Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser-assisted pulpotomy in primary teeth: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review was to identify high-quality articles comparing laser with conventional pulpotomy procedures, and to assess whether laser treatment may offer an appreciable benefit over conventional approaches. METHODS A systematic search was implemented for MEDLINE, WEB of SCIENCE and Cochrane's CENTRAL databases (1980-2012) to identify eligible studies. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the articles (Κ = 0.89) using specific study design-related quality assessment forms (Dutch Cochrane Collaboration). RESULTS Seven articles met the inclusion criteria, of which five randomized control trials (RCT) and two case series (CS), involving Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, CO₂ and 632/980 nm diode lasers. Although heterogeneity between pulpotomy studies was high, odds ratios (OR) were generally <1, indicating that laser is less successful than conventional pulpotomy techniques. CONCLUSION Given the paucity and high heterogeneity of high-quality articles, general recommendations for the clinical use of laser in pulpotomy in primary teeth can yet not be formulated.
Innovative Additive for Bitumen Based on Processed Fats

Various additives, admixtures and modifiers are used to improve technical properties and strength characteristics of building materials. Manufacturers of waterproofing materials, concrete, ceramics and bitumen have to use innovative, increasingly complex and costly additives, admixtures or modifiers. As a result, simple and inexpensive substances have been replaced by complex, long chain polymers, multi component resins or plastics. For economic and ecological reasons waste materials are more frequently used as additives, admixtures and modifiers. Nowadays the most commonly used physical modifiers of bitumen belong to the group of polymers - large molecular organic compounds of natural origin or being the result of planned chemical synthesis. Polymers are substances that do not chemically react with bitumen, they act as fillers or create a spatial network within bitumen (the so called physical cross-linking). The development of organic chemistry has allowed the synthesis of a number of substances chemically modifying bitumen. The most promising are heterocyclic organic compounds belonging to the group of imidazolines. The aim of the study presented in this paper was to demonstrate the suitability of processed natural and post-refining fat waste (diamidoamine dehydrate) as bitumen modifier. This paper discusses the impact of adding technical imidazoline on selected bitumen characteristics. Samples of bitumen 160/220, which is most commonly used for the production of waterproofing products, were analysed. For base bitumen and bitumen modified with technical imidazoline the following measurements were taken: measurement of the softening point by Ball and Ring method, determination of the breaking point by Fraass method and needle penetration measurement at 25°C. Later the samples were aged using TFOT laboratory method and the basic characteristics were determined again. The results showed that a small amount of imidazoline improved bitumen thermoplastic parameters at low temperatures and had a significant impact on weakening bitumen oxidation and ageing. The addition of technical imidazoline prevents bitumen from hardening, thus increasing its flexibility and its resistance to mechanical damage. Due to many difficulties in the production of polymer bitumens and in order to find cheaper, more environment friendly solutions, the authors proposed an ecological bituminous modifier which, due to chemical reaction with binders, creates a stable and firm in time product. Imidazolines have a negative impact on bitumen softening point, which makes them impossible to use as an independent modifier. Therefore, at a later stage of the research, the authors will attempt to create a hybrid bitumen modifier which will combine the beneficial effect of polymers and imidazoline on the characteristics of bituminous binders.
Managerial turnover and worker turnover

We study the influence of the manager's degree of consolidation within the firm over the firm's labor policy. We argue that non-consolidated (recently-appointed) managers are more worried about short-term results than consolidated managers are. This feature leads the former to bias the labor contracting favoring short-term contracts. This has two main consequences. First, a higher variation in the number of workers hired in each period. And second, a lower increase in unitary labor costs. To contrast these results, we use a database of 1.054 Spanish companies during the period (1994-98), and analyze their managerial turnover as well as their corresponding variation in the number of workers and in unitary labor costs. The theoretical results are confirmed, especially for highly-productive R and D-intensive firms.
Transaction-Specific Investments, Relational Norms, and ERP Customer Satisfaction: A Mediation Analysis

Integrating the perspectives of transaction cost economics, the resource-based view, and resource dependency theory, this study analyzes the institutional settings of enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations in China. Specifically, it examines how bilateral transaction-specific investments (TSIs) and relational governance mechanisms influence customer satisfaction with ERP implementations. The model is empirically tested using data from on-site interviews with 208 ERP customers in China. The results demonstrate that the effects of vendors’ and customers’ TSIs on customer satisfaction are facilitated by multiple-stage micromediational chains. The influence of TSIs on customer satisfaction is mediated by relational norms, and the impact of relational norms on customer satisfaction is bridged by perceived service quality and customer trust. Furthermore, the influence of vendors’ TSIs is stronger than the influence of customers’ TSIs. The findings contribute to business research and practice by providing valuable insights into how ERP vendors and customers should strategize TSIs to enhance relationship performance.
Pairwise Meta-Modeling of Multivariate Output Computer Models Using Nonseparable Covariance Function

Gaussian process (GP) is a popular method for emulating deterministic computer simulation models. Its natural extension to computer models with multivariate outputs employs a multivariate Gaussian process (MGP) framework. Nevertheless, with significant increase in the number of design points and the number of model parameters, building an MGP model is a very challenging task. Under a general MGP model framework with nonseparable covariance functions, we propose an efficient meta-modeling approach featuring a pairwise model building scheme. The proposed method has excellent scalability even for a large number of output levels. Some properties of the proposed method have been investigated and its performance has been demonstrated through several numerical examples. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Low multiplicity of infection in vivo results in purifying selection against baculovirus deletion mutants.

The in vivo fate of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus deletion mutants originating from serial passage in cell culture was investigated by passaging a population enriched in these mutants in insect larvae. The infectivity of polyhedra and occlusion-derived virion content per polyhedron were restored within two passages in vivo. The frequency of occurrence of deletion mutants was determined by real-time PCR. The frequency of the non-homologous region origin (non-HR ori) of DNA replication was reduced to wild-type levels within two passages. The frequency of the polyhedrin gene did not increase and remained below wild-type levels. A low m.o. i. during the initial infection in insect larvae, causing strong purifying selection for autonomously replicating viruses, could explain these observations. The same virus population used in vivo was also passaged once at a different m.o. i. in cell culture. A similar effect (i.e. lower non-HR ori frequency) was observed at low m.o. i. only, indicating that m.o. i. was the key selective condition.
Parameter estimation of distorted signals using Prony method

Modern frequency power converters generate a wide spectrum of harmonic components. Large converter systems can also generate noncharacteristic harmonics and interharmonics. Standard tools of harmonic analysis based on the Fourier transform assume that only harmonics are present and the periodicity intervals are fixed, while periodicity intervals in the presence of interharmonics are variable and very long. In the case of frequency converters the periods of the main component are unknown. The Prony method as applied for signal analysis in power frequency converter was tested in the paper. The method does not show the disadvantages of the traditional tools and allow exact estimation the frequencies of all or dominant components, even when the periodicity intervals are unknown. To investigate the appropriateness of the method several experiments were performed. For comparison, similar experiments were repeated using the FFT. The comparison proved the superiority of the Prony method.
Neuromodulation targeted to the prefrontal cortex induces changes in energy intake and weight loss in obesity

Obesity is associated with decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modifies cortical excitability and may facilitate improved control of eating. The energy intake (EI) and body weight in subjects who received cathodal versus sham (study 1) and subsequent anodal versus sham (study 2) tDCS aimed at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) were measured.
Celebrity Health Announcements and Online Health Information Seeking: An Analysis of Angelina Jolie’s Preventative Health Decision

ABSTRACT On May 14, 2013, Angelina Jolie disclosed she carries BRCA1, which means she has an 87% risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime. Jolie decided to undergo a preventative bilateral mastectomy (PBM), reducing her risk to 5%. The purpose of this study was to analyze the type of information individuals are exposed to when using the Internet to search health information regarding Jolie’s decision. Qualitative content analysis revealed four main themes—information about genetics, information about a PBM, information about health care, and information about Jolie’s gender identity. Broadly, the identified websites mention Jolie’s high risk for developing cancer due to the genetic mutation BRCA1, describe a PBM occasionally noting reasons why she had this surgery and providing alternatives to the surgery, discuss issues related to health care services, costs, and insurances about Jolie’s health decision, and portray Jolie as a sexual icon, a partner to Brad Pitt, a mother of six children, and an inspirational humanitarian. The websites also depict Jolie’s health decision in positive, negative, and/or both ways. Discussion centers on how this actress’ health decision impacts the public.
Energy-efficient non-cooperative power control in relay-assisted interference channels considering circuit dissipated power

In this paper, the issue of non-cooperative, energy-efficient power control in a relay-assisted interference channel is considered. The energy efficiency of a given terminal is defined as the ratio between the throughput of that terminal and the consumed power. As far as the computation of the consumed power is concerned, not only the transmit power, but also the power dissipated in terminal's electronic circuitry to operate the device is considered. A non-cooperative power control game is devised, which admits a unique Nash equilibrium, and whose best-response-dynamics is guaranteed to converge to the unique equilibrium. A cooperative power control algorithm is also devised, which is used as a benchmark for the non-cooperative game. Finally, numerical results are provided to show the merits of the proposed algorithms.
Ankle Disease in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Ultrasound Findings in Clinically Swollen Ankles

Objective. The ankle joint is frequently involved in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but it is unclear whether this is predominantly due to synovitis, tenosynovitis, or both. We performed clinic-based ultrasound examination to assess the prevalence of synovitis and tenosynovitis in children with JIA felt clinically to have active inflammatory disease of the ankle. Methods. Thirty-four patients with 49 clinically swollen ankles were studied (19 polyarticular JIA, 13 oligoarticular JIA, 1 systemic JIA, 1 psoriatic JIA). All cases had at least one clinically swollen ankle joint. The children were assessed clinically and had ultrasound examination during routine clinic appointments. Results. We found 71% of ankles had tenosynovitis and 39% had tenosynovitis alone. Only 29% of swollen ankles had a tibiotalar effusion alone. We found 33% had both tenosynovitis and a tibiotalar effusion. When results were analyzed by JIA subtype, we found 81% of oligoarticular JIA ankles had medial ankle tenosynovitis but only 19% had tibiotalar effusion alone. There was a significant difference between JIA subgroups for the frequency of occurrence of medial ankle tenosynovitis (p = 0.048) and lateral ankle tenosynovitis (p = 0.001). Conclusion. The tibiotalar joint was not involved in 39% of the swollen ankles; and tenosynovitis, sometimes in isolation, was the dominant finding. This has implications for therapeutic intervention and also for an improved classification of children with JIA, especially with ankle involvement.
Evaluation of the rheological properties of photopolymers used in Polymer Jetting technology

The paper presents the results of tests related to relaxation of stresses in models of samples made using the technology of photo-curing of liquid polymer resins polyjet modeling (PJM). The models of the samples were made using two types of materials: VeroWhite and FullCure 720. The tests were performed on samples in compliance with the PN-EN ISO 3384 standard. The technological parameter whose impact was analyzed was the orientation of the models on the virtual building platform, which was defined with three variability levels (0°, 45°, and 90°). The tests demonstrated that the position of the models on the building platform has a significant impact on the relaxation of compressive stresses. Moreover, the most advantageous positions of the models on the building platform from the standpoint of relaxation of stresses were determined.
An examination of risky sexual behavior and HIV in victims of child abuse and neglect: a 30-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE This article examined links between childhood maltreatment and risky sexual behavior (early sexual contact, promiscuity, prostitution) and HIV in adulthood. DESIGN Using a prospective cohort design, physically and sexually abused and neglected children (ages 0-11) with documented cases during 1967-1971 were matched with nonmaltreated children and followed into adulthood. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Early sexual contact, promiscuity, and prostitution were assessed through in-person interviews and official records (prostitution) at approximate age 29 (N=1196). HIV tests were conducted at approximate age 41 (N=631). RESULTS Child maltreatment was associated with prostitution (OR=2.47, 95% CI=1.35-4.50) and early sexual contact (OR=1.73, 95% CI=1.24-2.40). Prevalence of HIV in the abuse/neglect group was twice that in controls (OR=2.35, 95% CI=.64-8.62), although this difference did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance. SEM provided significant support for a model linking child abuse and neglect to prostitution through early sexual contact and a marginal link to HIV through prostitution. CONCLUSION These findings provide prospective evidence that maltreated children are more likely to report sexual contact before age 15, engage in prostitution by young adulthood, and test positive for HIV in middle adulthood.
Characterization of obstacle negotiation behaviors in the cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis

SUMMARY Within natural environments, animals must be able to respond to a wide range of obstacles in their path. Such responses require sensory information to facilitate appropriate and effective motor behaviors. The objective of this study was to characterize sensors involved in the complex control of obstacle negotiation behaviors in the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis. Previous studies suggest that antennae are involved in obstacle detection and negotiation behaviors. During climbing attempts, cockroaches swing their front leg that then either successfully reaches the top of the block or misses. The success of these climbing attempts was dependent on their distance from the obstacle. Cockroaches with shortened antennae were closer to the obstacle prior to climbing than controls, suggesting that distance was related to antennal length. Removing the antennal flagellum resulted in delays in obstacle detection and changes in climbing strategy from targeted limb movements to less directed attempts. A more complex scenario – a shelf that the cockroach could either climb over or tunnel under – allowed us to further examine the role of sensory involvement in path selection. Ultimately, antennae contacting the top of the shelf led to climbing whereas contact on the underside led to tunneling However, in the light, cockroaches were biased toward tunnelling; a bias which was absent in the dark. Selective covering of visual structures suggested that this context was determined by the ocelli.
Clinical application of ACMG‐AMP guidelines in HNF1A and GCK variants in a cohort of MODY families

Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a form of monogenic diabetes with autosomal dominant inheritance. GCK ‐MODY and HNF1A ‐MODY are the prevalent subtypes. Currently, there is growing concern regarding the correct interpretation of molecular genetic findings. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) updated guidelines to interpret and classify molecular variants. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MODY ( GCK / HNF1A ) in a large cohort of Brazilian families, to report variants related to phenotype, and to classify them according to ACMG guidelines. One hundred and nine probands were investigated, 45% with clinical suspicion of GCK ‐MODY and 55% with suspicion of HNF1A ‐MODY. Twenty‐five different variants were identified in GCK gene (30 probands—61% of positivity), and 7 variants in HNF1A (10 probands—17% of positivity). Fourteen of them were novel (12— GCK /2— HNF1A ). ACMG guidelines were able to classify a large portion of variants as pathogenic (36%— GCK /86%— HNF1A ) and likely pathogenic (44%— GCK /14%— HNF1A ), with 16% (5/32) as uncertain significance. This allows us to determine the pathogenicity classification more efficiently, and also reinforces the suspected associations with the phenotype among novel variants.
THE ROLE OF DIFFERENT REPRODUCTIVE BARRIERS DURING PHENOTYPIC DIVERGENCE OF ISOPOD ECOTYPES

The question of how diverging populations become separate species by restraining gene flow is a central issue in evolutionary biology. Assortative mating might emerge early during adaptive divergence, but the role of other types of reproductive barriers such as migration modification have recently received increased attention. We demonstrate that two recently diverged ecotypes of a freshwater isopod (Asellus aquaticus) have rapidly developed premating isolation, and this isolation barrier has emerged independently and in parallel in two south Swedish lakes. This is consistent with ecological speciation theory, which predicts that reproductive isolation arises as a byproduct of ecological divergence. We also find that in one of these lakes, habitat choice acts as the main barrier to gene flow. These observations and experimental results suggest that migration modification might be as important as assortative mating in the early stages of ecological speciation. Simulations suggest that the joint action of these two isolating barriers is likely to greatly facilitate adaptive divergence, compared to if each barrier was acting alone.
The Association Between Developmental Coordination Disorder and Other Developmental Traits

OBJECTIVE: To explore associations between developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and attention, language, social skills, and academic ability in a population-based cohort. METHODS: We analyzed data (N = 6902) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Probable DCD was defined as children below the 15th centile of the ALSPAC Coordination Test aged 7 years with functional impairment in activities of daily living or handwriting, excluding children with neurologic difficulties or an IQ of <70. Four developmental domains were assessed by using standardized tests between the ages of 7.5 and 9 years: attention; language skills (expressive language, comprehension, short-term memory); social skills (nonverbal skills and social communication); and academic ability (reading and spelling). The worst 5% of each trait was used to define impairment. We used multiple logistic regression models to assess the association between probable DCD and each trait. Our final model controlled for IQ, socioeconomic factors, and other developmental traits not in the domain assessed. RESULTS: A total of 346 (5.0%) children met criteria for probable DCD. Probable DCD was associated with difficulties in attention (odds ratio [OR]: 1.94 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–3.24]), nonword repetition (OR: 1.83 [95% CI: 1.26–2.66]), social communication (OR: 1.87 [95% CI: 1.15–3.04]), reading (OR: 3.35 [95% CI: 2.36–4.77]), and spelling (OR: 2.81 [95% CI: 2.03–3.90]). CONCLUSIONS: Children with probable DCD had an increased risk of difficulties in attention, social skills, reading, and spelling. These additional difficulties need to be screened for during assessment and considered when formulating interventions.
Food quality and safety: consumer perception and demand

Research on consumer quality perception is reviewed using the Total Food Quality Model as a structuring device. The relationship between food safety and quality is addressed, and is discussed in the context of research on consumer risk perception. Quality and safety perception is linked to food choice and consumer demand, addressing questions of price perception and the validity of willingness-to-pay measurements. It is concluded that food quality and safety are central issues in today's food economics, though many research questions remain to be addressed. Copyright 2005, Oxford University Press.
Acute and Chronic T Cell Dynamics in the Livers of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques

ABSTRACT The mucosal immune system, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, is critically involved in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Since the liver drains most of the substances coming from the intestinal tract, it may also play a role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. Here we examined the percentages and absolute numbers of T cell subsets in the liver in normal and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques. Most of the T cells in the liver were CD8+ memory cells, and most of these had an effector memory (CD95+ CD28−) phenotype. CD4+ T cells constituted approximately 20% of the liver T cell population, but the vast majority of these were also memory (CD95+) CCR5+ cells, suggesting they were potential targets for viral infection. After SIV infection, CD4+ T cells were markedly reduced, and increased proliferation and absolute numbers of CD8+ T cells were detected in the liver. These data suggest that the liver is a major source of antigenic stimulation for promoting CD8+ T cells and possibly a source for early CD4+ T cell infection and destruction.