Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A prospective analysis of bony versus soft-tissue reconstruction for posterior mandibular defects.

BACKGROUND Although reconstruction of anterior mandibular oncologic defects with bony free flaps is considered the standard method of treatment, the optimal reconstruction of posterior defects is controversial. The authors' goal was to compare outcomes using either a vascularized bone flap or a soft-tissue free flap for posterior mandibular reconstruction. METHODS Data were collected prospectively on 74 patients undergoing posterior mandibular resection including the condyle. RESULTS Twenty-four patients underwent vascularized bone flap reconstruction and 50 patients underwent soft-tissue free flap reconstruction. Patients undergoing vascularized bone flap reconstruction were significantly younger than those undergoing soft-tissue free flap reconstruction (47 versus 62 years, respectively; p = 0.0001) and had a lower American Society of Anesthesiologists class (2.6 versus 3.1, respectively; p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in total operative time, intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay. The complication rate was 33 percent for patients receiving vascularized bone flap reconstructions and 38 percent for patients receiving soft-tissue free flap reconstruction (p = 0.70). Mouth opening averaged 39.8 mm for patients with vascularized bone flap reconstructions and 46.4 mm for patients with soft-tissue free flap reconstructions (p = 0.09). Jaw deviation toward the resection side averaged 1.2 mm for vascularized bone flap reconstructions and 5.3 mm for soft-tissue free flap reconstructions (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the type of mechanical diet tolerated by either group (p = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS With careful selection, good reconstructive results after posterior mandibular resection can be achieved with vascularized bone flap or soft-tissue free flaps. In appropriate candidates, vascularized bone flap reconstruction may result in better postoperative occlusion.
ESP: path-sensitive program verification in polynomial time

In this paper, we present a new algorithm for partial program verification that runs in polynomial time and space. We are interested in checking that a program satisfies a given temporal safety property. Our insight is that by accurately modeling only those branches in a program for which the property-related behavior differs along the arms of the branch, we can design an algorithm that is accurate enough to verify the program with respect to the given property, without paying the potentially exponential cost of full path-sensitive analysis.We have implemented this "property simulation" algorithm as part of a partial verification tool called ESP. We present the results of applying ESP to the problem of verifying the file I/O behavior of a version of the GNU C compiler (gcc, 140,000 LOC). We are able to prove that all of the 646 calls to . fprintf in the source code of gcc are guaranteed to print to valid, open files. Our results show that property simulation scales to large programs and is accurate enough to verify meaningful properties.
Operational knowledge representation for practical decision making

In various industrial fields, the operators use predesigned procedures either to solve problems or for troubleshooting. In the Parisian subway, such procedures have existed since 1900. However, these procedures are not always exactly suited to the case at hand, and the operators generally prefer to customize a solution than to rely on fixed procedures. For the design of an intelligent assistant system aimed at supporting operators' decisions in subway control, we have modeled operators' activity and know-how. As a result, we introduce the contextual graph model, which appears as a simple solution to describe and manage operational decision making.
A Changed America? The Effects of September 11th on Depressive Symptoms and Alcohol Consumption∗

In the weeks following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, social commentators argued that America had profoundly “changed. ” In light of these arguments and the literature on disasters, we examine the immediate and longer-term mental health consequences of September 11th using a national sample of fulltime American workers. We model the effects of temporal proximity to the attacks on depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption, while controlling for demographic characteristics. Our data revealed a significant increase in the number of depressive symptoms reported during the 4 weeks after the attacks. In the subsequent weeks, levels of depressive symptoms returned to pre-September 11th levels. Contrary to expectations, there was some indication of decreased alcohol consumption after September 11th, although these effects were modest. These analyses provide little support for popular assertions that September 11th resulted in lasting and measurable impacts on Americans' well-being.
Conditional Adversarial Network for Semantic Segmentation of Brain Tumor

Automated medical image analysis has a significant value in diagnosis and treatment of lesions. Brain tumors segmentation has a special importance and difficulty due to the difference in appearances and shapes of the different tumor regions in magnetic resonance images. Additionally, the data sets are heterogeneous and usually limited in size in comparison with the computer vision problems. The recently proposed adversarial training has shown promising results in generative image modeling. In this paper, we propose a novel end-to-end trainable architecture for brain tumor semantic segmentation through conditional adversarial training. We exploit conditional Generative Adversarial Network (cGAN) and train a semantic segmentation Convolution Neural Network (CNN) along with an adversarial network that discriminates segmentation maps coming from the ground truth or from the segmentation network for BraTS 2017 segmentation task[15, 4, 2, 3]. We also propose an end-to-end trainable CNN for survival day prediction based on deep learning techniques for BraTS 2017 prediction task [15, 4, 2, 3]. The experimental results demonstrate the superior ability of the proposed approach for both tasks. The proposed model achieves on validation data a DICE score, Sensitivity and Specificity respectively 0.68, 0.99 and 0.98 for the whole tumor, regarding online judgment system.
How to encourage smokers to participate in web-based computer-tailored smoking cessation programs: a comparison of different recruitment strategies

Objective: The reach, retention, and costs of four strategies aimed to recruit smokers for participation in a computer-tailored smoking cessation intervention was explored. Methods: The study was part of a randomized controlled trial whereby 832 respondents were randomised to 3 conditions. Smokers were invited by general practitioners (GP), newspapers, Internet and other strategies (i.e, mailing organizations) to take part. ANOVA’s /Chi-square tests explored sample differences. Logistic regression analyses investigated differences between the samples regarding retention and smoking behaviour. Results: Smokers recruited via GPs (N=144) had a lower educational level and suffered more from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to respondents recruited via Internet (N=307) ( χ² =11.554, df=3, p=.009). Less motivated respondents, recruited by GPs were more likely to return to study compared to the less motivated respondents recruited by ‘other recruitment’ strategies ( χ² =6.416, df=3, p=.093). Highly addicted respondents recruited from newspapers (N=213) were less likely to make a quit attempt compared to highly addicted respondents recruited by GPs (OR=.334, p=.035). Females from newspapers were less likely to remain abstinent compared to the GP sample (OR=.337, p=.005). Recruitment via GPs showed highest costs. Conclusion: Recruitment strategy influenced the type of smokers. Group differences were associated with different patterns of quitting. Word count: 198
Doxycycline-loaded coaxial nanofiber coating of titanium implants enhances osseointegration and inhibits Staphylococcus aureus infection

Few studies have been reported that focus on developing implant surface nanofiber (NF) coating to prevent infection and enhance osseointegration by local drug release. In this study, coaxial doxycycline (Doxy)-doped polycaprolactone/polyvinyl alcohol (PCL/PVA) NFs were directly deposited on a titanium (Ti) implant surface during electrospinning. The interaction of loaded Doxy with both PVA and PCL NFs was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The bonding strength of Doxy-doped NF coating on Ti implants was confirmed by a stand single-pass scratch test. The improved implant osseointegration by PCL/PVA NF coatings in vivo was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, histomorphometry and micro computed tomography (μCT) at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. The bone contact surface (%) changes of the NF coating group (80%) is significantly higher than that of the no NF group (<5%, p < 0.05). Finally, we demonstrated that a Doxy-doped NF coating effectively inhibited bacterial infection and enhanced osseointegration in an infected (Staphylococcus aureus) tibia implantation rat model. Doxy released from NF coating inhibited bacterial growth up to 8 weeks in vivo. The maximal push-in force of the Doxy-NF coating (38 N) is much higher than that of the NF coating group (6.5 N) 8 weeks after implantation (p < 0.05), which was further confirmed by quantitative histological analysis and μCT. These findings indicate that coaxial PCL/PVA NF coating doped with Doxy and/or other drugs have great potential in enhancing implant osseointegration and preventing infection.
The Transport Properties of Electrons and Holes in a Silicon Quantum Well

Semiconductors have revolutionised the field of electronics due to the nature of their readily engineerable bandstructure. Additionally, the study of the 2D charge systems hosted by devices made from these materials has led to the discovery of fundamental physics of these systems. Silicon has been at the forefront of developments in this field owing to its natural abundance, ease of processing and naturally occurring oxide. In this thesis a double gated, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) is used to investigate a number of transport properties of electrons and holes. These include the transport properties of a single layer within a bilayer system, the control of the hole g∗m∗ with the MOSFET gates and probing of the effects of giant valley splitting on the electrons. Bilayer systems are composed of two single, physically separate, layers of charge carriers contained within the same quantum well. Their study has provided insight into carrier interactions between the layers with the potential for use in vertically coupled systems of charges in novel electronic devices. Here the effects of one layer on the I-V characteristics of the other are described. Direct control of the electron or hole spin via the gates of a transistor was first proposed by Datta and Das. Although such a device has yet to be fully realised, control of the g∗m∗ has been demonstrated in a number of materials. Here the control of the hole g∗m∗ is demonstrated on the (001) silicon plane for the first time. Giant valley splitting is an effect whereby the valley degeneracy of the electrons in silicon is lifted. In this thesis, the effects of giant valley splitting is shown to have a similar phenomenological effect on the resistivity of a 2D electron gas as spin splitting does on the same, valley degenerate system.
Bioaccumulation Potential and Physiological Responses of Aquatic Macrophytes to Pb Pollution

In view of their potential bioaccumulation of heavy metals, Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum spicatum was studied under hydroponic cultures enriched by different Pb concentrations (25, 50, 75 mg/l) for 1–7 days. Both species exerted remarkable capabilities to concentrate Pb in their tissues as compared to control. The highest accumulation value of Pb (164.26 mg/g.dw) was recorded in C. demersum and the most of metal (91.72 mg/g dw) accumulated after 1 d. Significant reduction in photosynthetic pigments and appearance of morphological symptoms such as chlorosis and fragmentation of leaves were evident after 7d at 75 mg/l. The activity of POX and APX, carotenoids and proline showed induction at lower concentration and duration followed by decline. Major re-shuffle in protein patterns appeared as a tolerant mechanism, which both species developed under Pb toxicity. Results suggest that both species responded positively to Pb concentration and accumulated high amount of metal. Due to metal accumulation coupled with detoxification potential, both species appear to have potential for use as phytoremediators and the developed responses can be used as reliable biomarkers for Pb water pollution.
Estrogen Deficiency and Tobacco Smoke Exposure Promote Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Activation in Skin of Aging B6 Mice

Estrogen deficiency may contribute to extracellular matrix turnover in skin. This has led previous authors to postulate that aged skin heals less efficiently when compared to younger skin. Also, cigarette smokers have been shown to heal less efficiently than nonsmokers. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, an enzyme that participates in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, has been implicated in physiologic aging and wound healing. This study investigates the effects of smoke exposure and estrogen deficiency on MMP-13 in young and aged female mouse skin. Young and aged female C57Bl/6J mice were ovariectomized. They were then randomly administered either 17β-estradiol (E2) or placebo pellets. Half the animals in each age group were further randomized to exposure to cigarette smoke for a period of 6 months. Smoking and estrogen deficiency increased MMP-13 protein and activity in aged skin. The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, which inhibit MMPs, activity was unchanged across all groups. E2 replacement decreased the actual level of MMP-13 protein and activity. We also found an increased collagen content and decreased ER receptor protein level in aged, smoke-exposed female mice. Our experimental data show that tobacco smoke exposure and estrogen deficiency are additive risk factors for promoting increased activity of MMP-13 in aged skin. These findings suggest that MMP-13 functions as a mediator of smoke-induced skin injury in susceptible, aged experimental female mice.
Pentacam pachometry: comparison with non‐contact specular microscopy on the central cornea and inter‐session repeatability on the peripheral cornea

Purpose: Our aim was to compare specular microscopy (SM) and a new corneal topographer with rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam) for non‐contact pachometry of the central cornea. The repeatability of Pentacam for topographic pachometry was also studied.
Developmental Stage Dependent Expression of the Endothelial Stress Fibers and Organization of Fibronectin Fibrils in the Aorta of Chick Embryos

Abstract Organizational relationships between endothelial stress fibers and fibronectin fibrils in the developing chick abdominal aorta, from 5th day embryos to 3rd day young chicks, were studied with immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Stress fibers, axially aligned parallel to the longitudinal cell axis, were expressed in the largely elongated endothelial cells, in embryos older than 8th day of incubation. Fibronectin fibrils in the aortic basal lamina, changed its organizational pattern from the network-like form to the straight bundles arranged parallel to the vessel's longitudinal axis after 9th day of incubation. Such axial alignment was dominant in the matrix beneath the elongated cells containing stress fibers, suggesting the existence of stress fibers may possibly modify the fibronectin's organizational pattern. The vinculin-containing dense plaque, which shaped like as the adhesion plaque in the cultured cells, was located at the ends of or lateral associating sites of stress fibers in embryos older than 8th day stage. The expression of stress fibers, as well as the formation of stress fiber's end plaques, may closely relate to the alignment between the stress fiber and fibronectin fibrils in the extracellular matrix.
Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation attenuates blood pressure increase at onset of isometric handgrip exercise in healthy young and older humans

Aging is associated with alterations of autonomic nerve activity, and dietary intake of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil (FO), can modulate autonomic nerve activity. However, the effect of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption on age‐related cardiovascular responses at the onset of isometric handgrip exercise, a time of rapid autonomic adjustments, is unknown. Accordingly, 14 young (25 ± 1 years; mean ± SE) and 15 older (64 ± 2 years) healthy subjects ingested 4 g FO daily for 12 weeks. On pre‐ and postintervention visits, participants performed 15‐sec bouts of isometric handgrip at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) while beat‐to‐beat systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (SBP, DBP, MAP; Finometer) and heart rate (HR; electrocardiogram) were recorded. All baseline cardiovascular variables were similar between groups and visits, except DBP was higher in older subjects (P < 0.05). FO increased erythrocyte EPA and DHA content in both groups (P < 0.05). FO attenuated MAP and DBP increases in response to handgrip in both age groups (change from baseline during 70% MVC handgrip pre‐ and post‐FO: young MAPΔ 14 ± 2 mmHg versus 10 ± 2 mmHg, older MAPΔ 14 ± 3 mmHg versus 11 ± 2 mmHg; young DBPΔ 12 ± 1 mmHg versus 7 ± 2 mmHg, older DBPΔ 12 ± 1 mmHg versus 7 ± 1 mmHg; P < 0.05). FO augmented the PP (SBP‐DBP) increase with 70% MVC handgrip in both groups (P < 0.05), but did not alter SBP or HR increases with handgrip. These findings suggest that FO supplementation attenuates MAP and DBP increases at the onset of isometric handgrip exercise in healthy young and older humans.
[An anatomical study of maxillary sinus septum of Han population in Jiangsu region using cone-beam CT].

PURPOSE To examine the anatomical variation of maxillary sinus septum of Han nationality in Jiangsu region by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) combined with Simplant software in order to provide anatomical basis and operation instruction for oral implants after maxillary sinus lifting. METHODS CBCT image data were collected from 424 patients for analysis of maxillary sinus septa. Digital imaging and communications in medicine (Dicom) image files were fed into the computer-aided Simplant software and used to analyze the prevalence, location, height, orientation, and morphology of maxillary sinus septa through three-dimensional reconstruction. The data was analyzed with SPSS17.0 software package. RESULTS The proportion of the occurrence of maxillary sinus septa in 424 subjects was 44.81% and 21.23% of the subjects (n=90) had multiple sinus septa, while 20.52% had bilateral sinus septa (n=87). Totally 848 maxillary sinuses were observed in this study and 277 sinuses had septa with a proportion of 32.67%. The prevalence of septa was not significantly related to gender, age, and the presence or absence of teeth. Septa were located most frequently in the middle of maxillary sinus (59.94%). The mean height of sinus septa was (5.90±3.65) mm and (5.54±2.87) mm in the right and left maxillary sinus, respectively. The mean length of sinus septa was (8.15±2.40) mm and (7.88±2.73) mm in the right and left maxillary sinus, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Nearly 44.81% of Han population in Jiangsu region have maxillary sinus septa. The CBCT imaging technique can provide comprehensive and accurate quantitative analysis of maxillary sinus septa and is meaningful to provide anatomical basis and clinical guidance before sinus augmentation procedures.
Sex-specific chemical cues from immatures facilitate the evolution of mate guarding in Heliconius butterflies

Competition for mates has substantial effects on sensory systems and often leads to the evolution of extraordinary mating behaviours in nature. The ability of males to find sexually immature females and associate with them until mating is a remarkable example. Although several aspects of such pre-copulatory mate guarding have been investigated, little is known about the mechanisms used by males to locate immature females and assess their maturity. These are not only key components of the origin and maintenance of this mating strategy, but are also necessary for inferring the level to which females cooperate and thus the incidence of sexual conflict. We investigated the cues involved in recognition of immature females in Heliconius charithonia, a butterfly that exhibits mate guarding by perching on pupae. We found that males recognized female pupae using sex-specific volatile monoterpenes produced by them towards the end of pupal development. Considering the presumed biosynthetic pathways of such compounds and the reproductive biology of Heliconius, we propose that these monoterpenes are coevolved signals and not just sex-specific cues exploited by males. Their maintenance, despite lack of female mate choice, may be explained by variation in cost that females pay with this male behaviour under heterogeneous ecological conditions.
Dissecting enzyme function with microfluidic-based deep mutational scanning

Significance As powerful biological catalysts, enzymes can solve challenging problems that range from the industrial production of chemicals to the treatment of human disease. The ability to design new enzymes with tailor-made chemical functions would have a far-reaching impact. However, this important capability has been limited by our cursory understanding of enzyme catalysis. Here, we report a method that uses unbiased empirical analysis to dissect the molecular basis of enzyme function. By comprehensively mapping how changes in an enzyme’s amino acid sequence affect its activity, we obtain a detailed view of the interactions that shape the enzyme function landscape. Large, unbiased analyses of enzyme function allow the discovery of new biochemical mechanisms that will improve our ability to engineer custom biocatalysts. Natural enzymes are incredibly proficient catalysts, but engineering them to have new or improved functions is challenging due to the complexity of how an enzyme’s sequence relates to its biochemical properties. Here, we present an ultrahigh-throughput method for mapping enzyme sequence–function relationships that combines droplet microfluidic screening with next-generation DNA sequencing. We apply our method to map the activity of millions of glycosidase sequence variants. Microfluidic-based deep mutational scanning provides a comprehensive and unbiased view of the enzyme function landscape. The mapping displays expected patterns of mutational tolerance and a strong correspondence to sequence variation within the enzyme family, but also reveals previously unreported sites that are crucial for glycosidase function. We modified the screening protocol to include a high-temperature incubation step, and the resulting thermotolerance landscape allowed the discovery of mutations that enhance enzyme thermostability. Droplet microfluidics provides a general platform for enzyme screening that, when combined with DNA-sequencing technologies, enables high-throughput mapping of enzyme sequence space.