Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hormonal and Seminal Parameters in Infertile Men

Summary: 500 infertile patients (250 with and 250 without left side varicocele) and 33 fertile men were evaluated as far as seminal parameters and the hormonal status were concerned. Sperm motility was constantly lower in infertile patients also when infertile group was compared to fertile one with the same sperm density. Serum testosterone levels were lower in infertile groups when compared to fertile men, and this confirms the existence of an androgenic deficit as a common finding in infertility associated or not to varicocele. FSH and LH increased (p < 0.001) when sperm density dropped to less than 5 times 106 spermatozoa/ml. A negative correlation was found between both gonadotropins and sperm count (p < 0.001), also after exclusion of azoo‐ and oligozoospermic (less than 5 times 106 spermatozoa/ml) patients (p < 0.01). Gonadotropins were moreover tightly correlated between each other (p < 0.001). Our data suggest that both gonadotropins are tightly tuned with sperm output and thus with the spermatogenic potential.
Thermal Degradation of Malaysian Domestic Wastewater Sludge ( DWS ) Using Thermogravimetric Analysis Method

Article history: Received 14 May 2018 Received in revised form 22 July 2018 Accepted 12 July 2018 Available online 16 August 2018 Domestic Wastewater Sludge (DWS) is the waste generated from the wastewater treatment plant. Recently, the potential energy from wastewater effluents has become an interest among researchers due to high potential to be converted into energy and reduce harmful emission compared to fossil fuel. This study was aimed to study the effect of heating rates and particle size on Domestic Wastewater Sludge (DWS) by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method. In this study, the sample of DWS was thermally dried using thermal dryer to reduce the moisture content until below than 20% for conversion into fuel. After that, the sample of DWS was analyzed using a nonisothermal TGA with a continuous flow of oxygen at a rate of 30 mL/min with temperature from room temperature which is 30°C to 800°C. There are three sample particle sizes ranging between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and heating rate between 5 K/min to 20 K/min were used in this study. Based on the results from TGA analysis, the particle size does not have any significant effect at first, however it started to separate explicitly when the temperature getting increases. In addition, the sample size of DWS may affect the reactivity and the combustion performance caused by the heat transfer and temperature gradient. Besides that, it can be concluded that the TG and the peak of derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) curves have a tendency to change at high temperature when heating rate is increased because of the limitation of mass transfer and the delay of decomposition process.
Evaluation of Cynomolgus Monkeys for the Identification of Endogenous Biomarkers for Hepatic Transporter Inhibition and as a Translatable Model to Predict Pharmacokinetic Interactions with Statins in Humans

Inhibition of hepatic transporters such as organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) 1B can cause drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Determining the impact of perpetrator drugs on the plasma exposure of endogenous substrates for OATP1B could be valuable to assess the risk for DDIs early in drug development. As OATP1B orthologs are well conserved between human and monkey, we assessed in cynomolgus monkeys the endogenous OATP1B substrates that are potentially suitable to assess DDI risk in humans. The effect of rifampin (RIF), a potent inhibitor for OATP1B, on plasma exposure of endogenous substrates of hepatic transporters was measured. From the 18 biomarkers tested, RIF (18 mg/kg, oral) caused significant elevation of plasma unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin, which may be attributed to inhibition of cOATP1B1 and cOATP1B3 based on in vitro to in vivo extrapolation analysis. To further evaluate whether cynomolgus monkeys are a suitable translational model to study OATP1B-mediated DDIs, we determined the inhibitory effect of RIF on in vitro transport and pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin (RSV) and atorvastatin (ATV). RIF strongly inhibited the uptake of RSV and ATV by cOATP1B1 and cOATP1B3 in vitro. In agreement with clinical observations, RIF (18 mg/kg, oral) significantly decreased plasma clearance and increased the area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC) of intravenously administered RSV by 2.8- and 2.7-fold, and increased the AUC and maximum plasma concentration of orally administered RSV by 6- and 10.3-fold, respectively. In contrast to clinical findings, RIF did not significantly increase plasma exposure of either intravenous or orally administered ATV, indicating species differences in the rate-limiting elimination pathways.
TWO DISTANT HALO VELOCITY GROUPS DISCOVERED BY THE PALOMAR TRANSIENT FACTORY

We report the discovery of two new halo velocity groups (Cancer groups A and B) traced by eight distant RR Lyrae stars and observed by the Palomar Transient Factory survey at R.A. ∼ 129°, decl. ∼ 20° (l ∼ 205°, b ∼ 32°). Located at 92 kpc from the Galactic center (86 kpc from the Sun), these are some of the most distant substructures in the Galactic halo known to date. Follow-up spectroscopic observations with the Palomar Observatory 5.1 m Hale telescope and W. M. Keck Observatory 10 m Keck I telescope indicate that the two groups are moving away from the Galaxy at km s−1 (Cancer group A) and km s−1 (Cancer group B). The groups have velocity dispersions of km s−1 and km s−1 and are spatially extended (about several kpc), making it very unlikely that they are bound systems, and more likely to be debris of tidally disrupted dwarf galaxies or globular clusters. Both groups are metal-poor (median metallicities of [Fe/H]A = −1.6 dex and [Fe/H]B = −2.1 dex) and have a somewhat uncertain (due to small sample size) metallicity dispersion of ∼0.4 dex, suggesting dwarf galaxies as progenitors. Two additional RR Lyrae stars with velocities consistent with those of the Cancer groups have been observed ∼25° east, suggesting possible extension of the groups in that direction.
Phytochemical Evaluation, Antimicrobial Activity, and Determination of Bioactive Components from Leaves of Aegle marmelos

The therapeutic value of Aegle marmelos Correa (Rutaceae), commonly known as ‘‘Bael,” has been recognized as a component of traditional medication for the treatment of various human ailments. The plant, though, being highly explored, still lacks sufficient evidences for the best variety possessing the highest degree of medicinal values. The present study is focused on phytochemical screening of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of 18 varieties/accessions of A. marmelos. The crude extracts of A. marmelos revealed the presence of several biologically active phytochemicals with the highest quantity of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols in Pant Aparna variety. The antibacterial efficacy was investigated against pathogenic bacterial strains and the highest inhibitory activity of aqueous extract was obtained against S. epidermidis, whereas methanolic extract was found to be most potent against S. aureus at 40 mg/mL concentration. However, in aqueous : ethanol, the best results were observed against E. aerogenes followed by K. pneumonia and S. epidermidis. The MIC of aqueous and methanol extract of Aegle marmelos ranged from 10 mg/mL to 40 mg/mL whereas in aqueous : ethanol it ranged between 40 mg/mL and 160 mg/mL. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic compounds, fatty acid methyl esters, terpenoids, phenolics, and steroids that can be postulated for antibacterial activity.
Atomic-Resolution Measurement of Oxygen Concentration in Oxide Materials

Using high-resolution imaging at negative spherical aberration of the objective lens in an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope, we measure the concentration of oxygen in Σ3{111} twin boundaries in BaTiO3 thin films at atomic resolution. On average, 68% of the boundary oxygen sites are occupied, and the others are left vacant. The modified Ti2O9 group unit thus formed reduces the grain boundary energy and provides a way of accommodating oxygen vacancies occurring in oxygen-deficient material by the formation of a nanotwin lamellae structure. The atomically resolved measurement technique offers the potential for studies on oxide materials in which the electronic properties sensitively depend on the local oxygen content.
An Assessment Method of the Integrated E-Commerce Readiness for Construction Organizations in Developing Countries

A growing volume of literature proclaims the benefits of e-commerce for construction organizations in developing countries. However, it is questionable on what are determinants of a successful implementation of e-commerce in such a context. Furthermore, lacking a model or a method through which to discuss and assist for construction companies in improving their success rate of the implementation. This paper proposed such a method called the â€œintegratedâ€ e-commerce readiness method (IECR). In this method, the role of an organizationâ€™s perception of operating environment is highlighted, and e-readiness of an individual organization is considered as an integrated power of the internal and external resources.
Response of multi-panel assembly to noise from a jet in forward motion

A model of the interaction of the noise from a spreading subsonic jet with a 4 panel assembly is studied numerically in two dimensions. The effect of forward motion of the jet is accounted for by considering a uniform flow field superimposed on a mean jet exit profile. The jet is initially excited by a pulse-like source inserted into the flow field. The pulse triggers instabilities associated with the inviscid instability of the jet shear layer. These instabilities generate sound which in turn serves to excite the panels. We compare the sound from the jet, the responses of the panels and the resulting acoustic radiation for the static jet and the jet in forward motion. The far field acoustic radiation, the panel response and sound radiated from the panels are all computed and compared to computations of a static jet. The results demonstrate that for a jet in forward motion there is a reduction in sound in downstream directions and an increase in sound in upstream directions in agreement with experiments. Furthermore, the panel response and radiation for a jet in forward motion exhibits a downstream attenuation as compared with the static case.
Adaptive divergence in flowering time among natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana: Estimates of selection and QTL mapping

To identify the ecological and genetic mechanisms of local adaptation requires estimating selection on traits, identifying their genetic basis, and evaluating whether divergence in adaptive traits is due to conditional neutrality or genetic trade‐offs. To this end, we conducted field experiments for three years using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from two ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana (Italy, Sweden), and at each parental site examined selection on flowering time and mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL). There was strong selection for early flowering in Italy, but weak selection in Sweden. Eleven distinct flowering time QTL were detected, and for each the Italian genotype caused earlier flowering. Twenty‐seven candidate genes were identified, two of which (FLC and VIN3) appear under major flowering time QTL in Italy. Seven of eight QTL in Italy with narrow credible intervals colocalized with previously reported fitness QTL, in comparison to three of four in Sweden. The results demonstrate that the magnitude of selection on flowering time differs strikingly between our study populations, that the genetic basis of flowering time variation is multigenic with some QTL of large effect, and suggest that divergence in flowering time between ecotypes is due mainly to conditional neutrality.
When Two Become One: The Role of Oxytocin in Interpersonal Coordination and Cooperation

Cooperation involves intentional coordinated acts performed to achieve potentially positive outcomes. Here we present a novel explanatory model of cooperation, which focuses on the role of the oxytocinergic system in promoting interpersonal coordination and synchrony. Cooperation was assessed using a novel computerized drawing task that may be performed individually or cooperatively by two participants who coordinate their actions. Using a within-subject crossover design, 42 participants performed the task alone and with a partner following the administration of placebo and oxytocin 1 week apart. The data indicate that following placebo administration, participants performed better alone than in pairs. Yet, the administration of oxytocin improved paired performance up to the level of individual performance. This effect depended on the personality traits of cooperativeness or competitiveness. It is concluded that oxytocin may play a key role in enhancing social synchrony and coordination of behaviors required for cooperation.
Finding the Core for Coalition Structure Utilizing Dual Solution

When forming the grand coalition is not possible/optimal, agents need to create a coalition structure. The idea of the core can be extended to such a case. In this paper, we propose an innovative algorithm called CoreD to check core-non-emptiness for coalition structures. A more straightforward algorithm based on existing techniques, which we call CoreP, first obtains the value of optimal coalition structure by solving an integer programming problem. Then, it checks whether that value can be divided without making a blocking (dissatisfied) coalition. In contrast, CoreD first finds a minimal amount value of optimal coalition structure so that there exists no blocking coalition. Then, it checks whether the optimal value can be equal to the minimal value. We empirically show that when the core is empty, CoreD is by far superior to CoreP. Also, to find a second-best payoff vector when the core is empty, we propose a new solution concept called the weak ε-core+, which can utilize the approximate value of the optimal coalition structure. Based on the idea of CoreD, we further develop an algorithm for checking the non-emptiness of the weak ε-core+.
Fiscal Policy and Growth: a Survey

The lack of convergence of growth rates among the world economies is probably one of the most debated topics in the last few years in theoretical and empirical research. In this period we have observed a strong resurgence of the debate about long-run growth, starting from the initial contributions by Paul Romer (1986) and Robert Lucas (1988) who opened the so called “Endogenous Growth Theory” or “New Growth Theory”. The reason of this resurgence of interest lies in two important aspects left unsolved by the theoretical attempts of the 60s and 70s: first, the need to explain long-run growth determinants and secondly, to provide a careful explanation to the lack of convergence of growth rates among world economies footnote . The biggest achievement of the Endogenous Growth Theory is represented by the reconciliation of the diminishing returns hypothesis with the typical finding of empirical analyses, i.e. a growth rate continuously increasing.
Comparison of Distributed Beamforming Algorithms for MIMO Interference Networks

This paper presents a comparative study of algorithms for jointly optimizing beamformers and receive filters in an interference network, where each node may have multiple antennas, each user transmits at most one data stream, and interference is treated as noise. We focus on techniques that seek good suboptimal solutions by means of iterative and distributed updates. Those include forward-backward iterative algorithms (max-signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and interference leakage), weighted sum mean-squared error (MSE) algorithms, and interference pricing with incremental signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) adjustments. We compare their properties in terms of convergence and information exchange requirements, and then numerically evaluate their sum rate performance averaged over random (stationary) channel realizations. The numerical results show that the max-SINR algorithm achieves the maximum degrees of freedom (i.e., supports the maximum number of users with near-zero interference) and exhibits better convergence behavior at high SNRs than the weighted sum MSE algorithms. However, it assumes fixed power per user and achieves only a single point in the rate region whereas the weighted sum MSE criterion gives different points. In contrast, the incremental SNR algorithm adjusts the beam powers and deactivates users when interference alignment is infeasible. Furthermore, that algorithm can provide a slight increase in sum rate, relative to max-SINR, at the cost of additional iterations.
Mercury, selenium and fish oils in marine food webs and implications for human health

Humans who eat fish are exposed to mixtures of healthful nutrients and harmful contaminants that are influenced by environmental and ecological factors. Marine fisheries are composed of a multitude of species with varying life histories, and harvested in oceans, coastal waters and estuaries where environmental and ecological conditions determine fish exposure to both nutrients and contaminants. Many of these nutrients and contaminants are thought to influence similar health outcomes (i.e., neurological, cardiovascular, immunological systems). Therefore, our understanding of the risks and benefits of consuming seafood require balanced assessments of contaminants and nutrients found in fish and shellfish. In this paper, we review some of the reported benefits of fish consumption with a focus on the potential hazards of mercury exposure, and compare the environmental variability of fish oils, selenium and mercury in fish. A major scientific gap identified is that fish tissue concentrations are rarely measured for both contaminants and nutrients across a range of species and geographic regions. Interpreting the implications of seafood for human health will require a better understanding of these multiple exposures, particularly as environmental conditions in the oceans change.
Cross-Reacting Antibodies Enhance Dengue Virus Infection in Humans

Dangerous Dengue Provocation One problem with dengue virus is that one infection does not protect against a subsequent infection; secondary infections can result in the severe immunopathology of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Dejnirattisai et al. (p. 745) derived a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for dengue viruses. These antibodies were mainly directed against the dengue virus precursor membrane protein (prM), and most cross-reacted with all four dengue serotypes. The antibodies were not capable of fully neutralizing the virus, but instead promoted immune responses over a wide range of concentrations. During virus production and virion assembly, maturation of prm is often incomplete, and, consequently, a major part of the host's natural antibody response recognizes a component that is present in variable numbers on the virion. Thus, rather than resulting in complete neutralization, the antibody response promotes virus infection of cells that carry receptors for antibodies. Variable maturation of a dengue viral antigen results in incomplete neutralization and promotes secondary pathology. Dengue virus co-circulates as four serotypes, and sequential infections with more than one serotype are common. One hypothesis for the increased severity seen in secondary infections is antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) leading to increased replication in Fc receptor–bearing cells. In this study, we have generated a panel of human monoclonal antibodies to dengue virus. Antibodies to the structural precursor-membrane protein (prM) form a major component of the response. These antibodies are highly cross-reactive among the dengue virus serotypes and, even at high concentrations, do not neutralize infection but potently promote ADE. We propose that the partial cleavage of prM from the viral surface reduces the density of antigen available for viral neutralization, leaving dengue viruses susceptible to ADE by antibody to prM, a finding that has implications for future vaccine design.
Instructions for use Title Magnetoencephalography evidence for different brainsubregions serving two musical cultures

Title Magnetoencephalography evidence for different brain subregions serving two musical cultures Author(s) Matsunaga, Rie; Yokosawa, Koichi; Abe, Jun-ichi Citation Neuropsychologia, 50(14): 3218-3227 Issue Date 2012-12 DOI Doc URL http://hdl.handle. net/2115/50987 Right Type article (author version) Additional Information There are other files related to this item in HUSCAP. Check the above URL. File Information Matsunaga_text_final. pdf ()
School of Urban Studies and Planning 10-2006 The Economic Impact of Early Life Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure : Early Intervention for Developmental Delay

An estimated 35–80% of inner-city children are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke The health effects associated with early-life ETS exposure include reduced fetal growth, neurodevelop-mental problems, respiratory disease including asthma, increased cancer risk, and cardiovas-cular disease, with some adverse effects manifesting in childhood and others in adulthood (Samet 2005; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2006). In earlier work, we documented an association between ETS and developmental delay (Rauh et al. 2004). Here we present estimates of the cost of Early Intervention Services to remediate these developmental delays attributable to ETS in the New York City Medicaid population and in the total New York City population. In the first step, based on the CCCEH results (Rauh et al. 2004), we calculated the fraction of total delay attributable to mothers' ETS exposure during pregnancy (the environmentally attributable fraction, or EAF). The EAF was then multiplied by the prevalence of delay, the size of the exposed population, and the cost per intervention to give the estimated annual cost of Early Intervention Services among children with ETS-related developmental delay. We find that there are substantial costs for the interventions needed to address ETS-related developmental delay. These costs provide more impetus to efforts on ETS prevention. Finally, we describe feasible approaches to intervention. With respect to developmental effects, there is no evidence of a threshold below which ETS exposure is safe (DiFranza et al. 2004; Samet 2005). For example, Martin and Bracken (1986) reported a doubling in the risk for low-birth-weight babies when the nonsmoking mother was exposed to ETS for ≥ 2 hr/day. Based on meta-analysis, Windham et al. (1999) estimated that passive maternal smoking during pregnancy results in an average decrease of 31 g in birth weight. The Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study reported that the long-term effects of maternal passive smoking during pregnancy were smaller in magnitude but qualitatively similar to those of active maternal smoking and included effects on speech and language skills, intelligence, visual/spatial abilities and mother's rating of behavior (Makin et al. 1991). Other studies have also found an inverse relationship between prenatal ETS exposure and indicators of developmental delay, such as on the Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Rauh et al. 2004; Yolton et al. 2005). With respect to nondevelopmental effects, ETS exposure in childhood has long been established as a " trigger " for asthma in chil-estimated that between …