Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is balloon kyphoplasty better than percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral biconcave-shaped fractures?

Background Osteoporotic vertebral biconcave-shaped fractures are not commonly seen in clinical practice. Some articles have been published showing the outcome of vertebroplasty (PV) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP), but few comparative studies have been performed. Purpose To compare the effect and safety of PV and BKP in treating osteoporotic vertebral biconcave-shaped fractures. Material and Methods In this retrospective comparative study, 38 patients with osteoporotic vertebral biconcave-shaped fractures were treated by PV, and 41 patients were treated by BKP from May 2005 to July 2011. The heights of the compromised vertebral body and the kyphotic angles were measured. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate pain and functional activity, respectively. The occurrence of refracture and cement leakage were determined, and the costs were recorded. Results The mean VAS and ODI scores significantly improved for both procedures at postsurgical measurements (P < 0.05), and the improvement sustained at the final follow-up. In both groups, there were no significant differences in terms of restoration of the anterior vertebral height and correction of the kyphotic deformity. However, BKP was more effective in restoring the middle vertebral height than PV. Cement leakages were observed in nine (23.7%) treated vertebral bodies in PV group and in three (7.4%) treated vertebral bodies in BKP group, which was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). There were four new osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the PV group and two in the BKP group during the follow-up period. The mean cost in the BKP group (6200 ± 122.1 USD) was higher than the PV group (2100 ± 112.5 USD) (P < 0.05). Conclusion Both PV and BKP achieved similar improvements in pain and functional outcomes for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral biconcave-shaped fractures. BKP had a significant advantage over PV in terms of the restoration of the middle vertebral height and fewer cement leakages than PV.
Direct torque and flux control of IPM synchronous motor drive using input-output feedback linearization approach

A novel direct torque and flux controlled interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drive is proposed based on the nonlinear model presented in the stator flux reference frame. An input-output feedback linearization technique is employed to linearize the nonlinear dynamics of the motor and enable a precise control over the linearized system in a wide range of operation by means of the well-developed linear controllers. In this case, a modified variable gain PI controller handles the control task in the speed closed loop which is capable of superior performance to classical PI in terms of overshooting, settling performance as well as disturbance rejection. The challenging task of parameters estimation is also carried out with two online parameter estimators which operate in parallel. An adaptive estimation unit is in charge of stator resistance and magnetic flux values while the direct and quadrature axis inductances are estimated through recursive least square method. In fact, such a combination of estimators features the proper rate of estimation for motor parameters while avoiding the heavy computational burden of RLSE for simultaneous estimation of four motor parameters. The overall stability of the proposed IOFL controller is analytically proven through Lyapunov theory. The effectiveness of the presented scheme is also verified through simulation studies.
Listening to Living Donors.

In today’s healthcare arena, stakeholder voices matter. The input of individuals who are involved in or affected bymedical interventions and care options is now recognized as essential for the development and ongoing use of treatment strategies to extend life and promote health. No voices aremore important than those of living donors, who undergo invasive interventions from which they derive no personal medical benefit to help others who need organ or hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplants. Donors’ perspectives can assist both researchers and transplant program clinicians to identify strengths in the evaluation and care of donors as well as deficiencies in these processes, including such areas as the predonation psychosocial evaluation, education, communication with prospective and actual donors, and postdonation follow-up care. It would be logical to presume that perspectives on the donation experience would vary based on the type of organ/ tissue donated, given that donation procedures, risks, recovery time, and the degree of personal financial burden linked to donation differ across individuals who give (for example) a kidney, liver segment, lung lobe, or HSCs (via either bone marrow aspiration or peripheral blood stem cell collection). Perhaps based on this presumption, several previous systematic reviews of a growing qualitative literature capturing donors’ perspectives have each considered evidence specific to
A Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Salivary and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Interleukin - 6 Levels with Herbal and Probiotic Host Modulation Therapy in Chronic Periodontal Disease

Background Host modulation is fast gaining popularity as one of the most safe and effective therapeutic modalities in a number of systemic ailments and also periodontal disease. Of these, herbal agents and probiotics have emerged as popular therapeutic agents. The present study was attempted to comparatively evaluate for the first time the effects of both these agents on chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods In this double blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, 96 systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis between the ages of 25-55 years were randomly divided into 3 groups. Following scaling and root planing, group 1 was administered the herbal immunomodulator tablets twice daily for 2 weeks, group 2, probiotic tablets twice daily for 2 weeks and group 3 was not administered any agent. Changes in gingival index, gingival bleeding index, pocket depth and interleukin - 6 (IL-6) levels in saliva and GCF were assessed at day 0, at 1 month, at 3 months and 6 months following which statistical analysis was done. Results Statistically significant reduction (p<0.001) in clinical parameters and GCF IL-6 levels at 1, 3 and 6 months respectively within all 3 groups was observed. However, there was a significant reduction in salivary IL-6 levels within group 3 only. Group 1 showed better clinical results and salivary IL-6 reduction compared to group 2 and 3. Conclusion
Brand Positioning Strategy Using Search Engine Marketing

Whether and how firms can employ relative rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs) to differentiate their brands from competitors in cyberspace remains a critical, puzzling issue in e-commerce research. By synthesizing relevant literature from cognitive psychology, marketing, and e-commerce, this study identifies key contextual factors that are conducive for creating brand positioning online via SERPs. In two experiments, the authors establish that when Internet users' implicit beliefs (i.e., schema) about the meaning of the display order of search engine results are activated or heightened through feature priming, they will have better recall of an unknown brand that is displayed before the well-known brands in SERPs. Further, those with low Internet search skills tend to evaluate the unknown brand more favorably along the particular brand attribute that activates the search engine ranking schema. This research has both theoretical and practical implications for understanding the effectiveness of search engine optimization techniques.
Metamagnetic transition and susceptibility maximum in an itinerant-electron system.

An itinerant-electron metamagnetism is discussed at finite temperature, by taking into account the effect of spin fluctuations on the Landau-Ginzburg theory. It is shown that the paramagnetic susceptibility always shows a maximum in its temperature dependence when the metamagnetic transition from the paramagnetic to the ferromagnetic state is induced by the external magnetic field at low temperature. This metamagnetic transition, associated with a hysteresis in the magnetization curve, is shown to disappear at high temperature. Moreover, the first-order transition in the temperature dependence of the spontaneous magnetization is shown to occur under a certain condition among the Landau coefficients. Three characteristic temperatures, at which the susceptibility reaches a maximum, the field-induced metamagnetic transition disappears, and the temperature-induced first-order transition of the magnetization occurs, are discussed. The present theory can explain qualitatively these anomalous magnetic properties observed in Co compounds Co(S,Se${)}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{YCo}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{LuCo}}_{2}$, and others.
Prognostic implications of perineural spread in squamous carcinomas of the head and neck

The occurrence and prognostic implications of perineural spread were examined in 239 patients with mucosal squamous carcinomas of the head and neck. Perineural spread was demonstrated in resections from 64 patients (27%), the majority having primary tumors at one of three sites: buccal cavity, larynx, and pharynx. Perineural spread near nodal metastases was uncommon. There was no evidence that perineural involvement was more commonly associated with large tumors or less differentiated ones. No association was established between perineural spread and coexistent lymph node deposits in the surgical resections. Perineural spread was, however, shown to be a statistically significant prognostic factor for an increased incidence of subsequent locoregional recurrence and for decreased survival.
Analysis of Multivalley and Multibandgap Absorption and Enhancement of Free Carriers Related to Exciton Screening in Hybrid Perovskites

Solution-processable metal–halide perovskites recently opened a new route toward low-cost manufacture of photovoltaic cells. Converting sunlight into electrical energy depends on several factors among which a broad absorption across the solar spectrum and attractive charge transport properties are of primary importance. Hybrid perovskites meet such prerequisites, but despite foremost experimental research efforts, their understanding remains scanty. Here we show that in these materials the appropriate absorption and transport properties are afforded by the multibandgap and multivalley nature of their band structure. We also investigate the nature of the photoexcited species. Our analysis suggests exciton screening by collective orientational motion of the organic cations at room temperature, leading to almost free carriers. Molecular collective motion is also expected to couple to carrier diffusion at room temperature. In mixed halides, our interpretation indicates that doping might hinder collective mole.
Manifestation Of Differences In Item-Level Characteristics In Scale-Level Measurement Invariance Tests Of Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses

If a researcher applies the conventional tests of scale-level measurement invariance through multi-group confirmatory factor analysis of a PC matrix and MLE to test hypotheses of strong and full measurement invariance when the researcher has a rating scale response format wherein the item characteristics are different for the two groups of respondents, do these scale-level analyses reflect (or ignore) differences in item threshold characteristics? Results of the current study demonstrate the inadequacy of judging the suitability of a measurement instrument across groups by only investigating the factor structure of the measure for the different groups with a PC matrix and MLE. Evidence is provided that item level bias can still be present when a CFA of the two different groups reveals an equivalent factorial structure of rating scale items using a PC matrix and MLE.
Upper alveolar carcinoma--a 30 year survey.

Primary malignancy of the upper alveolus is an infrequent type of intra-oral carcinoma. This study reviews in detail 50 patients with a primary tumor of the upper alveolus who were treated at the Cancer Control Agency of British Columbia and Vancouver area hospitals, between 1940-1970 inclusive. Sixteen per cent had exposure to possible industrial carcinogens; 34 per cent had previous leukoplakia. The common presenting symptoms were pain (78 per cent) and swelling (64 per cent). Only 22 per cent had tumors confined to the upper alveolus. Fifty-two per cent had extensive lesions (i.e. T3 and T4). Twenty-six per cent had palpable cervical lymph nodes with potential metastatic disease. Treatment consisted of surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination of both. Complications are detailed. The five year survival rate is 44 per cent; and the 10 year survival rate 24 per cent. Treatment rationale is discussed.
Simulation Studies of Islanded Behavior of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems

Simplified computer models are presented for predicting the run-on time of self-commutated inverters operating in a utility interactive mode. The inverter receives DC power from a photovoltaic (PV) array and delivers AC power to a local load or the utility lines. The models represent the dynamics of a phase-locked loop control circuit that is designed to destabilize the inverter operation and shut down the power-conditioning subsystem when a phase discrepancy between the line and some reference signal is detected. The sustained isolated operation (or islanding) of the PV system poses a possible safety concern to utility personnel and potential damage to utility-connected equipment. Two computer models, the TESLACO model and the APCC model, were implemented on an IBM PC using Pascal. They provide results compatible with experimental evidence and more elaborate computer modeling techniques. >
THE BETA-d-GALACTOSIDASE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI, STRAIN K-12

The glycolysis of lactose by Escherichia coli is of interest for the biochemical problem of disaccharide utilization and as a point of attack for studies of the genetic basis of enzyme constitution. As a basis for further studies in these directions, the present study has been made of a P-D-galactoside-splitting enzyme in cells of strain K-12. This strain was chosen because of its suitability for genetic analysis by recombination methods (Lederberg, 1947).
Allelic Variants Interaction of CLOCK Gene and G‐Protein β3 Subunit Gene with Diurnal Preference

The 3111 C/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CLOCK gene and the 825C/T SNP in the G‐protein β3 subunit gene (GNB3) have been reported to influence diurnal preference. This study has attempted to characterize the association between the CLOCK gene and GNB3 polymorphisms and diurnal preference in healthy Korean college students. All subjects completed the 13‐item Composite Scale for Morningness (CSM). The interaction between the 3111 C/T SNP in the CLOCK gene and the 825 C/T SNP in the GNB3 gene significantly influenced diurnal preference, according to the CSM Performance subscore (F=10.94, p=0.001). However, when the different polymorphisms of the two genes were analyzed independently, no direct correlations with diurnal preference were detected. The CLOCK gene 3111 C/T SNP and GNB3 gene 825 C/T SNP were found to manifest a gene‐gene interaction that affects diurnal preference.
Primary food reward and reward‐predictive stimuli evoke different patterns of phasic dopamine signaling throughout the striatum

Phasic changes in dopamine activity play a critical role in learning and goal‐directed behavior. Unpredicted reward and reward‐predictive cues evoke phasic increases in the firing rate of the majority of midbrain dopamine neurons – results that predict uniformly broadcast increases in dopamine concentration throughout the striatum. However, measurement of dopamine concentration changes during reward has cast doubt on this prediction. We systematically measured phasic changes in dopamine in four striatal subregions [nucleus accumbens shell and core (Core), dorsomedial (DMS) and dorsolateral striatum] in response to stimuli known to activate a majority of dopamine neurons. We used fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry in awake and behaving rats, which measures changes in dopamine on a similar timescale to the electrophysiological recordings that established a relationship between phasic dopamine activity and reward. Unlike the responses of midbrain dopamine neurons, unpredicted food reward and reward‐predictive cues evoked a phasic increase in dopamine that was subregion specific. In rats with limited experience, unpredicted food reward evoked an increase exclusively in the Core. In rats trained on a discriminative stimulus paradigm, both unpredicted reward and reward‐predictive cues evoked robust phasic dopamine in the Core and DMS. Thus, phasic dopamine release in select target structures is dynamic and dependent on context and experience. Because the four subregions assayed receive different inputs and have differential projection targets, the regional selectivity of phasic changes in dopamine has important implications for information flow through the striatum and plasticity that underlies learning and goal‐directed behavior.
Fear of Missing out, Social Media Engagement, Smartphone Addiction and Distraction: Moderating Role of Self-Help Mobile Apps-based Interventions in the Youth

Smartphones offer high mobility and internet connectivity at the same time which has led to a substantial increase in the number of active social media users on the move, especially the ‘Millennials’. The excessive use of smartphone has been linked with several issues including mental well-being. Recently, different mobile applications have emerged to help users track their excessive use of smartphones and protect them from potential risks to mental health. This paper uses self-determination theory to examine the moderating role of such mobile applications (or self-help interventions) on inter-relationships between social media engagement, smartphone addiction and smartphone distractions. Survey responses from 284 college students reveal that mobile applications could prove to be quite effective self-help interventions that can help the young people in self-regulating their smartphone use. These results have substantial implications for designing effective mobile app-based interventions to save young people from potential risks to their mental health, productivity, and safety in performing their daily tasks. Future research directions have also been pointed out.
Developing product quality standards for wheelchairs used in less-resourced environments

Background Premature failures of wheelchairs in less-resourced environments (LREs) may be because of shortcomings in product regulation and quality standards. The standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specify wheelchair tests for durability, safety and performance, but their applicability to products used in the rugged conditions of LREs is unclear. Because of this, wheelchair-related guidelines published by the World Health Organization recommended developing more rigorous durability tests for wheelchairs. Objectives This study was performed to identify the additional tests needed for LREs. Methods First, a literature review of the development of ISO test standards, wheelchair standards testing studies and wheelchair evaluations in LREs was performed. Second, expert advice from members of the Standards Working Group of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) was compiled and reviewed. Results A total of 35 articles were included in the literature review. Participation from LREs was not observed in the ISO standards development. As per wheelchair testing study evidence, wheelchair models delivered in LREs did not meet the minimum standards requirement. Multiple part failures and repairs were observed with reviewed field evaluation studies. ISWP experts noted that several testing factors responsible for premature failures with wheelchair parts are not included in the standards and accordingly provided advice for additional test development. Conclusion The study findings indicate the need to develop a wide range of tests, with specific tests for measuring corrosion resistance of the entire wheelchair, rolling resistance of castors and rear wheels, and durability of whole wheelchair and castor assemblies.
New developments in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis – role of obeticholic acid

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic liver disease that predominantly affects women in early to middle age. It is typically associated with autoantibodies to mitochondrial antigens and results in immune-mediated destruction of small and medium-sized intrahepatic bile ducts leading to cholestasis, hepatic fibrosis and may progress to cirrhosis or hepatic failure and, in some cases, hepatocellular carcinoma. The clinical presentation and the natural history of PBC have improved over the years due to recognition of earlier widespread use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA); about one-third of patients show suboptimal biochemical response to UDCA with poor prognosis. Until recently, UDCA was the only US Food and Drug Administration approved agent for this disease for more than two decades; obeticholic acid was approved in 2016 for treatment of patients with PBC with a suboptimal response or intolerance to UDCA. Currently, liver transplantation is the most effective treatment modality for PBC patients with end-stage liver disease. This review will focus on the recent advances in therapy of primary biliary cholangitis, with emphasis on obeticholic acid.
Parents' perception of neighbourhood environment as a determinant of screen time, physical activity and active transport.

OBJECTIVE To study the importance of parents' perception of neighbourhood environment for health behaviours such as screen time, physical activity, and active transport in a Canadian context. METHODS As part of the REAL Kids Alberta project, 3,421 grade five students from 148 randomly selected schools in Alberta and their parents were surveyed in the spring of 2008. Physical activity was assessed by self-report using an adapted version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Screen time and active transport (walking and biking) was assessed by parent proxy reports. Parents were also surveyed on their perception of their neighbourhoods. These responses were reduced to three components (satisfaction/services, safety, sidewalks/parks) through principal component analysis. Subsequent multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to quantify the associations of these principal neighbourhood components with screen time, physical activity, and active transport. RESULTS Children residing in neighbourhoods with good satisfaction/services and sidewalks/parks were significantly more likely to engage in 2 hours or less of screen time and to be physically active. Children in neighbourhoods with good sidewalks/parks were also more likely to engage in active transport to and from school. However, perceived neighbourhood safety had little impact on activity. CONCLUSION The findings suggest physical activity and active transport may be increased and sedentary behaviours reduced through 1) increasing access to parks, playgrounds, and play spaces, 2) increasing access to sports and recreation programs, and 3) provision of sidewalks such that children and youth can walk or bike to school.
A wireless smart parking system

Recently, there has been significant research focus on smart cities and how to use resources efficiently. Parking space, in particular, is scarce in most metropolitan areas and intelligent systems are required to coordinate parking. This paper presents a wireless system for locating parking spots remotely via a smartphone, and a wireless sensor node which determines if parking spots are vacant or not. It is found that the system is highly efficient and has high accuracy, even at long ranges.