such as undescended testes, sperm parameters or erectile disorders were rare in both groups.

Conclusion: As IVF/GIFT-conceived individuals reach the average childbearing age of 31 years, they appear to have no substantial adverse outcomes related to their reproductive health or fertility.
Are Clinical Outcomes of Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction in Non-Obstructive Azoospermic Men Affected by the Use of Fresh or Frozen Gametes?
Authors: ROMBAUTS Luk , HORTA Fabrizzio , HOLDEN Sandra , KATZ Darren , GREEN Mark , ZANDER-FOX Deirdre
Published: November 2022

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe form of male factor infertility, evident in approximately 5% of infertile couples seeking fertility treatment. The combination of microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) and ICSI has become one of the treatment options, with sperm motility positively associated with outcome success rates. Few studies have investigated whether use of fresh or thawed gamete combinations affect clinical outcomes.

Aim: To determine the clinical outcomes of ICSI cycles using mTESE recovered testicular sperm of NOA patients and whether these are affected by the use of fresh or thawed gametes.

Method: A retrospective study of NOA patients who underwent mTESE between March 2017 and September 2020. Clinical outcomes investigated included successful surgical sperm retrieval (SSR), sperm motility, fertilisation, embryo utilisation and live-birth/ongoing pregnancy rates.

Results: A total of 105 NOA patients underwent mTESE, with a 65.7% successful SSR. In total 58 patients contributed to 72 ICSI cycles, with a 37.5% 2PN fertilisation rate and 29.4% live-birth/ongoing pregnancy rate. Cycles using only motile sperm had a greater fertilisation rate than those using a motile/non-motile sperm combination (51.7% vs 31.1%, p[Formula: see text]0.05). Compared with fresh, thawed testicular spermatozoa didn’t affect clinical outcomes, including live-birth/ongoing pregnancy rates (Fresh 18.2%; Thawed 17.9%; Odds ratio (OR) 1.02 (0.34-2.86) p=0.98). In contrast, use of thawed oocytes decreased fertilisation rate [Fresh-oocytes: 45.0%; Vitrified-oocytes: 35.5%; OR 1.47(1.03-2.10), p=0.03] but had no differences for other clinical outcomes, including live-birth/ongoing pregnancy rate (p=0.74). Importantly, injection of exclusively non-motile-spermatozoa (n=26 cycles) resulted in a very low fertilisation rate (2.7%) and no live-birth/ongoing pregnancies were recorded.

Conclusion: Microdissection TESE is an effective treatment for NOA patients, with no clear negative effects of using thawed spermatozoa, however, the use of vitrified oocytes requires further investigation. The use of non-motile spermatozoa in mTESE ICSI cycles is discouraged.
Antioxidants in Mouse Embryo Culture and Vitrification Media Maintain an In Vivo Like Gene Expression Profile
Authors: TRUONG Thi T. , HARVEY Alexandra J. , GARDNER David K.
Published: November 2022

Background: Embryo culture and cryopreservation causes detrimental effects on blastocyst gene expression. While combined antioxidants (acetyl-L-carnitine/N-acetyl-L-cysteine/[Formula: see text]-lipoic acid (A3)) in culture and vitrification media have beneficial effects on embryo and fetal development, their impact on fetal gene expression has not been assessed. Therefore, the effects of antioxidants on global gene expression were examined from fetal and placental tissue of transferred blastocysts and compared to in vivo derived embryos.

Aim: To determine the effect of A3 in culture and vitrification media on mouse blastocyst, fetal and placental gene expression.

Method: Embryo transfers were conducted on in vivo flushed blastocysts or blastocysts cultured or vitrified with and without A3. Transcriptional profiles of E14 fetal liver and placental tissue in all groups were quantified using RNAseq and functional analyses (KEGG).

Results: Compared to in vivo derived embryos, in vitro culture altered the expression of 3601 fetal liver and 408 placental genes. Functional analysis showed upregulation/enrichment of oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function and activity. Similarly, vitrification led to 2018 liver and 216 placental differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Upregulated KEGG pathways were enriched for cell and tissue development and cell cycle regulation. Down regulated pathways were associated with metabolism and immune response. Interestingly, exposure to A3 during development significantly reduced the number of DEGs with 1855 and 4 identified in liver and placentae respectively with no KEGG pathways identified. Correspondingly, exposure to A3 during vitrification reduced the number of DEGs to 1017 in liver and 206 in placentae. Functional pathway enrichment was similar to embryos vitrified without A3, although with decreased expression.

Conclusion: Supplementation with antioxidants reduce the number of DEGs and biological processes altered by in vitro culture and vitrification, in fetal liver and placentae, establishing a more in vivo like gene expression profile which may help maintain the viability of vitrified human embryos.
Short-Term Exposure with Long-Term Effects: The Ketone Body, Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, Alters Mouse Embryo Developmental Programming and Reduces Viability
Authors: WHATLEY Emma G. , HARVEY Alexandra J. , GARDNER David K.
Published: November 2022

Background: Diet-induced nutritional changes in the maternal reproductive tract stimulate embryonic adaptations to maintain growth and survival, directly impacting child and adult health via developmental programming. This is plausibly facilitated by an interrelationship between metabolism and epigenetic control of gene expression, termed ‘metaboloepigenetics’, resulting in heritable modifications that affect long-term offspring health and viability. The ketogenic diet (KD) is increasingly popular amongst sub-fertile women trying to conceive, and results in elevated maternal ketone levels, including beta-hydroxybutyrate (bOHB). The impact of high bOHB levels on embryonic development, physiology, and developmental programming remains unknown.

Aim: To assess how bOHB affects preimplantation mouse embryo development, metaboloepigenetic regulation, and post-transfer viability.

Method: Preimplantation mouse embryos were cultured in vitro with or without 2 mM bOHB, representing serum concentrations with KD consumption. Day 5 blastocyst cell number and lineage allocation was assessed via differential nuclear stain, metabolism of bOHB and carbohydrates was assessed by ultramicrofluorescence, and acetylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9ac) and lysine 27 (H3K27ac) were assessed by immunofluorescence. Day 4 blastocysts were transferred to pseudo-pregnant females for analysis of embryonic day 14.5 placental and fetal development.

Results: A reduction in total and trophectoderm cell number (P<0.05) was observed, indicating reduced viability. Blastocysts were shown to consume bOHB in vitro, with uptake increasing with bOHB concentration. Further, bOHB increased glycolytic rate (P<0.01), while epigenetic analyses revealed H3K9ac and H3K27ac were unaffected by bOHB. Of significance, post-transfer implantation rates were reduced (P<0.05), concurrent with smaller placental diameter (P<0.01) and fetal crown-rump length (P<0.05), indicating developmental programming alterations.

Conclusion: These data infer that bOHB-stimulated metabolic alterations are a contributing factor to ketone-induced developmental programming, which may incorporate epigenetic components other than H3K9ac or H3K27ac. Therefore, consumption of a KD during conception and pregnancy may have negative impacts on the long-term viability and health of offspring.
How Low Can You Go? Transfer of Low-Grade Blastocysts
Authors: ZOU Haowen , KEMPER James , HAMMOND Elizabeth , LIU Yanhe , XU Fengqin , LIU Gensheng , XI Haitao , XUE Lintao , BAI Xiaohong , LIAO Hongqing , XUE Songguo , ZHAO Shuqin , ZHANG Aijun , AFNAN Masoud , WANG Rui , MOL Ben , MORBECK Dean
Published: November 2022

Background: Low grade blastocyst (LGB) transfer results in varied live birth rates (5-39%). Only limited studies with small sample sizes (n=10-440) exist, due to LGB transfer being less desirable. Definitions of LGB and study designs are heterogenous, further confounding outcome interpretation.

Aim: This study aimed to obtain sufficient LGB transfers to determine live birth rates, as well as allow subgroup analysis by blastocyst quality and maternal age.

Method: This study was a multicentre, multinational retrospective cohort study across nine IVF clinics in China and New Zealand between 2012 to 2019. 6966 single blastocyst transfer cycles on days 5-7 (fresh and frozen) were collected; of these, 875 transfers were from LGBs (<3BB). Blastocysts with expansion stage 1 or 2 (early blastocysts) were excluded.

The main outcome was live birth rate.

Blastocysts were grouped according to quality grade: good-grade blastocysts (GGBs; n=3849, AA, AB and BA), moderate-grade blastocysts (MGBs; n=2242, BB) and LGBs (n=875, AC, CA, BC, CB and CC). Live birth rates were compared using the Pearson Chi-squared test. A logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between blastocyst grade and live birth after adjustment for confounders: clinic, female age, expansion stage, and blastocyst age.

Results: Live birth rates for GGBs, MGBs and LGBs were 45%, 36% and 28% respectively (p<0.0001). Within the LGB group, the highest live birth rates were for grade C TE (30%) and the lowest were for grade C ICM (19%). The lowest combined grade (CC) had a 15% live birth rate (n=7/48).

The odds of live birth were 2.33 (95% CI = 1.88-2.89) for GGBs compared to LGBs and 1.56 (95% CI = 1.28-1.92) for MGBs compared to LGBs following fresh and frozen blastocyst transfers (p<0.0001). The odds of live birth according to ICM grade were 1.31 (A versus B; 95% CI = 1.15-1.48), 2.82 (A versus C; 95% CI = 1.91-4.18) and 2.16 (B versus C; 95% CI = 1.48-3.16; all p<0.0001). The odds of live birth according to TE grade were 1.33 (A versus B; 95% CI = 1.17-1.50, p<0.0001), 1.85 (A versus C; 95% CI = 1.45-2.34, p<0.0001) and 1.39 (B versus C; 95% CI = 1.12-1.73, p=0.0024).

Conclusion: The live birth rate for LGBs is 28%, with rates ranging between 15-31% for the different inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) subgroups of LGBs. Even those in the lowest grading tier maintain modest live birth rates (15%; CC). Thus, these can be considered for transfer in women with few other options.
Is the Ploidy Status of the Embryo Impacted by Gonadotrophin Dose?
Authors: AGRESTA Franca , GARRETT Claire , STOCK-MYER Sharyn , GARDNER David , STERN Kate
Published: November 2022

Background: There has been much debate and concern about whether the dose of exogenous gonadotrophins used for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) adversely affects the selection of leading follicles and potentially impacts the quality of the eggs retrieved and the embryos created.

The ploidy status of the embryo, as assessed by pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), is used as a measure of embryo quality.
Immunolocalisation of Olfactory Signalling Molecules in Spermatozoa
Authors: MAKEYEVA Y. , NICOL C. , LEACH S. T. , De GRAAF S. P. , LEDGER W. L. , RYUGO D. K.
Published: November 2022

Olfactory receptors (ORs) expressed by mature olfactory sensory neurons (mOSNs) in the olfactory neuroepithelium detect and distinguish volatile chemicals of diverse structure. Chemoreception begins when the odorant binds to the OR, initiating a signal transduction cascade involving olfactory G-protein (Golf), adenylyl cyclase 3 (AC3), and cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels that eventually results in odour perceptions. ORs are also present in non-olfactory systems including spermatozoa.

This study examined the immunolocalisation of olfactory marker protein (OMP), OR6B2 (human OR), Golf and AC3 in spermatozoa. OMP is involved in the olfactory signal transduction pathway and is a marker for mOSNs in the olfactory system and for ORs in non-olfactory systems. If OR-chemosensing is confirmed for spermatozoa, the data would imply involvement with excitability, exocytosis, and chemotaxis.

We used immunohistochemistry and microscopic analysis to examine olfactory signalling molecules in testis (rat) and spermatozoa (human, ram, rat). In human spermatozoa, we experimentally induced three modes of activation: control, activation and hyperactivation. Modes of activation affected OMP and OR6B2 co-expression. OMP was staged-expressed in the testis, and co-localised with AC3 in the acrosomal membrane and head of rat sperm. OMP was co-expressed with OR6B2, Golf, and AC3 on the head and tail of human, ram, and rat spermatozoa, implying different drivers and separate domains for target recognition (head) and motor activation (tail). The staining patterns in spermatozoa suggest OR-mediated, chemoreceptive mechanisms that control motility, facilitate the acrosomal reaction for capacitation, and promote fertilisation.
The Health Needs, Treatment Options, and Experiences from Treatment Including Complementary Medicine of Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Authors: MAUNDER Alison , ARENTZ Susan , ARMOUR Mike , EE Carolyn
Published: November 2022

Background: Women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have fewer oocytes than would be expected at their age. While a decrease in ovarian reserve is a normal part of ageing, some women experience a decrease beyond what is physiologically expected due to normal age-related decline. Optimal management of women with DOR remains unclear, with medically assisted reproduction (MAR) being the only option being offered to women with DOR trying to conceive with autologous oocytes. The success rate of MAR, however, is significantly lower in women with DOR than those with a normal ovarian reserve.

There is no data from a representative sample as to the needs, treatment options and experiences of women with DOR in Australia. Many women in Australia use complementary medicine to improve their chances of having a live healthy baby, with women attempting to conceive being more likely to consult a naturopath than women who are not trying to conceive. We do not know, however, if women with DOR are using complementary medicine, why they are using it and whether they have found the treatment to be helpful.

Aim: To determine the health needs of women with DOR, their experiences and treatment decisions including their reasons for choosing any potential complementary medicine options including naturopathy.

Method: This is a cross-sectional survey of women aged 18 years or over who have been diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve and are living in Australia or New Zealand. Participants are recruited through health websites, newsletters and social media. Each participant completes an anonymous online survey asking about their diagnosis, fertility aspirations, treatments recommended and undertaken, use and experience of traditional, integrative and complementary medicine.

Results: Ethics approval was gained for the survey in March 2021. Data collection began in April 2021 and is due to be completed by the end of June 2021. An estimate of 150 participants will be recruited. Results will be analysed and available for presentation at the FSA conference in September 2021.

Conclusion: This body of research will contribute to the understanding of the health needs and treatment options for women with DOR, highlight the potential strengths and limitations of complementary medicine for managing DOR and guide future research priorities.
Efficacy of Calcium Chloride Dihydrate Supplementation at ICSI on Patient Outcomes
Authors: POPKISS Sophie , HORTA Fabrizzio , VOLLENHOVEN Beverly , GREEN Mark P. , ZANDER-FOX Deirdre
Published: November 2022

Background: ICSI typically results in fertilisation rates of >65% however patients may still have low or no fertilisation despite the oocyte and sperm quality appearing normal. After entry of the sperm into the oocyte, a cascade of reactions facilitates calcium release and subsequent oocyte activation. In cases of poor or failed fertilisation it is possible that this cascade fails and therefore different methods of artificial oocyte activation are used to try and induce calcium release.

Aim: To determine if calcium chloride dihydrate supplementation in the PVP (5mM) at the time of ICSI (ICSI-Ca) improves fertilisation, utilisation and clinical pregnancy rates compared to ICSI alone, particularly in patients with a history of low fertilisation (<50%).

Methods: Retrospective study between 2016-2021 at Monash IVF Victoria on a paired cohort of patients (n=178 patients) where an ICSI cycle was analysed coupled with the subsequent ICSI-Ca cycle. The paired cohort was further subdivided into a low-fertilisation cohort (<50% fertilisation on previous cycles: n=66 patients) compared to the remaining patients with normal-fertilisation ([Formula: see text] 50%; n=122). Exclusion criteria included donor cycles, PGT patients, surgical sperm retrieval, women [Formula: see text] 45 years old, patients with >6 cycles and [Formula: see text] 5 inseminated oocytes.

Results: Calcium supplementation increased both fertilisation (28.8% ICSI vs 49.7% ICSI-Ca, p<0.0001) and clinical pregnancy rate (4.9% ICSI vs 25.0% ICSI-Ca: p<0.05) in the low-fertilisation cohort but not in the normal-fertilisation cohort. Interestingly, utilisation rate increased in the normal-fertilisation cohort (32.6% ICSI vs ICSI-Ca: 44.9%, p<0.01) but not in the low-fertilisation cohort, although the number of extra embryos utilised per patient after ICSI-Ca increased in both groups.

Conclusion: Calcium supplementation appears not to be a detrimental addition to ICSI and may improve IVF outcomes, particularly for patients with a history of low fertilisation. Further investigations including prospective case matched studies or RCT are required to confirm these findings.
Autotuning Convolutions Is Easier Than You Think
Authors: Tollenaere Nicolas , Iooss Guillaume , Pouget Stéphane , Brunie Hugo , Guillon Christophe , Cohen Albert , Sadayappan P. , Rastello Fabrice
Published: November 2022

A wide range of scientific and machine learning applications depend on highly optimized implementations of tensor computations. Exploiting the full capacity of a given processor architecture remains a challenging task, due to the complexity of the microarchitectural features that come into play when seeking near-peak performance. Among the state-of-the-art techniques for loop transformations for performance optimization, AutoScheduler [Zheng et al.
2020a
] tends to outperform other systems. It often yields higher performance as compared to vendor libraries, but takes a large number of runs to converge, while also involving a complex training environment.

In this article, we define a structured configuration space that enables much faster convergence to high-performance code versions, using only random sampling of candidates. We focus on two-dimensional convolutions on CPUs. Compared to state-of-the-art libraries, our structured search space enables higher performance for typical tensor shapes encountered in convolution stages in deep learning pipelines. Compared to auto-tuning code generators like AutoScheduler, it prunes the search space while increasing the density of efficient implementations. We analyze the impact on convergence speed and performance distribution, on two Intel x86 processors and one ARM AArch64 processor. We match or outperform the performance of the state-of-the-art oneDNN library and TVM’s AutoScheduler, while reducing the autotuning effort by at least an order of magnitude.
Estimating Multiclass Service Demand Distributions Using Markovian Arrival Processes
Authors: Wang Runan , Casale Giuliano , Filieri Antonio
Published: November 2022

Building performance models for software services in DevOps is costly and error-prone. Accurate service demand distribution estimation is critical to precisely modeling queueing behaviors and performance prediction. However, current estimation methods focus on capturing the mean service demand, disregarding higher-order moments of the distribution that still can largely affect prediction accuracy. To address this limitation, we propose to estimate higher moments of the service demand distribution for a microservice from monitoring traces. We first generate a closed queueing model to abstract software performance and use it to model the departure process of requests completed by the software service as a Markovian arrival process (MAP). This allows formulating the estimation of service demand into an optimization problem, which aims to find the first multiple moments of the service demand distribution that maximize the likelihood of the MAP using generated the measured inter-departure times. We then estimate the service demand distribution for different classes of service with a maximum likelihood algorithm and novel heuristics to mitigate the computational cost of the optimization process for scalability. We apply our method to real traces from a microservice-based application and demonstrate that its estimations lead to greater prediction accuracy than exponential distributions assumed in traditional service demand estimation approaches for software services.
Leader Thinking, Follower Thinking: Leader Impacts on Follower Creative Performance
Authors: Mumford Michael D. , Fichtel Mark , England Samantha , Newbold Tanner R.
Published: November 2022

Innovation, and the creative thinking that provides the basis for innovation, is of great value for organizations. In this article we describe what is needed for people to think creatively, noting that creative thinking is a complex, albeit voluntary, activity involving performance on certain types of problems. The ways leaders influence peoples’ willingness to engage in, and ability to solve, creative problems are then described. Leaders of creative efforts must not only motivate creative work but also actively contribute to creative problem-solving both by engaging followers in creative problem-solving and by establishing the conditions that allow creative problem-solving at the individual, team, and firm levels. The implications of these observations for leader assessment and leader development are discussed.
Influence of the Polymer Structure and its Crystallization on the Interface Resistance in Polymer-LATP and Polymer-LLZO Hybrid Electrolytes
Authors: Trevisanello Enrico , Ates Tugce , Passerini Stefano , Richter Felix H. , Janek Jürgen
Published: November 2022

For many years, composite electrolytes (CEs) consisting of a mixture of inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs) and polymer electrolytes (PEs) have been investigated as promising materials for the scalable production of solid-state batteries (SSBs). It is believed that CEs can overcome limitations of the single components, namely the low room-temperature conductivity and lithium ion transference number of PEs and the poor mechanical properties and high temperature processing necessary for ISE ceramics. To facilitate ion transport in the CE between the electrodes a low and stable charge transfer resistance between PEs and ISEs is required. In this study, we investigate by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) how polymer crystallinity influences the charge-transfer resistance of hetero-ionic interfaces between polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based electrolytes and Li1.5Al0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 (LATP) as well as Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) as ISEs. Crystallization of PEO based electrolytes below their melting temperature leads to an increased charge-transfer resistance. On the other hand, electrolytes based on the amorphous poly[2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl glycidyl ether (PTG) do not show an increased charge transfer resistance. Finally, the conductivity of ISE-rich CEs is measured as a function of their temperature and composition for elucidating how the interface resistance influences charge transport in ISE-rich composite electrolytes.
Perspective—Trends in the Miniaturization of Photosynthetic Power Cell towards Improved Power Density
Authors: Oseyemi Ayobami Elisha , Kuruvinashetti Kiran , Packirisamy Muthukumaran
Published: November 2022

Microphotosynthetic Power Cells (μPSCs) have emerged as a promising bioelectricity generation technology with the potential to meet the low-power application demand in a sustainable, and environmentally friendly manner by leveraging the photosynthetic capabilities of autotrophs. Internal losses connected to the transfer of charges from the photosynthetic organisms to the electron acceptor (anode electrode), however, continue to pose a serious challenge to the efficiency of the system. Over the years, many different designs have been reported. The potential of boosting power density with device miniaturization is discussed in this study as it provides a crucial pathway for performance enhancement.
Identification of the Potential Molecular Mechanism of TGFBI Gene in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Guan Yao-Zong , Liu Hao , Huang Huan-Jie , Liang Dong-Yan , Wu Si-Ying , Zhang Tang
Published: November 2022

Background. Transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBI, encoded by TGFBI gene), is an extracellular matrix protein, widely expressed in variety of tissues. It binds to collagens type I, II, and IV and plays important roles in the interactions of cell with cell, collagen, and matrix. It has been reported to be associated with myocardial fibrosis, and the latter is an important pathophysiologyical basis of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the mechanism of TGFBI in AF remains unclear. We aimed to detect the potential mechanism of TGFBI in AF via bioinformatics analysis. Methods. The microarray dataset of GSE115574 was examined to detect the genes coexpressed with TGFBI from 14 left atrial tissue samples of AF patients. TGFBI coexpression genes were then screened using the R package. Using online analytical tools, we determined the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of TGFBI and its coexpression genes. The modules and hub genes of the PPI-network were then identified. Another dataset, GSE79768 was examined to verify the hub genes. DrugBank was used to detect the potential target drugs. Results. In GSE115574 dataset, a total of 1818 coexpression genes (769 positive and 1049 negative) were identified, enriched in 120 biological processes (BP), 38 cellular components (CC), 36 molecular functions (MF), and 39 KEGG pathways. A PPI-network with average 12.2-degree nodes was constructed. The genes clustered in the top module constructed from this network mainly play a role in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, viral myocarditis, inflammatory bowel disease, and platelet activation. CXCL12, C3, FN1, COL1A2, ACTB, VCAM1, and MMP2 were identified and finally verified as the hub genes, mainly enriched in pathways like leukocyte transendothelial migration, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, viral myocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and platelet activation. Pegcetacoplan, ocriplasmin, and carvedilol were the potential target drugs. Conclusions. We used microdataset to identify the potential functions and mechanisms of the TGFBI and its coexpression genes in AF patients. Our findings suggest that CXCL12, C3, FN1, COL1A2, ACTB, VCAM1, and MMP2 may be the hub genes.
Detection of Bone Metastases by 68Ga‐DOTA‐SSAs and 18F‐FDG PET/CT: A Two‐Center Head‐to‐Head Study of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Tian Rui , Xie Qing , Yu Fei , Du Changzhi , Yao Xiaochen , Zang Shiming , Zhang Chuan , Zhang Pengjun , Shao Guoqiang , Yang Zhi , Wang Feng , Yu Jiangyuan
Published: November 2022

Purpose. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of dual‐tracer [68Ga‐DOTA‐somatostatin receptor analogs (SSAs) and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)] positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging for detecting bone metastases (BMs) in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP‐NENs). Methods. We retrospectively enrolled 74 GEP‐NEN patients with BMs from two centers, who underwent dual‐tracer PET/CT from January 2014 to March 2021. We compared and analyzed effectiveness of the dual PET/CT imaging techniques on the BMs, based on 18F‐FDG and 68Ga‐DOTA‐SSAs. Specifically, we analyzed the imaging results using χ2 tests for classification variables, paired‐sample tests for number of BMs, Wilcoxon’s signed rank test for number of lesions, and the Kruskal–Wallis test for standard uptake value (SUV) ratio comparison. The correlation of dual‐tracer SUVmax with Ki‐67 index was analyzed by Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results. The detection efficiencies of dual‐tracer PET/CT imaging in patients with different pathologies showed discordant for detecting liver metastases and BMs in group neuroendocrine tumor (NET) G3, 68Ga‐DOTA‐SSAs was better at detecting BMs for NET G3 (P = 0.049 for SUVT/B and P = 0.026 for the number of metastatic lesions). In addition, statistical significance was found among osteogenesis group, osteolysis group, and the no‐change group (for bone SUVT/B value detected by 18F‐FDG and Ki‐67 index, osteogenesis group < osteolysis group; for bone SUVT/B detected by 68Ga‐DOTA‐SSAs, osteogenesis group > the no‐change group). What is more, liver and bone SUVmax and Ki‐67 index were positively correlated in 18F‐FDG imaging (P < 0.001 for liver; P = 0.002 for bone), and negatively correlated in 68Ga‐DOTA‐SSAs imaging (P < 0.001 for liver; P = 0.039 for bone). Conclusions. 68Ga‐DOTA‐SSAs was superior to 18F‐FDG for detecting BMs in NET G1/G2 (well and moderately differentiated NETs), as well as in NET G3 (poorly differentiated NETs). Relatively good differentiation was observed in the osteogenesis group. In addition, dual‐tracer PET/CT imaging results were observably correlated with tumor differentiation.
Retinoic Acid Receptor Gamma (RARγ) Promotes Cartilage Destruction through Positive Feedback Activation of NF-κB Pathway in Human Osteoarthritis
Authors: Yu Yue-Wei , Li Si-Yang , Zhang Lin-Jun , Wang Qian-Liang , Liu Zhong-Guo , Chen Qing-Zhi , Song Hong-Yu , Shen Dong-Yan , Yan Jun
Published: November 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a severe inflammation-related disease which leads to cartilage destruction. The retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARγ) has been indicated to be involved in many inflammation processes. However, the role and mechanism of RARγ in cartilage destruction caused by inflammation in OA are still unknown. Here, we demonstrated that the RARγ was highly expressed in chondrocytes of OA patients compared with healthy people and was positively correlated with the damage degree of cartilage in OA. Cytokine TNF-α promoted the transcription and expression of RARγ through activating the NF-κB pathway in OA cartilage. In addition, the overexpression of RARγ resulted in the upregulation of matrix degradation and inflammation associated genes and downregulation of differentiation and collagen production genes in human normal chondrocyte C28/I2 cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of RARγ could increase the level of p-IκBα and p-P65 to regulate the expression of downstream genes. RARγ and IκBα also could interact with each other and had the same localization in C28/I2 cells. Moreover, the SD rats OA model induced by monosodium iodoacetate indicated that CD437 (RARγ agonist) and TNF-α accelerated the OA progression, including more severe cartilage layer destruction, larger knee joint diameter, and higher serum ALP levels, while LY2955303 (RARγ inhibitor) showed the opposite result. RARγ was also highly expressed in OA group and even higher in TNF-α group. In conclusion, RARγ/NF-κB positive feedback loop was activated by TNF-α in chondrocyte to promote cartilage destruction. Our data not only propose a novel and precise molecular mechanism for OA disease but also provide a prospective strategy for the treatment.
Models to Predict the Number of Infected Cases and Deaths from COVID‐19 in Chile and Its Most Affected Regions
Authors: Novoa-Muñoz Francisco
Published: November 2022

This paper designs and implements a methodology to model the evolution of the COVID‐19 pandemic, produced by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, in what was called the first wave in Chile, which lasted from March 2 to 31 October 2020. The models are based on sigmoidal growth curves and can be used to predict the number of daily infections and deaths in future days, making them a useful tool for sanitary authorities to manage an epidemic. The methodology is applied to the entire country and to each of its most affected regions. In addition, the dynamics of these models allow it to be nurtured with the new information that is being produced and forecast a tentative date on which there would be some control over the pandemic. Moreover, these models allow for predicting the total number of infected and deceased people at the time the pandemic is under control. However, the simplicity of these models, which consider only the accumulated data of those infected and deceased, does not contemplate an intervention analysis such as vaccinations, which, as is known, are being effective in controlling the pandemic.