Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Microbiology of surgical site infections (SSIs) following skin cancer surgery

Backgrounds: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent one of the most common and potentially preventable sources of morbidity and healthcare cost escalation associated with skin cancer surgery. There is a lack of data reporting organisms cultured from SSIs in skin surgery, with guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis based on common skin pathogens rather than actual cultured organisms. In this study, we sought to de ﬁ ne the cultured microbiology of SSIs speci ﬁ c to skin cancer surgery and test these against empiric treatment guidelines. Methods: All consenting patients presenting to the Auckland regional skin cancer treatment centre over a 6-month period were included. Patients receiving any form of antibiotics within a week prior to surgery were excluded. All wounds were assessed postoperatively, with clinically signi ﬁ cant infections identi ﬁ ed as those with a standardized wound infection score of 4 (range 0 – 7) and/or prescribed post-operative antibiotics within 3 weeks of surgery. Wound cultures were recorded. Results: About 104 clinically signi ﬁ cant SSIs were identi ﬁ ed from 333 lesions treated, with cultures available in 27%. Cultured organisms included MSSA (79%), MRSA (14%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (11%), and ‘ skin ﬂ ora ’ (14%). Empiric guidelines inaccu-rately predicted effective treatment in 14% of cases, exclusively due to MRSA. Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the ﬁ rst comprehensive report of SSI microbiology following skin cancer surgery. The overwhelmingly predominant organisms were Staphylococcus sp. (76%), with the rate of MRSA approaching prevalence warranting empiric ﬁ rst-line treatment. These data help inform effective rationalized empiric antibiotic treatment, when indicated, for optimal outcome following skin surgery. widespread screening at presentation for skin surgery to test this
Distribution of Orthocumulate Textures in the Jimberlana Intrusion

The P and U contents and the texture of cumulates have been used to document variations in residual porosity in the Jimberlana Intrusion. The results show that rocks with low residual porosity (adcumulate textures) occur where heat loss through the floor of the chamber was low or where the viscosity of the melt from which they crystallized was low. Low residual porosity also correlates with the appearance of plagio-clase as a cumulus phase and with zones of well-developed rhythmic layering. It is suggested that the initial porosity of cumulates is controlled by the balance between nucleation and crystal growth at the crystalliquid interface. Low initial porosity represents attainment of textural equilibrium and forms when adjacent crystals at the top of the cumulate pile continue to grow, expelling the intercumulus magma in the process. High initial porosities develop when new crystals nucleate at the top of the crystal pile before a high proportion of the intercumulus magma is expelled. Low viscosity in the melt, low thermal gradients in the zone of crystallization, and vigorous convection assist the attainment of textural equilibrium and favor the formation of adcumulate textures. Where initial porosities are high they may subsequently be reduced by secondary processes such as annealing or compaction of the crystal pile unless the crystal pile is protected by the early crystallization of intercumulus minerals. The residual porosity of cumulates has an important influence on the efficiency of fractional crystallization. For orthocumulate fractional crystallization, the concentration of an element in melt $$C_{L}$$, when the fraction of melt remaining is F, is given by a modified Rayleigh equation $$C_{L} = C_{I}F^{(D'-1)(1-X)}$$ where $$C_{I}$$ is the initial concentration of the element in the melt, D' is the bulk distribution coefficient, and X is the fraction of melt trapped between the cumulus grains.
Solving a multi-objective multi-depot stochastic location-routing problem by a hybrid simulated annealing algorithm

Abstract This paper presents a novel mathematical model for a stochastic location-routing problem (SLRP) that minimizes the facilities establishing cost and transportation cost, and maximizes the probability of delivery to customers. In this proposed model, new aspects of a location-routing problem (LRP), such as stochastic availability of facilities and routes, are developed that are similar to real-word problems. The proposed model is solved in two stages: (i) solving the facility location problem (FLP) by a mathematical algorithm and (ii) solving the multi-objective multi-depot vehicle routing problem (MO-MDVRP) by a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm hybridized by genetic operators, namely mutation and crossover. The proposed SA can find good solutions in a reasonable time. It solves the proposed model in large-scale problems with acceptable results. Finally, a trade-off curve is used to depict and discuss a large-sized problem. The associated results are compared with the results obtained by the lower bound and Lingo 8.0 software.
Lexical-Functional Grammar

LFG is a constraint-based theory with the goal of combining linguistic insight with computational tractability and implementability. As LFG separates surface form from functional dependency, restrictive assumptions about configurationality dominate analyses. LFG has been used to analyze diverse phenomena, including discontinuous constituents and long-distance dependencies in a large number of typologically diverse languages. As a result, a broad range of theoretical, descriptive and computational linguists work within LFG.
CD161++CD8+ T cells, including the MAIT cell subset, are specifically activated by IL-12+IL-18 in a TCR-independent manner

CD161++CD8+ T cells represent a novel subset that is dominated in adult peripheral blood by mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, as defined by the expression of a variable‐α chain 7.2 (Vα7.2)‐Jα33 TCR, and IL‐18Rα. Stimulation with IL‐18+IL‐12 is known to induce IFN‐γ by both NK cells and, to a more limited extent, T cells. Here, we show the CD161++ CD8+ T‐cell population is the primary T‐cell population triggered by this mechanism. Both CD161++Vα7.2+ and CD161++Vα7.2− T‐cell subsets responded to IL‐12+IL‐18 stimulation, demonstrating this response was not restricted to the MAIT cells, but to the CD161++ phenotype. Bacteria and TLR agonists also indirectly triggered IFN‐γ expression via IL‐12 and IL‐18. These data show that CD161++ T cells are the predominant T‐cell population that responds directly to IL‐12+IL‐18 stimulation. Furthermore, our findings broaden the potential role of MAIT cells beyond bacterial responsiveness to potentially include viral infections and other inflammatory stimuli.
Cloud optical depth measurements with sunphotometer in Camagüey, Cuba

One year of Cloud Optical Depth (COD) measurements obtained with the radiometer (sunphotometer Cimel CE - 318), in Camaguey, Cuba, from June 2010 to May 2011, are presented. As the first step an evaluation method is proposed, in order to confirm that a cloud was measured. This method is based on the complementary cloud information derived from the actinometrical observations. In the second step of the work, the statistical results from the first year of the COD measurements in Camaguey were analyzed. The results show the high quality of COD measurements at Camaguey. The analysis of the COD frequency showed two peaks at the intervals centered in 2.5 and 17.5. Similar behavior occurred each month. The COD mean value for the entire period was 24.8, with a standard deviation of 31.7. The mean monthly minimum and maximum value of COD occurred in December, 2010 and May, 2011, respectively. The diurnal cycle of the mean hourly COD values showed an increase in the afternoon hours. At the same time, the number of measured cases decreased. There was correspondence between the COD data obtained with sun-photometer and CALIOP lidar, for the COD values below 5. The results showed in this paper constitute the first report of such measurements in Cuba.
Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional resistivity imaging in archaeological site investigation

In this work, the application and the effectiveness of two‐ and three‐dimensional non‐linear inversion algorithms in processing and interpretation of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data collected from archaeological areas are investigated in the framework of a new field technique for gathering three‐dimensional pole–pole tomographic data in a relatively small amount of time using standard archaeological prospection equipment. The inversion routine, for both the two‐dimensional and the three‐dimensional case, is based on a smoothness constrained algorithm and the forward modelling calculations are carried out using two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional finite element solvers respectively. Results of combined two‐dimensional inversions (quasi‐three‐dimensional) are compared with the full three‐dimensional inversions. Comparisons are carried out in relation to the optimum survey direction of gathering the tomographic data using the pole–pole array for synthetic data arising from three‐dimensional structures commonly encountered in archaeological sites. The response of the algorithms in the presence of noisy data was also tested. The algorithms were also used in the processing of real data collected from the archaeological sites of Sikyon and Europos in Greece. The results from the synthetic and the real data indicate the superiority of the three‐dimensional inversion algorithms in processing tomographic data. The reconstructed three‐dimensional images do not suffer from the artefacts encountered in the quasi‐three‐dimensional approach, owing to the three‐dimensional nature of the archaeological features. Most importantly, both synthetic and real data results indicate that a single survey direction is adequate to produce a valid three‐dimensional subsurface image when full three‐dimensional inversion is used in contrast to the quasi‐three‐dimensional approach, which would require that two survey directions be used to obtain satisfactory results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of Antibacterial Activity from Physicochemical Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides

Consensus is gathering that antimicrobial peptides that exert their antibacterial action at the membrane level must reach a local concentration threshold to become active. Studies of peptide interaction with model membranes do identify such disruptive thresholds but demonstrations of the possible correlation of these with the in vivo onset of activity have only recently been proposed. In addition, such thresholds observed in model membranes occur at local peptide concentrations close to full membrane coverage. In this work we fully develop an interaction model of antimicrobial peptides with biological membranes; by exploring the consequences of the underlying partition formalism we arrive at a relationship that provides antibacterial activity prediction from two biophysical parameters: the affinity of the peptide to the membrane and the critical bound peptide to lipid ratio. A straightforward and robust method to implement this relationship, with potential application to high-throughput screening approaches, is presented and tested. In addition, disruptive thresholds in model membranes and the onset of antibacterial peptide activity are shown to occur over the same range of locally bound peptide concentrations (10 to 100 mM), which conciliates the two types of observations.
DNA assembled single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites for high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells

The performances of photovoltaic devices can be improved by using high electron mobility nanocomposites to increase charge collection and transportation. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) exhibit high electron mobility and are believed to be promising materials to enhance the power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic devices. Herein, we present DNA applied as a biological scaffold to fabricate SWNTs/TiO2 and SWNTs/TiO2/Ag nanocomposites, which are integrated into photoanode films to achieve high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The effects of the amounts of SWNTs and Ag NPs in photoanode films on the performances of DSSCs are investigated. After incorporating the nanocomposites into photoanode films, the power conversion efficiency is enhanced. In particular, when the amounts of SWNTs and Ag NPs in the photoanode are 0.15 wt% and 0.8 wt%, the DSSC exhibits a high power conversion efficiency of ∼5.99%, ∼37.07% improvement compared with conventional TiO2-only DSSCs. The mechanisms of the performance improvement are discussed in detail.
Modeling Geographic Behavior in Riotous Crowds

Under some conditions, tensions among crowd members, harbored a priori or developed on site, might catalyze a crowd to riot, with dramatic consequences. We know perhaps less than we would like to about the processes that drive rioting in crowds because they are difficult to study. In particular, we know relatively little about the influence of geographic behavior on rioting, although there exists a general sense that it is important. In lieu of pragmatic avenues for studying riots, we could use simulation as a synthetic laboratory for exploration. To be useful, simulations must be based on realistic behavioral models, but the extant science for riot modeling has not traditionally provided that support. In this article, we introduce a new approach to modeling riot-prone and riotous crowds using behavior-driven computational agents. We demonstrate a simulation architecture based on socioemotional agents, modeled at atomic levels and characteristic times for riot activity, but extended with the use of geographical functionality that endows agents with spatial perception, cognition, and action that helps to determine where, when, how, and in what contexts and company their agency should be deployed and interpreted. In essence, our agents are polyspatial, with the ability to adapt their behavioral geography under shifting circumstances and to differentially process geographic information from diverse sources. We illustrate the usefulness of this scheme through simulation of a varying set of scenarios for riot formation, evolution, and dissolution, as well as in exploring the interplay among different characteristics, traits, and goals of riot participants.
Acquisition and synchronism of GPR and GPS data: application on road evaluation

At the moment of carry out a study with ground penetrating radar (GPR) it is interesting to count with the support provided by other information sources. All the available information relative to the study area will be valuable in the subsequent phases of processing and interpretation of the obtained GPR records. Nowadays there is a logical trend to the integration of GPS devices. The decrease in size of these equipment, the increase of their accuracy and new wireless communication technologies (802.11, Bluetooth,.) encourage this incorporation. GPR/GPS integration allows an accuracy positioning of the radar data under favourable conditions. Furthermore it brings the possibility to import this data into a geographic information system (GIS). This study deepens the process of integration of both technologies applied to road evaluation. To the accomplishment of this study, a dual frequency (L1+L2) RTK GPS, two Bluetooth GPS receivers (with SiRF chip) admitting both real time differential corrections (SBAS), and a GPS receiver with post-processed sub-meter accuracy were used. As regards GPR equipment, shielded 500, 800 and 1000 MHz antennas were used in different configurations.
The spatial structure of Martian magnetic flux ropes recovered by the Grad‐Shafranov reconstruction technique

We applied the Grad‐Shafranov (GS) reconstruction technique to Martian magnetic flux ropes observed by Mars Global Surveyor in order to estimate their spatial structures. This technique can provide a magnetic field map of their cross section from single spacecraft data, under the assumption that the structure is two‐dimensional, magnetohydrostatic, and time independent. We succeeded in recovering the spatial structure for 70 events observed between April 1999 and November 2006. The reconstruction results indicate that the flux rope axes were mostly oriented horizontal to the Martian surface and were randomly distributed with respect to the typical plasma streamline. A subset of events with duration longer than 240 s was observed at solar zenith angles larger than 75°. These events all occur downstream from strong crustal magnetic field in the southern hemisphere, indicating an association between the crustal fields and the detected flux ropes. Using the shape and size of the flux ropes obtained from the GS reconstruction, we estimate lower limits on their volume that span 2–3 orders of magnitude, with larger flux ropes observed downstream from strong crustal magnetic fields. Estimated ion escape rates associated with flux ropes are of the order of 1022–1023 ion/s, being approximately 10% of previously estimated escape rates during solar minimum.
Integrating region growing and edge detection using regularization

We propose a segmentation approach which integrates region growing and edge detection in a regularization framework. Our method is a modified active contour model and uses region statistics in addition to gradient information. We formulate the active contour model using a Bayesian approach. We have implemented this integrated approach and characterized its performance on synthetic images and on 36 short-axis cardiac ultrasound images. The resulting boundaries are compared to true boundaries in the case of the synthetic images and to manually outlined boundaries in the case of ultrasound images. The results are also compared with those obtained using the balloon force to expand the active contour model. We found that our integrated algorithm detects boundaries more accurately than the active contour method using a balloon force. Furthermore, the integrated algorithm is less sensitive to the placement of the initial contour inside the LV cavity than the active contour algorithm using a balloon force.
The interaction of the atmosphere with the space shuttle thruster plume: The NH(A-X) 336-nm emission

Observations of the optical emissions from the space shuttle's thrusters have been examined. Particular attention has been paid to the interaction of the thruster plume with the atmosphere. Emissions from CN, CH, C2, HNO, and NO2 have been observed near the nozzle of the thruster in the vacuum core region of the plume, but these emissions are the direct result of the combustion process. Other emissions including OI and NH have been observed in the downstream region of the plume, where the plume effluents interact with the atmosphere. The NH emission is one of the most dominant UV/visible wavelength emissions observed in the plumes. This emission was observed to extend several thousand meters from the shuttle, and detailed analysis shows that the total intensity of the emission depends on the ram angle (angle in the shuttle reference frame between the plume effluents and the ramming atmosphere) and altitude, indicating an interaction process with the atmosphere. Data from two observational experiments are presented. The Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) experiment includes ground-based spectral and spatial measurements of the shuttle plumes as the thrusters were fired over the AMOS site on top of Haliakala Volcano on the island of Maui in the mid-Pacific. The GLO experiment was flown in the payload bay of the space shuttle and also includes spectral and spatial measurements of the shuttle plumes. During both of these experiments, the primary reaction control system (PRCS) engines (870 lb (394 kgf) thrust) and Vernier reaction control system (VRCS) engines (25 lb (11 kgf) thrust) were fired at various angles relative to the ram, thus providing a range of collision velocities (4.5–11 km/s) between the thruster plume and the atmosphere. In this report the dependence of the NH emission on ram angle, thruster size, and distance from the shuttle is presented and analyzed using a three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation of the plume-atmosphere interactions called spacecraft/orbiter contamination representation accounting for transiently emitted species (SOCRATES). The chemical reactions deemed most likely involve collisions of the plume products HNC, HNCO, and CH2NH with atmospheric O, and all of these processes are examined. The ram-angle dependence is used to determine a threshold energy required for the reaction that leads to the NH emission and to conclude that the most likely reaction involves CH2NH collisions with O.
The continental collision zone, South Island, New Zealand: Comparison of geodynamical models and observations

The South Island zone of oblique continent-continent convergence occurs along a 400 km-long section of the modern Australia-Pacific plate boundary zone, across which about 50 km of shortening has been accommodated since about 10 Ma. The orogen comprises a central mountain range (Southern Alps) flanked on both sides by what are interpreted to be foreland basins. Two essential features that characterize the orogen are (1) the degree of denudation that accompanied deformation, and (2) a fundamental structural asymmetry. The architectural asymmetry of the orogen can be explained by plane strain, finite element models of continental convergence incorporating mantle subduction. Comparison of model and orogen polarity implies that Pacific plate mantle subducts. The models predict two crustal-scale dipping shear zones that form above the point where the Pacific mantle subducts. The localized one more distant from the incoming plate (retro-step-up shear zone) corresponds to the Alpine fault, whereas its conjugate (pro-step-up shear zone) corresponds to the distributed strain and thrusting along the eastern margin of the mountain belt. Parameters that modify the model boundary conditions (top surface, degree of denudation; basal zone, subduction load, crust-mantle velocity discontinuity, subduction of lower crust, mantle retreat, and distributed decrease in mantle velocity) and the internal strength of the crust (two-layer crust with moderate coupling, temperature distribution, strain weakening) are varied in a series of numerical model calculations that establish the combination of material properties and boundary conditions that lead to different cross sectional architectures of the modeled collision zone. In turn, these are compared with observations about the South Island orogen. The calculations show how the style and extent of deformation across the whole orogen depend on the rheological properties of the crustal layer and on the balance between its internal strength and the combined effects of the boundary and gravitational stresses. North to south along-strike differences in the width and two-dimensional architecture of the orogen, simulated in the experiments by varying the model parameters, can be explained by a combination of southward increases in preconvergent crustal thickness, geothermal gradient, convergence, and potentially subduction retreat, with the added possibility of a southward decrease in the component of lower crustal subduction.
Constrained MaxLik reconstruction of multimode photon distributions

We address the reconstruction of the full photon distribution of multimode fields generated by seeded parametric down-conversion. Our scheme is based on on/off avalanche photodetection assisted by maximum-likelihood (MaxLik) estimation and does not involve photon counting. We present a novel constrained MaxLik method that incorporates the request of finite energy to improve the rate of convergence and, in turn, the overall accuracy of the reconstruction.