Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shade selection for single-unit anterior metal ceramic crowns: a 5-year retrospective study of 2,500 cases.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of shades selected for metal ceramic crowns provided at a dental teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on the selection of shade for 2,500 metal ceramic crown units, placed over a 5-year period at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester, were collected and analyzed. Only those crowns placed adjacent to minimally restored vital teeth were included in the study. RESULTS The results indicate that the most frequently chosen shades were in the mid-range of reddish-brown hue. Furthermore, shades in the reddish-grey range of hue were rarely chosen. The selection of more than one shade for a crown ("mixed shades") was generally restricted to the maxillary anterior teeth. CONCLUSION Knowledge of the distribution of shades selected for permanently luted metal ceramic crowns may be a useful adjunct in shade selection, particularly for the inexperienced operator.
MetaFJig: a meta-circular composition language for Java-like classes

We propose a Java-like language where class definitions are first class values and new classes can be derived from existing ones by exploiting the full power of the language itself, used on top of a small set of primitive composition operators, instead of using a fixed mechanism like inheritance. Hence, compilation requires to perform (meta-)reduction steps, by a process that we call compile-time execution. This approach differs from meta-programming techniques available in mainstream languages since it is meta-circular, hence programmers are not required to learn new syntax and idioms. Compile-time execution is guaranteed to be sound (not to get stuck) by a lightweight technique, where class composition errors are detected dynamically, and conventional typing errors are detected by interleaving typechecking with meta-reduction steps. This allows for a modular approach, that is, compile-time execution is defined, and can be implemented, on top of typechecking and execution of the underlying language. Moreover, programmers can handle errors due to composition operators. Besides soundness, our technique ensures an additional important property called meta-level soundness, that is, typing errors never originate from (meta-)code in already compiled programs.
Application-specific design system for 8-bit embedded micro-controller

This paper proposes an application-specific design system (ASDS) for embedded micro-controllers for various applications. The ASDS analyzes application programs, generates a suitable architecture for each application, and translates the architecture into synthesisable Verilog descriptions. Users could use this ASDS to generate an optimized micro-controller for their applications. Greater efficiency in terms of core area and power dissipation of an embedded micro-controller is provided by the ASDS.
Differential Expression of Homing Receptor Ligands on Tumor-Associated Vasculature that Control CD8 Effector T-cell Entry

Homing receptor ligands on tumor-associated vasculature were found to vary with anatomical location and depend, in part, on intratumoral effectors. The required homing receptor/ligand interactions were identified that mediate effector CD8+ T cell entry into these tumors. Although CD8+ T cells are critical for controlling tumors, how they are recruited and home to primary and metastatic lesions is incompletely understood. We characterized the homing receptor (HR) ligands on tumor vasculature to determine what drives their expression and their role in T-cell entry. The anatomic location of B16-OVA tumors affected the expression of E-selectin, MadCAM-1, and VCAM-1, whereas the HR ligands CXCL9 and ICAM-1 were expressed on the vasculature regardless of location. VCAM-1 and CXCL9 expression was induced by IFNγ-secreting adaptive immune cells. VCAM-1 and CXCL9/10 enabled CD8+ T-cell effectors expressing α4β1 integrin and CXCR3 to enter both subcutaneous and peritoneal tumors, whereas E-selectin enabled E-selectin ligand+ effectors to enter subcutaneous tumors. However, MadCAM-1 did not mediate α4β7+ effector entry into peritoneal tumors due to an unexpected lack of luminal expression. These data establish the relative importance of certain HRs expressed on activated effectors and certain HR ligands expressed on tumor vasculature in the effective immune control of tumors. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(12); 1062–73. ©2017 AACR.
Choosing which message to publish on social networks: A contextual bandit approach

Maximizing the spread and influence of the messages being published is a challenge for many social network users. Selecting the right content according to the information context and the user characteristics is essential for achieving this goal. We propose a model to automatically choose which information to publish on social networks given a set of possible messages. This model will tend to maximize the spread of the published message for a specific audience. The algorithm is based on the use of a contextual bandit model treating each new potential message as an arm to be selected. We conduct experiments on a Twitter dataset, comparing different algorithms and exploring the influence of the content and the characteristics of the messages on the information spread. The results demonstrate the model's ability to maximize the published information flow as well as it's ability to adapt its behavior to each particular audience.
Gravitational-wave sensitivity curves

There are several common conventions in use by the gravitational-wave community to describe the amplitude of sources and the sensitivity of detectors. These are frequently confused. We outline the merits of and differences between the various quantities used for parameterizing noise curves and characterizing gravitational-wave amplitudes. We conclude by producing plots that consistently compare different detectors. Similar figures can be generated on-line for general use at http://rhcole.com/apps/GWplotter.
IL2Rβ-dependent signals drive terminal exhaustion and suppress memory development during chronic viral infection

Significance During chronic viral infection, CD8+ T cells are gradually deprived of their principal effector functions and irreversibly loose their plasticity to develop into memory populations, precluding the establishment of long-lasting protective immunity. Relevant host-derived factors directing this T-cell exhaustion process have remained elusive. Growing evidence suggests that the cytokine milieu dramatically impacts the outcome of chronic viral infection. However, it is unclear if cytokines directly promote CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and, if so, which specific cytokines are involved in this process. Here we demonstrate a critical role for two highly related cytokines, IL-2 and IL-15, in the terminal differentiation of highly exhausted CD8+ T cells and the lack of immunological memory observed during chronic viral infection. Exhaustion of CD8+ T cells severely impedes the adaptive immune response to chronic viral infections. Despite major advances in our understanding of the molecular regulation of exhaustion, the cytokines that directly control this process during chronicity remain unknown. We demonstrate a direct impact of IL-2 and IL-15, two common gamma-chain–dependent cytokines, on CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. Common to both cytokine receptors, the IL-2 receptor β (IL2Rβ) chain is selectively maintained on CD8+ T cells during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and hepatitis C virus infections. Its expression correlates with exhaustion severity and identifies terminally exhausted CD8+ T cells both in mice and humans. Genetic ablation of the IL2Rβ chain on CD8+ T cells restrains inhibitory receptor induction, in particular 2B4 and Tim-3; precludes terminal differentiation of highly defective PD-1hi effectors; and rescues memory T-cell development and responsiveness to IL-7–dependent signals. Together, we ascribe a previously unexpected role to IL-2 and IL-15 as instigators of CD8+ T-cell exhaustion during chronic viral infection.
Using Augmented Reality Technology for the Development of Historic Building Teaching Application: A Mackay Culture Course

This study proposes a mobile augmented-reality teaching system focused on historic buildings that enables users to build a deeper understanding of the building structure, features, historical references and era influence while simultaneously exploring the historic site through the interaction effect that combines the virtual and the real. This increases overall interest in architecture and history. In this study, five students will operate the AR system to study how Mackay Culture influenced Tamsui and a satisfaction survey with both the questionnaire survey and an interview will be utilized to determine if participants are receptive to our proposed system and provide feedback on how to make subsequent improvements on our model.
Cost-effective watermark based detector for replay attacks on cyber-physical systems

Security issues of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are of great significance since cyber attacks may cause catastrophic effects on such systems. Due to the events of Stuxnet, replay attacks have gained increasing attention in recent years. To counter for the replay attacks, it has been proposed to impose additional watermarking signals to nominal control inputs. However, such detector may result in the waste of control cost especially when the attack is absent. In this paper, we firstly formulate an attack duration model for the replay attack. By exploiting the attack model, we propose a periodic watermarking strategy which aims to reduce the costs while guaranteeing the detection performance. Furthermore, we obtain an optimal periodic watermarking strategy for the approximated detection performance. Extensive simulations over quadruple water tank are conducted to demonstrate the system performance.
Numerical simulation of bubble size distribution of aluminium foams in liquid state

Abstract A mathematical model for predicting the evolution of bubble size distribution in Al foams is presented, which takes into account effects of both the coarsening due to gas diffusion between bubbles and the liquid drainage. A bubble size distribution equation and a one-dimensional drainage equation are solved coupledly by a finite difference approach. Comparison with experimental results from the literature shows a general agreement. The model predictions indicate that the bubble size increases exponentially with time that is in good agreement with MacPherson's theory. Furthermore, computational results reveal that bubble size distributions are dependent strongly on the drainage behaviour, the Henry constant, gas diffusivity and surface tension of the Al foam in liquid state.
MiR-21 as prognostic biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing an organ preservation protocol

Despite progress in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in recent decades, including new surgical techniques, radiotherapy advances and chemotherapy schedules, the prognosis for the affected patients has not improved at the same pace, and still, most HNSCC patients are diagnosed in advanced stages. To increase their survival, the development of better screening methods for early detection is required and appropriate tailored therapeutic interventions are desired. The aim of the present study was to evaluate miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers in patients undergoing organ preservation protocol for locally advanced HNSCC. For this purpose, we assessed the global miRNA expression profile of 15 HNSCC patients (‘screening set’) to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in responders and non-responders to therapy. Four miRNAs differentially expressed in HNSCC samples from the ‘screening set’ were validated in a different cohort of patients (47 samples - ‘validation set’). The results from the ‘validation set’ showed that the higher expression of one of these miRNAs, miR-21, was negatively associated with the treatment response to the organ preservation protocol (p=0.029). A multivariate analysis showed that, in a model adjusted for age, tumor site, p16 immunoexpression and tumor resectability, high expression of miR-21 remained an independent predictor of poor response to the organ preservation protocol (OR=5.69; 95%CI 1.27-25.58; p=0.023), together with clinical stage IV (OR=5.05; 95%CI 1.22-20.88; p=0.025). Furthermore, considering the entire cohort, patients with high expression of miR-21 had worse survival. A multivariate Cox regression analysis also showed miR-21 (HR=2.05; 95%CI 1.05-4.02; p=0.036) and clinical stage IV (HR=3.17; 95%CI 1.49-6.77; p=0.003) as independent prognostic factors (model adjusted for age, tumor site, tumor resectability, and sets ‘screening’ or ‘validation’). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the evaluation of miR-21 expression could be an important tool for treatment planning and a prognosis predictior for HNSCC patients undergoing organ preservation protocols.
HePToX: Marrying XML and Heterogeneity in Your P2P Databases

We present HePToX, a full-fledged peer-to-peer database system that efficiently handles XML data heterogeneity. In a highly dynamic P2P network, it is unrealistic for a peer entering the network to be forced to agree on a global mediated schema, or to perform heavy-weight operations for mapping its schema to neighboring schemas. In our demo, we show that to enter the HePToX network a peer user is only asked to draw a simple set of visual annotations to a few other schemas. We show how the mapping rules are then automatically generated and how efficient query translation is performed on top of these mappings.
Blood Eosinophils as Biomarkers to Drive Treatment Choices in Asthma and COPD

Background: Asthma and COPD are complex, heterogeneous conditions comprising a wide range of phenotypes, some of which are refractory to currently available treatments. Elucidation of these phenotypes and identification of biomarkers with which to recognize them and guide appropriate treat-ment remain a priority. Objective: This review describes the utility of blood eosinophils as a surrogate biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation, a common feature of specific asthma and COPD phenotypes. The role of blood eosinophils in airway disease is described, as is their relevance in reflecting airway eosinophilia. Each disease is discussed separately as the manner in which blood eosinophils might be used as biomarkers differs. Focusing on patients with severe disease (persistent eosinophilic asthma and exacerbating COPD), we evaluate evidence examining eosinophils as biomarkers. Results: In asthma, the rationale for using blood eosinophils to guide treatment is clearly defined, backed by prospective, well-controlled studies. Higher eosinophil counts identify patients with more se-vere disease and poorer outcomes, patients for whom biologic therapies targeting allergic and/or eosino-philic pathways are recommended. In COPD, the evidence is less robust. High blood eosinophil counts are a modest predictor of future exacerbations, and may predict a favourable response to ICS on top of LABA/LAMA, especially in patients with a history of frequent exacerbations. Conclusion: Before extensive application in clinical practice, further evaluation of these findings in pro-spective clinical studies, and standardization of the appropriate thresholds of clinically relevant eosino-philia are needed, together with establishing whether single or multiple measurements are required in dif-ferent clinical settings
Perceptions of working and living conditions among industrial male and female workers in Perú.

OBJECTIVE To further investigate Peruvian blue collar workers' perceptions of their conditions of work and find out relationships between these conditions and overall worker well being. METHODS A survey study conducted on-the-job via a self-administered questionnaire translated into Spanish. Main study variables included work satisfaction, self-reported health status, musculoskeletal pain, and mental distress symptoms. Working conditions and extra-organizational factors were included in this multilevel assessment using multiple regression analyses. PARTICIPANTS Blue collar workers from the formal manufacturing sector in Lima, Perú. RESULTS A total of 305 women and 761 men completed the questionnaires. Female and male perceptions of their work environment differed significantly in magnitude and occasionally in direction. Among women, the extra-organizational factors played a key role in perceived mental distress. For men, task and organizational aspects together with the extra-organizational factors were important correlates of life and work satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS The combination of higher strain due to work plus extra-organizational factors for women is an important finding in this study and is critical for developing ideas about interventions in IDCs. Inclusion of extra-organizational factors contributed to a better understanding of workers' job satisfaction and health.
What is the "true" prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions and does the way we assess these conditions have an impact?

INTRODUCTION A wide range of prevalence estimates of female sexual dysfunctions (FSD) have been reported. AIM Compare instruments used to assess FSD to determine if differences between instruments contribute to variation in reported prevalence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sexual Function Questionnaire combined with Female Sexual Distress Scale (SFQ-FSDS) was our gold standard, validated instrument for assessing FSD. Alternatives were SFQ alone and two sets of simple questions adapted from Laumann et al. 1994. Methods. A postal survey was administered to a random sample of 356 Australian women aged 20 to 70 years. RESULTS When assessed by SFQ-FSDS, prevalence estimates (95% confidence intervals) of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder (lubrication), orgasmic disorder, and dyspareunia were 16% (12% to 20%), 7% (5% to 11%), 8% (6% to 12%), and 1% (0.5% to 3%), respectively. Prevalence estimates varied across alternative instruments for these disorders: 32% to 58%, 16% to 32%, 16% to 33%, and 3% to 23%, respectively. Compared with SFQ-FSDS alternative instruments produced higher estimates of desire, arousal and orgasm disorders and displayed a range of sensitivities (0.25 to 1.0), specificities (0.48 to 0.99), positive predictive values (0.01 to 0.56), and negative predictive values (0.95 to 1.0) across the disorders investigated. Kappa statistics comparing SFQ-FSDS and alternative instruments ranged from 0 to 0.71 but were predominantly 0.44 or less. Changing recall from previous month to 1 month or more in the previous year produced higher estimates for all disorders investigated. Including sexual distress produced lower estimates for desire, arousal, and orgasm disorders. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence estimates of FSD varied substantially across instruments. Relatively low positive predictive values and kappa statistics combined with a broad range of sensitivities and specificities indicated that different instruments identified different subgroups. Consequently, the instruments researchers choose when assessing FSD may affect prevalence estimates and risk factors they report.
The Association of Ankle Brachial Index, Protein-Energy Wasting, and Inflammation Status with Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is highly prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We investigated the association of abnormal ankle brachial index (ABI), PEW, and chronic inflammation status with clinical prognosis in HD patients. A total of 973 HD patients were enrolled and were followed-up for 8 years. As a marker of the PEW, geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was used. Cut-off levels were 91.2 for GNRI defined from previous studies and 1.9 mg/L for C-reactive protein (CRP) as median value, respectively. Abnormal ABI was seen in 332 (34.1%) patients. Declined GNRI and elevated CRP levels were independently associated with abnormal ABI (odds ratio (OR) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–0.99, p = 0.0009 and OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.07–1.83, p = 0.013, respectively). GNRI levels were also independently correlated with CRP levels (β = −0.126, p < 0.0001). During follow-up period, 283 (29.1%) patients died, including 123 (12.6%) due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Abnormal ABI (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.62, 95% CI 1.13–2.32, p = 0.0096), GNRI < 91.2 (adjusted HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.06–2.33, p = 0.023) and CRP > 1.9 mg/L (adjusted HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.31–2.77, p = 0.0007) independently predicted mortality due to CVD, respectively. In conclusion, abnormal ABI, GNRI, and CRP levels were closely associated with each other, and the combination of these variables increase their predictive values for the risk of mortality due to CVD and all-cause mortality in HD patients.
Global distributions and strain diversity of avian infectious bronchitis virus: a review

Abstract The poultry industry faces challenge amidst global food security crisis. Infectious bronchitis is one of the most important viral infections that cause huge economic loss to the poultry industry worldwide. The causative agent, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is an RNA virus with great ability for mutation and recombination; thus, capable of generating new virus strains that are difficult to control. There are many IBV strains found worldwide, including the Massachusetts, 4/91, D274, and QX-like strains that can be grouped under the classic or variant serotypes. Currently, information on the epidemiology, strain diversity, and global distribution of IBV has not been comprehensively reported. This review is an update of current knowledge on the distribution, genetic relationship, and diversity of the IBV strains found worldwide.
Critical Review on the Battery State of Charge Estimation Methods for Electric Vehicles

Battery technology is the bottleneck of the electric vehicles (EVs). It is important, both in theory and practical application, to do research on the modeling and state estimation of batteries, which is essential to optimizing energy management, extending the life cycle, reducing cost, and safeguarding the safe application of batteries in EVs. However, the batteries, with strong time-variables and nonlinear characteristics, are further influenced by such random factors such as driving loads, operational conditions, in the application of EVs. The real-time, accurate estimation of their state is challenging. The classification of the estimation methodologies for estimating state-of-charge (SoC) of battery focusing with the estimation method/algorithm, advantages, drawbacks, and estimation error are systematically and separately discussed. Especially for the battery packs existing of the inevitable inconsistency in cell capacity, resistance and voltage, the advanced characterizing monomer selection, and bias correction-based method has been described and discussed. The review also presents the key feedback factors that are indispensable for accurate estimation of battery SoC, it will be helpful for ensuring the SoC estimation accuracy. It will be very helpful for choosing an appropriate method to develop a reliable and safe battery management system and energy management strategy of the EVs. Finally, the paper also highlights a number of key factors and challenges, and presents the possible recommendations for the development of next generation of smart SoC estimation and battery management systems for electric vehicles and battery energy storage system.