Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of modifying the adhesive composition on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

In an attempt to save chair time during bonding, metal brackets have been precoated with the adhesive material. Although the adhesive used on the precoated brackets is basically similar in composition to that used for bonding uncoated brackets, there are differences in the percentages of the various ingredients incorporated in the material. These changes are intended to enhance specific clinical properties. The purpose of this study was to determine whether modifications in the composition of the adhesives, used on precoated and uncoated metal brackets, affect their shear bond strengths during the first half hour after bonding. This is the time span when the initial arch wires are ligated. Sixty freshly extracted human molars were bonded with three different compositions of the same basic adhesive. The teeth were mounted in phenolic rings. An occlusogingival load was applied to the brackets producing a shear force at the bracket-tooth interface utilizing a Zwick Universal Test Machine. Analysis of variance was used to compare the three adhesives. Significance was predetermined at < or =. 05 level of confidence. The present findings indicated that the shear bond strengths of the various modifications of the adhesive used on two different precoated metal brackets were not significantly different (F-ratio = .729 and P = .407) from those obtained with the conventional adhesive used on uncoated brackets. The mean values for the shear bond strengths of the two precoated brackets were: APC = 5.1+/-1.7 MPa and APC II = 4.9+/-2.1 MPa. The shear bond strength for the conventional adhesive used on the uncoated brackets was = 5.7+/-2.4 MPa. All bracket/adhesive combinations tested provided clinically acceptable shear bond forces within the first 30 minutes after initial bonding.
Multilevel Feature Fusion-Based CNN for Local Climate Zone Classification From Sentinel-2 Images: Benchmark Results on the So2Sat LCZ42 Dataset

As a unique classification scheme for urban forms and functions, the local climate zone (LCZ) system provides essential general information for any studies related to urban environments, especially on a large scale. Remote sensing data-based classification approaches are the key to large-scale mapping and monitoring of LCZs. The potential of deep learning-based approaches is not yet fully explored, even though advanced convolutional neural networks (CNNs) continue to push the frontiers for various computer vision tasks. One reason is that published studies are based on different datasets, usually at a regional scale, which makes it impossible to fairly and consistently compare the potential of different CNNs for real-world scenarios. This article is based on the big So2Sat LCZ42 benchmark dataset dedicated to LCZ classification. Using this dataset, we studied a range of CNNs of varying sizes. In addition, we proposed a CNN to classify LCZs from Sentinel-2 images, Sen2LCZ-Net. Using this base network, we propose fusing multilevel features using the extended Sen2LCZ-Net-MF. With this proposed simple network architecture, and the highly competitive benchmark dataset, we obtain results that are better than those obtained by the state-of-the-art CNNs, while requiring less computation with fewer layers and parameters. Large-scale LCZ classification examples of completely unseen areas are presented, demonstrating the potential of our proposed Sen2LCZ-Net-MF as well as the So2Sat LCZ42 dataset. We also intensively investigated the influence of network depth and width, and the effectiveness of the design choices made for Sen2LCZ-Net-MF. This article will provide important baselines for future CNN-based algorithm developments for both LCZ classification and other urban land cover land use classification. Code and pretrained models are available at https://github.com/ChunpingQiu/benchmark-on-So2SatLCZ42-dataset-a-simple-tour.
Flying the smoky skies: secondhand smoke exposure of flight attendants

Objective: To assess the contribution of secondhand smoke (SHS) to aircraft cabin air pollution and flight attendants’ SHS exposure relative to the general population. Methods: Published air quality measurements, modelling studies, and dosimetry studies were reviewed, analysed, and generalised. Results: Flight attendants reported suffering greatly from SHS pollution on aircraft. Both government and airline sponsored studies concluded that SHS created an air pollution problem in aircraft cabins, while tobacco industry sponsored studies yielding similar data concluded that ventilation controlled SHS, and that SHS pollution levels were low. Between the time that non-smoking sections were established on US carriers in 1973, and the two hour US smoking ban in 1988, commercial aircraft ventilation rates had declined three times as fast as smoking prevalence. The aircraft cabin provided the least volume and lowest ventilation rate per smoker of any social venue, including stand up bars and smoking lounges, and afforded an abnormal respiratory environment. Personal monitors showed little difference in SHS exposures between flight attendants assigned to smoking sections and those assigned to non-smoking sections of aircraft cabins. Conclusions: In-flight air quality measurements in ~250 aircraft, generalised by models, indicate that when smoking was permitted aloft, 95% of the harmful respirable suspended particle (RSP) air pollution in the smoking sections and 85% of that in the non-smoking sections of aircraft cabins was caused by SHS. Typical levels of SHS-RSP on aircraft violated current (PM2.5) federal air quality standards ~threefold for flight attendants, and exceeded SHS irritation thresholds by 10 to 100 times. From cotinine dosimetry, SHS exposure of typical flight attendants in aircraft cabins is estimated to have been >6-fold that of the average US worker and ~14-fold that of the average person. Thus, ventilation systems massively failed to control SHS air pollution in aircraft cabins. These results have implications for studies of the past and future health of flight attendants.
AIF-1 Is an Actin-Polymerizing and Rac1-Activating Protein That Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration

Abstract— Development of vascular restenosis is a multifaceted process characterized by migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), resulting in loss of lumen diameter. Characterization of proteins that mediate this process is essential in our understanding of the pathogenesis of arterial injury. Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) is a cytoplasmic, calcium-binding protein that is expressed in VSMCs by allograft and balloon angioplasty injury. AIF-1 is not present in cultured human VSMCs but is induced by cytokines, and overexpression of AIF-1 results in increased VSMC growth and cell-cycle gene expression. To characterize AIF-1 modulatory effects in primary human VSMCs, AIF-1–interacting proteins were identified by an AIF-1/glutathione S transferase fusion protein affinity assay. MALDI-TOF mass spectrophotometric amino analysis identified actin as an AIF-1 interacting protein. This interaction was verified by coimmunoprecipitation. This is a functional interaction, because AIF-1 binds to and polymerizes F-actin in vitro. In unstimulated VSMCs, AIF-1 colocalizes with F-actin but translocates to lamellipodia on stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor. VSMCs stably transduced with AIF-1 retrovirus migrate 2.6-fold more rapidly (85.1±2.9 versus 225.5±16.6;P <0.001) in response to platelet-derived growth factor versus control cells. AIF-1 colocalizes with Rac1, and AIF-1–transduced VSMCs show a constitutive and enhanced activation of Rac1, providing a mechanism for the increased migration. These data indicate that AIF-1 binds and polymerizes F actin and also regulates Rac1 activity and VSMC migration. Considering the AIF-1 expression pattern in injured arteries, this suggests that AIF-1 may be involved in the cytoskeletal signaling network leading to vascular remodeling.
The Effect of a Virtual Reality Game Intervention on Balance for Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) balance training conducted using Kinect for Xbox® games on patients with chronic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty patients with mild to moderate motor deficits were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: VR plus standard treatment group and standard treatment (ST) group. In total, 12 training sessions (90 minutes a session, twice a week) were conducted in both groups, and performance was assessed at three time points (pretest, post-test, and follow-up) by a blinded assessor. The outcome measures were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test, and Timed Up and Go Test (cognitive; TUG-cog) for balance evaluations; Modified Barthel Index for activities of daily living ability; Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale for balance confidence; and Stroke Impact Scale for quality of life. The pleasure scale and adverse events were also recorded after each training session. RESULTS Both groups exhibited significant improvement over time in the BBS (P = 0.000) and TUG-cog test (P = 0.005). The VR group rated the experience as more pleasurable than the ST group during the intervention (P = 0.027). However, no significant difference was observed in other outcome measures within or between the groups. No serious adverse events were observed during the treatment in either group. CONCLUSIONS VR balance training by using Kinect for Xbox games plus the traditional method had positive effects on the balance ability of patients with chronic stroke. The VR group experienced higher pleasure than the ST group during the intervention.
Levels of Proelaﬁn Peptides in the Sera of the Patients with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis and Pustulosis Palmoplantaris

The levels of proelaﬁn peptides in the sera of patients with pustulosis palmoplantaris, a unique type of localized pustular psoriasis, and generalized pustular psoriasis were determined by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using antibodies against synthetic proelaﬁn polypeptides corresponding to the elastase inhibitor (elaﬁn) and transglutaminase substrate domains. The sera of patients with pustulosis palmoplantaris (9 cases) exhibited a normal range of proelaﬁn peptide levels. The sera of patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (3 cases) showed high titres of proelaﬁn peptide. There were no large differences in the titres between the 2 antibodies. The antibodies for 2 different domains of proelaﬁn showed a similar immunoreactivity for the non-pustular region of the epidermis in all pustulosis palmoplantaris tested. The results indicate that serum proelaﬁn peptides in pustular psoriasis may depend on the extent of the involved area, and that proelaﬁn peptide level in pustulosis palmoplantaris remains normal despite enhanced local expression in the lesional skin. Since the skin lesions of patients with pustulosis palmoplantaris are limited to the palms and soles, enhanced expression of proelaﬁn in the lesional skin may not lead to elevation of proelaﬁn peptides in the serum.
Complications and clinical outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of one- or two-level degenerative disc diseases of the lumbar spine in patients older than 65 years.

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) has been successfully used to treat degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine. There are few reports comparing the complications and clinical outcomes in older patients who have undergone one- or two-level MIS-TLIF with those of younger patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of MIS-TLIF in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine of the patients older than 65 years, with an emphasis on perioperative complications compared to the younger patients. METHODS One hundred and fifty-one consecutive cases of one- or two-level degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine treated with MIS-TLIF were reviewed for the radiological and clinical outcomes. They were divided into elderly group (age ≥ 65 years old) and younger group (age < 65 years old), and were followed for at least 6 months. Radiographs were obtained before and after surgery, 3 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up to determine the presence of fusion, hardware-related problems. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after surgery, and at the final follow-up. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of back and leg pain were evaluated as well. The intra-operative data and peri-operative complications were recorded. RESULTS The mean age of these patients at operation was (57.7 ± 14.2) years (range 26 - 82 years). Of 151 patients, 62 were 65 years or older. The elderly patients had more comorbidities and more porportion of lumbar canal stenosis. The overall fusion rate was 88.4% at the final follow-up, with no significant difference between younger and elderly patients. The ODI, the VAS of back pain and radicular pain of both young and elderly group were significantly improved after surgery and at the final follow-up, without significant difference between two groups. There were 16 complications with an incidence of 10.6%, including 7 major complications and 9 minor complications. There was no significant difference of the incidence of complications between two groups. The incidence of dura tear was significantly related to bilateral deompression. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and radiological outcomes of MIS-TLIF in the treatment of one- or two-level degenerative disc diseases of lumbar spine in the elderly patients were satisfactory. Though there are more pre-operative comorbidities, with proper patient selection, the elderly patients are not at increased risk of perioperative complications compared to younger patients. Screw malposition and dura tear, which are the most frequent complications, were more related to the surgical technique and should be avoided.
Leveraging Learning Behavior and Network Structure to Improve Knowledge Gatekeepers’ Performance

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how universities' learning behavior (explorative or exploitative) and network structure (weak or strong inter‐organizational ties) can affect their capability to collect and diffuse knowledge, and thus to act as knowledge gatekeepers. , – The research methodology is based on the longitudinal study (from 2000 to 2007) of three UK universities (University of Cambridge, London's Global University, and Imperial College London), located in the area of London and selected on the basis of their knowledge mobility. In particular, to evaluate the knowledge mobility for each university, the paper considers the collaborative R&D relationships established by each university, in terms of joint‐patents registered at the European Patent Office (EPO). , – The analysis has revealed that the universities' knowledge mobility is positively affected by both the explorative learning behavior and the establishment of strong inter‐organizational ties. Moreover, results have shown that an increase of the explorative speed can entail a less positive effect of the exploration on the universities' knowledge mobility, since they can become less able to consolidate and implement the acquired new knowledge. , – On the basis of these results, the present research provides interesting implications. In fact, recognizing the importance of explorative learning mechanisms, universities should enlarge and diversify their competencies and technological bases in order to be more effective knowledge sources and gatekeepers. Nevertheless, this shift towards new technologies and scientific fields should occur gradually, for instance towards more similar and contiguous technologies, so guaranteeing the necessary strengthening of skills and capabilities. Referring to the universities' network structure, the research suggests the importance of strong inter‐organizational ties as mechanisms that enable the transfer of knowledge. Hence, universities should promote the formation of stable and long‐lasting alliances and collaborations for favouring the creation of a trustworthy environment where knowledge can be exchanged and innovations rise. , – The study contributes to the existing literature on knowledge gatekeepers, identifying its main performance, measuring it, and analyzing the impact exerted by two factors, as learning behavior and network structure.
Early Fusion Strategy for Entity-Relationship Retrieval

We address the task of entity-relationship (E-R) retrieval, i.e, given a query characterizing types of two or more entities and relationships between them, retrieve the relevant tuples of related entities. Answering E-R queries requires gathering and joining evidence from multiple unstructured documents. In this work, we consider entity and relationships of any type, i.e, characterized by context terms instead of pre-defined types or relationships. We propose a novel IR-centric approach for E-R retrieval, that builds on the basic early fusion design pattern for object retrieval, to provide extensible entity-relationship representations, suitable for complex, multi-relationships queries. We performed experiments with Wikipedia articles as entity representations combined with relationships extracted from ClueWeb-09-B with FACC1 entity linking. We obtained promising results using 3 different query collections comprising 469 E-R queries.
Dependence of Magnetoresistance and Superconducting Transition Temperature on Relative Orientation of Magnetization Easy Axis to Current Direction in a Py/Nb/Py Trilayer

The magnetoresistance (MR) and the superconducting transition temperature T c as well as the longitudinal and the transverse magnetic moments are studied in order to find an underlying cause for the inverse spin switch behavior of bare Py/Nb/Py trilayers. Our measurements consistently show that the increase of MR and the decrease of T c in the case of the antiparallel alignment between the magnetizations of the two Py layers (AP state) compared to those in the parallel alignment (P state), which is known as the inverse spin switch behavior, are largely due to stray field from the domain walls in the domain state that occurs during the AP state. The influence of stray field on the MR and the T c shift between the AP and P state is measured in the bridges with each axis oriented at various angles phi with respect to the magnetization easy axis. With increasing phi from 0deg to 90deg, T c shift between the AP and P state is almost constant around 5 mK up to phi = 54deg, then becomes 11 mK when phi = 72deg, but is reduced to 2 mK for phi = 90deg . In addition, the effect by the stray field not originating in the domain walls is observed outside the domain states in the MR and in the transverse magnetic moment measurements.
Hb Trento: An Elongated C‐Terminal β Chain Due to a New Frameshift Mutation [β144 (−A)]

An elongated C‐terminal hemoglobin variant, due to the deletion of nucleotide A in codon 144 (nucleotide 63600 GenBank entry UO1317) was found in a 31‐year‐old woman from Trento (northeastern Italy). This deletion led to the replacement of lysine at β144 by a serine residue, the disappearance of the stop codon at position 147, and the presence of 12 additional residues, identical to those observed in Hbs Saverne, Tak and Cranston, which result from a similar mechanism. Hb Trento, amounting to 29% of the total hemoglobin, was unstable and had, as the other variants of this group, an increased oxygen affinity. It led to a mild compensated hemolytic anemia with red cell inclusion bodies. Functional studies of the isolated abnormal hemoglobin were difficult to perform because of autoxidation, precipitation, and formation of hybrids with Hb A.
Expression of nm23‐H1 is associated with poor prognosis in peripheral T‐cell lymphoma

Summary. We have reported previously that the serum nm23‐H1 level is a prognostic factor for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this study, we examined nm23‐H1 expression in T‐ and natural killer (NK)‐cell lymphoma in order to evaluate whether lymphoma cells produce the protein. The clinical significance of the cytotoxic molecules, T‐cell intracellular antigen‐1 (TIA‐1) and granzyme B and nm23‐H1 expression were also examined. Expression of nm23‐H1, TIA‐1, or granzyme B was examined by immunohistochemistry in 137 previously untreated lymphoma patients. The relationship between the results and clinical outcome was examined in 81 patients with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, unspecified. The neoplastic cells of some lymphomas produced nm23‐H1 and the expression rates of nm‐23‐H1, TIA‐1 and granzyme B were 36·5%, 78·8% and 32·8% respectively. The nm23‐H1‐positive or TIA‐1‐positive groups had significantly shorter overall and disease‐free survivals. Multivariate analysis confirmed nm23‐H1 expression to be an independent prognostic factor. The nm23‐H1 protein can be an important prognostic factor in the lymphomas studied here. New treatments that target nm23 overexpression could be developed as a result of nm23‐HI production by lymphoma cells.
BLOOD COMPOSITION OF DIFFERENT BEEF BREED TYPES

Two studies were conducted to examine the blood composition of cattle of different breed types. The first study involved 357 crossbred cows of Hereford × Angus, Charolais × British breed, Simmental × British breed and Limousin × British breed crosses, ranging in age from 12 to 14 yr. Sixteen blood characteristics were measured from the June and September blood samples. The second study used 23 Shorthorn cow-calf pairs from a line selected for yearling weight and 25 cow-calf pairs from a corresponding unselected control line of Shorthorns. These cow-calf pairs were bled 11 times, starting at calving and then at 28-d intervals thereafter, with 11 blood characteristics measured. The crosbred cows differed significantly in hemoglobin, packed cell volume, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, urea nitrogen, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, uric acid and serum total protein. Increased yearling weight resulting from selection was associated with higher blood creatinine levels at maturity (.
An evaluation of artificial fiducial markers in underwater environments

This paper presents an evaluation of artificial fiducial markers in underwater environments. Due to the readily available code, the ARToolKit, AprilTags and ArUco marker systems are chosen for this purpose. The experiments are conducted in a tank equipped with a 3D gantry robot and a roll-tilt sensor head that allows to move the camera with millimeter precision. The markers are compared with each other at six turbidity levels in two lighting scenarios. The criteria are the smallest detectable marker size (in pixels), the maximum angle (camera-to-marker), the maximum distance and required processing time. The results show that the AprilTags library outperforms the other candidates for almost all tested criteria, but it also presents the slowest performance.