Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Recent Caries Removal Techniques: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: Dentistry is undergoing a gentle revolution that will consign drill and fill to history. In order to increase the acceptance of dental treatment, efforts are directed toward changing traditional painful dentistry into a new concept of painless dentistry. It is common practice to utilize burs for caries removal and cavity preparation. Chemomechanical caries removal is a painless procedure that uses a chemical substance to eradicate diseased dentine. With the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er: YAG) laser systems for caries removal and cavity preparation, the discipline of laser operational dentistry was born out of a desire to find a way to remove the decay without causing any pain or stress to the surrounding healthy tissue. Aim and Objectives: This in vitro research aimed to assess the relative advantages of chemomechanical and laser caries extraction techniques in comparison to the more traditional bur technique. The efficacy of each method was evaluated by microscopic examination of samples treated with each experimental method. We also evaluated the efficiency of each method by recording the time required for caries excavation. Material and Methods: The methods used for caries excavation were bur excavation, chemo-mechanical method, and laser method. Histological slices were produced after all the samples had been treated with the experimental techniques, and they were studied using a binocular light transmission microscope. The samples were then scored as ‘0’ for absence and ‘1’ for the presence of demineralized dentine. These scores and the time recorded for each method were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: This study found no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of the different approaches to removing caries; however, bur excavation was the quickest and chemo-mechanical was the slowest, with the latter not being useful in cases with low caries activity. The laser method of caries removal doesn’t remove caries existing in the undercut areas of the cavity thus making the use of bur mandatory. Conclusion: With more practice and experience, the chemo-mechanical and laser methods can be used in a more efficient way to render painless operative procedures to patients.
Decision Optimization of Machine Sets Taking Into Consideration Logical Tree Minimization of Design Guidelines

Abstract The method of minimization of complex partial multi-valued logical functions determines the degree of importance of construction and exploitation parameters playing the role of logical decision variables. Logical functions are taken into consideration in the issues of modelling machine sets. In multi-valued logical functions with weighting products, it is possible to use a modified Quine - McCluskey algorithm of multi-valued functions minimization. Taking into account weighting coefficients in the logical tree minimization reflects a physical model of the object being analysed much better
Identification of parameters in unsteady open channel flows

This paper introduces the influence coefficient algorithm, a simple, easily implemented, and rapidly convergent computational procedure for the solution of the parameter identification problem in unsteady open channel flow from field observations on stage hydrograph and velocity distribution at one or more points along the channel. (Identification is a mathematical process whereby the parameters embedded in a differential equation defining a system are determined from observations of system input and output.) The parameters specifically chosen for identification are the two ‘friction slope’ characteristics: the channel roughness coefficient and the exponent of the hydraulic radius in the empirical friction slope relation, a number usually assumed to be 4/3. These parameters are not physically measurable and have to be determined from the solutions of the mathematical model using concurrent input and output measurements. This new procedure is related to both quasilinearization and gradient methods. Additionally, an effective formulation of the algorithm is shown to depend on certain stability and convergence features related to the finite difference solutions of the governing flow equations but often ignored or glossed over.
High frequency attenuated total internal reflection light modulator

The modulation efficiency and bandwidth limitations of a new type of light modulator, the attenuated total internal reflection modulator (ATRM), are described. The ATRM is based on coupling a light beam to a surface plasmon wave, and its fabrication is compatible with GaAs integrated circuit technology. We demonstrate modulation to 22 GHz (the extrapolated 1.5 dB optical modulation bandwidth is 26 GHz) and show that devices with high modulation index can be built using existing materials.
Magnetic confinement experiments: stability (EX/S), wave–plasma interactions, current drive, heating, energetic particles (EX/W), plasma–material interactions, divertors, limiters, SOL (EX/D)

This summary is based on 155 papers presented at FEC 2010 in Daejeon. It deals with a wide range of aspects of magnetic confinement experiments covering inter alia: stability, wave–plasma interactions, current drive, heating, energetic particles, plasma–material interactions, divertors, limiters and SOL aspects. Whenever possible, findings and new understanding have been organized and regrouped by issues. Particular attention has been given to issues in the critical path of ITER construction. The fusion scientific community has focused on these issues in a sticking manner.
Photoionization and photodissociation in diffuse interstellar clouds

An accurate treatment of radiative transfer is used to explore the effects of grain scattering properties on the photoionization and photodissociation efficiencies of atomic and molecular constituents in diffuse clouds and to calculate the rates of heat deposition by photoelectric emission from grains. The observational data on ionization and dissociation are consistent with, but do not establish, a grain scattering model which is highly anisotropic at short wavelengths.
The Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health

Flaxseed contains high amounts of biologically active components such as α-linolenic acid, lignans, and dietary fiber. Due to its numerous nutritional properties, flaxseed has been classified as a “superfood”, that is, a food of natural origin with various bioactive components and many health-promoting benefits. Flaxseed consumption can be an important factor in the prevention of diseases, particularly related to nutrition. The regular consumption of flaxseed may help to improve lipid profile and lower blood pressure, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Moreover, flaxseed is characterized by anticancer and antioxidant properties and can significantly reduce the intensity of symptoms associated with menopause, constipation, and mental fatigue, improve skin condition, and accelerate wound healing. In addition to its bioactive compounds, flaxseed also contains antinutrients such as cyanogenic glycosides (CGs), cadmium, trypsin inhibitors, and phytic acid that can reduce the bioavailability of essential nutrients and/or limit its health-promoting effects. Three common forms of flaxseed available for human consumption include whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed, and flaxseed oil. The bioavailability of ALA and lignans is also dependent on the form of flaxseed consumed. To ensure high bioavailability of its bioactive components, flaxseed should be consumed in the ground form.
Bacterial cellulose grown from kombucha: Assessment of textile performance properties using fashion apparel tests

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been suggested as a sustainable alternative textile for apparel. Previous studies have evaluated the production of BC sheets and the suitability of these to form garment shapes. The laboratory measured physical performance characteristics of BC from an apparel perspective remain relatively unexplored. The aim of this study was to produce reproducible sheets of BC, enabling the evaluation of the performance of the BC in an apparel textile testing context, and comparison to other textile materials. Grown in sterile black tea with glucose, the BC presented as a mesh of non-woven nanofibers, and thus comparison was made with three non-woven fabrics. It has also been suggested that BC could be used as ‘vegetable’ leather; therefore, performance comparisons were conducted with animal skins. Utilizing British, European and International standard test methods, the selected fabrics were evaluated for their performance in tensile, elongation, moisture vapor permeability and abrasion tests, relevant for an apparel end-use. Tensile strength testing revealed that BC is weaker than its animal counterparts but does display similar physical characteristics at the point of failure; however, it displayed a higher tensile strength than the non-woven fabrics chosen for comparison. BC was the least breathable and most moisture-retentive of all the fabrics tested, raising questions regarding its suitability and comfort for apparel applications in its untreated state. However, BC displayed superior performance when tested for resistance to abrasion, suggesting it could be best utilized in the form of encapsulated patches in items subjected to this type of damage.
Fault diagnosis of large-scale industrial processes using the multi-block probabilistic kernel partial least squares method

In view of the large-scale and high-dimensional problems of industrial data and fault-tracing problems, a fault detection and diagnosis method based on multi-block probabilistic kernel partial least squares (MBPKPLS) is proposed. First, the process variables are divided into several blocks in a decentralized manner to address the large-scale and high-dimensional problems. The probabilistic characteristics and relationship between the corresponding process variables and the quality variables of each block are analyzed using latent variables, and the PKPLS model of each block is established separately. Second, the MBPKPLS model is applied to process monitoring, statistics of each block are established in a high-dimensional space, and the monitoring indicators in each block are used to detect faults. Third, based on fault detection, the multi-block concept is further used to locate the cause of fault, thereby solving the problem of fault tracing. Finally, a numerical example and the penicillin fermentation process (PFP) are used to test the effectiveness of the MBPKPLS method. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is suitable for processing large-scale, high-dimensional data with strong nonlinear characteristics, and the MBPKPLS process monitoring method is effective for improving the performance of fault detection and diagnosis.
MobiHealth: Ambulant Patient Monitoring Over Public Wireless Networks

The use of health BANs together with advanced wireless communications enables remote management of chronic conditions and detection of health emergencies whilst maximising patient mobility. MobiHealth1,2 has developed a generic Body Area Network (BAN) for healthcare and an m-health service platform. Biosignals measured by sensors connected to the BAN are transmitted to the remote healthcare location over public wireless networks (GPRS/UMTS). The project results include an architecture for, and a prototype of, a generic service platform for provision of ubiquitous healthcare services based on Body Area Networks. The MobiHealth BAN and service platform have been trialled in four European countries with a variety of patient groups. The MobiHealth System can support not only sensors, but potentially any body worn device, hence the system has potentially very many applications in healthcare which allow healthcare services to delivered in the community.
Transitional Flow and Related Transport Phenomena in Curved Microchannels

In microchannels with typical dimensions from 10 μm to a few hundreds of micrometers, the flow is dominated by viscous forces, often leading to laminar flow conditions. At the entrance or in bends and curves, where the flow changes its velocity or direction, inertial forces generate transverse flow velocities. Due to continuity, vortex pairs, such as Dean flow in circular bends, are generated, which are still laminar, steady, and showing no statistically distributed fluctuations typical for turbulent flow. This deviation from straight laminar conditions is called transitional flow, often occurring in channels larger than 500 μm at higher flow rates. Transitional flow phenomena include the first occurrence of flow bifurcation, pulsating vortices, period doubling of vortex pairs, and regularly fluctuating wake flow or vortex shedding. Chaotic flow phenomena are the first evidence of turbulence. Transitional flow augments the transport characteristics in microchannels for enhanced heat and mass transfer and for performing chemical reactions in microreactors. The profound understanding of how to generate and control vortices in microchannels guides the design of advanced microstructured devices for various applications.
Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccination in Hematologic Malignancies: A Mini-Review

The outbreak of the COVID-19 infection has led to the rapidity of vaccine usage in recent years. Emerging data indicate that the efficacy of vaccination against COVID-19 was about 95% in the general population, though its impact is impaired in patients with hematologic malignancies. As such, we decided to research the publications in which the authors reported the impacts of COVID-19 vaccination in patients suffering from hematologic malignancies. We concluded that patients with hematologic malignancies have lower responses, antibody titers as well as an impaired humoral response following vaccination, notably in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and lymphoma. Furthermore, it seems that the status of treatment can significantly affect the responses to the COVID-19 vaccination.
Anti-Hypoxia Nanoplatforms for Enhanced Photosensitizer Uptake and Photodynamic Therapy Effects in Cancer Cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great promise in cancer eradication due to its target selectivity, non-invasiveness, and low systemic toxicity. However, due to the hypoxic nature of many native tumors, PDT is frequently limited in its therapeutic effect. Additionally, oxygen consumption during PDT may exacerbate the tumor’s hypoxic condition, which stimulates tumor proliferation, metastasis, and invasion, resulting in poor treatment outcomes. Therefore, various strategies have been developed to combat hypoxia in PDT, such as oxygen carriers, reactive oxygen supplements, and the modulation of tumor microenvironments. However, most PDT-related studies are still conducted on two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, which fail to accurately reflect tissue complexity. Thus, three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are ideal models for drug screening, disease simulation and targeted cancer therapy, since they accurately replicate the tumor tissue architecture and microenvironment. This review summarizes recent advances in the development of strategies to overcome tumor hypoxia for enhanced PDT efficiency, with a particular focus on nanoparticle-based photosensitizer (PS) delivery systems, as well as the advantages of 3D cell cultures.
Performance of infrared detectors applied in astronomical telescopes

This paper describes the significance of infrared astronomy and the development of infrared detectors for astronomical telescope applications. First, the requirements of astronomical observations on infrared focal plane detector indicators such as dark current, readout noise, and image element size are analyzed, and the infrared detector performance parameters of major domestic and foreign astronomical telescopes in recent decades are summarized. Compared with foreign countries, the performance of domestic infrared astronomical telescopes, especially dedicated astronomical infrared detectors, is still very backward. For example, the readout noise is two orders of magnitude higher than the Webb telescope's 5.9e-, and the dark current is four orders of magnitude higher than the Webb telescope's 0.001e− / pixel∙s. Based on the NIR spectroscopic observation requirements of the 1-meter infrared solar telescope at Yunnan Observatory, we developed a low dark current and low noise 640×512 InGaAs NIR focal plane detector module and a dedicated imaging circuit for sunspot imaging and spectroscopic testing. Measurements using the photon curve transfer method showed that the dark current of the InGaAs NIR focal plane camera was as low as 64e−/ pixel∙s, and the average readout noise of the image elements was 25.4e−. Finally, the research direction of special infrared detectors for astronomical observation is discussed, and this paper has implications for the research of next-generation astronomical infrared telescopes in China.
Algebraic characterization of system immersibility into quadratic-in-the-state representation

This paper considers quadratic-in-the-state representations, which consist of state equations that are at most quadratic with respect to the states, as representations for a broad class of nonlinear systems. A necessary and sufficient condition is shown for existence of a quadratic-in-the-state representation that has the identical input-output relation with a given nonlinear system. That condition is characterized by the algebraic structure of the observation space of the given system and is so mild that many types of nonlinear systems have a quadratic-in-the-state representation. The quadratic-in-the-state representation is expected to be useful as a general model structure in identification of unknown nonlinear systems.
Joint optimization of lattice vector quantizer and entropy coder in subband coding

This paper presents an algorithm that jointly optimizes a lattice vector quantizer (LVQ) and an entropy coder in a subband coding at all ranges of bit rate. Estimation formulas for both entropy and distortion of lattice quantized subband images are derived. From these estimates, we then develop dynamic algorithm optimizing the LVQ and entropy coder together for a given entropy rate. Compared to previously reported min-max approaches, or approaches using asymptotic distortion bounds, the approach reported in this paper quickly designs a highly accurate optimal entropy- constrained LVQ at all range of bit rates. The corresponding wavelet-based image coder has better coding performance comparing with other subband coders that use entropy- constrained LVQ, especially at low bit rates.
The MIMIC Model as a Method for Detecting DIF: Comparison With Mantel-Haenszel, SIBTEST, and the IRT Likelihood Ratio

This study compares the ability of the multiple indicators, multiple causes (MIMIC) confirmatory factor analysis model to correctly identify cases of differential item functioning (DIF) with more established methods. Although the MIMIC model might have application in identifying DIF for multiple grouping variables, there has been little examination of how well the technique works in terms of correct and incorrect identification of DIF. A Monte Carlo methodology is used in this study, with manipulation of the number of items, number of examinees, differences between the mean abilities of the reference and focal groups, level of DIF contamination of the anchor items, and amount of DIF in the target item. Results indicate that the MIMIC model is effective for DIF identification for 50 items or when the two-parameter logistic model underlies the data but has a very high rate of incorrect DIF identification for 20 items with three-parameter logistic data.
Low Energy Electron Collision Cross Sections for Methane

Measurements of the drift velocity vdr and the ratio of the lateral diffusion coefficient to mobility D1/p. have been made in pure methane at 293 K. Measurements of vdr and D1/p. were made for values of E IN (the electric field strength divided by the number density) ranging from 0·03 to 14 Td and 0·02 to 12 Td respectively (1 Td == 10-21 Vm2). The estimated accuracy of the results is ± 1 % for vdr and ±2% for Dli p. The data have been analysed by means of a multiterm solution of the Boltzmann equation to provide a set of low energy electron collision cross sections consistent with the transport data.
ZERO INFLATED POISSON EWMA CONTROL CHART FOR MONITORING RARE HEALTH-RELATED EVENTS

Recently, rare health events issue has motivated many researches in the field of control charting. Various methods such as g-type control chart, g-type CUSUM control chart, sets method, CUSCORE method, SHDA method and the Bernoulli CUSUM have been developed in this regard, in which each of them has a specific approach to the problem. As a relatively new approach, zero inflation in Poisson distribution, named ZIP distribution can be applied. In this paper, an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart is developed for the ZIP random variable to monitor rare health-related events with a predefined performance measure value. Since the ZIP-EWMA plotted data are dependent, Markov chain approach is applied to calculate average run lengths (ARLs) as the control chart performance criteria. Based on the ARL measure, the ZIP-EWMA chart performs better in comparison with the methods available in the literature. As the main contribution of this paper is the development a control chart which performs b.
High Glucose-Induced Kidney Injury via Activation of Necroptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is closely associated to programmed cell death. However, the complex mechanisms of necroptosis, an alternative cell death pathway, in DKD pathogenesis are yet to be elucidated. This study indicates that necroptosis is involved in DKD induced by high glucose (HG) both in vivo and in vitro. HG intervention led to the activation of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling, resulting in renal tissue necroptosis and proinflammatory activation in streptozotocin/high-fat diet- (STZ/HFD-) induced diabetic mice and HG-induced normal rat kidney tubular cells (NRK-52E). We further found that in HG-induced NRK-52E cell, necroptosis might, at least partly, depend on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, ROS participated in necroptosis via a positive feedback loop involving the RIPK1/RIPK3 pathway. In addition, blocking RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling by necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), a key inhibitor of RIPK1 in the necroptosis pathway, or antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an inhibitor of ROS generation, could effectively protect the kidney against HG-induced damage, decrease the release of proinflammatory cytokines, and rescue renal function in STZ/HFD-induced diabetic mice. Inhibition of RIPK1 effectively decreased the activation of RIPK1-kinase-/NF-κB-dependent inflammation. Collectively, we demonstrated that high glucose induced DKD via renal tubular epithelium necroptosis, and Nec-1 or NAC treatment downregulated the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway and finally reduced necroptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Thus, RIPK1 may be a therapeutic target for DKD.