Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CMAR_A_235323 10593..10598

Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou City 061000, People’s Republic of China Objective: Despite the expectation of normal life expectancy for thyroid cancer, there are concerns about the decreased quality of life (QoL). The present study investigated the potential risk factors of deterioration in QoL scores in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy. Materials and methods: A total of 286 patients who were diagnosed with thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy were involved in this prospective, single-center, observational study from November 2018 to June 2019. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 was used to assess the QoL 3 months after thyroidectomy. We investigated the effects of demographics (age, gender, education, marital status, area of residence, and annual mean income), tumor characteristics (histology, clinical stage, presence of metastasis, surgery type, and radiotherapy), and neurological deficits induced by recurrent nerve or superior laryngeal injury on QoL. Results: The mean overall QoL in thyroid cancer survivors was 65.93 ±9.00 (on a scale of 0–100, where 100 was the best). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that clinical stage (P < 0.010), surgery type (P < 0.001), histology (P < 0.001), neurological deficits (P < 0.001), and marital status (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for decreased QoL 3 months after thyroidectomy. Conclusion: Our study indicated that clinical stage, surgery type, histology, neurological deficits, and marital status were independent risk factors for decreased QoL at 3 months after thyroidectomy. Further exploration and validation of these findings in larger prospective studies are warranted.
Efficient One-Step Induction of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs) Produces MSC-Derived Neurospheres (MSC-NS) with Unique Transcriptional Profile and Enhanced Neurogenic and Angiogenic Secretomes

Cell therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for treating neurological diseases such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and various neurodegenerative diseases, but both embryonic neural stem cells and human induced Pluripotent Stem Cell- (iPSC-) derived neural stem cells have major limitations which restrict their broad use in these diseases. We want to find a one-step induction method to transdifferentiate the more easily accessible Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs) into neural stem/progenitor cells suitable for cell therapy purposes. In this study, UC-MSCs were induced to form neurospheres under a serum-free suspension culture with Epidermal Growth Factor- (EGF-) and basic Fibroblast Growth Factor- (bFGF-) containing medium within 12 hours. These MSC-derived neurospheres can self-renew to form secondary neurospheres and can be readily induced to become neurons and glial cells. Real-time PCR showed significantly upregulated expression of multiple stemness and neurogenic genes after induction. RNA transcriptional profiling study showed that UC-MSC-derived neurospheres had a unique transcriptional profile of their own, with features of both UC-MSCs and neural stem cells. RayBio human growth factor cytokine array analysis showed significantly upregulated expression levels of multiple neurogenic and angiogenic growth factors, skewing toward a neural stem cell phenotype. Thus, we believe that these UC-MSC-derived neurospheres have amenable features of both MSCs and neural stem/progenitor cells and have great potential in future stem cell transplantation clinical trials targeting neurological disorders.
Supplementary material to "Spectral attenuation of gravity wave and model calibration in pack ice"

Abstract. We investigate an instance of wave propagation in the fall of 2015 in thin pack ice (<0.3 m) and use the resulting attenuation data to calibrate two viscoelastic wave-in-ice models that describe wave evolution. The study domain is 400 km by 300 km adjacent to a marginal ice zone (MIZ) in the Beaufort Sea. From Sentinel-1A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, the ice cover is divided into two regions delineated by the first appearance of leads. According to the quality of SAR retrievals, we focus on a range of wavenumbers corresponding to 9∼15 s waves from the open water dispersion relation. By pairing directional wave spectra from different locations, we obtain wavenumber-dependent attenuation rates, which slightly increase with increasing wavenumber before the first appearance of leads and become lower and more uniform against wavenumber in thicker ice after that. The results are used to calibrate two viscoelastic wave-in-ice models through optimization. For the Wang and Shen (2010) model, the calibrated equivalent shear modulus and viscosity of the pack ice are roughly one order of magnitude greater than that in grease/pancake ice reported in Cheng et al. (2017). These parameters obtained for the extended Fox and Squire model are much larger than laboratory values, as found in Mosig et al. (2015) using data from the Antarctic MIZ. This study shows a promising way of using remote sensing data with large areal coverage to conduct model calibration for various types of ice cover.
A FRAMEWORK FOR THE QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER SELECTION BASED ON THE PIPRECIA AND WS PLP METHODS

Increasing demand for quality products has an impact on the rising significance of the role of the quality control manager. Recruiting a new quality control manager and his/her selection amongst a greater number of the candidates who have applied is a very complex task. There are a significant number of the criteria that a candidate should meet, which on their part affect the final ranking and selection. It is a very delicate decision because there is a very thin line separating a good choice from a bad one. With the aim of facilitating the process of the selection of a quality control manager, the application of the framework based on the PIPRECIA (PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment) and WS PLP (Weighted Sum method, based on the decision-maker’s Preferred Levels of Performances) methods is proposed in this paper. The applicability of the proposed framework is presented by a numerical example, where three decision-makers evaluate six candidates against the five evaluation criteria.
Diabetes Diagnosis and Readmission Risks Predictive Modelling: USA

One of the most critical healthcare problems today is diabetes. In the US, 30 million people are affected by diabetes with healthcare related costs at a sobering $327 billion annually. Long term effects if untreated can result in damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, feet, nerves and even mortality from heart attack or stroke. As diabetic patients have increased, consequently the number of diabetic hospital readmissions have become greater. Early readmission can impact patient health, operational efficiency and cost burden. The aim of this research is to examine diabetes diagnosis and early readmission with the same dataset. A comprehensive methodology with pre-processing and transformation which comprised of permutation feature importance, feature engineering and SMOTE are some of the methods used to deal with noisy, inconsistent, imbalanced data. Predictive models include LR, BDT, SVM, NN, DF. The best performing model is selected to create a web service where users can input data and receive scored results connecting the user to the data. Metrics include accuracy, recall and AUC to measure the performance of the models where a Boosted Decision Tree achieved the highest results. Hospital readmission accuracy at 86% and diabetes diagnosis accuracy at 67%.
Towards a multi-agent based modeling approach for air pollutants in urban regions

Urban environments are often associated with high traffic density. Especially road traffic is a major source for air pollution in cities. The cause-and-effect chain from the traffic activity towards the concentration of air pollutants is complex. Modeling the outcome needs a lot of inputs in terms of methodology and data. Against this background, an approach is developed that links the agent-based transport model MATSim with the emission factors and traffic situations of HBEFA. The goal is to approximate link travel times as well as the resulting emissions of air pollutants while still being applicable to large-scale scenarios. This paper aims at laying down the foundations for this innovative approach. A test case is developed where link travel times are simulated and the resulting emissions are calculated for MATSim test vehicles. The results are then compared to real-world data. Further, it is discussed how to extend this approach to a large-scale scenario and what prerequisites are needed. Finally, it is analyzed what additional information the model provides in order to achieve a more sustainable transport and urban planning
Optimization of algicidal activity of indigenous strain Schizophyllum commune 104UTHM against Microcystis aeruginosa in freshwater using response surface methodology

The present study aims to optimize the algicidal activity of Schizophyllum commune against Microcystis aeruginosa in the freshwater through the bio-flocculation process. Four independent factors including fungal inoculum size, x1 (10–100 mL [106 CFU mL–1]), pH, x2 (4–9), mixing rate, x3 (50–150 rpm) and hydraulic retention time, x4 (30–180 min) were optimized using response surface methodology. The effect of algicidal activity of S. commune 104UTHM on M. aeruginosa cell morphology was determined using scanning electron microscope. The optimal inactivation rate was 50.32 vs. 54.63% in Chl-a, (y1), for actual and predicted percentage, respectively, achieved with 100 mL of the fungus inoculum size, pH 6, with 125 rpm of the mixing rate and within 135 min of HRT with 72% of the coefficient (R2). A significant coefficient of the inactivation rate was recorded at 93.60% of confidence level. The algicidal activity of S. commune 104UTHM led to damage of M. aeruginosa cell and changes the cell shape.
Identification of Mitochondrial Ligands with Hepatoprotective Activity from Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix Using Affinity Ultrafiltration/Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

In recent years, the incidence of diseases associated with hepatic injury has increased in prevalence. Targeting the mitochondria to protect liver function has gained momentum due to their central role in energy production, apoptotic cell death, oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. In this study, we employed a hepatic mitochondria-based centrifugal ultrafiltration/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method (CM-HMC) to identify hepatic mitochondria ligands from medicinal herbs (MHs) including Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (NRR) that possess hepatic-protective effects. A total of 4 newly identified mitochondrial ligands were successfully identified by CM-HMC. The mitochondria-regulating activities of 3 of the 4 hits were confirmed using isolated mitochondria. The hepatic-protective effects of one of these hits were validated in carbon tetrachloride-damaged human liver L02 cell models. We have thus identified new natural hepatic-protectants that enhance our understanding of the hepatic-protective mechanisms of MHs. CM-HMC was proven to efficiently screen for mitochondrial ligands from MHs.
3D Differentiation Of Mammosphere Derived Macaca fascicularis’s Mammary Stem Cells

The mammary gland contains adult stem cells that are capable of self-renewal. This population plays an important role in the development of mammary gland and breast cancer pathogenesis. The studies of mammary stem cells are limited due to the difficulty to acquire and expand adult stem cell population in an undifferentiated state. In this study, we developed mammosphere cultures of nulliparous cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ; Mf) as a culture system to enrich mammary stem cells. This species has similarity of mammary gland structure as humans including anatomy, developmental stages, and lobule profile of mammary gland. The use of stem cells from primate animals is essential to bridge the knowledge gaps resulting from stem cell research using rodents for clinical trials in human. Small samples of mammary tissues were collected by surgical biopsy; cells were cultured as monolayer and cryopreserved. Cryopreserved cells were cultured into mammospheres, and the expression of markers for mammary stem cells was evaluated using qPCR. Cells were further differentiated with 3D approaches to evaluate morphology and organoid budding. The study showed that mammosphere culture resulted in an increase in the expression of mammary stem cell markers with each passage. The 3D differentiation in matrigel allowed for organoid formation. Mammary gland stem cells have been successfully differentiated which characterized by CSN2 marker expression and differentiation regulators marker STAT5 and GATA3. The results indicate that mammospheres can be successfully developed derived from breast tissue of nulliparous Mf collected via surgical biopsy. As the mammosphere allows for enrichment of mammary stem cell population, the findings also suggest that a 3-dimensional system is efficient as in-vitro model to study mammary stem cells and a useful system to study mammary differentiation in regards to cancer prevention.
Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Rissen Clusters Detected in Azores Archipelago, Portugal

Gastrointestinal infections caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) remain one of the main causes of foodborne illness worldwide. Within the multiple existing Salmonella enterica serovars, the serovar Rissen is rarely reported, particularly as a cause of human salmonellosis. Between 2015 and 2017, the Portuguese National Reference Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Infections observed an increase in the number of clinical cases caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. enterica serovar Rissen, particularly from the Azores archipelago. In the present study, we analyzed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) all clinical, animal, food, and environmental isolates received up to 2017 in the Portuguese Reference Laboratories. As such, through a wgMLST-based gene-by-gene analysis, we aimed to identify potential epidemiological clusters linking clinical and samples from multiple sources, while gaining insight into the genetic diversity of S. enterica serovar Rissen. We also investigated the genetic basis driving the observed multidrug resistance. By integrating 60 novel genomes with all publicly available serovar Rissen genomes, we observed a low degree of genetic diversity within this serovar. Nevertheless, the majority of Portuguese isolates showed high degree of genetic relatedness and a potential link to pork production. An in-depth analysis of these isolates revealed the existence of two major clusters from the Azores archipelago composed of MDR isolates, most of which were resistant to at least five antimicrobials. Considering the well-known spread of MDR between gastrointestinal bacteria, the identification of MDR circulating clones should constitute an alert to public health authorities. Finally, this study constitutes the starting point for the implementation of the “One Health” approach for Salmonella surveillance in Portugal.
PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF STAPLER HAEMORRHOIDECTOMY

AIMS: Study the efficacy of stapled haemorrhoidectomy using circular stapler in terms of benefits as duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, time to return to normal daily or social activity and usefulness as for patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study using circular stapler for grade II, grade III and grade IV haemorrhoids between age group 20 to 70 years was done over a period of Jun 2011 to Nov 2013. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: Study enrolled 30 symptomatic patients. 21(70%) were males and 9(30%) females. Most common complaint was bleeding per rectum in 29 (96.66%) patients followed by itching 11 (36.66%) patients & constipation 8 (26.66%) patients. 19(63.33%) patients were grade III haemorrhoids, 6 (20%) were grade II and rest 5 (16.66%) grade IV. Mean operative time was 31.76 minutes for our team with same surgeon operating all cases. Postoperative pain recorded using VAS score was max 24 hours after the surgery with mean VAS 2.31 + 0.46(VAS -1 no pain). During stay 28(93.33%) patients required Step 1 pain analgesics (NSAIDS) while only 2(6.66%) were put on Step 2(opioids). Mean hospital stay of patients was 34.96 hours (1.45 days). 28(93.33%) patients were able to return to social activity by day 8 post operatively. 28(93.33%) were complication free while others had minor problems dealt accordingly. No recurrences in 6months follow up in all patients with 28(93.33%) patients reporting satisfaction for their treatment through the procedure. CONCLUSION: Haemorrhoids is a socially embarrassing disorder and this new procedure of stapler haemorrhoidectomy delivers a smile and dignity especially to Indian patients. Hence it should
Lexical databases for computational analyses: A linguistic perspective

Large typological databases have permitted new ways of studying cross-linguistic morphological variation. Recently, computational modelers with typological interests have begun to turn to broad multilingual text databases. In this paper, we will focus particularly on the UniMorph database, a collection of morphological paradigms, mostly gathered automatically from the crowd-sourced multi-lingual dictionary Wiktionary. It was designed to make the large quantity of data contained in Wik-tionary available for NLP researchers by stan-dardizing the data and putting it into a form that is easy to access. For typological studies, however, the requirements for a linguistically informed view of morphological variation are quite different. They involve using a morphological database as a scientific instrument to both formulate and test hypotheses about the nature and organization of language systems. The requirements are, accordingly, much higher. In this paper, we survey some of the methodological challenges and pitfalls involved in using corpora for typological research, and we end with a proposal for best practices and directions for further research.
Evidence from a Choice Experiment

This paper addresses the behavioral puzzle of women’s preference for competition when competitors are also women. Using a framed field experiment with 883 non-standard subjects, we show that none of the determinants of competitive behavior in general, including ability, self-confidence, and risk aversion, provide a satisfying explanation for women’s substantive gender-related selection into competition. Nonetheless, women who are overconfident, i.e. over-estimate own abilities in performing a task, enter competition regardless of the gender-mix. Hence, the gender-pairing phenomenon is driven by women who correctly estimate or under-estimate own ability. We conclude that this is due to stereotypes about women’s underperformance compared to men.
Mindfulness: an upward spiral process to combat depression Abstract

Many studies proved detrimental effects of depression at the workplace in terms of reducing employee performance, increased absenteeism and other psychological, physical and mental distress. Organizations are driving specific interventions and training services to reduce potential negative outcomes of depression (Holmes, 2016; Utley, 2018) and one such intervention that needs to be researched is mindfulness (Bear, 2003). The proposed model intends to examine the role of mindfulness in reducing depression. The model proved that change in mindfulness significantly brings change in positive reappraisal and depression. Further positive reappraisal partially mediates the relationship between mindfulness and depression and the change in rumination does not decrease depression. By implementing mindfulness programmes, managers could make a significant difference and help employees to fight depression. Mindfulness develops into a resource over a period of time and helps employees to be engaged in the work, increase their performance, job satisfaction, productivity, and develop overall wellbeing.
A new unified theory for nonlinear steady travelling waves in constant, but arbitrary, depth

A non-linear coupled-mode system of equations on the horizontal plane is derived with the aid of Luke’s (1967) variational principle, which models the evolution of nonlinear water waves in intermediate depth and over a general bathymetry. The vertical structure of the wave field is exactly represented by means of a local-mode series expansion of the wave potential, Athanassoulis & Belibassakis (2002). This series contains the usual propagating and evanescent modes, plus two additional modes, the free-surface mode and the sloping-bottom mode, enabling the consistent treatment of the non-vertical end-conditions at the free-surface and the bottom boundaries. The coupled-mode system fully accounts for the effects of non-linearity and dispersion. The main features of the present approach are the following: (i) various standard models of water-wave propagation are recovered by appropriate simplifications of the coupledmode system, and (ii) a small number of modes are enough for a precise numerical solution, provided that the two new modes (the free-surface and the sloping-bottom ones) are included in the local-mode series. In the present work, the coupled-mode system is applied to the numerical derivation and investigation of families of steady travelling wave solutions in constant depth regions, corresponding to various water depths, ranging from intermediate to shallow wave conditions.
The relationship between personality types and perceived stress in parturient women referred to hospitals affiliated with the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

1 department of midwifery, School of nursing and midwifery, Shiraz University of medical Sciences, Shiraz, iran 2 Community based Psychiatric Care research Centre, department of midwifery, School of nursing and midwifery, Shiraz University of medical Sciences, Shiraz, iran 3 maternal-Fetal medicine research Centre, department of midwifery, School of nursing and midwifery, Shiraz University of medical Sciences, Shiraz, iran
NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF A TWO-STAGE

This article presents a numerical and experimental study of vertical axis wind turbine performance comparison involving a two-stage Savonius rotor with similar parameters. The experimental study is conducted in the aerodynamic tunnel at the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. The aerodynamics rotors are manufactured by 3D prototyping technique. Numerical simulations are performed using the Finite Volumes Method performed by the solution of the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and continuity equations using the SST k-ω turbulence model. The numerical domain is modeled in order to maintain the same characteristics of the experimental model. The mesh quality is evaluated through the GCI (Grid Convergence Index) method. The static and dynamic torque coefficients and the power coefficients are compared. The tests are made without blockage corrections due to the small blockage ratio from 7.5%. Results show that the turbine has a positive static torque coefficient for any rotor angles. The dynamic torque reaches the maximum value for a tip speed ratio (λ) of 0.2 for the experimental and numerical cases. The relative difference between the numerical simulations and the experimental results are between 3.8% and 13.4%.