Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Latest trends in craniomaxillofacial surgical instrumentation

Purpose of reviewTo review the past year's literature regarding recent innovations in surgical instrumentation for craniomaxillofacial surgery. Recent findingsCurrent advances in surgical instrumentation have led to many improvements in the field, allowing greater visualization and precision both before and during procedures. One of the common goals is to achieve excellent outcomes with minimal complications, while at the same time minimizing invasiveness of surgery. Highlighted innovations include greater capacities for acquisition of data, leading to improved imaging modalities and expansion of computer-assisted surgical techniques; continued developments in biomaterials used in various reconstructions; and novel uses of bone cutting and bone fixation instrumentation. SummaryTechnology in the field of craniomaxillofacial surgery is developing rapidly, leading to novel instrumentation being utilized across a broad spectrum of areas. Published data have been encouraging to date, indicating an ever increasing adaptation of these innovations in clinical practice. Future efforts need to focus on cost–benefit analysis and constructing larger-scale studies to better understand effectiveness and patient outcomes.
Effects of low dietary protein on the metabolites and microbial communities in the caecal digesta of piglets

Thirty-six healthy piglets (weighing 10 ± 1 kg; three animals per pen) were randomly allocated to two treatments: (i) a low protein diet (14% crude protein [CP]) supplemented with lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan (Group LP) and (ii) a normal protein diet (20% CP, Group NP), resulting in six replicate pens per treatment. One piglet from each pen was slaughtered at days 10, 25 and 45 of the experiment. For the whole experimental period of 45 d, Group LP had lower feed intake and daily gain and a higher feed-to-gain ratio compared with Group NP. At day 10, no effects on measured caecum metabolites were observed, but at days 25 and 45 in Group LP the concentration of ammonia-N, cadaverine, branched chain fatty acids and acetate were reduced. This was also true for the concentration of short chain fatty acids at day 45. The results of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis showed that microbial diversity in Group LP was less abundant at day 25, but there was no difference at days 10 and 45. An unweighted pair group mean average analysis showed that the similarities were lower between Groups LP and NP at day 10 and higher at days 25 and 45. Quantitation results indicated that the numbers of Firmicutes and Clostridium cluster IV were lower in Group LP than in Group NP at day 25, but there were no differences at days 10 and 45. In conclusion, the low protein diet markedly reduced the metabolites of protein and carbohydrate fermentation and altered microbial communities in the caecal digesta of piglets.
Recovery of Low-Rank Matrices Under Affine Constraints via a Smoothed Rank Function

In this paper, the problem of matrix rank minimization under affine constraints is addressed. The state-of-the-art algorithms can recover matrices with a rank much less than what is sufficient for the uniqueness of the solution of this optimization problem. We propose an algorithm based on a smooth approximation of the rank function, which practically improves recovery limits on the rank of the solution. This approximation leads to a non-convex program; thus, to avoid getting trapped in local solutions, we use the following scheme. Initially, a rough approximation of the rank function subject to the affine constraints is optimized. As the algorithm proceeds, finer approximations of the rank are optimized and the solver is initialized with the solution of the previous approximation until reaching the desired accuracy. On the theoretical side, benefiting from the spherical section property, we will show that the sequence of the solutions of the approximating programs converges to the minimum rank solution. On the experimental side, it will be shown that the proposed algorithm, termed SRF standing for smoothed rank function, can recover matrices, which are unique solutions of the rank minimization problem and yet not recoverable by nuclear norm minimization. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated that, in completing partially observed matrices, the accuracy of SRF is considerably and consistently better than some famous algorithms when the number of revealed entries is close to the minimum number of parameters that uniquely represent a low-rank matrix.
A chemical signature of first-generation very massive stars

How huge early stars enriched the universe How big did the first generation of stars get? Knowing their size is critical to understanding how they enriched the chemistry of the universe through supernova explosions. According to numerical simulations, some of the earliest stars were more than 100 times the Sun's mass. However, no traces of these live-fast, die-young stars had been detected in any low-mass stars still extant from that era. Aoki et al. now show spectra of one such metal-poor star that may have recorded the activity of a very massive predecessor (see the Perspective by Bromm). This observational evidence will spur further supernova models, as none predicts this specific chemical signature. Science, this issue p. 912; see also p. 868 Elemental abundances in a metal-poor star suggest enrichment by a supernova involving a progenitor heavier than 100 solar masses. [Also see Perspective by Bromm] Numerical simulations of structure formation in the early universe predict the formation of some fraction of stars with several hundred solar masses. No clear evidence of supernovae from such very massive stars has, however, yet been found in the chemical compositions of Milky Way stars. We report on an analysis of a very metal-poor star SDSS J001820.5–093939.2, which possesses elemental-abundance ratios that differ significantly from any previously known star. This star exhibits low [α-element Fe] ratios and large contrasts between the abundances of odd and even element pairs, such as scandium/titanium and cobalt/nickel. Such features have been predicted by nucleosynthesis models for supernovae of stars more than 140 times as massive as the Sun, suggesting that the mass distribution of first-generation stars might extend to 100 solar masses or larger.
New Approaches to the Analysis and Design of Reed-Solomon Related Codes

The research that led to this thesis was inspired by Sudan's breakthrough that demonstrated that Reed-Solomon codes can correct more errors than previously thought. This breakthrough can render the current state-of-the-art Reed-Solomon decoders obsolete. Much of the importance of Reed-Solomon codes stems from their ubiquity and utility. This thesis takes a few steps toward a deeper understanding of Reed-Solomon codes as well as toward the design of efficient algorithms for decoding them. After studying the binary images of Reed-Solomon codes, we proceeded to analyze their performance under optimum decoding. Moreover, we investigated the performance of Reed-Solomon codes in network scenarios when the code is shared by many users or applications. We proved that Reed-Solomon codes have many more desirable properties. Algebraic soft decoding of Reed-Solomon codes is a class of algorithms that was stirred by Sudan's breakthrough. We developed a mathematical model for algebraic soft decoding. By designing Reed-Solomon decoding algorithms, we showed that algebraic soft decoding can indeed approach the ultimate performance limits of Reed-Solomon codes. We then shifted our attention to products of Reed-Solomon codes. We analyzed the performance of linear product codes in general and Reed-Solomon product codes in particular. Motivated by these results we designed a number of algorithms, based on Sudan's breakthrough, for decoding Reed-Solomon product codes. Lastly, we tackled the problem of analyzing the performance of sphere decoding of lattice codes and linear codes, e.g., Reed-Solomon codes, with an eye on the tradeoff between performance and complexity.
"Split ADC" architecture for deterministic digital background calibration of a 16-bit 1-MS/s ADC

Self-calibration in approximately 10 000 conversions is demonstrated in a 16-bit, 1-MS/s algorithmic analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Continuous digital background calibration is enabled by introduction of a "split ADC" architecture, in which the die area of a single ADC design is split into two independent converters, each converting the same input signal. The two independent outputs are averaged to produce the ADC output code. The difference of the two outputs provides information for the background calibration process. Since both ADCs convert the same input, when correctly calibrated their outputs should be equal and the difference should be zero. Any nonzero difference provides information to an error estimation process which adjust calibration parameters in each ADC. For the specific realization of an algorithmic ADC described in this paper, a multiple residue mode amplifier is used to ensure different decision trajectories and provide valid calibration information. The analog sub-system of the ADC is implemented in 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS, consumes 105 mW, and has a die size of 1.2 mm /spl times/ 1.4 mm.
Assessment of natural radioactivity of sand used in Turkey

The natural radioactivity due to the presence of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in sand samples used as building materials in Turkey was measured by gamma spectrometry. The measured activity in the sand samples ranged from 17 to 97 Bq kg−1, 10 to 133 Bq kg−1 and 116 to 955 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The concentrations of these natural radionuclides were compared with the reported data for other countries. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the external hazard index (Hex), the internal hazard index (Hin), the indoor absorbed dose rate in air and the annual effective dose rate were evaluated to assess the radiation hazard for people living in dwellings made of the materials studied. The Raeq values of sand samples are lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg−1, equivalent to a gamma dose of 1.5 mSv yr−1. This study shows that the measured sand samples do not pose any significant source of radiation hazard and are safe for use in building materials. Moreover, the experimental mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of seven different sand samples were determined in the energy range 80–1332 keV photons by using the gamma ray transmission method. Experimental values of mass attenuation coefficient were compared with theoretical values obtained using the program XCOM. The calculated values and the experimental results of this work and the other results in the literature are found to be in good agreement. Chemical and structural analyses (XRD) of the sand samples were also undertaken.
Tachyons, supertubes and brane / anti-brane systems

We find supertubes with arbitrary (and not necessarily planar) cross-section; the stability against the D2-brane tension is due to a compensation by the local momentum generated by Born-Infeld fields. Stability against long-range supergravity forces is also established. We find the corresponding solutions of the N = ∞ M(atrix) model. The supersymmetric D2/anti-D2 system is a special case of the general supertube, and we show that there are no open-string tachyons in this system via a computation of the open-string one-loop vacuum energy.
A control method for dynamic biped walking under unknown external force

The authors introduce a control method for dynamic biped walking under unknown external forces and moments. By using this method, they perform walking experiments of real-time control with the biped walking robot WL-12RIII which has a newly developed real-time controller. The result shows that the WL-12RIII realized a 0.64(s/step) dynamic stepping motion under an unknown external force which was rectangular and acting backward on its waist. The maximum force strength was 100(N) and the time width was 0.3(s). And the validity of this control method and the real-time controller was experimentally supported. <<ETX>>
Implementing Smart Factory of Industrie 4.0: An Outlook

With the application of Internet of Things and services to manufacturing, the fourth stage of industrialization, referred to as Industrie 4.0, is believed to be approaching. For Industrie 4.0 to come true, it is essential to implement the horizontal integration of inter-corporation value network, the end-to-end integration of engineering value chain, and the vertical integration of factory inside. In this paper, we focus on the vertical integration to implement flexible and reconfigurable smart factory. We first propose a brief framework that incorporates industrial wireless networks, cloud, and fixed or mobile terminals with smart artifacts such as machines, products, and conveyors. Then, we elaborate the operational mechanism from the perspective of control engineering, that is, the smart artifacts form a self-organized system which is assisted with the feedback and coordination blocks that are implemented on the cloud and based on the big data analytics. In addition, we outline the main technical features and beneficial outcomes and present a detailed design scheme. We conclude that the smart factory of Industrie 4.0 is achievable by extensively applying the existing enabling technologies while actively coping with the technical challenges.
Treatment options in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer after BCG failure

Bladder cancer is the ninth-most prevalent cancer worldwide. Most patients with urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder present with non-muscle-invasive disease and are treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intravesical therapy. Many of these patients experience disease recurrence after BCG failure. Radical cystectomy is the recommended treatment for high-risk patients failing BCG. However, many patients are unfit for or unwilling to undergo this procedure. We searched the published literature on the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after BCG failure. We review current evidence regarding intravesical therapy with gemcitabine, mitomycin combined with thermo-chemotherapy, docetaxel, nab-paclitaxel, photodynamic therapy (PDT), BCG with interferon (IFN), and combination sequentially administered chemotherapy.
Community participation and childhood immunization coverage: A comparative study of rural and urban communities of Bayelsa State, south-south Nigeria

Background: Immunization coverage rates in Nigeria have remained very poor, in spite of numerous programs and strategies, specifically designed to improve coverage. This study was to assess the possible effects of greater community participation on immunization coverage, by comparing the immunization coverage in a rural community with a functional community health committee, with an urban community, with no distinct community structure. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in Ondewari, a rural, riverine community, in Bayelsa State; and Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, south-south Nigeria; using a cross-sectional, comparative study design. The data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, administered on female head of households in both communities, with under-five children; and used to collect information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, the immunization status of children in the household below the age of 2 years, and reasons for none and incomplete immunization. Results: A total of 288 respondents were studied in the rural community, while 270 respondents were studied in the urban center. The respondents in the urban center were significantly younger (P<0.01), better educated (P<0.001), and had fewer number of children (P<0.01). The immunization status of children in the rural community was significantly better than those in the urban community (P<0.000). Only 11.46% of the children in the rural community were not immunized, compared to 47.04% in the urban community. However, the dropout rate in the rural community was much higher; with a DPT dropout rate of 77.34%, compared to 12.39% in the urban community. Most of the reasons given in the urban community for the incomplete immunization were linked lack of motivation, and include relocation (11.34%) and the adverse rumor about childhood immunization (17.23%), while the reasons in the rural community were mostly health facility related, and included the absence of the vaccinator (20.46%) and nonavailability of vaccines (26.64%). Conclusion: The immunization coverage in the rural community was surprisingly better than that of the urban community, which can be attributed to better mobilization and participation in the delivery of immunization services.
Are bioactive-rich fractions functionally richer?

Abstract Plant bioresources are relied upon as natural, inexpensive, and sustainable remedies for the management of several chronic diseases worldwide. Plants have historically been consumed for medicinal purposes based on traditional belief, but this trend is currently changing. The growing interest in the medicinal properties of plant bioresources stems from concerns of side effects and other adverse effects caused by synthetic drugs. This interest has yielded a better understanding of the roles of plant bioactive compounds in health promotion and disease prevention, including the underlying mechanisms involved in such functional effects. The desire to maximize the potential of phytochemicals has led to the development of “rich fractions,” in which extracts contain bioactive compounds in addition to elevated levels of the primary compound. Although a rich fraction effectively increases the bioactivity of the extract, the standardization and quality assurance process can be challenging. However, the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) system is a promising green technology in this regard. Future clinical and pharmacological studies are needed to fully elucidate the implications of these preparations in the management of human diseases, thereby fostering a move toward evidence-based medicine.
Genotype GI.6 Norovirus, United States, 2010–2012

We report an increase in the proportion of genotype GI.6 norovirus outbreaks in the United States from 1.4% in 2010 to 7.7% in 2012 (p<0.001). Compared with non-GI.6 outbreaks, GI.6 outbreaks were characterized by summer seasonality, foodborne transmission, and non–health care settings.
Physical and Psychological Predictors of Perceived Ability in Adult Male and Female Tennis Players

Abstract Although we know from research that achievement motivation is related to individuals' ideas about how good they are at an activity, we know less about the components that predict these task-specific ability self-perceptions. Given their demonstrated motivational power, it would be useful to know what sub-component physical and psychological skills feed into individuals' sport-specific ability self-perceptions. A sample of 323 female and 143 male adult tennis players filled out questionnaire measures assessing their perceived tennis ability, United States Tennis Association (USTA) rating, self-perceptions of seven tennis shots (e.g., forehand, serve), perceived physical competencies, and perceived psychological competencies. Regression analyses showed that age, USTA rating, Perceived Tennis Shot Abilities, perceived confidence and achievement motivation, and perceived strategy knowledge significantly predicted players' Perceived Tennis Ability. The results highlight the importance of including perceived psychological abilities in measures of perceived athletic and sport-specific competence.
Wind Power Plants and System Operation in the Hourly Time Domain: Preprint

Because wind is an intermittent power source, the variability may have significant impacts on system operation. Part of the difficulty of analyzing the load following impact of wind is the inadequacy of most modeling frameworks to accurately treat wind plants and the difficulty of untangling causal impacts of wind plants from other dynamic phenomena. This paper presents a simple analysis of an hourly load-following requirement that can be performed without extensive computer modeling. The approach is therefore useful as a first step to quantifying these impacts when extensive modeling and data sets are not available. The variability that wind plants add to the electricity supply must be analyzed in the context of overall system variability. The approach used in this paper does just that. The results show that wind plants do have an impact on load following, but when calculated as a percentage of the installed wind plant capacity, this impact is not large. Another issue is the extent to which wind forecast errors add to imbalance. The relative statistical independence of wind forecast errors and load forecast errors can be used to help quantify the extent to which wind forecast errors impact overall system imbalances.
Functions of the Epstein-Barr Virus EBNA1 Protein in Viral Reactivation and Lytic Infection

ABSTRACT EBNA1 is the only nuclear Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) protein expressed in both latent and lytic modes of infection. While EBNA1 is known to play several important roles in latent infection, the reason for its continued expression in lytic infection is unknown. Here we identified two roles for EBNA1 in the reactivation of latent EBV to the lytic cycle in epithelial cells. First, EBNA1 depletion in latently infected cells was shown to positively contribute to spontaneous EBV reactivation, showing that EBNA1 has a role in suppressing reactivation. Second, when the lytic cycle was induced, EBNA1 depletion decreased lytic gene expression and DNA amplification, showing that it positively contributed to lytic infection. Since we have previously shown that EBNA1 disrupts promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, we investigated whether this function could account for the effects of EBNA1 on lytic infection by repeating the experiments with cells lacking PML proteins. In the absence of PML, EBNA1 did not promote lytic infection, indicating that the EBNA1-mediated PML disruption is responsible for promoting lytic infection. In keeping with this conclusion, PML silencing was found to be sufficient to induce the EBV lytic cycle. Finally, by generating cells with single PML isoforms, we showed that individual PML isoforms were sufficient to suppress EBV lytic reactivation, although PML isoform IV (PML IV) was ineffective because it was most efficiently degraded by EBNA1. Our results provide the first function for EBNA1 in lytic infection and show that EBNA1 interactions with PML IV lead to a loss of PML nuclear bodies (NBs) that promotes lytic infection.