Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of immediate soft tissue changes after rapid maxillary expansion

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate immediate soft tissue changes following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in growing patients, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients (10 male, 13 female) treated by RME were selected. Patients were scanned using CBCT prior to placement of the rapid maxillary expander (T0), then immediately following full activation of the appliance (T1). Defined landmarks were then located on the pre- and post-treatment orientated images. Change in landmark position from pre- to post-treatment was then measured. In addition to landmarks, 10 direct measures were made to determine distance change without regard to direction to measure soft tissue change of the lips. RESULTS: Significant transverse expansion was measured on most soft tissue landmark locations. All the measures made showed significant change in the lip position with a lengthening of the vertical dimension of the upper lip, and a generalized decrease of anterior-posterior thickness of both the upper and lower lips. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes in the soft tissue do occur with RME treatment. There is a transverse widening of the midface, and a thinning of the lips.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Doom using Unsupervised Auxiliary Tasks

Recent developments in deep reinforcement learning have enabled the creation of agents for solving a large variety of games given a visual input. These methods have been proven successful for 2D games, like the Atari games, or for simple tasks, like navigating in mazes. It is still an open question, how to address more complex environments, in which the reward is sparse and the state space is huge. In this paper we propose a divide and conquer deep reinforcement learning solution and we test our agent in the first person shooter (FPS) game of Doom. Our work is based on previous works in deep reinforcement learning and in Doom agents. We also present how our agent is able to perform better in unknown environments compared to a state of the art reinforcement learning algorithm.
Cellular Mechanotransduction: From Tension to Function

Living cells are constantly exposed to mechanical stimuli arising from the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) or from neighboring cells. The intracellular molecular processes through which such physical cues are transformed into a biological response are collectively dubbed as mechanotransduction and are of fundamental importance to help the cell timely adapt to the continuous dynamic modifications of the microenvironment. Local changes in ECM composition and mechanics are driven by a feed forward interplay between the cell and the matrix itself, with the first depositing ECM proteins that in turn will impact on the surrounding cells. As such, these changes occur regularly during tissue development and are a hallmark of the pathologies of aging. Only lately, though, the importance of mechanical cues in controlling cell function (e.g., proliferation, differentiation, migration) has been acknowledged. Here we provide a critical review of the recent insights into the molecular basis of cellular mechanotransduction, by analyzing how mechanical stimuli get transformed into a given biological response through the activation of a peculiar genetic program. Specifically, by recapitulating the processes involved in the interpretation of ECM remodeling by Focal Adhesions at cell-matrix interphase, we revise the role of cytoskeleton tension as the second messenger of the mechanotransduction process and the action of mechano-responsive shuttling proteins converging on stage and cell-specific transcription factors. Finally, we give few paradigmatic examples highlighting the emerging role of malfunctions in cell mechanosensing apparatus in the onset and progression of pathologies.
Mirizzi’s syndrome in Roux-en-Y bypass patient successfully treated with cholangioscopically-guided laser lithotripsy via percutaneous gastrostomy

Abstract Obesity and bariatric surgery are major risk factors in gallstone disease. In patients with a past history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Mirizzi’s syndrome is a challenging endoscopic situation because of the modified anatomy. Here we report the first case of a patient with a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass treated by intracorporeal lithotripsy with a digital single-operator cholangioscope following an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using a percutaneous gastrostomy access.
Prevalence and pattern of hypertension and effect of body mass index on blood pressure in six communities of Biase LGA In Cross River, Nigeria

Objective: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, renal failure, and heart failure globally. This trend of complications has been seen even among our rural and urban dwellers in the tropics. This study aims at determining the prevalence and pattern of hypertension and body mass index (BMI) in six rural communities in Southern Nigeria.Methods: Adult participants, aged 18-80 years of age from six rural Biase communities who presented for a health screening were recruited. This was a rural community-based cross-sectional study involving 419 adults. Information was obtained from questionnaires which were administered to assess and obtain demographic data. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured from participants to assess the BMI and risk factors associated with hypertension, and pattern of blood pressure.Results: A total of 419 enrolled for the study, but 137 had hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) and this was made up of 86 females (62.8%) and 51 males (37.2%). Only 29 of the hypertensives (21.1%) were aware of their condition. The prevalence of hypertension was 32.7%. Moderate hypertension was the commonest presentation. High blood pressure, obesity and overweight was common among the women folk compared to the men that had isolated systolic hypertension (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In recent times, hypertension is seen to be high even in rural settings; hence strict screening should be enhanced to allow for quicker diagnosis and early intervention.
Why are estimates of global terrestrial isoprene emissions so similar (and why is this not so for monoterpenes)

Emissions of biogenic volatile organic com- pounds (BVOC) are a chief uncertainty in calculating the bur- dens of important atmospheric compounds like tropospheric ozone or secondary organic aerosol, reflecting either imper- fect chemical oxidation mechanisms or unreliable emission estimates, or both. To provide a starting point for a more systematic discussion we review here global isoprene and monoterpene emission estimates to-date. We note a surpris- ingly small variation in the predictions of global isoprene emission rate that is in stark contrast with our lack of pro- cess understanding and the small number of observations for model parameterisation and evaluation. Most of the models are based on similar emission algorithms, using fixed values for the emission capacity of various plant functional types. In some cases, these values are very similar but differ sub- stantially in other models. The similarities with regard to the global isoprene emission rate would suggest that the dom- inant parameters driving the ultimate global estimate, and thus the dominant determinant of model sensitivity, are the specific emission algorithm and isoprene emission capacity. But the models also differ broadly with regard to their repre- sentation of net primary productivity, method of biome cov- erage determination and climate data. Contrary to isoprene, monoterpene estimates show significantly larger model-to- model variation although variation in terms of leaf algorithm, emission capacities, the way of model upscaling, vegetation cover or climatology used in terpene models are compara- ble to those used for isoprene. From our summary of pub- lished studies there appears to be no evidence that the terres- trial modelling community has been any more successful in "resolving unknowns" in the mechanisms that control global isoprene emissions, compared to global monoterpene emis- sions. Rather, the proliferation of common parameterization schemes within a large variety of model platforms lends the illusion of convergence towards a common estimate of global isoprene emissions. This convergence might be used to pro- vide optimism that the community has reached the "relief phase", the phase when sufficient process understanding and data for evaluation allows models' projections to converge, when applying a recently proposed concept. We argue that there is no basis for this apparent relief phase. Rather, we urge modellers to be bolder in their analysis, and to draw at- tention to the fact that terrestrial emissions, particularly in the area of biome-specific emission capacities, are unknown rather than uncertain.
μVEMP: A Portable Interface to Record Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) With a Smart Phone or Tablet

Background: Cervical VEMPs and ocular VEMPs are tests for evaluating otolith function in clinical practice. We developed a simple, portable and affordable device to record VEMP responses on patients, named μVEMP. Our aim was to validate and field test the new μVEMP device. Methods: We recorded cervical VEMPs and ocular VEMPs in response to bone conducted vibration using taps tendon hammer to the forehead (Fz) and to air conducted sounds using clicks. We simultaneously recorded VEMP responses (same subject, same electrode, same stimuli) in three healthy volunteers (2 females, age range: 29–57 years) with the μVEMP device and with a standard research grade commercial (CED) system used in clinics. We also used the μVEMP device to record VEMP responses from six patients (6 females, age mean±SD: 50.3 ± 20.8 years) with classical peripheral audio-vestibular diseases (unilateral vestibular neuritis, unilateral neurectomy, bilateral vestibular loss, unilateral superior canal dehiscence, unilateral otosclerosis). Results: The first part of this paper compared the devices using simultaneous recordings. The average of the concordance correlation coefficient was rc = 0.997 ± 0.003 showing a strong similarity between the measures. VEMP responses recorded with the μVEMP device on patients with audio-vestibular diseases were similar to those typically found in the literature. Conclusions: We developed, validated and field tested a new device to record ocular and cervical VEMPs in response to sound and vibration.This new device is portable (powered by a phone or tablet) with pocket-size dimensions (105 × 66 × 27 mm) and light weight (150 g). Although further studies and normative data are required, our μVEMP device is simpler (easier to use) and potentially more accessible than standard, commercially available equipment.
Dual Analysis of Efficiency of Enforcing Compliance with Accounting Standards for Enterprises

This paper is an attempt to link the enforcement institutions with the enforcement of accounting standards on corporate behaviors. Within the framework of expected utility theory and prospect theory, the decisions of accounting standards implementation under enforcing institutions is analyzed from the perspectives of utility and psychology, and the enforcing mechanisms of accounting standards and its limitations is discussed in order to have a better understanding of the lower efficiency of the enforcement institutions in China. Finally, suggestions are offered to promote the efficiency of enforcement mechanisms of accounting standards.
Chapitre 11

Sous cette terminologie on trouve les agents qui ont des dépenses supérieures à leurs ressources : il peut s’agir d’entreprises souhaitant investir, de ménages désirant acquérir un logement ou de l’Etat qui a besoin de combler son déficit public271. D’un point de vue macroéconomique, chaque année, les deux principaux agents à besoin de financement sont : l’Etat et les collectivités territoriales 272 ainsi que les administrations publiques273 ; les entreprises non financières274.
Adaptive Data Processing in Heterogeneous Hardware Systems

In recent years, Database Management System have seen advancements in two major sectors, namely functional and hardware support. Before, a traditional DBMS was sufficient for performing a given operation, whereas a current DBMS is required to perform complex analytical tasks like graph analysis or OLAP. These operations require additional functions to be added to the system for processing. Also, a similar evolution is seen in the underlying hardware. This advancement in both functional and hardware domain of DBMS requires modification of its overall architecture. Hence, it is evident that an adaptable DBMS is necessary for supporting this highly volatile environment. In this work, we list the challenges present for an adaptable DBMS and propose a conceptual model for such a system that provides interfaces to easily adapt to the software and hardware changes.
Fluorescein Leakage and Optical Coherence Tomography Features of Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Pathologic Myopia.

Purpose We compare the fluorescein angiography (FA) patterns with morphologic alterations detectable on spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) in myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and evaluate whether they influence the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVRI) in an as-needed (PRN) regimen. Methods The 49 patients enrolled in this prospective case series underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), FA, and SD-OCT assessment. The main outcome measure was correlation between FA patterns and SD-OCT features. Secondary outcomes were changes in BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT), and characterization of subretinal hyperreflective exudation (SHE). Results Three main patterns were identified on the FA: no (5%), minimal (35%), and profuse (59%) leakage CNV. Comparison between minimal versus profuse leakage CNV subtypes revealed no difference regarding baseline and final BCVA, CNV area, choroidal thickness, final CMT, and proportion of intraretinal cysts, subretinal fluid, and external limiting membrane (ELM) interruption; however, the minimal leakage CNV subgroup revealed a lower percentage of SHE (P = 0.0039), required fewer IVRI (P = 0.003), and showed a baseline smaller CMT (P = 0.004). Patients presenting with SHE showed a similar baseline BCVA to those without exudation, but displayed greater final BCVA improvement. CMT was greater at the baseline and the reduction also was more marked. CNV area achieved a significant reduction only in eyes with SHE. ELM interruption was present in all cases compared to 86.3% of eyes without SHE. Lastly, the eyes with SHE required more injections (P = 0.04). Conclusions Different patterns of mCNV may be identified in FA and they correlate with specific SD-OCT alterations. Moreover, the type of FA leakage may assist in identifying more active mCNV.
Removal of reactive blue 19 from aqueous solution using rice straw fly ash

The adsorption behavior of reactive blue 19 dye (RB19) from aqueous solution onto rice straw fly ash (RSFA) was investigated in order to identify the ability of this waste adsorbent to remove colored textile dyes from wastewater. The effect of different variables in the batch method as a function of solution pH, contact time, concentration of adsorbate, adsorbent dosage and temperature were investigated and optimal experimental conditions were ascertain. More than 85 % removal efficiency was obtained within 60 min. at adsorbent dose of 0.09 g for initial dye concentration of 30-100mg/L at pH 1. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore volume were calculated and found to be 67.4 m 2 g -1 and 0.134 cm 3 g -1 , respectively. The point of zero charge (pHPZC) of ACRS was determined and found to be 7.The experimental equilibrium data were tested by the isotherm models namely, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption and the isotherm constants were determined. The kinetic data obtained with different initial concentration and temperature were analyzed using a pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations. The activation energy of adsorption was also evaluated and found to be +18.87 kJ.mol −1 indicating that the adsorption is physisorption. Thermodynamic parameters, such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption of the dye-rice straw fly ash systems were evaluated and it was found that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature.
SAMPLE PREPARATION FOR TRACE ANALYSIS BY CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS

The determination of trace analytes in complex natural matrices often requires extensive sample extraction and preparation prior to chromatographic analysis. Correct sample preparation can reduce analysis time, sources of error, enhance sensitivity, and enable unequivocal identification, confirmation, and quantification. This overview considers general aspects on sample preparation techniques for trace analysis in various matrices. The discussed extraction/enrichment techniques cover classical methods, such as Soxhlet and liquid-liquid extractions along with more recently developed techniques like pressurized liquid extraction, liquid phase microextraction (LPME), accelerated microwave extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction. This overview also deals with more selective methodologies, such as solid phase extraction (SPE), solid phase microextraction (SPME), and stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). The adopted approach considers the equilibriums involved in each technique. The applicability of each technique in environmental, food, biological, and pharmaceutical analyses is discussed, particularly for the determination of trace organic compounds by chromatographic methods.
Radar Communication for Combating Mutual Interference of FMCW Radars

Commercial automotive radars used today are based on frequency modulated continuous wave signals due to the simple and robust detection method and good accuracy. However, the increase in both the number of radars deployed per vehicle and the number of such vehicles leads to mutual interference among automotive radars, and cutting short future plans for autonomous driving and safety. We propose and analyze a radar communication (RadCom) approach to reduce or eliminate this mutual interference while simultaneously offering communication functionality. Our RadCom approach frequency division multiplexes radar and communication, where communication is built on a decentralized carrier sense multiple access protocol and is used to adjust the timing of radar transmissions. Our simulation results indicate that radar interference can be significantly reduced, at no cost in radar accuracy.
BCSAT : A Benchmark Corpus for Sentiment Analysis in Telugu Using Word-level Annotations

The presented work aims at generating a systematically annotated corpus that can support the enhancement of sentiment analysis tasks in Telugu using word-level sentiment annotations. From OntoSenseNet, we extracted 11,000 adjectives, 253 adverbs, 8483 verbs and sentiment annotation is being done by language experts. We discuss the methodology followed for the polarity annotations and validate the developed resource. This work aims at developing a benchmark corpus, as an extension to SentiWordNet, and baseline accuracy for a model where lexeme annotations are applied for sentiment predictions. The fundamental aim of this paper is to validate and study the possibility of utilizing machine learning algorithms, word-level sentiment annotations in the task of automated sentiment identification. Furthermore, accuracy is improved by annotating the bi-grams extracted from the target corpus.
The Diffusion Approximation for Markov Processes

Markov processes in physics, chemistry and biology are often regarded as generalized diffusion and accordingly described by a Kolmogorov equation or a Langevin equation. This procedure is exact if the Lindeberg condition is obeyed. It is here argued, however, that it is at best only approximately obeyed and that therefore the mathematical theory derived from it should be replaced with an approximation procedure. Such a procedure, in the form of a power series expansion in a parameter Ω, is described. The conclusion is that the diffusion approximation is inconsistent, except for a special subclass of Markov processes. This distinction has nothing to do with the distinction between discrete and continuous variables.
Dual-probe spectroscopic fingerprints of defects in graphene

Recent advances in experimental techniques emphasize the usefulness of multiple scanning probe techniques when analyzing nanoscale samples. Here, we analyze theoretically dual-probe setups with probe separations in the nanometer range, i.e., in a regime where quantum coherence effects can be observed at low temperatures. In a dual-probe setup the electrons are injected at one probe and collected at the other. The measured conductance reflects the local transport properties on the nanoscale, thereby yielding information complementary to that obtained with a standard one-probe setup (the local density-of-states). In this work we develop a real space Green's function method to compute the conductance. This requires an extension of the standard calculation schemes, which typically address a finite sample between the probes. In contrast, the developed method makes no assumption on the sample size (e.g., an extended graphene sheet). Applying this method, we study the transport anisotropies in pristine graphene sheets, and analyze the spectroscopic fingerprints arising from quantum interference around single-site defects, such as vacancies and adatoms. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the dual-probe setup is a useful tool for characterizing the electronic transport properties of extended defects or designed nanostructures. In particular, we show that nanoscale perforations, or antidots, in a graphene sheet display Fano-type resonances with a strong dependence on the edge geometry of the perforation.
SEAGRASS RESOURCE ASSESSMENT IN THE MANDAPAM COAST OF THE GULF OF MANNAR BIOSPHERE RESERVE, INDIA

Aerial extent and distribution pattern of seagrass meadows in the Mandapam group of islands viz. Pamban area of Rameshwaram, Krusadai, Pullivasal and Pumarichan Island of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve were studied. Visual interpretation and digital analysis of satellite data viz. IRS 1D LISS III (2000 and 2002) and IRS P6 LISS III (2004) showed the presence of extensive seagrass beds in these areas. Present study has recorded 3289.14 ha of reef area, 794.45 ha of reef vegetation, 726.15 ha of dense and 601.00 ha of sparse seagrass beds in this part of the Gulf during the year 2004. Further, spread and changes in seagrass cover in this region have been classified and loss has been estimated. In addition, drastic reduction in the seagrass resources of the Gulf of Mannar in certain places was identified and management plans to conserve this resource have been suggested. Keyword: seagrass, assessment, remote sensing, anthropogenic
Transfer with Model Features in Reinforcement Learning

A key question in Reinforcement Learning is which representation an agent can learn to efficiently reuse knowledge between different tasks. Recently the Successor Representation was shown to have empirical benefits for transferring knowledge between tasks with shared transition dynamics. This paper presents Model Features: a feature representation that clusters behaviourally equivalent states and that is equivalent to a Model-Reduction. Further, we present a Successor Feature model which shows that learning Successor Features is equivalent to learning a Model-Reduction. A novel optimization objective is developed and we provide bounds showing that minimizing this objective results in an increasingly improved approximation of a Model-Reduction. Further, we provide transfer experiments on randomly generated MDPs which vary in their transition and reward functions but approximately preserve behavioural equivalence between states. These results demonstrate that Model Features are suitable for transfer between tasks with varying transition and reward functions.