Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immediate and early function of Brånemark System implants placed in the esthetic zone: a 1-year prospective clinical multicenter study.

BACKGROUND Immediate/early implant function means great benefits for patients and therapists because treatment time and cost can be substantially reduced. This concept has become an accepted alternative for complete arch fixed restorations in the mandible, and clinical documentation is emerging for other indications. PURPOSE The purpose of this prospective clinical multicenter study was to evaluate the outcome of implants placed in incisor, canine, and premolar regions in maxillas or mandibles. Implants were loaded with provisional crowns and bridges on the same day or within a few days and were followed up for 1 year during function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four centers treated 76 patients each in need of an implant-retained prosthesis in the anterior and premolar regions in the maxilla or mandible. A total of 116 titanium implants with machined surfaces (Brånemark System , Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) were placed: 74 in maxillas and 42 in mandibles. Eighty-seven prostheses were made, of which 63 were single crowns and 24 were bridges (supported by 53 splinted implants). Twenty-two implants in 14 patients were placed in fresh extraction sites. The goal with the preparation and insertion technique was to achieve good primary implant stability and a minimum implant insertion torque of 30 Ncm before the implant was completely seated. The occlusion was adjusted to eliminate direct contact with the provisional prostheses. After 6 months, the patients received their permanent prostheses. Sixty-seven patients were followed for 1 year. RESULTS Five implants were lost in five patients, three in the maxilla and two in the mandible. Four of the lost implants were single-tooth replacements and one was splinted. The cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 95.7% for all implants after 1 year and 93.7% and 98.1% for single-tooth and splinted implants, respectively. There were no implant losses in the extraction sites. CONCLUSIONS The CSR of 96% at 1 year indicates that immediate function of Brånemark System implants placed in incisor to premolar regions in both jaws is a viable concept. More failures occurred with single-tooth replacements (6.3%) than with splinted implants (1.9%).
Association of the Lewis genotype with cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study

Objectives. To evaluate the relationship of Lewis genotypes with major cardiovascular risk factors and the intima‐media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries. Lewis genotyping included four major mutations of the Lewis (FUT3) gene at nucleotide positions 59, 1067, 202 and 314.
Are the Nutritional Recommendations for Insulin‐dependent Diabetic Patients Being Achieved?

Dietary intake was assessed, using a 3‐day recorded food diary, in 122 patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes. Subjects were selected randomly from patients attending a diabetic clinic and stratified for age, sex, and duration of diabetes. The findings were compared to the dietary recommendations of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and to the findings in a recent Irish National Nutrition Survey. The average daily protein intake among diabetic patients was 18 % of the total calories, significantly higher than recommended by EASD and significantly higher than in the age‐matched general population. Dietary fat intake was on average 37 % of total calorie intake, again significantly higher than recommended and greater than in the general population among older patients. Saturated fat intake was higher than recommended and polyunsaturated fat intake was low. The average carbohydrate intake was 42 % of total calories, significantly lower than recommended and similar to that in the general population. Sugar intake was lower and starch intake was higher among patients than in the general population, however. Fibre intake was also lower than recommended, but was higher than in the general population. We conclude that the present dietary targets for diabetic patients are not being fully achieved.
Compaction, Retraction, and Constraint Satisfaction

In this paper, we show a very close relationship among the compaction, retraction, and constraint satisfaction problems in the context of reflexive and bipartite graphs. The compaction and retraction problems are special graph coloring problems, and the constraint satisfaction problem is well known to have an important role in artificial intelligence. The relationships we present provide evidence that, similar to %as for the retraction problem, it is likely to be difficult to determine whether for every fixed reflexive or bipartite graph, the compaction problem is polynomial time solvable or NP-complete. In particular, the relationships that we present relate to a long-standing open problem concerning the equivalence of the compaction and retraction problems.
Accuracy of Japanese pitch accent rises during and after shadowing training

We conducted a longitudinal study on the effectivene ss of shadowing training for Chinese and Mongolian learners of Japanese. The purpose of the present study was to clarify (1) the effect of longitudinal shadowing training for realization of pitch accent, and (2) to discuss if the difference of effectiveness depends on the learners’ proficiency level as well as their first language. 15 Japanese as a foreign language (JFL) learners participated in this study. They are divided into two groups according to their level of Japanese proficiency. Each group was instructed to shadow a dialog ten times without seeing a script for three sessions over a seven week period. The results showed that speech rate and accuracy of pitch accent rose significantly after seven weeks in both groups, but each group was different in the ways of improvement.
Bandwidth efficient concatenated coding schemes for fading channels

Concatenated codes consisting of trellis inner codes and Reed-Solomon outer codes are considered to achieve large coding gains with small bandwidth expansion in the presence of frequency-nonselective slow Rician fading. Both errors-only and errors-erasures decoding algorithms for outer codes are applied. New upper bounds on bit error probability performance in the presence of fading are obtained and compared with simulation results for zero channel memory. The effect of interleaving in eliminating channel memory is investigated. The performance gains that are achieved by the coding scheme relative to the reference uncoded systems are illustrated via some examples. >
Mozambican Teachers' Professional Knowledge about Limits of Functions.

The limit concept has been chosen because it is the first higher Mathematics concept met by students in secondary schools. It is a very abstract concept and difficulties experienced by students have been explained as caused by a gap between the concept-definition and the concept-image (Tall & Vinner, 1981). Several studies in Mathematics Education about the concept of limits have already been done. In a European context, these studies relate to students conceptions (Tall & Vinner, 1981; Cornu, 1984; Sierpinska, 1987), epistemological issues (Cornu, 1991; Sierpinska, 1985; Schneider, 2001) or results of didactical engineering (Robinet, 1983; Trouche, 1996). In the Mozambican context, they relate to the institutional relation (Chevallard, 1992) of secondary education (Mutemba & Huillet, 1999), the personal relation of some teachers (Huillet & Mutemba, 2000), and students’ understanding of limits (Mutemba, 2002). In my research, I focus on the professional knowledge of mathematics teachers on this concept.
Comparative genetic diversity studies in the genus Lathyrus using RFLP and RAPD markers

Introduction The genus Lathyrus is a member of the Viciae tribe (family Fabaceae). The genus consists of about 160 annual and perennial species (1, . The species are seperated into 13 sections based on morphological traits . In Tunisia, the genus Lathyrus is represented by 15 species with a broad distribution . Some species such as L. sativus, L. cicera, L. odoratus and others are of agricultural importance as forage, fodder or ornamental plants and have a long history as cultivated plants. Taking into account the utility that the culture of these species can have in Tunisia and in the Mediterranean basin, a good knowledge of their biology and some organization of their genetic diversity is necessary to preserve the Tunisian genetic inheritance.
Mobile robot helper

We propose a mobile robot helper and its motion control algorithm for handling an object in cooperation with a human. First, we introduce a prototype of the mobile robot helper, "MR Helper", which consists of two manipulators and an omnidirectional mobile base. We then propose a control algorithm of the MR Helper for handling an object in cooperation with a human. The control algorithm specifies the apparent dynamics of the manipulated object so that the human could handle the manipulated object together with the robot. Load sharing by the MR Helper and a human is also realized by introducing a lifting-up/down system. The control algorithm is experimentally applied to the "MR Helper", and the experimental results illustrate the validity of the proposed control algorithms.
Nonurgent pediatric emergency department visits: Care-seeking behavior and parental knowledge of insurance

Objectives The goals of this study were to describe the factors associated with utilization of emergency services for nonurgent illnesses by insured children in a pediatric emergency department (PED) and to assess parental knowledge of their insurance and its influence on care-seeking behaviors. Methods We conducted a prospective, descriptive survey of parents of insured children evaluated for nonurgent illnesses in an urban PED. Results A total of 251 surveys were completed. The primary reason chosen by the parent for the PED visit was convenience in 62.8% of cases, a perceived true emergency in 33.6%, and lack of other access to a physician in 3.6%. Parents choosing the PED for perceived emergencies were more likely to state that the illness was life threatening or required hospital admission than those who came because of convenience (33/84 vs. 28/157;P < 0.001). Only 38.7% stated that they were educated as to what problems are considered emergencies by their insurance carriers. PED referrals for nonurgent complaints are required by the insurance carrier for 74.9% of the population; however, only 37.2% of the parents stated that referrals were necessary. Primary care physician (PCP) contact was made prior to the visit by 45.4% of parents. Of those who called the PCP, 72.6% stated that they were referred to the PED. Of the parents who believed that a referral was required, those stating that the problem was an emergency were more likely to have contacted the PCP than those who came because of convenience (27/37 vs. 22/46;P < 0.037). Conclusions Parents frequently do not understand their insurance coverage as it relates to emergency care utilization. This lack of knowledge influences their care-seeking behaviors for nonurgent illnesses. Convenience is a significant factor in PED utilization for nonurgent complaints.
Influence of age on swallows of a highly viscous liquid bolus.

BACKGROUND Swallow function has a decline with aging, mainly in those over 80 years old. In the population over 69 years, about 11% of subjects reported symptoms indicative of significant dysphagia. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to evaluate the hypothesis that older asymptomatic subjects before 80 years old have compensations to sustain a safe and efficient swallow, at least with swallows of liquid bolus. METHODS We performed videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallows in 55 normal volunteers, a younger group with 33 subjects (16 men and 17 women) aged 19 to 55 years, mean 35.5±9.8 years, and an older group with 22 subjects (15 men and 7 women) aged 56 to 77 years, mean 64.8±6.8 years. The subjects swallowed in duplicate 5 mL and 10 mL of liquid barium with a pH of 7.9, density of 1.82 g/cm3, and viscosity of 895 cp. Results The mean duration of pharyngeal transit, pharyngeal clearance, upper esophageal sphincter opening, hyoid movement and oral-pharyngeal transit were longer in the younger group compared with the older group. The relation between pharyngeal clearance duration and hyoid movement duration was similar in younger and older subjects, for 5 mL and 10 mL bolus volumes. CONCLUSIONS On average, a highly viscous liquid bolus crosses the pharynx faster in older subjects (56-77 years old) than in younger subjects (19-55 years old), which suggested an adaptation to the aging process to maintain a safe swallow.
Impact of aqueous bark extract of Terminalia arjuna on hematological and immunological profile variables of albino rats

The effect of aqueous extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna on some hematlogical and immunological parameters in rats during a seven-day administration of the doses of 250mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight orally was investigated. The results showed significant increase in total leucocyte count, monocytes, eosinophil, monocytes, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corp. hemo. Conc, and platelet count in both the cases, when it was treated with low doses and high doses but in neutrophil, hematocrit significantly increased in case of low doses and reduced significantly with high doses and lymphocyte reduced with low doses and significantly increased in case of high doses. In Immunology, the IGG count showed no significant change in low dose, high dose as compared to control and non-significant changes when low dose compared to high dose. The IGM count showed significant changes in low dose, as compared to control; increased significantly in high dose, compared to control and non-significant changes observed in low dose as compared to high dose. The IGA count showed no significant changes when low dose, high dose was compared to control but increased significantly, when low dose compared to high dose. The results of this study suggest that the extracts showed beneficial effects on hematology and immunity related disorders and can be used in medicinal formulations.
Is there a link between the severity of sleep‐disordered breathing and atherosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries?

Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and cerebrovascular diseases. A total of 114 male patients, aged 40–65 years, referred to sleep laboratory for the evaluation of snoring and disturbed sleep were studied. Subjects were divided into three groups: habitual snoring, mild–moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), respectively, determined by using three respiratory disturbance index (RDI) cut points (≤5, 5 < RDI < 30 and ≥30). Measurement of intima‐media thickness (IMT) and the presence of plaque were determined by ultrasonographic evaluation. Major vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and obesity were determined. The OSA groups had significantly higher IMT values compared with the habitual snoring group. Three groups were significantly different with regard to the presence of plaque. Age and body mass index were found to be significantly associated with IMT while age and RDI were found to be most probably predictive for plaque. There were no significant differences amongst the three groups with respect to age, prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, smoking, total cholesterol and total triglyceride levels. These findings suggested that SDB is a predisposing factor for the atherosclerotic process and precipitate plaque particularly when associated with higher RDI.
An architecture-driven, business-specific, and component-based approach to software engineering

The paper describes an approach to software reuse which is under development and evaluation at Andersen Consulting. Instead of restricting reuse to just code, we are exploring reuse of architectures that include component interfaces, interconnections between components, and platform configuration. The approach assumes that first a desired architecture is chosen and tailored according to the constraints at hand. Then, appropriate components are retrieved from a repository, subjected to restricted modifications if necessary and "glued" together following the architectural guidelines. Finally, a version of a system is automatically packaged from the selected components and the architectural specifications. The paper presents the approach and some initial experiments in the design of an interface specification language and an environment in which modules can be interconnected and their interface specifications used to determining the integrity of the connections. <<ETX>>
A dynamic extensor brace reduces electromyographic activity of wrist extensor muscles in patients with lateral epicondylalgia.

STUDY DESIGN Semiexperimental study. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of an external wrist extension force on extensor muscle activity during hand gripping in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. BACKGROUND Lateral epicondylalgia or "tennis elbow" is a common, often disabling ailment affecting millions of people. An optimal treatment strategy remains to be identified. The use of an external wrist extension force may reduce the extensor muscle activity during gripping in these patients. METHODS Muscle activity of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), extensor digitorum communis (EDC), and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) was measured using surface EMG. Subjects gripped at an intensity of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force with and without the dynamic extensor brace and with and without an applied external wrist extension force of 1%, 2%, and 3% of MVC. RESULTS At all levels of MVC gripping, the EMG signal of the ECRB and EDC were significantly lower for gripping with than without brace. An extension force of 3% of the MVC force significantly reduced the EMG signal of all muscles in almost all measurement conditions. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that the dynamic extensor brace as well as the external extension force significantly reduced the EMG signal of the wrist extensor muscles during gripping in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. Based on these results, the dynamic extensor brace could be a promising new intervention for lateral epicondylalgia.
Clonal dissemination of T-lymphocytes in scid mice from familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

BACKGROUND Although familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) has been considered a disorder of T-cell dysfunction, there is no evidence of the clonal origin of T-cells in this disease. PROCEDURE We engrafted mononuclear cells (MNCs) from five FHL patients into scid mice and examined the infiltration of human cells in mouse organs. The characterization of human cells that infiltrated in the mouse organs was then performed. RESULTS A diffuse infiltration of human lymphoid cells was detected in scid mice treated with 1 x 10(6) MNCs from one of the five patients. These cells were positive for HLA-DR and CD3, but negative for CD4, CD8, CD20, and CD68, suggesting the infiltration of double negative (DN) T-cells. The MNCs from the other four patients induced murine lymphoma-like disease; T-cell lymphoma in one and lymphoma of unknown origin in three. The characterization of these human DN T-cells was performed. The analysis of the Vbeta repertoire showed no preferential usage of the Vbeta family in MNCs, while the dominant expression of Vbeta13 was detected in T-cells infiltrating in the spleen and lung. A Jbeta analysis showed the restricted usage of Jbeta1.2 for Vbeta13 in these cells, and the clonality of Vbeta13-Jbeta1.2 fragment was confirmed by a single-strand confirmation polymorphism analysis. The analysis of the Valpha repertoire showed that Valpha24 was exclusively used in these DN T-cells, but no usage of JalphaQ for Valpha24 was observed. CONCLUSIONS A clonal expansion of T-cells was induced in scid mice by the engraftment of MNCs from an FHL patient. The infiltration of DN alphabeta T-cells bearing invariant Valpha24 T-cell receptor in mouse organs may provide a useful clue to the pathogenesis of FHL. In the patients whose MNCs induced murine lymphoma-like disease, some cytokines or unknown factors that stimulate the growth and the tumorigenicity of murine lymphocytes might be produced by the MNCs engrafted in scid mice. Further study is needed to confirm the validity of our experimental approach and the findings observed in scid mice by using more FHL samples.
Autonomic Peripheral Neuropathies: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

This brief review was written with the intention of familiarizing the reader with autonomic peripheral neuropathies. We have discussed what we think are the main presenting symptoms of these conditions, briefly outlining some specific autonomic neuropathies. We then provide a general guideline to evaluation and diagnosis by using both widely available, as well as more sophisticated, techniques. Finally, we have addressed management. Whenever possible, specific treatment of underlying disorders leads to the best outcome However, for many autonomic neuropathies, no cure is available, although symptomatic management can effectively improve patients“ quality of life.
Processing Abilities Associated with Phonologic and Orthographic Skills in Adult Learning Disability

Measures of orthographic and phonologic skills were related to co-normed Woodcock Johnson-Revised (WJ-R) cognitive measures in 138 college age, learning problem adults. Only orthographic deficits were associated with a processing disorder (p<.001). Selective processing abilities were associated with phonologic (p<.001, δadj R2=.053) and orthographic (p<.001, δadj R2=.047) skills after removal of variance associated with general intelligence. Analyses found common processing abilities across both phonologic and orthographic skills for WJ-R visual processing (–Gv) and short-term memory processing factors (Gsm) (p<.001). Cluster analysis established a phonologic deficit and a double deficit (phonologic and orthographic) group. Discussion relates results to the differences between adult and child reading decoding deficits, the lack of a selective orthographically impaired subtype of dyslexia, and the evidence of visual processing compensation for reading problems.
A justification for less restrictive guidelines on the use of metformin in stable chronic renal failure

The aim was to justify less restrictive use of metformin in stable chronic renal failure, because a literature review reveals metformin is associated with a significantly lower incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality compared with other hypoglycaemic agents, and metformin‐associated lactic acidosis is rare and causation uncertain. Studies on intentional metformin overdose and metformin bioavailability, renal clearance and plasma metformin in renal impairment provide evidence in support of a less restrictive use of metformin.
The Schwarzschild effect of the dosimetry film Kodak EDR 2

The magnitude of the Schwarzschild effect or failure of the reciprocity law has been experimentally investigated for the dosimetry film EDR 2 from Kodak. When the dose rate applied to achieve a given dose was reduced by a factor of 12, the net optical density was reduced by up to 5%. The clinical importance of this effect is negligible as long as the films are calibrated at a value of the dose rate approximately representative of the dose rates occurring in the target volume, but in target regions of strongly reduced dose rate the Schwarzschild effect should be allowed for by a correction of the net optical density.