Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bootstrapping Robust Statistics for Markovian Data Applications to Regenerative R‐Statistics and L‐Statistics

This article is devoted to extending the notion of robustness in the context of Markovian data, based on their (pseudo‐)regenerative properties and by studying its impact on the regenerative block‐bootstrap (RBB). Precisely, it is shown how to possibly define the ‘influence function’ in this framework, so as to measure the impact of (pseudo‐)regeneration data blocks on the statistic of interest. We also define the concept of regeneration‐based signed linear rank statistic and L‐statistic, as specific functionals of the regeneration blocks, which can be made robust against outliers in this sense. The asymptotic validity of the approximate RBB (ARBB), is established here, when applied to such statistics. For illustration purpose, we compare (A)RBB confidence intervals for the mean, the median and some L‐statistics related to the (supposedly existing) stationary probability distribution μ(dx) of the chain observed and for their robustified versions as well. Copyright © 2015 Wiley Publishing Ltd
Polycystic ovary syndrome and 25-hydroxyvitamin D: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background Accumulating observational studies have indicated that vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) < 50 nmol/L) is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the direction and causal nature remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the causal association between PCOS and 25OHD. Methods A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was used to evaluate the causal association between PCOS and 25OHD. From the publicly available European-lineage genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics for PCOS (4,890 cases of PCOS and 20,405 controls) and 25OHD (n = 417,580), we selected 11 and 102 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs), respectively. In univariate MR (uvMR) analysis, inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was employed in the primary MR analysis and multiple sensitivity analyses were implemented. Additionally, a multivariable MR (mvMR) design was carried to adjust for obesity and insulin resistance (IR) as well. Results UvMR demonstrated that genetically determined PCOS was negatively associated with 25OHD level (IVW Beta: -0.02, P = 0.008). However, mvMR found the causal effect disappeared when adjusting the influence of obesity and IR. Both uvMR and mvMR analysis didn’t support the causal effect of 25OHD deficiency on risk of PCOS (IVW OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.66 ~ 1.12, P = 0.280). Conclusion Our findings highlighted that the casual effect of PCOS on 25OHD deficiency might be mediated by obesity and IR, and failed to find substantial causal effect of 25OHD deficiency on risk of PCOS. Further observational studies and clinical trials are necessary.
Bond strain and defects at Si–SiO2 and internal dielectric interfaces in high-k gate stacks

The performance and reliability of aggressively-scaled field effect transistors are determined in large part by electronically-active defects and defect precursors at the Si? SiO2 and internal SiO2-high-k dielectric interfaces. A crucial aspect of reducing interfacial defects and defect precursors is associated with bond-strain-driven bonding interfacial self-organizations that take place during high temperature annealing in inert ambients. The interfacial self-organizations and intrinsic interface defects are addressed through an extension of bond constraint theory from bulk glasses to interfaces between non-crystalline SiO2 and (i)? crystalline Si, and (ii)? non-crystalline and crystalline alternative gate dielectric materials.
Do We Preserve Tumor Control Probability (TCP) in FLASH Radiotherapy? A Model-Based Analysis

Reports of concurrent sparing of normal tissue and iso-effective treatment of tumors at ultra-high dose-rates (uHDR) have fueled the growing field of FLASH radiotherapy. However, iso-effectiveness in tumors is often deduced from the absence of a significant difference in their growth kinetics. In a model-based analysis, we investigate the meaningfulness of these indications for the clinical treatment outcome. The predictions of a previously benchmarked model of uHDR sparing in the “UNIfied and VERSatile bio response Engine” (UNIVERSE) are combined with existing models of tumor volume kinetics as well as tumor control probability (TCP) and compared to experimental data. The potential TCP of FLASH radiotherapy is investigated by varying the assumed dose-rate, fractionation schemes and oxygen concentration in the target. The developed framework describes the reported tumor growth kinetics appropriately, indicating that sparing effects could be present in the tumor but might be too small to be detected with the number of animals used. The TCP predictions show the possibility of substantial loss of treatment efficacy for FLASH radiotherapy depending on several variables, including the fractionation scheme, oxygen level, and DNA repair kinetics. The possible loss of TCP should be seriously considered when assessing the clinical viability of FLASH treatments.
The Autism Spectrum: Behavioral, Psychiatric and Genetic Associations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a group of heterogeneous genetic neurobehavioral disorders associated with developmental impairments in social communication skills and stereotypic, rigid or repetitive behaviors. We review common behavioral, psychiatric and genetic associations related to ASD. Autism affects about 2% of children with 4:1 male-to-female ratio and a heritability estimate between 70 and 90%. The etiology of ASD involves a complex interplay between inheritance and environmental factors influenced by epigenetics. Over 800 genes and dozens of genetic syndromes are associated with ASD. Novel gene–protein interactions with pathway and molecular function analyses have identified at least three functional pathways including chromatin modeling, Wnt, Notch and other signaling pathways and metabolic disturbances involving neuronal growth and dendritic spine profiles. An estimated 50% of individuals with ASD are diagnosed with chromosome deletions or duplications (e.g., 15q11.2, BP1-BP2, 16p11.2 and 15q13.3), identified syndromes (e.g., Williams, Phelan-McDermid and Shprintzen velocardiofacial) or single gene disorders. Behavioral and psychiatric conditions in autism impacted by genetics influence clinical evaluations, counseling, diagnoses, therapeutic interventions and treatment approaches. Pharmacogenetics testing is now possible to help guide the selection of psychotropic medications to treat challenging behaviors or co-occurring psychiatric conditions commonly seen in ASD. In this review of the autism spectrum disorder, behavioral, psychiatric and genetic observations and associations relevant to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with ASD are discussed.
Testing for Overdispersion in Poisson and Binomial Regression Models

Abstract In this article a method for obtaining tests for overdispersion with respect to a natural exponential family is derived. The tests are designed to be powerful against arbitrary alternative mixture models where only the first two moments of the mixed distribution are specified. Various tests for extra-Poisson and extra-binomial variation are obtained as special cases; the use of a particular test may be motivated by a consideration of the mechanism through which the overdispersion may arise. The common occurrence of extra-Poisson and extra-binomial variation has been noted by several authors. However, the Poisson and binomial models remain valid in many instances and, because of their simplicity and appeal, it is of real interest to ascertain when they apply. This paper develops a unifying theory for testing for overdispersion and generalizes tests previously derived, including those by Fisher (1950), Collings and Margolin (1985), and Prentice (1986). It also shows the Pearson statistic to be a sc.
Consequences of finite ion temperature effects on parametric instabilities of circularly polarized Alfvén waves

[1] Parametric instabilities of finite amplitude, circularly polarized, parallel propagating Alfven waves in a homogeneous plasma is discussed analytically, taking into account the ion Landau damping and the ion finite Larmor radius (FLR) effects. A hybrid kinetic fluid model is systematically derived from one-dimensional Vlasov equation for longitudinal ion motion and the FLR-Hall magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations for transverse directions. The longitudinal kinetic effects are retained in the model, whereas transverse kinetic effects such as ion cyclotron damping is neglected. Validity of the model is justified as far as the collisionless damping is concerned, since the ion cyclotron damping for typical quasi-parallel Alfven waves in the solar wind is considered to be negligibly small. As already shown in a number of past studies, inclusion of the kinetic effects let some new instabilities emerge, while that reduces the growth rates of fluid instabilities in general. Damping rates computed by a model using collision-like (local) damping terms deviate from results of the present model, suggesting the importance of using the exact Landau-type interactions. Furthermore, as a consequence of the FLR effects, the growth rates of the fluid decay and beat instabilities of the left-hand (right-hand) polarized mode are reduced more strongly (weakly) in the FLR-Hall-MHD model (FHM model) than in the Hall-MHD model (HM model). A hybrid simulation is carried out to confirm that the FHM model is in better agreement than the HM model with the simulation results. When the initial parent wave amplitude is relatively small, the simulation results quantitatively agree with the linear analysis. Furthermore, some arguments are given to the observed ion relaxation and the energy oscillation of the parent waves observed in the hybrid simulations. Here again, quantitatively better explanation is obtained by using the FHM model rather than the HM model, suggesting that it is important to include the FLR effects for correctly describing the Alfven wave parametric instabilities in finite ion beta plasmas, such as the solar wind near the Earth and the foreshock plasma.
Child maltreatment mediates the relationship between HIV/AIDS family dysfunction trajectories and psychosocial problems among adolescents

The relationship between parental HIV/AIDS status or death and child mental health is well known, although the role of child maltreatment as a confounder or mediator in this relationship remains uncertain. This study examined the potential path mechanism through child maltreatment mediating the link between HIV/AIDS family dysfunction trajectories and psychosocial problems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Lower Manya Municipal Assembly of Ghana. A questionnaire which consisted of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Social and Health Assessment (SAHA), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) was completed by 291 adolescents. Controlling for relevant sociodemographic confounders, mediation analyses using linear regression were fitted to examine whether the association between family dysfunction and psychosocial problems is mediated by child maltreatment. The results indicate that, among adolescents, child maltreatment fully mediated the association between being orphaned by AIDS and self-esteem (b = .59 [95%CI .32, .91]), delinquency and risky behaviours (b = .56 [95%CI .31, .86]) and peer problems (b = .74 [95%CI .48, 1.03]). Similarly, child maltreatment fully mediated the association between living with an HIV/AIDS-infected parent and self-esteem (b = .78 [95%CI .43, 1.23]), delinquency and risky behaviours (b = .76 [95%CI .45, 1.11]), depression/emotional problems (b = .64 [95%CI .40, .92]) and peer problems (b = .94 [95%CI .66, 1.26]). Partial mediation was found for hyperactivity. Child maltreatment mediates the association between the family dysfunction trajectories of parental HIV/AIDS or death and psychosocial problems among adolescents. This implies that efforts to address child maltreatment among families affected by HIV/AIDS may be helpful in the prevention of psychosocial problems among these children, thus enhancing their wellbeing. The findings therefore underscore the need for comprehensive psychosocial interventions that addresses both the unique negative exposures of HIV/AIDS and maltreatment for children affected by HIV.
High Velocity Gas Flows Associated with h2 Emission Regions - how are they Related and what Powers Them

On presente les resultats de l'etude de la matiere moleculaire a grande vitesse proche des regions d'emission de H 2 excite par vibration dans les objets DR 21, W75N, NGC 7538, OMC-2, NGC 6334/Peak V et dans HH 2. On a utilise les transitions 12 CO(J=1-0) et 13 CO(J=1-0) comme traceurs. Toutes les sources H 2 sont associees a des ecoulements CO bipolaires a grande vitesse
Analysis of the Determinants of Stunting among Children Aged below Five Years in Stunting Locus Villages in Indonesia

Determinants of stunting are a concern in stunting locus villages, especially in East Nusa Tenggara, the province with the highest prevalence of stunting in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the determinants of stunting in such villages. A cross-sectional research design was conducted on a sample of 166 mothers of children aged 24–59 months selected using a proportional random sampling method in four stunting locus villages in East Nusa Tenggara province, from January to March 2022. Chi-square and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the determinants of stunting with a significance level of p < 0.05. The prevalence of stunting among children aged below five years in the villages was 22.3%. Lack of maternal knowledge (AOR: 5.310; 95% CI: 0.671–41.997) and negative parenting (AOR: 3.026; 95% CI: 1.191–7.871) were associated with higher risk of stunting. Meanwhile, children aged below five years with close birth spacing (AOR: 0.304; 95% CI: 0.087–1.063) had a low risk of stunting. The prevalence of stunting in stunting locus villages needs special attention from the Indonesian government. Maternal knowledge should be enhanced by distributing information related to stunting through formal and non-formal education and teaching good parenting to reduce the prevalence of stunting among children aged below five years in stunting locus villages.
Effect of postoperative systemic prednisolone on short-term and long-term outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: A multi-centered randomized clinical trial

Introduction The objective of this study was to determine whether postoperative additive systemic steroid administration in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) impacted selected endoscopic, subjective and objective outcome measures. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, noninferiority multicenter trial of n=106 patients with CRSwNP. All patients underwent primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) followed by topical nasal steroids. Patients were randomized to a systemic steroid or placebo for 1 month. Patients were followed up for 2 years over 9 time points. The primary outcome measures were the differences between groups with respect to the nasal polyp score (NPS) and sinonasal quality of life (SNQoL). Secondary outcome measures included interactions with respect to the Lund-Kennedy score (LKS), sinonasal symptoms, general quality of life (GQoL), 16-item odor identification test scores, recurrence rates, need for revision surgery and mucus biomarker levels. Results 106 patients were randomized to either the placebo or the systemic steroid group (n=53 per group). Postoperative systemic steroids were not superior to placebo with respect to all primary (p= 0.077) and secondary outcome measures (p>0.05 for all). Reported adverse events were similar between the two groups. Conclusion In conclusion, the addition of postoperative systemic steroids after primary FESS did not confer a benefit over topical steroid nasal spray alone with respect to NPS, SNQOL, LKS, GQOL, sinonasal symptoms, smell scores, recurrence rates, the need for revision surgery or biomarkers over a short-term follow-up of up to 9 months and a long-term follow-up of up to 24 months in CRSwNP patients. Functional endoscopic surgery did, however, show a strong effect on all outcome measures, which remained relatively stable up to the endpoint at 2 years.
Transcriptomic analysis of pea plant responses to chitooligosaccharides’ treatment revealed stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade

Since chitooligosaccharides (COs) are water-soluble, biodegradable and nontoxic compounds, their application may be considered as a promising plant-protecting agent. However, the molecular and cellular modes of action of COs are not yet understood. In this study, transcriptional changes in pea roots treated with COs were investigated via RNA sequencing. Pea roots treated with the deacetylated CO8-DA at low concentration (10-5 М) were harvested 24 h after treatment and their expression profiles were compared against medium-treated control plants. We observed 886 differentially expressed genes (fold change ≥ 1; p-value < 0.05) 24 h after treatment with CO8-DA. Gene Ontology term over-representation analysis allowed us to identify the molecular functions of the genes activated in response to CO8-DA treatment and their relation to biological processes. Our findings suggest that calcium signaling regulators and MAPK cascade play a key role in pea plant responses to treatment. Here we found two MAPKKKs, the PsMAPKKK5 and PsMAPKKK20, which might function redundantly in the CO8-DA-activated signaling pathway. In accordance with this suggestion, we showed that PsMAPKKK knockdown decreases resistance to pathogenic Fusarium culmorum fungi. Therefore, analysis showed that typical regulators of intracellular signal transduction pathways involved in triggering of plant responses via CERK1 receptors to chitin/COs in Arabidopsis and rice may also be recruited in legume pea plants.
Clinical Impact of Electronic Monitoring Devices of Inhalers in Adults with Asthma or COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to gain insight into the characteristics and clinical impact of electronic monitoring devices of inhalers (EMDs) and their clinical interventions in adult patients with asthma or COPD. The search included PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus and Embase databases, as well as official EMDs websites. We found eight observational studies and ten clinical trials, assessing a wide range of clinical outcomes. Results from the meta-analysis on adherence to inhalers in a period over three months were favourable in the EMD group (fixed effects model: SMD: 0.36 [0.25–0.48]; random effects model SMD: 0.41 [0.22–0.60]). An exploratory meta-analysis found an improvement in ACT score (fixed effect model SMD: 0.25 [0.11–0.39]; random effects model: SMD: 0.47 [−0.14–1.08]). Other clinical outcomes showed mixed results in the descriptive analyses. The findings of this review highlight the benefits of EMDs in the optimization of adherence to inhaled therapy as well as the potential interest in other clinical outcomes.
Use of In Vivo Imaging and Physiologically-Based Kinetic Modelling to Predict Hepatic Transporter Mediated Drug–Drug Interactions in Rats

Gadoxetate, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, is a substrate of organic-anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2. Six drugs, with varying degrees of transporter inhibition, were used to assess gadoxetate dynamic contrast enhanced MRI biomarkers for transporter inhibition in rats. Prospective prediction of changes in gadoxetate systemic and liver AUC (AUCR), resulting from transporter modulation, were performed by physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling. A tracer-kinetic model was used to estimate rate constants for hepatic uptake (khe), and biliary excretion (kbh). The observed median fold-decreases in gadoxetate liver AUC were 3.8- and 1.5-fold for ciclosporin and rifampicin, respectively. Ketoconazole unexpectedly decreased systemic and liver gadoxetate AUCs; the remaining drugs investigated (asunaprevir, bosentan, and pioglitazone) caused marginal changes. Ciclosporin decreased gadoxetate khe and kbh by 3.78 and 0.09 mL/min/mL, while decreases for rifampicin were 7.20 and 0.07 mL/min/mL, respectively. The relative decrease in khe (e.g., 96% for ciclosporin) was similar to PBPK-predicted inhibition of uptake (97–98%). PBPK modelling correctly predicted changes in gadoxetate systemic AUCR, whereas underprediction of decreases in liver AUCs was evident. The current study illustrates the modelling framework and integration of liver imaging data, PBPK, and tracer-kinetic models for prospective quantification of hepatic transporter-mediated DDI in humans.
Boundary-layer phase transition in nematic liquid crystals

Phase-transition properties of nematic liquid crystals aligned by a short-range, arbitrary-strength-substrate potential are examined in the framework of Landau — de Gennes theory. It is shown that the substrate potential, which can arise from surface treatment of liquid-crystal display cells, not only induces a boundary layer in which the order-parameter values can be significantly different from that of the bulk, but also introduces a new "boundary-layer phase transition" which occurs at temperatures higher than the bulk-transition temperature. This novel transition is found to take place only in a limited range of substrate potential strength. For 4-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl (PCS), the limiting values of this range are computed to be -0. 075 and -0. 15 erg/cm . Calculations are performed for both the semi-infinite-sample case and the finite-thickness-sample case. Various phase diagrams are presented to show the effects of sample thickness and substrate potential on the bulk as well as the boundary-layer phase-transition temperatures. The paper concludes with a discussion of experimental possibilities.
Supporting the wellbeing of associate lecturers at the Open University through a creative arts intervention

This case study discusses an online space created for associate lecturers (ALs) working at the Open University, with the intention of supporting wellbeing through sharing – and responding to – each other’s examples of creative arts activities. This paper reflects on engagement with and outcomes from this intervention. Four key themes emerged in participant responses to the intervention: 1) increased connectedness; 2) a feeling of being away from work; 3) happiness, enjoyment and positive feelings; and 4) openness to new places, ideas and shares. The results were analysed in line with available studies on sense of belonging, connectedness and well-being. This project highlights the potential for shared online creative activities to support connectedness and wellbeing in educators and students who are working in the online environment.