Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Standard Errors of Item Parameter Estimates in Incomplete Designs

Lord and Wingersky (1985) derived the asymptotic variance-covariance matrix for item and person param eters in item response models, using maximum likeli hood estimation. Their results can be used in incom plete designs, in which different test forms with common subtests are administered to different groups of examinees. It is also possible to estimate the accu racy of various designs beforehand, which enables the researcher to select the best of several designs under consideration. The possibilities are demonstrated for the one- and two-parameter models. Index terms: Asymptotic standard errors, Incomplete designs, Item banking, Information matrix, Maximum likelihood, Rasch model, Two-parameter logistic model.
Construction of a novel miRNA regulatory network and identification of target genes in gestational diabetes mellitus by integrated analysis

Backgrounds: Given the roles of microRNA (miRNA) in human diseases and the high incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the aim of the study was to examine miRNA signatures and crucial pathways, as well as possible biomarkers for GDM diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a two-stage study to explore functional miRNA and those target genes. Twelve participants (6 GDM and 6 non-GDM) were first enrolled and performed RNA sequencing analysis. The overlapped candidate genes were further screened in combination with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of GEO datasets (GSE87295, GSE49524 and GSE19649) and potential target genes of DEMs. Candidate genes, critical pathways, small molecular compounds and regulatory networks were identified using bioinformatic analysis. The potential candidate genes were then investigated using the GEO dataset (GSE103552) of 19 participants in the validation stage (11 GDM and 8 non-GDM women). Results: Briefly, blood samples were sequenced interrogating 50 miRNAs, including 20 upregulated and 30 downregulated differentially expressed microRNAs(DEMs) in our internal screening dataset. After screening GEO databases, 123 upregulated and 70 downregulated genes were overlapped through DEGs of GEO datasets and miRNA-target genes. MiR-29b-1-5p-TGFB2, miR-142-3p-TGFB2, miR-9-5p-FBN2, miR-212-5p-FBN2, miR-542-3p-FBN1, miR-9-5p-FBN1, miR-508-3p-FBN1, miR-493-5p-THBS1, miR-29b-3p-COL4A1, miR-432-5p-COL5A2, miR-9-5p-TGFBI, miR-486-3p-SLC7A5 and miR-6515-5p-SLC1A5 were revealed as thirteen possible regulating pathways by integrative analysis. Conclusion: Overall, thirteen candidate miRNA-target gene regulatory pathways representing potentially novel biomarkers of GDM diseases were revealed. Ten chemicals were identified as putative therapeutic agents for GDM. This study examined a series of DEGs that are associated with epigenetic alternations of miRNA through an integrated approach and gained insight into biological pathways in GDM. Precise diagnosis and therapeutic targets of GDM would be further explored through putative genes in the future.
Production of gamma-ray bursts near rapidly rotating accreting black holes

A model for the production of . gamma. -rays during the occurrence of instabilities in accretion of matter onto rapidly rotating black holes is described. Gamma rays are produced by Compton scattering of infalling X-ray photons, whenever the optical depth in the deep ergosphere is of the order of the gravitational distance. The initial photons are produced farther away by viscous processes in the infalling plasma, and contribute to the lower-energy regime of the burst spectrum, along with low-energy photons produced in the deep ergosphere. Calculated spectra for that specific Compton scattering may account for burst spectra in the range approx.300 keV--3 MeV.
Pharmacokinetics of antitubercular drugs in patients hospitalized with HIV-associated tuberculosis: a population modeling analysis

Background Early mortality among hospitalized HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB/HIV) patients is high despite treatment. The pharmacokinetics of rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide were investigated in hospitalized TB/HIV patients and a cohort of outpatients with TB (with or without HIV) to determine whether drug exposures differed between groups. Methods Standard first-line TB treatment was given daily as per national guidelines, which consisted of oral 4-drug fixed-dose combination tablets containing 150 mg rifampicin, 75 mg isoniazid, 400 mg pyrazinamide, and 275 mg ethambutol. Plasma samples were drawn on the 3rd day of treatment over eight hours post-dose. Rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide in plasma were quantified and NONMEM ® was used to analyze the data. Results Data from 60 hospitalized patients (11 of whom died within 12 weeks of starting treatment) and 48 outpatients were available. Median (range) weight and age were 56 (35 - 88) kg, and 37 (19 - 77) years, respectively. Bioavailability and clearance of the three drugs were similar between TB/HIV hospitalized and TB outpatients. However, rifampicin’s absorption was slower in hospitalized patients than in outpatients; mean absorption time was 49.9% and 154% more in hospitalized survivors and hospitalized deaths, respectively, than in outpatients. Higher levels of conjugated bilirubin correlated with lower rifampicin clearance. Isoniazid’s clearance estimates were 25.5 L/h for fast metabolizers and 9.76 L/h for slow metabolizers. Pyrazinamide’s clearance was more variable among hospitalized patients. The variability in clearance among patients was 1.70 and 3.56 times more for hospitalized survivors and hospitalized deaths, respectively, than outpatients. Conclusions We showed that the pharmacokinetics of first-line TB drugs are not substantially different between hospitalized TB/HIV patients and TB (with or without HIV) outpatients. Hospitalized patients do not seem to be underexposed compared to their outpatient counterparts, as well as hospitalized patients who survived vs who died within 12 weeks of hospitalization.
Analyzing co-creation levels of urban living labs in Europe

Which characteristic of urban living labs (ULL) that focus on urban sustainability, including climate change and water issues, can enhance its level of co-creation? The main question raised for this research paper builds on the idea that optimization of characteristics can positively affect co-creation levels, ultimately improving the outcome of the urban living lab. Through data collected from an online survey participated in by 29 urban living labs in Europe which focused on varying issues, such as water and climate change, it
Design of Monolithic 2D Optical Phased Arrays Heterogeneously Integrated with On-Chip Laser Arrays Based on SOI Photonic Platform

In this work, heterogeneous integration of both two-dimensional (2D) optical phased arrays (OPAs) and on-chip laser arrays based on a silicon photonic platform is proposed. The tunable multi-quantum-well (MQW) laser arrays, active switching/shifting arrays, and grating antenna arrays are used in the OPA module to realize 2D spatial beam scanning. The 2D OPA chip is composed of four main parts: (1) tunable MQW laser array emitting light signals in the range of 1480–1600 nm wavelengths; (2) electro-optic (EO) switch array for selecting the desired signal light from the on-chip laser array; (3) EO phase-shifter array for holding a fixed phase difference for the uniform amplitude of specific optical signal; and (4) Bragg waveguide grating antenna array for controlling beamforming. By optimizing the overall performances of the 2D OPA chip, a large steering range of 88.4° × 18° is realized by tuning both the phase and the wavelength for each antenna. In contrast to the traditional thermo-optic LIDAR chip with an external light source, the overall footprint of the 2D OPA chip can be limited to 8 mm × 3 mm, and the modulation rate can be 2.5 ps. The ultra-compact 2D OPA assembling with on-chip tunable laser arrays using hybrid integration could result in the application of a high-density, high-speed, and high-precision lidar system in the future.
Fish Oil Replacement by Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) Oil in Diets for Juvenile Tench (Tinca tinca L.): Effects on Survival, Growth, and Whole-Body Fatty Acid Profile

Simple Summary The total replacement of fish oil (FO) with camelina oil (CO) in the diets of juvenile tench (Tinca tinca L.) did not have negative effects on survival rates or growth performance. When juveniles were fed with diets containing levels of CO of 40% or higher, lipid content in whole-body tench was significantly lower than those fed the control diet whereas linolenic acid content was significantly higher. No differences in total saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in whole-body juveniles. The nutritional indices were within optimal values for healthy foods for human consumption. Abstract Tench (Tinca tinca L.) plays a key role in the diversification of inland aquaculture, but its culture is mainly based on extensive culture systems with usually low and unpredictable yields. Rearing procedures under controlled conditions are essential to promote and consolidate tench production, and it is necessary to set up adequate feeding in early growth phases. Fish oil (FO) is currently the main source of lipids in aquafeeds, but considering the stagnation of smaller pelagic fisheries, alternative oils should be addressed. In a ninety-day experiment, the effects of partial and total replacement of FO with camelina oil (CO) on juvenile tench growth performance and whole-body composition were evaluated. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets with different levels of CO were tested: 0% (control), 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The survival rate was 100%, and no significant differences in growth performance (total length, weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and biomass gain) were found. The lipid content in whole-body juveniles was significantly lower when juveniles were fed diets containing 40% and higher levels of CO than those fed the control diet whereas linolenic acid content was significantly higher. No differences in ΣSFA, ΣMUFA, ΣPUFA, Σn − 3, or Σn − 6 whole-body content were found. The nutritional indices ΣPUFA/ΣSFA and Σn − 6/Σn − 3 showed a linear increase trend with dietary CO inclusion whereas the EPA + DHA showed an opposite tendency. Compared to the control diet, EPA + DHA content (g kg−1) was significantly lower in juvenile tench fed a 100% CO diet, and Σn − 6/Σn − 3 was significantly higher in juvenile tench fed 80% and 100% CO diets. Overall, the results indicate that the total replacement of FO with CO in diets is feasible without negative effects on growth performance whereas the nutritional quality of juvenile tench was unaffected with a maximum replacement of 80%.
Diagnosis of COVID-19 Disease in Chest CT-Scan Images Based on Combination of Low-Level Texture Analysis and MobileNetV2 Features

Since two years ago, the COVID-19 virus has spread strongly in the world and has killed more than 6 million people directly and has affected the lives of more than 500 million people. Early diagnosis of the virus can help to break the chain of transmission and reduce the death rate. In most cases, the virus spreads in the infected person's chest. Therefore, the analysis of a chest CT scan is one of the most efficient methods for diagnosing a patient. Until now, various methods have been presented to diagnose COVID-19 disease in chest CT-scan images. Most recent studies have proposed deep learning-based methods. But handcrafted features provide acceptable results in some studies too. In this paper, an innovative approach is proposed based on the combination of low-level and deep features. First of all, local neighborhood difference patterns are performed to extract handcrafted texture features. Next, deep features are extracted using MobileNetV2. Finally, a two-level decision-making algorithm is performed to improve the detection rate especially when the proposed decisions based on the two different feature set are not the same. The proposed approach is evaluated on a collected dataset of chest CT scan images from June 1, 2021, to December 20, 2021, of 238 cases in two groups of patient and healthy in different COVID-19 variants. The results show that the combination of texture and deep features can provide better performance than using each feature set separately. Results demonstrate that the proposed approach provides higher accuracy in comparison with some state-of-the-art methods in this scope.
Urban Land-Cover Changes in Major Cities in China from 1990 to 2015

The accelerated urbanization process in China has led to land-cover changes, triggering a series of environmental issues as one of the major drivers of global change. We studied the land-cover changes in the built-up areas of 50 major cities in China from 1990 to 2015 with Landsat data combined with spectral unmixing methods and decision tree classification. The overall accuracy of urban land-cover type products with 30 m resolution was obtained as 84%, which includes impervious surfaces, bare soil, vegetation, and water bodies. Based on these land-cover type products, the results show that the urbanization of major cities in China manifests itself as a steep expansion of impervious surfaces (+32.91%) and vegetation (+36.93%), while the proportion of bare soil (−68.64%) and water bodies (−1.20%) decreases. The increase in vegetation indicates an increasing emphasis on greening during urbanization, which is especially vital for the sustainability of urban ecosystems. Increasing economic standards and population sizes are significantly correlated with impervious surface expansion and may be the main drivers of urbanization. Nationwide, there is a decreasing trend of shape complexity among different large cities, which indicates that landscape shapes will gradually become regular when cities grow to a certain level. Greenspace areas in the cities increased significantly during 1990–2015 and became more fragmented and tended to disperse across cities. These changes reflect the government’s efforts to enhance urban ecosystem functions to serve the rapidly increasing urban population in China over the past three decades.
The Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells Transplantation Combination-Based Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy Improves Outcomes of Relapsed/Refractory Central Nervous System B-Cell Lymphoma

Objective The objective is to explore the effectiveness and safety of CAR T-cell therapy in advanced relapsed/refractory central nervous system B-cell lymphoma and compare the impact of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) plus CAR T-cell therapy versus sequential CART therapy on the survival of patients. Methods The retrospective analysis was based on the data of 17 patients with advanced relapsed/refractory central nervous system B-cell lymphoma. Bridging chemotherapy was applied before CAR T-cell infusion to further reduce the tumor burden. For patients with autologous hematopoietic stem cell successful collection, CD19/20/22CAR T-cell immunotherapy following ASCT was performed with the thiotepa-containing conditioning regimen, while sequential CD19/CD20/CD22CAR T-cell therapy was applied. For lymphodepletion, patients received bendamustine or fludarabine monotherapy or fludarabine combined with cyclophosphamide pre-CART-cell infusion. Results Out of the 17 patients, 8 completed ASCT plus CART cell therapy, while 9 patients completed CART cell alone therapy. In efficacy assessment at 3 months after infusion, the objective response rate (ORR) was 12/17 (71%) and the complete response rate (CRR) was 11/17 (65%). The CRR of the ASCT group and non-ASCT was 100% and 44.4%, respectively (P < 0.01). The median progression-free survival was 16.3 (2.6–24.5) months, and the median overall survival was 19.3 (6–24.5) months. Patients who underwent ASCT plus CART cell therapy had significantly longer PFS (P < 0.01) and OS (P < 0.01). Grade 3 or higher immune effector cell-associated neurologic toxicity syndrome (≥grade 3 ICANS) and cytokine release syndrome (≥grade 3 CRS) events occurred in 29% and 41% of the patients, respectively. No treatment-related death occurred. Conclusion The CAR T-cell therapy could augment its efficacy in the treatment of advanced relapsed/refractory CNS B-cell lymphoma, while ASCT in combination with CART can induce durable responses and OS with a manageable side effect.
Comparison between School-Age Children with and without Obesity in Nutritional and Inflammation Biomarkers

Childhood obesity is a major health problem. We examined differences between children with obesity and normal weight in nutritional and inflammation biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthy children aged 10–12 years from Arab villages in Israel. Parents were interviewed regarding sociodemographic and children’s health status. Body weight and height measurements were performed and weight categories were defined using the 2007 WHO growth curves. Blood samples were tested for complete blood count, levels of iron, ferritin, lipids, uric acid, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Overall, 146 children (59.0% males, mean age = 11.3 [SD = 0.5]) were enrolled. In total 43.8%, 14.1% and 42.3% of the participants had normal weight, overweight and obesity, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that children with overweight and obesity had lower iron, and HDL-C levels than children with normal weight. Levels of CRP, uric acid, LDL-C and lymphocytes were higher among children with overweight and obesity. In conclusion, our findings highlight the worse metabolic and nutritional status in overweight and obese children. Such markers play a role in metabolic syndrome, thus suggesting that metabolic syndrome might start in childhood.
Quasi-homeomorphisms of Dirichlet forms

Extending fundamental work of M. Fukushima, M. L. Silverstein, S. Carrillo Menendez, and Y. Le Jan (cf. [F71a, 80], [Si74], [Ca-Me75], [Le77]) it was recently discovered that there is a one-to-one correspondence between (equivalent classes of) all pairs of sectorial right processes and quasi-regular Dirichlet forms (see [AM91], [AM92], [AMR90], [AMR92a], [AMR92b], [MR92]). Based on the potential theory for quasi-regular Dirichlet forms, it was shown that any quasi-regular Dirichlet form on a general state space can be considered as a regular Dirichlet form on a locally compact separable metric space by “local compactification”. There are several ways to implement this local compactification. One relies on h-transformation which was mentioned in [AMR90, Remark 1.4]. A direct way using a modified Ray-Knight compactification was announced on the “5th French-German meeting: Bielefeld Encounters in Mathematics and Physics IX. Dynamics in Complex and Irregular Systems”, Bielefeld, December 16 to 21, 1991, and the “Third European Symposium on Analysis and Probability”, Paris, January 3-10, 1992, and appeared in [MR92, Chap. VI] and [AMR92b] (see also the proof of Theorem 3.7 below). One can also do this by Gelfand-transform. This way was found by the first named author independetly and announced in the “12th Seminar on Stochastic Processes”, Seattle, March 26-28, 1992. It will be discussed in Section 4.
Faculty Perspectives on how to Reimagine International Research for Students in a Virtual World

International research programs for students offer an important opportunity to support students in developing skills in both research and intercultural competence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these programs made the shift to operating virtually, with likely impacts on program outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify the approaches that program leaders used in adapting international research programs to the virtual environment and explore how these innovations could inform the design of these programs going forward. We conducted eight focus groups with over 40 U.S.-based faculty who had experience running these programs to understand the benefits, challenges, and future potential of incorporating virtual elements into international research programs for students. This paper reports the results of these focus groups and provides suggestions for future program design based on best practices and innovations identified through the development of virtual programs.
Impact of ULF oscillations in solar wind dynamic pressure on the outer radiation belt electrons

This work addresses radial transport of outer radiation belt electrons due to ULF disturbances of geomagnetic field. A new approach to calculating inductive electric field is developed and implemented using a dynamical model of the storm‐time geomagnetic field. The approach is used to analyze the effects associated with solar wind dynamic pressure (Pdyn). It is found that Pdyn produces large‐scale electric fields with maximum intensity at noon and midnight local time. Derived fields are used in test particle calculations of relativistic electron dynamics. The results show that even moderate oscillations of Pdyn typical for quiet‐time magnetosphere can result in rapid electron scattering across the drift shells, which identifies Pdyn as one of the primary mechanisms of radial transport in the belt. Calculations show that electron motion is inconsistent with radial diffusion, and hence a more detailed description is required for accurate predictions of electron fluxes in the belt.
An Optimization-based Approach for Automated Generation of Residential Low-Voltage Grid Models Using Open Data and Open Source Software

The contribution of the present paper is a new, more refined method for the automated creation of large-scale detailed distribution grid models based solely on publicly available GIS and statistical data. Utilizing the street layouts in Open Street Maps as potential cable routes, a graph representation is created and complemented by residential units that are extracted from the same data source. This graph structure is adjusted to match the electrical low-voltage grid topology by solving a variation of the minimum cost flow linear optimization problem with provided data on secondary substations. In a final step, the generated grid representation is transferred to a DIgSILENT PowerFactory model including photovoltaic systems. The presented workflow uses open source software and is fully automated and scalable. It allows the generation of ready-to-use distribution grid simulation models for given 20kV substation locations and additional data on residential unit properties for improved results. The performance of the developed method with respect to grid utilization is presented for a selected suburban residential area with power flow simulations for eight scenarios including current residential photovoltaic installation and a future scenario with full photovoltaic expansion. For the latter, the simulation results indicate heavy congestion in the low-voltage grid for full photovoltaic capacity deployment without batteries. Furthermore, the suitability of the generated models for quasi-dynamic simulations is shown.