Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism is not associated with male infertility in a South Indian population

Previous studies have revealed that genetic factors may be involved in regulating the mechanism of infertility, e.g., MTHFR gene polymorphism in the development of male infertility. The aim of this study is to examine whether an association exists between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and male infertility. The study was carried out by means of a PCR‐RFLP assay in 206 infertile men and 230 ethnically matched controls. The statistical analysis using two‐sided Fisher’s exact test and Pearson chi‐squared test showed CT genotype is associated nonsignificantly with male infertility (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.71–1.97). Because of the lack of TT homozygotes in the controls, a combined odds ratio of CT and TT homozygotes against the control has been calculated (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.83–2.22), and the same was insignificant. The overall results of the study indicate that MTHFR C677T polymorphism is not associated with male infertility.
Comparison of passivation materials for high frequency 3D packaging application up to 110 GHz

For high frequency applications, the electrical circuit performance is strongly related to the quality and loss characteristics of the passivation layer. In this work, we present the comparison of high frequency performances of different passivation materials for in a frequency range up to 110 GHz. The evaluation of the materials is based on measurement of coplanar transmission lines on the redistribution layer and through-silicon-vias, which are the primary interconnects in silicon based 3D systems. Different variations of silicon oxide processes and polymers on both low and high resistivity substrates are considered.
Optimum alcohol concentration for chain elongation in mixed‐culture fermentation of cellulosic substrate

Medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA, e.g., caproic, heptanoic, caprylic acid) are more valuable than short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA, e.g., acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric acid). SCFAs are major products in methane‐inhibited mixed‐culture anaerobic fermentation. By feeding ethanol to the fermentor, MCFA formation is enhanced through chain elongation. Microorganisms such as Clostridium kluyveri elongate short‐chain acids by combining them with alcohol. Very low ethanol concentration reduces chain elongation rates, whereas very high ethanol concentrations inhibit microorganisms. To maximize MCFA production, different ethanol concentrations were investigated in the mixed‐culture fermentation of office paper and chicken manure. At 10 g/L ethanol concentration, 10 g/L MCFA was formed. High ethanol concentrations (above 40 g/L) inhibit microorganisms resulting in no chain elongation. For chain elongation, propanol was found to be more inhibitory than ethanol. The data suggest that MCFA production will increase by continuously extracting MCFA and maintaining 5–10 g/L ethanol concentration by periodic addition. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2597–2604. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary Implications of Supermarket Development: A Global Perspective

Five decisions by supermarket operators have important dietary implications: the location of their outlets; the foods they sell; the prices they charge; the promotional strategies they use; and the nutrition-related activities they implement. These decisions influence food accessibility, availability, prices and desirability, which in turn influence the decisions consumers make about food. Based on a comprehensive literature review, this article finds that the dietary implications are both positive - supermarkets can make a more diverse diet available and accessible to more people - and negative - supermarkets can reduce the ability of marginalised populations to purchase a high-quality diet, and encourage the consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor highly-processed foods. Overall, the most universally applicable dietary implication is that supermarkets encourage consumers to eat more, whatever the food. Copyright (c) The Author 2008. Journal compilation (c) 2008 Overseas Development Institute.
A Random Matrix Theory Based Analysis of Stocks of Markets from Different Countries

Correlations of stocks in time have been widely studied. Both the random matrix theory approach and the graphical visualization of so-called minimum spanning trees show the clustering of stocks according to industrial sectors. Studying the correlation between stocks traded in markets of different countries, we show that the random matrix theory approach is able to separate stocks according to their geographical location, provided that they are not strongly correlated. These results are compared with the results from random time series created using the market model, where the main factor is the mean of returns of the stocks of each sector.
High resolution SNP based microarray mapping of mosaic supernumerary marker chromosomes 13 and 17: Delineating novel loci for apraxia

High resolution comparative genomic hybridization is emerging as a powerful tool for delineating chromosomal rearrangements such as duplications, deletions, and unbalanced translocations, but it has not yet been broadly applied for structural aberrations such as supernumerary marker chromosomes (SMCs). In this report, we present the clinical and molecular analysis of a patient with de novo mosaic SMC (17) and SMC (13). High resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based microarray mapping successfully identified the parent of origin for the SMCs and allowed delineation of the breakpoints which include a 5.1 Mb duplication from 17p11.2 to 17q11.2 as well as duplication of chromosome 13 that includes 2.2 Mb from 13q11 to 13q12.11. Interestingly, the patient has markedly severe oral and verbal apraxia, a characteristic feature of patients with 17p11.2 duplication syndrome (Potocki–Lupski syndrome, PTLS). Fine mapping indicates that the patient's duplication overlaps with a subset of PTLS patients, but not with PTLS patients harboring the common microduplication. FISH analysis confirms that the patient lacks duplication of RAI1, a dosage sensitive gene within the common microduplication interval. Taken together, these results demonstrate the utility of SNP microarray based methodology for mapping disease‐causing genes, including those within SMCs, and provide the opportunity to identify novel candidate genes for verbal apraxia. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AN IMPROVED OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY–DERIVED FUNDUS PROJECTION IMAGE FOR DRUSEN VISUALIZATION

Purpose: To develop and evaluate an improved method of generating en face fundus images from three-dimensional optical coherence tomography images which enhances the visualization of drusen. Methods: We describe a novel approach, the restricted summed-voxel projection (RSVP), to generate en face projection images of the retinal surface combined with an image processing method to enhance drusen visualization. The RSVP approach is an automated method that restricts the projection to the retinal pigment epithelium layer neighborhood. Additionally, drusen visualization is improved through an image processing technique that fills drusen with bright pixels. The choroid layer is also excluded when creating the RSVP to eliminate bright pixels beneath drusen that could be confused with drusen when geographic atrophy is present. The RSVP method was evaluated in 46 patients and 3-dimensional optical coherence tomography data sets were obtained from 8 patients, for which 2 readers independently identified drusen as the gold standard. The mean drusen overlap ratio was used as the metric to determine the accuracy of visualization of the RSVP method when compared with the conventional summed-voxel projection technique. Results: Comparative results demonstrate that the RSVP method was more effective than the conventional summed-voxel projection in displaying drusen and retinal vessels, and was more useful in detecting drusen. The mean drusen overlap ratios based on the conventional summed-voxel projection method and the RSVP method were 2.1% and 89.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The RSVP method was more effective for drusen visualization than the conventional summed-voxel projection method, and it may be useful for macular assessment in patients with nonexudative age-related macular degeneration.
MOTOR FUNCTION OF INFANTS WITH ATHETOID CEREBRAL PALSY

The motor function of 35 children with athetoid cercbral palsy was examined retrospectively using videotape recordinss made at five to eight months of age. hlany infants showed asymmetric tonic neck, Moro and Galant reflexcs. Movements shown to be difficult included: keeping a symmetric supine posture. isolated movemcnts of the hips and knees, forward estension of the upper extremity, estension of neck and trunk in the prone position and in ventral suspension, flexion of the neck in the traction response. and weight support by the upper extremities. Asymmetric or sscctssive opening of the mouth was present in all infants. The grade of difficulty for each posture and inwement might reflect subsequent motor disability at three years of age.
The Effect of School Quality on Achievement, Attainment Levels, and Lifetime Earnings

This study provides a comprehensive examinatjono relationship between the quality of schools arid colleges attended-. lifetime economic behavior. Previous studies have been concentr. almost exclusively on the quantity of schooling in this stud', ft effects of school quality and length of schooling are exanuinesj is some highly disaggregated cross-sectional data. ¶ The data (NBER-TH) used here was first compiled by R. L. Thorndike se an Hagen in the mid-i 950s and has since been extended by the Nationa Bureau. In the analysis, the lifetinie economic histories of the NB[R.IH respondents were combined with quality data for the school districtI which the respondent attended high school and for the colleges e attended These data were used to estimate sonic simple recurse models. In the first model, family background and school quality sser exogenous, and the enclogenous variables were achievement as mea­ sured by army tests, quantity of further schooling, and lifetime earr­ ings. Significant school quality effects on achievement and earnir were found. In subsequent models, a measure of college quality included as an additional intervening variable There were significa" NOTED This research was suppon express my appreci1Q by National tnstiu of [duration Grant OEG 2-71-04798. nd to the mem15 of the staff reading cont lames P. Smith, and the Board Edward e t azear. Danlet 5a s' LaForce In addition, reading commig ndrew F valuable suggesj5 Brimnie, Frank I Eernch, nd I ­ luster, and Lewis C. Solmon and encouragement nere provided by Linda Edwards, F Liebowj Rearch assistance was ably prosi(ged by Moshe The manuscript was typed by Catherine Ben.Horirn and SUe­ were drawn by H. Irving Fornsan Grant. it was edited by Ester Moskonti. and rhes 502
The Decision Calculus of Terrorist Leaders

This article contributes to the literature on terrorist group decision-making by introducing a new procedure, Applied Decision Analysis, in an attempt to understand how leaders of terrorist organizations make decisions. We examine twenty-three decisions taken by leaders of three terrorist organizations: Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and Hizballah. We also demonstrate the use of the Applied Decision Analysis procedure to uncover the "Decision DNA" or “decision code” of leaders of such organizations. After reviewing the results and insights derived from this analysis, we conclude with implications for policies to counter terrorism.
Lysine production from methanol at 50°C using Bacillus methanolicus: Modeling volume control, lysine concentration, and productivity using a three‐phase continuous simulation

A simulation was developed based on experimental data obtained in a 14‐L reactor to predict the growth and L‐lysine accumulation kinetics, and change in volume of a large‐scale (250‐m3) Bacillus methanolicus methanol‐based process. Homoserine auxotrophs of B. methanolicus MGA3 are unique methylotrophs because of the ability to secrete lysine during aerobic growth and threonine starvation at 50°C. Dissolved methanol (100 mM), pH, dissolved oxygen tension (0.063 atm), and threonine levels were controlled to obtain threonine‐limited conditions and high‐cell density (25 g dry cell weight/L) in a 14‐L reactor. As a fed‐batch process, the additions of neat methanol (fed on demand), threonine, and other nutrients cause the volume of the fermentation to increase and the final lysine concentration to decrease. In addition, water produced as a result of methanol metabolism contributes to the increase in the volume of the reactor. A three‐phase approach was used to predict the rate of change of culture volume based on carbon dioxide production and methanol consumption. This model was used for the evaluation of volume control strategies to optimize lysine productivity. A constant volume reactor process with variable feeding and continuous removal of broth and cells (VFcstr) resulted in higher lysine productivity than a fed‐batch process without volume control. This model predicts the variation in productivity of lysine with changes in growth and in specific lysine productivity. Simple modifications of the model allows one to investigate other high‐lysine‐secreting strains with different growth and lysine productivity characteristics. Strain NOA2#13A5‐2 which secretes lysine and other end‐products were modeled using both growth and non‐growth‐associated lysine productivity. A modified version of this model was used to simulate the change in culture volume of another L‐lysine producing mutant (NOA2#13A52‐8A66) with reduced secretion of end‐products. The modified simulation indicated that growth‐associated production dominates in strain NOA2#13A52‐8A66. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dynamic Selection of Optimal Sub-portfolio - Application in the Regional Stock Exchange of Securities in West Africa (BRVM)

In this paper, we consider a generalization of the mean-variance model of Markowitz, including a new limiting constraint on marginal returns through the PER(price earnings ratio), that we apply to an optimal portfolio selection in the Regional Stock Exchange of Securities in West africa (BRVM). We study the PER restriction impact through a dynamic selection of optimal sub-portfolios from an initial portfolio. We trace out dynamically the efficient frontiers of the sub-portfolios for different integer values of the PER. The main objective is to provide, for every level of performance (in term of returns) and for a fixed PER, the selection of optimal sub-portfolios that should lead, for a minimal risk, to the same performance as the original portfolio. We show that based on the PER, we can know for each level of performance, the securities to turn down to be able to define the best selection that converge to the optimal portfolio. Moreover, this work is a contribution to the development efforts of our financial systems and our West African stock market environment. The plots of the efficient frontiers of the sub-portfolios were carried out throughout data collected from the BRVM (Regional Stock Exchange Securities) in the period from October 2014 to February 2015.
Heterogeneous Human Capital, Occupational Choice, and Male-Female Earnings Differences

Human capital models have mainly focused on the rate of return to investment in a homogeneous stock of capital. Yet individuals have different initial attributes that determine comparative advantage in producing different types of human capital. We find that mathematical ability is an important determinant of field choice for college students and that differences in earnings across fields are largely explained as a return to the use of scarce quantitative abilities in the production of each type of human capital. The model successfully accounts for the observed male-female differences in earnings and occupational choices of recent college graduates.
Gaze Control in One Versus One Defensive Situations in Soccer Players With Various Levels of Expertise

Experienced and less experienced soccer players were compared in terms of their gaze behavior (number of fixations, fixation duration, number of fixation regions, and distribution of fixations across specific regions) during frontal 1 vs. 1 defensive situations. Twenty-four men (eight experienced soccer players, eight less experienced players and eight non-players) watched 20 video clips. Gaze behavior was registered with an Eye Tracking System. The video scenes were analyzed frame-by-frame. Significant main effect of the group (experience) was observed for the number of fixation regions. Experienced soccer players had a lower number of fixation regions than the non-soccer players. Moreover, the former group presented with significantly larger percentage of fixations in the ball/foot region. These findings suggest that experienced players may use a more efficient search strategy than novices, involving fixation on a lesser number of areas in specific locations.
Estimation of cost functions and the “relative efficiency of organization” in tertiary technical education: some evidence from Greece

The paper uses annual data to fit cost functions and to evaluate economies of scale and the relative efficiency of organization in the Greek Tertiary Technical Education System. Especially important is considered in our analysis the evolution of the notion of the efficiency over time. The statistical results indicated the presence of economies of scale and that the System, generally, operated efficiently over the sample period. However, the efficiency of organization was not temporally improving, a fact which must create scepticism to policy makers.
Conditional variance tests of integration between direct and indirect real estate markets

This study tests the hypothesis of market integration between the securitised and the unsecuritised real estate market by examining the information contents of their respective ex‐post conditional volatility measures. The two markets are said to be integrated if the conditional volatility terms of one market do not contain incremental information for the ex‐post conditional volatility of another market. Our empirical results showed no evidence of the ex‐post returns of the direct real estate (PPI) market incorporating the market volatility of the securitized real estate asset. The ex‐post conditional volatility of the PPI market, which contains only information on the past shock and the past conditional volatility, is sufficient to statistically explain the variation in the log‐PPI price variations. However, there was significant evidence of incremental information flowing from conditional volatility of the unsecuritized property market to the securitized property market. Therefore, the securtized and unsecuritized real estate markets are integrated, but the integration is only uni‐directional. Some degree of segmentation is still observed as the information of property market (PPI) still has significant impacts on the returns of the property stock market.
mof, a putative acetyl transferase gene related to the Tip60 and MOZ human genes and to the SAS genes of yeast, is required for dosage compensation in Drosophila

Dosage compensation is a regulatory process that insures that males and females have equal amounts of X‐chromosome gene products. In Drosophila, this is achieved by a 2‐fold enhancement of X‐linked gene transcription in males, relative to females. The enhancement of transcription is mediated by the activity of a group of regulatory genes characterized by the male‐specific lethality of their loss‐of‐function alleles. The products of these genes form a complex that is preferentially associated with numerous sites on the X chromosome in somatic cells of males but not of females. Binding of the dosage compensation complex is correlated with a significant increase in the presence of a specific histone isoform, histone 4 acetylated at Lys16, on this chromosome. Experimental results and sequence analysis suggest that an additional gene, males‐absent on the first (mof), encodes a putative acetyl transferase that plays a direct role in the specific histone acetylation associated with dosage compensation. The predicted amino acid sequence of MOF exhibits a significant level of similarity to several other proteins, including the human HIV‐1 Tat interactive protein Tip60, the human monocytic leukemia zinc finger protein MOZ and the yeast silencing proteins SAS3 and SAS2.
How Do SMEs with Single and Multiple Owners Finance Their Operations Differently? Empirical Evidence from China

We study the impact of firm-level characteristics on the capital structures of private small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as the differences between the capital structures adopted by SMEs with single and multiple owners in China. Our findings highlight the limited use of asset-based financing by Chinese SMEs. We also find that the propensity of SMEs with single-owners to use external debt was significantly less than those with multiple owners. Furthermore, our findings suggest that single-owned firms are subject to a more constrained pecking order than those with multiple owners. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Household choices, circumstances and equity of access to basic health and education services in the Philippines

In developing countries like the Philippines, a major policy concern is the inequity in access to health and education services. In this paper, we investigate the effects of factors over which households have control ("choices") or none ("circumstances") on their access to basic services. Our logit regression analyses of two nationwide household surveys reveal that household income and composition, mother's age and education status, and the child's age and gender are critical. The circumstance factors -- Philhealth coverage and some area-level characteristics of health and education services -- also matter in improving overall access, but not necessarily its equity.
From shareholder value to present-day capitalism

This article introduces a journal special issue which examines how shareholder value and financialization have changed priorities and behaviours in present-day capitalism. This article opens the debate by reviewing three key issues: first, it considers the impact of shareholder value on national capitalisms in France, Germany and the USA; second, it analyses the effects of financialization on corporate strategy and sectoral performance; and, third, it reviews current conjectures about a finance-led macroeconomy and the possibility of a wealth-based growth regime.