Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of Interferon Regulatory Factor 8 (IRF8) and Its Association with Infections in Dialysis Patients

Patients on dialysis have dysfunctions of innate and adaptive immune system responses. The transcriptional factor IRF8 (interferon regulatory factor 8) is primarily expressed in plasmacytoid cells (pDCs) and myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), playing a crucial role in the maturation of dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, and contributing to protection against bacterial infections. The current study analyzed the expression patterns of IRF8 and assessed its association with the risk of infections in 79 dialysis patients compared to 44 healthy controls. Different subsets of leukocytes and the intracellular expression of IRF8 were measured using flow cytometry. Compared to the healthy controls, the dialysis patients showed significantly reduced numbers of pDCs and significantly increased numbers of natural killer cells and classical and intermediate monocytes. The dialysis patients exhibited decreased numbers of IRF8-positive dendritic cells (pDC p < 0.001, mDC1 p < 0.001, mDC2 p = 0.005) and increased numbers of IRF8-positive monocytes (p < 0.001). IRF8 expression in pDC, mDC, and classical monocytes was lower in the dialysis patients than in the controls. Dialysis patients who required hospitalization due to infections within one year of follow-up displayed significantly reduced IRF8 expression levels in pDCs compared to patients without such infections (p = 0.04). Our results suggest that reduced IRF8 expression in pDCs is a potential risk factor predisposing dialysis patients to serious infections.
Centering Our Students’ Languages and Cultures: WAC and a Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

The writing department where this research is based has been a leader in developing translingual, transcultural, and transmodal pedagogical initiatives. 1 While the chapter authors remain engaged with pedagogical approaches that can be taken up at the curricular and program level, this contribution builds upon the understanding that the sharing of these experiences with colleagues across the university can be complicated by disciplinary contexts and approaches, as well as institutional and even political forces. Put simply: such an expansive endeavor is bound to be messy and (at times) disconnected, yet, we argue that the potential benefits in terms of student learning and improvement in faculty teaching writ large outweigh the various challenges. This chapter, then, begins with the disconnect and challenges felt by teachers across the university, which are captured through the following snapshots
CHANGE OF SCALE FORMULAS FOR A GENERALIZED CONDITIONAL WIENER INTEGRAL

Abstract. Let C[0, t] denote the space of real-valued continuous functions on [0, t] and define a random vector Zn : C[0, t] → R by Zn(x) = ( ∫ t1 0 h(s)dx(s), . , ∫ tn 0 h(s)dx(s)), where 0 < t1 < · · · < tn = t is a partition of [0, t] and h ∈ L2[0, t] with h 6= 0 a.e. Using a simple formula for a conditional expectation on C[0, t] with Zn, we evaluate a generalized analytic conditional Wiener integral of the function Gr(x) = F (x)Ψ( ∫ t 0 v1(s)dx(s), . , ∫ t 0 vr(s)dx(s)) for F in a Banach algebra and for Ψ = f + φ which need not be bounded or continuous, where f ∈ Lp(R)(1 ≤ p ≤ ∞), {v1, . , vr} is an orthonormal subset of L2[0, t] and φ is the Fourier transform of a measure of bounded variation over R . Finally we establish various change of scale transformations for the generalized analytic conditional Wiener integrals of Gr with the conditioning function Zn.
Risk factors associated with seminal fluid abnormalities among partners of women with infertility in keffi, north-central Nigeria

Infertility is a major cause of psychological burden and women are always held responsible for such especially in Africa. Evidence indicates that male infertility is as common as female infertility in the general population. This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated factors of seminal fluid abnormalities among partners of women presenting with infertility. This was a descriptive, cross–sectional study and the subjects were recruited through convenience sampling. Relevant socio-demographic data were collected using pretested questionnaires. Seminal fluid of each subject was analyzed within 30 minutes of collection assessing the volume, sperm count, motility, morphology, white blood cells count, and microbial profile and sensitivity. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Continuous variables were analyzed using mean and Standard deviation while categorical variables were presented in percentages. Chi–square, Fisher’s Exact Test, correlation analysis and Logistic Regression was used, and the significance level was set at 0.05. Among 150 males analyzed, prevalence of semen abnormalities was 32%. Oligozoospermia was identified in 10% of the subjects out of which 11.3% had severe oligozoospermia while 10.7% had azoospermia. Asthenozoospermia (36%) was the commonest abnormality observed among the subjects. Men 40 years and above (60%), Penile infection (40.7%), and smoking (29.3%) were statistically significant factors associated with semen abnormalities among the study population. Seminal fluid abnormalities are high and asthenozoospermia was the most common. Age ≥ 40 years, penile infections and cigarette smoking are associated with semen abnormalities in our environment.
Brain but not serum BDNF levels are associated with structural alterations in the hippocampal regions in patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common type of focal epilepsy, imposing a significant burden on the health care system worldwide. Approximately one-third of patients with this disease who do not adequately respond to pharmacotherapy are considered drug-resistant subjects. Despite having some clues of how such epileptic activity and resistance to therapy emerge, coming mainly from preclinical models, we still witness a scarcity of human data. To narrow this gap, in this study, we aimed to estimate the relationship between hippocampal and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), one of the main and most widely studied neurotrophins, and hippocampal subfield volumes in patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal epilepsy undergoing neurosurgical treatment. We found that hippocampal (but not serum) BDNF levels were negatively correlated with the contralateral volumes of the CA1 and CA4 subfields, presubiculum, subiculum, dentate gyrus, and molecular layer of the hippocampus. Taken together, these findings are generally in accordance with existing data, arguing for a proepileptic nature of BDNF effects in the hippocampus and related brain structures.
Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and paleogeographic significance in the lower Maastrichtian of the Miechów Trough (southern Poland)

: Ciołko, U. and Gaździcka, E. 2022. Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and paleogeographic significance in the lower Maastrichtian of the Miechów Trough (southern Poland). Acta Geologica Polonica , 72 (3), 331–352. Warszawa. Biostratigraphic analysis of calcareous nannofossils from the Pełczyska section in the Miechów Trough (south - ern Poland) has revealed that the entire section covers the lowermost Maastrichtian. The UC16b TP Tethyan subzone is designated based on the presence of Broinsonia parca constricta Hattner, Wind and Wise, 1980 , reworked remains of Uniplanarius trifidus (Stradner) Hattner and Wise in Wind and Wise, 1983 and the simul - taneous lack of Eiffellithus eximius (Stover) Perch-Nielsen, 1968. The studied section spans also the interval between the LO of Zeugrhabdotus praesigmoides Burnett, 1997 and the FO of Prediscosphaera mgayae Lees, 2007 (UC16 S3 Boreal subzone). Quantitative analysis of nannofossil assemblages has shown the dominance of cold water species (up to 50%), e.g., Micula decussata Vekshina, 1959, Prediscosphaera spp. , Arkhangelskiella spp. , Calculites obscurus (Deflandre) Prins and Sissingh in Sissingh, 1977 and Lucianorhabdus cayeuxii Deflandre, 1959. In the early Maastrichtian, the studied area was more influenced by cool water masses from the Boreal Province rather than by warm water from the Tethyan Province. The significant predominance of cold water taxa and the elevated presence of Prediscosphaera cretacea (Arkhangelsky) Gartner, 1968 also supports the hypothesis of climate cooling in the early Maastrichtian.
Brain rhythmic abnormalities in convalescent patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: a resting-state EEG study

Objective Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDARE) is autoimmune encephalitis with a characteristic neuropsychiatric syndrome and persistent cognition deficits even after clinical remission. The objective of this study was to uncover the potential noninvasive and quantified biomarkers related to residual brain distortions in convalescent anti-NMDARE patients. Methods Based on resting-state electroencephalograms (EEG), both power spectral density (PSD) and brain network analysis were performed to disclose the persistent distortions of brain rhythms in these patients. Potential biomarkers were then established to distinguish convalescent patients from healthy controls. Results Oppositely configured spatial patterns in PSD and network architecture within specific rhythms were identified, as the hyperactivated PSD spanning the middle and posterior regions obstructs the inter-regional information interactions in patients and thereby leads to attenuated frontoparietal and frontotemporal connectivity. Additionally, the EEG indexes within delta and theta rhythms were further clarified to be objective biomarkers that facilitated the noninvasive recognition of convalescent anti-NMDARE patients from healthy populations. Conclusion Current findings contributed to understanding the persistent and residual pathological states in convalescent anti-NMDARE patients, as well as informing clinical decisions of prognosis evaluation.
Sensitivity of Forward-Modeled Bending Angles to Vertical Interpolation of Refractivity for Radio Occultation Data Assimilation

Assimilation of radio occultation (RO) observations into numerical weather prediction (NWP) models has improved forecasts, where RO is typically one of the top five observational systems contributing to forecast accuracy. By measuring the phase delay of radio waves traversing Earth’s atmosphere between global positioning system (GPS) and low-Earth orbiting satellites, RO obtains quasi-vertical profiles of bending angles (BA) of the radio waves’ trajectories. BA are the RO observation most often assimilated into NWP models, but since they are not computed or analyzed in the models, they must be computed from model data using a forward model. First, model refractivity N is computed from variables specified on the model’s vertical levels, then using the Abel integral, BA are computed from N. The forward model requires vertical differentiation of N, and accurate differentiation requires vertical interpolation of N between model levels. The interpolation results in errors, which then propagate through the forward model to produce BA errors. In this study, we investigate the sensitivity of forward-modeled BA to five different methods of vertical interpolation of N between model levels to determine a method that minimizes interpolation errors. We use RO-observed N to isolate the interpolation errors and determine an accurate method that can be applied to any NWP model. Of the five methods investigated, the log-spline interpolation reduces N and BA errors the most, regardless of the vertical resolution of the model grid.
Lipid Peroxidation as a Possible Factor Affecting Bone Resorption in Obese Subjects—Preliminary Research

Oxidative stress, which promotes bone catabolism, also affects the quality of bone tissue. We aimed to assess the impact of metabolic disorders and oxidant–antioxidant imbalance associated with primary obesity on bone resorption and formation processes. Anthropometric parameters, metabolic variables, oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, vitamins A and E, uric acid, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, type 1 paraoxonase, iron-reducing plasma antioxidant power) and markers of bone turnover (type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide and the type I collagen C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide; P1NP and CTX) were assessed in 108 Polish participants. Under the influence of oxidative stress, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense mechanisms were stimulated in obese subjects, especially in women, who had increased lipid peroxidation and activity of catalase (particularly in first-degree obesity) and decreased vitamin E concentration. The process of lipid peroxidation, as well as the weakening of the bone formation, was strongly manifested in women at a BMI range of 35.0–39.9 kg/m2 but not at BMI > 40.0 kg/m2, but it had a comprehensive negative impact on bone turnover in obese men. Obesity and its degree of advancement significantly affected the decrease in the concentration of the marker of bone formation—P1NP—only in the plasma of women. Excessive body weight had no effect on the value of the bone resorption marker in plasma, regardless of gender. Our results confirm the existence of the “obesity paradox” in the aspect of bone tissue metabolism and suggest that a specific body weight threshold changed the molecular response of the tissue.
Calibration and Multiple Robustness When Data Are Missing Not At Random

In missing data analysis, multiple robustness is a desirable property resulting from the calibration technique. A multiply robust estimator is consistent if any one of the multiple data distribution models and missingness mechanism models is correctly specified. So far in the literature, multiple robustness has only been established when data are missing at random (MAR). We study how to carry out calibration to construct a multiply robust estimator when data are missing not at random (MNAR). With multiple models available, where each model consists of two components, one for data distribution for complete cases and one for missingness mechanism, our proposed estimator is consistent if any one pair of models are correctly specified.
Comparative accuracy analysis of triangulated surface models of a fossil skull digitized with various optic devices

Digital metrology was applied to evaluate 3D models of the unique skull of a fossil tetrapod, Madygenerpeton pustulatum , generated using various 3D digitization methods. The skull surface is covered by minute tubercles making it challenging for digitization with appropriate accuracy. Uniqueness and fragility of the specimen preclude the use of tactile measuring systems for creating a standardized reference model. To overcome this problem, comparative analysis of the triangulated models generated from the clouds of points obtained with seven diﬀerent devices was conducted using the Geomagic Studio and Autodesk PowerShape CAD software. In the proposed approach, geometrically and dimensionally closest-ﬁtting models underwent detailed statistical analysis between surface polygons in three steps. First, 3D models obtained from diﬀerent scanning methods were compared with each other in couples. Next, statistical analysis of the diﬀerences between the coupled models was performed. Finally, a rating list of the models related to the required accuracy was prepared. The proposed approach is applicable to any other scanned object, especially in palaeontological applications, where each object is unique and exhibits individual features.
Probable Three-Species In Vivo Transfer of blaNDM-1 in a Single Patient in Greece: Occurrence of NDM-1-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Morganella morganii

NDM carbapenemase-encoding genes disseminate commonly among Enterobacterales through transferable plasmids carrying additional resistance determinants. Apart from the intra-species dissemination, the inter-species exchange of plasmids seems to play an additional important role in the spread of blaNDM. We here present the genetics related to the isolation of three species (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Morganella morganii) harboring the blaNDM-1 gene from a single patient in Greece. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the Vitek2. Whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic tools were used to identify resistance genes and plasmids. BlaNDM-1 harboring plasmids were found in all three isolates. Moreover, the plasmid constructs of the respective incomplete or circular contigs showed that the blaNDM-1 and its neighboring genes form a cluster that was found in all isolates. Our microbiological findings, together with the patient’s history, suggest the in vivo transfer of the blaNDM-1-containing cluster through three different species in a single patient.
A Practical Recipe for Federated Learning Under Statistical Heterogeneity Experimental Design

Federated Learning (FL) has been an area of active research in recent years. There have been numerous studies in FL to make it more successful in the presence of data heterogeneity. However, despite the existence of many publications, the state of progress in the field is unknown. Many of the works use inconsistent experimental settings and there are no comprehensive studies on the effect of FL-specific experimental variables on the results and practical insights for a more comparable and consistent FL experimental setup. Furthermore, the existence of several benchmarks and confounding variables has further complicated the issue of inconsistency and ambiguity. In this work, we present the first comprehensive study on the effect of FL-specific experimental variables in relation to each other and performance results, bringing several insights and recommendations for designing a meaningful and well-incentivized FL experimental setup. We further aid the community by releasing FedZoo-Bench, an open-source library based on PyTorch with pre-implementation of 22 state-of-the-art methods, and a broad set of standardized and customizable features available at https://github.com/MMorafah/FedZoo-Bench. We also provide a comprehensive comparison of several state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods to better understand the current state of the field and existing limitations.
Group multiple lags consensus of fractional-order nonlinear leader-following multi-agent systems via adaptive control

In this paper, group multiple lags consensus of fractional-order leader-following multi-agent systems with nonlinear dynamics are investigated, in which two kinds of lag consensus are considered. One is said to be outergroup lag consensus, which means that different group leaders reach lag consensus. The other one is called innergroup lag consensus, that is to say, the followers will reach lag consensus with their own group leader. Based on Mittag–Leffler stability for fractional-order systems, algebraic graph theory, a class of novel control protocols is designed and the corresponding sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the achievement of group multiple lags consensus. Furthermore, considering parametric uncertainties, an adaptive control technology is employed to solve the group multiple lags consensus for fractional order multi-agent systems, and the corresponding adaptive control protocols and sufficient conditions are proposed. Finally, numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Wavelet based compression of segmented images using baseline non-segmented approach

We present an approach to compression of segmented images using wavelet transform followed by modified baseline coder. Baseline coder processes the spectral values from all segments in non-segmented style, i.e. together in one big block. Proposed scheme has comparative results as existing methods and retains its effectivity as the number of image segments increases.
Can spectral computed tomography (CT) replace perfusion CT to assess the histological classification of non-small cell lung cancer?

Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80% of total lung cancer cases, it is necessary to distinguish the histological types of NSCLC. This study set out to investigate the correlation between spectral computed tomography (CT) and CT perfusion parameters in patients with NSCLC and to compare the differential diagnostic efficacy of these two imaging modalities for the histological classification of NSCLC. Methods A total of 62 eligible consecutive patients, including 32 with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and 30 with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), who underwent “one-stop” spectral combined perfusion scan and pathologically confirmed NSCLC at Lanzhou University Second Hospital between September 2020 and December 2021 were prospectively enrolled. The spectral parameters of lesions in the arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP) [including iodine concentration (IC), effective atomic number (Zeff), CT40keV, and slope of the spectral curve (K70keV)] and perfusion parameters [blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), surface permeability (PS), and mean transit time (MTT)] were assessed. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between the two imaging parameters, and the DeLong test was used to compare the diagnostic performance of the two imaging modalities. Results BV and BF were strongly correlated with spectral parameters CT40keV, IC, Zeff, and K70keV in the AP and VP (0.6<r<0.8, P<0.001). MTT was moderately correlated with the above spectral parameters in the AP and VP (0.4<r<0.6, P<0.001). PS was weakly correlated with the above spectral parameters in the VP (0.2<r<0.4, P<0.05). The DeLong test revealed a statistical difference between the area under the curve (AUC) of spectral CT (AUC =0.93, 95% CI: 0.86–0.99, sensitivity =0.94, specificity =0.83) and perfusion CT (AUC =0.81, 95% CI: 0.70–0.92, sensitivity =0.99, specificity =0.57) (P<0.05). Conclusions Spectral parameters are significantly correlated with perfusion parameters in NSCLC, and spectral CT has a better diagnostic efficacy than perfusion CT in differentiating the histological classification of NSCLC.
Investigating the Viability of Transfer Pathways to STEM Degrees: Do Community Colleges Prepare Students for Success in University STEM Courses?

Objective: Community colleges have considerable potential to grow the number of individuals who complete STEM baccalaureate degrees and to broaden access to educational opportunities in STEM. However, efforts to tap this potential have been hampered by nagging questions about whether community colleges prepare students adequately for advanced STEM courses at universities. In this study, we draw on data from four universities in Michigan to investigate differences in the course and degree outcomes of students who completed prerequisite STEM courses in community colleges versus students who completed prerequisites at the university. Methods: We use logistic and linear regression to control for several potentially confounding variables, including prior academic achievement as measured by high school grade point average. Results: In three of the universities, we did not find evidence of consistently weaker outcomes among students who completed STEM prerequisites at community colleges or among transfer students generally. In the fourth university, students taking STEM prerequisites in a community college had weaker course outcomes than did non-transfer students. Intersecting qualitative evidence points to differences in levels of support for transfer students as a probable explanation for the differences in students’ outcomes, rather than inadequate rigor of community college STEM coursework. Conclusion: Our findings generally align with prior evidence of minor or inconsistent differences in outcomes for students who previously attended a community college, but also point to the probable role of institutional factors at universities in influencing the chances of success among students who utilize community college to complete STEM coursework.