Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian semiparametric copula estimation with application to psychiatric genetics

This paper proposes a semiparametric methodology for modeling multivariate and conditional distributions. We first build a multivariate distribution whose dependence structure is induced by a Gaussian copula and whose marginal distributions are estimated nonparametrically via mixtures of B‐spline densities. The conditional distribution of a given variable is obtained in closed form from this multivariate distribution. We take a Bayesian approach, using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for inference. We study the frequentist properties of the proposed methodology via simulation and apply the method to estimation of conditional densities of summary statistics, used for computing conditional local false discovery rates, from genetic association studies of schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Empowering the OLAP Technology to Support Complex Dimension Hierarchies

Comprehensive data analysis has become indispensable in a variety of domains. OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing) systems tend to perform poorly or even fail when applied to complex data scenarios. The restriction of the underlying multidimensional data model to admit only homogeneous and balanced dimension hierarchies is too rigid for many real-world applications and, therefore, has to be overcome in order to provide adequate OLAP support. We present a framework for classifying and modeling complex multidimensional data, with the major effort at the conceptual level as to transform irregular hierarchies to make them navigable in a uniform manner. The properties of various hierarchy types are formalized and a two-phase normalization approach is proposed: heterogeneous dimensions are reshaped into a set of wellbehaved homogeneous subdimensions, followed by the enforcement of summarizability in each dimensionâ€™s data hierarchy. Mapping the data to a visual data browser relies solely on metadata, which captures the properties of facts, dimensions, and relationships within the dimensions. The navigation is schema-based, that is, users interact with dimensional levels with on-demand data display. The power of our approach is exemplified using a real-world study from the domain of academic administration.
Optimized symbolic dynamics approach for the analysis of the respiratory pattern

Traditional time domain techniques of data analysis are often not sufficient to characterize the complex dynamics of respiration. In this paper, the respiratory pattern variability is analyzed using symbolic dynamics. A group of 20 patients on weaning trials from mechanical ventilation are studied at two different pressure support ventilation levels, in order to obtain respiratory volume signals with different variability. Time series of inspiratory time, expiratory time, breathing duration, fractional inspiratory time, tidal volume and mean inspiratory flow are analyzed. Two different symbol alphabets, with three and four symbols, are considered to characterize the respiratory pattern variability. Assessment of the method is made using the 40 respiratory volume signals classified using clinical criteria into two classes: low variability (LV) or high variability (HV). A discriminant analysis using single indexes from symbolic dynamics has been able to classify the respiratory volume signals with an out-of-sample accuracy of 100%.
The Role of Illness Perception and Self-Efficacy in Determining Quality of Life among Cancer Patients

Background: The quality of life for people with chronic illnesses like cancer has been shown to be significantly impacted by self-efficacy and perceptions of their illness. Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between cancer patients’ perceptions of their illness, their self-efficacy beliefs, and their quality of life. Method: Conducted from December 2022 to February 2023, this research involved 120 adults undergoing cancer treatment. We utilized the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ), the Arabic version of the Cancer Behavioral Inventory Brief (CBI-B), and the Arabic EORTC QLQ-C30, alongside clinical data collection. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics. Results: Breast cancer emerged as the most common type among participants. A positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and quality of life, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30, particularly in relation to symptom management. Interestingly, all dimensions of illness perception correlated with quality of life, except for control and concerns. Conclusions: The findings underscore the vital role of nurses and healthcare providers in aiding cancer patients to develop and utilize self-management strategies effectively. The study reveals that a patient’s capacity to manage their illness is significantly influenced by their confidence, understanding of their condition, and overall quality of life. Addressing these aspects can greatly enhance healthcare professionals’ contribution to improving the resilience and well-being of individuals battling cancer.
The Plant Actin Cytoskeleton Responds to Signals from Microbe-Associated Molecular Patterns

Plants are constantly exposed to a large and diverse array of microbes; however, most plants are immune to the majority of potential invaders and susceptible to only a small subset of pathogens. The cytoskeleton comprises a dynamic intracellular framework that responds rapidly to biotic stresses and supports numerous fundamental cellular processes including vesicle trafficking, endocytosis and the spatial distribution of organelles and protein complexes. For years, the actin cytoskeleton has been assumed to play a role in plant innate immunity against fungi and oomycetes, based largely on static images and pharmacological studies. To date, however, there is little evidence that the host-cell actin cytoskeleton participates in responses to phytopathogenic bacteria. Here, we quantified the spatiotemporal changes in host-cell cytoskeletal architecture during the immune response to pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Two distinct changes to host cytoskeletal arrays were observed that correspond to distinct phases of plant-bacterial interactions i.e. the perception of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) during pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and perturbations by effector proteins during effector-triggered susceptibility (ETS). We demonstrate that an immediate increase in actin filament abundance is a conserved and novel component of PTI. Notably, treatment of leaves with a MAMP peptide mimic was sufficient to elicit a rapid change in actin organization in epidermal cells, and this actin response required the host-cell MAMP receptor kinase complex, including FLS2, BAK1 and BIK1. Finally, we found that actin polymerization is necessary for the increase in actin filament density and that blocking this increase with the actin-disrupting drug latrunculin B leads to enhanced susceptibility of host plants to pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria.
FORAGE SPECIES OF IMPALA SANCTUARY, KISUMU; KENYA

The study evaluated the forage species of Impala sanctuary-Kisumu over a six month period that corresponded to two seasons (wet and dry). The study identified the grasses in the sanctuary with the help of a hand book on Primer on grass identification and uses in Kenya. Further identification was done with assistance of grass manuals and family taxonomic keys of Poaceae (graminae) which provide food for the impalas of the sanctuary. The sanctuary was divided into three ecosystems that is grassland, marshes and shrubland. Quadrats of 1m x 1m were used to sample grassland and marshes while those of 5m x 5m used to sample shrubland in a completely randomized design. The plant species diversity in the three ecosystems was calculated using the Shannon wiener diversity index. The results revealed that grassland had the highest species richness of 37 grass species. Shrubland had 13 grass species while 9 grass species were recorded in marshes. In terms of diversity, grassland had a diversity index of 1.6; shrubland had 1.03 while marshes had 0.92. In conclusion, impala sanctuary has different species of grasses distributed within it, which provide forage for the grazers. This study is significant as it will provide the managers with information about forage species present in the sanctuary for better management practises with reference to the forage. It can also be replicated in other similar sanctuaries.
Activation of WNT Family Expression and Signaling in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Cavity

The WNT family activates an oncogenic signaling mediated through β-catenin and is up-regulated in a variety of malignant neoplasms. The signaling translocates β-catenin into the nucleus and stimulates carcinoma cells in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, WNT expression and signaling in oral carcinomas have not been examined. The present study focused on unveiling the involvement of WNTs in oral carcinomas, and showed that carcinoma cells express 11 of 19 WNT family members by reverse-transcription/PCR. WNT-expressing carcinoma cells exhibited increased β-catenin levels in the cytoplasmic pool and translocation to the nucleus. The activation state of signaling correlated with the expression of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase, which degrades territorial matrices in carcinoma invasion. Immunohistochemistry disclosed that WNT3 expression and nuclear localization of β-catenin were predominant in carcinoma cells at the invasive front. These results suggest that enhanced WNT expression and signaling accelerate the progression of carcinomas via activating EMTs and local invasiveness.
Human Rights-based Public Service in the Class IIA Correctional Facility of Bengkulu

This study is designed to describe problems related to human rights-based public services in the Class IIA Correctional Facility of Bengkulu from the perspective of implementing human rights-based public service policies consisting of accessibility and availability of facilities, human resources availability, officer compliance, public service innovation, and integrity. This type of research uses a qualitative descriptive methodology with data collection techniques that include observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis stages involve data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The research findings indicate that the implementation of public service at Class IIA Correctional Facility is not yet optimal, as several issues related to the five research aspects are identified, including the inadequacy of facilities and infrastructure for vulnerable groups, overcrowding in the correctional facility housing blocks, limited quality of prison staff, a lack of innovative service provision, and the presence of alleged irregular practices within the correctional facility. Recommendations for improving future service implementation by the jail include providing adequate facilities and infrastructure, enhancing human resources through education and training, facilitating innovations in public service, and establishing effective monitoring and complaint mechanisms. Keywords: correctional facility, human rights, public service
Auditory Processing and Speech-Sound Disorders

Background: Speech-sound disorders (SSD) have been linked to auditory processing difficulties, and auditory processing disorders (APD) have been related to phonological awareness and literacy development. To this date, there has not been a systematic literature review investigating the results of psychophysiology and language assessments related to SSD and APD in children. Methods: The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Medline EBSCO, and Scopus to identify studies with children diagnosed/suspected of having APDs and SSDs. The quality of methodology in the selected articles was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results: Seven out of 378 relevant studies met the selection criteria. The findings were summarized for children with SSD and APD based on (a) metalinguistic and literacy skills, (b) cognitive abilities, and (c) temporal processing abilities. Three articles indicated that children with APD and SSD exhibit lower temporal task accuracy and reaction time. In two studies, children with SSD exhibited lower scores in discrimination, sequencing, and recall of brief stimuli in rapid succession. Conclusions: This review revealed associations between SSD severity and APD that may underline low performance in metalinguistic skills. Diagnostic assessments have been proposed based on the review to adequately identify children with SSD and APD and provide useful information for more suitable intervention.
The ins and outs of nuclear re-export of retrogradely transported tRNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae intron-containing pre-tRNAs are exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm for removal of the introns, and the spliced tRNAs are returned to the nucleus for reasons that are not understood. The re-imported spliced tRNAs are then subjected to aminoacylation in the nucleolus to ensure that they are functional prior to re-export to the cytoplasm. Previous studies have shown that re-imported spliced tRNAs and mature tRNAs made entirely in the nucleus from intronless precursors are retained in the nucleus of S. cerevisiae in response to glucose, amino acid, nitrogen or inorganic phosphate deprivation. Contrary to these studies, we recently reported that starvation of S. cerevisiae of amino acids or nitrogen results in nuclear accumulation of re-imported spliced tRNAs, but not tRNAs made from intronless precursors. This finding suggests that separate pathways are used for nuclear export of retrogradely transported spliced tRNAs and tRNAs made from intronless pre-tRNAs. In addition, the data support the conclusion that the nuclear re-export pathway for retrogradely transported spliced tRNAs, but not the pathway responsible for nuclear export of tRNAs derived from intronless precursors is regulated during amino acid or nitrogen starvation. This regulation appears to occur at a step after the re-imported spliced tRNAs have undergone aminoacylation quality assurance and, in part, involves the TORC1 signalling pathway. Moreover, it was established that Utp9p is an intranuclear component that only facilitates nuclear re-export of retrogradely transported spliced tRNAs by the β-karyopherin Msn5p. Utp9p acts in concert with Utp8p, a key player in nuclear tRNA export in S. cerevisiae, to translocate aminoacylated re-imported spliced tRNAs from the nucleolus to Msn5p and assist with formation of the Msn5p-tRNA-Gsp1p-GTP export complex. This pathway, however, is not the only one responsible for nuclear re-export of retrogradely transported spliced tRNAs.
Later Passages of Neural Progenitor Cells from Neonatal Brain Are More Permissive for Human Cytomegalovirus Infection

ABSTRACT Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is the most frequent infectious cause of birth defects, primarily neurological disorders. Neural progenitor/stem cells (NPCs) are the major cell type in the subventricular zone and are susceptible to HCMV infection. In culture, the differentiation status of NPCs may change with passage, which in turn may alter susceptibility to virus infection. Previously, only early-passage (i.e., prior to passage 9) NPCs were studied and shown to be permissive to HCMV infection. In this study, NPC cultures derived at different gestational ages were evaluated after short (passages 3 to 6) and extended (passages 11 to 20) in vitro passages for biological and virological parameters (i.e., cell morphology, expression of NPC markers and HCMV receptors, viral entry efficiency, viral gene expression, virus-induced cytopathic effect, and release of infectious progeny). These parameters were not significantly influenced by the gestational age of the source tissues. However, extended-passage cultures showed evidence of initiation of differentiation, increased viral entry, and more efficient production of infectious progeny. These results confirm that NPCs are fully permissive for HCMV infection and that extended-passage NPCs initiate differentiation and are more permissive for HCMV infection. Later-passage NPCs being differentiated and more permissive for HCMV infection suggest that HCMV infection in fetal brain may cause more neural cell loss and give rise to severe neurological disabilities with advancing brain development.
The Influence of Hypothermia on Outcome After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats

Background and Purpose— Late hypothermia (HYPO) reduces injury after collagenase-induced intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), whereas early HYPO does not because it exacerbates the protracted bleeding that occurs in this model. We hypothesized that early HYPO would not increase bleeding after whole blood infusion and thus expected early HYPO to improve outcome through reducing secondary consequences of ICH (eg, inflammation). Methods— Autologous blood (100 &mgr;L) was infused into the striatum. Rats were maintained at normothermia or subjected to mild (33°C to 35°C) HYPO for 2 days starting 1 (HYPO-1) or 4 hours (HYPO-4) after ICH. Hematoma volume was measured at 12 hours to determine whether HYPO-1 aggravated bleeding. We measured blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and edema 2 days after ICH in all groups. At 4 days, we counted degenerating neurons, neutrophils, and iron-positive cells (eg, macrophages) in the lesioned hemisphere. Recovery was assessed using several behavioral tests (ie, staircase reaching task, ladder walking task, limb use cylinder test) over 7 or 30 days, at which time we quantified lesion volume. Results— HYPO did not increase bleeding. Both HYPO treatments reduced BBB disruption and infiltration of inflammatory cells. HYPO-1 treatment modestly reduced edema and provided limited to no functional benefit in the behavioral tests. HYPO did not affect lesion volume. Conclusions— HYPO reduced edema, BBB disruption, and inflammation. Although encouraging, HYPO treatment must be improved so that histological and functional benefit are obtained before clinical investigation. Otherwise clinical failure is anticipated.
Linear efficient antialiased displacement and reflectance mapping

We present Linear Efficient Antialiased Displacement and Reflectance (LEADR) mapping, a reflectance filtering technique for displacement mapped surfaces. Similarly to LEAN mapping, it employs two mipmapped texture maps, which store the first two moments of the displacement gradients. During rendering, the projection of this data over a pixel is used to compute a noncentered anisotropic Beckmann distribution using only simple, linear filtering operations. The distribution is then injected in a new, physically based, rough surface microfacet BRDF model, that includes masking and shadowing effects for both diffuse and specular reflection under directional, point, and environment lighting. Furthermore, our method is compatible with animation and deformation, making it extremely general and flexible. Combined with an adaptive meshing scheme, LEADR mapping provides the very first seamless and hardware-accelerated multi-resolution representation for surfaces. In order to demonstrate its effectiveness, we render highly detailed production models in real time on a commodity GPU, with quality matching supersampled ground-truth images.
Molecular Nonlinear [ Ca 2 ] Signaling in Dendrites and Spines Caused by Activity-Dependent Depression of Ca 2 Extrusion

Spine Ca 2 triggers the induction of synaptic plasticity and other adaptive neuronal responses. The amplitude and time course of Ca 2 signals specify the activation of the signaling pathways that trigger different forms of plasticity such as long-term potentiation and depression. The shapes of Ca 2 signals are determined by the dynamics of Ca 2 sources, Ca 2 buffers, and Ca 2 extrusion mechanisms. Here we show in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons that plasma membrane Ca 2 pumps (PMCAs) and Na /Ca 2 exchangers are the major Ca 2 extrusion pathways in spines and small dendrites. Surprisingly, we found that Ca 2 extrusion via PMCA and Na /Ca 2 exchangers slows in an activity-dependent manner, mediated by intracellular Na and Ca 2 accumulations. This activity-dependent depression of Ca 2 extrusion is, in part, attributable to Ca 2 -dependent inactivation of PMCAs. Ca 2 extrusion recovers from depression with a time constant of 0.5 s. Depression of Ca 2 extrusion provides a positive feedback loop, converting small differences in stimuli into large differences in Ca 2 concentration. Depression of Ca 2 extrusion produces Ca 2 concentration dynamics that depend on the history of neuronal activity and therefore likely modulates the induction of synaptic plasticity.
Intermittent Intrathecal Methotrexate and Fractional Radiation (M-Imfra) plus Chemotherapy in Childhood Leukemia

Preliminary results of our investigation concern 28 consecutive cases of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), treated between March 1974 and March 1978 at the Clinica Pediatrica of the Catholic University in Rome, with a slight modification of the ALL protocol II of the Children's Hospital of Michigan (M-IMFRA). This protocol includes intermittent low dosage radiation of the cranio-spinal axis, combined with single intrathecal injections of methotrexate for the prophylaxis of central nervous system leukemia. Of the initial 28 children, one did not achieve a complete remission and one died of viral pneumonitis, 4 months after admission, in complete remission and had no hematologic toxicity at the time of this infection. The evaluation of remission duration is based on the remaining 26 children with a period of observation of up to 48 months. Only 2 children, who belonged to the low risk group, have so far relapsed, and relapse was confined to the bone marrow. Median survival without evidence of recurrence is 21 months. Or the 28 patients investigated, 17 are high risk children, as judged by the WBC above 20,000/mm3, mediastinal mass and age below 18 months or above 12 years. Only minimal toxicity has been observed in all cases. We have been encouraged to continue the regimen described here by recent observations regarding the abnormal computed tomography (ACT) scans in children with ALL following CNS prophylaxis of 2,400 rad to the skull. The high incidence of CAT scan abnormalities found is of interest and suggests a reappraisal of the current approaches to CNS prophylaxis.
Subclinical Inflammation and Diabetic Polyneuropathy

OBJECTIVE Subclinical inflammation represents a risk factor of type 2 diabetes and several diabetes complications, but data on diabetic neuropathies are scarce. Therefore, we investigated whether circulating concentrations of acute-phase proteins, cytokines, and chemokines differ among diabetic patients with or without diabetic polyneuropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We measured 10 markers of subclinical inflammation in 227 type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic polyneuropathy who participated in the population-based MONICA/KORA Survey F3 (2004–2005; Augsburg, Germany). Diabetic polyneuropathy was diagnosed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). RESULTS After adjustment for multiple confounders, high levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin (IL)-6 were most consistently associated with diabetic polyneuropathy, high MNSI score, and specific neuropathic deficits, whereas some inverse associations were seen for IL-18. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that subclinical inflammation is associated with diabetic polyneuropathy and neuropathic impairments. This association appears rather specific because only certain immune mediators and impairments are involved.