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Purpose: There is several albeit not univocal evidence suggesting that ovarian reserve is not related to the chance of natural pregnancy, provided that the remnant follicular pool is sufficient to ensure regular menstrual cycles. Nevertheless, available studies have some methodological limitations, and the issue cannot be considered definitively ascertained. Methods: To further address this issue, we retrospectively selected infertile women whose infertility diagnostic work-up was unremarkable (unexplained infertility-cases) and matched them by age and study period to a group of infertile women who were diagnosed with severe male infertility (controls). If ovarian reserve impacts on natural fertility, one had to expect lower ovarian reserve among women with unexplained infertility. Tested biomarkers included AMH, AFC and day 2–3 serum FSH. The primary aim was the frequency of women with serum AMH < 0.7 ng/ml. Results: Two-hundred fifty-two women with unexplained infertility and 252 women with male infertility were included. All biomarkers of ovarian reserve did not differ between the study groups. AMH levels < 0.7 ng/mL were observed in 26 (10%) women with unexplained infertility and 35 (14%) women with male infertility (p = 0.28). The adjusted OR was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.44–1.33). Significant differences did not also emerge when repeating this dichotomous analysis using other biomarkers and other thresholds for the definition of low-ovarian reserve. Conclusion: This study confirms that ovarian reserve is unremarkable to natural conception. Physicians and patients should be aware of this concept to avoid inappropriate counseling and undue clinical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public transport systems worldwide experienced significant declines in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdowns and work-from-home mandates. While numerous studies have examined these phenomena, there is still a need for empirical evidence that not only documents what occurred but also provides actionable insights for future transport planning. This study aims to enhance understanding of public transport passengers' mobility behaviors during different stages of the pandemic, using the Metropolitan Area of Porto, Portugal, as a case study. Automated Fare Collection data from 2020 were analyzed and compared with data from the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The analysis included temporal, spatial, spatio-temporal, and sociodemographic dimensions. Key patterns and trends identified include a rapid recovery of ridership post-restriction easing, homogenized daily travel patterns, varied impacts on different transport modes, and significant shifts in demographic travel behaviors. These findings highlight the resilience of public transport demand and suggest that adaptive scheduling, enhanced safety measures, targeted support for vulnerable groups, promotion of off-peak travel, investment in bus infrastructure, and encouragement of multi-modal transport are essential strategies. Implementing these strategies can help improve public transport planning and mitigate the adverse effects of future crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creeping of Armoured Face Conveyor (AFC) is an engineering problem that needs to be avoided in coal mining production process. In this paper, a method for predicting the creeping accident of AFC based on fuzzy reasoning and Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) fusion iteration is put forward. Firstly, through the force analysis of the AFC and the fuzzy correlation analysis method in the actual operation process, the reasons for the creeping of AFC are analyzed; Secondly, according to the propulsion characteristics of the AFC in the time sequence development, the method of the AFC running track based on Bi-LSTM neural network is proposed; Then, on the basis of the virtual transformation of the prediction results, a judgment mechanism for the extent of the creeping of the AFC based on fuzzy evidence reasoning based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (D-S evidence theory) is established; Finally, the analysis on the creeping of 9711 full-mechanized mining face in Kaiyuan Mine under virtual environment after 6 cycles of continuous advancement shows that the extent of creeping of AFC is relatively high and coal mining accidents are likely to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To improve the reliability of prediction models for ovarian response to stimulation in ART. Design: A multicenter retrospective cohort study. Setting: Twelve reproductive centers. Patients: A total of 25,854 controlled ovarian stimulations between 2005 and 2016, including cycles cancelled for inadequate response, were included. Intervention(s): None. Main outcome measure(s): Precision of the prediction of the number of oocytes at ovarian pickup and of cancellation rate for poor ovarian response. Results: Both AMH and antral follicle count exhibit a non-linear effect on the oocyte yield, with a linear relationship after log-transformation. After adjustment for age, BMI, and center, ovarian response observed in a previous stimulation was found to be the best predictor, followed by AMH and AFC. The zero-inflated binomial negative model showed that predictors of cycle cancellation and number of oocytes at retrieval were different, and assimilating cancellation to zero oocyte greatly reduces the determination of the model. Our model was characterized by the best ever reached determination (R2=0.505 for non-naïve women, 0.313 for all the women) and provided evidence of a very strong difference among centers. The results can be easily converted in the prediction of response levels (poor-medium-good-high). Finally, in case of partial report of the above predictors, we show that the univariate prediction based on the best predictor provides a good approximation. Conclusion(s): A substantial improvement of the ovarian response prediction is possible in modelling the possible cancellation decision, followed by the oocyte retrieval itself, according to an appropriate model based on previous stimulation and non-linear effects of AMH and AFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permo-Carboniferous rhyolitic rocks are widespread in the NE German Basin and NW Polish Basin. Hafnium (Hf) and oxygen (O) isotopes analysed in zircon from these rocks suggest diverse sources and processes involved in the formation of rhyolitic magmas. In this study, detailed core-to-rim trace element compositions were analyzed in zircon from four localities that were previously analyzed for Hf and O isotopes. The trace element analyses, in particular Hf concentrations as well as Eu/Eu*, Ce/U, Yb/Gd, and Th/U ratios, are consistent with prolonged magma evolution in three localities from the NE German Basin (Fehmarn, Slazwedel and Penkun). The fourth locality within the NW Polish Basin (Wysoka Kamieńska) is consistent with a shorter period of magma evolution. Similar stages were distinguished in zircon from the three NE German Basin localities that include: early crystallization followed by rejuvenation with more primitive magma (stage A), subsequent fractional crystallization (stage B) and finally late crystallization in a saturated system or alternatively late rejuvenation with a more primitive magma (stage C). Interestingly magmatic rims on inherited zircon grains have compositions typical for late stage B and stage C, which is consistent with their late addition to evolving rhyolitic magma, most probably during assimilation and not during source melting. The zircon from the fourth, NW Polish Basin locality shows limited compositional variability consistent with the eruption of hot magma not long after the zircon started crystallizing. Thus trace element analyses in zircon provide a record of magmatic processes complementary to that of Hf and O isotope analysis, in that, a detailed analyses of core-to-rim compositional variations are particularly useful in distinguishing respective stages of magma evolution and can pinpoint the relative timing of inherited grains being incorporated into magma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is one of the primary causes of poor ICSI outcomes. Therefore, this study was performed to speculate which of the following parameters: AMH, AFC, and women's age can be used as a predictor factor of the DOR in women aged < 40 years. This prospective study enrolled 500 women suffering from idiopathic infertility problems and who underwent GnRH antagonist multiple-dose stimulation protocol. The women were divided into two groups: normal fertility (FSH ≤ 10 mIU/mL, n = 300) and DOR (FSH > 10 mIU/mL, n = 200). At the time of the study, the average of women age was 29.3 ± 5.7 years. A significant reduction was found in AMH level, AFC, number of mature, immature oocytes, fertilized oocytes, embryos transferred, and β-hCG level in the DOR group compared to the normal fertility group (P < 0.001). Conversely, a significant increase was shown in the age of the DOR group compared to the normal fertility group (30.8 ± 5.8 vs. 28.2 ± 5.4, respectively; P < 0.001). A significant negative association was found between the AFC, the number of mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes, embryos transferred, and the basal level of FSH in the DOR group (P < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) demonstrated that AMH level and AFC had the highest accuracy, followed by age in the prediction of DOR (P < 0.001) with a cut-off value of ≤ 1.2 ng/mL, ≤ 4.5, and > 29.5 years, respectively. This study exhibited that the levels of AMH and AFC are the best biomarkers, followed by age for the prediction of DOR in women < 40 years old. Furthermore, AMH is the only independent factor that is significantly related to DOR in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the roll-out of renewable energies, highly-efficient storage systems are needed to be developed to enable sustainable use of these technologies. For short duration lithium-ion batteries provide the best performance, with storage efficiencies between 70 and 95%. Hydrogen based technologies can be developed as an attractive storage option for longer storage durations. But, common polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and fuel cells have round-trip system efficiencies of only 30–40%, and platinum and rare iridium catalysts are needed. Thus, it is a major challenge to increase the energy conversion efficiency of electrolyzers and fuel cells significantly, and at the same time to use non-precious catalysts. The present work experimentally examines the usefulness of a bifunctional NiC catalyst in two different assemblies: an alkaline fuel cell (AFC) with electrolyte gap and gas diffusion electrodes and an alkaline membrane electrolyzer (AEL). The performance characteristics of the novel system are compared with a reversible PEM fuel cell. While the AEL reaches acceptable power densities, the PEM based system still performs better than the proposed system. The AFC with an electrolyte gap provides remarkable results as it shows vanishingly small overvoltage during electrolysis at temperatures around 90 °C and current density of 100 mA cm−2: an electrolyzer efficiency of about 100% could be achieved for the single cell. The round-trip efficiency was also very high: 65% were realized with 50 mA cm−2. While the current density must be improved, this is a promising result for designing highly-efficient energy storage systems based on alkaline fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel clay (aminoclay, AC) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was employed as a novel hybrid supporting material to Ag and Au nanoparticles for the improvement of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The size and structure of the catalysts were studied by XRD and electron microscopy analysis, revealing that the average crystallite and particle size was about 3.4 and 2.6 nm for Au and 16.2 and 15.3 nm for Ag nanoparticles, respectively. The ORR performance was probed by employing the voltammetry techniques under static and hydrodynamic conditions. The results show that the electrochemical surface area of Au (57.5 m2/g) and Ag (17.8 m2/g) on AC/MWCNT are larger than that of AC-free catalysts, and the ORR mechanism follows a direct 4-electron transfer pathway. The supported Au and Ag on AC/MWCNT catalysts explicitly showed the enhanced electrocatalytic efficiency and activity on ORR than that of the AC-free MWCNT catalysts. This work demonstrates that developing surface functionalized carbon support using an inorganic silicate layer (clay minerals) as hybrid support for the persistence of active metal catalysts could be a promising strategy for advanced LT-AFCs ORR electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) are correlated with the ovarian response, but their reliability and reproducibility are questionable. This large multicenter study describes their distribution, inter-cycle and inter-center variability, and their correlation. Methods: A total of 25,854 IVF cycles among 15,219 patients were selected in 12 ART centers. Statistical distribution of AMH and AFC was studied by using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and Shapiro goodness of fit test. The reproducibility of AFC and AMH was measured using a mixed model regressing the logarithmic transformation of AFC with age. Results: The distribution of AMH and AFC was characterized by a wide dispersion of values, twice more important for AFC, and a logarithmic distribution. The faster decline in AMH than in AFC with age suggests that their correlation changes with age. AMH and AFC showed a very low proportion of concordance in the range of expected poor responders according to Bologna cutoffs. The heterogeneity for AMH and AFC across centers was small, but much larger across patients within each center. Concerning the patients with several successive cycles, the reproducibility for AMH seemed much better than for AFC. Comparing respective performances of AMH and AFC for the prediction of ovarian response depended on the local conditions for measuring these indicators and on the reproducibility of results improved over time. Conclusion: Distribution of AMH and AFC was characterized by the wide dispersion of values, and a logarithmic distribution. Establishing cutoffs or a direct relationship AMH/AFC without considering age seems hazardous. Correlation between AMH and AFC was very poor in the range of poor responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The physical characteristics which are known to affect the ovarian reserve are age, body mass index (BMI), occupational exposures, age at menarche and menstrual cycle length. A correlation between different physical characteristics and the ovarian reserve will help to identify areas which need to be tackled to increase the chances of fertility of women in India. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, namely the MOTHER Study, data of women between 18 and 45 years of age, attending the selected fertility centers across different states in India were taken for evaluation. Demographic information along with information on factors potentially related to fertility like age of menarche, menstrual cycle length and occupational factors were collected by review of medical records at screening visit. Most recent AMH assay and antral follicle count (AFC) where the subject has not taken any contraceptives 12 months prior to the test were collected. Results: Age of woman, years of marriage, years of infertility and smoking have shown effect on ovarian reserve testing like AMH and AFC. The other physical characteristics which were evaluated and considered to affect the ovarian reserve like body mass index BMI, occupational exposures, age at menarche and menstrual cycle length have not shown statistically significant correlation. Conclusion: Age of woman and years of infertility are inversely proportional to ovarian reserve markers, namely AMH and AFC. Addictions like smoking and alcohol affect ovarian reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dexmedetomidine (Dex), a highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor (α2AR) agonist, has an anti-inflammatory property and can alleviate pulmonary edema in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI), but the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effect of Dex on alveolar epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the modulation of alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) and the underlying mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce acute lung injury (ALI) in rats and alveolar epithelial cell injury in A549 cells. In vivo, Dex markedly reduced pulmonary edema induced by LPS through promoting AFC, prevented LPS-induced downregulation of α-, β-, and γ-ENaC expression, attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, reduced the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and increased concentrations of IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In A549 cells stimulated with LPS, Dex attenuated LPS-mediated cell injury and the downregulation of α-, β-, and γ-ENaC expression. However, all of these effects were blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, suggesting that the protective role of Dex is PI3K-dependent. Additionally, Dex increased the expression of phosphorylated Akt and reduced the expression of Nedd4-2, while LY294002 reversed the effect of Dex in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, a PI3K agonists, promoted the expression of phosphorylated Akt and reduced the expression of Nedd4-2 in LPS-stimulated A549 cells, indicating that Dex worked through PI3K, and Akt and Nedd4-2 are downstream of PI3K. In conclusion, Dex alleviates pulmonary edema by suppressing inflammatory response in LPS-induced ALI, and the mechanism is partly related to the upregulation of ENaC expression via the PI3K/Akt/Nedd4-2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the safety demands of various progressively complex structures (e.g., in aerospace, automotive engineering, and wind power technology) and the parallel goal of reducing inspection costs set new objectives in the field of ultrasonics and guided elastic wave measurements. The focus is to deliver applicable sensors attached permanently to a particular structure for on-demand inspections. Piezoelectric fiber patches (PFPs) are known as lightweight and structure-conforming transducers for guided elastic wave generation and detection. We propose a new PFP concept combining advantages of different previous designs. With the new approach, a user can switch between a Lamb wave and a shear horizontal wave excitation by partially changing the polarity of the transducer electrodes. After summarizing the existing PFP variants, the new concept is introduced and experimentally verified by a three-dimensional laser Doppler vibrometer visualization of excited waves. Moreover, the first prototype of the new PFP transducer is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To establish a mathematical model for assessing the true ovarian reserve based on the predicted probability of poor ovarian response (POR). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 1523 GnRH-antagonist cycles in 2017 were firstly analyzed. The ovarian responses were calculated based on the number of retrieved oocytes. The continuous variables were converted into categorical variables according to cutoff values generated by the decision tree method. The optimal model was identified using forward stepwise multiple logistic regression with 5-fold cross-validation and further verified its performances using outer validation data. Results: The predictors in our model were anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle counts (AFC), basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and age, in order of their significance, named AAFA model. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AAFA model in inner validation and outer validation data were 0.861 and 0.850, 0.603 and 0.519, 0.917 and 0.930, 0.655 and 0.570, and 0.899 and 0.915. Ovarian reserve of 16 subgroups was further ranked according to the predicted probability of POR and further divided into 4 groups of A–D using clustering analysis. The incidence of POR in the four groups was 0.038 (0.030–0.046), 0.139 (0.101–0.177), 0.362 (0.308–0.415), and 0.571 (0.525–0.616), respectively. The order of ovarian reserve from adequate to poor followed the order of A to D. Conclusion: We have established an easy applicable AAFA model for assessing true ovarian reserve and may have important implications in both infertile women and general reproductive women in Chinese or Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been used for decades and millions of cycles have been performed worldwide until now, criteria for selecting the proper FSH starting dose have not been clearly identified. The aim of this study was to elaborate a formula based on markers of ovarian reserve for the calculation of the appropriate starting dose of FSH.Methods: A total of 931 patients underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment using long GnRH agonist protocol was retrospectively identified and reviewed. 673 cases of them with a normal ovarian response (4-14 retrieved oocytes) were used to analysis the predictive formula. All follicles 4-7 mm in diameter were counted in the same day of blood sample in both ovaries using transvaginal ultrasound scan. The modified protocol of each patient was recorded and analyzed in the same center. In another center were the numbers of retrieved oocytes of 750 validated patients recorded and analyzed.Results: A formula model based on age, AMH, and antral follicle count (AFC) was able to accurately predict the ovarian sensitivity and accounted for 57.2% of the variability of ovarian response to FSH. When tested in the same total population used to elaborate the model it predicts a high 46.88% rate of step-down protocol in higher-starting FSH dose group and about 57.92% of patients had their dose step-up modified in lower-starting FSH dose group during their treatment, respectively. And when tested in different population from another center used to elaborate the model it predicts a high 64.40% rate of ≥ 15 retrieved oocytes in higher-starting FSH dose group and about 22.50% of patients had ≤ 7 retrieved oocytes in lower-starting FSH dose group during their treatment, respectively.Conclusions: In the present study we demonstrated that the individualized FSH starting dose may be calculated on the basis of a woman's age, AMH and AFC. The formula model might be a useful, immediate, and easily applicable tool for clinicians to predict the tailored starting dose of FSH during their daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of composite electrocatalyst was designed and prepared with NiFe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and CoPc for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The NiFe LDH-CoPc/CNT composite exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity and stability than the commercial precious metal catalyst Pd/C + Ru/C in 6 M KOH electrolyte. The resulting rechargeable Zn-air battery showed high discharge voltage at 195 mW cm−2. The discharge voltage is around 1.08~0.95 V and the charge voltage is lower, 2.07 V, after the cycle of 300 h at 80 mA cm−2, indicating that zinc-air battery possessed high reversibility and durability over long charge and discharge cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various ovarian reserve markers have been used to predict ovarian response and pregnancy. However, concerning Chinese population, fewer trials have been performed using the combined ovarian reserve markers to predict ovarian response and pregnancy in GnRH antagonist protocols.Methods: Data from a total of 373 patients' in vitro fertilization cycles using GnRH antagonist protocol was retrospectively included. According to our center's daily practice, circulating follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol (E2) were tested on menstrual cycle day 2-4 or hCG trigger day, and the concentration of AMH was determined despite of menstrual cycle. The antral follicle count (AFC) was assessed by transvaginal ultrasound on day 2-4 of menstrual cycle. Different ovarian response was defined as 0-4 and 5-15 and >15 oocyte retrieved for low and normal and high ovarian response, respectively. Gestational sac with fetal heartbeat detected by ultrasound was considered as clinical pregnancy.Results: Serum AMH levels was the most accurate marker in predicting ovarian response [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve = 0.767]. Significant difference was found in age between non-clinical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy groups (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that the circulating AMH despite of menstrual cycle was preferable in prediction of oocyte retrieved outcome during GnRH antagonist protocol than age, AFC and the other currently used hormone markers. Furthermore, age is the only marker in predicting clinical pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are conducted to study the actuated flow field around a bluff body. The model is a simplified section of a truck. The aim of the work is to model the separation of the flow acting at the front rounded corners, the so called A-pillars, and to minimize the separation of the flow by means of Zero Net Mass Flux synthetic jets. LES data show the interaction of the flow main structures, the separation mechanism and the effects of the actuation on the flow field. The flow is post processed using modal and frequency decompositions. Relevant results in terms of drag reduction were observed for the actuated flow. The principle flow mechanisms are discussed and an optimal actuation frequency, in terms of induced fluctuations and drag reduction, is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, using public transport smart card data observed in Seoul, Korea, we provide empirical evidence related to the impact of the opening of a new railway line on passenger demand changes at transfer stations. An intervention time series modeling framework was applied to evaluate the travel demand patterns based upon massive card data collected before and after a new line opened. The results show that the new line opening has had meaningful intervention effects on passenger demand, but significant changes were not observed at all stations. This implies that the trends have been changed structurally and the changes may last for a long time. Consequently, it is found that the new line opening changed the trends of passenger ridership and these changes can be successfully explained by various intervention patterns derived from extensive Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) data. The intervention analysis will provide valuable information to transit agencies to enable them to make better decisions related to transit planning, pricing, and the deployment of new transit services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic surgery can affect ovarian reserve, but estimates of the potential effect of different surgical procedures are lacking. This study examines the markers of ovarian reserve after different procedures in order to help the provision of informed consent before surgery. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of women with a history of salpingectomy, ovarian cystectomy or unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were compared to those without history of surgery using cross-sectional data adjusting for patient and clinical factors in multivariable regression model. There were 138 women who had had salpingectomy, 36 unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, 41 cystectomy for ovarian cysts that are other than endometrioma and 40 women had had excision of endometrioma. There was no significant difference in AMH (9 %; p = 0.33), AFC (−2 %; p = 0.59) or FSH (−14 %; p = 0.21) in women with a history of salpingectomy compared to women without surgery. Women with a history of unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were found to have significantly lower AMH (−54 %; p = 0.001). These women also had lower AFC (−28 %; p = 0.34) and higher FSH (14 %; p = 0.06), the effect of which did not reach statistical significance. The study did not find any significant associations between a history of cystectomy, for disease other than endometrioma and AMH (7 %; p = 0.62), AFC (13 %; p = 0.18) or FSH. (11 %; p = 0.16). Women with a history of cystectomy for ovarian endometrioma had 66 % lower AMH ( p = 0.002). Surgery for endometrioma did not significantly affect AFC (14 %; p = 0.22) or FSH (10 %; p = 0.28). Salpingo-oopherectomy and cystectomy for endometrioma cause a significant reduction in AMH levels. Neither salpingectomy nor cystectomy for cysts other than endometrioma has appreciable effects on ovarian reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is characterized by poor fertility outcomes, and it represents a major challenge in reproductive medicine. Although consensus exists on the concept of DOR, its definition remains blurry. DOR has to be distinguished from premature ovarian failure (POF) and poor ovarian responders (POR), who are clearly defined. Methods: We performed a PubMed search with the terms 'diminished ovarian reserve' and 'in vitro fertilization (IVF)' to assess the homogeneity of the definition of DOR. Results: Out of 121 articles, 14 gave a definition for DOR. Only one definition was used by two different teams (basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) value >10 IU/l) and eight teams used 11 different definitions. Among those, four definitions did not include antral follicular count (AFC) and seven studies did. Two definitions included the results from a previous cycle. Conclusions: The heterogeneity in the definition of DOR used in these studies contributes to confusing results. Hence, there is a need for a clear definition of DOR. It appears that AFC and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum levels are the most relevant criteria. One option could be the use of the following definition: (i) woman with any of the risk factors for POR and/or (ii) an abnormal ovarian reserve test (i.e., antral follicular count (AFC) <5-7 follicles or AMH <0.5-1.1 ng/ml). This hypothesis requires validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to compare the baseline characteristics and chance of live birth in the different categories of poor responders identified by the combinations of the Bologna criteria and establish whether these groups comprise a homogenous population. Methods: database containing clinical and laboratory information on IVF treatment cycles carried out at the Mother-Infant Department of the University Hospital of Modena between year 2007 and 2011 was analysed. This data was collected prospectively and recorded in the registered database of the fertility centre. Eight hundred and thirty women fulfilled the inclusion/ exclusion criteria of the study and 210 women fulfilled the Bologna criteria definition for poor ovarian response (POR). Five categories of poor responders were identified by different combinations of the Bologna criteria. Results: There were no significant differences in female age, AFC, AMH, cycle cancellation rate and number of retrieved oocytes between the five groups. The live birth rate ranged between 5.5 and 7.4 % and was not statistically different in the five different categories of women defined as poor responders according to the Bologna criteria. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the different groups of poor responders based on the Bologna criteria have similar IVF outcomes. This information validates the Bologna criteria definition as women having a uniform poor prognosis and also demonstrates that the Bologna criteria poor responders in the various subgroups represent a homogenous population with similar pre-clinical and clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Success rates of any artificial reproduction techniques depend on a correct protocol for ovarian stimulation. This can be decided only by proper assessment of ovarian reserve before commencing ovarian stimulation. This study has been conducted to investigate the role of hormonal and functional biomarkers in the prediction of ovarian response. Methods: A total of 689 women between July 2012 and July 2013 undergoing IVF at Kocaeli University have been enrolled in the study. Patients have been categorized into three groups according to the number of oocytes retrieved: 0-3 oocytes (poor responders), 4-15 oocytes (normoresponders), and >16 oocytes (hyperresponders). Groups have been compared according to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), E2, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, antral follicle counts, and E2 levels on hCG days. Furthermore, regression analysis has been performed with parameters such as age, FSH, LH, E2, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle counts (AFC) that can affect the total number of oocytes retrieved and pregnancy rates and their interactions with each other have been investigated. Results: FSH, age, hCG day LH level, cycle cancellation rate, total gonadotropin dose were significantly higher in the poor responder group, but in this group, AFC, AMH, hCG day E2 level, and the number of MII oocytes were significantly lower. Cut-off values of normal responders for FSH, AMH, and AFC were 8.43 area under curve [AUC: 0.541 (0.491-0.590)], 0.62 [AUC: 0.704 (0.638-0.764)], and 6 [AUC: 0.715 (0.667-0.760)], respectively. Cut-off values for the absolute poor response group (cycle cancellation) were 12.75 for FSH [AUC: 0.533 (0.49-0.57)], 0.23 for AMH [AUC: 0.678 (0.618-0.733)], and 6 for AFC [AUC: 0.576 (0.531-0.613)]. AMH and AFC were the best markers for the prediction of total oocyte count, independent of age, FSH, and LH levels. Conclusions: AMH and AFC were found to be the best ovarian reserve tests that can determine the total oocyte count retrieved, without any significant effects on pregnancy rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described in this work is an electrochemical evaluation of novel alkaline ionomers employed as catalyst binder for non-platinum group metal electrocatalysts based on cyanamide precursor. Electrochemical evaluation of the non-platinum group metal (non-PGM) catalyst bound with the featured alkaline ionomer classes over a range of conditions gives insight into how they behave, as well as provide information on how the varying functionalities enhance or inhibit the rate of oxygen reduction. We are showing that the polymer backbone structure has a larger influence on facilitating favorable reaction kinetics than ionomer to catalysts ratio. The poly(sulfone)-derived ionomers result in a worse activity than electrocatalysts with Nafion® and poly(phenylene)-derived ionomers. They also exhibited more peroxide desorption and greater limitation in the mass transport regime. The poly(phenylene)-derived polymers performed in line with the benchmark ionomer, Nafion®. The poly(phenylene)-derived ionomers show promise as fruitful line of research in establishing an anion-conducting ionomer for alkaline electrolyte fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of coupled assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) is one of the most popular petrogenetic concepts that explains magmatic differentiation. Conventional geochemical models for this process assume that crystals are removed instantaneously from the magma body as they are produced; however, recent advances in isotopic microanalysis have clarified that the crystals are suspended within the magma body for a certain period, affecting the whole-rock composition in response to the intra-grain isotopic zoning. This study develops a mass balance model for simultaneous assimilation and imperfect fractional crystallization (AIFC) to describe the effects of suspended crystals on the path of magma evolution. The mass balance differential equations for the liquid and suspended crystals are solved simultaneously. The analytical solution of the AIFC equations gives a quantitative account of the evolution paths of trace elements and isotopes within bulk crystals, liquid, and magma (crystals plus liquid). The chemical path of the magma differs markedly from that predicted by the conventional AFC model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]