Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Color-Doppler Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Oral Vascular Anomalies

In last few years, thanks to laser technology with minimally invasive approach, there was a growing need for treatment of oral vascular malformations inside the dental offices. Generally, the diagnosis of oral vascular malformations is based on clinical history, clinical examination and imaging exams. In the present paper, we review, researching by PubMed, the technical aspects, clinical indications, potentialities and limitations of color-Doppler ultrasound in the work-up of oral vascular malformations. Different imaging modalities are encountered for the diagnosis and follow-up of these lesions such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, color-Doppler ultrasound and angiography. To date, color-Doppler ultrasound is considered the first-line imaging approach since it provides a non-invasive, cost effective, real time evaluation of oral vascular anomalies. It provides both morphological and vascular information, which are useful to determine the best therapeutic options. Ultrasonography, for these reasons, could be considered as a valuable diagnostic tool in the preliminary assessment of oral vascular anomalies.
Simulating radiation damage in austenitic stainless steel and Ni-based alloys

The evolution of materials at an atomistic level may have vital consequences for the properties of materials. Therefore, modelling long time scale behaviour of defects in a material is very important, particularly for those used in nuclear power plants. The materials used in nuclear power plants should have good mechanical properties to overcome the corrosive environment and high temperature. Examples of these materials are the austenitic stainless steel and the Ni-based alloys due to their high temperature properties. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and on the fly Kinetic Monte Carlo (otf-KMC) techniques have been used to model the radiation damage in austenitic stainless steel and the Ni-based alloys. This thesis represents the main findings obtained. Three potentials were implemented and used to study radiation damage in austenitic stainless steel. Structural properties such as the elastic constants for the point defects in the pure metals were first calculated. This was followed by calculating the formation energies and migration energies of vacancy and self interstitial defects in the pure metals. Different calculations were performed using each potential on the ternary alloy (Fe with 10 at.% Ni and 20 at.% Cr) and the binary alloy (Ni with 20 at.% Cr) . For example, the segregation in these alloys was investigated using Monte Carlo simulations and results obtained for both alloys at high temperature MD. Furthermore, the vacancy formation energies were calculated for both alloys using all the potentials. Radiation damage at Grain Boundaries (GBs) in fcc Ni and a Ni-Cr binary alloy has been studied using MD and otf-KMC techniques. From the results obtained, the mobility of interstitials were found to be higher than that of vacancies and tend to move quickly to the GB. Vacancies are found to migrate to the GB if they are near otherwise they tend to form clusters in the bulk. During the simulations, interesting mechanisms were observed for the point defects migration and recombinations. Large roughening at the GB was observed, especially in the alloy system and overall the total number of defects accumulated on the GB after multiple collision cascades were relatively small. The radiation in fcc Ni resulting from low energy collision cascades was also modelled using MD and otf-KMC techniques. This part of work aimed replicating the observations seen in experiment and trying to understand them. Recombinations between vacancies and interstitials were found to happen from large distances with low barriers. Most defects produced from low energy collision cascades were found to recombine or interstitials were found to form clusters. Modelling the evolution of the vacancies shows the possibility of producing Stacking Fault Tetrahedra (SFT) which were found to dissociate at 200°C.
New Methods for Characterizing Coating Properties at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures

In the paper, innovative methods for characterizing coatings’ properties at ambient and elevated temperatures are introduced based on various experimental procedures. Nanoindentation results, which were obtained at elevated temperatures, are evaluated by FEM algorithms, rendering possible the determination of temperature dependent coating mechanical properties. Impact tests conducted on coated specimens revealed a non-linear film impact resistance versus the temperature. The latter results were evaluated by appropriate FEM supported procedures, to predict the coating fatigue endurance stress versus the temperature. In these investigations, the impact load was induced electromagnetically for a duration of ca. 1ms, depending on the force amplitude. To change the impact load characteristics, such as frequency, impact duration etc., a new test device has been developed, employing a piezoelectric actuator. This device enables the investigation of the impact time effect on the dynamic response of coated surfaces and on the coating fatigue endurance stress. Finally, diffusion phenomena in coatings were examined by a developed convenient experimental setup. A specimen is pressed onto a coated surface at adjustable high temperature and pressure in an inert atmosphere. After this test, the diffusion of characteristic elements into the coating and vice versa is detected by EDX-microanalyses. These results contribute, among others, to the description of diffusion phenomena between coatings and various materials.
Effect of cooling area 18 on striate cortex cells in the squirrel monkey.

1, Retinotopically corresponding regions of area 17 and area 18 are reciprocally connected in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) (15, 17, 20). Area 17 is known to provide a crucial input to area 18 in the macaque (1 X), but the function of the pathway from area 18 to striate cortex has not been investigated. We chose to study this pathway in the squirrel monkey by reversibly cooling area 18 while recording from cells in area 17. 2. Cells were recorded in striate cortex in paralyzed anesthetized squirrel monkeys before, during, and after cooling the corresponding region of area 18 to 9-20% Thirty-two percent (21/66) of the cells recorded in striate cortex showed marked changes in activity when area 18 was cooled. Most of these became less responsive to visual stimulation, while a few became more active during cooling. All changes were reversed by rewarming area 18 to body temperature. 3. No changes in orientation selectivity were observed in striate cortex when area 18 was cooled. Direction selectivity was only occasionally altered and involved the emergence of a new response to stimulation in the previously nonpreferred direction. 4. Cells in striate cortex affected by cooling area 18 were found most often in the infragranular layers, although they were also observed in the sublaminae of layer III and in layer IV. The concentration of affected cells in the infragranular layers suggests that area 18 may use this pathway to modulate the output of striate cortex to subcortical visual centers.
Characterizing and addressing dynamic singularities in the time-optimal path parameterization algorithm

The algorithm for finding the time-optimal parameterization of a given path subject to dynamics constraints developed mostly in the 80's and 90's plays a central role in a number of important robotic theories and applications. A critical issue in its implementation is associated with the so-called dynamic singularities, i.e. the points where the maximum velocity curve is continuous but undifferentiable and where the minimum and maximum accelerations are not naturally defined. Since such singularities arise in most real-world problem instances, characterizing and addressing them appropriately is of particular interest. Yet, from original articles to reference textbooks, this has not yet been done completely correctly. The contribution of the present article is two-fold. First, we derive a complete characterization of dynamic singularities. In particular, we show that not all zero-inertia points are dynamically singular. Second, we suggest how to appropriately address these singularities. In particular, we derive the analytic expressions of the correct optimal backward and forward accelerations from such points.
Chirality and Size Dependent Elastic Properties of Silicene Nanoribbons under Uniaxial Tension

The mechanical properties of silicene are investigated using ab initio calculation and molecular dynamics simulations with different empirical potentials. The simulation results show that the calculated Young’s modulus of bulk silicene with EDIP model is consistent with the ab initio calculations. The chirality has a significant effect on the critical strain and stress of bulk silicene under uniaxial tension. In addition, the Young’s modulus depends strongly on the chirality and size of the silicene nanoribbon. The fracture process of a silicene nanoribbon is also studied.
3D micro- and nano-machining of hydrogenated amorphous silicon films on SiO2/Si and glass substrates

We report on the hydrogen-assisted deep reactive ion etching of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films deposited using radio-frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD). High aspect-ratio vertical and 3D amorphous silicon features, with the desired control over the shaping of the sidewalls, in micro and nano scales, were fabricated in ordered arrays. The suitable adhesion of amorphous Si film to the underlayer allows one to apply deep micro- and nano-machining to these layers. By means of a second deposition of amorphous silicon on highly curved 3D structures and subsequent etching, the fabrication of amorphous silicon rings is feasible. In addition to photolithography, nanosphere colloidal lithography and electron beam lithography were exploited to realize ultra-small features of amorphous silicon. We have also investigated the optical properties of fabricated hexagonally patterned a-Si nanowire arrays on glass substrates and demonstrated their high potential as active layers for solar cells. This etching process presents an inexpensive method for the formation of highly featured arrays of vertical and 3D amorphous silicon rods on both glass and silicon substrates, suitable for large-area applications.
Research on the Purification Ability of Porous Asphalt Pavement to Runoff Pollution

PAP has widely used in Europe, the U.S, and Japan. As an effective technology for urban stormwater management, PAP not only decreases stormwater volumes but also improves runoff water quality including heavy metals, suspended solids (SS) and nutrients. In addition, it help protects groundwater and urban environment. In this paper the current trends of investigating the purification ability of PAP are introduced. The characteristics, the pavement structures and materials are analyzed. The recent researches in field studies and laboratory experiments are highlighted. The present applications of and challenges to PAP are discussed. Further research needs are recommended.
The Sociocultural Contexts of Attempting Suicide Among Women in Iran

In this study, we investigated the sociocultural contexts of suicide attempts among women in Iran. Fifty women who attempted suicide and were admitted to the two main hospitals in Isfahan in 2006 were interviewed. The main themes identified were family problems, marriage and love, social stigma, pressure of high expectations, and poverty. We observed significant sociocultural influence on attempting suicide among the Iranian women in this study. Based on our findings we conclude that the women in the study were affected by social changes and the interplay between traditional and modern values and attitudes. Understanding sociocultural aspects of suicide in Iran is critical in providing effective and culturally sensitive suicide prevention and care programs.
Solving ability of Hopfield Neural Network with scale-rule noise for QAP

One of the applications of neural network is solving combinatorial optimization problems. In our past study, the solving ability of the Hopfleld Neural Network with noise for quadratic assignment problem is investigated. However, even if we injected the noise to the network, the optimal solution cannot occasionally be found. In this study, we propose the method adding scale-rule noise to the Hopfleld Neural Network to achieve better performance. By computer simulations solving quadratic assignment problem, we evaluate the performance of the method.
Changes in the structure of neuromuscular junctions caused by variations in osmotic pressure

Neuromuscular junctions of the frog, Rana pipiens, were examined for structural modifications produced by exposure to increased and reduced osmotic pressure (pi). Preparations exposed to increased pi for varying lengths of time were fixed with either OSO4-Veronal with and without calcium, glutaraldehyde-phosphate, or glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde- phosphate as primary fixatives. The greatest difference between the fixatives was seen in preparations exposed to increased pi for 5 min, corresponding to the time when miniature endplate potential frequency is highest. The 5-min OSO4 calcium-free preparations appeared comparatively normal, while those fixed with OSO4 and 2 mM CaCl2 or aldehyde-phosphate had wide infoldings of the presynaptic membrane and a reduced number of synaptic vesicles. Aldehyde-phosphate had the same effect on mouse diaphragm. Another series of frog preparations were conditioned to elevated pi and then returned to normal Ringer's for varying times before fixation in OSO4-phosphate. Preparations fixed 2 min after their return to normal Ringer's showed marked disruption of the presynaptic membrane as well as apparently rupturing vesicles. If fixed after 10 min, terminals were depleted of vesicles although the presynaptic membrane had returned to its normal position and appearance.
Impetigo: A Reassessment of Etiology and Therapy

Abstract: Traditional concepts regarding the bacteriology and therapy of non‐bullous impetigo have been reexamined. Although in the United States the disease is considered primarily of streptococcal origin and amenable to penicillin therapy, we found that Staphyiococcus aureus was the most common isolate in 71 patients studied. Only two patients yielded pure cultures of group A β‐hemolytic streptococci. All but two isolates of S. aureus were resistant to penicillin; one of these two isolates was aiso resistant to erythromycin. Eryth‐romycin appeared to be more efficacious than penicillin for the treatment of impetigo.
Protein Kinase C Activation Promotes Microtubule Advance in Neuronal Growth Cones by Increasing Average Microtubule Growth Lifetimes

We describe a novel mechanism for protein kinase C regulation of axonal microtubule invasion of growth cones. Activation of PKC by phorbol esters resulted in a rapid, robust advance of distal microtubules (MTs) into the F-actin rich peripheral domain of growth cones, where they are normally excluded. In contrast, inhibition of PKC activity by bisindolylmaleimide and related compounds had no perceptible effect on growth cone motility, but completely blocked phorbol ester effects. Significantly, MT advance occurred despite continued retrograde F-actin flow—a process that normally inhibits MT advance. Polymer assembly was necessary for PKC-mediated MT advance since it was highly sensitive to a range of antagonists at concentrations that specifically interfere with microtubule dynamics. Biochemical evidence is presented that PKC activation promotes formation of a highly dynamic MT pool. Direct assessment of microtubule dynamics and translocation using the fluorescent speckle microscopy microtubule marking technique indicates PKC activation results in a nearly twofold increase in the typical lifetime of a MT growth episode, accompanied by a 1.7-fold increase and twofold decrease in rescue and catastrophe frequencies, respectively. No significant effects on instantaneous microtubule growth, shortening, or sliding rates (in either anterograde or retrograde directions) were observed. MTs also spent a greater percentage of time undergoing retrograde transport after PKC activation, despite overall MT advance. These results suggest that regulation of MT assembly by PKC may be an important factor in determining neurite outgrowth and regrowth rates and may play a role in other cellular processes dependent on directed MT advance.
Exploiting coherence of shadow rays

We present independent method to reduce the number of shadow ray tests. It can be used with standard acceleration ray tracing algorithms. Our method is conservative and produces the same results. We test just one shadow ray in modified scene insted of group of rays in original scene. If our ray is not obstructed in modified scene we know that all the rays in this group are not obstructed. The results give rise to many applications when there are many shadow rays e. g. , in bidierectional path tracing or stochastically sampling area light sources. The formal proof of the method uses formalism of Minkowski operators and they can also be used in implementation details.
Adverse reactions to over-the-counter analgesics: an epidemiological evaluation.

Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, i.e. aspirin, paracetamol, and dipyrone, continue to be the most widely used drug group. Recently, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs became available as OTC drugs. Our concern has persisted during the past decade in view of the following adverse effects: hepatotoxicity (including the drug aetiology of Reye's Syndrome), analgesic nephropathy, blood dyscrasias, gastrointestinal complications, and certain hypersensitivity reactions. Of particular interest are the identification of high risk groups and questions relating to geographical risk variations. Although the above adverse reactions are thought to be rare, the massive use of OTC analgesics requires quantitative estimates of the risk involved. What is needed is not only the relative risk, but an estimate of the excess risk of reactions in users. This is the parameter to be used in comparative evaluation of the public health hazard and the resulting regulatory action. Such data are generally lacking. A recent international population-based case-control study on the drug aetiology of agranulocytosis and aplastic anaemia is a rare example of such research. Unfortunately, on occasion the experience with that study has been that the provision of reassuring quantitative data is not a guarantee for scientifically based decisions in the face of heated pharmaco-political debates. Still, because government bodies do not foster the needed research, it remains for the pharmaceutical industry to assume the responsibility for continued pharmacoepidemiological assessment of the safety of OTC analgesics.
Research Digest

While infant attachment has been largely studied, parental attachment is still relatively unknown, especially when referred to fathers. However, it is mainly recognised that parents’ emotional involvement with the newborn contributes to the quality of the interaction and the care they provide. The aim of this study was to study mother-to-infant and father-to-infant initial emotional involvement; namely, differences between mothers and fathers and changes in mother’s emotions toward the neonate within the first days after delivery. The Bonding Scale, an extended Portuguese version of the ‘New Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale’, was administered during the first two days after childbirth to a sample of 315 mothers and 141 fathers (n 1⁄4 456), at the Júlio Dinis Maternity Hospital (Portugal). Most mothers and fathers show positive emotions and only a few of them showed negative emotions toward the infant. Maternal and paternal emotional involvement toward the newborn tend to be similar; nevertheless, fathers show less fear and better emotional involvement with the neonate, while mothers are sadder and show more emotions not related to bonding. During the first days following delivery, emotions not related to bonding, such as fear, seem to decrease in mothers.
Chemical Bath Deposition of Lead Sulphide (PbS) Thin Film and their Characterization

Thin film deposition of PbS is conveniently carried out by chemical reactions of lead acetate with thiourea at room temperature. Energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction patterns (SAED), UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy techniques are used for characterizing thin films. EDAX spectra shows that no impurity is present and XRD pattern indicates face centered cubic structure of PbS thin films. The average crystallite size obtained using XRD is about 15nm calculated using Scherrer’s formula and that determined from Hall-Williamson plot was found to be 18nm. SAED patterns indicate that the deposited PbS thin films are polycrystalline in nature. Blue shift due to quantum confinement was seen from the UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra of thin film in comparison with bulk PbS. The Photoluminescence spectra obtained for thin film with different excitation sources shows sharp emission peaks at 395nm and its intensity of photoluminescence increases with increasing the excitation wavelength. Raman spectroscopy of deposited thin film was used to study the optical phonon modes at an excitation wavelength of 488nm using (Ar+) laser beam.
IRON AND BREAST MILK 97 IRON INTAKE

The iron content of breast milk is often characterized as low. In fact, the amount of iron provided by breast milk appears to be adequate to prevent iron deficiency anemia for at least the first 6 months of life. However, if the same amount of iron is given in any food other than breast milk, this amount is inadequate and iron deficiency anemia does occur. Thus, iron in breast milk seems to be utilized by the infant to a unique extent. In addition, there is some evidence that the high degree of iron utilization in the breast-fed infant has a role in host defense mechanisms. A further understanding of the factors stimulating and limiting absorption of iron from breast milk, cow's milk, and proprietary formulas is needed in order to elucidate the mechanisms of iron absorption and metabolism as well as the role of iron on infections of the infant.