Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degree of conversion of dual-cure luting resins light-polymerized through various materials

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of monomer conversion of four dual-cure luting resins irradiated through various restorative materials or dentin. Material and methods. RelyX ARC (3M-ESPE), RelyX Unicem (3M-ESPE), Variolink 2 (Ivoclar,Vivadent), and Panavia F 2.0 (Kuraray) were mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. They were placed under the disks (thickness 1.5 mm) representing a metal restoration, a composite restoration (Sinfony D A3), a fiber-reinforced composite (EverStick 0.5 mm + 1.0 mm Sinfony D A3) restoration, and dentin. Five specimens (thickness 0.6 mm) in each group were irradiated through the disks for 40 s (Optilux-501, 800 mW/cm2). Light polymerization of the dual-cure luting resin without the covering disk was used as control. The degree of monomer conversion (DC%) was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)/ATR spectrometry from the bottom of the resin. The infrared spectra were recorded at every 5.2 s for 15 min beginning from the mixing of the resin. Results. ANOVA revealed significant differences in DC% between the luting resins tested (p<0.001) and the different restorations (p<0.001). RelyX ARC showed the highest degree of conversion 15 min after the start of polymerization, whereas Panavia F 2.0 and RelyX Unicem showed the lowest. Conclusions. The degree of conversion of dual-cured luting resins differed significantly. Furthermore, the restorative material significantly influenced the DC% of the dual-cure luting resin underneath.
Are CMS G-Code Functional Limitation Severity Modifiers Responsive to Change Across an Episode of Outpatient Rehabilitation?

Background The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has mandated rehabilitation professionals to document patients' impairment levels. There is no evidence of responsiveness to change of functional limitation severity modifier codes. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of G-code functional limitation severity modifier codes in determining change in function. Design This was a retrospective observational study. Methods Patients completed the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) and were assigned G-codes, with severity modifiers based on AM-PAC scores at initial and follow-up visits. Patients were classified as having AM-PAC scores in the upper or lower range for each severity modifier, and sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for change in severity modifier level and odds of changing by one severity modifier level using a change in AM-PAC score of at least 1 minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence interval (MDC95) as the standard were determined. Results Sensitivity and specificity of change in severity modifier in determining change in function were dependent on patients' initial AM-PAC scores. Improvement in severity modifier level was 2.2 to 4.5 times more likely with scores at the higher end of the range within a severity modifier level than with scores in the lower end of the range. Decline in severity modifier level was 2.7 to 4.8 times more likely with scores at the lower end of the range within a severity modifier than with scores in the higher end of the range. Limitations Data were from one health care system, and most patients had orthopedic conditions. The MDC95 for AM-PAC tool may not be the best standard for defining functional change. Conclusions The G-code functional limitation severity modifier system may not be valid for determining change in function and is not recommended for determining if patients have changed over the course of outpatient therapy.
Sensors-less neural MPPT control of wind generators with induction machines

This paper presents a MPPT technique for high performance wind generator with induction machine based on the Growing Neural Gas (GNG) network. Here a GNG network has been trained off-line to learn the turbine characteristic surface torque versus wind speed and machine speed, and implemented on-line to obtain the wind tangential speed on the basis of the estimated torque and measured machine speed (surface function inversion). The machine reference speed is then computed on the basis of the optimal tip speed ratio. For the experimental application, a back-to-back configuration with two voltage source converters has been considered, one on the machine side and the other on the grid side. The Field Oriented Control (FOC) of the machine has been further integrated with an intelligent sensorless technique; in particular the so called TLS EXIN full order observer has been adopted.
Maternal nickel exposure and congenital musculoskeletal defects.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether women occupationally exposed to nickel in early pregnancy are at elevated risk of delivering a newborn with a malformation or deformation of the musculoskeletal system (ICD-10: Q65-Q79). METHODS Data about the newborn, maternal occupation and workplace were obtained using the Kola Birth Register (KBR). Each record in the KBR was assigned a categorical nickel (Ni) exposure rating according to the occupation the delivering woman had at the time of becoming pregnant. This was achieved by using as a guideline the water-soluble Ni subfraction of the inhalable aerosol fraction obtained by personal monitoring for nickel- and copper-refinery workers or/and measured urinary-Ni concentrations. The reference population was delivering women from the source population with background exposure level. In total, the study population consisted of 22,965 births. RESULTS Three hundred and four infants (13.3/1,000 births; 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.9-14.7) were diagnosed with isolated musculoskeletal defect(s) at birth. The adjusted odds ratio for the association between the maternal exposure to Ni and this outcome was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.76-1.21) per unit increase in exposure category. CONCLUSION The incidence of defects in the musculoskeletal system at birth was high, especially for feet deformities, but we found no effect of maternal exposure to water-soluble Ni on the risk of delivering a newborn with a defect. However, the incidence among women working in the copper refinery was higher than in the other employment groups.
A Fixed-Lag Kalman Smoother to Filter Power Line Interference in Electrocardiogram Recordings

Objective: Filtering power line interference (PLI) from electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings can lead to significant distortions of the ECG and mask clinically relevant features in ECG waveform morphology. The objective of this study is to filter PLI from ECG recordings with minimal distortion of the ECG waveform. Methods : In this paper, we propose a fixed-lag Kalman smoother with adaptive noise estimation. The performance of this Kalman smoother in filtering PLI is compared to that of a fixed-bandwidth notch filter and several adaptive PLI filters that have been proposed in the literature. To evaluate the performance, we corrupted clean neonatal ECG recordings with various simulated PLI. Furthermore, examples are shown of filtering real PLI from an adult and a fetal ECG recording. Results: The fixed-lag Kalman smoother outperforms other PLI filters in terms of step response settling time (improvements that range from 0.1 to 1 s) and signal-to-noise ratio (improvements that range from 17 to 23 dB). Our fixed-lag Kalman smoother can be used for semi real-time applications with a limited delay of 0.4 s. Conclusion and Significance: The fixed-lag Kalman smoother presented in this study outperforms other methods for filtering PLI and leads to minimal distortion of the ECG waveform.
Activation of Fyn tyrosine kinase in the mouse dorsal hippocampus is essential for contextual fear conditioning

Fyn‐tyrosine‐kinase‐deficient mice exhibit defects in the Morris water maze test and long‐term potentiation (LTP) induction in the hippocampus, and given that LTP has been postulated as the neural basis for memory formation, Fyn may be required for hippocampus‐dependent memory formation. However, how Fyn is involved in the process of memory formation is unclear. To investigate the role of Fyn in hippocampal memory formation, we first tested the behavior of Fyn‐deficient mice by contextual fear conditioning. A mouse was placed in a context and a foot shock was delivered, so that the mouse associated the context with the shock. We found that the freezing response of Fyn‐deficient mice to the context was impaired at 24 h after conditioning. We then measured freezing at 1 h after conditioning, and found that their short‐term contextual fear memory was also impaired. We used Western blotting to examine the mode of Fyn activation in dorsal hippocampal tissue following contextual fear conditioning. Fyn activation peaked as early as 5–10 min after contextual fear conditioning and persisted for at least 40 min. Concomitant increases in tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including NR2B, were also observed, but no increases in tyrosine phosphorylation were observed in Fyn‐deficient mice. Thus, both short‐term and long‐term (24‐h) contextual fear memory were impaired in Fyn‐deficient mice, and Fyn activation in the dorsal hippocampus transiently increased after contextual fear conditioning. These findings strongly suggest that activation of the Fyn signaling pathway is involved in hippocampus‐dependent formation of contextual fear memory.
Crypto-trading: Blockchain-oriented energy market

Bloekehain — software technology used for peer-to-peer transaction platforms — is being increasingly applied to alternative opportunities for a variety of industries and use cases such as also in the energy sector. As of now all energy related to blockchain applications are still in a concept stage. This paper aims to present the preliminary ideas of a research project that we have launched in collaboration with a small Fintech company: the Crypto-Trading project. From a research perspective we have explored how a blockchain-based system integrating smart contract functionality can be used to share energy in order to promote smart grids for the management of electricity in the Sardinia Region. From a technical perspective the project will implement a modular blockchain-based software platform for extending the features of cryptocurrency exchanges to the renewable Energy Market, including a robo-advisor which will suggest prosumers the best selling strategy. Blockchain technology shows a lot of promise. In our opinion this might boost the growth of renewable energy production and consequently also have a positive effect on the regional economy.
Culture Condition-Dependent Senescence-Like Growth Arrest and Immortalization in Rodent Embryo Cells

Abstract Kodama, S. , Mori, I. , Roy, K. , Yang, Z. , Suzuki, K. and Watanabe, M. Culture Condition-Dependent Senescence-Like Growth Arrest and Immortalization in Rodent Embryo Cells. We investigated the telomerase activity, telomere length, and replicative life span of cells from human embryos and rodent embryos (mouse, rat and Syrian hamster). We used two culture conditions for rodent embryo cells whereby the cells were plated at a density of 2 × 105 into a 25-cm2 flask and subcultured every 3 days or every 10 days. We found that nearly 100% of the cultures of rodent embryo cells become immortal when they are subcultured using the 10-day culture protocol. These rodent embryo cells retain telomerase activity and long telomeres (19–50 kb) in the long-term cultures, whereas human embryo cells rapidly deplete telomerase activity associated with significant shortening of telomeres, and then they senesce. In contrast to the results from 10-day cultures, we found that some mouse cell cultures and most Syrian hamster cell cultures arrest cell growth after 13 and 29 population doublings, respectively, while retaining substantial levels of telomerase activity and experiencing no significant loss of telomeres when the cells were subcultured using the 3-day culture protocol. This growth arrest is phenotypically indistinguishable from cellular senescence. The present results suggest that in rodent cells the onset of senescence-like arrest can be activated without repression of telomerase, and that this activation pathway can be bypassed easily under certain culture conditions, such as the 10-day culture protocol.
Impact of Monthly Repayment System on the Household Healthcare Expenditure of the Rural Women Borrowers: Evidence from Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The prime objective of this study was to assess the impact of monthly repayment system on the healthcare expenditure of the borrower’s household. Primary data were collected from the landless, marginal, small female borrowers of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who were mainly involved in the agricultural activities. Propensity score matching (PSM) technique was used to assess the impact of monthly repayment system on the household’s healthcare expenditure. This study showed that the monthly repayment system failed to create any significant impact on the household healthcare expenses. However, household income and food expenditure significantly increased because of practicing the monthly repayment system.
The clinical use of buprenorphine in opiate addiction: evidence and practice

Buprenorphine is a partial μ-opioid receptor agonist that is being increasingly used in clinical practice in the treatment of opioid dependence in the UK, USA, and, elsewhere. Its unique pharmacological properties mean it is a relatively safe drug, it can be given by alternate day dispensing, and it is associated with relatively mild symptoms on withdrawal. The interpretation of the research literature on buprenorphine is however, complex, and often appears to be in conflict with how buprenorphine is used in clinical practice. This article describes these apparent contradictions, their likely explanations, and how these may further inform our clinical practice. The article also describes the clinically relevant pharmacological properties of buprenorphine, compares it to methadone, relates the evidence to clinical experience, and provides practical advice on how to manage the most common clinical techniques. The best quality evidence suggests that very rapid buprenorphine induction is not associated with a higher drop-out rate than methadone, that buprenorphine is probably as good as methadone for maintenance treatment, and is superior to methadone and α-2 adrenergic agonists for detoxification. However, buprenorphine cannot yet be considered the ‘gold standard’ treatment for opiate dependence because of the higher drop-out rates that may occur on induction using current techniques, its high-cost relative to methadone, and because the place of buprenorphine in treatment is still continuing to evolve.
Protect, Respect and Remedy: A United Nations Policy Framework for Business and Human Rights

been criticized by others who would have liked to have seen his recommendations go further and include some reference to the role of binding legal human rights obligations for corporate actors. In June 2008, the Human Rights Council extended Professor Ruggie's mandate for another three years, requesting him to, among other things, develop the three principles of his policy framework; integrate a gender perspective throughout his work and give attention to those belonging to vulnerable groups, in particular children; identify, exchange, and promote best practices for business in this area; and advance the policy framework, continuing to consult with a wide variety of stakeholders. Professor Ruggie released his preliminary work plan for his new mandate in October 2008. In this panel we will be discussing the work of the Special Representative and the operationalization of his policy framework. In particular, panelists will consider where we should go from here in the effort to develop norms to regulate corporate activity effectively and address corporate impunity for human rights abuses.
The Accuracy of Prevalence Rates of Multiple Sclerosis: A Critical Review

Review of the recent medical literature raises doubts about the reliability of reported prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS). Many published prevalence rates are inflated. Some studies have shown that relying on clinical information and MRI interpretation leads to one third of incorrect MS diagnoses. The most important error is failing to distinguish between the clinical and MRI characteristics of MS and of disseminated encephalomyelitis (DEM) in both their acute and relapsing forms. The diagnostic criteria in current usage, including those relating to imaging, do not differentiate between MS and other recurrent inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. Considering a second demyelinating episode following a clinically isolated symptom or acute DEM, as confirming MS, is another major source of error. Another is including cases with onset before they entered the study group or moved to the geographic area. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) has long been considered an MS variant and in Far Eastern countries it is counted as the ‘oriental’ form of MS, falsely inflating prevalence rates of MS in those areas. Recent immunologic and radiologic evidence shows that at least some NMO cases represent instances of DEM.
Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy in Comparison to Open and Laparoscopic Procedures: A Prospective Study on Donor Morbidity and Kidney Function

Background. Living donor nephrectomy (LDN) is a unique surgical challenge where surgery is performed on a healthy individual. A new hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (HARS) technique was compared to transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (LAP) and open nephrectomy (OPEN). The aim was to examine the perioperative and postoperative morbidity, and the effects of the different surgical techniques with regard to renal function. Methods. Donors (n=36) were divided into three groups (HARS, LAP and OPEN) according to surgical technique. During the operations, renal function, hormone output, warm ischemia time (WIT) and operating time were recorded. Renal function, complications, convalescence and allograft outcome were followed postoperatively for one year. Results. OPEN and HARS groups showed similar operation times: 150 (95–218) minutes and 145 (124–225) minutes, respectively. LAP procedures took longer: 218 (163–280) minutes. OPEN had the shortest WIT at 91 (55–315) seconds; LAP had the longest WIT at 207 (100–319) seconds, with HARS at 180 (85–240) seconds. In all groups, glomerular filtration rate and urine production were decreased during surgery. Endoscopic techniques had a higher catecholamine release, and OPEN donors showed higher serum aldosterone. Endoscopic techniques showed shorter convalescence and less postoperative pain compared to OPEN. HARS had a smaller rise in creatinine than LAP, and HARS recipients a better creatinine clearance than the other groups in the early posttransplantation period. Conclusions. Evaluation of HARS shows that the operation is quick, the donors experience little pain, and recovery time is short. The renal function for donors and recipients is somewhat favorable to open surgery and transperitoneal laparoscopic approaches.
Complexation with chondroitin sulfate C and Polybrene rapidly purifies retrovirus from inhibitors of transduction and substantially enhances gene transfer

Using amphotropic retrovirus stocks produced by TELCeB6‐A cells that encode the Escherichia coli lacZ gene, we found that complexation with chondroitin sulfate C (CSC) and Polybrene (PB) is an effective means to purify retrovirus. Virus stocks contained high levels of inhibitory activity that blocked amphotropic, but not ecotropic, retrovirus transduction. When virus stocks were brought to 80 µg/mL each of CSC and PB, complexes of CSC and PB formed. These complexes incorporated more than 70% of the virus particles but less than 0.4% of all other proteins and no detectable inhibitory activity. Purified virus transduced NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts 21 to 186‐fold more efficiently than virus that was not purified. In addition, virus purification significantly altered the dose response of transduction. When virus that had not been purified was used to transduce cells, the relationship between transduction and virus concentration was highly non‐linear. In contrast, when purified virus was used, transduction increased monotonically and was linearly proportional to virus concentration, except when high doses of virus were used. Interestingly, when high doses of virus were used gene transfer reached a maximum plateau level, most likely because particle‐associated amphotropic envelope proteins had saturated the cellular receptors for the virus. Our findings illustrate that retrovirus purification increases the maximum number of genes that can be transferred, reduces the amount of virus required to achieve a given level of gene transfer, and reduces uncertainties about the relationship between the amount of virus used and the number of genes transferred. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, inc.
Analysis of Sustainable Supply Chain Redesign Linking with New Product Development

This research seeks to investigate the new product development (NPD) approaches and the supply chain redesign strategies as part of the sustainable development. A systematic approach of literature review will be undertaken in order for effective gathering a set of structured data to act as a basis for the further discussions. The case of Boeing Dreamliner provides with a qualitative research method in order for critical analysis of the main concepts of the research. According to the inclusive Dreamliner’s development programme and the risks and threats associated with supply chain redesign, this paper defines a comprehensive framework in order to minimise the potential failures and delays within the future aircraft development approaches. The paper studies the supply chain redesign of NPD programme within the aircraft industry; therefore, there is a need for other types of industries to be investigated due to their different features and necessities. The systematic review of Dreamliner case provides an opportunity for creating a well-defined framework addressing supply chain sustainability and NPD project management challenges. All the supply chain entities especially within aircraft industries would benefit from the paper results in order to receive the best advantages from NPD practices and global supply chain methods. Key-Words: Sustainable Supply Chain, New Product Development (NPD), Boeing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Supply Chain Risk Management
Aiding the Transition from Novice to Traditional Programming Environments

Novice programming environments are increasingly popular as introductory tools for teaching programming. Many of these tools differ significantly from traditional programming environments and are successful in motivating novices and making it simple to start programming. However, it has been reported that students still struggle when transitioning to general-purpose languages and have difficulties learning certain concepts. In this paper, we briefly describe some of the problems novices have when learning to program and identify drawbacks to existing novice programming environments. We then present two different works in progress with features designed to keep some of the advantages of current novice programming environments but in such a way that students are led to deeper concepts. Such features include immediate feedback, loop construction, and automated identifier updating. This report references the feasibility of these approaches.