Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CONNECTING PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: CLIPS PROJECT FINAL REPORT TO THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 1

Design experiments consist of a thoughtfully sequenced series of research projects that culminate in a defensible theory of instruction and effective instructional materials (Brown, 1992; Burkhardt & Schoenfeld, 2003). The distinguishing feature of the design experiment approach is the accumulation of findings from each step and the use of a variety of research methodologies matched to the requirements of each research question (Schneider, Carnoy, Kilpatrick, Schmidt, & Shavelson, 2007). The sequencing involves qualitative changes in the goals addressed by each research activity, following a stage theory of Research & Development (i.e., needs assessment, product development, implementation and evaluation). Design experiments also include progressive tweaking of the final product through a serial process of development, assessment and revision.
A numerical method for stress analysis in a SAW resonator

We present an analytical method of stress and strain in a SAW resonator. This can calculate the absolute values of the stress and strain at each precise point over the resonator for any driving condition and frequency. To represent the SAW resonator, we use the Mason's equivalent circuit model which has mechanical ports and electrical ports. The acoustic voltage; Vm and current; Im of the mechanical port at the observation point are obtained as a function of the F-matrices and the electrical driving condition as well as driving frequency. Vm and Im are related to all mechanical components and their absolute values of propagating SAW by Partial Wave Theory. Applying this method, we discuss the stress analysis of SAW resonator filters on several substrates. Driving frequency dependency on stress migration is also discussed.
OP-NDTJ200310 1..10

Background. Circulating desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix c-carboxyglutamate (Gla) protein (dp-ucMGP), a marker of vitamin K status, is associated with renal function and may serve as a potentially modifiable risk factor for incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to assess the association between circulating dp-ucMGP and incident CKD. Methods. We included 3969 participants with a mean age of 52.3 6 11.6 years, of whom 48.0% were male, enrolled in the general population–based Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease study. Study outcomes were incident CKD, defined as either development of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m or microalbuminuria. Associations of dp-ucMGP with these outcomes were quantified using Cox proportional hazards models and were adjusted for potential confounders. Results. Median plasma dp-ucMGP was 363 [interquartile range (IQR) 219–532] pmol/L and mean serum creatinineand serum cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRSCr-SCys) was 95.4 6 21.8 mL/min/1.73 m. During 7.1 years of follow-up, 205 (5.4%) participants developed incident CKD and 303 (8.4%) developed microalbuminuria. For every doubling of plasma dpucMGP, hazard ratios for the development of incident CKD and microalbuminuria were 1.85 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59–2.16; P< 0.001] and 1.19 (95% CI 1.07–1.32; P1⁄4 0.001), respectively. These associations lost significance after adjustment for baseline eGFRSCr-SCys [0.99 (95% CI 0.88–1.12; P1⁄4 0.86)] and baseline age [1.03 (95% CI 0.94–1.14; P1⁄4 0.50)], respectively. Conclusions. The associations of plasma dp-ucMGP with incident CKD and microalbuminuria were driven by the respective baseline effects of renal function and age.
Capacity spectrum method based on inelastic demand spectra

By means of a graphical procedure, the capacity spectrum method compares the capacity of a structure with the demands of earthquake ground motion on it. In the present version of the method, highly damped elastic spectra have been used to determine seismic demand. A more straightforward approach for the determination of seismic demand is based on the use of the inelastic strength and displacement spectra which can be obtained directly by time-history analyses of inelastic SDOF systems, or indirectly from elastic spectra. The advantages of the two approaches (i.e. the visual representation of the capacity spectrum method and the superior physical basis of inelastic demand spectra) can be combined. In this paper, the idea of using inelastic demand spectra within the capacity spectrum method has been elaborated and is presented in an easy to use format. The approach represents the so-called N2 method formulated in the format of the capacity spectrum method. By reversing the procedure, a direct displacement-based design can be performed. The application of the modified capacity spectrum method is illustrated by means of two examples. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing Differential Effects of Somatic Amplification to Positive Affect in Midlife and Late Adulthood—A Regression Mixture Approach

This study aims to provide an empirical demonstration of a novel method, regression mixture model, by examining differential effects of somatic amplification to positive affect and identifying the predictors that contribute to the differential effects. Data derived from the second wave of Midlife in the United States. The analytic sample consisted of 1,766 adults aged from 33 to 84 years. Regression mixture models were fitted using Mplus 7.4, and a two-step model-building approach was adopted. Three latent groups were identified consisting of a maladaptive (32.1%), a vulnerable (62.5%), and a resilient (5.4%) group. Six covariates (i.e., age, education level, positive relations with others, purpose in life, depressive symptoms, and physical health) significantly predicted the latent class membership in the regression mixture model. The study demonstrated the regression mixture model to be a flexible and efficient statistical tool in assessing individual differences in response to adversity and identifying resilience factors, which contributes to aging research.
Risk and protective factors of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in paediatric obesity: A nationwide nested case–control study

Not all children with obesity carry a similar risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the effect of obesity severity, metabolic risk parameters, and obesity treatment outcome on later risk of NAFLD in paediatric obesity. We conducted a nested case–control study of children and adolescents enrolled in the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register (BORIS) (2001–2016). NAFLD was ascertained from the National Patient Register. Five controls per case were matched by sex and age at index date and at the obesity treatment initiation. Seventy‐six pairs (n cases = 76, n controls = 241) were included in the analysis (29% females, mean age at obesity treatment initiation was 10.8 ± 3.07 years). Mean age of NAFLD diagnosis was 14.2 ± 3.07 years. The risk for NAFLD increased with severe obesity (odds ratio [OR]: 3.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69–5.89), impaired fasting glucose (OR: 5.29, 95% CI: 1.40–20.06), high triglycerides (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.22–4.43) and weight gain (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 1.51–14.49 per body mass index standard deviation score [BMI SDS] unit). Relative weight loss of at least 0.25 BMI SDS units reduced NAFLD risk independently of other risk factors (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.56). Severe obesity, impaired fasting glucose and high triglycerides are risk factors for future NAFLD in paediatric obesity. Successful obesity treatment almost eliminates the risk for NAFLD independently of obesity severity, IFG and high triglycerides.
Lateral Instability in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Comparison Between the Brostrom-Gould and Anatomic Lateral Ankle Stabilization (ATLAS)

Background Lateral ankle instability is not uncommon after osseous cuts and soft tissue releases are performed during Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA), particularly with varus malalignment. The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes of ankles that underwent TAA with concurrent Brostrom-Gould (BG) or Anatomic Lateral Ankle Stabilization (ATLAS) at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Methods Thirty-eight TAAs underwent BG (21 INFINITY, 4 CADENCE) or ATLAS (13 INBONE-2) between August 2015 and February 2019 at a single institution and were at least 1 year postoperative (mean 18.3 months, range: 12-40). Baseline patient demographics, characteristics, and operative factors were assessed via medical record and chart reviews. Radiographs parameters were measured preoperatively, at 6 weeks postoperative, and during the latest follow-up. Revisions, reoperations, and complications were classified according to the criteria established by Vander Griend et al and Glazebrook et al, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Survivorship for TAA with concurrent BG/ATLAS was 97%. Overall, TAA with concurrent BG had higher incidences of early TAA revision (4%), recurrent instability (4%), reoperation (16%), and complications (29%) compared to ATLAS. Postoperative coronal and sagittal tibiotalar alignment changes were significant for both groups (P < .001, P = .014); however, the differences were greater for ATLAS (P = .045, P < .001). Conclusion The present study is the first to compare outcomes between techniques for addressing ankle instability in the TAA population. At short-term follow-up, anatomic reconstruction produced better outcomes than the traditional BG procedure. Additional comparative studies between techniques to address instability in the TAA population are warranted. Level of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study
Geriatric impairments are prevalent and predictive of survival in older patients with cancer receiving radiotherapy: a prospective observational study

Abstract Background A systematic assessment of problems that are frequent in older age (geriatric assessment [GA]) provides prognostic information for patients undergoing cancer surgery and systemic cancer treatment. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of geriatric impairments and their impact on survival in older patients with cancer receiving radiotherapy (RT). Material and methods A single-centre prospective observational study was conducted including patients ≥65 years referred for curative or palliative RT. Prior to RT, we performed a modified GA (mGA) assessing comorbidities, medications, nutritional status basic- and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) mobility, falls, cognition and depressive symptoms. Impairments in each mGA domain were defined. Overall survival (OS) was presented by Kaplan Meier plots for groups defined according to the number of impairments, and compared by log-rank test. The association between mGA domains and OS was assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Results Between February 2017 and July 2018, 301 patients were included, 142 (47.2%) were women. Mean age was 73.6 (SD 6.3) years, 162 (53.8%) received curative RT. During the median observation time of 24.2 months (min 0.3, max 25.9), 123 (40.9%) patients died. In the overall cohort, 49 (16.3%) patients had no geriatric impairment, 81 (26.9%) had four or more. OS significantly decreased with an increasing number of impairments (p < .01). Nutritional status (HR 0.90, 95% CI [0.81; 0.99], p = .038) and IADL function (HR 0.98, 95% CI [0.95; 1.00], p = .027) were independent predictors of OS. Conclusion Geriatric impairments were frequent among older patients with cancer receiving RT and nutritional status and IADL function predicted OS. Targeted interventions to remediate modifiable impairments may have the potential to improve OS. Trial registration Cinicaltrials.gov ID:NCT03071640.
Insect herbivory immediately before the eclipse of the gymnosperms: The Dawangzhangzi plant assemblage of Northeastern China

The Early Cretaceous terrestrial revolution involved global shifts from gymnosperm‐ to angiosperm‐dominated floras. However, responses of insect herbivores to these changes remain unexamined. We evaluated 2 176 highly sampled plant specimens representing 62 species/morphotypes from the 126 Ma Dawangzhangzi plant assemblage of Northeastern China. Our study consisted of horsetails, ferns, ginkgoaleans, czekanowskialeans, conifers, and an angiosperm. Their herbivory was evaluated by the functional feeding groups of hole feeding, margin feeding, and surface feeding (ectophytic feeders); piercer and suckers, and ovipositing insects (ectoendophytic feeders); mining, galling, and borings (endophytic feeders); and pathogens, collectively constituting 65 damage types (DTs). The plant assemblage was assessed for herbivory richness by DT richness, component community structure, and DT specialization on plant hosts; for herbivory intensity, it was evaluated for DT frequency, herbivorized surface area, and feeding event occurrences. Using feeding event occurrences, the data supported seven species/morphotypes as most intensely herbivorized: Liaoningocladus boii (76.6%), Czekanowskia sp. 1 (8.4%), Czekanowskia rigida (4.10%), Lindleycladus lanceolatus (3.5%), Ginkgoites sp. 2 (2.0%), Podozamites sp. 1 (1.1%), and Solenites sp. 1 (0.9%). The most herbivorized taxa were pinaleans (conifers), then czekanowskialeans, and lastly ginkgoaleans; the monodominant component community was the conifer Liaoningocladus boii. DT host specialization levels were low. The plant assemblage had an overall low 0.86% of foliage removed by herbivores, explained by physical and chemical antiherbivore defenses, and parasitoid attack. Although Paleozoic, gymnosperm‐dominated assemblages had greater herbivory, component community structure of the three most herbivorized taxa are more similar to modern bracken fern and willow than modern gymnosperm taxa.
A computational prognostic model of lncRNA signature for clear cell renal cell carcinoma with genome instability

ABSTRACT Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in genomic instability and prognosis of cancer patients, but the methods to identify genomic instability–related lncRNAs have yet to be established. In the present study, to assess the prognostic value of lncRNAs associated with genomic instability in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). A computational framework was established based on the mutation hypothesis and combined lncRNA expression and somatic mutation profiles of the ccRCC genome. Furthermore, a prognostic model was developed using the genome instability–derived lncRNA signature GILncSig based on three lncRNA genes (LINC02471, LINC01234, and LINC00460) and verified using multiple independent patient cohorts. This study established an effective computational method to study the role of lncRNAs in genomic instability, with potential applications in identifying new genomic instability-related cancer biomarkers.
Impact of high-risk cytogenetics on outcomes for children and young adults receiving CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy can induce durable remissions of relapsed/refractory B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, case reports suggested differential outcomes mediated by leukemia cytogenetics. We identified children and young adults with relapsed/refractory CD19+ ALL/lymphoblastic lymphoma treated on 5 CD19-directed CAR T-cell (CTL019 or humanized CART19) clinical trials or with commercial tisagenlecleucel from April 2012 to April 2019. Patients were hierarchically categorized according to leukemia cytogenetics: High-risk lesions were defined as KMT2A (MLL) rearrangements, Philadelphia-chromosome (Ph+), Ph-like, hypodiploidy, or TCF3/HLF; favorable as hyperdiploidy or ETV6/RUNX1; and intermediate as iAMP21, IKZF1 deletion, or TCF3/PBX1. Of 231 patients aged 1-29, 74 (32%) were categorized as high-risk, 28 (12%) as intermediate, 43 (19%) as favorable, and 86 (37%) as uninformative. Overall CR rate was 94%, with no difference between strata. There was no difference in relapse free survival (RFS, p=0.8112), with 2-year RFS for the high-risk group of 63% (95%CI 52-77). There was similarly no difference seen in OS (p=0.5488) with 2-year OS for the high-risk group of 70% (95%CI 60-82). For patients with KMT2A-rearranged infant ALL (n=13), 2-year RFS was 67% (95%CI 45-99), and OS was 62% (95%CI 40-95), with multivariable analysis demonstrating no increased risk of relapse (HR 0.70, 95%CI 0.21-2.90, p=0.7040), but a higher proportion of relapses associated with myeloid lineage switch, and a 3.6-fold increased risk of all-cause death (95%CI 1.04-12.75, p=0.0434). CTL019/huCART19/tisagenlecleucel are effective at achieving durable remissions across cytogenetic categories. Relapsed/refractory patients with high-risk cytogenetics, including KMT2A-rearranged infant ALL, demonstrated high RFS and OS probabilities at 2 years.
Effects of SPARCL1 on the proliferation and differentiation of sheep preadipocytes

ABSTRACT Important candidate genes that regulate lipid metabolism have the potential to increase the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) and improve meat quality. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine like 1(SPARCL1) is a secreted glycoprotein with important physiological functions and is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of various cells. However, the role of the SPARCL1 gene in sheep preadipocytes and its regulatory mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we explored the effect of SPARCL1 on the proliferation and differentiation of sheep preadipocytes. The results showed that the expression level of the SPARCL1 gene is higher in fat tissue than in other tissues, and the gene was significantly increased on the 6th day of preadipocyte differentiation. In the preadipocyte proliferation stage, interference of SPARCL1 gene reduced cell viability and increased cell apoptosis. In preadipocyte differentiation stage, SPARCL1 overexpression significantly inhibited lipid droplets accumulation and triglyceride content by increasing Wnt10b, Fzd8, IL6, and β-catenin and inhibiting PPARγ, C/EBPα, LPL, and IGF1 genes expression, whereas SPARCL1 deficiency significantly promoted cell differentiation by inhibiting β-catenin and increasing GSK3β, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and LPL. The results of this study suggest that SPARCL1 plays a negative role during preadipocyte differentiation and may become a novel target for regulating preadipocyte differentiation and improving IMF. Abbreviations: IMF: Intramuscular fat SPARCL1 : Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine like 1 PPARγ : Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ C/EBPα : CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α LPL : Lipoprotein lipase IGF1 : Insulin-like growth factor 1 Wnt10b : Wnt family member 10B Fzd8 : Frizzled class receptor 8 IL6: Interleukin 6 β-catenin : Catenin beta interacting protein 1 GSK3β : Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta LRP5/6 : Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5/6
Epididymis incision as a method to collect epididymal sperm cells in alpacas

Abstract Background Epididymal sperm can be collected post‐castration or post‐mortem. This method has already been described for alpaca (Vicugna pacos), but little data are available on success rate and the influence of diluent on it. Objective The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of epididymis incision as an extraction method. Method Post‐castration epididymides (n = 78) were incised and semen was collected from cut surfaces. Further sperm were flushed with two semen extenders. For the left epididymis, a diluent without animal proteins and for the right, a diluent with egg yolk was utilised. Collected sperms were immediately spermatologically examined. Results Due to incorrect measurements, the samples of seven epididymides were not analysed. An evaluation was possible in 58 samples. Average density was 108.80 ± 83.28 million/mL and motility was 53.30 ± 18.17%. On average, 76.70 ± 11.60% of the sperm were vital in eosin‐stained specimens. In the hypoosmotic swelling test, an average of 69.50 ± 10.48% of the sperm had an intact plasma membrane. Semen extender had no effect on spermatological parameters (p > 0.05). Overall success rate of sperm recovery was 83%. Extraction of epididymal sperm was possible in 68.80% of the 2‐year‐old males. The 13 epididymides from which no sperm recovery was possible were histologically examined and for 10, there was no histological evidence of sperm. The corrected success rate was 95.60%. Conclusion Testicular volume (p = 0.0453), but not age (p = 0.62), had an effect on the probability of obtaining sperm.
Effects of Faulty Design and Construction on Building Maintenance

This paper outlines individual and major groups of design and construction defects in large buildings in Saudi Arabia and their relative severity. A survey of a randomly selected sample of 30 maintenance contractors and 20 owners from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia was undertaken. The survey included 11 major groups of defects and the subdefects in each group. The relative severity effect of each defect on building was assessed and then ranked, based on a severity index by both maintenance contractors and owners. According to owners, 32 defects were rated as “most severe” and 35 defects were rated as “moderately severe. ” However, according to maintenance contractors 16 defects were rated as “most severe,” 49 defects as “moderately severe” and two defects as “slightly severe. ” It was also found that maintenance contractors and owners generally agree on the ranking of the severity of the defect.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Prescription Practice on Antimicrobials Use Among Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern China

Over-prescription of antimicrobials for patients is a major driver of bacterial resistance. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and prescription practices regarding antimicrobials among physicians in the Zhejiang province in China, and identify the determining factors. A total of 600 physicians in public county hospitals and township health institutions were surveyed cross-sectionally using a structured electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed by 580 physicians and the response rate was 96.67%. The mean score of 11 terms related to antimicrobial knowledge was 6.81, and an average of 32.1% of patients with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) were prescribed antimicrobials. Multivariate analysis indicated that young general practitioners with less training are more likely to contribute to more frequent antimicrobial prescriptions (P < .05). In contrast, older physicians with more training are more willing to provide patients with the correct knowledge regarding antimicrobials and less likely to prescribe antimicrobials for URTIs. Correlation analysis showed that the level of physician's knowledge, attitude, and prescription practice is related (P < .05). In conclusion, proper prescription of antimicrobials depends on adequate knowledge and regular training programs for physicians.