Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hospital lymph node examination rates and survival after resection for colon cancer.

CONTEXT Several studies suggest improved survival among patients in whom a higher number of nodes are examined after colectomy for colon cancer. The National Quality Forum and other organizations recently endorsed a 12-node minimum as a measure of hospital quality. OBJECTIVE To assess whether hospitals that examine more lymph nodes after resection for colon cancer have superior late survival rates. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Retrospective cohort study, using the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database (1995-2005), of US patients undergoing colectomy for nonmetastatic colon cancer (n = 30 625). Hospitals were ranked according to the proportion of their patients in whom 12 or more lymph nodes were examined and then were sorted into 4 evenly sized groups. Late survival rates were assessed for each hospital group, adjusting for potentially confounding patient and clinician characteristics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hospitals' lymph node examination rates in association with cancer staging, use of adjuvant chemotherapy (indicated for patients with node-positive disease), and 5-year survival rate. RESULTS Hospitals with the highest proportions of patients with examination of 12 or more lymph nodes tended to treat lower-risk patients and had substantially higher procedure volumes. After adjusting for these and other factors, there remained no statistically significant relationship between hospital lymph node examination rates and survival after surgery (adjusted hazard ratio, highest vs lowest hospital quartile, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.03). Although the 4 hospital groups varied widely in the number of lymph nodes examined, they were equally likely to find node-positive tumors and had very similar overall unadjusted rates of adjuvant chemotherapy (26% vs 25%, highest vs lowest hospital quartile). CONCLUSIONS The number of lymph nodes hospitals examine following colectomy for colon cancer is not associated with staging, use of adjuvant chemotherapy, or patient survival. Efforts by payers and professional organizations to increase node examination rates may have limited value as a public health intervention.
The lightening effect of adaptive window control

We consider adaptive window (e.g., TCP) controlled transfer of http-like traffic (i.e., finite volume file transfers starting at random time instants) over a link, and develop an analysis for obtaining the stationary distribution of the link buffer occupancy. The significance of this work is that it provides a framework for analyzing the "closed-loop" behavior of the link buffer under adaptive window controlled transfer of files with a general file size distribution. We find that the tail of the stationary distribution of the buffer occupancy is lighter than may be expected from an open loop analysis. We also find that the tail of the buffer distribution is sensitive to the distribution of the file sizes, which provides insight into the sensitivity of TCP performance to file size distribution.
To tell or not to tell: Why people with HIV share or don't share with their physicians whether they are taking their medications as prescribed

This qualitative study examines whether HIV-positive people (N=79) tell their physicians whether they take antiretroviral treatment (ART) as prescribed and why. Interviews, analyzed with qualitative content-analysis, asked about taking/not taking ART and, if taking, whether they shared their reasons for non-adherence with their physician. Patients are more likely to inform physicians why they take than why they do not take ART (p<0.01). Only half of those not taking ART shared the reasons for their decision with their physician. The six motives were: anticipation that physicians will not support the decision, cannot discuss feelings, lack of trust in physician's opinion, unable to discuss spiritual/moral issues, no need for physician to know, and not seen physician yet. Of those taking ART, 21% did not tell their physician why they missed doses. The five motives were: not viewed as important, physician not asking, not seen physician yet, rarely non-adherent, no indications in surrogate markers. A significant proportion of patients are not taking their medications as prescribed and are not telling their physicians. To facilitate the chance that patients communicate with their physicians, physicians need to ask no need for and, while giving the patients medical information, create a non-judgmental, respectful atmosphere where patients feel comfortable sharing their personal view.
Distributed Anomaly Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks

Identifying misbehaviors is an important challenge for monitoring, fault diagnosis and intrusion detection in wireless sensor networks. A key problem is how to minimize the communication overhead and energy consumption in the network when identifying misbehaviors. Our approach to this problem is based on a distributed, cluster-based anomaly detection algorithm. We minimize the communication overhead by clustering the sensor measurements and merging clusters before sending a description of the clusters to the other nodes. In order to evaluate our distributed scheme, we implemented our algorithm in a simulation based on the sensor data gathered from the Great Duck Island project. We demonstrate that our scheme achieves comparable accuracy compared to a centralized scheme with a significant reduction in communication overhead
An Adaptive Handover Trigger Strategy for 5G C/U Plane Split Heterogeneous Network

Fifth-generation (5G) control/user (C/U) plane split heterogeneous network may cause more serious handover problems than traditional networks, especially for the inter-macrocell handover. In addition, the mobility behavior of mobile node (MN) may also result in improper handover triggers. In this paper, an adaptive handover trigger strategy (AHTS) is proposed to predict the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), to guarantee that handover trigger is accurate and timely when the MN is moving. First, the fast dynamic time warping (FastDTW) algorithm as well as the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm are used for clustering trajectories to discover the mobility patterns of MN. Then multiple hidden markov models (HMM) are trained based on the results of clustering. Finally, according to the HMM model which is selected based on the similarity between test trajectory and each cluster center, an adaptive RSSI predication (ARP) algorithm is implemented to predict the values of the RSSI. Simulation results show that our strategy outperforms the existing schemes in terms of the handover probability and the handover success probability.
Unilateral pedicle screw instrumentation for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

OBJECT Clinical and radiographic results were assessed to determine the clinical outcomes and fusion rate in eight consecutive patients selected for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in which a percutaneous pedicle screw system was used unilaterally. METHODS Eight patients underwent one-level, minimally invasive TLIF in which a percutaneous pedicle screw system was used only on the side where facets were removed for interbody access. Clinical, economic, functional, and radiographic data were recorded preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. The mean 6-month change in the modified Prolo Scale score was 7, and osseous interbody bridging assessed on coronal and sagittal computerized tomography studies was seen in all patients. CONCLUSIONS The use of unilateral percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation for the minimally invasive TLIF procedure provides excellent clinical results and is an option in selected patients.
Characterization of the tissue-level Ca2+ signals in spontaneously contracting human myometrium

In the labouring uterus, millions of myocytes forming the complex geometrical structure of myometrium contract in synchrony to increase intrauterine pressure, dilate the cervix and eventually expel the foetus through the birth canal. The mechanisms underlying the precise coordination of contractions in human myometrium are not completely understood. In the present study, we have characterized the spatio‐temporal properties of tissue‐level [Ca2+]i transients in thin slices of intact human myometrium. We found that the waveform of [Ca2+]i transients and isotonic contractions recorded from thin slices was similar to the waveform of isometric contractions recorded from the larger strips in traditional organ bath experiments, suggesting that the spatio‐temporal information obtained from thin slices is representative of the whole tissue. By comparing the time course of [Ca2+]i transients in individual cells to that recorded from the bundles of myocytes we found that the majority of myocytes produce rapidly propagating long‐lasting [Ca2+]i transients accompanied by contractions. We also found a small number of cells showing desynchronized [Ca2+]i oscillations that did not trigger contractions. The [Ca2+]i oscillations in these cells were insensitive to nifedipine, but readily inhibited by the T‐type Ca2+ channel inhibitor NNC55‐0396. In conclusion, our data suggest that the spread of [Ca2+]i signals in human myometrium is achieved via propagation of long‐lasting action potentials. The propagation was fast when action potentials propagated along bundles of myocytes and slower when propagating between the bundles of uterine myocytes.
Influence of quantum confinement effects and device electrostatic driven performance in ultra-scaled SixGe1−x nanowire transistors

In this work we have investigated the impact of quantum mechanical effects on the device performance of n-type in ultra-scaled SixGe1-x nanowire transistors (NWT) for possible future applications. For the purpose of this paper SixGe1-x NWTs with different SixGe1-x molar fraction has been simulated. However, in all devices the cross-sectional area, dimensions and doping profiles are kept constant in order to provide fair comparison. The design of computational experiment in this work includes nanowire transistors with different gate length of 6nm, 8nm, 10nm, 12nm and 14nm. All wires are simulated with various SixGe1-x ratio. As a result we have established a correlation between the mobile charge distribution in the channel and gate capacitance, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and the sub-threshold slope (SS). The mobile charge to gate capacitance ratio, which is an indicator of the intrinsic speed of the NWTs, is also have been investigated. More importantly all calculations are based on quantum mechanical description of the mobile charge distribution in the channel. This description is based on Schrödinger equation, which is indeed preferred approach for nanowires with such ultra-scale dimensions.
Rational Design of a New Trypanosoma rangeli Trans-Sialidase for Efficient Sialylation of Glycans

This paper reports rational engineering of Trypanosoma rangeli sialidase to develop an effective enzyme for a potentially important type of reactivity: production of sialylated prebiotic glycans. The Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase and the homologous T. rangeli sialidase has previously been used to investigate the structural requirements for trans-sialidase activity. We observed that the T. cruzi trans-sialidase has a seven-amino-acid motif (197–203) at the border of the substrate binding cleft. The motif differs substantially in chemical properties and substitution probability from the homologous sialidase, and we hypothesised that this motif is important for trans-sialidase activity. The 197–203 motif is strongly positively charged with a marked change in hydrogen bond donor capacity as compared to the sialidase. To investigate the role of this motif, we expressed and characterised a T. rangeli sialidase mutant, Tr13. Conditions for efficient trans-sialylation were determined, and Tr13's acceptor specificity demonstrated promiscuity with respect to the acceptor molecule enabling sialylation of glycans containing terminal galactose and glucose and even monomers of glucose and fucose. Sialic acid is important in association with human milk oligosaccharides, and Tr13 was shown to sialylate a number of established and potential prebiotics. Initial evaluation of prebiotic potential using pure cultures demonstrated, albeit not selectively, growth of Bifidobacteria. Since the 197–203 motif stands out in the native trans-sialidase, is markedly different from the wild-type sialidase compared to previous mutants, and is shown here to confer efficient and broad trans-sialidase activity, we suggest that this motif can serve as a framework for future optimization of trans-sialylation towards prebiotic production.
Deletion of the Drosophila neuronal gene found in neurons disrupts brain anatomy and male courtship

The fne (found‐in‐neurons) locus encodes one of the three paralogs of the ELAV gene family of Drosophila melanogaster. Members of this family are found throughout metazoans and encode RNA‐binding proteins with primarily neuronal localization, but with remarkably diverse functions given their high level of amino acid sequence conservation. The first identified member of the family, elav of Drosophila is a vital gene. Mutations in the second Drosophila elav paralog, rbp9, are viable but female sterile. No alleles of fne were previously available. FNE protein is normally present in the cytoplasm of all neurons throughout development. Here we describe the generation and characterization of fnenull mutations by homologous recombination. In contrast to elav and similar to rbp9, fnenull mutants are viable, but exhibit a specific and fully penetrant fusion of the β‐lobes in their mushroom bodies (MB), a paired neuropil of the central brain involved in a variety of complex behaviors. Mutant males have reduced courtship indices, but normal short‐ and long‐term courtship memory. Our data show that fne has specific functions which are non‐overlapping with the other two family members, namely in courtship behavior and in the development of the adult MB. The data further show that courtship memory does not require intact β‐lobes in the MB.
Carbon Nanotubes Enhance CpG Uptake and Potentiate Antiglioma Immunity

Purpose: Stimulation of toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9) by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG) has been shown to counteract the immunosuppressive microenvironment and to inhibit tumor growth in glioma models. Because TLR9 is located intracellularly, we hypothesized that methods that enhance its internalization may also potentiate its immunostimulatory response. The goal of this study was to evaluate carbon nanotubes (CNT) as a CpG delivery vehicle in brain tumor models. Experimental Design: Functionalized single-walled CNTs were conjugated with CpG (CNT–CpG) and evaluated in vitro and in mice bearing intracranial GL261 gliomas. Flow cytometry was used to assess CNT–CpG uptake and antiglioma immune response. Tumor growth was measured by bioluminescent imaging, histology, and animal survival. Results: CNT–CpG was nontoxic and enhanced CpG uptake both in vitro and intracranial gliomas. CNT-mediated CpG delivery also potentiated proinflammatory cytokine production by primary monocytes. Interestingly, a single intracranial injection of low-dose CNT–CpG (but not free CpG or blank CNT) eradicated intracranial GL261 gliomas in half of tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, surviving animals exhibited durable tumor-free remission (>3 months), and were protected from intracranial tumor rechallenge, demonstrating induction of long-term antitumor immunity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CNTs can potentiate CpG immunopotency by enhancing its delivery into tumor-associated inflammatory cells. Clin Cancer Res; 17(4); 1–12. ©2010 AACR.
β-Catenin determines upper airway progenitor cell fate and preinvasive squamous lung cancer progression by modulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Human lung cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are a leading cause of death and, whilst evidence suggests that basal stem cells drive SCC initiation and progression, the mechanisms regulating these processes remain unknown. In this study we show that β‐catenin signalling regulates basal progenitor cell fate and subsequent SCC progression. In a cohort of preinvasive SCCs we established that elevated basal cell β‐catenin signalling is positively associated with increased disease severity, epithelial proliferation and reduced intercellular adhesiveness. We demonstrate that transgene‐mediated β‐catenin inhibition within keratin 14‐expressing basal cells delayed normal airway repair while basal cell‐specific β‐catenin activation increased cell proliferation, directed differentiation and promoted elements of early epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), including increased Snail transcription and reduced E‐cadherin expression. These observations are recapitulated in normal human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro following both pharmacological β‐catenin activation and E‐cadherin inhibition, and mirrored our findings in preinvasive SCCs. Overall, the data show that airway basal cell β‐catenin determines cell fate and its mis‐expression is associated with the development of human lung cancer. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cosmological Probes for Supersymmetry

The multi-parameter character of supersymmetric dark-matter models implies the combination of their experimental studies with astrophysical and cosmological probes. The physics of the early Universe provides nontrivial effects of non-equilibrium particles and primordial cosmological structures. Primordial black holes (PBHs) are a profound signature of such structures that may arise as a cosmological consequence of supersymmetric (SUSY) models. SUSY-based mechanisms of baryosynthesis can lead to the possibility of antimatter domains in a baryon asymmetric Universe. In the context of cosmoparticle physics, which studies the fundamental relationship of the micro- and macro-worlds, the development of SUSY illustrates the main principles of this approach, as the physical basis of the modern cosmology provides cross-disciplinary tests in physical and astronomical studies.
Prevention and management of delirium in critically ill adult patients in the intensive care unit: a review based on the 2018 PADIS guidelines

Delirium is an acute, confusional state characterized by altered consciousness and a reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention. It is associated with a number of complex underlying medical conditions and can be difficult to recognize. Many critically ill patients (e.g., up to 80% of patients in the intensive care unit [ICU]) experience delirium due to underlying medical or surgical health problems, recent surgical or other invasive procedures, medications, or various noxious stimuli (e.g., underlying psychological stressors, mechanical ventilation, noise, light, patient care interactions, and drug-induced sleep disruption or deprivation). Delirium is associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU admittance as well as an increased risk of death, disability, and long-term cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, the early recognition of delirium is important and ICU medical staff should devote careful attention to both watching for the occurrence of delirium and its prevention and management. This review presents a brief overview of delirium and an update of the literature with reference to the 2018 Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pain, Agitation/Sedation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption in Adult Patients in the ICU.
Combined ω3 and ω6 Supplementation in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Refractory to Methylphenidate Treatment

Children (6-12 years) with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being treated with methylphenidate and standard behavior therapy for more than 6 months, whose parents reported no improvement in behavior and academic learning, were randomly assigned to receive supplementation with a combined ω3 and ω6 preparation or a placebo. Outcome was measured at 3 and 6 months after treatment using a self-assessment checklist completed by the parents. Statistically significant improvement was found in the treatment group compared with the placebo group (P < .01) in the following measures: restlessness, aggressiveness, completing work, and academic performance. Statistically significant improvement was not found at 3 months of treatment between groups but was evident at 6 months of treatment (P < .05) with inattention, impulsiveness, and cooperation with parents and teachers. Distractibility failed to show improvement. Effect sizes ranged from 0.3 to 1.1 at 3 months and 0.2 to 1.4 at 6 months for individual symptom variables.
SpeQuloS: a QoS service for BoT applications using best effort distributed computing infrastructures

Exploitation of Best Effort Distributed Computing Infrastructures (BE-DCIs) allow operators to maximize the utilization of the infrastructures, and users to access the unused resources at relatively low cost. Because providers do not guarantee that the computing resources remain available to the user during the entire execution of their applications, they offer a diminished Quality of Service (QoS) compared to traditional infrastructures. Profiling the execution of Bag-of-Tasks (BoT) applications on several kinds of BE-DCIs demonstrates that their task completion rate drops near the end of the execution. In this paper, we present the SpeQuloS framework which enhances the QoS of BoT applications executed on BE-DCIs by reducing the execution time, improving its stability, and reporting to users a predicted completion time. SpeQuloS monitors the execution of the BoT on the BE-DCIs, and dynamically supplies fast and reliable Cloud resources when the critical part of the BoT is executed. We present the design and development of the service and several strategies to decide when and how Cloud resources should be provisioned. Performance evaluation using simulations shows that SpeQuloS fulfill its objectives. It speeds-up the execution of BoTs, in the best cases by a factor greater than 2, while offloading less than 2.5% of the workload to the Cloud. We report on preliminary results after a complex deployment as part of the European Desktop Grid Infrastructure.
Causal Inference by Surrogate Experiments: z-Identifiability

We address the problem of estimating the effect of intervening on a set of variables X from experiments on a different set, Z, that is more accessible to manipulation. This problem, which we call z-identifiability, reduces to ordinary identifiability when Z = empty and, like the latter, can be given syntactic characterization using the do-calculus [Pearl, 1995; 2000]. We provide a graphical necessary and sufficient condition for z-identifiability for arbitrary sets X,Z, and Y (the outcomes). We further develop a complete algorithm for computing the causal effect of X on Y using information provided by experiments on Z. Finally, we use our results to prove completeness of do-calculus relative to z-identifiability, a result that does not follow from completeness relative to ordinary identifiability.