Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Widening Keratinized Tissue Using Modified Free Gingival Graft.

T he need for keratinized tissue around endosseous implants is controversial. Longitudinal clinical studies have failed to reveal major differences in the progression of lesions around implants placed in sites with or without keratinized mucosa. However, increasing the width of keratinized tissue may benefit peri-implant tissue health, including reduced plaque accumulation and mucosal inflammation. The free gingival graft (FGG) is one of the most common and predictable methods for augmenting gingival tissue dimensions. The use of FGG has some limitations because it requires an additional wound in the palatal area and success depends on the amount of donor tissue. There have been many attempts to overcome the donor tissue limitations and reduce pain at the donor site. The strip technique may maximize the area of gingival grafting and minimize trauma, and the expanded mesh graft method covers a larger area by stretching graft material. In this case report, the modified FGG technique increased keratinized tissue using less donor tissue by placing the graft material as apically as possible and leaving the periosteum coronal to the graft exposed.
The pedunculopontine nucleus in Parkinson's disease

This study demonstrated a significant loss of neurons within the lateral part of the pedunculoponite nucleus pars compacta in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and in individuals with combined Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. We also examined the extent of neuronal loss within the substantia nigra pars compacta, locus ceruleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, and nucleus basalis of Meynert. The number of pedunculopontine nucleus pars compacta neurons in the patients with Parkinson's or Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease was reduced (average, 40°) in comparison with the number in control subjects or patients with Alzheimer's disease (p < 0.01). This finding correlated significantly with the extent of loss of substantia nigra pars compacta neurons (p < 0.01).
Non-dissipative battery cell balancing using half-bridge switching circuit

Cells in an electric vehicle battery pack tend to become out of balance after several charging and discharging cycles, resulting in capacity under-utilization and over-sizing of battery packs to achieve extended driving range. This makes it necessary to have a cell balancing mechanism onboard of the battery management system. This paper introduces a half-bridge DC/DC switching circuit for the balancing of lithium-ion cells, and highlights its advantages over existing cell balancing techniques. Furthermore, details on planar transformer design, control feedback, simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink, and experimental observations are included, showing greater controllability and improvement in efficiency in comparison with existing systems.
80 Gb/s optimised pulse source using a gain-switched laser diode in conjunction with a nonlinearly chirped grating

The authors demonstrate the generation of transforms limited short optical pulses, which display excellent spectral and temporal qualities by employing a novel technology, based on an externally injected gain-switched laser in conjunction with a non-linearly chirped grating. Using this technique, 3.5 ps optical pulses, exhibiting a time bandwidth product of 0.45, are generated, which are suitable for use in high-speed 80 Gb/s OTDM communications systems.
Membrane Localization Contributes to the In Vivo ADP-Ribosylation of Ras by Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExoS

ABSTRACT Type III-delivered exoenzyme S (ExoS) preferentially ADP-ribosylated membrane-associated His6HRas, relative to its cytosolic derivative His6HRasΔCAAX. This indicates that the subcellular protein distribution contributes to in vivo ADP-ribosylation by ExoS.
Analysis and Comment Intensive silvopastoral systems with Leucaena leucocephala ( Lam . ) de Wit : productive alternative in the tropic in view of the climate change

This paper presents a descriptive and evaluative analysis of the productive and environmental benefits of SPSi with Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, emphasizing the nutritional quality, biomass production, voluntary intake, animal productivity and greenhouse gas emission aspects. For such purpose, a bibliographic review was made about the studies in the last 15 years, concerning animal production systems under tropical conditions, stressing the ones conducted in Colombia. It was noticed that the forage offer in SPSi with leucaena has a protein content higher than 22 % and a lower fiber content (20-30 %) with regards to most tropical pastures. Additionally, leucaena has the capacity to withstand intense browsing, and its presence increases plant and animal productivity. The animals produce at least two or three times more meat and milk ha-1 year-1 as the result of a higher nutrient intake and higher forage offer, because with this legume the dry matter (DM) intake can be 1,3 times higher than the one observed in conventional systems, and the forage production can be from 5 to 18 t DM ha-1. On the other hand, the inclusion of L. leucocephala allows to decrease the enteric emissions of CH4 in amounts close to 20 % per kilogram of produced meat or milk and per kilogram of consumed dry matter. Compared with the traditional systems, in the ones in which L. leucocephala is included, the efficiency in production is increased and the negative environmental effects of animal husbandry are decreased.
Digital forensics in the internet of things: student research abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) increasingly spreads through different sectors of daily life. From Smart Home systems up to Industry 4.0 there are IoT devices in private use, public everyday life and industrial production. Due to the sprawling deployment of these devices they become witnesses and targets of crimes - physical or digital. On conventional computer systems, there are established computer forensic methods and tools to gather information, which contribute to the solving of such crime occurrences. In multiple domains IoT forensics is different from classical computer forensics and causes new kinds of problems. So far, there are few solutions addressing these problems. Therefore various approaches have to be examined and elaborated from the aspects of tracking down, identifying and reading the content of devices by analysing the acquired data. The work introduced in this proposal will elaborate different solution approaches, which respectively address several of the mentioned aspects.
IT capabilities ’ business value : analysis of multi-level performance in Brazilian organizations

Considering the demands of the Resource-Based Theory (RBT) and Information Systems (IS) literature regarding the identification of IT value in multi-level business performance, this article aims to detect the extent to which IT Capabilities directly impact performance at the process level and indirectly impact performance at the company level. A survey method was adopted and applied in three research phases: i. Pre-test survey – with researchers representing IT and business areas; ii. Pilot study – with IT and business professionals, and iii. Complete study – with IT and business managers in large Brazilian organizations, according to the 2012 ranking of the largest Brazilian organizations. The measurement model was defined using the Structural Equation Modeling in the pilot study and confirmed in the complete study, with the research hypotheses tested in the structural model. The results show that IT Capabilities positively impact Process Performance, which, in turn, impacts Company-level performance. Additionally, IT Capabilities are found to have an indirect impact on Company Performance, confirming partial mediation by Performance at the Process level. The moderating effects of four variables (company size, lifespan, sector dynamism, and industry) were tested in the relationship between IT Capabilities and Process Performance, presenting null results for all four. The theoretical contributions of this research, along with its limitations and research opportunities, are provided in the discussion and conclusion of the article.
A novel automatic tongue image segmentation algorithm: Color enhancement method based on L*a*b* color space

As the first step of tongue image analysis, tongue segmentation plays a significant role in this field. In this paper, we present a new method to segment the tongue using multiple color spaces. Based on the hue channel in HSV space, a threshold control function can be given, revealing the chromatic feature of image. Then we can extract our interested area according to the function, so that the color enhancement method can be applied in this region. In the end, we can obtain the complete outlines using the luminance features in L*a*b color space. Compared to existing tongue segmentation algorithms, our method demonstrates satisfying performance in robustness, efficiency and accuracy.
Structured Additive Quantile Regression for Assessing the Determinants of Childhood Anemia in Rwanda

Childhood anemia is among the most significant health problems faced by public health departments in developing countries. This study aims at assessing the determinants and possible spatial effects associated with childhood anemia in Rwanda. The 2014/2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) data was used. The analysis was done using the structured spatial additive quantile regression model. The findings of this study revealed that the child’s age; the duration of breastfeeding; gender of the child; the nutritional status of the child (whether underweight and/or wasting); whether the child had a fever; had a cough in the two weeks prior to the survey or not; whether the child received vitamin A supplementation in the six weeks before the survey or not; the household wealth index; literacy of the mother; mother’s anemia status; mother’s age at the birth are all significant factors associated with childhood anemia in Rwanda. Furthermore, significant structured spatial location effects on childhood anemia was found.
The effects of servicescape in satisfaction, loyalty and word of mouth for consumers in Brazil

Several studies have explored the quality of services provided to consumers, however, researches which look deeper into the aspects of intangible marketing are lacking, including physical evidences and their influence on consumer behavior. The aim of this study was to verify how the dimensions of servicescape (environmental conditions, features, signs and artifacts) influence on satisfaction, loyalty and disclosure behavior, word of mouth (mouth to mouth) of shopping centers consumers in Brazil. In addition, it intends to verify the impact of satisfaction and loyalty on WOM. To this end, a quantitative nature investigation was carried out by means of structural equation modeling, with a sample of 490 consumers. The results indicate that servicescape interferes in consumer choices. It is noteworthy that the visual and sensory aspects are the most crucial in consumer loyalty, as the functional aspects exert greater influence on satisfaction.
Subnational Borrowing and Debt Management

As a result of political opening and administrative decentralization, subnational governments in Mexico are demanding fiscal autonomy in order to improve their access to financial markets. But because the move toward fiscal decentralization is so recent, the allocation of fiscal responsibilities and borrowing autonomy among levels of government (federal, state, and municipal) is still being developed. State governments in Mexico have as yet limited flexibility in fiscal decisions, which limits their capacity to borrow for public investments. After several past attempts at reform, a new innovative regulatory system for subnational borrowing is being implemented which combines market discipline with rules.
Immune activation and inflammation in HIV‐1 infection: causes and consequences

Thorough research on HIV is progressively enabling us to understand the intricate mechanisms that link HIV‐1 infection to the onset of immunodeficiency. The infection and depletion of CD4+ T cells represent the most fundamental events in HIV‐1 infection. However, in recent years, the role played by chronic immune activation and inflammation in HIV pathogenesis has become increasingly apparent: quite paradoxically, immune activation levels are directly associated with HIV‐1 disease progression. In addition, HIV‐1‐infected patients present intriguing similarities with individuals of old age: their immune systems are characterized by a loss of regenerative capacity and an accumulation of ageing T cells. In this review, we discuss the potential reasons for the establishment of sustained immune activation and inflammation from the early stages of HIV‐1 infection, as well as the long‐term consequences of this process on the host immune system and health. A simplified model of HIV pathogenesis is proposed, which links together the three major facets of HIV‐1 infection: the massive depletion of CD4+ T cells, the paradoxical immune activation and the exhaustion of regenerative capacity. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new system for human movement induction based on virtual reality Un nuevo sistema para inducción de movimiento humano basado en realidad virtual

Nowadays there is a variety of new technologies for physical exercising and motor rehabilitation such as: serious games, natural user interfaces, and augmented reality. However, the application of these technologies is insufficient compared to traditional methods. For this reason, this paper discusses the design, implementation and testing of a human movement induction system based on Virtual Reality. The system offers three types of movements: two for the upper limbs, and one for the lower limbs. Each movement can be customized to the subject’s characteristics, in order to develop biomechanical parameters such as speed, and skills such as coordination and balance. The proposed system allows audio-visual feedback, automatic supervision and result analysis; providing service and research support. Compared to similar systems, this design brings innovations such as: the combination of Kinect and Google Cardboard, the indirect measurement of direction and motion speed, and the previsualization of kinematics parameters.
Prostate cancer survivors' and partners' self-reports of health-related quality of life, treatment symptoms, and marital satisfaction 2.5-5.5 years after treatment.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe health-related quality of life (QOL), health status, and marital satisfaction of couples as many as 5.5 years after treatment for prostate cancer. DESIGN Survey with longitudinal, comparative, and predictive elements. SETTING A tertiary care nonprofit medical center in the southwestern United States. SAMPLE Convenience sample of prostate cancer survivors (192 enrolled, 137 completed) and their partners (126 enrolled, 104 completed). Men averaged 70 years of age, women 66. Most men (86%) and women (89%) were white, and 71% had at least some college education. METHODS Questionnaires were mailed annually. Women were enrolled 3.5 years after their partners were treated. Study participants received separate questionnaire packets. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Health-related QOL, health status including post-treatment symptoms, and marital satisfaction. FINDINGS Men's health-related QOL, general physical health, and vitality decreased; urinary and sexual post-treatment symptoms increased. Men were concerned about their sexual functioning although few sought treatment. Couples' health-related QOL and marital satisfaction were associated more closely than their health status. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of type of treatment, health-related QOL and general health tend to decrease for prostate cancer survivors; men in watchful waiting tended to have poorer health outcomes. Men are concerned about sexual functioning, yet few are taking steps to remedy problems. Couples' health-related QOL and marital satisfaction are linked; however, health status indicators are less associated. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses are in a key position to assess health-related QOL and sexual functioning concerns for prostate cancer survivors and their partners.
www.econstor.eu Capital Market Frictions and Economic Geography

The field of New Economic Geography (NEG) aims at explaining a g lomeration based on increasing returns, monopolistic competition and international factor mobility. Deviating from existing approaches, this paper con structs a theoretical model based on capital market frictions. Firms compete monopolis tically, but are lead by managers subject to moral hazard. Incentivizing managers i s cheaper in regions with higher purchasing power, i. e. , in industrialized regions w here goods do not need to be imported and the price index is thus low. This simple mecha nism leads to a host of predictions; some in line with traditional NEG literatur e, some contradictory.
Nonequilibrium nanosystems

An overview is presented of recent results on nonequilibrium processes at the nanoscale and their statistical thermodynamics. First of all, the different levels of description of small systems are presented from the microscopic molecular dynamics in terms of Newton’s equations to the stochastic processes ruled by Langevin or master equations. In this framework, the connection to thermodynamic considerations can be established. The fluctuation theorem for currents in nonequilibrium steady states is established thanks to the analysis of the graph associated with the stochastic process. The fluctuation theorem for currents is shown to imply relations between the nonlinear response coefficients and the statistical cumulants of current fluctuations, which generalize Onsager reciprocity relations. Further consequences of the breaking of time-reversal symmetry in the statistical description are presented such as the theorem of nonequilibrium temporal ordering. All these results are shown to apply to several classes of nonequilibrium nanosystems. Selected case studies are presented for mechanical, mechanochemical, and chemical nonequilibrium nanosystems. For mechanical systems, we consider friction in the sliding motion of double-walled carbon nanotubes and microplasma heating by electromagnetic waves. For mechanochemical systems, recent work is summarized on the F1-ATPase rotary nanomotor. For chemical systems, the reviewed examples are the chemical transistor, Schlögl’s bistable reaction network, the Brusselator model of chemical clock, nanometric chemical clocks observed in field emission microscopy, as well as information processing in copolymerization processes with or without a template.
Mobility management optimization and conflict avoidance in self-organizing OFDMA networks

In this work, we propose a mobility management optimization framework for the networks employing full-frequency reuse. The mobility management issue is considered in the context of two main self-organizing networks (SON) functionalities, i.e mobility load balancing (MLB) and mobility robustness optimization (MRO) as a user-to-BS assigment problem. A central optimization method, which aims to maximize the load balance among the neighboring cells and minimize the HO related problems is given to solve the problem. Although the centralized optimization program forms a theoretical bound for the system capacity, it may also cause an excessive computational complexity to implement. That is why, we also propose a heuristic MRO, MLB conflict avoidance algorithm that provides a distributed solution to the same problem. Simulation results reveal the fact that proposed distributed mobility management algorithm approximates to the optimal solution significant and offers performance improvements in terms of the degrees of load balance and cell-edge throughput in comparison to the systems without mobility management and those employing conventional approaches.
Methanolic extract of Rhinella schneideri ( Anura : Bufonidae ) poison causes ultrastructural changes in nerve terminals of phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations in mice

Rhinella schneideri (or Bufo paracnemis), popularly known in Brazil as cururu toad, is also found in other countries in South America. The cardiovascular effects of this poison are largely known and recently was shown that it is capable to affect the neuromuscular junction on avian and mice isolated preparation. In this work, we used transmission electron microscopy to investigate the ultrastructure of the motor nerve terminal and postsynaptic junctional folds of phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations incubated for either 5 or 60 min with the methanolic extract of R. schneideri (50 μg/mL). In addition, the status of the acetylcholine receptors (AChR) was examined by TRITC-α-bungarotoxin immunofluorescence location at the endplate membrane. The results show that 5 min of incubation with the gland secretion extract significantly decreased (32 %) the number of synaptic vesicles into the motor nerve terminal, but did not decrease the electron density on the top of the junctional folds where nicotinic receptors are concentrated; however, 60 min of incubation led to significant nerve terminal reloading in synaptic vesicles whereas the AChR immunoreactivity was not as marked as in control and after 5 min incubation. Muscle fibers were well-preserved but intramuscular motor axons were not. The findings corroborated pharmacological data since the decrease in the number of synaptic vesicles (5 min) followed by recovery (60 min) is in accordance with the transient increase of MEPPs frequency meaning increased neurotransmitter release. These data support the predominant presynaptic mode of action of the R. schneideri, but do not exclude the possibility of a secondary postsynaptic action depending on the time the preparation is exposed to poison. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1290-1297. Epub 2018 September 01.
B cells promote inflammation in obesity and type 2 diabetes through regulation of T-cell function and an inflammatory cytokine profile

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have disease-associated changes in B-cell function, but the role these changes play in disease pathogenesis is not well established. Data herein show B cells from obese mice produce a proinflammatory cytokine profile compared with B cells from lean mice. Complementary in vivo studies show that obese B cell–null mice have decreased systemic inflammation, inflammatory B- and T-cell cytokines, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance (IR) compared with obese WT mice. Reduced inflammation in obese/insulin resistant B cell–null mice associates with an increased percentage of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Tregs). This increase contrasts with the sharply decreased percentage of Tregs in obese compared with lean WT mice and suggests that B cells may be critical regulators of T-cell functions previously shown to play important roles in IR. We demonstrate that B cells from T2D (but not non-T2D) subjects support proinflammatory T-cell function in obesity/T2D through contact-dependent mechanisms. In contrast, human monocytes increase proinflammatory T-cell cytokines in both T2D and non-T2D analyses. These data support the conclusion that B cells are critical regulators of inflammation in T2D due to their direct ability to promote proinflammatory T-cell function and secrete a proinflammatory cytokine profile. Thus, B cells are potential therapeutic targets for T2D.