Phase transitions of extended-range probabilistic cellular automata with two absorbing states

We study phase transitions in a long-range one-dimensional cellular automaton with two symmetric absorbing states. It includes and extends several other models, like the Ising and Domany-Kinzel ones. It is characterized by a competing ferromagnetic linear coupling and an antiferromagnetic nonlinear one. Despite its simplicity, this model exhibits an extremely rich phase diagram. We present numerical results and mean-field approximations.Comment: New and expanded versio

A case report of chondrocalcinosis of the temporomandibular joint: Surgical management and literature review

Background: Chondrocalcinosis is a metabolic disorder characterized by non-infectious joint inflammation with intra- or periarticular calcification. Temporomandibular (TMJ) chondrocalcinosis is rare and not usually included in the differential diagnosis of TMJ and facial pain disorders. Case report: A 67-year-old woman presented with a calcified mass in the right TMJ between the condyle and glenoid fossa, eroding into the floor of the middle cranial fossa due to calcium pyrophosphate deposition in the TMJ. She underwent surgical excision of the mass with immediate econstruction with a custom-made prosthesis. On follow-up, there was complete clinical resolution, with no evidence of recurrence. Literature related to surgical treatment of chondrocalcinosis of TMJ and its treatment was reviewed. Surgery is the most commonly used treatment. A custom-made device allowed us to bridge the defect caused by the destructive disease process. Conclusion: Custom-made prostheses can be considered a safe and effective solution in erosive forms of chondrocalcinosis, replacing the TMJ to restore functionality and correct the anatomical defect

Double osseous flaps for simultaneous midfacial and mandible reconstruction: Automation in surgical complexity within an entirely computerized workflow

Introduction: Broad maxillofacial surgical resections involving both the midface and the mandible represent a challenge in terms of reconstruction. Although several papers have explored the possibility of simultaneously using two microsurgical flaps, reports on the implementation of a dual osseous flap strategy are limited, and mainly addressed to static anatomical reconstruction, regardless of functional implications. In particular, there is a lack in the literature of a unifying protocol which illustrates how technology including virtual planning, statistical shape modeling, virtual occlusion, 3D-printing and patient-specific implants can address the functional and accuracy needs required for an optimal reconstruction. Materials and methods: In this paper, the Authors present their preliminary experience in a two-center study, showing how broad maxillofacial defects, requiring a simultaneous reconstruction in both the mandible and the midface, can be successfully reconstructed using the combination of two osseous flaps in an automated sequence in which all steps are anticipately defined in a virtual plan, accounting for the optimal alignment of temporomandibular joint, predicting the final occlusion and defining a mandibular shape according to a statistical shape model. Results: Average RMSE for the iliac bone crest flap was of 3.2 ± 0.36 mm; for the fibula flap, RMSE value was of 2.3 ± 0.65 mm, for patient-specific implants, for mandibular prostheses the average RMSE was 2.46 mm with 0.76 mm standard deviation. Temporomandibular joint function increased when a TMJ prosthesis was placed. Conclusions: Double bone free flap is a valuable resource to reconstruct wide defects that simultaneously involve two thirds of the cranio-maxillo-facial skeleton, but a careful virtual planning study should be always performed before approaching this surgical option

Quantum and classical echoes in scattering systems described by simple Smale horseshoes

We explore the quantum scattering of systems classically described by binary and other low order Smale horseshoes, in a stage of development where the stable island associated with the inner periodic orbit is large, but chaos around this island is well developed. For short incoming pulses we find periodic echoes modulating an exponential decay over many periods. The period is directly related to the development stage of the horseshoe. We exemplify our studies with a one-dimensional system periodically kicked in time and we mention possible experiments.Comment: 7 pages with 6 reduced quality figures! Please contact the authors ([email protected]) for an original good quality pre-prin

Redesigning the paradigms of clinical practice for oral and maxillofacial surgery in the era of lockdown for covid-19: From tradition to telesemeiology

The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic has posed new challenges for health care institutions. Restrictions imposed by local governments worldwide have compromised the mobility of patients and decreased the number of physicians in hospitals. Additional requirements in terms of medical staff security further limited the physical contact of doctors with their patients, thereby questioning the traditional methods of clinical examination. Our institution has developed an organization model to translate the essential clinical services into virtual consultation rooms using a telemedicine interface which is commonly available to patients. We provide examples of clinical activity for a maxillofacial surgery department based on teleconsultation. Our experience is summarized and an organization model is drafted in which outpatient consultation offices are translated into virtual room environments. Clinical examples are provided, demonstrating how each subspecialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery can benefit from virtual examinations. The concept of \u201ctelesemeiology\u201d is introduced and a checklist is presented to guide clinicians to perform teleconsultations. This paper is intended to provide an organization model based on telemedicine for maxillofacial surgeons and aims to represent an aid for colleagues who are facing the pandemic in areas where lockdown limits the possibility of a physical examination