Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Semen Quality, Hormonal Levels, and Androgen Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in a Population of Young Male Volunteers from Two Different Regions of Poland

Background The population of healthy Polish men has not been frequently and systematically investigated for fertility status. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of semen in a randomly recruited population of young males. The most important task was to find a relationship between semen parameters, sex hormones, and AR gene polymorphism. Material/Methods Semen and blood samples from young men from the Poznan (n=113) and Lublin regions (n=89) were collected for semen analysis, assessment of hormonal concentrations, and calculation of the CAG and GGN repeats of the AR gene. Results Statistical comparisons of the hormones and circulating proteins and the seminological parameters revealed significant differences between the regional groups of males studied. Among the correlations found, we emphasize the positive relationship between inhibin B levels and both the number of spermatozoa per ml (R=0.37; p=0.0001) and the total sperm concentration (R=0.40; p=0.00003). Positive correlations between IGF1 and sperm morphology was also found (R=0.40; p=0.000004). The mean number of CAG repeats in our tested groups was 21.93±2.79, in a range from 16 to 31. The mean number of GGN repeats was 23.2±1.66 and ranged from 16 to 29. Numerous significant correlations were found between CAG or GGN repeats and blood hormones or circulating proteins and semen parameters; however, Spearman’s rank correlations revealed rather weak coefficients. Conclusions This report attempted to determine the quality of semen samples and sex hormones in a population of Polish young men. The results were found to be similar to data obtained in Scandinavia. The calculated means and range of CAG or GGN repeats of the AR gene in Polish males were similar to West European epidemiological data.
The Cultural Production and Reproduction of Gender: The Effect of Extracurricular Activities on Peer-Group Culture.

Considerable attention has been given to the cultural reproduction of social-class differences in educational settings, but much less attention has been given to the processes by which gender differences are produced and reproduced. The few studies that have examined gender socialization in schools have focused primarily on the role of textbooks and formal instruction in the promotion of traditional gender roles. Since most middle schools and high schools also sponsor extracurricular activities, it is important to determine the role these activities play in the promotion of gender differences in values and behavior. In this paper, we examine the effect of athletic-related activities on the peer-group culture of students at a predominantly working-class middle school. We find that certain extracurricular activities influence the predominant male and female cultures of early adolescents. Since male athletic events are the main social events of the school, both male athletes and female cheerleaders have considerable visibility and are likely to be members of the elite group. Males and females are exposed to very different values through these activities. Male athletes are encouraged to be achievement-oriented and competitive, and cheerleaders are reminded of the importance of appearance and emotion management. These values are incorporated into the informal peer culture of the school, where they are further refined and applied to specific situations and behaviors.
12-Lead electrocardiogram as a predictor of sudden cardiac death: from epidemiology to clinical practice

Abstract Sudden cardiac death (SCD) causes a high burden of premature deaths in the population affecting subjects of all ages. The identification of subjects at high risk for SCD is of great importance as the prevention of many of these events would be possible with the treatment of underlying cardiac diseases and the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD). However, the current selection of patients for ICD therapy is based solely on left ventricular ejection fraction, and thus a substantial portion of patients at high risk does not qualify for the therapy. Role of the standard electrocardiogram (ECG) in SCD risk stratification has been under active research during the last decade and multiple abnormalities of depolarization and repolarization on the ECG associated with an increased risk of SCD have been identified. In this review, we describe the basic pathophysiological principles behind these changes. We also review the current knowledge of the prognostic significance of ECG predictors of SCD in the general population, and in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and in inheritable arrhythmia syndromes. Also, insights into the novel digital ECG signal processing techniques are provided.
Toward Further Clarification of Barlow's Model of Depression

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Excitability properties of median and peroneal motor axons

Threshold tracking was used to compare excitability properties (stimulus–response curves, strength–duration properties, recovery cycle, and threshold electrotonus) of median motor axons at the wrist and peroneal motor axons at the ankle in 12 healthy subjects. Stimulus–response curves and strength–duration properties were similar, though higher stimulus intensities were required for peroneal axons. However, there were significant differences in the recovery cycle of excitability following a conditioning stimulus and in threshold electrotonus. In the recovery cycle, median axons had significantly greater supernormality and late subnormality. In threshold electrotonus, the initial slow threshold changes in response to subthreshold depolarizing and hyperpolarizing currents (S1) were significantly greater in median axons, and there was also greater accommodation to depolarizing currents (S2) and greater threshold undershoot after depolarization. Similar differences in supernormality and the S1 phase of threshold electrotonus were found between peroneal axons at ankle and knee, suggesting that these properties may be dependent on nerve length. When median motor axons at the wrist were compared with peroneal motor axons at the knee, there were no differences in refractoriness and supernormality and only small differences in S1, but the late subnormality and undershoot were significantly greater in the median axons. These findings suggest that, in addition to any length‐dependent differences, peroneal axons have a less prominent slow K+ conductance. We conclude that the properties of different motor axons are not identical and their responses to injury or disease may therefore differ. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 1365–1373, 2000.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BELIEFS AND PURCHASE CRITERIA IN THE CHOICE OF ECO-LABELED FOOD PRODUCTS

Importance attached to purchase criteria, beliefs about the characteristics of eco-labeled alternatives of some food products, and prescriptive norm strength to purchase such products were examined as potential predictors of purchasing eco-labeled products. It is argued that the purchase of ordinary food products is a behavior often guided by habits. This implies that to purchase eco-labeled alternatives often require a change of habit. Data were obtained from a questionnaire mailed to 480 individuals. Attaching importance to the purchase criteria environmental consequences and human health, expressing positive beliefs about eco-labeled products, and experiencing a strong prescriptive norm were positively correlated with a high relative frequency of choicing eco-labeled alternatives. Environmental values in particular may create a predisposition to change purchase habits.
A Music Interface for Visually Impaired People in the WEDELMUSIC Environment. Design and Architecture

The WEDELMUSIC VIP MODULE is part of the overall WEDELMUSIC SYSTEM (DSI, UNIVSRSITY OF FLORENCE), and is itself divided into smaller modules and components. The most important modules are: • a (normal or Braille) printer using Braille Music format and to the Braille bar. • Spoken Music Interpreter. The main purpose of this module is to interpret information from the WEDEL object to a descriptive textual form. This text is then converted to speech via a speech synthesiser.
A Risk Management Procedure for the Washington State Ferries

The state of Washington operates the largest passenger vessel ferry system in the United States. In part due to the introduction of high‐speed ferries, the state of Washington established an independent blue‐ribbon panel to assess the adequacy of requirements for passenger and crew safety aboard the Washington state ferries. On July 9, 1998, the Blue Ribbon Panel on Washington State Ferry Safety engaged a consultant team from The George Washington University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/Le Moyne College to assess the adequacy of passenger and crew safety in the Washington state ferry (WSF) system, to evaluate the level of risk present in the WSF system, and to develop recommendations for prioritized risk reduction measures, which, once implemented, can improve the level of safety in the WSF system. The probability of ferry collisions in the WSF system was assessed using a dynamic simulation methodology that extends the scope of available data with expert judgment. The potential consequences of collisions were modeled in order to determine the requirements for onboard and external emergency response procedures and equipment. The methodology was used to evaluate potential risk reduction measures and to make detailed risk management recommendations to the blue‐ribbon panel and the Washington State Transportation Commission.
MHC diversity, malaria and lifetime reproductive success in collared flycatchers

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes encode proteins involved in the recognition of parasite‐derived antigens. Their extreme polymorphism is presumed to be driven by co‐evolution with parasites. Host–parasite co‐evolution was also hypothesized to optimize within‐individual MHC diversity at the intermediate level. Here, we use unique data on lifetime reproductive success (LRS) of female collared flycatchers to test whether LRS is associated with within‐individual MHC class II diversity. We also examined the association between MHC and infection with avian malaria. Using 454 sequencing, we found that individual flycatchers carry between 3 and 23 functional MHC class II B alleles. Predictions of the optimality hypothesis were not confirmed by our data as the prevalence of blood parasites decreased with functional MHC diversity. Furthermore, we did not find evidence for an association between MHC diversity and LRS.
First Detection of a Splice Acceptor Site β-Thalassemia Mutation: IVS-I-130 (HBB: c.93-1G > C) in a Chinese Patient

Abstract We present the first description of a Chinese patient with a rare β-thalassemia (β-thal) mutation IVS-I-130 (HBB: c.93-1G > C). This mutation is a splice donor site mutation, and is associated with a β0-thal phenotype.
Changes in arterial blood pressure induced by passive leg raising predict hypotension during the induction of sedation in critically ill patients without severe cardiac dysfunction

Background Hypotension due to the induction of sedation with dexmedetomidine infusion may be harmful in critically ill patients. Changes in pulse pressure induced by the passive leg raising test (PLR‐&Dgr;PP) as marker of fluid responsiveness, assessed prior to sedation, may predict hemodynamic changes. The present study was to investigate the power of the PLR test in critically ill patients in predicting hypotension induced by the induction of dexmedetomidine sedation. Methods Fluid responsiveness was estimated by a passive leg raising (PLR) test before dexmedetomidine sedation. Patients were assigned to either the “Nonresponders” or “Responders” group according to their hemodynamic responses to the PLR test (“Nonresponders”, PLR‐&Dgr;PP <10.3%; “Responders”, PLR‐&Dgr;PP ≥10.3%). Sedation was performed with a dexmedetomidine infusion (0.5 &mgr;g/kg over a 10‐minute loading period, then 0.2‐0.7 &mgr;g·kg‐1·h‐1) and titrated to maintain the target Richmond agitation sedation scale (RASS) score in the range of −2 to −1 and the bispectral index value in the range of 60 to 75. Radial artery pulse pressure, heart rate (HR), and central venous pressure (CVP) were measured at each phase of the study procedure. Hemodynamic fluctuations during the use of dexmedetomidine sedation were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results Fifty patients had a median (25%‐75% interquartile range) of 71 (61‐78) years old were studied. At baseline, 39 of the 50 patients were “Nonresponders” and 11 were “Responders”. Following dexmedetomidine sedation, patients classified as “Responders” had a significantly greater systolic blood pressure decrease during the induction of dexmedetomidine sedation than the “Nonresponders” ((−26.3 ± 6.8)% vs. (−11.8 ± 8.5)%, P <0.001). In addition, the “Responders” group required significantly more fluid boluses (8 vs. 3; P <0.001) and vasopressors (2 vs. 0; P <0.05) than the “Nonresponders” group to restore blood pressure. Finally, PLR‐&Dgr;PP was positively correlated with changes in systolic blood pressure (PLR‐&Dgr;SBP) (r2 = 0.576; P <0.001) and significantly correlated with dexmedetomidine infusion‐induced changes in SBP (r2=0.202; P <0.05). AUC for PLR‐&Dgr;PP was 0.84 (95%CI 0.71‐0.93). PLR‐&Dgr;PP predicted hypotension with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 92%. Conclusions The fluid responsiveness assessment pre‐sedation was found to predict blood pressure fluctuation during the induction of dexmedetomidine sedation. The PLR test conducted prior to sedation may be a useful tool to identify patients with a high risk of hemodynamic events and may be used to indicate the need for prophylactic treatment.
An integrated QoS control architecture for IEEE 802.16 broadband wireless access systems

This paper proposes a new integrated QoS architecture for IEEE 802.16 broadband wireless MAN in TDD mode. After analyzing the current strategies to provide IntServ for the Internet connection via IEEE802.16-2004 WirelessMAN, a mapping rule and a fast signaling mechanism for providing both InterServ and DiffServ are given under point to multi-point (PMP) and mesh mode. Comparison and performance analysis of traditional and proposed signaling mechanism are given. The simulation is conducted for VoIP, FTP and HTTP traffic with different QoS requirements. The results show that the proposed integrated QoS control mechanism is more fast and efficient for service setup and maintenance. What is more, bandwidth requirements of different applications can be satisfied by the proposed architecture
Improvements to executive function during exercise training predict maintenance of physical activity over the following year

Previous studies have shown that exercise training benefits cognitive, neural, and physical health markers in older adults. It is likely that these positive effects will diminish if participants return to sedentary lifestyles following training cessation. Theory posits that that the neurocognitive processes underlying self-regulation, namely executive function (EF), are important to maintaining positive health behaviors. Therefore, we examined whether better EF performance in older women would predict greater adherence to routine physical activity (PA) over 1 year following a 12-month resistance exercise training randomized controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 125 community-dwelling women aged 65–75 years old. Our primary outcome measure was self-reported PA, as measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), assessed on a monthly basis from month 13 to month 25. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop Test at baseline (month 0) and post-training (month 12). Latent growth curve analyses showed that, on average, PA decreased during the follow-up period but at a decelerating rate. Women who made greater improvements to EF during the training period showed better adherence to PA during the 1-year follow-up period (β = −0.36, p < 0.05); this association was unmitigated by the addition of covariates (β = −0.44, p < 0.05). As expected, EF did not predict changes in PA during the training period (p > 0.10). Overall, these findings suggest that improving EF plays an important role in whether older women maintain higher levels of PA following exercise training and that this association is only apparent after training when environmental support for PA is low.
Upper airway inflammation in waste handlers exposed to bioaerosols

Aims: To examine work associated upper airway inflammation in 31 waste handlers, and to correlate these findings with personally monitored exposure to different bioaerosol components. Methods: Cell differentials, interleukin 8 (IL-8), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were examined in NAL (nasal lavage), and swelling of the nasal mucosa was determined by acoustic rhinometry before work start on Monday and the following Thursday. Bioaerosol exposure was determined by personal full shift exposure measurements on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and analysed for total bacteria, fungal spores, endotoxin, and β(1→3)-glucans. Results: The increased percentage of neutrophils from Monday (28%) to Thursday (46%) correlated with increases in ECP (rS = 0.71, p < 0.001) and MPO (rS = 0.38, p < 0.05), and showed a close to significant correlation with nasal swelling (rS = −0.55, p = 0.07). The Thursday levels of neutrophils, MPO, and IL-8 were associated with the exposure to fungal spores (range 0–2.0 × 106/m3) and endotoxin (range 4–183 EU/m3) measured the day before, and the median exposure to β(1→3)-glucans (range 3–217 ng/m3), respectively (rS = 0.47–0.54, p < 0.01). Swelling of the nasal mucosa was associated with the fungal spore and β(1→3)-glucan exposure (rS = 0.58–0.59, p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results are based on a relatively small population, and conclusions must be drawn with care. The results suggested that a moderate exposure to fungal spores, endotoxins, and β(1→3)-glucans during waste handling induced upper airway inflammation dominated by neutrophil infiltration and swelling of the nasal mucosa.
A Compact SPICE Model for Organic TFTs and Applications to Logic Circuit Design

This work introduces a compact DC model developed for organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) and its SPICE implementation. The model relies on a modified version of the gradual channel approximation that takes into account the contact effects, occurring at nonohmic metal/organic semiconductor junctions, modeling them as reverse biased Schottky diodes. The model also comprises channel length modulation and scalability of drain current with respect to channel length. To show the suitability of the model, we used it to design an inverter and a ring oscillator circuit. Furthermore, an experimental validation of the OTFTs has been done at the level of the single device as well as with a discrete-component setup based on two OTFTs connected into an inverter configuration. The experimental tests were based on OTFTs that use small molecules in binder matrix as an active layer. The experimental data on the fabricated devices have been found in good agreement with SPICE simulation results, paving the way to the use of the model and the device for the design of OTFT-based integrated circuits.
Simple, rapid determination of lecithin and sphingomyelin in amniotic fluid.

We describe a rapid and very sensitive modified determination of lecithin and sphingomyelin in amniotic fluid. It requires 1.5 ml of amniotic fluid and can be done in less than 40 min. Modifications include "Instant Thin Layer Chromatography" plates (Gelman) with a punched disc system of sample application, as well as elimination of the acetone wash steps, and substitution of Rhodamine B dye for the corrosive sulfuric acid char technique of detection. The procedure can be quantified, and exact concentrations of lecithin in amniotic fluid can be determined by a standard addition procedure, or from a standard curve.
Time-domain ramped gate sensing for embedded multi-level flash in automotive applications

The advancing trend to autonomous driving tightens the requirements for automotive microcontrollers with embedded flash memories. High reliability and low latency demands however have prevented the broad usage of multilevel-cell flash in this sector so far. This paper describes a robust time-domain voltage sensing scheme tackling the challenges arising from these tight conditions. A dynamic voltage ramp is applied at the wordlines to operate the memory cells at optimum readout conditions. Thus a linearized transfer characteristic is achieved, which eases the cell state placement and reduces the effect of threshold shifts. A sense amplifier design with improved slope detection implemented in a 28 nm CMOS technology is presented. Simulations at nominal supply voltage 1.1 V Vdd show a 30% increased maximum read window compared to the former design.
Teaching profession career ladder programme in Turkey: implementation, outcomes and challenges

Turkey has implemented various programmes to increase the quality of in-service training for K–12 teachers with varying success. One of the most recent state-wide implementations of these programmes is the Teaching Profession Career Ladder Programme (TPCLP) that was put into practice in 2005. This study investigates teachers’ views related to the implementation of the TPCLP. A detailed account of the application process and teachers’ views towards the implementation will generate suggestions to raise the effectiveness of the implementation. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Analysis of data revealed that teachers hold direct intensive criticism towards many criteria of the TPCLP, particularly the examination. Furthermore, they have mixed perspectives as to whether the programme is effective. This study shows that career ladder implementation failed to contribute to continuous professional development of teachers and the quality of the education process in K–12 schools.