LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Maxillary labial frenum attachment in children.

BACKGROUND
The distribution of the attachment of the maxillary labial frenum in the children of different ethnic backgrounds has not been studied extensively.


AIM
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the prevalence of the various types of maxillary labial frenum attachment in the children of different ethnic backgrounds.


DESIGN
Children (aged 1-18) attending a public health clinic in Lavrion, Greece, were clinically examined for maxillary frenum attachment location. Demographic information was recorded. Parents provided written informed consent.


RESULTS
The examined children were 226, with mean (± standard deviation) age of 8.5 ± 3.0 years. They were of Greek (51%), Albanian (20%), Turkish (12%), and Afghan (11%) descent. The prevalence of the maxillary labial frenum attachment was mucosal (10.2%), gingival (41.6%), papillary (22.1%), and papillary penetrating (26.1%). Frenum attachment differed significantly by age (P = 0.001). The age of children with mucosal- or gingival-type frenum was significantly greater than the age of children with papillary penetrating-type frenum. Frenum attachment did not differ by gender or ethnic background (P ≥ 0.20).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that, in children, ethnic background and gender are not associated with maxillary labial frenum attachment type, whereas age is strongly associated.
Bitcoin : An Innovative Alternative Digital Currency : An Exploratory Study

“Mining” [2] in the world of Bitcoin is transaction processing, in which transaction records of current Bitcoin public ledger, known as blocks, are added to the record of past transactions, known as the block chain. Bitcoin provides a reward in exchange for the mining services provided by several “miners” throughout the world. This is a necessary incentive, as without the miners, the Bitcoin technology wouldn’t be able to operate. For being an effective miner, specialized & high-performance equipment is used. For even more efficient use of resources, mining “pools” are created. A mining pool is basically a number of miners mining on blocks as a group. Even though the blocks are mined faster, the rewards have to be divided in proportion to the efforts put in by individual miners as compared to the entire group.
Critical success factors for e-learning in developing countries: A comparative analysis between ICT experts and faculty

This study identifies the critical success factors that influence the acceptance of e-learning systems in developing countries. E-learning is a popularmode of delivering educationalmaterials in higher education by universities throughout the world. This study identifies multiple factors that influence the success of elearning systems from the literature and compares the relative importance among two stakeholder groups in developing countries, ICT experts and faculty. This study collected 76 usable responses using the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. The results reveal 6 dimensions and 20 critical success factors for e-learning systems in developing countries. Findings illustrate the importance of curriculum design for learning performance. Technology awareness, motivation, and changing learners’ behavior are prerequisites for successful e-learning implementations. Several recommendations are provided to aid the implementation of e-learning systems for developing countries which have relevance for researchers and practitioners. Limitations as well as possible research directions are also discussed. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Chinese and Korean Characters Engage the Same Visual Word Form Area in Proficient Early Chinese-Korean Bilinguals

A number of recent studies consistently show an area, known as the visual word form area (VWFA), in the left fusiform gyrus that is selectively responsive for visual words in alphabetic scripts as well as in logographic scripts, such as Chinese characters. However, given the large difference between Chinese characters and alphabetic scripts in terms of their orthographic rules, it is not clear at a fine spatial scale, whether Chinese characters engage the same VWFA in the occipito-temporal cortex as alphabetic scripts. We specifically compared Chinese with Korean script, with Korean script serving as a good example of alphabetic writing system, but matched to Chinese in the overall square shape. Sixteen proficient early Chinese-Korean bilinguals took part in the fMRI experiment. Four types of stimuli (Chinese characters, Korean characters, line drawings and unfamiliar Chinese faces) were presented in a block-design paradigm. By contrasting characters (Chinese or Korean) to faces, presumed VWFAs could be identified for both Chinese and Korean characters in the left occipito-temporal sulcus in each subject. The location of peak response point in these two VWFAs were essentially the same. Further analysis revealed a substantial overlap between the VWFA identified for Chinese and that for Korean. At the group level, there was no significant difference in amplitude of response to Chinese and Korean characters. Spatial patterns of response to Chinese and Korean are similar. In addition to confirming that there is an area in the left occipito-temporal cortex that selectively responds to scripts in both Korean and Chinese in early Chinese-Korean bilinguals, our results show that these two scripts engage essentially the same VWFA, even at the level of fine spatial patterns of activation across voxels. These results suggest that similar populations of neurons are engaged in processing the different scripts within the same VWFA in early bilinguals.
Export Diversification and the Structural Dynamics in the Growth Process: The Case of Pakistan

In the present paper we have tried to examine Pakistan’s experience with exports and growth by constructing several measures of diversification and structural change in Pakistan’s exports from a dis-aggregated data over a period of 27 years (1972-73 to 1997-98). Then using these measures we have tested a number of relationships among the structure of exports, export growth, aggregate growth, and world growth. By looking at the evolution and structural change of exports by sectors over the long run, we find a number of interesting results. First, the degree of export diversification increased sharply from 1979 and continued till 1985. After 1985, and with the return of the democracy in the country. There was a marked reduction in the export diversification and it went back to pre-1979 level. Secondly, a crude association of ‘traditionality’ with primary products and ‘non-traditionality’ with manufactured exports fails to represent Pakistan’s experience. As Pakistan emerged from an import substitution period into a period of structural change and free trade, its true comparative advantage was more visibly expressed, thus some manufactured exports declined while some primary products grew. Third, the shortrun dynamics of diversification and structural change show a marked pattern. Most change in the composition of exports has taken place during periods of boom in the domestic economy but when the world economy was experiencing a relatively recessionary period. The analysis of export-growth relationship rejects the hypothesis of export-led growth. Instead our results reveal that growth leads exports in case of Pakistan. The
Crushed cartilage grafts for concealing irregularities in rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical outcome of crushed cartilage grafts used to conceal contour irregularities in rhinoplasty.


METHODS
We reviewed the medical records of 462 patients in whom crushed autogenous cartilage grafts were used, selected from a total of 669 patients in whom rhinoplasty procedures were performed at our institution between June 1, 1999, and June 1, 2006. The grafts were used as slightly, moderately, significantly, or severely crushed.


RESULTS
Eight hundred nine cartilage grafts (41 slightly crushed grafts [5%], 650 moderately crushed grafts [80%], and 118 significantly crushed grafts [15%]) were used in 462 patients. Resorption occurred in 11 of the 462 patients (2.4%). All of the resorbed grafts (6 moderately crushed grafts and 5 significantly crushed grafts) had been placed in the dorsal area. The resorption rate of those grafts was lower in the moderately crushed cartilage grafts (6 of 284 grafts [2.1%]) than in the significantly crushed grafts (5 of 38 grafts [13.1%]). There was no resorption of slightly crushed grafts.


CONCLUSIONS
The degree of crushing applied is important for long-term clinical outcome of autogenous crushed cartilage grafts. Slight or moderate crushing of cartilage creates an outstanding graft material for concealing irregularities and provides both excellent long-term clinical outcome and predictable esthetic results.
The outcome and structural integrity of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with use of the double-row suture anchor technique.

BACKGROUND
The reported rate of failure after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has varied widely. The influence of the repair technique on the failure rates and functional outcomes after open or arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the functional and anatomic results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed with the double-row suture anchor technique on the basis of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging arthrography in order to determine the postoperative integrity of the repairs.


METHODS
A prospective series of 105 consecutive shoulders undergoing arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair of the supraspinatus or a combination of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus were evaluated at a minimum of two years after surgery. The evaluation included a routine history and physical examination as well as determination of the preoperative and postoperative strength, pain, range of motion, and Constant scores. All shoulders had a preoperative and postoperative computed tomography arthrogram (103 shoulders) or magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram (two shoulders).


RESULTS
There were thirty-six small rotator cuff tears, forty-seven large isolated supraspinatus or combined supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears, and twenty-two massive rotator cuff tears. The mean Constant score (and standard deviation) was 43.2+/-15.1 points (range, 8 to 83 points) preoperatively and 80.1+/-11.1 points (range, 46 to 100 points) postoperatively. Twelve of the 105 repairs failed. Intact rotator cuff repairs were associated with significantly increased strength and active range of motion.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear with use of the double-row suture anchor technique results in a much lower rate of failure than has previously been reported in association with either open or arthroscopic repair methods. Patients with an intact rotator cuff repair have better pain relief than those with a failed repair. After repair, large and massive rotator cuff tears result in more postoperative weakness than small tears do.
1000 consecutive venous anastomoses using the microvascular anastomotic coupler in breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND
Microvascular anastomosis is one of the more critical aspects of free flap surgery. A safe, effective, and expedient method for venous anastomosis minimizes flap ischemia time, is easier on the surgical team, and saves costly operating room time. The authors report on their experience using the Synovis microvascular anastomotic coupling device in 1000 consecutive venous anastomoses in free flap breast reconstruction.


METHODS
The authors retrospectively reviewed 1000 consecutive venous anastomoses that were performed using the microvascular anastomotic coupler between July of 2002 and July of 2008. Data were obtained on flap type, recipient vessel, coupler size, incidence of venous thrombosis, timing of venous thrombosis, and morbidity as a result of venous thrombosis.


RESULTS
All anastomoses were performed in an end-to-end fashion. There were 460 unilateral cases and 270 bilateral cases of breast reconstruction. Flap types included muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous, deep inferior epigastric perforator, superficial inferior epigastric artery, superior gluteal artery perforator, and inferior gluteal artery perforator. The vast majority of the recipient vessels were the internal mammary or thoracodorsal vessels. Most of the couplers that were used were either 3 or 2.5 mm in diameter. Overall, there were six instances of venous thrombosis (rate of 0.6 percent). There were no total flap losses due to venous thrombosis in this series, although two patients had partial flap necrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The patency rate for venous anastomoses performed with the microvascular coupler is excellent when compared with standard suture techniques and has the advantage of overall easier application.
Modeling Radar Propagation in Three-Dimensional Environments

PL’s Tropospheric Electromagnetic Parabolic Equation Routine (TEMPER) was developed with the assumption that the terrain/ocean surface along the great circle connecting the source (radar) and the receiver (target) varies only in the range dimension. The lateral (cross-range) variations of the terrain are ignored in TEMPER. The main advantage of this assumption is that it greatly enhances the computational effi ciency of the propagation model; however, it neglects the out-of-plane scattering and diffraction effects associated with lateral variations in the realistic terrain. In this article we report on the use of full three-dimensional propagation simulations to assess the impact of these out-of-plane effects on radar coverage, both in urban environments and over realistic twodimensional digital terrain maps.
Self-Critical Perfectionism, Coping, Hassles, and Current Distress: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

University students (131 women, 102 men) completed measures of perfectionism, self-criticism, autonomy, coping (emotion-oriented, task-oriented, and avoidance-oriented), hassles (academic, social, and general), and distress (current depression, anger, and psychosomatic distress). Zeroth-order correlations distinguished the self-critical perfectionism variables (i.e., socially prescribed perfectionism, self-criticism, and the solitude subscale of autonomy) from self-oriented perfectionism. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the measurement model and showed that the self-critical perfectionism variables load strongly on one factor. Structural equation modeling results indicated that self-critical perfectionists' high levels of distress and daily hassles might be fully explained by the mediating role of maladaptive coping. The results support a cognitive theory of psychological stress and coping and illustrate how coping strategies associated with self-critical perfectionism can have important consequences for the experience of both distress and hassles.
Prospective Observational Study of Predictors of Re-Intubation Following Extubation in the Surgical ICU.

BACKGROUND
Re-intubation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is limited information regarding the risk factors that predispose patients admitted to the surgical ICU to re-intubation. We hypothesized that preoperative comorbidities, acquired muscular weakness, and renal dysfunction would be predictors of re-intubation in the surgical ICU population.


METHODS
This was a prospective observational study in 2 surgical ICUs of a large tertiary hospital. All patients who were extubated during their surgical ICU stay were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected before and after extubation. The primary outcome was re-intubation within 72 h. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors of re-intubation were determined, and a prediction score was developed.


RESULTS
Between December 1, 2012, and January 31, 2014, we included 764 consecutive subjects. Of these, 65 subjects (8.5%) required re-intubation. Independent risk factors of re-intubation were blood urea nitrogen level of >8.2 mmol/L (odds ratio [OR] 3.66, 95% CI 1.97-6.80), hemoglobin level of <75 g/L (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.23-3.61), and muscle strength of ≤3 (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.16-3.55). The presence of all 3 risk factors was associated with an estimated probability for re-intubation of 26.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
In noncardiac surgery, surgical ICU subjects, elevated blood urea nitrogen level, low hemoglobin level, and muscle weakness were identified as independent risk factors for re-intubation. The presence of these risk factors can potentially aid clinicians in making informed decisions regarding optimal airway management in patients considered for an extubation attempt. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01967056.).
HIV Viral Load Trends in Six Eastern Caribbean Countries Utilizing a Regional Laboratory Referral Service: Implications for Treatment as Prevention

OBJECTIVE
Since 2009, seven countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, have been utilizing a laboratory referral service for HIV-1 viral load (VL) offered by The Ladymeade Reference Unit (LRU) Laboratory, Barbados. The objective of this study was to evaluate 5 year VL trends in the six larger OECS countries participating in this regional referral service.


METHODS
Blood samples were collected in source countries and transported to Barbados as frozen plasma according to a standardized protocol. Plasma specimens were amplified by RT PCR on a Roche TaqMan 48 analyser (Roche Diagnostics, Panama City, Panama). VL was considered optimally suppressed below a threshold level of < 200 HIV-1 copies/mL of blood. The same threshold was used as a binary indicator in an analysis of the secular change in VL suppression. Montserrat was excluded due to insufficient number of samples.


RESULTS
A steady rise in VL referrals from OECS countries was recorded, rising from 312 samples in 2009 to 1,060 samples in 2013. A total of 3,543 samples were tested, with a sample rejection rate (9.2%) mostly due to breaks in the cold chain. Aggregate VL data showed the odds of VL suppression in the Eastern Caribbean improved by 66% for each additional year after 2009 (Odds Ratio 1.66 [95% CI 1.46 to 1.88]; p<0.001).


CONCLUSION
We demonstrate the feasibility of establishing a regional laboratory referral service for HIV VL monitoring in the Eastern Caribbean. Aggregate VL trends showed a significant year-on-year improvement in VL suppression, implying public health benefits through treatment as prevention in the OECS. VL provides a powerful monitoring & evaluation tool for strengthening HIV programs at country level among the small island states participating in this regional referral network.
Compression therapy for venous leg ulcers: risk factors for adverse events and complications, contraindications - a review of present guidelines.

INTRODUCTION
The adequate use of compression in venous leg ulcer treatment is equally important to patients as well as clinicians. Currently, there is a lack of clarity on contraindications, risk factors, adverse events and complications, when applying compression therapy for venous leg ulcer patients.


METHODS
The project aimed to optimize prevention, treatment and maintenance approaches by recognizing contraindications, risk factors, adverse events and complications, when applying compression therapy for venous leg ulcer patients. A literature review was conducted of current guidelines on venous leg ulcer prevention, management and maintenance.


RESULTS
Searches took place from 29th February 2016 to 30th April 2016 and were prospectively limited to publications in the English and German languages and publication dates were between January 2009 and April 2016. Twenty Guidelines, clinical pathways and consensus papers on compression therapy for venous leg ulcer treatment and for venous disease, were included. Guidelines agreed on the following absolute contraindications: Arterial occlusive disease, heart failure and ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) <0.5, but gave conflicting recommendations on relative contraindications, risks and adverse events. Moreover definitions were unclear and not consistent.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence-based guidance is needed to inform clinicians on risk factor, adverse effects, complications and contraindications. ABPI values need to be specified and details should be given on the type of compression that is safe to use. Ongoing research challenges the present recommendations, shifting some contraindications into a list of potential indications. Complications of compression can be prevented when adequate assessment is performed and clinicians are skilled in applying compression.
Low incidence of hepatitis C virus among prisoners in Scotland.

AIMS
To estimate hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence and HCV risk among Scottish prisoners.


DESIGN
National sero-behavioural survey; dried blood spots were collected in order to identify recent HCV infections (i.e. HCV antibody-negative and HCV polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive).


SETTING
All 14 closed prisons in Scotland.


PARTICIPANTS
A total of 5187 prisoners responded to the survey (79% of available prisoners on survey days) comprising 5076 individuals (after removing incomplete returns and participants surveyed in more than one prison); 95% men, 32% (1625) reported an injecting history (PWID) and median sentence of 9.5 months. HCV antibody samples were available for 4904 participants; there was sufficient sera for HCV PCR for 2446 prisoners who had been in prison for at least 75 days.


MEASUREMENTS
The estimate of in-prison recent infections is based on prisoners incarcerated for a sufficient period, i.e. at least 75 days, so that recent infections could be attributed to prison.


FINDINGS
Overall HCV prevalence was 19%; 53% among people who reported an injecting history and 3% among other prisoners. Three recent infections probably acquired in prison were detected. None of the cases reported injecting during their current sentence or any other potential exposure. Estimated incidence was 0.6-0.9% overall and 3.0-4.3% among PWID (assuming all infections acquired through injecting). Fifty-seven per cent (929) of PWID were receiving opiate substitution treatment (OST) at the time of the survey. Of all prisoners, 2.5% and 8% of PWID reported injecting during their current period of incarceration.


CONCLUSION
The low incidence of HCV infections in Scottish prisons is due most probably to the low occurrence of in-prison injecting and high coverage of OST. Low HCV risk can be achieved in prisons without necessarily introducing needle exchange programmes, but close monitoring of risk behaviours is essential. If risk increases, provision of needle exchange should be considered.
Cross-Polarization Cancellation in an Offset Parabolic Reflector Antenna Using a Corrugated Matched Feed

This letter presents the design of a dual-mode corrugated matched feed to cancel the unwanted high cross polarization and beam squinting in an offset parabolic reflector antenna. The matched feed concept has been implemented in a cylindrical corrugated structure by adding a higher order HE21 mode to the fundamental HE11 mode. The designed feed was then used to illuminate a linearly, as well as a circularly, polarized offset parabolic reflector antenna, and the secondary radiation patterns were computed. Significant improvement in the cross polarization was observed when the results were compared to that of a conventional corrugated horn illuminated offset reflector antenna.
Customer Loyalty : Toward an Integrated Conceptual Framework

Customer loyalty is viewed as the strength of the relationship between an individual's relative attitude and repeat patronage. The relationship is seen as mediated by social norms and situational factors. Cognitive, affective, and conative antecedents of relative attitude are identified as contributing to loyalty, along with motivational, perceptual, and behavioral consequences. Implications for research and for the management of loyalty are derived.