Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aetiology, incidence and morphology of the C-shaped root canal system and its impact on clinical endodontics

The C-shaped root canal constitutes an unusual root morphology that can be found primarily in mandibular second permanent molars. Due to the complexity of their structure, C-shaped root canal systems may complicate endodontic interventions. A thorough understanding of root canal morphology is therefore imperative for proper diagnosis and successful treatment. This review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding C-shaped roots and root canals, from basic morphology to advanced endodontic procedures. To this end, a systematic search was conducted using the MEDLINE, BIOSIS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PLoS and BioMed Central databases, and many rarely cited articles were included. Furthermore, four interactive 3D models of extracted teeth are introduced that will allow for a better understanding of the complex C-shaped root canal morphology. In addition, the present publication includes an embedded best-practice video showing an exemplary root canal procedure on a tooth with a pronounced C-shaped root canal. The survey of this unusual structure concludes with a number of suggestions concerning future research efforts.
Laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer: increasing body mass index does not impact postoperative complications

Objective To determine the effect of body mass index on postoperative complications and the performance of lymph node dissection in women undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy for endometrial cancer. Methods Retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer between 8/2004 and 12/2008. Complications graded and analyzed using Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events ver. 4.03 classification. Results 168 women underwent surgery: laparoscopy n=65, laparotomy n=103. Overall median body mass index 36.2 (range, 18.1 to 72.7) with similar distributions for age, body mass index and performance of lymph node dissection between groups. Following laparoscopy vs. laparotomy the percent rate of overall complications 53.8:73.8 (p=0.01), grade ≥3 complications 9.2:34.0 (p<0.01), ≥3 wound complications 3.1:22.3 (p<0.01) and ≥3 wound infection 3.1:20.4 (p=0.01) were significantly lower after laparoscopy. In a logistic model there was no effect of body mass index (≥36 and<36) on complications after laparoscopy in contrast to laparotomy. Para-aortic lymph node dissection was performed by laparoscopy 19/65 (29%): by laparotomy 34/103 (33%) p=0.61 and pelvic lymph node dissection by laparoscopy 21/65 (32.3%): by laparotomy 46/103 (44.7%) p=0.11. Logistic regression analysis revealed that for patients undergoing laparoscopy for stage I disease there was an inverse relationship between the performance of both para-aortic lymph node dissection and pelvic lymph node dissection and increasing body mass index (p=0.03 and p<0.01 respectively) in contrast to the laparotomy group where there was a trend only (p=0.09 and 0.05). Conclusion For patients undergoing laparoscopy, increasing body mass index did not impact postoperative complications but did influence the decision to perform lymph node dissection.
A Grid-based Ant Colony System for Automatic Program Synthesis

The Ant Colony Metaheuristic was originally proposed for tackling optimization problems. More recent research has suggested that it can be applied for automatic generation of programs. By allowing the artificial ants to visit functions and terminals nodes, they become able to build pheromone trails that represent computer programs for optimizing a fitness domain-specific function. In this paper a novel approach is addressed using a grid architecture as a more suitable discrete world to be explored by the ants. The resulting system was applied to automatically produce programs to solve Boolean functions.
Robust Normal Mode Constraints on Inner-Core Anisotropy from Model Space Search

A technique for searching full model space that was applied to measurements of anomalously split normal modes showed a robust pattern of P-wave and S-wave anisotropy in the inner core. The parameter describing P-wave anisotropy changes sign around a radius of 400 kilometers, whereas S-wave anisotropy is small in the upper two-thirds of the inner core and becomes negative at greater depths. Our results agree with observed travel-time anomalies of rays traveling at epicentral distances varying from 150° to 180°. The models may be explained by progressively tilted hexagonal close-packed iron in the upper half of the inner core and could suggest a different iron phase in the center.
The available evidence on demineralised bone matrix in trauma and orthopaedic surgery

Objectives The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the clinical level of evidence of commercially available demineralised bone matrix (DBM) products for their use in trauma and orthopaedic related surgery. Methods A total of 17 DBM products were used as search terms in two available databases: Embase and PubMed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses statement. All articles that reported the clinical use of a DBM-product in trauma and orthopaedic related surgery were included. Results The literature search resulted in 823 manuscripts of which 64 manuscripts met the final inclusion criteria. The included manuscripts consisted of four randomised controlled trials (level I), eight cohort studies (level III) and 49 case-series (level IV). No clinical studies were found for ten DBM products, and most DBM products were only used in combination with other grafting materials. DBM products were most extensively investigated in spinal surgery, showing limited level I evidence that supports the use Grafton DBM (Osteotech, Eatontown, New Jersey) as a bone graft extender in posterolateral lumbar fusion surgery. DBM products are not thoroughly investigated in trauma surgery, showing mainly level IV evidence that supports the use of Allomatrix (Wright Medical, London, United Kingdom), DBX (DePuy Synthes, Zuchwil, Switzerland), Grafton DBM, or OrthoBlast (Citagenix Laval, Canada) as bone graft extenders. Conclusions The clinical level of evidence that supports the use of DBM in trauma and orthopaedic surgery is limited and consists mainly of poor quality and retrospective case-series. More prospective, randomised controlled trials are needed to understand the clinical effect and impact of DBM in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Cite this article: J. van der Stok, K. A. Hartholt, D. A. L. Schoenmakers, J. J. C. Arts. The available evidence on demineralised bone matrix in trauma and orthopaedic surgery: A systemati c review. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:423–432. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67. BJR-2017-0027.R1.
Efficient Circulation of Railway Rolling Stock

Railway rolling stock (locomotives, carriages, and train units) is one of the most significant cost sources for operatorsof passenger trains, both public and private. Rolling stock costsare due to material acquisition, power supply, and material maintenance. The efficient circulation of rolling stock material is therefore one of the objectives pursued. In this paper we focus on the circulation of train units on a single line. In order to utilize the train units on this line in an efficient way, they are added to or removed from the trains in certain stations, according to the passengers' seat demand. Since adding and removing train units has to respect specific rules, it is important to know the exact order of the train units in the trains. This aspect strongly increases the complexity of the rolling stock circulation problem. In this paper we present aninteger programming approach to solve this problem. We also apply this approach to a real life case study based on the 2001-2002 timetable of NS Reizigers, the major Dutch operator of passenger trains.
Models and Metrics to Assess Humanitarian Response Capacity

Abstract The race to meet vital needs following sudden onset disasters leads response organizations to establish stockpiles of inventory that can be deployed immediately. These government or non-government organizations dynamically make stockpile decisions independently. Even though the value of one organization's stock deployment is contingent on others' decisions, decision makers lack evidence regarding sector capacity to assess the marginal contribution (positive or negative) of their action. To our knowledge, there exist no metrics describing the system capacity across many agents to respond to disasters. To address this gap, our analytical approach yields new humanitarian logistics metrics based on stochastic optimization models. Our study incorporates empirical data on inventory stored by various organizations in United Nations facilities and in their own warehouses to offer practical insights regarding the current humanitarian response capabilities and strategies. By repositioning inventory already deployed, the system could respond to disasters in the same expected time with a range of 7.4%–20.0% lower cost for the items in our sample.
DigitalCommons@UNO DigitalCommons@UNO

Background: There are many studies that have investigated biomechanical differences among prosthetic feet, but not changes due to adaptation over time. There is a need for objective measures to quantify the process of adaptation for individuals with a transtibial amputation. Mechanical power and work profiles are a primary focus for modern energy-storage-and-return type prostheses, which strive to increase energy return from the prosthesis. The amount of energy a prosthesis stores and returns (i.e., negative and positive work) during stance is directly influenced by the user ’ s loading strategy, which may be sensitive to alterations during the course of an adaptation period. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in lower limb mechanical work profiles during walking following a three-week adaptation to a new prosthesis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 22 individuals with a unilateral transtibial amputation. Individuals were given a new prosthesis at their current mobility level (K3 or above) and wore it for three weeks. Kinematic and kinetic measures were recorded from overground walking at 0, 1.5, and 3 weeks into the adaptation period at a self-selected pace. Positive and negative work done by the prosthesis and sound ankle-foot were calculated using a unified deformable segment model and a six-degrees-of-freedom model for the knee and hip. Results: Positive work from the prosthesis ankle-foot increased by 6.1% and sound ankle-foot by 5.7% after 3 weeks ( p = 0.041, 0.036). No significant changes were seen in negative work from prosthesis or sound ankle-foot ( p = 0.115, 0.192). There was also a 4.1% increase in self-selected walking speed after 3 weeks ( p = 0.038). Our data exhibited large inter-subject variations, in which some individuals followed group trends in work profiles while others had opposite trends in outcome variables. Conclusions: After a 3-week adaptation, 14 out of 22 individuals with a transtibial amputation increased energy return from the prosthesis. Such findings could indicate that individuals may better utilize the spring-like function of the prosthesis after an adaptation period.
CD167 Acts as a Novel Costimulatory Receptor in T-Cell Activation

Optimal T-cell activation requires both an antigen-specific and a costimulatory signal. CD167 is a tyrosine kinase receptor for native type I collagen, its physiologic functions include matrix homeostasis and cell growth, adhesion, branching, and migration, but the specific role of CD167 in T cells has not yet been characterized. In this study, we found that CD167 expression on T cells was up-regulated after activation. Cooperation of CD167 engagement with suboptimal TCR/CD3 signals induced T-cell proliferation, enhanced expression of activation markers such as CD25 and CD69, elevated intracellular calcium mobilization and tyrosine phosphorylation, and introduced a bias toward a TH1/Tc1 immune response. Cooperation of CD167 engagement also enhanced mixed lymphocyte responses to alloantigens. Moreover, CD167 rapidly localized to the aggregated lipid rafts upon T-cell activation, this provided a molecular base for the signaling machinery of CD167. Together these findings, we demonstrate for the first time that CD167 could serve as a novel costimulatory receptor for T-cell activation.
A randomized clinical trial of an intervention to promote resilience in young children of HIV-positive mothers in South Africa

Objective:The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of an intervention designed to promote resilience in young children living with their HIV-positive mothers. Design/methods:HIV-positive women attending clinics in Tshwane, South Africa, and their children, aged 6–10 years, were randomized to the intervention (I) or standard care (S). The intervention consisted of 24 weekly group sessions led by community care workers. Mothers and children were in separate groups for 14 sessions, followed by 10 interactive sessions. The primary focus was on parent–child communication and parenting. Assessments were completed by mothers and children at baseline and 6, 12 and 18 months. Repeated mixed linear analyses were used to assess change over time. Results:Of 390 mother–child pairs, 84.6% (I: 161 and S: 169) completed at least two interviews and were included in the analyses. Children's mean age was 8.4 years and 42% of mothers had been ill in the prior 3 months. Attendance in groups was variable: only 45.7% attended more than 16 sessions. Intervention mothers reported significant improvements in children's externalizing behaviours (ß = –2.8, P = 0.002), communication (ß = 4.3, P = 0.025) and daily living skills (ß = 5.9, P = 0.024), although improvement in internalizing behaviours and socialization was not significant (P = 0.061 and 0.052, respectively). Intervention children reported a temporary increase in anxiety but did not report differences in depression or emotional intelligence. Conclusion:This is the first study demonstrating benefits of an intervention designed to promote resilience among young children of HIV-positive mothers. The intervention was specifically designed for an African context and has the potential to benefit large numbers of children, if it can be widely implemented.
Joint Machine Learning and Game Theory for Rate Control in High Efficiency Video Coding

In this paper, a joint machine learning and game theory modeling (MLGT) framework is proposed for inter frame coding tree unit (CTU) level bit allocation and rate control (RC) optimization in high efficiency video coding (HEVC). First, a support vector machine-based multi-classification scheme is proposed to improve the prediction accuracy of CTU-level rate-distortion (R-D) model. The legacy “chicken-and-egg” dilemma in video coding is proposed to be overcome by the learning-based R-D model. Second, a mixed R-D model-based cooperative bargaining game theory is proposed for bit allocation optimization, where the convexity of the mixed R-D model-based utility function is proved, and Nash bargaining solution is achieved by the proposed iterative solution search method. The minimum utility is adjusted by the reference coding distortion and frame-level quantization parameter (QP) change. Finally, intra frame QP and inter frame adaptive bit ratios are adjusted to make inter frames have more bit resources to maintain smooth quality and bit consumption in the bargaining game optimization. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MLGT-based RC method can achieve much better R-D performances, quality smoothness, bit rate accuracy, buffer control results, and subjective visual quality than the other state-of-the-art one-pass RC methods, and the achieved R-D performances are very close to the performance limits from the FixedQP method.
Statins Are Associated With a Reduced Incidence of Perioperative Mortality After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background—Statin therapy in nonsurgical patient populations is associated with a significant reduction in adverse cardiovascular events, including death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Recently, statin therapy was shown to be associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing major noncardiac vascular surgery. We investigated the influence of preoperative statin therapy on adverse outcomes after primary coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods and Results—A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing primary CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (n=1663) between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2001 at the Texas Heart Institute was performed. Patients were classified into 2 groups: patients receiving preoperative statin therapy (n=943) and patients not receiving preoperative antihyperlipidemic therapy (n=720). To determine if preoperative statin therapy was independently associated with a reduction in the risk of adverse postoperative outcomes, multivariate stepwise logistic regression was performed controlling for patient demographics, medical history, and preoperative medications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative statin therapy was independently associated with a significant reduction (≈50%) in the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality (3.75% versus 1.80%; P<0.05). The adjusted odds ratio for early mortality in patients receiving preoperative statin therapy compared with patients not receiving antihyperlipidemic agents was 0.53 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.99). Statin therapy was not independently associated with a reduced risk of postoperative MI, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, or renal dysfunction. In an attempt to further control for selection bias related to the choice of therapy, multivariate analysis of a propensity-matched cohort of 1362 patients revealed that preoperative statin therapy was independently associated with a significant reduction in the composite endpoint of 30-day all-cause mortality and stroke (7.1% versus 4.6%; P<0.05). Conclusions—Preoperative statin therapy may reduce the risk of early mortality after primary CABG surgery with CPB.
Measuring the Quality of Experience of Web users

Measuring quality of Web users experience (WebQoE) faces the following trade-off. On the one hand, current practice is to resort to metrics, such as the document completion time (onLoad), that are simple to measure though knowingly inaccurate. On the other hand, there are metrics, like Google’s SpeedIndex, that are better correlated with the actual user experience, but are quite complex to evaluate and, as such, relegated to lab experiments. In this paper, we first provide a comprehensive state of the art on the metrics and tools available for WebQoE assessment. We then apply these metrics to a representative dataset (the Alexa top-100 webpages) to better illustrate their similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations. We next introduce novel metrics, inspired by Google’s SpeedIndex, that offer significant advantage in terms of computational complexity, while maintaining a high correlation with the SpeedIndex. These properties make our proposed metrics highly relevant and of practical use.
Image detection under varying illumination and pose

This paper focuses on the detection of objects with Lambertian surface under both varying illumination and pose. We offer to apply a novel detection method that proceeds by modeling the different illuminations from a small number of images in the training set; this automatically voids the illumination effects, allowing fast illumination invariant detection, without having to create a large training set. It is demonstrated that the method "fits in" nicely with previous work about the modeling of the set of object appearances under varying illumination. In the experiments, an object was correctly detected under image plane rotations in a 15-degrees range, and a wide variety of different illuminations.
Feedback Linearization Control and Its Application to MIMO Cancer Immunotherapy

The study proposes a novel feedback linearization and almost disturbance decoupling control of nonlinear multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems. The goal of cancer immunotherapy is focused on eliciting an immune system response against the tumor. The study investigates a novel feedback linearization control strategy of nonlinear MIMO tumor-immune system. The main contributions of this study are to construct a control strategy such that the resulting closed-loop system is valid for any initial condition with almost disturbance decoupling performance and develop the feedback linearization design for the control of a MIMO cancer model system to improve the cancer load. The performances of drug treatment based on our proposed novel nonlinear geometric feedback control are better than some existing approaches. The numerical results derived by our method imply the tumor load to be reduced to the zero value only after more short days of drug treatment and the recurrence cycle of tumor dynamics not to be existent. All the state variables of the cancer model system can be measured using the Cellometer Auto T4 Cell Counter, programmable research micro-pump and computer with Java program in the clinical study. Electrically automatic apparatus for providing antiretroviral drugs could be constructed based on the quantification of the immune variables.
Drug Courts and the Logic of Coerced Treatment

This article examines the social and historical significance of coerced drug treatment within the criminal justice system. Drug courts, the most prominent example of this approach, serve as a case study to explore how seemingly contradictory perspectives on substance use—therapeutic and punitive—are merged to justify increased criminal justice oversight of defendants in the name of facilitating recovery. Drawing on an analysis of drug court organizational documents and interviews with key advocates, this article (1) examines the punitive, therapeutic, and medical knowledge drug court advocates draw on and construct to justify an increased role for the courts in solving the problem of addiction, and (2) links these theories historically to broader discussions about the causes of crime and the courts' role in solving social problems. Overall, this article considers how scientific theories are fused with moral considerations in the name of an "enlightened" criminal justice approach to complex social problems.
Red cell metabolism in the newborn infant. V. Glycolytic intermediates and glycolytic enzymes.

Previous studies demonstrated that the erythrocytes of the newborn infant have a relative phosphofructokinase deficiency and inappropriate glucose consumption for cell age. In view of these findings, an analysis of red cell glycolytic intermediates and all Embden-Meyerhof pathway enzyme activities was made in the red cells of infants, normal adults, and subjects with reticulocytosis to define further differences in metabolism and search for evidence of a metabolic blockade. The erythrocytes of subjects with reticulocytosis were found to possess increased quantities of glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-6-phosphate and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. The elevation of the hexose phosphates was even greater in the red cells of the premature infants and was associated with a decrease in levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and phosphoenolpyruvate. Measurement of enzyme activities indicated that, in addition to the phosphofructokinase deficiency, the cells of the newborn infant have markedly increased activities of enolase and phosphoglycerate kinase. It is suggested that the increase in the level of the hexose phosphates in the erythrocytes of the infants and subjects with reticulocytosis is a reflection of this relative phosphofructokinase deficiency, with this deficiency being greater in newborn infants. The differences in the enzymatic profile between the erythrocytes of the newborn and those of the normal adult is not solely a function of their younger age. Some of the differences are a reflection of the presence of a cell unique to this period of life.