Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Association between Ponticulus Posticus and Dental Agenesis: A Retrospective Study

Objective: Neural tube defects may increase the risk of an abnormal development of skull, vertebral column and teeth formation, including dental agenesis in non syndromic patients. The association between the presence of a congenital Dental Agenesis (DA) and the Atlantooccipital Ligament (AOL) calcification, known as “Ponticulus Posticus” (PP), as possible links can be investigated. Design: After a systematic review of the scientific literature on this topic, two independent examiners assessed the AOL calcification in lateral cephalograms of 350 non syndromic patients(7-21 years old). The results were compared with a control group (non syndromic patients, without congenital missing teeth). Results: The 16.3% of the population studied by cephalometric analysis revealed a prevalence rate of PP (both complete and partial) with a slight male predominance is seen, not statistically significant (χ square test = 0.09; p= 0.76). In both sexes complete PP is more observed. In the patients affected by DA the frequency of PP is the 66.6% (both complete than partial). The χ square test with Yates correction showed a significative difference(χ= 66.20; p value= 0.00) between PP in patients with DA compared to not affected by DA. Conclusions: PP is not an uncommon anomaly. Since orofacial pain like migraine and other symptoms are often associated to PP, during routine radiographic examination, if detected, it should be documented in patients’ health record and with symptoms, further investigation should be sought for. These findings encourage to think there’s an association between DA in non syndromic patients and neuro-crestal cells defects.
Towards Executable Domain Models

Lack of stakeholder commitment to project activities is an important cause of project failure. It leads to poor understanding of the problem domain and ultimately to incorrect domain modeling. We believe that combining Goal Directed Design methodology with Domain Driven Design using the Naked Objects Pattern would help stakeholders to become actively involved in important project activities such as requirements elicitation and rapid prototyping. This paper suggests how these approaches can gracefully be combined to facilitate active stakeholder involvement right from requirements elicitation until rapid prototyping to build a clear product vision, and realize it through an executable domain model.
A Radial Basis Function Method for Computing Helmholtz-Hodge Decompositions

A radial basis function (RBF) method based on matrix-valued kernels is presented and analyzed for computing two types of vector decompositions on bounded domains: one where the normal component of the divergence-free part of the field is specified on the boundary, and one where the tangential component of the curl-free part of the field specified. These two decompositions can then be combined to obtain a full Helmholtz-Hodge decomposition of the field, i.e. the sum of divergence-free, curl-free, and harmonic fields. All decompositions are computed from samples of the field at (possibly scattered) nodes over the domain, and all boundary conditions are imposed on the vector fields, not their potentials, distinguishing this technique from many current methods. Sobolev-type error estimates for the various decompositions are provided and demonstrated with numerical examples.
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Quinidine Sulfate

 Without an active comparator trial it remains unclear whether DHQ is superior to other agents. The economic impact of this is significant. It remains unknown if patients who failed to respond to alternate agents would respond to DHQ. The place in therapy of DHQ is not totally elucidated but it may be appropriate to consider it a second line agent except in cases where contraindications to SSRI or TCA exist for specific patients. ALS practice guidelines recommend the use of dextromethorphan/quinidine (Nuedexta) to treat symptoms of PBA, however there is no guidance for use in MS-associated PBA.
Lumbar Disc and Facet Degeneration: Correlation with Age and Facet Orientation Lomber Disk ve Faset Dejenerasyonu: Yaş ve Faset Oryantasyonunun Korelasyonu

Objectives: The influence of age on orientation of the facet joint remains controversial. We aimed to examine facet joint degeneration, orientation and their relationships with disc degeneration in a group of patients in different age groups. Patients and Methods: The study included 106 patients with low back pain and/or leg symptoms who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging of L1-S1 lumbar segments. For evaluation of osteoarthritis of the facet joints grading described by Weishaupt et al. and for evaluation of disc degenerations grading by Pfirmann et al. were used. Results: Orientation of the facet joints were similar among age groups. Age was not correlated with facet joint orientation. Facet joint orientation was not correlated with facet or disc degeneration in neither female nor male patients. Age was positively correlated with facet degeneration at all spinal levels. At all levels except L3-4 level, facet joint degeneration was more prominent in male subjects. Conclusion: This study have demonstrated that facet joint orientation is similar among different age groups. The finding of greater prevalence and degree of facet arthrosis in men at all lumbar levels is in accordance with some recent studies. Our study supported the notion that disc degeneration precedes facet arthrosis. Turkish Baslik: Lomber Disk ve Faset Dejenerasyonu: Yas ve Faset Oryantasyonunun Korelasyonu Anahtar Kelimeler: Faset eklem; faset eklem oryantasyonu; lomber omurga; MRG, osteoartrit Amac: Yasin faset eklem oryantasyonu uzerindeki etkisi tam olarak aydinlatilmamistir. Bu calismada faset eklemlerin dejenerasyonu, oryantasyonu ve disk dejenerasyonu ile iliskisini farkli yas gruplarindaki hastalarda incelemeyi amacladik. Hastalar ve Yontemler: Bel ve/veya bacak agrisi bulunan, L1-S1 lomber segmentler arasinda manyetik rezonans goruntulemesi uygulanan 106 hasta calismaya alindi. Faset eklem dejenerasyonunun degerlendirilmesi icin Weishaupt ve ark. , disk dejenerasyonlarinin degerlendirilmesi icin Pfirmann ve ark. tarafindan tanimlamis olan evrelendirmeler kullanildi. Bulgular: Yas gruplari arasinda faset eklem oryantasyonlari benzer bulundu. Faset eklem oryantasyon ve yas arasinda korelasyon saptanmadi. Erkek ve kadin hastalarda faset eklem oryantasyonunun faset eklem veya disk dejenerasyonu ile iliskisi saptanmadi. Yas tum spinal seviyelerde faset dejenerasyonu ile korelasyon gosterdi. L3-4 duzeyi disinda tum seviyelerde erkek hastalarda faset dejenerasyonu daha belirgindi. Sonuc: Bu calismada faset oryantasyonunun farkli yas gruplarinda benzer oldugu gosterilmistir. Erkeklerde faset artrozunun daha belirgin olusu yakin tarihli bazi calismalarla uyumludur. Bu calisma disk dejenerasyonunun faset artrozuna gore daha erken basladigi gorusunu desteklemektedir.
Psychological Scaling Reveals a Single Parameter Framework For Visual Working Memory

Limits on the storage capacity of working memory have been investigated for decades, but the nature of those limits remains elusive. An important but largely overlooked consideration in this research concerns the relationship between the physical properties of stimuli used in visual working memory tasks and their psychological properties. Here, we show that the relationship between physical distance in stimulus space and the psychological confusability of items as measured in a perceptual task is non-linear. Taking into account this relationship leads to a parsimonious conceptualization of visual working memory, greatly simplifying the models needed to account for performance, allowing generalization to new stimulus spaces, and providing a mapping between tasks that have been thought to measure distinct qualities. In particular, performance across a variety of working memory tasks can be explained by a oneparameter model implemented within a signal detection framework. Moreover, despite the system-level distinctions between working and long-term memory, after taking into account psychological distance we find a strong affinity between the theoretical frameworks that guide both systems, as performance is accurately described using the same straightforward signal detection framework.
Providing Sport Psychology Support to an Athlete in a Unique, Ultra-Endurance Event

Participation in ultra-endurance events has increased in popularity in recent years. Many of these ultra-endurance events have used sport and exercise theory as an interventional tool to quantify the impact of the challenge. However, some challenges are unique, and include feats of incredible endurance in order to push the human body to its maximal limit. We describe a case study of a sport psychologist providing support to an athlete prior to, during and following the completion of a challenge that involved walking the same mile, 1,000 consecutive times during 1,000 consecutive hours, thereby lasting 42 days. We also review and detail the experiences gained from a sport psychology perspective with the intention of sharing the applied experience amongst other sport psychologists and the wider community.
Goal Reasoning as Multilevel Planning

There has been much recent interest in the topic of goal reasoning: where do an agent’s goals come from and how is it decided which to pursue? Previous work has described goal reasoning as a unique and separate process apart from previously studied AI functionalities. In this paper, we argue an alternative view: that goal reasoning can be thought of as multilevel planning. We demonstrate that scenarios previously argued to support the need for goal reasoning can be handled easily by an on-line planner, and we sketch a view of how more complex situations might be handled by multiple planners working at different levels of abstraction. By considering goal reasoning as a form of planning, we simplify the AI research agenda and highlight promising avenues for future planning research.
Adherence to Anti-retroviral Therapy among HIV Positive Pregnant Women in Ayder Refferal Hospital, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the major global public health problems. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to prevent transmission of HIV from infected pregnant women to the un-born babies. ART adherence rate, as high as 95% is crucial to effectively decrease maternal viral load and risk of vertical transmission of HIV. The aim of this study was to evaluate ART adherence level among HIV positive pregnant women in Ayder referral hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2016 at Ayder referral hospital. All HIV positive pregnant women who were on ART follow up during the study period were included. Data were collected through direct interview of participants and review of their medical records. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.Results: A total of 41 HIV-positive pregnant women were interviewed. The mean age was 30.1 ± 2.3 years. Thirty eight (92.7%) participants were within the age group of 20-34 years. Forty participants (97.6%) were disclosed their HIV status to their husband and/or families. Nineteen (46.3%) participants were taking ART medication for less than 2 years. Thirty nine participants had good adherence rate (≥ 95%). Illiterate participants had lower adherence rate (71.4%) as compared to literates. The common reasons for missing a dose in the last one month were forgetfulness and side effect of the drug.Conclusions: This study showed a good ART adherence among HIV positive pregnant women. The main reasons for missing a dose in the last one month were forgetfulness and side effect of the drug.
Forecasting US Inflation Using Dynamic General‐To‐Specific Model Selection

type="main"> We forecast US inflation using a standard set of macroeconomic predictors and a dynamic model selection and averaging methodology that allows the forecasting model to change over time. Pseudo out-of-sample forecasts are generated from models identified from a multipath general-to-specific algorithm that is applied dynamically using rolling regressions. Our results indicate that the inflation forecasts that we obtain employing a short rolling window substantially outperform those from a well-established univariate benchmark, and contrary to previous evidence, are considerably robust to alternative forecast periods.
A k-out-of-n Ring Signature with Flexible Participation for Signers

A k-out-of-n ring signature is a kind of anonymous signature that can be performed by any member in a group. This signature allows the creation of valid signatures if and only if actual signers more than or equal to k sign the message among n possible signers. In this paper, we present a new k-out-of-n ring signature. Our signature has a remarkable property: When the signature is updated from k-out-of-n to (k + α)-out-of-n, the previous signers do not need to sign a message again. Our scheme can “reuse” the old signature, whereas the previous schemes revoke it and create a signature from scratch. We call this property “flexibility” and formalize it rigorously. Our signature scheme has a multiple ring structure, each ring of which is based on 1-out-of-n ring signature. The structure of our scheme is completely different from that of conventional schemes, such as a secret-sharing type. The signers’ keys are mostly independent of each user, thanks to a part of keys which use a special hash function. We give the results of provable security for our scheme.
Effects of Chemical Dispersants on Oil Physical Properties and Dispersion

New laboratory experiments were performed to measure the effects of chemical dispersants on oil physical properties and dispersion. Specifically, the aims of this study were to measure the effects of dispersant-to-oil ratio (DOR) on the viscosity of crude oils, the brine-oil interfacial tension (IFT) and the related size distributions of oil droplets formed under various mixing conditions. Arabian Medium, Alaska North Slope and South Louisiana crude oils and Corexit 9500 and Corexit 9527 chemical dispersants were used to perform the study. Results showed a monotonous linear increase of oil viscosity with DOR. The increase is higher with the less viscous oils than with the more viscous oils. With increases in DOR from 0 to 1:5, oil-dispersant mixture viscosity is approximately 20, 30 and 40 % greater than the pure crude oilsfor Arabian Medium, Alaska North Slope, and South Louisiana crude oils, respectively. Similar results were obtained with both chemical dispersants. As reported in previous studies, application of chemical dispersants reduces the interfacial tension significantly for all values of DOR examined in the current study including a very low value of 1:200. For instance, the interfacial tension of Arabian Medium crude decreases from 20 mN/m to less than 3.6 mN/m (the detection limit of the instrument) at DOR=1:200. The results also show that an optimum DOR exists at which the IFT reduction reaches a maximum value. At this optimum DOR, the effectiveness of the chemical dispersant is at a maximum. The consequent effects of the observed IFT reductions on the resulting size distribution of oil droplets was studied using existing theories and size measurements using UV Epifluorescence microscopy.
Hand PointNet: 3D Hand Pose Estimation Using Point Sets

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) has shown promising results for 3D hand pose estimation in depth images. Different from existing CNN-based hand pose estimation methods that take either 2D images or 3D volumes as the input, our proposed Hand PointNet directly processes the 3D point cloud that models the visible surface of the hand for pose regression. Taking the normalized point cloud as the input, our proposed hand pose regression network is able to capture complex hand structures and accurately regress a low dimensional representation of the 3D hand pose. In order to further improve the accuracy of fingertips, we design a fingertip refinement network that directly takes the neighboring points of the estimated fingertip location as input to refine the fingertip location. Experiments on three challenging hand pose datasets show that our proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
Evaluation of Standards and Interfering Compounds in the Determination of Phenolics by Folin-Ciocalteu Assay Method for Effective Bioprocessing of Biomass

Folin Ciocalteu (F-C) assay is the most widely used and convenient method to determine the total phenolics content in foods, herbs, and other plant extracts. Different phenolics standards such as gallic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechol, and vanillic acid have been used for calibration curves in this assay method. Comparison of these standards, in single or combination of two or more, for more accurate determination of phenolics has not been reported so far. This study tested five single phenolics and seven combinations of mixed phenolic standards to evaluate the optimal standards for F-C method. The different standards were tested to calculate the phenolic content in three known test solutions. We also evaluated interference effect of various compounds in phenolics estimation by F-C method that is usually present in the lignocellulosic biomass-derived sugar solution, and in food products along with phenolics. Finally, the optimal standards with five phenolics were used for the determination of phenolics in alkali pretreated biomass extract. The results indicated that gallic acid was the best standard among the single phenolic compounds and five phenolic compounds solution was the best standard among the mixed phenolic solutions. The presence of glucose, HMF, furfural, and vitamin-B12 did not interfere in phenolic determination; whereas ascorbic acid, tyrosine, formic acid, and acetic acid strongly interfered the results. The results also showed that biomass pelleting process did not affect the generation of phenolics in alkali pretreatment extract.
Analysis Of The KLIC-score; An Outcome Predictor Tool For Prosthetic Joint Infections Treated With Debridement, Antibiotics And Implant Retention

Background: Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) forms the primary treatment modality for early prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The KLIC score has been proposed as a risk stratification tool for use in predicting outcome of prosthetic knee infections. Our aim was to determine the accuracy of this scoring system at an independent tertiary PJI centre in a typical DAIR population. Methods: Between 2008 and 2015, patients with infected knee prostheses treated with DAIR were identified. The patient notes and blood tests were reviewed retrospectively and the 'KLIC-score' was calculated and correlated with outcome. The end point for early failure was defined as: 1) the need for unscheduled surgery, 2) infection-related death ≤12 months from debridement or 3) the need for suppressive antibiotic treatment. Results: 59 patients received DAIR procedures for knee PJI. Treatment was successful in 41 patients (69%) with early failure in 18 patients (31%). Patients deemed high-risk (KLIC-score ≥7) had notably higher failure rates (60%) than those scoring <7 (28%). No relationship can be drawn between KLIC-scores of <7 and failure rates. Conclusions: The KLIC-score applied retrospectively was able to predict patients with the highest risk of early failure but provides little information in patients with scores of <7.
Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis does not explain the spread of nonnative weed species naturalized in México

Background Despite numerous tests of Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis (DNH) evidence for its support or rejection is still contradictory. We tested a DNH derived prediction stating that nonnative species (NNS) without native congeneric relatives (NCR) will spread to a greater number of localities than species with close relatives in the new range. This test controlled the effect of residence time (Rt) on the spread of NNS and used naturalized species beyond their lag phase to avoid the effect of stochastic events in the establishment and the lag phases that could obscure the NCR effects on NNS. Methods We compared the number of localities (spread) occupied by NNS with and without NCR using 13,977 herbarium records for 305 NNS of weeds. We regressed the number of localities occupied by NNS versus Rt to determine the effect of time on the spread of NNS. Then, we selected the species with Rt greater than the expected span of the lag phase, whose residuals were above and below the regression confidence limits; these NNS were classified as widespread (those occupying more localities than expected by Rt) and limited-spread (those occupying fewer localities than expected). These sets were again subclassified into two groups: NNS with and without NCR at the genus level. The number of NNS with and without NCR was compared using χ2 tests and Spearman correlations between the residuals and the number of relatives. Then, we grouped the NNS using 34 biological attributes and five usages to identify the groups’ possible associations with spread and to test DNH. To identify species groups, we performed a nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis and evaluated the influences of the number of relatives, localities, herbarium specimens, Rt, and residuals of regression. The Spearman correlation and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to determine if the DNH prediction was met. Additionally, we used the clustering objects on subsets of attributes (COSA) method to identify possible syndromes (sets of biological attributes and usages) associated to four groups of NNS useful to test DNH (those with and without NCR and those in more and fewer localities than expected by Rt). Results Residence time explained 33% of the variation in localities occupied by nonnative trees and shrubs and 46% of the variation for herbs and subshrubs. The residuals of the regression for NNS were not associated with the number or presence of NCR. In each of the NMDS groups, the number of localities occupied by NNS with and without NCR did not significantly differ. The COSA analysis detected that only NNS with NCR in more and fewer localities than expected share biological attributes and usages, but they differ in their relative importance. Discussion Our results suggest that DNH does not explain the spread of naturalized species in a highly heterogeneous country. Thus, the presence of NCR is not a useful characteristic in risk analyses for naturalized NNS.
Relationships between Unilateral Muscle Strength Qualities and Change of Direction in Adolescent Team-Sport Athletes

Previous studies have reported an association between global measures of bilateral strength and change of direction (COD) ability. Yet, little is known about the association between unilateral muscle strength qualities and COD ability. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between unilateral muscle strength qualities and COD measures (COD speed (CODS) and COD deficit) when matched limb-for-limb (i.e., right limb vs. right limb, left limb vs. left limb) in adolescent team-sport athletes. One hundred and fifteen athletes (56 males, 59 females) active in cricket, netball, and basketball participated in this investigation. Each player performed trials of countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg hop (SLH), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and eccentric knee extensor torque (ECC-EXT) to assess muscle strength qualities and 505 and modified 505 (505mod) to evaluate COD ability. Moderate-to-large correlations were observed between SLH and CODS (r = −0.43 to −0.67). Another important finding was that CMJ measures demonstrated moderate-to-large correlations with CODS (r = −0.38 to −0.69) and small-to-moderate correlations with COD deficit (r = −0.24 to −0.45). COD is underpinned by distinct muscle strength qualities and each contribute to specific phases of a COD task. It is therefore likely that such connections exist between muscle strength qualities and COD, with all qualities contributing to overall COD ability.