Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of sperm functional parameters in normozoospermic infertile individuals

Objective: This study evaluated the integrity of the chromatin structure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA damage and lipid per-oxidation of semen samples from infertile men classified as unexplained infertility. semen parameters and functional tests were evaluated in 10 subjects with proven fertility, 10 that belong to general population and 8 with idiopathic infertility. In addition to the conventional semen analysis, the following unconven-tional seminal analysis were conducted: evaluation of ROS, MMP, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) by flow cytometry, assessment of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation by spec-trophotometry, and alkaline comet assay by electrophoresis. Results: We observed a significant increase (p < .05) in the production of ROS and the fragmentation or sperm DNA damage in the population of infertile men. There were no statistically significant differences (p > .05) in the analysis of sperm membrane integrity between the groups. Moreover, we observed significant correlations (p < .05) between SCSA and comet assay (r = 0.86) and the production of intracellular ROS (r = −0.588). Conclusion: The sperm from individuals with idiopathic infertility showed high levels of intra-cellular ROS and increased levels of DNA fragmentation in the sperm. These results suggest that these two parameters are related to unexplained infertility and therefore have clinical importance as a possible diagnostic and prognostic tool in the evaluation of idiopathic male infertility. Documento descargado de http://www.elsevier. es el 09/04/2017. Copia para uso personal, se prohíbe la transmisión de este documento por cualquier medio o formato.
The Localization of Myosin VI at the Golgi Complex and Leading Edge of Fibroblasts and Its Phosphorylation and Recruitment into Membrane Ruffles of A431 Cells after Growth Factor Stimulation

Myosin VI is an unconventional myosin that may play a role in vesicular membrane traffic through actin rich regions of the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells. In this study we have cloned and sequenced a cDNA encoding a chicken intestinal brush border myosin VI. Polyclonal antisera were raised to bacterially expressed fragments of this myosin VI. The affinity purified antibodies were highly specific for myosin VI by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation and were used to study the localization of the protein by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. It was found that in NRK and A431 cells, myosin VI was associated with both the Golgi complex and the leading, ruffling edge of the cell as well as being present in a cytosolic pool. In A431 cells in which cell surface ruffling was stimulated by EGF, myosin VI was phosphorylated and recruited into the newly formed ruffles along with ezrin and myosin V. In vitro experiments suggested that a p21-activated kinase (PAK) might be the kinase responsible for phosphorylation in the motor domain. These results strongly support a role for myosin VI in membrane traffic on secretory and endocytic pathways.
Comparison of mode thresholds in microdisk and microring lasers with uniform and non-uniform gain profiles

We study the modes of two-dimensional (2-D) microdisk and microring lasers using the electromagnetic theory, namely considering them as dielectric resonators with ring-like active regions having radially non-uniform gain profile. On the approximation of the gain profile with a stepped function, we reduce the considered eigenvalue problems to transcendental equations and solve them numerically. Finally we compare the spectral characteristics, i.e. the lasing frequencies and the associated values of threshold material gain, of these resonators with previously obtained solutions for resonators with uniform gain profile.
The evolution of the mass-metallicity relation in galaxies of different morphological types

Aims. By means of chemical evolution models for ellipticals, spirals, and irregular galaxies, we aim at investigating the physical meaning and the redshift evolution of the mass-metallicity relation, as well as how this relation is connected with galaxy morphology. Methods. Our models distinguish among different morphological types through the use of different infall, outflow, and star formation prescriptions. We assume that galaxy morphologies do not change with cosmic time. We present a method accounting for a spread in the epochs of galaxy formation and refining the galactic mass grid. To do that, we extracted the formation times randomly and assumed an age dispersion Δt. We compared our predictions to observational results obtained for galaxies between redshifts 0.07 and 3.5. Results. We reproduce the mass-metallicity (MZ) relation mainly by means of an increasing efficiency of star formation with mass in galaxies of all morphological types, without any need to invokegalactic outflows favoring the loss of metals in the less massive galaxies. Our predictions can help constraining the slope and the zero point of the observed local MZ relation, both affected by uncertainties related to the use of different metallicity calibrations. We show how, by considering the MZ, the O/H vs. star formation rate (SFR), and the SFR vs. galactic mass diagrams at various redshifts, it is possible to constrain the morphology of the galaxies producing these relations. Our results indicate that the galaxies observed at z = 3.5 should be mainly proto-ellipticals, whereas at z = 2.2 the observed galaxies consist of a morphological mix of proto-spirals and proto-ellipticals. At lower redshifts, the observed MZ relation is reproduced by considering both spirals and irregulars. Galaxies with different star formation histories may overlap in the MZ diagram, but measures of abundance ratios such as [O/Fe] can help to break this degeneracy. Predictions for the MZ relations for other elements (C, N, Mg, Si, Fe) are also presented, with largest dispersions predicted for elements produced in considerable amounts by Type Ia SNe, owing to the long lifetimes of their progenitors.
Noncompete Covenants: Incentives to Innovate or Impediments to Growth

We find that the enforcement of noncompete clauses significantly impedes entrepreneurship and employment growth. Based on a panel of metropolitan areas in the United States from 1993 to 2002, our results indicate that, relative to states that enforce noncompete covenants, an increase in the local supply of venture capital in states that restrict the scope of these agreements has significantly stronger positive effects on (i) the number of patents, (ii) the number of firm starts, and (iii) employment. We address potential endogeneity in the supply of venture capital by using endowment returns as an instrumental variable. Our results point to a strong interaction between financial intermediation and the legal regime in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth. This paper was accepted by Gerard P. Cachon, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Leptomycin B‐sensitive nuclear export of MAPKAP kinase 2 is regulated by phosphorylation

To study the intracellular localization of MAPKAP kinase 2 (MK2), which carries a putative bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS), we constructed a green fluorescent protein–MAPKAP kinase 2 fusion protein (GFP–MK2). In transfected cells, this protein is located predominantly in the nucleus; unexpectedly, upon stress, it rapidly translocates to the cytoplasm. This translocation can be blocked by the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580, indicating its regulation by phosphorylation. Molecular mimicry of MK2 phosphorylation at T317 in GFP–MK2 led to a mutant which is located almost exclusively in the cytoplasm of the cell, whereas the mutant T317A shows no stress‐induced redistribution. Since leptomycin B, which inhibits the interaction of exportin 1 with the Rev‐type leucine‐rich nuclear export signal (NES), blocks stress‐dependent translocation of GFP–MK2, it is supposed that phosphorylation‐induced export of the protein causes the translocation. We have identified the region responsible for nuclear export in MK2 which is partially overlapping with and C‐terminal to the autoinhibitory motif. This region contains a cluster of hydrophobic amino acids in the characteristic spacing of a leucine‐rich Rev‐type NES which is necessary to direct GFP–MK2 to the cytoplasm. However, unlike the Rev‐type NES, this region alone is not sufficient for nuclear export. The data obtained indicate that MK2 contains a constitutively active NLS and a stress‐regulated signal for nuclear export.
A two-step modeling approach for the influence of radio-system impairments in multicarrier MIMO systems

In this contribution we introduce a modeling approach for the influence of radio-impairments in (multi-antenna) wireless communication systems. This method, differently from previous approaches, regards two phases: a stage where the impairments are severe and one where the influence is less critical, which enables the inclusion of the impact of power-save-modes and transmitter/receiver mode switching. The error model includes an additive and a rotational part, both implemented in the transmitter as well as in the receiver. As an example, it is shown how phase noise maps onto the introduced error model. As a test case, a multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO OFDM) system based on coherent detection is regarded. The system applies zero-forcing as detection method. Analytical expression is derived for the probability of error of such a system impaired by the introduced error model. Finally, numerical results from simulations are shown, which confirm the results from the analytical study
Cyber-Bullying: Developing Policy to Direct Responses that are Equitable and Effective in Addressing This Special Form of Bullying.

The article reviews existing research on cyber-bullying, framed through a policy lens. It is clear that public policy issues for cyber-bullying involve tensions between the values of freedom of speech, the best interests of the child, and parental and school protective authority over the child. Given the complexity of the problem, as well as conflicting values, the development of effective policy requires a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders – policymakers, school officials, parents and youth. It is important to emphasize literature that delineates the differences between conventional bullying and cyber-bullying because the two are very different and must be treated and analyzed separately. Thus, the following sections set out the definitions and mechanisms of cyber-bullying for policymakers contemplating new and/or modified policies, review the characteristics of the problem and the psychology of Internet abuse, explain the physical and mental consequences of it, and outline the results of recent surveys on cyber-bullying. Finally, the article concludes with recommendations on implementing acceptable use policies at the School Board and individual school levels, as well as family contracts for home use.
Vision for longitudinal vehicle control

An important component of the drive towards intelligent vehicles is the ability to maintain a fixed distance from a lead vehicle using feedback provided by range sensors. We investigate the possibility of using stereo vision to provide the range information, in conjunction with a scanning laser radar sensor. The tracker utilizes a layered architecture wherein the bottom layer computes motion in both images using a simple correlation algorithm, and the upper level performs stereo fixation and reconstruction using an algorithm designed for active vision systems. We present details of the real-time implementation of the vision system on a network of C40 DSPs, and some initial results comparing the quality of range measurements provided by a vision system with the laser radar system.
2 8 Ju n 20 06 General flux to a trap in one and three dimensions

The problem of the flux to a spherical trap in one and three dimensions, for diffusing particles undergoing discrete-time jumps with a given radial probability distribution, is solved in general, verifying the Smoluchowski-like solution in which the effective trap radius is reduced by an amount proportional to the jump length. This reduction in the effective trap radius corresponds to the Milne extrapolation length. General flux to a trap in one and three dimensions 2
MEG evidence for phonological underspecification

Subjects (n=12) listened to the synthesized syllable tokens ba, da, ma, and na. Evoked magnetic fields were recorded using a 93sensor whole-head biomagnetometer array while subjects performed a same-different judgment task. A model of phonology which does not incorporate underspecification predicts no difference in the MMF for labial/coronal consonant pairs, regardless of which is presented as standard and which as deviant. An underspecification model, on the other hand, predicts an asymmetry – coronal deviants should elicit stronger MMFs than labial deviants. This asymmetry is exactly what we observe (F(1,11)=7.218, p=. 02). This finding provides support for the existence of maximally abstract linguistic mental representations.
Seeking comfort: How and why preservice teachers use internet resources for lesson planning

ABSTRACT This study examined 158 lesson plans at one institution across two teacher education programs, inclusive early childhood and elementary education, to determine the impact of Internet usage as inspiration on preservice teachers’ lesson plans. Fisher’s exact test determined statistically significant differences between the Internet use of preservice teachers in the two programs. The data revealed that the preservice teachers in the elementary education program used more Internet resources when planning lessons compared to the preservice teachers in the inclusive early childhood program. Follow-up interviews suggest that the preservice teachers in the inclusive early childhood program had more practicum field experiences, thus increasing their use of physical resources and reducing their use of Internet resources.
Mitochondrial Proliferation, Dna Depletion and Adipocyte Differentiation in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of HIV-Positive Haart Recipients

Objectives To examine the in vivo effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens on adipose tissue mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion, mitochondrial organellar proliferation, and markers of adipocyte differentiation and phenotype. Design and methods DNA and mRNA quantification using real-time PCR methods was performed on adipose tissue samples from 31 HIV-infected individuals, of whom 11 were treatment-naive and 20 were receiving HAART. mtDNA depletion was measured as mtDNA copies/cell, and mitochondrial proliferation by quantification of mitochondrial protein mass. Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis was assessed by NRF-1 and mtTFA mRNA. PPAR γ, UCP2 and UCP1 mRNA expression was used to assess adipocyte differentiation and phenotype. Results Stavudine-based HAART recipients (n=10) displayed significant mtDNA depletion (12.8% of control, P<0.001), mildly increased mitochondrial protein mass (2.6-fold of control, P=0.032) and decreased expression of PPARγ (53.9% of control, P=0.021), UCP2 (62.2% of control, P=0.024) and UCP3 (51.8% of control, P=0.047) mRNA compared with controls. Zidovudine-based HAART recipients (n=7) also displayed significant mtDNA depletion (34.45% of control, P=0.031), increased mitochondrial protein mass (5.7-fold of control, P=0.009), and markedly increased UCP1 (18-fold of control, P=0.009) mRNA. Elevated UCP1 mRNA expression was found to be associated with non-stavudine (zidovudine or abacavir), protease inhibitor (PI)-containing HAART (95-fold of non-stavudine, non-PI-containing HAART, P=0.006). Conclusion Differential effects of stavudine and zidovudine therapy on mtDNA depletion and expression of adipocyte differentiation markers PPARγ and UCP2 were observed, consistent with increased adipose tissue toxicity associated with stavudine therapy. Increased UCP1 mRNA, a marker of brown adipose tissue phenotype, was associated with non-stavudine, PI-containing HAART, and may represent an adaptive response to the increased fatty acid flux associated with PI therapy, and may contribute to the increased resting energy expenditure reported in such patients.
Type of early bilingualism and its effect on the acoustic realization of allophonic variants: Early sequential and simultaneous bilinguals

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: This study examines the acoustic realization of phrase-initial voiced stops (/b, d, g/) and intervocalic voiced approximants ([β, ð, ɣ]) in Spanish by three groups of Spanish–English bilinguals: simultaneous bilinguals, early sequential bilinguals, and late second language (L2) Spanish learners to investigate if the type of early bilingualism has an effect on the acoustic realization of language-specific phonological processes. Design/Methodology/Approach: Early bilinguals were divided into two groups (simultaneous and sequential bilinguals), and together with late learners (L2 Spanish learners) they were recorded producing words eliciting phrase-initial and intervocalic voiced stops. Data and Analysis: The acoustic analyses examined the difference between the intensity minimum during the consonant and the intensity maximum of the following tautosyllabic vowel (intensity difference). The dataset comprised a total of 3,569 acoustic measurements. Findings/Conclusions: The group of early sequential bilinguals shows a significantly stronger tendency to produce a more lenited intervocalic segment than simultaneous bilinguals and L2 learners, who produce a more constricted realization. These data indicate that simultaneous bilinguals and L2 learners, who were exposed to English since birth, differ from early bilinguals who were exclusively exposed to Spanish for the first years of their life when applying the Spanish allophonic rule governing the distribution of voiced stops and spirants. Originality: This is one of the first studies that investigates the effects of the type of early bilingualism on bilingual phonetic performance in adulthood, especially in terms of bilingual phonetic production. These novel data examine the acoustic realization of Spanish heritage speakers, a largely understudied bilingual population. Significance/Implications: The findings suggest that the type of early bilingualism in language development, even at a very early age, still has consequences on the acoustic realization of allophonic variants in adulthood.
The statistics of radio astronomical polarimetry: bright sources and high time resolution

A four-dimensional statistical description of electromagnetic radiation is developed and applied to the analysis of radio pulsar polarization. The new formalism provides an elementary statistical explanation of the modal-broadening phenomenon in single-pulse observations. It is also used to argue that the degree of polarization of giant pulses has been poorly defined in past studies. Single- and giant-pulse polarimetry typically involves sources with large flux-densities and observations with high time-resolution, factors that necessitate consideration of source-intrinsic noise and small-number statistics. Self-noise is shown to fully explain the excess polarization dispersion previously noted in single-pulse observations of bright pulsars, obviating the need for additional randomly polarized radiation. Rather, these observations are more simply interpreted as an incoherent sum of covariant, orthogonal, partially polarized modes. Based on this premise, the four-dimensional covariance matrix of the Stokes parameters may be used to derive mode-separated pulse profiles without any assumptions about the intrinsic degrees of mode polarization. Finally, utilizing the small-number statistics of the Stokes parameters, it is established that the degree of polarization of an unresolved pulse is fundamentally undefined; therefore, previous claims of highly polarized giant pulses are unsubstantiated.
Pcons5: combining consensus, structural evaluation and fold recognition scores

MOTIVATION The success of the consensus approach to the protein structure prediction problem has led to development of several different consensus methods. Most of them only rely on a structural comparison of a number of different models. However, there are other types of information that might be useful such as the score from the server and structural evaluation. RESULTS Pcons5 is a new and improved version of the consensus predictor Pcons. Pcons5 integrates information from three different sources: the consensus analysis, structural evaluation and the score from the fold recognition servers. We show that Pcons5 is better than the previous version of Pcons and that it performs better than using only the consensus analysis. In addition, we also present a version of Pmodeller based on Pcons5, which performs significantly better than Pcons5. AVAILABILITY Pcons5 is the first Pcons version available as a standalone program from http://www.sbc. su.se/~bjorn/Pcons5. It should be easy to implement in local meta-servers.
Agreement between body mass index, waist circumference and skin-fold thickness in the United Kingdom Army

Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) does not distinguish between fat-free mass and fat mass, yet this distinction is important as a clinical tool, especially in the military and occupations for which physical fitness is important. Aim: This study assessed the level of agreement between BMI, sum of skin-folds and waist circumference in UK Army personnel. Subjects and methods: Three hundred and eighty-six males were selected to study the level of agreement between BMI, waist circumference, waist circumference/height and sum of skin-folds at four sites. As the units of measurement differ, this study generated standardized distributions with skewness of zero. Results: The limits of agreement between BMI and waist circumference were fairly wide (between boundaries 1.75 z-score) and wide between BMI and sum of skin-folds (2.57 z-score) and waist circumference and skin-folds (2.37 z-score). The standard deviations of the differences of BMI and waist circumference decreased with increasing means of these two measures. The kappa statistic for BMI and waist circumference was 0.7 and ∼0.5 if compared against sum of skin-folds. Conclusion: The level of agreement between BMI and waist circumference is acceptable regardless of method to assess obesity, but would be poor for assessing thinness. The level of agreement with sum of skin-folds was mediocre.