Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing negative lymph node count is independently associated with improved long-term survival in resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinomas

Abstract To evaluate the prognostic value of numbers of negative lymph nodes (NLNs) for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinomas. The surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database was used to screen for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinomas. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used for statistical evaluations. Subsequently, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to confirm the results. A total of 938 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinomas met the inclusion criteria. The cut-off number for the grouping of patients with different numbers of NLNs was 17. Both the univariate and multivariate survival analyses demonstrated that there was a significant improvement in terms of cancer-specific survival for patients with >17 NLNs, compared with patients with ⩽17 NLNs. Then, the above results were confirmed via a PSM procedure. Additionally, the independent prognostic value of NLNs was evaluated in subgroup univariate and multivariate analyses of patients with stage I or stage II tumors. The numbers of NLNs were evaluated and determined to be important independent prognostic factors for the cancer-specific survival of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinomas.
Strain histograms used for differential diagnosis of breast masses according to hardness percentage

Abstract To evaluate the diagnostic performance of percentage of hard component (PHC) versus strain ratio (SR) in focal breast lesion diagnosis. Ultrasonography and elastography images of 245 malignant and 255 benign breast lesions were obtained and analyzed according to the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System of the American College of Radiology. PHC and SR were measured for each lesion and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound (CU) only, PHC with CU, and SR with CU. Mean PHC differed significantly between malignant (90.46 ± 13.29) and benign (62.03 ± 25.61) lesions. Mean SR differed significantly between malignant (4.61 ± 1.75) and benign (2.34 ± 1.80) lesions. ROC curve threshold values were 82.45 for PHC and 2.69 for SR. The area under the curve values for CU, SR with CU, and PHC with CU were 0.956, 0.960, and 0.956, respectively, with no significant differences among them (P < .05). PHC was comparable to SR for differentiating malignant from benign breast masses and may be an auxiliary tool for breast lesion stiffness evaluation. ROC data for CU, SR with CU, and PHC with CU were statistically similar.
Psycho-oncology care in breast cancer centres: a nationwide survey

Objective To describe psycho-oncological care structures and processes in German breast cancer centres from the perspective of the centre administration. Methods The findings are based on a postal survey of a representative random sample of surgical sites of certified breast cancer centres in Germany. Data were collected in 2013 and 2014. The questionnaire included questions about infrastructure, patient information standards, psycho-oncological services and aspects of organisational culture. Data analyses included frequencies, means and bivariate relationships. Results The return rate was 88.3% (53 hospital sites). Psycho-oncological care is provided by permanent employees in 87%. The average number of full-time-equivalent employees (FTE) is 1.23. Most breast cancer centres engage the occupational group of psycho-oncologists for psycho-oncological care (90%), followed by the medical service (80%) and breast care nurses (78%) (multiple answers were possible). The correlation coefficient between FTEs and surgical treatments per year is not significant (r=0.292, p=0.051). Hospitals are screening every inpatient for the need of psycho-oncological support in 76% of all sites. Frequently used screening instruments are distress thermometer (19%), clinical interview (13%) and basic psycho-oncological documentation (11%). Conclusion Our data provide insights into the self-reported structural and procedural quality of psycho-oncological care in German breast cancer centres. Further research should examine patient and caregiver perspective on the psycho-oncological services provided by breast cancer centres.
Numerical modeling of the negative skin friction on single vertical and batter pile

In this paper the negative skin friction on single vertical and batter piles is investigated. First, a finite-element model (using ABAQUS software) based on the studies Lee et al. and Comodromos and Bareka was developed. After that, the results of the model were compared and validated. Then a single vertical end bearing and a single skin friction pile under different earth-surface loadings were analyzed and the down-drag force as well as the neutral plane location were studied. Subsequently, the performances of the single end bearing and the friction pile, with different inclination angles between 0 and 30o, were analyzed. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis was implemented using 2-D models. This showed a satisfactory compatibility with the results of the study of Lee et al. and Comodromos and Bareka. Finally, it was concluded that the drag load of the pile and the neutral plane position depend on the condition of the soil surrounding the pile, the 2D or 3D model type , the earth-surface loading intensity, the type of end-bearing pile or friction pile and the pile’s inclination angle. The simulation results agree well with the experimental findings.
An MDP-Based Task Allocation Model for a Class of Uncertain Human-Machine System

Aimed at a class of small-scale uncertain human-machine systems(SSU-HMS), the problem of the dynamic task allocation is discussed with considering the task uncertainty and the heterogeneity of human operators in this paper. Dynamic task allocation is assigning the right tasks to suitable human operator/automation in real time in order to fully utilize system resources and enhance system performance. In a SSU-HMS, the randomness and uncertainty of the task arrival time and the diversity and variability of task types increase the task uncertainty, which makes task allocation for the system more challenging. In addition, the heterogeneity of individual human operator mainly manifests that they have varying speed, robustness and uneven workload, which make their ability also heterogeneous. Therefore, the potential problem will become more complicated if the heterogeneity is considered. In the work, on the basis of Markov decision process(MDP), a model reflecting the task-operation allocation process of SSU-HMS is established. By iterative method, the optimal task allocation strategy is obtained, which makes full use of system resources and keeps the operators' load at a moderate level. Thus, the overall performance of the system is improved. Finally, the validity of the proposed model is verified by numerical simulations and experimental verification on MATB platform. This paper takes human operator as the research object. In fact, this method is also applicable to the allocation of human and computer resources in human-machine systems.
Circulating microRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers in pediatric patients with celiac disease.

Summary Celiac disease is an enteropathy induced by ingestion of gluten triggering an immune response in genetically predisposed individuals. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that have a role as regulators of gene expression at the post transcriptional level. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of using circulating miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers in pediatric patients with celiac disease. In addition, we examine the effect of a gluten-free diet on the expression of these miRNAs in serum of CD patients. The expression pattern of miR-21 and miR-31 was estimated in serum of 25 untreated CD patients (recently diagnosed), 25 treated CD patients (on gluten-free diet) and 20 healthy controls using qRT-PCR. Our results demonstrated the significant up-regulation of microRNA-21 in the untreated celiac patients in comparison with the treated group and healthy controls. Moreover, miR-31 expression was significantly under-expressed in the untreated celiac patients in comparison with the treated group and healthy controls. Furthermore, the results showed that miR-21 expression level was significantly positively correlated with the tTG IgA auto-antibodies. In conclusion, circulating miRNA-21 and miRNA-31 could serve as potential non-invasive biomarkers for pediatric CD patients.
Red Blood Cell Membrane Conductance in Hereditary Haemolytic Anaemias

Congenital haemolytic anaemias are inherited disorders caused by red blood cell membrane and cytoskeletal protein defects, deviant hemoglobin synthesis and metabolic enzyme deficiencies. In many cases, although the causing mutation might be known, the pathophysiology and the connection between the particular mutation and the symptoms of the disease are not completely understood. Thus effective treatment is lagging behind. As in many cases abnormal red blood cell cation content and cation leaks go along with the disease, by direct electrophysiological measurements of the general conductance of red blood cells, we aimed to assess if changes in the membrane conductance could be a possible cause. We recorded whole-cell currents from 29 patients with different types of congenital haemolytic anaemias: 14 with hereditary spherocytosis due to mutations in α-spectrin, β-spectrin, ankyrin and band 3 protein; 6 patients with hereditary xerocytosis due to mutations in Piezo1; 6 patients with enzymatic disorders (3 patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, 1 patient with pyruvate kinase deficiency, 1 patient with glutamate-cysteine ligase deficiency and 1 patient with glutathione reductase deficiency), 1 patient with β-thalassemia and 2 patients, carriers of several mutations and a complex genotype. While the patients with β-thalassemia and metabolic enzyme deficiencies showed no changes in their membrane conductance, the patients with hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary xerocytosis showed largely variable results depending on the underlying mutation.
Individual, Workplace, and Combined Effects Modeling of Employee Productivity Loss.

OBJECTIVE Systematically and simultaneously investigate a wide range of influences on workplace productivity loss. METHODS Data were collected from 31,950 employees in the UK. Influences of employees' socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle, commuting, physical and mental health, well-being, and job and workplace environment were assessed using structural equation models, allowing systematic decomposition of the complex network of influences and creating new, deeper insights. RESULTS Mental health, physical health, job characteristics, and support from organization are the most important (direct or indirect) determinants of employees' productivity. 93% of the indirect influences are mediated through mental and/or physical health. Some influences that appear as strong predictors in simple models lose most of their explanatory power in more complex models with additional explanatory variables. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for a more tailored strategy to improve employees' wellbeing as well as the overall organizational, work, and management culture.
Noninvasive Brain-computer Interface Based High-level Control of a Robotic Arm for Pick and Place Tasks

Recent advances in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)and robotic arms have allowed us to operate robotic arms through BCIs. However, the majority of the previous studies adopted low-level control strategy, which could be time-consuming and tedious. Therefore, this study attempted to design a new high-level control strategy, where users selected the target location using the proposed steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI, and the robotic arm automatically transported objects to the destination. Online results indicated that a command for the proposed BCI controlled robotic arm system could be selected from 25 possible choices in 1.75 s visual stimulation with 95.50% accuracy. These results demonstrated that the proposed SSVEP-based BCI controlled robotic arm system had high precision. This study showed that the proposed BCI controlled robotic arm has the potential for successfully assisting individuals with upper limb disabilities to independently manipulate and transport objects.
Understanding the spatial patterns of tanker accidents in Nigeria using geographically weighted regression

Road traffic accidents involving tankers are important causes of death and injury in Nigeria. This study examined spatial patterns and possible determinants of tanker accidents in Nigeria. Secondary data on tanker accidents for the year 2007 to 2010 and other relevant data were sourced from the databases of the Federal Road Safety Commissions of Nigeria and National Bureau of Statistics. The spatial patterns of tanker accidents were mapped using Global and local Moran's I statistics. The data were also subjected to Ordinary Least Square and Geographically Weighted Regression techniques. Findings indicated that tanker accidents vary by state and also revealed an upward trend in the occurrence of tanker accidents. The local Moran's I indicate persistent clustering of tanker accidents in two states throughout the study periods. Factors influencing the patterns of tanker accidents in the country were identified. The study recommends strategies for the avoidance of tanker accidents in Nigeria.
Impact of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Photosynthesis, Water Status, and Gas Exchange of Plants Under Salt Stress–A Meta-Analysis

Soil salinization is one of the most serious abiotic stress factors affecting plant productivity through reduction of soil water potential, decreasing the absorptive capacity of the roots for water and nutrients. A weighted meta-analysis was conducted to study the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation in alleviating salt stress in C3 and C4 plants. We analyzed the salt stress influence on seven independent variables such as chlorophyll, leaf area, photosynthetic rate (Amax), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (E), relative water content (RWC), and water use efficiency (WUE) on AMF inoculated plants. Responses were compared between C3 and C4 plants, AMF species, plant functional groups, level of salinity, and environmental conditions. Our results showed that AMF inoculated plants had a positive impact on gas exchange and water status under salt stress. The total chlorophyll contents of C3 plants were higher than C4 plants. However, C3 plants responses regarding Gs, Amax, and E were more positive compared to C4 plants. The increase in Gs mainly maintained E and it explains the increase in Amax and increase in E. When the two major AMF species (Rhizophagus intraradices and Funnelliformis mosseae) were considered, the effect sizes of RWC and WUE in R. intraradices were lower than those in F. mosseae indicating that F. mosseae inoculated plants performed better under salt stress. In terms of C3 and C4 plant photosynthetic pathways, the effect size of C4 was lower than C3 plants indicating that AMF inoculation more effectively alleviated salt stress in C3 compared to C4 plants.
Bisphenol A differentially affects male reproductive function biomarkers in a reference population and agro pesticides users from Djutitsa, Cameroon

The consequences of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on male reproductive function were studied in two populations from Cameroon, farmers using agro pesticides in Djutitsa (rural area) and townsmen in Yaoundé (urban area, Centre region). Urinary BPA concentration from all participants was measured, and the values were correlated with biochemical markers of male reproductive function. The data showed that BPA could be detected in 92.6% of urine participants, with an average concentration of 2.18 ± 1.97 µg/g creatinine but with no significant difference between the urinary BPA concentration from rural and urban populations. From BPA urinary concentration, the BPA average daily intake was estimated to be 0.06 ± 0.05 μg/kg/day (3.51 µg/day per individual) in the Cameroon population. Interestingly, free and bioavailable testosterone concentrations and estradiol/testosterone ratio correlated with BPA levels in the overall population. When data were analysed according to residence, BPA correlated with total testosterone levels (r = −0.433) and estradiol/testosterone ratio (r = 0.338) in the urban residents only, while the rural population exhibited significant increases in sex-hormone-binding globulin with increased BPA exposure. Our data showed that the male Cameroon population is exposed to BPA but that inconstant BPA association to endocrine reproductive markers suggests that other environmental factors in combination with BPA exposure might influence testicular function.
Nonlinear Creep Model for Deep Rock under High Stress and High Pore Water PressureCondition

Conventional triaxial compression creep experiments for deep sandstone under high confining pressure and high pore water pressure were carried out, in order to predict the creep response of deep rock under these conditions. A nonlinear viscoelastic-plastic creep constitutive model was proposed based on the experimental results. The theory of component model was used as a basis for the formulation of this model. First, by using mathematical fitting and analogy, a new nonlinear viscous component was introduced based on the properties of the creep curves during the tertiary stage. Second, a timer component to judge whether the creep can get into the tertiary stage was presented. Finally, a nonlinear creep model was proposed. Results showed good agreement between theory curves from the nonlinear creep model and experimental data. This model can be applied to predict deep rock creep responses under high stress and high pore water pressure conditions. Hence, the obtained conclusions in this study are beneficial to deep rock engineering.
Topology Discovery Performance Evaluation of OpenDaylight and ONOS Controllers

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a new networking paradigm with a great potential to increase network efficiency, ease network control and management, and accelerate technology innovations. In this architecture, SDN controller is the most important component which has the capability to maintain global view of the network. A variaty of closed and open-source SDN controllers have been developed during the past few years. ONOS and OpenDaylight are the most popular open-source ones. They provide network operators with advanced features to achieve high network performances and availability. For an efficient network management, the controller needs up-to-date information on network topology including active switches, links and attached hosts. In this paper, we experimentally evaluate the performances of ONOS and OpenDaylight controllers in terms of topology discovery and topology update. Our study shows that OpenDaylight outperfoms ONOS for the topology discovery time but ONOS offers a better performance in terms of network downtime in case of topology changes.
A Mobile Web App to Improve Health Screening Uptake in Men (ScreenMen): Utility and Usability Evaluation Study

Background Globally, the uptake of health screening is suboptimal, especially in men and those of younger age. In view of the increasing internet access and mobile phone ownership, ScreenMen, a mobile Web app, was developed to improve health screening uptake in men. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the utility and usability of ScreenMen. Methods This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. Healthy men working in a banking institution were recruited to participate in this study. They were purposively sampled according to job position, age, education level, and screening status. Men were asked to use ScreenMen independently while the screen activities were being recorded. Once completed, retrospective think aloud with playback was conducted with men to obtain their feedback. They were asked to answer the System Usability Scale (SUS). Intention to undergo screening pre- and postintervention was also measured. Qualitative data were analyzed using a framework approach followed by thematic analysis. For quantitative data, the mean SUS score was calculated and change in intention to screening was analyzed using McNemar test. Results In total, 24 men participated in this study. On the basis of the qualitative data, men found ScreenMen useful as they could learn more about their health risks and screening. They found ScreenMen convenient to use, which might trigger men to undergo screening. In terms of usability, men thought that ScreenMen was user-friendly and easy to understand. The key revision done on utility was the addition of a reminder function, whereas for usability, the revisions done were in terms of attracting and gaining users’ trust, improving learnability, and making ScreenMen usable to all types of users. To attract men to use it, ScreenMen was introduced to users in terms of improving health instead of going for screening. Another important revision made was emphasizing the screening tests the users do not need, instead of just informing them about the screening tests they need. A Quick Assessment Mode was also added for users with limited attention span. The quantitative data showed that 8 out of 23 men (35%) planned to attend screening earlier than intended after using the ScreenMen. Furthermore, 4 out of 12 (33%) men who were in the precontemplation stage changed to either contemplation or preparation stage after using ScreenMen with P=. 13. In terms of usability, the mean SUS score of 76.4 (SD 7.72) indicated that ScreenMen had good usability. Conclusions This study showed that ScreenMen was acceptable to men in terms of its utility and usability. The preliminary data suggested that ScreenMen might increase men’s intention to undergo screening. This paper also presented key lessons learned from the beta testing, which is useful for public health experts and researchers when developing a user-centered mobile Web app.
Rapid effects of terrestrial alteration on highly siderophile elements in the Sutter's Mill meteorite

The 187Re‐187Os isotopic systematics of many bulk chondrites plot well beyond analytical uncertainties of a primordial isochron. Limited variations in 187Os/188Os, coupled with large variations in Re/Os ratios among chondrites, suggest that this apparently open‐system behavior is a result of the comparatively recent gain or loss of Re and/or Os. In order to assess whether or not rapid alteration in the terrestrial environment could be responsible for open‐system behavior in chondrites, four pieces of the Sutter's Mill meteorite were examined for Os isotopic systematics and abundances of highly siderophile elements. Pieces SM1 and SM2 were collected prior to a rain event, within 2 days of the fall. Pieces SM51 and SM53 were collected after a rain event. There are significant but minor relative and absolute variations in the abundances of the highly siderophile elements, as well as 187Os/188Os among the four pieces. Rhenium‐Os isotopic data for SM1 and SM2 plot within analytical uncertainties of a primordial isochron, while powders made from SM51 and SM53 do not. These results suggest that interactions with rain caused some redistribution of Re, and to a lesser extent Os, within small pieces of the meteorite. Thus, Re‐Os isotopic systematics of