Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mito-TEMPO on Post-thawed Semen Quality in Goats

Background: Although sperm cryopreservation seems to be an efficient technique for distributing competent sperm for artificial insemination, the process affects the quality of post-thawed sperm. Objectives: This study was designed to see how the novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant “Mito-TEMPO” affected buck sperm quality during cryopreservation. Methods: After proper semen samples collection, they were diluted and divided into 5 equal groups and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen with 0, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 µM Mito-TEMPO. Sperm motility, lipid peroxidation, abnormal morphology, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and viability were all evaluated after thawing. Results: When the freezing extender was supplemented with 10 µM Mito-TEMPO, total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and viability increased (P≤0.05), while lipid peroxidation decreased (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Finally, the novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant “Mito-TEMPO” could be introduced as an effective cryo-additive to improve buck semen quality parameters during cryopreservation.
Hot Jupiters: Lands of Plenty

In late August 2005, 80 researchers from more than 15 countries convened for a 4-day conference entitled ``The Tenth Anniversary of 51 Peg b: Status and Prospects for Hot Jupiter Studies''. The meeting was held at l'Observatoire de Haute-Provence, the location of the 1.93-m telescope and ELODIE spectrograph used to discover the planetary companion to 51 Peg roughly 10 years ago. I summarize several dominant themes that emerged from the meeting, including (i) recent improvements in the precision of radial velocity measurements of nearby, Sun-like stars, (ii) the continued value of individual, newly-discovered planets of novel character to expand the parameter space with which the theory must contend, and (iii) the crucial role of space-based observatories in efforts to characterize hot Jupiter planets. I also present the returns of an informal poll of the conference attendees conducted on the last day of the meeting, which may be amusing to revisit a decade hence.
Behavior of a Colluvial Slope

METHODS OF SUPPORTING THE TOE OF A POTENTIALLY UNSTABLE COLLUVIAL SLOPE ARE DISCUSSED WITH REFERENCE TO A SITE IN THE PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA. THE GEOLOGY OF THE SITE IS DESCRIBED, RELATING TO THE USE OF THE APPLICABLE EFFECTIVE STRESS STRENGTH PARAMETERS-THE RESIDUAL, PEAK, OR IN- BETWEEN. FIELD AND LABORATORY EVIDENCE IS PRESENTED TO ADVANCE THE HYPOTHESIS THAT HEALING OF THE SLICKENSIDES HAS OCCURRED, ALTHOUGH THE MECHANISM IS NOT KNOWN. THE STRESS PATH TECHNIQUE IS USED TO DESCRIBE THE MOST ECONOMICAL MEANS OF TOE SUPPORT, WHICH IS A DRAINAGE SYSTEM FOR LONG-TERM STABILITY, AND A SHEET PILE WALL ANCHORED WITH TENSIONED EARTH TIES THAT PRECOMPRESSED THE TOE OF THE SLOPE FOR SHORT-TERM STABILITY. CONSTRUCTION CONTROL, BY MEANS OF A COMPRESSIVE INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM, IS DESCRIBED. FIELD OBSERVATIONS OF PORE PRESSURES, SUBSURFACE MOVEMENTS, AND ANCHOR TIE LOADS ARE PRESENTED TO SUPPORT THE CONCEPTS. /ASCE/
Estimation of forest stem volume in sloping terrain using CARABAS-II VHF SAR data

In this paper a heuristic method is presented for reducing topography effects on forest stem volume estimation at stand level using a combination of low-frequency CARABAS-II very high frequency (VHF) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images acquired from several flight directions. The method has been tested on stand-wise backscatter averages and on segment (derived from digital elevation models) backscatter averages aggregated to stand level. The investigation was performed at two test sites in Sweden characterized by coniferous forests on sloping terrain (ground slope <22°). At the two test sites, Tönnersjöheden and Brattåker, objectively inventoried stand-wise stem volumes were in the range of 80–690 m3·ha–1 (average 324 m3·ha–1) and 80–320 m3·ha–1 (average 182 m3·ha–1), respectively. At Tönnersjöheden the results show that the accuracy, in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), obtained from linear regression analysis was in the range of 70–105 m3·ha–1 using single-image data from four flight directions compared with the segment approach resulting in an RMSE of 67 m3·ha–1 using the images in combination. The corresponding results at Brattåker were 45–58 m3·ha–1 and 42 m3·ha–1 based on images acquired from four flight directions. In both cases, the RMSE obtained is about 22% of the average stem volume. The applied methodology significantly improved stand-wise stem volume estimation in sloping terrain compared with that using single-image data.
Istanbul's earthquake hot spots: Geodetic constraints on strain accumulation along faults in the Marmara seismic gap

During the past century, a series of predominantly westward migrating M > 7 earthquakes broke an ~1000 km section of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF). The only major remaining “seismic gap” along the fault is under the Sea of Marmara (Main Marmara Fault (MMF)). We use 20 years of GPS observations to estimate strain accumulation on fault segments in the Marmara Sea seismic gap. We report the first direct observations of strain accumulation on the Princes' Islands segment of the MMF, constraining the slip deficit rate to 10–15 mm/yr. In contrast, the central segment of the MMF that was thought to be the most likely location for the anticipated gap‐filling earthquakes shows no evidence of strain accumulation, suggesting that fault motion is accommodated by fault creep. We conclude that the Princes' Islands segment is most likely to generate the next M > 7 earthquake along the Sea of Marmara segment of the NAF.
Detecting and disrupting criminal networks

Objective: Social network analysis (SNA) is conquering its place in criminological tradecraft, with an emphasis on conceptual contributions in current Dutch criminology. Meanwhile, the domain of criminal investigation and intelligence witnesses the emergence of a flourishing SNA practice. The academic and investigative domains have largely remained separated, with analysts borrowing from cutting-edge methodological scholarship while giving little in return. Their classified products remain inaccessible to academic researchers. This article endeavors to bridge the two worlds. Method: Systematic review of SNA studies aimed at various criminal networks. These studies are performed by law enforcement analysts working for the Dutch Police. Additionally a survey was taken from the responsible analysts about the use of SNA within their professional environment.
Property valuation with interpretable machine learning

Property valuation is an important task for various stakeholders, including banks, local authorities, property developers, and brokers. As a result of the characteristics of the real estate market, such as the infrequency of trades, limited supply, negotiated prices, and small submarkets with unique traits, there is no clear market value for properties. Traditionally property valuations are done by expert appraisers. Property valuation can also be done accurately with machine learning methods, but the lack of interpretability with accurate machine learning methods can limit the adoption of those methods. Interpretable machine learning methods could be a solution to this issue, but there are concerns related to the accuracy of these methods. This thesis aims to evaluate the feasibility of interpretable machine learning methods in property valuation by comparing a promising interpretable method to a more complex machine learning method that has had good results in property valuation previously. The promising interpretable method and the well-performed machine learning method are chosen based on previous literature. The two chosen methods, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) and Explainable Boosting Machine (EBM) are compared in terms of prediction accuracy of properties in six big municipalities of Denmark. In addition to the accuracy comparison, the interpretability of the EBM is highlighted. The accuracy of the XGB method is better, even though there are no big differences between the two methods in individual municipalities. The interpretability of the EBM is good, as it is possible to understand, how the model makes predictions in general, and how individual predictions are made.
Ettringite from Scawt Hill, Co. Antrim

E TTRINGITE was the name given by J. Lehmann 1 in 1874 to minute, transparent, acicular crystals lining the cavities of metamorphosed limestone-inclusions in leucite-nepheline-tephrite from the Ettringer-Belter:. erg, near the village of Ettringen (between Mayen and the Laacher S~), Rhineland. Lehmann detached sufficient needles from the limestone for chemical analysis, and found that they were not gypsum, as formerly supposed, but a hydrated calcium sulphoaluminate. Recently Professor C. E. Tilley ~ recorded ettringite from the contact-zone of Chalk and Tertiary dolerite at Scawt Hill, near Larne, Co. Antrim. There it occurs with three other rare minerals, afwillite, portlandite, and hydroealumite, as infillings of a larnite rock. a Sufficient material was isolated to effect a comparison with ettringite from the Laaeher See, and to carry out chemical, optical, and X-ray investigations. Thence it was hoped to ascertain the correct chemical formula, and also to explain the dehydration phenomena of the mineral in terms of its crystal-structure. In addition to the fresh cleavage fragments4 of ettringite from Scawt Hill handed to Mr. Hey for chemical analysis, Professor Tilley also succeeded in detaching a comparatively well-formed crystal which was used for determining the optical and X-ray data. This, the largest crystal of ettringite yet found at Scawt Hill, measures
Concentrations and isotope ratios of dissolved inorganic carbon in denitrifying environments

We measured the concentration and isotope ratio of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in groundwater associated with denitrification (Corg + NO3−=CO2 + N2) in an agriculturally impacted site in southwestern Michigan. Samples with the lowest nitrate levels also had low dissolved oxygen content and were more depleted in δ13C than background groundwater. All the samples had DIC concentrations in excess of titratable alkalinity. The magnitude of this DIC in excess of alkalinity correlated with a decreasing δ13C attesting to the presence of CO2 derived from organic carbon. Carbon dioxide is one of the by‐products of denitrification. Since the carbon isotope ratio of carbon dioxide produced during denitrification can be expected to be similar to that of the substrate consumed in the process, this can serve as a useful tool in monitoring denitrification. The estimated carbon isotope ratio of source carbon added to the DIC pool via denitrification was close to the value obtained for the organic carbon in the aquifer solids, suggesting that the carbon substrate used in denitrification came from soil organic matter. The results provide support for the hypothesis that the concentration and carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in groundwater might be useful to monitor denitrification.
AVHRR image navigation - Summary and review

The navigation of imagery from polar orbiting weather satellites includes the correction for geometric distortions due to earth shape/earth rotation, satellite orbit variations, and satellite attitude along with the resampling of the satellite image to a selected geographic map projection. The routine image navigation procedure also compensates for the distortion of the satellite imagery due to the nonlinear scanning of the sensor system. This paper reviews general methods for performing this image navigation, ranging from a method that assumes no orbital information and, thus, relies on nominal orbital parameter values and image corrections computed by matching ground control points (GCPs), to a method that uses high-quality satellite ephemeris data to make the correction with a limited number of GCPs. A procedure to optimize the image navigation by using a spatial remapping, or interpolation, is introduced and outlined. Recommendations are made for people interested in the processing of AVHRR imagery.
Geomorfología del sector occidental de la depresión del Guadalquivir

espanolEn esta tesis se hace un estudio geomorfologico detallado de un amplio sector del suroeste de la provincia de Huelva. Este sector va aproximadamente desde La Palma del Condado, pasando por San Bartolome de la Torre, hasta Ayamonte, comprende todo el litoral occidental de Huelva, incluyendose ademas un pequeno tramo del Algarve Portugues. Todo este estudio se refleja en una amplia cartografia geomorfologica a escala 1:25.000, en la que se representan los distintos modelados presentes en la zona: modelados estructurales, de alteracion, fluviales, de ladera y litorales. Se concluye con una historia evolutiva del relieve de la region desde el Paleozoico hasta la actualidad, haciendo especial hincapie en el Cuaternario. EnglishIn this thesis a detailed geomorphological study of the southwest part of Huelva province is made. This sector goes from La Palma del Condado to Ayamonte, including a little part of Portuguese Algarve and the western coast of Huelva. This study is put on a detailed geomorphologic map (1:25.000 scale) with structural, wheathering, fluvial, slope and coast modeled. The conclusion of this work is the geomorphological evolution of this region from Paleozoic to present, with special interest in the Quaternary.
The Role of Athletics in Higher Education

Major reform is needed in intercollegiate athletics. Athletics have a part in higher education but athletic scholarships do not. The current system of athletic scholarships is hurting higher education both financially and academically. There are several possible reform options but the best option is to completely overhaul the current system and make college athletics a truly amateur operation.
Radiative Effects of African Dust and Smoke Observed from CERES and CALIOP Data

Cloud and aerosol effects have a significant impact on the atmospheric radiation budget in the Tropical Atlantic because of the spatial and temporal extent of desert dust and smoke from biomass burning in the atmosphere. The influences of African dust and smoke aerosols on cloud radiative properties over the Tropical Atlantic Ocean were analyzed for the month of July for three years (2006-2008) using collocated data collected by the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and Clouds and the Earth s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments on the CALIPSO and Aqua satellites. Aerosol layer height and type can be more accurately determined using CALIOP data, through parameters such as cloud and aerosol layer height, optical depth and depolarization ratio, than data from atmospheric imagers used in previous cloud-aerosol interaction studies. On average, clouds below 5 km had a daytime instantaneous shortwave (SW) radiative flux of 270.2 +/- 16.9 W/sq m and thin cirrus clouds had a SW radiative flux of 208.0 +/- 12.7 W/sq m. When dust aerosols interacted with clouds below 5 km, as determined from CALIPSO, the SW radiative flux decreased to 205.4 +/- 13.0 W/sq m. Similarly, smoke aerosols decreased the SW radiative flux of low clouds to a value of 240.0 +/- 16.6 W/sq m. These decreases in SW radiative flux were likely attributed to the aerosol layer height and changes in cloud microphysics. CALIOP lidar observations, which more accurately identify aerosol layer height than passive instruments, appear essential for better understanding of cloud-aerosol interactions, a major uncertainty in predicting the climate system.
New tests for tuberculosis: local immune responses have greater specificity

considered for approval in Canada. QUARTZ is a Medical Research Council Phase III, randomised controlled trial designed to assess whether optimal supportive care alone is as effective as WBRT in combination with optimal supportive care in the treatment of patients with inoperable brain metastases from NSCLC. This is a pragmatic study in which the primary eligibility requirement is that the clinician and patient should be uncertain of the role of WBRT in their particular case. This should allow the majority of patients with inoperable brain metastases from NSCLC to be considered for inclusion in this trial and thus allow QUARTZ to produce robust evidence for or against the inclusion of WBRT in standard management. Patients with histologically or cytologically proven NSCLC and inoperable brain metastases are randomised between optimal supportive care with WBRT (standard treatment arm) and optimal supportive care alone (experimental arm). Patients who have previously received systemic treatment for their lung cancer are eligible. In the context of the QUARTZ trial, optimal supportive care is defined as the use of dexamethasone, titrated down to the lowest dose required to control symptoms, and: specialist nursing support; open access to follow-up in a specialist clinic; and access to a specialist palliative care multidisciplinary team. The primary end point of the QUARTZ trial is patient assessed quality adjusted time (QALY). Secondary end points are overall survival, Karnofsky Performance Status and neurological symptoms.
Anatomical and neuromuscular contributions to anterior knee shear force during single-leg landings in females

"This research investigated the collective interactions between hamstrings extensibility, anterior knee laxity, and hamstrings and quadriceps muscle activation as predictors of anterior knee shear forces during single-leg landings in females. Forty-five healthy, recreationally active females participated in a single data collection session during which hamstrings muscle extensibility and anterior knee laxity were measured, followed by measurement of surface electromyography of the quadriceps and hamstrings and estimation of anterior knee shear forces during single-leg landings. Five single-leg drop landings were conducted from a 30 cm platform positioned 30% of the height of the participant behind the center of a force plate. Electromyographic data were normalized to maximum volitional isometric contractions at 30' of knee flexion, and forces were normalized to body weight. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the ability of hamstrings extensibility, anterior knee laxity, and hamstrings and quadriceps pre- and post-landing activation amplitudes to predict initial, rate, and peak anterior knee shear forces during the landings. The primary findings were that hamstrings pre-landing activation negatively predicted anterior knee shear force at initial ground contact and positively predicted the rate of anterior knee shear force development following landing. Furthermore, peak anterior knee shear force following the landings was positively predicted by hamstrings post-landing activation and negatively predicted by hamstrings pre-landing activation. Anterior knee laxity, hamstrings extensibility, and quadriceps pre- and post-landing activations did not significantly add to the prediction of anterior knee shear forces. Hence, it was concluded that hamstrings activation was the primary predictor of anterior knee shear forces during single-leg landings in females. "--Abstract from author supplied metadata.
Modelling of dipping clinoform barriers within deltaic outcrop analogues from the Cretaceous Western Interior Basin, USA

Abstract Deltaic reservoirs typically contain seaward‐dipping surfaces termed clinoforms. Shale and carbonate cements covering clinoforms can frequently form a barrier or baffle to horizontal flow within reservoirs, However, clinoforms are not typically included in static or flow simulation models because they are often not identified in well data and little is known about their 3D geometry. High quality outcrops such as Cretaceous deposits of the US Western Interior Seaway provide an ideal opportunity to study clinoform geometry and shape, and to model their effects on flow. Within this study, two deltaic systems have been studied. The first is the Ferron Delta which crops out in the Wasatch Plateau, central Utah and is a highstand complex comprised of a number of small, overlapping lobes. Clinoforms are common and their 3D geometry is controlled by the position of the lobes. Large growth fault structures within the lobes add to the potential reservoir complexity. The forced regressive Panther Tongue Delta crops out in the Book Cliffs of Utah and is comprised of downstepping lobes with internal clinoforms. Data for modelling included traditional sedimentary logs, photomontages and calibrated photo logs. Models were built in IRAP RMS using a variety of modelling techniques from simple Truncated Gaussian Simulations on a regular grid to object modelling of shale barriers within a dipping grid designed to follow the clinoforms. The models were flow simulated as a means of comparing the different techniques for representing the heterogeneity results show that not modelling clinoforms explicitly in a dipping grid can lead to significant overestimates in the forecasted production; water injection in a down depositional dip position is optimum, and that there are only limited production differences between highstand and lowstand deltas.
The Circular Relationship between Inequality, Leverage, and Financial Crises: Intertwined Mechanisms and Competing Evidence

The academic interest around the well-known inequality-finance nexus has recently been the subject of a renewed attention. A recent, yet flourishing literature started pointing inequality as a possible cause credit bubbles, leading to financial crises. Based on the existing literature, this paper aims at disentangling the various influences underlying the two-way relationship between inequality and finance, by focusing on a causality chain made of three main links: inequality, credit, and financial crises. The literature finds evidence of a positive causal relationship from inequality to credit, both direct (a rise of credit demand as a result of high inequalities) and indirect (inequality incites governments to support credit supply in order to maintain aggregate consumption); coincident factors are not to be excluded either (financial deregulation increasing simultaneously both inequalities and leverage). As credit booms appear to be the main determinant of financial crises, the possible direct and indirect impact of inequalities on such booms is a fundamental dimension to be taken into account by policymakers. Finally, the literature does not provide decisive conclusions concerning the sign of the distributional impact of financial development, financial deregulation and financial crises. It is fair to say however, that a majority of studies conclude to an increase of inequality following a financial crisis. The gaps identified in the literature allow pointing at several avenues for future research.
Scoping measurements of radionuclides in L Lake with an underwater HPGe detector

This study of L Lake was conducted to determine whether the distribution of man-made radiation levels had changed from the time preceding the filling of the newly created lake in 1985. Overflight gamma measurements by EGG it had about 100 times greater activity than {sup 60}Co, which was the only other man-made radionuclide that was detected above trace levels.