Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of regression techniques to predict hail size and the probability of large hail

Abstract Multiple regression and logistic regression equations were derived for the prediction of hail size based on data from 1992 through 1994. The multiple regression equation was formulated to predict hail diameter. The logistic regression equation was developed to predict the probability of hail size greater than or equal to 1.9 cm in diameter. Variables used for this study consisted of vertically integrated liquid (VIL) computed from the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radar and convective parameters derived from the skew-T/Hodograph analysis and research program. Data were obtained from the Baltimore, Maryland/Washington D.C., WSR-88D radar and Dulles, Virginia, upper-air soundings. Numerous parameters were tested; however, only VIL, 85-kPa temperature, freezing level, and mean storm-relative inflow in the lowest 2-km were retained for the multiple regression equation. These four parameters were used as a base to derive the logistic regression equation, and this derivation process.
Phylogeny and Taxonomic Revision of the Family Discinaceae (Pezizales, Ascomycota)

Taxonomy of the fungal family Discinaceae (Pezizales, Ascomycota) was significantly renewed on the basis of sequence analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), and translation elongation factor (TEF). Eight genera were accepted, including three new genera; two new species were described; and nine new combinations were made. ABSTRACT Species of Discinaceae are common macrofungi with a worldwide distribution. Some of them are commercially consumed, while a few others are reported as poisonous. Two genera were accepted in the family: the epigeous Gyromitra with discoid, cerebriform to saddle-shaped ascomata and the hypogeous Hydnotrya with globose or tuberous ascomata. However, due to discrepancies in their ecological behaviors, a comprehensive investigation of their relationship was not thoroughly explored. In this study, phylogenies of Discinaceae were reconstructed using sequence analyses of combined and separate three gene partitions (internal transcribed spacer [ITS], large subunit ribosomal DNA [LSU], and translation elongation factor [TEF]) with a matrix containing 116 samples. As a result, the taxonomy of the family was renewed. Eight genera were recognized: two of them (Gyromitra and Hydnotrya) were retained, three (Discina, Paradiscina, and Pseudorhizina) were revived, and three (Paragyromitra, Pseudodiscina, and Pseudoverpa) were newly established. Nine new combinations were made in four genera. Two new species in Paragyromitra and Pseudodiscina and an un-named taxon of Discina were described and illustrated in detail based on the materials collected from China. Furthermore, a key to the genera of the family was also provided. IMPORTANCE Taxonomy of the fungal family Discinaceae (Pezizales, Ascomycota) was significantly renewed on the basis of sequence analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), and translation elongation factor (TEF). Eight genera were accepted, including three new genera; two new species were described; and nine new combinations were made. A key to the accepted genera of the family is provided. The aim of this study is to deepen the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among genera of the group, as well as the associated generic concepts.
Perceptions of Institutional Response to Sexual Assault Amongst College-Based Victim Advocates

Federal law in the United States mandates that institutions of higher education address sexual assault within their communities. Colleges and universities have increasingly hired full-time professionals to manage response efforts, including campus-based victim advocates. Campus-based advocates provide emotional support, help students access and understand report options, and ensure students receive appropriate accommodations. Very little is known about the experience or perceptions of campus-based victim advocates. In this study, 208 professional campus-based advocates from across the United States completed an anonymous online survey focused on their perceptions of campus response to sexual assault. Multiple regression analysis was applied to investigate how psychosocial factors (burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion satisfaction) and organizational factors (perceptions of leadership, organizational support, and community relational health) were associated with advocate perceptions of institutional response to sexual assault. Findings indicate that while advocates experience burnout and secondary trauma, and have lower than average compassion satisfaction scores, these psychosocial outcomes do not influence their perception of response efforts. However, all the organizational factors significantly contribute to how advocates view response. The more positively advocates viewed leadership, campus support, and relational health, the more positive they viewed the response efforts on campus. In order to improve response efforts, administrators should engage in meaningful training on sexual assault, include campus advocates in high-level discussions of campus sexual assault and ensure appropriate resources are provided to advocacy services.
Dose-dependent effects of taurine against testicular damage in a streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus rat model

Objectives Testicular dysfunction has been associated with chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus patients. We investigated taurine’s possible mechanisms and protective effects against testicular damage using a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Methods Wistar rats (N = 56) were divided into seven equal groups. Untreated control rats received saline, and treated control rats received taurine 50 mg/kg orally. To induce diabetes, rats received a single dose of streptozotocin. Metformin-treated diabetic rats received metformin at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Taurine-treated groups received 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg. All treatments were provided orally once a day for 9 weeks following the streptozotocin injection. Levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, cholesterol, testicular tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) were examined. Sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and sperm abnormalities were examined. Body and relative reproductive gland weights were assessed. Histopathological examinations of the testes and epididymis were performed. Results Metformin as well as taurine (in a dose-dependent manner) resulted in significant improvements in body and relative reproductive gland weights, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and insulin levels, as well as cytokine and oxidative parameters. These findings were associated with significant improvement in sperm count, progressive sperm motility, sperm abnormalities, and histopathological lesions in the testes and epididymis. Conclusion Taurine can potentially improve hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and testicular damage associated with diabetes mellitus, possibly by controlling inflammation and oxidative stress.
Identication and Estimation of Semi-parametric Censored Dynamic Panel Data Models

This paper presents a semiparametric identication and estimation method for censored dynamic panel data models and their average partial eects using only two periods of data. The proposed method transforms the semi-parametric specication of censored dynamic panel data models into a parametric family of distribution functions of observables without specifying the distribution of the initial condition. Then the censored dynamic panel data models can be identied by a standard maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method. The identifying assumptions are related to the completeness of the families of known parametric distribution functions corresponding to censored dynamic panel data models and observed conditional distribution functions between the dependent and explanatory variables. We shows that the families of distribution functions corresponding to dynamic tobit models and dynamic lognormal hurdle models satisfy the key identication assumptions. This paper proposes a sieve maximum likelihood estimator (sieve MLE) and investigates the nite sample properties of these sieve-based estimators through Monte Carlo analysis. We presents the dynamic behavior of annual individual health expenditures estimated as an empirical illustration using the dynamic tobit model and data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).
The unreversible reduced but persistent activated NK and CD8+ T cells in severe/critical COVID-19 during omicron pandemic in China

ABSTRACT As a hallmark of COVID-19 progression, lymphopenia alongside its subtle immune disturbance has been widely reported, but yet to be thoroughly elucidated. Aiming at exploring clinical immune biomarkers with accessibility in the current and acute omicron epidemic abrupted in China post-control era, we design a real-world prospective observation cohort in Peking Union Medical College Hospital to describe immunological, haematological profiles inducing lymphocyte subsets related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this COVID-19 cohort, we enrolled 17 mild/moderate (M/M), 24 severe (S) and 25 critical (C) patients. The dynamics of lymphocytes of COVID-19 demonstrated that the sharp decline of NK, CD8+, and CD4+ T cell counts was the main contributor to lymphopenia in the S/C group, compared to the M/M group. Expressions of activation marker CD38 and proliferation marker Ki-67 both in CD8+ T and NK cells were significantly higher in all COVID-19 patients than that in healthy donors, independent of disease severity. The subsequent analysis showed in contrast to the M/M group, NK and CD8+ T cell counts remained low-level after therapy in the S/C group. CD38 and Ki-67 expressions in NK and CD8+ T cells still stay at a high level, despite active treatment. Targeting relatively elderly patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe COVID-19 features the unreversible reduction of NK and CD8+ T cells with persistent activation and proliferation, which assist clinicians in early recognizing and saving severe or critical COVID-19 patients. Given that immunophenotype, the new immunotherapy improving NK and CD8+ T lymphocyte antiviral efficiency should be considered.
Usage of Fermental Traps for the Study of the Species Diversity of Coleoptera in Open Biotopes

Simple Summary The possibilities of using beer traps for the study of Coleoptera fauna in various open biotopes were studied. The biodiversity of beetles was 208 species from 35 families. The largest number of species belonged to the families Cerambycidae (35 species), Curculionidae (26 species), and Elateridae (25 species). Only 13 species were found to be common to all habitats. Some patterns of species distribution in biotopes were revealed. The maximum species diversity with the greatest equalization of species was characteristic of meadows. We recommend the use of beer traps for ecological studies of Coleoptera fauna in open biotopes. Abstract Usage of a variety of non-trivial ways to study Coleoptera gives unexpected and original results. The studies were conducted using simple traps with fermenting baits in the central part of European Russia. There were 286 trap exposures, and 7906 Coleoptera specimens (208 species from 35 families) were collected. The largest number of species belonged to the families Cerambycidae (35 species), Curculionidae (26 species), and Elateridae (25 species). One species each was noted in 12 families. Traps were applied in five open habitats (dry meadow, shore, floodplain meadow, cuttings under power lines, and glade in woods). Only 13 species were common to all habitats: Cetonia aurata, Protaetia marmorata, Dasytes niger, Cryptarcha strigata, Glischrochilus grandis, Glischrochilus hortensis, Glischrochilus quadrisignatus, Soronia grisea, Notoxus monoceros, Aromia moschata, Leptura quadrifasciata, Rhagium mordax, Anisandrus dispar. Dry meadows were dominated by C. aurata, A. murinus, and P. cuprea volhyniensis. A shore was dominated by C. strigata, G. grandis, G. hortensis, S. grisea, and A. dispar. The dominant species in floodplain meadows were G. hortensis, S. grisea, and A. dispar. On cuttings under power lines, the most numerous were C. aurata, P. cuprea volhyniensis, and C. viridissima. In forest glades, the maximum abundance data were obtained for G. grandis, C. strigata, and A. dispar. The Shannon index was greatest in meadow habitats of varying degrees of moisture, while it was minimal on the shore. The increase in the Simpson index was also characteristic of the shore. These data indicate reduced species diversity combined with the dominance of several species in this biotope. The maximum species diversity with the highest level of species alignment was characteristic of meadow plots, while lower values were obtained under power lines and in forest glades. We recommend the usage of fermental traps with beer for ecological studies of the Coleoptera fauna in open biotopes.
Contrasting ecosystem vegetation response in global drylands under drying and wetting conditions

Increasing aridity is one major consequence of ongoing global climate change and is expected to cause widespread changes in key ecosystem attributes, functions, and dynamics. This is especially the case in naturally vulnerable ecosystems, such as drylands. While we have an overall understanding of past aridity trends, the linkage between temporal dynamics in aridity and dryland ecosystem responses remain largely unknown. Here, we examined recent trends in aridity over the past two decades within global drylands as a basis for exploring the response of ecosystem state variables associated with land and atmosphere processes (e.g., vegetation cover, vegetation functioning, soil water availability, land cover, burned area, and vapor‐pressure deficit) to these trends. We identified five clusters, characterizing spatiotemporal patterns in aridity between 2000 and 2020. Overall, we observe that 44.5% of all areas are getting dryer, 31.6% getting wetter, and 23.8% have no trends in aridity. Our results show strongest correlations between trends in ecosystem state variables and aridity in clusters with increasing aridity, which matches expectations of systemic acclimatization of the ecosystem to a reduction in water availability/water stress. Trends in vegetation (expressed by leaf area index [LAI]) are affected differently by potential driving factors (e.g., environmental, and climatic factors, soil properties, and population density) in areas experiencing water‐related stress as compared to areas not exposed to water‐related stress. Canopy height for example, has a positive impact on trends in LAI when the system is stressed but does not impact the trends in non‐stressed systems. Conversely, opposite relationships were found for soil parameters such as root‐zone water storage capacity and organic carbon density. How potential driving factors impact dryland vegetation differently depending on water‐related stress (or no stress) is important, for example within management strategies to maintain and restore dryland vegetation.
Enhancing information on stage at diagnosis of cancer in Africa

Abstract Background/Purpose Stage at diagnosis is an important metric in treatment and prognosis of cancer, and also in planning and evaluation of cancer control. For the latter purposes, the data source is the population-based cancer registry (PBCR), but, although stage is usually among the variables collected by cancer registries, it is often missing, especially in low-income settings. Essential TNM has been introduced to facilitate abstraction of stage data by cancer registry personnel, but the accuracy with which they can do so is unknown. Methods 51 cancer registrars from 20 countries of sub-Saharan Africa (13 anglophone, 7 francophone) were tasked with abstracting stage at diagnosis, using Essential TNM, from scanned extracts of case. The panel comprised 28 records of each of 8 common cancer types, and the participants chose how many to attempt (between 48 and 128). Stage group (I-IV), derived from the eTNM elements that they assigned to each cancer, was compared with a gold standard, as decided by two expert clinicians. Results The registrars assigned the correct stage (I-IV) in between 60 and 80% of cases, with the lowest values for ovary, and the highest for oesophagus. The weighted kappa statistic suggested a moderate level of agreement between participant and expert (0.41–0.60) for 5 cancers, and substantial agreement (0.61–0.80) for three, with the best for cervix, large bowel, oesophagus and ovary, and the worst (weighted kappa 0.46) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). For all except NHL, early stage (I/II) and late stage (III/IV) was correctly identified in 80% or more of the cases. Conclusions A single training in staging using Essential TNM resulted in an accuracy that was not much inferior to what has been observed in clinical situations in high income settings. Nevertheless, some lessons were learned on how to improve both the guidelines for staging, and the training course.
Adagrasib in Advanced Solid Tumors Harboring a KRASG12C Mutation

PURPOSE Adagrasib, a KRASG12C inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical activity in patients with KRASG12C-mutated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). KRASG12C mutations occur rarely in other solid tumor types. We report evaluation of the clinical activity and safety of adagrasib in patients with other solid tumors harboring a KRASG12C mutation. METHODS In this phase II cohort of the KRYSTAL-1 study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03785249; phase Ib cohort), we evaluated adagrasib (600 mg orally twice daily) in patients with KRASG12C-mutated advanced solid tumors (excluding NSCLC and CRC). The primary end point was objective response rate. Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and safety. RESULTS As of October 1, 2022, 64 patients with KRASG12C-mutated solid tumors were enrolled and 63 patients treated (median follow-up, 16.8 months). The median number of prior lines of systemic therapy was 2. Among 57 patients with measurable disease at baseline, objective responses were observed in 20 (35.1%) patients (all partial responses), including 7/21 (33.3%) responses in pancreatic and 5/12 (41.7%) in biliary tract cancers. The median duration of response was 5.3 months (95% CI, 2.8 to 7.3) and median PFS was 7.4 months (95% CI, 5.3 to 8.6). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade were observed in 96.8% of patients and grade 3-4 in 27.0%; there were no grade 5 TRAEs. TRAEs did not lead to treatment discontinuation in any patients. CONCLUSION Adagrasib demonstrates encouraging clinical activity and is well tolerated in this rare cohort of pretreated patients with KRASG12C-mutated solid tumors.
Ductility of Steel Short Cylinders in Compression and Bending

During the Hyogoken-Nanbu earthquake near Kobe, Japan, on January 17, 1995, damage occurred not only in steel box-section bridge piers but also in pipe-section piers. The pipe-section piers are usually designed with relatively large radius-thickness ratios, which make them susceptible to damage by local buckling during a severe earthquake event. To evaluate the damage of such columns, the ductility capacity of steel short cylinders is needed. For this purpose, an elastoplastic large deformation analysis of pipe-section stub-columns is carried out. In the analysis, a type of four-node doubly curved shell element is employed. Both the initial geometrical deflection and the residual stresses are taken into consideration. An elastoplastic strain hardening model is adopted to consider the material nonlinearity. Numerical results are then compared with previous test results and analytical results. In addition, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of various parameters such as the length-di.
Convergence or dispersion? The impact of China’s innovative city pilot policy on regional innovation differences

Although constructing innovative cities stimulates innovation, it may further widen regional innovation differences. Based on panel data from 275 cities in China from 2003 to 2020, the difference-in-differences method was used to examine the impact of the innovative city pilot policy on urban innovation convergence. The study finds that the pilot policy not only improves the innovation level of cities (basic effect) but also promotes innovation convergence among pilot cities (convergence effect). However, in the short-term, the policy slows the innovation convergence of the entire region. The results reveal the innovative city policy’s multiple effects and dual character and capture the spatial spillover and regional heterogeneity of policy impact, highlighting the risk of further marginalizing some cities. This study supplements the evidence that government intervention affects regional innovation patterns based on the place-based innovation policy in China, providing theoretical support for expanding the follow-up pilot scope and the coordinated development of regional innovation.
Inequalities in provision of hip and knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis by age, sex, and social deprivation in England between 2007–2017: A population-based cohort study of the National Joint Registry

Background While the United Kingdom National Health Service aimed to reduce social inequalities in the provision of joint replacement, it is unclear whether these gaps have reduced. We describe secular trends in the provision of primary hip and knee replacement surgery between social deprivation groups. Methods and findings We used the National Joint Registry to identify all hip and knee replacements performed for osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2017 in England. The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2015 was used to identify the relative level of deprivation of the patient living area. Multilevel negative binomial regression models were used to model the differences in rates of joint replacement. Choropleth maps of hip and knee replacement provision were produced to identify the geographical variation in provision by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). A total of 675,342 primary hip and 834,146 primary knee replacements were studied. The mean age was 70 years old (standard deviation: 9) with 60% and 56% of women undergoing hip and knee replacements, respectively. The overall rate of hip replacement increased from 27 to 36 per 10,000 person-years and knee replacement from 33 to 46. Inequalities of provision between the most (reference) and least affluent areas have remained constant for both joints (hip: rate ratio (RR) = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [0.56, 0.60] in 2007, RR = 0.59 [0.58, 0.61] in 2017; knee: RR = 0.82 [0.80, 0.85] in 2007, RR = 0.81 [0.80, 0.83] in 2017). For hip replacement, CCGs with the highest concentration of deprived areas had lower overall provision rates, and CCGs with very few deprived areas had higher provision rates. There was no clear pattern of provision inequalities between CCGs and deprivation concentration for knee replacement. Study limitations include the lack of publicly available information to explore these inequalities beyond age, sex, and geographical area. Information on clinical need for surgery or patient willingness to access care were unavailable. Conclusions In this study, we found that there were inequalities, which remained constant over time, especially in the provision of hip replacement, by degree of social deprivation. Providers of healthcare need to take action to reduce this unwarranted variation in provision of surgery.