Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smooth non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) machining with kinematic limit for short linear segments

Set of methods based on non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) are proposed in this article, which are adopted to improve the smoothness during short linear numerical control (NC) codes machining. The smoothness refers to two aspects: the contour fairness of CL trajectory and the machining stability of the machine tool. To obtain contour fairness, the optimised knots combination strategy (OKCS) is proposed in least square NURBS fitting from short linear segments, which generates NURBS curve for the next interpolating process. Sequentially, an axis-based look-ahead NURBS interpolator (ALANI) is designed for NURBS interpolation in order to improve the machining stability according to the kinematic limit. Both OKCS and ALANI are simulated and compared with congener algorithms, respectively. Furthermore, algorithms are implemented on digital signal processor (DSP) platform, and actual machining examples are presented at last.
Global Talent Management and Performance in Multinational Enterprises: A Multilevel Perspective

The link between global talent management (GTM) and multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) performance has not been theorized or empirically tested. We develop a theoretical framework for how GTM links to performance at the headquarters (HQ), subsidiary, and individual employee levels. Using the resource-based view as a frame, we highlight the routines of pivotal positions, global talent pools, and a differentiated HR architecture as central to GTM. We show that at the HQ level, an MNE’s adoption of a global, multidomestic, or transnational strategy determines the objectives of the GTM system and significantly influences the performance of the enterprise. At the subsidiary level, the alignment between HQ intentions and subsidiary implementation of GTM routines is a key variable in our analysis. We consider the effects of these higher-level factors on individual performance through the lens of human-capital resources, focusing on how individual human capital can translate or amplify to a unit-level human-capital resource. We argue that through the vertical fit of these higher-level factors with GTM routines at a given level, an MNE can develop an effective GTM system and expect that to translate into sustainable performance aligned with objectives set at headquarters. The paper concludes with an agenda for future research.
Extracellular matrix mediates a molecular balance between vascular morphogenesis and regression

Purpose of reviewWe discuss very recent studies that address the critical role of extracellular matrix in controlling the balance between vascular morphogenesis and regression. Much of this work suggests that a balance mechanism exists for controlling the extent of tissue vascularization involving downstream signaling events regulating endothelial cell behaviors in relation to their interactions with extracellular matrix molecules. Recent findingsEndothelial gene expression changes and signaling lead to events that not only stimulate vascular morphogenesis but also suppress mechanisms mediated through pro-regression factors such as Rho kinase. At the same time, vascular networks are susceptible to regression mediated by factors such as matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-10, thrombospondin-1, extracellular matrix matricryptic fragments and angiopoietin-2. Pericyte recruitment to such vascular tubes can prevent regression events by delivering molecules such as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 and angiopoietin-1 that promote vascular stabilization by decreasing tube susceptibility to these regression stimuli. SummaryExtracellular matrix-derived signals lead to critical morphologic changes mediated through cytoskeletal rearrangements that control the shape, function and signaling events in endothelial cell-lined vessels regulating tube formation, remodeling, stabilization and regression. These signals control both vascular morphogenic and regression events, and thus a molecular balance exists to control the extent and function of vascular tube networks within tissues.
Aberrant NMDA‐dependent LTD after perinatal ethanol exposure in young adult rat hippocampus

Irreversible cognitive deficits induced by ethanol exposure during fetal life have been ascribed to a lower NMDA‐dependent synaptic long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. Whether NMDA‐dependent long‐term depression (LTD) may also play a critical role in those deficits remains unknown. Here, we show that in vitro LTD induced with paired‐pulse low frequency stimulation is enhanced in CA1 hippocampus field of young adult rats exposed to ethanol during brain development. Furthermore, single pulse low frequency stimulation, ineffective at this age (LFS600), induced LTD after ethanol exposure accompanied with a stronger response than controls during LFS600, thus revealing an aberrant form of activity‐dependent plasticity at this age. Blocking NMDA receptor or GluN2B containing NMDA receptor prevented both the stronger response during LFS600 and LTD whereas Zinc, an antagonist of GluN2A containing NMDA receptor, was ineffective on both responses. In addition, LFS600‐induced LTD was revealed in controls only with a reduced‐Mg2+ medium. In whole dissected hippocampus CA1 field, perinatal ethanol exposure increased GluN2B subunit expression in the synaptic compartment whereas GluN2A was unaltered. Using pharmacological tools, we suggest that LFS600 LTD was of synaptic origin. Altogether, we describe a new mechanism by which ethanol exposure during fetal life induces a long‐term alteration of synaptic plasticity involving NMDA receptors, leading to an aberrant LTD. We suggest this effect of ethanol may reflect a delayed maturation of the synapse and that aberrant LTD may also participates to long‐lasting cognitive deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP)-IV Inhibitor: A Novel Class of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents Current Issues in the Management of Dyslipidaemia in Primary Care - a Perspective from the UK.

Surgical Management of Thyroid Nodules Dr. Wai-fan Chan Management of Common Pubertal Problems Dr. Pik-shun Cheng Diabetic Neuropathy Dr. Andrew CF Hui Management of Hyperthyroidism in Primary Care Setting Dr. Wing-bun Chan Clinical Evaluation of a Patient with Familial Periodic Fever Syndrome Dr. Tsz-leung Lee Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Dr. Alvin YS Chan Why Should We Convince Expectant Mothers to Breastfeed? Dr. Adrian Wu
OPAQUE AND TRANSLUCENT EPISTEMIC DEPENDENCE IN COLLABORATIVE SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE

Abstract This paper offers an analytic perspective on epistemic dependence that is grounded in theoretical discussion and field observation at the same time. When in the course of knowledge creation epistemic labor is divided, collaborating scientists come to depend upon one another epistemically. Since instances of epistemic dependence are multifarious in scientific practice, I propose to distinguish between two different forms of epistemic dependence, opaque and translucent epistemic dependence. A scientist is opaquely dependent upon a colleague if she does not possess the expertise necessary to independently carry out, and to profoundly assess, the piece of scientific labor which her colleague is contributing. If the scientist does possess the necessary expertise, I argue, her dependence is translucent. However, the distinction between opaque and translucent epistemic dependence does not exhaust dependence relations in scientific practice, because many dependence relations are neither entirely opaque nor translucent. I will discuss why this is the case, and show how we can make sense of the gray zone between opaque and translucent epistemic dependence.
A novel axial-radial flux-modulated permanent-magnet machine

Magnetic gears (MGs) have received extensive attention in the last decade. The flux-modulated machine (FMM) is one of the derived topologies from the MG. The existing FMMs which mostly adopt the radial-flux configuration suffer from a relatively low torque density compared with other MG-integrated machines. This paper proposes a novel axial-radial flux-modulated machine which has an improved torque density. Performances are compared with a radial-flux FMM to validate the superiority of the proposed topology. The results show that the proposed structure has a higher torque density, especially with a small length-to-diameter ratio.
Acute experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitis in rabbits.

An animal model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is described. Rabbits were sensitized with ovalbumin in complete Freund adjuvant. Three weeks after immunization, the animals were placed in an aerosol chamber and challenged with ovalbumin in 0.15 M sodium chloride aerosolized by ultrasonic nebulization. The amount of antigen retained after challenge was studied using ovalbumin-125I and was found to be approximately 0.2 per cent of the total aerosolized antigen. Histologically, lesions in the lungs were seen by 24 hours and had essentially cleared at six days. Abnormalities included thickening of alveolar septa and increases in mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, phagocytic macrophages, and eosinophilic granulocytes within alveolar walls and spaces. Distribution of these lesions was patchy, involving most conspicuously the alveolar ducts distal to the termination of respiratory mucosa, thus illustrating an allergic alveolitis. Other histologic abnormalities included peribronchiolitis and vasculitis. No similar .
Assessment of Chronotype in Four- to Eleven-Year-Old Children: Reliability and Validity of the Children's ChronoType Questionnaire (CCTQ)

Individual differences in circadian phase preference (“chronotype”) are linked to sleep schedule variability, psychosocial functioning, and specific properties of the circadian clock. While much is known about the development, distribution, and variability of chronotype in adolescents and adults, assessment in prepubertal children has been hindered by a lack of appropriate, reliable, and valid measures. This study presents a detailed description of the assessment of children's chronotype by the Children's ChronoType Questionnaire (CCTQ). The CCTQ is a parent-report, 27-item mixed-format questionnaire resulting in multiple measures of chronotype in 4- to 11-yr-old children: the midsleep point on free days (MSF), a morningness/eveningness scale (M/E) score, and a five-point chronotype (CT) score. The study provides validity data using actigraphy as well as test-retest reliability data for all three chronotype measures and sleep/wake parameters. Overall, the findings indicate moderate to strong agreement between the three measures, adequate associations between chronotype measures and sleep/wake parameters assessed by actigraphy, and excellent temporal stability (reliability).
SPEED CONTROL OF THREE PHASE BLDC MOTOR USING FOUR SWITCH INVERTER

In this paper speed control of three phase bldc motor using four switch inverter is proposed to simplify the structure of the conventional six switch inverter. It is an effective try on reducing cost. A single current sensor control strategy is used. PID controller is used by the outer loop to develop the performance of speed control. The outer speed loop is designed to improve the static and dynamic characteristics of the system by using Microcontroller. A current control technique is developed to minimize commutation torque for the entire speed range and also intelligent schemes have been introduced. The main focus of the controller design is to improve the performance of the speed controller and to reduce the computational load.
Simultaneous Hybrid of Maxillary Le Fort I Halo Distraction and Mandibular Set-back for Patients With Severe Cleft Jaw Deformity

One of the surgical tactics and retrospective chart review of clinical cases are described for severe maxillo-mandibular discrepancy. The recently developed Le Fort I Halo distraction combined with mandibular sagittal splitting osteotomy is initially carried out simultaneously. Materials include six adult patients revealing severe jaw deformity with mandibular prognathism somehow ranging from 17-19 years of age. The required adjustment of the maxillo-mandibular discrepancy ranged from 14-23 mm to obtain the preferred occlusion. The simultaneous combination of over 10-mm maxillary Le Fort I Halo distraction with mandibular set-back secured rigidly by sagittal splitting was accomplished. The amount of mandibular set-back ranged from 4-6 mm. The amount of maxillary Le Fort I halo distraction ranged from 10-17 mm (Table 1). The retention period of the halo brace was 21-22 days. In addition, the Delair type of face mask was used for 3-4 months as a night splint for consolidation after removal of the halo brace. Satisfactory maxillary distraction and mandibular set-back as planned preoperatively was obtained in all six cases. No particular postoperative complications were noticed. Compared with standard Le Fort I advancement for cleft patients, more advancement can be obtained easily with halo distration, particularly in cases where a large amount of advancement >10 mm is required. This combination is worthwhile for a severe cleft jaw deformity, and is an alternative for standard double jaw osteotomy.
Arquitectura de seguridad multinivel: una guía para las organizaciones modernas

La informacion puede considerarse como el activo mas importante de cualquier organizacion moderna. Garantizar la seguridad de esta informacion implica preservar la confidencialidad, la integridad y la disponibilidad de la misma, triada conocida como CIA en ingles. Este trabajo presenta una arquitectura de seguridad multinivel motivado por la necesidad de considerar la informacion desde diferentes puntos de vista con el fin de protegerla. Ademas, se sugiere una nueva clasificacion de los elementos de informacion, operaciones, entidades y componentes que se pueden integrar para mostrar las distintas fuentes de riesgos al tratar con informacion sensible. Se muestra tambien una vision general de como se trata y se representa actualmente la informacion y por que es tan dificil garantizar la seguridad en todos los aspectos del tratamiento de la informacion.
SELF-Cured Alkali Activated Slag Concrete Mixes- An Experimental Study

Alkali Activated Slag Concrete (AASC) mixes are manufactured by activating ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) using sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions. The aim of the present experimental research was to investigate the effect of increasing the dosages of sodium oxide (Na2O, in the range of 4 to 8%) and the activator modulus (Ms) (i.e. the SiO2/Na2O ratio, in the range of 0.5 to 1.5) of the alkaline solutions, on the workability and strength characteristics of self-cured (air-cured) alkali activated Indian slag concrete mixes. Further the split tensile and flexure strengths for optimal mixes were studied for each dosage of Na2O.It is observed that increase in Na2O concentration increases the compressive, split-tensile and flexural strengths, both at the early and later-ages, while increase in Ms, decreases the workability of the mixes. An optimal Ms of 1.25 is found at various Na2O dosages. No significant differences in the strength performances were observed between AASCs manufactured with alkali solutions prepared using either of potable and de-ionized water. Keywords—Alkali activated slag, self-curing, strength characteristics.
Immunohistochemical identification and fiber type specific localization of protein kinase C isoforms in equine skeletal muscle.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms are expressed in equine skeletal muscle and determine their distribution in various types of fibers by use of immunofluorescence microscopy. ANIMALS 5 healthy adult Dutch Warmblood horses. PROCEDURE In each horse, 2 biopsy specimens were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle. Cryosections of equine muscle were stained with PKC isoform (alpha, beta1, beta2, delta, epsilon, or zeta)-specific polyclonal antibodies and examined by use of a fluorescence microscope. Homogenized muscle samples were evaluated via western blot analysis. RESULTS The PKC alpha, beta1, beta2, delta, epsilon, and zeta isoforms were localized within the fibers of equine skeletal muscle. In addition, PKC alpha and beta2 were detected near or in the plasma membrane of muscle cells. For some PKC isoforms, distribution was specific for fiber type. Staining of cell membranes for PKC alpha was observed predominantly in fibers that reacted positively with myosin heavy chain (MHC)-IIa; PKC delta and epsilon staining were more pronounced in MHC-I-positive fibers. In contrast, MHC-I negative fibers contained more PKC zeta than MHC-I-positive fibers. Distribution of PKC beta1 was equal among the different fiber types. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that PKC isoforms are expressed in equine skeletal muscle in a fiber type-specific manner. Therefore, the involvement of PKC isoforms in signal transduction in equine skeletal muscle might be dependent on fiber type.
Increasing incidence of adenovirus disease in bone marrow transplant recipients.

Adenovirus infections in 201 bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients over 4 years were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-two patients (20.9%) had positive adenovirus cultures after BMT. There was a higher incidence of adenovirus infections in pediatric patients than in adults (31.3% vs. 13.6%, P = .003). In addition, the time of onset of adenovirus infection after transplant was earlier in pediatric patients (mean, < 30 days) than in adults (> 90 days). Adenovirus type 35 was the most common serotype identified. One-third of adenovirus-positive patients had definite or probable adenovirus disease. Moderate to severe acute graft-versus-host disease and isolation of adenovirus from two or more sites were significant risk factors for adenovirus disease. This report documents a higher incidence of both adenovirus infection and disease than do previous studies. Adenovirus may emerge as a more frequent pathogen as more high-risk BMT transplants are done.
Nutrition Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Middle East and North Africa Countries: Reviewing the Evidence

Aim: To examine the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Middle East and North Africa countries and their associations with dietary behaviors as nutrition transition is unfolding in the region. Data: Data on CVD risk factors were collected from scholarly papers and a systematic review of published articles was performed. Dietary patterns were derived from the WHO Food and Agriculture Organization Statistical Databases. Results: Wide variations exist across countries in the prevalence of CVD risk factors, namely obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking and physical inactivity, with some countries showing high values of certain factors which approach those observed in the developed world. In particular, obesity prevalence rates have reached alarming levels, particularly among women in the oil-rich countries (over 40%), making it the most pressing health concern in the region. Trends in the dietary pattern illustrated a consistent rise in total energy supply by approximately 730 kcal per capita per day between 1970 and 2005. Dietary patterns showed an increased consumption of fat and animal protein and a decreased intake of carbohydrates, particularly whole grain cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Regional differences were attributed to differences in lifestyle, occupation and a shift from traditional food habits. Our understanding of the CVD disparities across various geographic regions is key to our effort in planning relevant intervention programs. Public health efforts should focus on obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary practices. The success of these interventions depends on governmental commitment, multisectoral partnership and a consideration of the sociocultural norms of the target population.
Camera Pose Estimation Suitable for Smart Cameras

Camera pose estimation across video sequences is an important issue under several computer vision applications. In previous work, the most popular approach consists on optimization techniques applied over 2D/3D point correspondences for two consecutive frames from a video sequence. Unfortunately, these optimization techniques are iterative and depend on nonlinear optimizations applied over some geometric constraint. For real-time embedded applications, another approach, more efficient in terms of computational size and cost, could be a linear or closed-form solution for the camera pose estimation problem. In this work, we introduce a new approach for camera pose estimation, this approach uses 2D visual features displacements as linear/dependent parameters for the camera pose estimation so, camera pose can be estimated without iterative behavior and without geometric constraints. As result, the proposed algorithm could be implemented inside a small FPGA device, suitable for smart cameras. Preliminary results are encourageous and show the viability of the proposed approach.
Disease burden of congenital cytomegalovirus infection at school entry age: study design, participation rate and birth prevalence

SUMMARY Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) may lead to symptoms at birth and long-term consequences. We present a nationwide, retrospective cohort study on the outcome of cCMV up to age 6 years. For this study we identified cCMV, using polymerase chain reaction, by analysing dried blood spots, which are taken shortly after birth for neonatal screening. The group of children with cCMV were compared to a group of children who were cCMV negative at birth. Data were collected about their health and development up to age 6 years. Parents of 73 693 children were invited to participate, and 32 486 (44·1%) gave informed consent for testing of their child's dried blood spot for CMV. Of the 31 484 dried blood spots tested, 156 (0·5%) were positive for cCMV. Of these, four (2·6%) children had been diagnosed with cCMV prior to this study. This unique retrospective nationwide study permits the estimation of long-term sequelae of cCMV up to the age of 6 years. The birth prevalence of cCMV in this study was 0·5%, which is in line with prior estimates. Most (97·4%) children with cCMV had not been diagnosed earlier, indicating under-diagnosis of cCMV.