Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frailty in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Receiving Curative-Intent Therapy: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were to determine whether frailty is associated with survival in a population-based sample of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and to describe the healthcare utilization patterns of frail versus nonfrail patients during treatment. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using population-based data in Ontario, Canada. Patients aged ≥66 years diagnosed between 2006 and 2017 with DLBCL or transformed follicular lymphoma who received first-line curative-intent chemoimmunotherapy were included. Frailty was defined using a modified version of a generalizable frailty index developed for use with Ontario administrative data. Cox regression was performed to examine the association between frailty and 1-year mortality. RESULTS A total of 5,527 patients were included (median age, 75 years [interquartile range, 70-80 years]; 48% female), of whom 2,699 (49%) were classified as frail. Within 1 year of first-line treatment, 32% (n=868) of frail patients had died compared with 20% (n=553) of nonfrail patients (unadjusted hazard ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6-2.0; P<.0001). Frail patients had higher healthcare utilization during treatment, with most hospitalizations related to infection and/or lymphoma. In multivariable modeling controlling for age, inpatient diagnosis, number of chemoimmunotherapy cycles received, comorbidity burden, and healthcare utilization, frailty remained independently associated with 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.7; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS In a population-based sample of older adult patients with DLBCL receiving front-line curative-intent therapy, half were classified as frail, and their adjusted relative rate of death in the first year after starting treatment was 50% higher than that of nonfrail patients. Frailty seems to be associated with poor treatment tolerance and a higher likelihood of requiring acute hospital-based care.
Algebraic Methods for Geometric Modeling

The two ﬁelds of algebraic geometry and algorithmic geometry, though closely related, are traditionally represented by almost disjoint communities. Both ﬁelds deal with curves or surfaces but objects are represented in diﬀerent ways. While algebraic geometry deﬁnes objects by the mean of equations, algorithmic geometry use to work with linear models. The current trend is to apply algorithmic geometry algorithms to non linear models such as those found in algebraic geometry. Such algorithms play an important role in many practical ﬁelds such as Computer Aided Geometric Design. Their use raises important questions when it comes to developing software featuring such models. First, the manipulation of their representation implies the use of symbolic numeric computations which still represent one ma jor research interest. Second, their visualization and manipulation is not straightforward because of their abstract nature. The ﬁrst part of this thesis covers the use of algebraic methods in geometric modeling, with an emphasis on topology, intersection and self-intersection for arrangement computation of semi-algebraic sets with either implicit or parametric representation. Special care is given to the genericity of the algorithms which can be speciﬁed whatever the context, and then specialized to meet speciﬁc representation requirements. The second part of this thesis presents a prototype of an algebraic geometric modeling environment which aim is to provide a generic yet eﬃcient way to model with algebraic geometric ob jects such as implicit or parametric curves or surfaces, both from a user or developer point of view, by using symbolic numeric computational libraries as a backend for the manipulation of the polynomials deﬁning the geometric ob jects.
Germination niche breadth of invasive Iris pseudacorus (L.) suggests continued recruitment from seeds with global warming

Abstract Premise Understanding recruitment processes of invasive species is central to conservation and management strategies. Iris pseudacorus, an emergent macrophyte, has established invasive populations across a broad global range, and reduces biodiversity in wetland ecosystems. Climate change is altering germination cues, yet studies on the invasion of wetland macrophytes often ignore germination ecology despite its importance to their establishment and spread. Methods We explored germination of seeds from invasive I. pseudacorus populations in California in response to seed coat presence or absence, and several environmental factors. Using experimental results in a thermal time model, we derived germination temperature thresholds. Results Germination of I. pseudacorus seeds did not require cold or warm stratification, and was not affected by seed coat presence or absence. Germination occurred in the dark, although germinability was two‐ to threefold times greater under light. At constant temperature, thermal time model estimates included 18.3 ± 1.8°C base germination temperature (Tb); 28.2 ± 0.5°C optimal temperature (To); and 41.0 ± 1.7°C ceiling temperature (Tc). Seeds exposed to 36.0°C achieved over 10% germination, and embryos of ungerminated seeds presented 76% viability. Overall, germinability remained relatively low at constant temperatures (≤25%) but was close to 90% under alternating daily temperatures. Conclusions Exposure to diurnally fluctuating temperatures is essential for this species to achieve high germination rates. Our study reveals that I. pseudacorus has a broad germination niche supporting its establishment in a relatively wide range of environments, including at high temperatures more frequent with climate change.
Prediction and Construction of Drug-Polymer Binary System Thermodynamic Phase Diagram in Amorphous Solid Dispersions (ASDs)

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) has been well known as a potential strategy to improve the bioavailability and dissolution performance of poorly water-soluble drugs. The primary concern of this approach is the long-term stability of the amorphous drug in the solid dispersion. Accurate prediction and detection of the solubility and miscibility of drug in polymeric binary system will be a milestone to the development of ASDs. In this investigation, a method based on Flory–Huggins (F–H) theory was proposed to predict and calculate the solubility and miscibility of the drug in polymeric matrix and construct the phase diagram to identify the relevance between drug loading and temperature for ASDs development. Indomethacin (Indo) was chosen as the model drug, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone vinyl acetate (Kollidon® VA 64) was used as a polymeric carrier for the ASD systems. Physical mixtures were prepared with different drug loadings (10 to 90%) and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The interaction parameter χ was calculated for physical mixtures by the melting point depression and solubility parameter contribution methods. The phase diagram was constructed to investigate the impact of other parameters like drug loading, processing temperature, and Gibbs free energy of mixing (ΔGmix). For further validation, formulations were developed using HME to verify the accuracy of the phase diagram and to guide in the hot-melt extrusion (HME) process design space and optimization.
Conjugated microporous polymer membranes for light-gated ion transport

Inspired by the light-gated ion channels in cell membranes that play important roles in many biological activities, herein, we developed an artificial light-gated ion channel membrane out of conjugated microporous polymers. Through bottom-up design of the monomer molecular structure and by the electropolymerization method, the membrane pore size and thickness were precisely controlled on the molecular level. The obtained membrane exhibited uniform pore size and highly sensitive light-switchable response. The photoisomerization of the polymer chain resulted in a reversible “on and off” light control over the pore size and subsequently led to light-gated ion transport across the membrane for a series of ions including hydrogen, potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum ions.
Prognostic Factors and Treatments Efficacy in Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma

Background and Objectives Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an uncommon but serious condition with a high morbidity rate. Although SSEH is related to numerous risk factors, its etiology remains unclear. There is a paucity of data on its prognostic factors. We aim to evaluate prognostic factors for SSEH in this study. Method A retrospective study was performed on patients who were admitted for SSEH in 3 academic neurosurgical centers from January 2010 to June 2021. Clinical parameters, including clinical condition on admission, anticoagulants use, imaging modality, the timing and type of surgery performed, and outcomes, were collected. Prognostic factors were analyzed. The Frankel scale was used to assess the clinical condition. Results A total of 105 patients with SSEH were retrieved from medical records, with a mean age of 51.3 years. Eighty-three patients (79%) complained of acute onset of severe neck or back pain. Eighty-two patients (78%) suffered from moderate to severe neurologic deficits (Frankel scale A–C). Anticoagulation usage was found in 20% of cases. Lower thoracic spine (p = 0.046), use of anticoagulants (p = 0.019), sphincter function disfunction (p = 0.008), severe neurologic deficits at admission (p < 0.001), and rapid deterioration (<1 hour, p = 0.004) were found to be associated with poor outcomes. Surgical decompression was performed in 74 (70%) cases. The univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative severe neurologic deficits (p = 0.005) and extended paraplegia time (>12 hours, p = 0.004) were independent adverse prognostic factors. The univariate analysis revealed that lower thoracic spine location (p = 0.08) and rapid progression (<6 hours, p = 0.005) were correlated with poor prognosis, but the multivariate analysis failed to identify them as independent prognostic factors. Discussion Adverse prognostic factors for SSEH might include thoracic segment location, use of anticoagulation, severe neurologic deficits on admission, sphincter dysfunction, and rapid progression. Preoperative neurologic deficit and extended paraplegia time were strongly correlated with the prognosis in the subset of patients who underwent surgical decompression. Timely surgical decompression is recommended for patients with moderate/severe neurologic deficits or progressive neurologic deterioration.
MiR‐195‐5p facilitates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human trophoblast cells by targeting FGF2

Preeclampsia (PE), the most significant adverse exposure to cardiovascular risk during pregnancy, is one of the three major factors contributing to maternal and fetal mortality and the leading cause of preterm birth. Recently, various miRNAs have been reported to participate in PE occurrence and development. Nevertheless, the regulatory impact of miR‐195‐5p in PE is still indistinct.
The Role of Electron Trajectories in XUV-Initiated High-Harmonic Generation

High-harmonic generation spectroscopy is a powerful tool for ultrafast spectroscopy with intrinsic attosecond time resolution. Its major limitation—the fact that a strong infrared driving pulse is governing the entire generation process—is lifted by extreme ultraviolet (XUV)-initiated high-harmonic generation (HHG). Tunneling ionization is replaced by XUV photoionization, which decouples ionization from recollision. Here we probe the intensity dependence of XUV-initiated HHG and observe strong spectral frequency shifts of the high harmonics. We are able to tune the shift by controlling the instantaneous intensity of the infrared field. We directly access the reciprocal intensity parameter associated with the electron trajectories and identify short and long trajectories. Our findings are supported and analyzed by ab initio calculations and a semiclassical trajectory model. The ability to isolate and control long trajectories in XUV-initiated HHG increases the range of the intrinsic attosecond clock for spectroscopic applications.
Safety of 4-valent human papillomavirus vaccine in males: a large observational post-marketing study

ABSTRACT The 4-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (4vHPV vaccine), Gardasil®, is indicated for the prevention of several HPV-related diseases. The objective was to assess the safety of 4vHPV vaccine administered to males as part of routine care. The study used a US health insurance claims database, and included males, age 9 to 26 years, who initiated 4vHPV between October 2009 and December 2016. General safety outcomes were identified using ICD diagnosis codes associated with emergency room visits and hospitalizations in the claims database in risk periods (Days 1–60 and Days 1–14 following vaccine administration) and self-comparison periods (Days 91–150 and 91–104 for the Days 1–60 and Days 1–14 analysis, respectively). Incidence rates (IRs) and relative rates (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated comparing the risk and self-comparison periods. In this study, 114,035 males initiated 4vHPV vaccine and received 202,737 doses. Using the 60-day time window, 5 outcomes had significantly elevated RRs after accounting for multiple comparisons: ear conditions (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03–1.59); otitis media and related conditions (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.09–2.54); cellulitis and abscess of arm (RR 2.17, 95% CI 1.06–4.72); intracranial injury (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.50); and concussion (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05–1.59). A higher rate of allergic reactions was noted on the day of 4vHPV vaccine receipt compared to other vaccines (21.07 events per 10,000 doses, 95% CI 18.89–23.44 versus 11.44 per 10,000 doses, 95% CI 9.84–13.22). A higher incidence rate of VTE was observed following vaccination but this association was not significant (RR 2.17, 95% CI 0.35–22.74). The 4vHPV vaccine was associated with same-day allergic reactions as well as ear infections, intracranial injury, cellulitis, and concussion within 2 months after vaccination. While allergic reaction and cellulitis are consistent with the known safety profile of 4vHPV vaccine, the association of the other outcomes were determined by an independent Safety Review Committee to be most likely a result of activities common in adolescent males that coincide with the timing of vaccination and not directly related to vaccination itself. Implications and Contributions: The study results support the general safety of routine immunization with 4vHPV vaccine among males to prevent HPV-related diseases and cancers.
Perceived Acoustic Quality and Effect on Occupants’ Satisfaction in Green and Conventional Residential Buildings

The study presented in this paper focuses on the subjective opinions of occupants of multistory residential buildings by examining the relationship between occupants’ satisfaction and indoor environment quality, and analysing the effect the problems experienced with noise level may have on general satisfaction and the perceived acoustic quality. The analysis is based on data collected through surveys addressed to adults living in green and conventional buildings. The results show that occupants are very satisfied with their apartments, and subjectively rated acoustic quality received very high scores. The responses indicate that noise from neighbours has been experienced relatively seldom by occupants; however, the analysis shows that it is the factor that has the strongest effect on satisfaction with acoustic quality. We have found that the environmental profile of a building has a significant effect on general satisfaction expressed by occupants; however, this effect has not been confirmed for acoustic quality.
Displacement Self-Sensing Method for AMB-Rotor Systems Using Current Ripple Demodulations Combined With PWM Command Signals

The self-sensing magnetic bearing technology offers significant cost savings and the potential advantages for dynamics performance due to its fundamental sensor-actuator collocation. Based on the active magnetic bearing (AMB) driven by a 2-level pulse width modulation (PWM) switch power amplifier, an analog circuit was designed to estimate the rotor position through extracting the fundamental component information of the current ripples. This paper addresses two key challenges on the displacement self-sensing of AMB-rotor systems: the one is how to accurately extract the fundamental frequency component from the current ripple, and another one is proposing a PWM duty cycle cancellation method to enhance the detecting accuracy of rotor displacement. First, the basic self-sensing principle of demodulation approach is presented. Second, mathematical description of PWM duty cycle cancellation method using driving voltage combined with PWM command signals was deduced. Third, the band-pass filter was designed for extracting the fundamental frequency components of ripple current, and the full-wave rectification was designed for detecting the peak envelope of the fundamental component, and the low-pass filter was designed for filtering out high-frequency noise. Finally, experiments were carried out on a magnetic suspension turbo-molecular pump to evaluate the static and dynamic performance of the designed self-sensing system. The experiment results show that the rotor can be well suspended in a static state, and its speed can reach 6000 rpm. The experiments demonstrate that the designed self-sensing system has the ability to meet the requirement of dynamic performance and stability margin.
Initial Teacher Education Practicum 2.0 Learning Through Self-Study in a Professional Setting

Self-study of teacher education practices (S-STEP) within practicum contexts is still an underrepresented area of research within the S-STEP. This chapter revisits and builds upon the practicum-focused chapter from the first volume of this international handbook exploring mainly why the practicum is still a less explored area in the S-STEP community, followed by how teacher educators/ researchers facilitate an S-STEP approach to practicum. The exploration begins by examining the challenges of using S-STEP, reviewing the conditions necessary to facilitate S-STEP in practicum settings, and providing arguments that these D. Petrarca (*) · S. Van Nuland University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada e-mail: diana.petrarca@uoit.ca; shirley.vannuland@uoit.ca © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020 J. Kitchen (ed.), 2nd International Handbook of Self-Study of Teaching and Teacher Education,Springer International Handbooks of Education, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1710-1_37-2 1 conditions are difficult to achieve by initial teacher education programs in general. The traditional nature of practicum and university settings, the general lack of support for initial teacher education programs within universities, the absence of the university instructor, and the pressure of a climate of criticism and conflicting demands that schools face all contribute to the challenges related to conducting S-STEP in a practicum setting. Lastly, the chapter offers suggestions that may enhance a self-study approach to practicum, where the involvement of university instructors features prominently.
Chapter 14 Functional Regression 14 . 1 Principles of Functional Linear Regression Analyses

where x(t) and β(t) are a centered functional covariate and the functional coefficient regression, respectively, and E is a random error often assumed to have a normal distribution with mean 0 and variance σ. Functional regression replaces the linear predictor of a linear regression model by integrating the product of a coefficient function β(t) and centered covariate x(t), which corresponds to a continuous non-delaying process. Determining the infinite-dimensional beta coefficients β(t) from a finite number of observations of the model (1) is a very difficult task. Indeed, it is almost always possible to find a function β(t) satisfying the model with an error equal to 0, and there is an infinite number of these functions that give the same predictions (Ramsay et al. 2009). There are several procedures to solve this problem (Cardot and Sarda 2006); one of them is based on basis expansion (Fourier, B-splines, etc.) and will be adopted and described here. A basis expansion solution is obtained by first representing the beta coefficient function β(t) as
Segmentation algorithms for road marking digital image analysis

The road user costs accruing on road networks due to the poor quality of road markings are significant. There is therefore a need for an automated process to provide an objective assessment of the performance characteristics of road marking, such as wear and both day- and night-time visibility. Digital analysis of road surface images seems to be a versatile approach that may enable road agencies to evaluate the state of markings in an objective manner with increased accuracy. The analysis is effected by a series of processes that include image acquisition and digitisation, storage, segmentation, enhancement and feature description. This paper focuses on image segmentation, the process by which the road markings are identified from their background. The paper presents a number of techniques used for image segmentation that have been considered for inclusion in a prototype road marking analysis system. The techniques presented are the variance method, moment preserving thresholding, minimum error thresholdi.
A Hybrid Control Strategy of Hybrid-Excitation Switched Reluctance Motor for Torque Ripple Reduction and Constant Power Extension

A novel hybrid control strategy combining vector control and current continuous conduction is proposed in this paper to improve the performance of a hybrid-excitation switched reluctance motor (HESRM). Vector control, widely used in ac machines, is redefined in HESRM based on static torque characteristic to simplify an HESRM controller and reduce torque ripple. However, at a high-speed and heavy-load operation, current tracking accuracy deteriorates and torque ripple reduction effect gets worse. Current continuous conduction is combined with vector control to improve current tracking accuracy and maintain smooth torque ripple. In the HESRM, the power generally falls nearly in proportion to the square of speed over based speed, and a traditional control technique can maintain only a narrow constant power range. This novel vector control is easy to achieve phase advance and current continuous conduction simultaneously. By combining these two together, the HESRM can extend the constant power in a wider speed range and efficiency is also improved. Simulations and experiments in different conditions are carried out to verify the effectiveness of a hybrid control strategy.