Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stopping of Mycophenolic Acid in Kidney Transplant Recipients for 2 Weeks Peri-Vaccination Does Not Increase Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination—A Non-randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

Introduction Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. However, vaccine response in this population is severely impaired with humoral response rates of 36–54 and 55–69% after two or three doses of SARS-COV-2 vaccines, respectively. Triple immunosuppression and specifically the use of anti-proliferative agents such as mycophenolic acid (MPA) or azathioprine (AZA) have been identified as risk factors for vaccine hypo-responsiveness. Methods We hypothesized that in vaccine non-responders to at least three previous vaccine doses, pausing of MPA or AZA for 1 week before and 1 week after an additional vaccination would improve humoral response rates. We conducted an open-label, non-randomized controlled pilot study including 40 KTR with no detectable humoral response after three or four previous vaccine doses. Primary endpoint was seroconversion following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. MPA and AZA was paused in 18 patients 1 week before until 1 week after an additional vaccine dose while immunosuppression was continued in 22 patients. Results There was no difference in the humoral response rate between the MPA/AZA pause group and the control group (29 vs. 32%, p > 0.99). Absolute antibody levels were also not statistically significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.716). Renal function in the MPA/AZA pause group remained stable and there was no detection of new onset donor-specific antibodies or an increase of donor-derived cell-free DNA serving as a marker of allograft damage throughout the study period. Conclusion Pausing of MPA/AZA for 2 weeks peri-vaccination did not increase the rate of seroconversion in kidney transplant. However, one in three KTR without humoral immune response to at least three previous vaccinations developed antibodies after an additional vaccine dose supporting continued vaccination in non-responders.
Impact of Zinc to Copper Ratio and Lipocalin 2 in Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy

Worldwide, obesity constitutes a significant health issue. There is the perception that obesity is influenced by subclinical inflammation caused by trace elements (TE). Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is an adipokine that is abundantly expressed in adipose tissue, largely in response to metabolic stress; TE deficiency is expressed in metabolic dysfunction as increased oxidative stress, the development of dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. The primary aim of this study is to explore the relationship between Lcn2 inflammatory biomarkers and the TE status of subjects with morbid obesity who are undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG); the secondary aim is to evaluate the Zn-to-Cu ratio in those with a detected TE deficiency. When this prospective cohort study was conducted, 107 subjects with morbid obesity (i.e., 69 women, 38 men) ranging in age from 20 to 55 years were recruited. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations were performed preoperatively and nine months postoperatively; and blood samples were collected to determine the subjects' iron, Zn, Cu, Lcn2, and other inflammatory biomarkers. The results revealed 16.82% of the subjects exhibited preoperative Zn deficiency, which increased to 22.43% postoperatively; none of studied subjects exhibited Cu deficiency in the two consecutive measurements; and the 10.28% preoperative prevalence of iron deficiency increased to 15.89% postoperatively. While a negative correlation was observed between the delta body weight change and Lcn2, leptin, and HOMA-IR, a positive correlation was observed between the delta body weight change and the Zn-to-Cu ratio. These findings suggest the existence of preoperative obesity is associated with inflammatory status that may be triggered by TE deficiency and impaired insulin sensitivity; moreover, LSG may accentuate TE deficiency. As such, a patient's Lcn2 and Zn-to-Cu ratio may be utilized as potential biomarkers of their TE status and metabolic improvement after LSG.
Evolution of Green Blood in New Guinea Lizards: Phylogenomics, Biogeography, and Comparative Genomics

v CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 OVERVIEW . 1 1.2 SCINCID LIZARDS . 1 1.3 GREEN BLOOD . 1 1.4 NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING . 2 CHAPTER 2: MULTIPLE ORIGINS OF GREEN BLOOD IN NEW GUINEA LIZARDS . 3 2.
Diachronic Mapping of Soil Organic Matter in Eastern Croatia Croplands

The spatiotemporal analysis and mapping of soil organic matter (SOM) play a pivotal role for evaluating soil health and for implementing preservation and restoration actions. In this context, the first aim of the study is to furnish a high-resolution mapping of current SOM content in eastern Croatia. The second aim is to perform a diachronic analysis of SOM content, comparing two datasets characterized by an extreme data imbalance. The more recent dataset (SOM2010), representative of 2010s, comprises 19,386 samples and the older dataset (SOM1970), representative of the 1970s, comprises 152 samples. The marked data imbalance and the different modalities in soil sampling and laboratory analysis of the two datasets are taken into consideration in performing the comparison. The study reveals a general depletion trend of SOM from the 1970s to the 2010s, more evident in with regard to Fluvisols and Gleysols. At a regional scale, the SOM2010 is characterized by lower variability compared to SOM1970, indicating a process of homogenization of SOM spatial distribution in recent years. Considering the local scale, there is limited information for the 1970s; for the 2010s the SOM spatial distribution is characterized by a high short-range spatial variability, with a characteristic spotty appearance, likely related to agricultural practices.
Urinary Tract Infection and Its Risk Factors in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common health issue all over the world and several factors predispose the people to urinary tract infection. Objective: The study aimed at determining the incidence of Urinary tract infection and factors associated with it. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 205 patients in a tertiary care hospital of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Simple convenient sampling and an established inclusion and exclusion criteria was applied to select the participants. After obtaining the informed consent from all participants, data was acquired via a self-designed proforma. Data analysis was carried out through SPSS version 25. Chi square test was applied to check the association between urinary tract infection and predisposing factors. The p-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The incidence of urinary tract infection was 12.68%. Urinary tract infection was significantly associated age group (p=0.003), gender (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.004), educational status (p=0.0001), socioeconomic status (p=0.005), previous history of UTI (p=0.0002), family history of UTI (p=0.0004), history of stone in urinary tract (p=0.003), history of recent use of antibiotics (p=0.04), history of catheterization (p=0.001), hygienic condition of external genitalia (p=0.0005), frequency of intercourse (p=0.04), history of diabetes mellitus (p=0.002), and hydration status (p=0.0007), whereas, association of urinary tract infection with holding urine was insignificant (p=0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of urinary tract infection was high among research population. Risk factors that could lead to UTI were young age, female gender, married marital status, lower educational status, lower socioeconomic status, previous history of UTI, family history of UTI, history of stone in urinary tract, history of recent use of antibiotics, history of catheterization, poor hygienic condition of external genitalia, high frequency of intercourse, history of diabetes mellitus, and dehydration. Recommendations: People should be educated about the UTI and its causes and prevention. People should also take special care when they are on antibiotics or when they are diabetics, to prevent UTI. People should maintain hygiene when they are catheterized and during intercourse. People should stay hydrated.
Quantum algorithms for problems in number theory, algebraic geometry, and group theory

Quantum computers can execute algorithms that sometimes dramatically outperform classical computation. Undoubtedly the best-known example of this is Shor's discovery of an efficient quantum algorithm for factoring integers, whereas the same problem appears to be intractable on classical computers. Understanding what other computational problems can be solved significantly faster using quantum algorithms is one of the major challenges in the theory of quantum computation, and such algorithms motivate the formidable task of building a large-scale quantum computer. This article will review the current state of quantum algorithms, focusing on algorithms for problems with an algebraic flavor that achieve an apparent superpolynomial speedup over classical computation.
Hybrid Modeling of Plasma Discharges

Abstract : This document describes the research performed under an AFOSR lab-task started in August 2002, and is still continuing under a different JON. Therefore, this report mostly describes results which are still preliminary. This research is aimed at investigating the difficult problem of hybridization of various physical models and numerical methods in order to more efficiently model complex, non-equilibrium plasma. We are especially interested in plasma conditions which contain a highly energetic component, here restricted to electrons. The general system under study is therefore composed of a bulk, dense fluid (which may contains electrons in equilibrium, i.e. "cold") and high-energy particles ("hot" electrons) which are either injected into the fluid or extracted by the application of high electro-magnetic fields. High-voltage pulsed discharges and laser-plasma are typical examples of such conditions, but these can be also found in subscale regions of other discharges. Because the "hot" component cannot be described by an equilibrium (Maxwell) distribution, one must combined essentially two numerical approaches: one for the bulk phase (Computational Fluid Dynamics - CFD - in its various formulations), and one for the high-energy component, such as Particle In Cell (PIC) or a discretized phase-space solver (Vlasov or Fokker-Planck). The latter are deemed feasible only for systems with low dimensionality - pending revolutions in computational hardware - but we are interested in eventual application to 3D problems. Thus, PIC remains the method of choice for treatment of this hot component. However, inelastic interactions are of key importance, i.e. excitation and ionization, as well as the reverse processes once the energetic component sufficiently relaxes and cools. The crux of this effort consists of developing and verifying numerical techniques which allow an efficient coupling between these two components.
Comparison of Time-Varying Load Models for Estimating CVR Factor and VSF Using Dual-Stage Adaptive Filter

Assessment of conservation voltage reduction (CVR) deployment largely depends on load-to-voltage sensitivity (LTV). Therefore, two quantifiers—voltage and the load consumption—are truly responsible for measuring the CVR factor (CVRF), which is the primary index for calculating the load or energy consumption reduction. Simultaneously, CVR deployment improves the voltage profile by providing line relief due to the reduction in consumption. Hence, it is also important for the utilities to know the voltage sensitivity factor (VSF) during the CVR deployment period. This paper provides a comprehensive comparison of two different voltage sensitive load models—ZIP and exponential model—to estimate the CVRF and the VSF. The comparison is done in a time varying manner since the parameters of load models vary with time as the voltage changes. Two different sets of dual-stage filtering methods are used to estimate the load parameters and observe which load model accurately identifies the CVRF and the VSF. Stochasticity in load variation is also considered in the estimation process. This process helps the utilities to assess the CVRF and VSF for a target feeder using the most accurate load model. The entire estimation is done using actual data from a 22.86 kV distribution feeder, provided by duke energy progress. Moreover, the validation of the estimated parameters is done using the original circuit associated with the measurements in OpenDSS Software.
Effectiveness of the hybrid Levine equipercentile and modified frequency estimation equating methods under the common-item nonequivalent groups design

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid Levine equipercentile (Hybrid LE) and modified frequency estimation (MFE) equating methods in improving accuracy of equating as compared to the percentile rank frequency estimation (FE), kernel frequency estimation (Kernel FE) and percentile rank chained equipercentile (CE) equating methods under the common-item nonequivalent groups (CINEG) design. The methods were compared under a wide variety of simulated conditions with log-linear pre-smoothing. The simulated conditions reflected differences in sample size, group proficiency, test length, ratio of common items and the similarity of form difficulty. An item response theory (IRT) model was used to define the “true” equating criterion, simulate group differences, and generate response data. Considered collectively, the simulation results revealed that the Hybrid LE and MFE methods performed best under most simulation conditions. When group proficiency differed only in the mean, the MFE method produced the lowest equating error. When the group proficiency differed in both mean and variance, the Hybrid LE method yielded the lowest error. Overall, the Hybrid LE method yielded less bias but greater standard error of equating (SEE) than the MFE method except at the two ends of the scale score. Aside from method effects, group proficiency differences had the most impact on equating error. Equating error also decreased as the common item ratio increased, sample size increased and test length decreased. Form difficulty, in contrast, had little effect on equating error. Abstract Approved: ____________________________________ Thesis Supervisor ____________________________________ Title and Department ____________________________________ DateApproved: ____________________________________ Thesis Supervisor ____________________________________ Title and Department ____________________________________ Date EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HYBRID LEVINE EQUIPERCENTILE AND MODIFIED FREQUENCY ESTIMATION EQUATING METHODS UNDER THE COMMONITEM NONEQUIVALENT GROUPS DESIGN
Issues in the Prediction of the Mechanical Properties of Open Graded Mixes

Within the pavement engineering community, open graded mixes (OGM) are regarded as mixes capable of reducing noise and improving wet skid resistance. However, during their design life, these asphalt mixes are known to suffer from a particular distress type known as raveling. This results in a premature failure of a road network. In order to study the propensity of OGM to raveling, homogenization-based approaches are considered to be accessible and effective. One of the most widely accepted homogenization models for asphalt concrete is proposed by Christensen et al. Several studies related to homogenization techniques have been conducted in the past; however, to the best of the authors’ knowledge not a lot of attention has been paid to the study of OGM by means of homogenization models. The other limitation of the Christensen model is that some parameters are difficult to physically understand. Under the above realization, the objective of the paper is twofold: (1) to propose a modification of the Christensen model for OGM; and (2) to verify the modified model’s capability in predicting the mechanical properties of OGM. In general, it was found that once the proposed factor is calibrated for a given OGM by laboratory tests the obtained results are accurate.
Experimental Investigation of Seismic Performance of a Hybrid Beam–Column Connection in a Precast Concrete Frame

Prefabricated beam–column connections are the most vulnerable components of prefabricated buildings during earthquake events. The seismic performance of the beam–column connection is functional as the critical component plays a key role in structural safety. This study aimed to develop a novel hybrid prefabricated concrete (HPC) connection, combining with wet and dry connection techniques, to enhance the seismic performance of prefabricated concrete frames. A quasi-static experimental investigation was carried out to examine the seismic performance of the proposed connection. Two full-scale prefabricated connection specimens utilizing the proposed HPC connection and another code-defined monolithic prefabricated concrete (PC) connection were tested under cyclic loading, keeping the axial load on the column constant. The ductility, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, post-tensioned force, and residual displacement were obtained based on the experimental output. The results indicated that the HPC connection developed had high construction efficiency and better seismic performance than the conventional PC connection. The strength and energy dissipation capacity were significantly improved by up to 52% and 10%, respectively. The cracking and stiffness degradation were well-controlled.
Influence of Aquatic Plants and Flow Rate on Physico-chemical Characteristics of Sewage Effluent Treated through Constructed Wetland Technology

Aims: To evaluate the influence of aquatic plants and flow rate on physico-chemical properties of sewage effluent with constructed wetland technology. Study Design: Randomized block design Place and Duration of Study: Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 03 and June 2020 – Dec 2020 Methodology: Constructed wetland (CW) model was designed and three different aquatic plants viz., Canna indica, Arundo donax, and Xanthosoma sagittifolium were used for the study. Two different flow rates viz., 5ml/min and 10 ml/min were compared for assessing their influence in treating sewage effluent in the constructed wetlands. Results: Among the aquatic plants, the pollutants like BOD, COD,TDS and TSS in the sewage effluent were declined and found to be 320, 1220, 666, 22 mg L-1 in Canna indica and 340, 1380, 866, 36 mg L-1 in Xanthosoma sagittifolium and 340, 1380, 866, 36 mg L-1 in Typha angustifolia utilized treatments at flow rates 5 ml/min respectively during 7th day retention time. Similar decreasing trend was observed in BOD, COD, TDS and TSS of the sewage effluent at flow rates of 10 ml/min. Conclusion: Based on the study, it was evident that constructed wetland (CW) with Canna indica, Xanthosoma sagittifolium and Typha angustifolia found to perform better under flow rate of 5 ml/min for treating sewage effluent at the retention time of 7 days.
Long-Term Kinetics of Serological Antibodies against Vibrio cholerae Following a Clinical Cholera Case: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Approximately 2.9 million people worldwide suffer from cholera each year, many of whom are destitute. However, understanding of immunity against cholera is still limited. Several studies have reported the duration of antibodies following cholera; however, systematic reviews including a quantitative synthesis are lacking. Objective: To meta-analyze cohort studies that have evaluated vibriocidal, cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibody levels following a clinical cholera case. Methods: Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed and Web of science for studies assessing antibodies against Vibrio cholerae in cohorts of patients with clinical cholera. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. Random effects models were used to pool antibody titers in adults and older children (aged ≥ 6 years). In sensitivity analysis, studies reporting data on young children (2–5 years) were included. Results: Nine studies met our inclusion criteria for systematic review and seven for meta-analysis. The pooled mean of vibriocidal antibody titers in adults and older children (aged ≥ 6 years) was 123 on day 2 post-symptom onset, which sharply increased on day 7 (pooled mean = 6956) and gradually waned to 2247 on day 30, 578 on day 90, and 177 on day 360. Anti-CTB IgA antibodies also peaked on day 7 (pooled mean = 49), followed by a rapid decrease on day 30 (pooled mean = 21), and further declined on day 90 (pooled mean = 10), after which it plateaued from day 180 (pooled mean = 8) to 360 (pooled mean = 6). Similarly, anti-CTB IgG antibodies peaked in early convalescence between days 7 (pooled mean = 65) and 30 (pooled mean = 69), then gradually waned on days 90 (pooled mean = 42) and 180 (pooled mean = 30) and returned to baseline on day 360 (pooled mean = 24). Anti-LPS IgA antibodies peaked on day 7 (pooled mean = 124), gradually declined on day 30 (pooled mean = 44), which persisted until day 360 (pooled mean = 10). Anti LPS IgG antibodies peaked on day 7 (pooled mean = 94). Thereafter, they decreased on day 30 (pooled mean = 85), and dropped further on days 90 (pooled mean = 51) and 180 (pooled mean = 47), and returned to baseline on day 360 (pooled mean = 32). Sensitivity analysis including data from young children (aged 2–5 years) showed very similar findings as in the primary analysis. Conclusions: This study confirms that serological antibody (vibriocidal, CTB, and LPS) titers return to baseline levels within 1 year following clinical cholera, i.e., before the protective immunity against subsequent cholera wanes. However, this decay should not be interpreted as waning immunity because immunity conferred by cholera against subsequent disease lasts 3–10 years. Our study provides evidence for surveillance strategies and future research on vaccines and also demonstrates the need for further studies to improve our understanding of immunity against cholera.
Pluteus insidiosus Complex, Four New Species Described and Pluteus reisneri Resurrected

We studied the taxonomy of Pluteus insidiosus and similar species using morphological and molecular (nrITS, TEF1-α) data, including a detailed study of the type collection of P. insidiosus. Based on our results, we recognize five species in this group: P. insidiosus sensu stricto and four other taxa: P. assimilatus; P. farensis; P. flavostipitatus; and P. pseudoinsidiosus; described here as new. All these taxa are distinct from each other based on molecular data, but some of them are semi-cryptic based on morphology and co-occur in the Palaearctic region. An additional molecular lineage, phylogenetically separates from the P. insidiosus complex, but with many morphological similarities, was recognized in the molecular phylogenies. Based on the revision of available type collections, the name Pluteus reisneri Velen. , was adopted for this Clade. Pluteus reisneri was validly published in 1921, but it has barely been used since its original description. A modern epitype, with molecular data, was selected for P. reisneri.