Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vertebroplasty by Use of a Strontium-Containing Bioactive Bone Cement

Study Design. A review of the laboratory and clinical data for a new strontium-containing hydroxyapatite bioactive bone cement. Objectives. To compare the properties of the strontium-containing bioactive bone cement with those of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) bone cements. Summary of Background Data. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty using conventional PMMA bone cements have been effectively used to treat osteoporotic spine fractures with good short- and medium-term results. However, PMMA has some undesirable properties, including its high setting temperature, lack of osseointegration, and large stiffness mismatch with osteoporotic bone. These properties are responsible for some postoperative complications. Methods. Strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) bioactive bone cement consists of a filler blend of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite, fumed silica and benzoyl peroxide; and a resin blend of bisphenol A diglycidylether methacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, and N, N-dimethyl-p-toluidine. Its properties, including mechanical strength, setting temperature, biocompatibility, and osseoinduction, were compared with other cements in vitro and in vivo. Early clinical results are presented. Results. The Sr-HA cement has a setting time of 15 to 18 minutes, a maximum setting temperature of 58° C, a compressive strength of 40.9 MPa, bending strength of 31.3 MPa, and a bending modulus of 1,408 MPa.The bending strength and modulus are closer to human cancellous bone. Sr-HA cement promotes osteoblast attachment and mineralization in vitro and bone growth and osseointegration in vivo. In a pilot study, 23 cases of osteoporotic fractures treated with this cement with a mean follow-up of 18 months suggest that it is as effective as PMMA in relieving pain. Discussions. Oral strontium has been shown to induce new bone formation and is effective in reducing fracture risk in osteoporosis. Our data suggest that strontium delivered locally has the same effect; thus, the combination of strontium with HA in a cement with a low setting temperature, adequate stiffness, and low viscosity makes this a good bioactive cement for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes in Early Pregnancy

Objective To determine whether glucose intolerance can be identified early in gestation in a high-risk population so that early intervention can be planned to prevent associated morbidity. Research Design and Methods After appropriate dietary preparation, patients with a high risk for gestational diabetes underwent a 50-g oral glucose screening test during fasting. Patients were tested on enrollment and every 10 wk until delivery. Those with a 1-h plasma glucose value of ≥7.5 mM underwent a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test. Gestational diabetes was based on either a markedly abnormal 50-g screening test or abnormal 100-g oral glucose tolerance test. Results Ten of 15 (66%) patients who developed gestational diabetes were diagnosed during the first half of the pregnancy. Six were diagnosed in the first trimester. If the definition of an abnormal 1-h plasma glucose value was lowered from 7.5 to 7.2 mM, an additional 2 patients could have been identified in the first trimester with an improvement in sensitivity from 70 to 91% with only a slight drop in specificity (from 91 to 88%). Diagnosis of gestational diabetes was not enhanced by measuring plasma insulin concentrations or insulin-glucose molar ratios. Conclusions The diagnosis of gestational diabetes in a high-risk population can be made in the first half of pregnancy. Early diagnosis should permit evaluation of intervention strategies, which may result in improved perinatal outcome.
Platelet-Rich Plasma in Sinus Augmentation Procedures: A Systematic Literature Review: Part II

Background:Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been extensively studied for over a decade, there are no definitive reports, which prove the benefit of using PRP in sinus augmentation procedures. In addition, no systematic literature review has been done to report the benefit of treatment outcome in patients who received PRP in conjunction with bone/bone substitutes in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. Therefore, it can be rightly stated that evidence for an adjunctive benefit of using PRP with bone grafts in sinus augmentation procedures is equivocal and inconclusive. Aim:The objective of this systematic literature review was to examine this literature in determining whether PRP with bone and bone substitutes leads to more rapid and effective bone regeneration clinically, radiographically, and histologically with sinus augmentation procedures and was there any clinical data parallel to animal experiments providing clinical evidence in sinus augmentation procedures? Methods:A systematic review of randomized clinical trials of at least 6 months duration was conducted comparing PRP and bone/bone substitutes (test group) to bone/bone substitutes (control group) alone. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE and CENTRAL (Cochrane central register of controlled clinical trials) were searched for relevant articles. The reference list of all included articles was searched along with unpublished clinical trials whose abstracts were available. Results:Although, there is a lack of human studies, which show benefit of using PRP in conjunction with bone grafting materials, it can be stated that use of PRP does lead to early regeneration and reduction in healing time of soft and hard tissues. However, no significant statistical or clinical benefit was reported from studies that would satisfy the inclusion criteria. This study answers the question very clearly that at this point of time, there is no human study that strongly supports the benefit of using PRP in sinus augmentation procedures. Conclusion:There is a paucity of clinically controlled trials regarding benefits of PRP in sinus augmentation procedures. Theoretically, it seems to have significant beneficial effects on the soft and hard tissue healing; however, the disparity in study design, surgical techniques, and different outcome assessment variables used, makes it difficult to assess the practical benefit of its clinical use. Although no obvious positive effects of PRP on healing of bone graft material in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures were noted, the handling of the particulate bone grafts was improved.
Min-max MSE transceiver with switched preprocessing for MIMO interference channels

In this study, we propose a robust transceiver scheme with switched preprocessing (SP) for K-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) interference channels. The channel state information (CSI) available is assumed to be imperfect under norm-bounded errors (NBE). Each transmitter is provided with a codebook of permutation matrices, so that each arrangement of permutation matrices among the K transmitters will generate a group of K parallel transceivers. The optimum transceiver group within the class of all possible such groups is chosen by a suitable selection mechanism for data transmission. To design each transceiver group, we adopt a worst-case design approach to minimize the maximum per user MSE. We show that the proposed transceiver design problem can be partitioned into an alternating sequence of optimization and worst-case analysis subproblems, which involves solving Second-Order Cone Programming (SOCP) problems. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed SP-based transceiver is significantly better than existing methods in the presence of imperfect CSI.1.
Low sexual desire in women: amongst the confusion, could distress hold the key?

With the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) recently released, there has been important debate as to what constitutes low sexual desire/low sexual interest in women and how best to operationalise this construct. A new set of diagnostic criteria has been included for women who present with concerns relating to their level of desire. However, inherent to the diagnosis of “abnormal” or low level of sexual desire or interest, is the notion that there is a “normal” or average level of desire. Given that low desire is present in as many as 55% of women, it is possible that variations in desire levels may be a normative response to life circumstances. Increasing desire level has traditionally been the focus of therapy when individuals and couples experiencing desire problems present for treatment. However, this goal has proven difficult to achieve. Recent research investigating the distress associated with low desire, rather than low desire itself, may encourage a new line of potential treatment targets to address distress, as well as improve relationship quality. This paper will highlight the gaps in our understanding of this construct, outlining the seminal research conducted within the field, and offering support for new directions of enquiry.
Set-oriented constructs: from Rete rule bases to database systems

Set-oriented constructs for forward chaining rule-based systems are presented in this paper. These constructs allow arbitrary amounts of data to be matched and changed within the execution of a single rule. Second order tests on the data can be included in the match. The ability of a single rule to directly access all of the data to be manipulated eliminates the need for unwieldy control mechanisms and marking schemes. Adding this expressivity to rule-based languages enhances their value and capabilities as database programming languages since operations on entire relations can now be clearly specified, thus providing the database management system an opportunity to use its ability to update large amounts of data. Additionally, these set-oriented constructs can provide a basis for more efficient implementations of rule-based systems, for both the traditional memory-based systems and the emerging disk-based ones. The work described has been implemented using an extended version of the Rete network algorithm.
Implementation of Slotted Meander-Line Resonators for Isolation Enhancement in Microstrip Patch Antenna Arrays

A new approach to enhance the isolation in microstrip patch antenna arrays is described in this letter. The implementation of a slotted meander-line resonator (SMLR) is done by creating defect in the microstrip structure particularly designed for band-notch function. The resonator is designed to block the surface current at the resonant frequency of the two patch antennas coupled along H-plane and operating at a frequency of 4.8 GHz. The interelement isolation before and after the implementation of SMLR has been investigated. The proposed configuration provides an improvement in isolation by 16 dB (measured value) with a reduced edge-to-edge spacing of 7 mm $(\lambda_{o}/9)$. The configuration has been designed, simulated, and validated experimentally.
The ELAIS deep X-ray survey - I. Chandra source catalogue and first results

We present an analysis of two deep (75 ks) Chandra observations of the European Large Area Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) Survey (ELAIS) fields N1 and N2 as the first results from the ELAIS deep X-ray survey. This survey is being conducted in well-studied regions with extensive multiwavelength coverage. Here we present the Chandra source catalogues along with an analysis of source counts, hardness ratios and optical classifications. A total of 233 X-ray point sources are detected in addition to two soft extended sources, which are found to be associated with galaxy clusters. An overdensity of sources is found in N1 with 30 per cent more sources than N2, which we attribute to large-scale structure. A similar variance is seen between other deep Chandra surveys. The source count statistics reveal an increasing fraction of hard sources at fainter fluxes. The number of galaxy-like counterparts also increases dramatically towards fainter fluxes, consistent with the emergence of a large population of obscured sources.
Adaptive Interventions in Drug Court

This pilot study (N = 30) experimentally examines the effects of an adaptive intervention in a misdemeanor drug court. The adaptive algorithm adjusted the frequency of court hearings and case management sessions according to prespecified criteria in response to participants' performance. Results reveal that the adaptive algorithm was acceptable to clients and staff, was feasible to implement with greater than 85% fidelity, and showed promise for eliciting substantial improvements in drug abstinence and graduation rates. Compared to drug court as usual, participants in the adaptive condition were more likely to receive responses from the drug court team for inadequate performance and received those responses after a shorter period. This suggests the adaptive algorithm more readily focused the team's attention on poorly performing individuals, allowing them to address problems before they developed too fully. These preliminary data justify further research evaluating the adaptive algorithm in a fully powered experimental trial.
Controllable Synthesis and Gas-Sensing Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals With Exposed Different Percentage of Facets

A facile and controllable one-step hydrothermal method to synthesize nanodisks and nanorods of zinc oxide with exposed different crystal facets of (0001), (11̅00), (011̅0), and (101̅0) has been realized. It was found that the average percentage of exposed (0001) crystal facets follows the order of nanodisks > nanorods-1 > nanorods-2 > nanorods-3, while the average percentage of exposed (11̅00), (011̅0), and (101̅0) crystal facets decreases monotonically. The sensing tests to NO2 indicate that the nanodisks exhibit higher sensitivity. It has also been validated that the (0001) crystal facet has the highest surface energy and the lowest binding energy, which is considered to be the key factor of high gas-sensing by the calculations of density functional theory. This finding will open a new window to explore the relationship between gas-sensing and exposed facets and will be useful for designing gas-sensing materials with specifically exposed surfaces.
Methanol production during chemotaxis to amino acids in Bacillus subtilis

The 20 common amino acids act as attractants during chemotaxis by the Gram‐positive organism Bacillus subtilis. In this study, we report that all amino acids induce B. subtilis to produce methanol both upon addition and removal of the chemoeffector. Asparagine‐induced methanol production is specific to the McpB receptor and aspartate‐induced methanol production correlates with receptor occupancy. These findings suggest that addition and removal of all amino acids cause demethylation of specific receptors which results in methanol production. We also demonstrate that certain attractants cause greater production of methanol after multiple stimulations. CheC and CheD, while affecting the levels of receptor methylation, are not absolutely required for either methylation or demethylation. In contrast, CheY is necessary for methanol formation upon removal of attractant but not upon addition of attractant. We conclude that methanol formation due to negative stimuli indicates the existence of a unique adaptational mechanism in B. subtilis involving the response regulator, CheY.
Longitudinal brain volume measurement in multiple sclerosis: rate of brain atrophy is independent of the disease subtype.

BACKGROUND In multiple sclerosis (MS), brain atrophy depicted by magnetic resonance imaging reflects overall tissue loss, including axonal loss. OBJECTIVE To determine the course of atrophy by studying the rate of development of brain atrophy in patients who have different subtypes of MS. METHODS Eighty-three patients with MS (42 with relapsing-remitting, 21 with secondary progressive, and 20 with primary progressive) were studied longitudinally, with an interval of 2 to 4 years. Magnetic resonance imaging included T1- and T2-weighted images to obtain 2 brain volume measurements: (1) the parenchymal fraction as a marker of global brain atrophy and (2) the ventricular fraction as a marker of central atrophy. The annualized rate of global and central brain atrophy was compared between those with different subtypes of MS and related to clinical characteristics, including sex, age, disease duration, and disability. RESULTS There was a significant decrease of the parenchymal fraction (-0.7% per year; SEM, 0.11% per year) and a significant increase of ventricular fraction (3.7% per year; SEM, 0.54% per year) in the total group. Significant tissue loss was also seen in all 3 subtypes of MS; the decrease in parenchymal fraction was not different between subtypes, whereas the increase in ventricular fraction tended to be larger in patients with secondary progressive MS compared with patients with primary progressive MS. Marginal associations were found between clinical determinants and the rate of brain atrophy. Annualized increase in the ventricular fraction was correlated with age (r = -0.26) and duration of symptoms (r = -0.22): younger patients (mainly patients with relapsing-remitting MS who have a limited disability) displayed a larger increase in ventricular fraction compared with older patients. CONCLUSIONS The rate of development of brain atrophy is largely independent of the course of the disease and other clinical characteristics. The relentless loss of tissue occurring in MS is not restricted to later (progressive) phases of the disease, thereby stressing the need for early neuroprotective treatment in MS.
Histogenic Study of Human Foetal Endocrine Pancreas

The pancreas is an important organ from the point of view in human medicine, because it involves two important diseases Diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer. Pancreas has two distinct population of cells. Endocrine cells, Islets of Langerhans that secrete hormones. The exocrine cells, pancreatic acini secrete range of enzymes which together play an important role in metabolisms. Endocrine disease causes diabetes which affects at least 200 million people worldwide, and this number is expected to be doubled by the year 2025. (1) The exocrine part leads to pancreatic cancer causing about 65,000deaths in European countries which is virtually incurable. (2) The study was conducted on the histogenesis of Pancreatic Islets in 50 fresh human aborted foetuses without gross abnormality and were analysed in detail. The foetuses were from 12 to 40 weeks of gestational age of both the sexes and were preserved in formalin. These foetuses were collected from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KIMS Narkatpally, Nalgonda (Dist.), Telangana, (INDIA). Human foetal pancreases were studied under five stages of development of Pancreatic Islets and were screened by Haematoxylin and Eosin staining.The specimens were observed under light microscope and discussed with the findings from the available literature. The research of foetal pancreas has great implication in clinical practice and treatment protocol, as it is an optimal stage and a suitable organ for transplantation in patients of insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus as complete cell replacement therapy.
An iterative algorithm for joint antenna selection and power adaptation in energy efficient MIMO

As the growth of wireless communications is accompanied by increased energy consumption, energy-efficient communication is becoming imperative. This paper will discuss the energy efficiency of MIMO systems with antenna selection. The optimal method for the maximization of energy efficiency is exhaustive search. To address the problem, an iterative algorithm which includes the transmit antenna selection and power adaptation is proposed. It is based on the iterative property of the energy efficiency, which is derived in this paper. This property guides us to select the antenna that achieves the largest energy efficiency increment at each step. There is also a power adaptation for each step where we calculate the optimal transmission power and then set it as the initial one for the next step. Moreover, one asymptotic property exists in the proposed algorithm, which states that the antenna selection and power adaptation can be decoupled in high and low SNR regimes. This fact reduces the complexity further and enables us to achieve the optimal performance with a greater probability. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves near-optimal performance in all the SNR regimes and has a remarkable gain over the no selection scheme in the energy efficiency and transmission power.
Interference of scalp and skull with external measurements of brain isotope content. 1. Isotope content of scalp and skull.

nification was made. An estimate of the skull and scalp volume cover ing the hemispheres, rostral to a plane passing through the orbital roofs and internal occipital pro tuberance, was made by considering the skull and scalp to be hemispheric surfaces whose mean radii and thicknesses were calculated from radiographic measurements at the reference points indicated in Fig. 1. The volume of cranial cavity rostral to this plane was estimated by calculating the hemispheric volume using the mean interior radius of the skull. This approximates the brain volume rostral to the floor of the anterior and middle cranial fossae and the tentorium cerebelli. The estimated volumes will be only approximate because of the irregular shape of the skull, but they will provide some basis for estimating the absolute isotope content of these cranial tissues. Some of the inferior portion of the temporal lobes will be cx cluded from these estimates. Isotope distribution in animal tissues. New Zealand white rabbits (3â€”4kg) were given 100â€”200 @Ci of o9mTc.pertechnetate or 20 @@Ci of 131I-IHSA intra venously. * At various intervals afterwards the ani mats were decapitated after pentobarbital anesthesia. The radioactivity per unit weight of tissue was deter mined in whole blood, calvarial scalp, lumbar skin, lumbar paraspinous muscle, brain and calvarial skull. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained by cisternal
Analysis of Risk Factors for First Seizure after Stroke in Chinese Patients

The aim of this study is to assess related risk factors and predict early- and late-onset seizure after first-ever stroke. A total of 2474 consecutive patients with initial stroke in China from 1997 to 2007 were retrospectively investigated, in which, 24 clinical and radiological indexes were used for evaluation. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by logistic regression. A total of 232 (11.1%) of patients developed seizures during a mean follow-up period of 18 months, with 123 experiencing early-onset and 109 late-onset seizure. The independent risk factors for early-onset seizure were large lesion (OR = 9.36), subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR = 5.28), initial hyponatremia (OR = 2.10), and cortical involvement (OR = 1.33). The independent risk factors for late-onset seizure were cortical involvement (OR = 11.84) and large lesion (OR = 1.87). These results demonstrated that the risk factors for early seizure after stroke are large lesion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and cortical involvement. Surprisingly, hyponatremia also predicts seizure in stroke patients. Cortical involvement is a major risk factor for late-onset seizure after stroke.