bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Neuroscience of Psychopathic Personality in Adults
Authors: Seara‐Cardoso Ana , Viding Essi
Published: July 2014

Psychopathy is a personality disorder that involves a constellation of traits including callous‐unemotionality, manipulativeness, and impulsiveness. Here we review recent advances in the research of functional neural correlates of psychopathic personality traits in adults. We first provide a concise overview of functional neuroimaging findings in clinical samples diagnosed with the PCL‐R. We then review studies with community samples that have focused on how individual differences in psychopathic traits (variously measured) relate to individual differences in brain function. Where appropriate, we draw parallels between the findings from these studies and those with clinical samples. Extant data suggest that individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits show lower activity in affect‐processing brain areas to emotional/salient stimuli, and that attenuated activity may be dependent on the precise content of the task. They also seem to show higher activity in regions typically associated with reward processing and cognitive control in tasks involving moral processing, decision making, and reward. Furthermore, affective‐interpersonal and lifestyle‐antisocial facets of psychopathy appear to be associated with different patterns of atypical neural activity. Neuroimaging findings from community samples typically mirror those observed in clinical samples, and largely support the notion that psychopathy is a dimensional construct.
A Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction Protocol for in planta Detection of Fusicladium eriobotryae, Causal Agent of Loquat Scab
Authors: González‐Domínguez Elisa , León Maela , Armengol Josep , Berbegal Mónica
Published: July 2014

Scab caused by the fungus Fusicladium eriobotryae is the most serious disease affecting loquat in Spain. Isolation of F. eriobotryae from infected tissue on culture media can be difficult due to its slow growth. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based protocol was developed for F. eriobotryae‐specific identification from pure culture or infected loquat tissues. The primer set was designed in the elongation factor 1‐α gene (EF1‐α), and specificity and sensitivity for single and nested PCR were validated. The nested PCR assay resulted in 100% positive detection of F. eriobotryae in naturally and artificially infected tissues. This protocol can be useful for routine diagnosis, disease monitoring programmes and epidemiological research.
Hepatitis A virus in the Middle East and North Africa region: a new challenge
Authors: Melhem N. M. , Talhouk R. , Rachidi H. , Ramia S.
Published: July 2014

During the past three decades, a gradual shift in the age of infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) from early childhood to adulthood has been observed. There is a general lack of updated data onHAVburden of disease, incidence and age‐specific seroprevalence in countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The aim of this article is to review the published data on anti‐HAVseroprevalence, an important tool to monitor infections rates, in countries of theMENAregion and associated risk factors including water and socioeconomic data when available. Data on anti‐HAVseroprevalence were found for 12 of 25MENAcountries. We show thatMENAcountries, similar to other areas in the world, have a clear shift inHAVincidence with a decline among young age groups and an increase among adults and older individuals. This would likely be associated with increased morbidity and increased risks of outbreaks among younger age groups. Consequently, the continuous surveillance of hepatitis A cases and the inclusion of hepatitis A vaccine in the expanded immunization programmes are needed in countries of theMENA.
Association of low numbers of CD206‐positive cells with loss of ICC in the gastric body of patients with diabetic gastroparesis
Authors: Bernard C. E. , Gibbons S. J. , Mann I. S. , Froschauer L. , Parkman H. P. , Harbison S. , Abell T. L. , Snape W. J. , Hasler W. L. , McCallum R. W. , Sarosiek I. , Nguyen L. A. B. , Koch K. L. , Tonascia J. , Hamilton F. A. , Kendrick M. L. , Shen K. R. , Pasricha P. J. , Farrugia G. ,   the NIDDK Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium (GpCRC)
Published: July 2014

Background

There is increasing evidence for specific cellular changes in the stomach of patients with diabetic (DG) and idiopathic (IG) gastroparesis. The most significant findings are loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), neuronal abnormalities, and an immune cellular infiltrate. Studies done in diabetic mice have shown a cytoprotective effect of CD206+ M2 macrophages. To quantify overall immune cellular infiltrate, identify macrophage populations, and quantify CD206+ and iNOS+ cells. To investigate associations between cellular phenotypes and ICC.

Methods

Full thickness gastric body biopsies were obtained from non‐diabetic controls (C), diabetic controls (DC), DG, and IG patients. Sections were labeled for CD45, CD206, Kit, iNOS, and putative human macrophage markers (HAM56, CD68, and EMR1). Immunoreactive cells were quantified from the circular muscle layer.

Key Results

Significantly fewer ICC were detected in DG and IG tissues, but there were no differences in the numbers of cells immunoreactive for other markers between patient groups. There was a significant correlation between the number of CD206+ cells and ICC in DG and DC patients, but not in C and IG and a significant correlation between iNOS+ cells and ICC in the DC group, but not the other groups. CD68 and HAM56 reliably labeled the same cell populations, but EMR1 labeled other cell types.

Conclusions & Inferences

Depletion of ICC and correlation with changes in CD206+ cell numbers in DC and DG patients suggests that in humans, like mice, CD206+ macrophages may play a cytoprotective role in diabetes. These findings may lead to novel therapeutic options, targeting alternatively activated macrophages.
The addition of tramadol to the standard of IV acetaminophen and morphine infusion for postoperative analgesia in neonates offers no clinical benefit: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Olischar Monika , Palmer Greta M. , Orsini Francesca , Davidson Andrew J. , Perkins Elizabeth J. , Lee Katherine J. , Everest Neil J. , Cranswick Noel E. , Hunt Rod W.
Published: July 2014

Background

Tramadol is used following neonatal cardiac and general surgery. However, its ability to opioid‐spare or facilitate earlier extubation in postoperative neonates is unquantified.

Objective

This randomized placebo‐controlled trial aimed to assess whether tramadol's addition to standard analgesia resulted in earlier extubation or reduced analgesic/sedative requirements in postsurgical neonates.

Methods

Neonates born ≥32 weeks postmenstrual age received either tramadol [T] 2 mg·kg−1 or placebo [P] 6‐hourly for up to 5 days postthoracoabdominal surgery in addition to morphine (commenced at 20 mcg·kg−1·h−1) and 6‐hourly IV acetaminophen. Time to extubation, morphine and midazolam amounts, hourly pain scores, and seizure activity were compared using an intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analysis.

Results

Seventy‐one neonates participated. Median survival time to extubation was similar between the groups (T 67 h [95% CI 51, 84] vs P 52 h [95%CI 43, 65]; P = 0.4), and similar numbers were extubated by 96 h (T 69% vs P 77%; difference −8%, 95%CI −28, 13%). Morphine and midazolam exposure was similar, with low pain scores in both groups (mean percentage of time with a pain score >5/20 during the 5 days: T 13% vs P 11%, difference in means 2.8 [95% CI −1.8, 7.6], P = 0.20). Most participants had normal cranial ultrasounds (T 86% vs P 86%); no seizures occurred clinically or electroencephalographically.

Conclusion

Tramadol's addition to standard analgesia in this small group of postsurgical neonates did not appear to have any positive effect on time to extubation, morphine or midazolam exposure, or pain scores. This questions the benefit of tramadol for postsurgical neonates. Importantly, no seizures occurred in these ill neonates who may potentially be at greater risk of tramadol toxicity compared with adults.
Diel growth patterns of young soybean (Glycine max) leaflets are synchronous throughout different positions on a plant
Authors: FRIEDLI MICHAEL , WALTER ACHIM
Published: July 2014

Leaf growth is controlled by various internal and external factors. Leaves of dicotyledonous plants show pronounced diel (24 h) growth patterns that are controlled by the circadian clock. To date, it is still uncertain whether diel leaf growth patterns remain constant throughout the development of a plant. In this study, we followed growth from the primary leaves to leaflets of the seventh trifoliate leaf of soybean (Glycine max) on the same plants with a recently developed imaging‐based method under controlled conditions and at a high temporal resolution. We found that all leaflets displayed a consistent diel growth pattern with maximum growth towards the end of the night. In some leaves, growth maxima occurred somewhat later – at dawn – as long as the leaves were still in a very early developmental stage. Yet, overall, diel growth patterns of leaves from different positions within the canopy were highly synchronous. Therefore, the diel growth pattern of any leaf at a given point in time is representative for the overall diel growth pattern of the plant leaf canopy and a deviation from the normal diel growth pattern can indicate that the plant is currently facing stress.
Analysis of 36 Cases of Blaschkoid Dyspigmentation: Reading Between the Lines of Blaschko
Authors: Cohen Jared , Shahrokh Katayoon , Cohen Bernard
Published: July 2014

Genetic mosaicism indicated by lines of Blaschko pigmentary changes has been described under a number of different and confusing terms, including hypomelanosis of Ito, linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis, nevus depigmentosus, and cutis tricolor. Moreover, extracutaneous findings, particularly serious neurologic defects, have been reported in a large number of these cases. We reviewed the cutaneous and extracutaneous findings in 36 patients referred to the Harriet Lane Pediatric Dermatology Clinic, Johns Hopkins University, from June 12, 2008, to May 24, 2009, for evaluation of macular lesions along the lines of Blaschko. Patients with dyspigmentation along the lines of Blaschko and no history of preceding inflammatory skin lesions were identified for inclusion in a database at their initial visit. Information on age at presentation; sex; age when first diagnosed; type, pattern, and location of the pigmentary anomaly; and extracutaneous abnormalities noted on a review‐of‐systems questionnaire and physical examination was recorded for each child. Patients were asked to follow up within 6 to 12 months of the initial visit. Patients included 13 boys and 23 girls ages 3 months to 15 years with lesions noted from birth to 12 years. Lesions were hypopigmented in 21 patients and hyperpigmented in 15. No patients presented with hypopigmented and hyperpigmented lesions. Extracutaneous findings were noted in five children (13.9%). Historically, cases of Blaschkoid hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation have been associated with a high percentage of extracutaneous manifestations, particularly neurologic and neurodevelopmental defects. In our study, only five patients (13.9%) were noted to have extracutaneous abnormalities, and these findings may have been coincidental. We propose the term ‘Blaschkoid dyspigmentation’ to describe the cutaneous findings. Although serious extracutaneous findings may occur in children with Blaschkoid dyspigmentation and results of careful physical examination and review of systems should direct an evaluation, serious extracutaneous findings occur in a minority of patients.
Meaning, Use and Ostensive Definition in Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations
Authors: Cheung Leo K. C.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, I argue that the restricted claim in §43a of the Philosophical Investigations is that, for a large class of cases of word meanings, the meaning of a word is its use in the language. Although Wittgenstein does not provide any example of words having uses but no meaning as exceptions to the claim, he does hint at exceptions, which are names being defined, or explained, ostensively by pointing to their bearers, in §43b. Names in ostensive definitions, or explanations, are meaningful, but not being used, and are therefore exceptions to the claim that meaning is use.
Testing Our Quasi‐Statistical Sense: News Use, Political Knowledge, and False Projection
Authors: Gvirsman Shira Dvir
Published: July 2014

Although widely studied, previous research of projection in the context of public opinion did not incorporate the distinction between adequate and false projection developed in the cognitive studies: Adequate projection contributes to accurate perceptions of public opinion while false projection impairs it. The analysis presented in this study includes the above distinction, building on two case studies: (1) a dataset comprised of 25 surveys conducted over a period of 10 years (N = 11,313) and (2) a panel study of the 2013 Israeli general election. Relying on the assumptions of the Bayesian model, we tested if frequent news exposure and factual political knowledge reduce false projection. We found that false projection is a highly persistent psychological tendency with little variance. Although news exposure and political knowledge did contribute to a more accurate perception of public opinion, they did not reduce false projection. Conversely, knowledge increased false projection among moderates and had no effect in this respect among proponents of a more extreme ideology. These findings align better with the motivated reasoning model than with the Bayesian model.
Effects of Montane Heathland Restoration on Leafhopper Assemblages (Insecta: Auchenorrhyncha)
Authors: Borchard Fabian , Fartmann Thomas
Published: July 2014

At the beginning of the 20th century, many montane heathlands were abandoned and became subject to natural succession or afforestation by humans. Thus, the formerly large montane heathlands slowly degraded into small and isolated patches. In this study, we evaluate the influence of restoration measures on leafhopper (Auchenorrhyncha) assemblages of montane heathland ecosystems in Central Europe. Our analyses comprised three different site types that were adjacent to each other: (1) montane heathlands, (2) restoration sites, and (3) control sites. Leafhoppers showed a clear response to montane heathland restoration. Thus, after 4–5 years since implementation of restoration measurements restoration sites were characterized by the highest species richness. However, detailed analyses of leafhopper diversity, species composition, and environmental parameters on the three site types revealed that restoration sites were rather similar to control sites and significantly differing from montane heathlands. We conclude that leafhoppers are excellent bioindicators for restoration measurements because they reflected environmental differences between the three site types. Restoration measurements might only be a useful instrument to promote typical montane heathland leafhopper communities in the long run. Colonization by leafhoppers is, however, dependent on many different factors such as leafhopper mobility, vegetation structure, microclimate, and the establishment of ericaceous dwarf shrubs. Practitioners should establish a management regime (grazing and sod‐cutting) that creates a mosaic of different habitat structures and increases typical heathland vegetation, thus, favoring the colonization of typical heathland leafhoppers.
Horizontal Mergers, Entry and International Trade
Authors: Brito Duarte , Magueta Daniel
Published: July 2014

We use a two‐country trade model to analyze an authority's decision to approve or reject a merger followed by entry, when the entrant can choose where to locate. We show that approval of a merger in the small country followed by timely, likely and sufficient entry may lead to lower consumer welfare than its rejection: when the alternative to such entry is entry into another country that also benefits consumers through trade, then the gains of attracting entry are small. In this context, we discuss differences between optimal decisions by the small country's authority, large country's authority and supranational authority.
Antagonistic roles of abscisic acid and cytokinin during response to nitrogen depletion in oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica expand the evolutionary breadth of phytohormone function
Authors: Lu Yandu , Tarkowská Danuše , Turečková Veronika , Luo Tingwei , Xin Yi , Li Jing , Wang Qintao , Jiao Nianzhi , Strnad Miroslav , Xu Jian
Published: July 2014

The origin of phytohormones is poorly understood, and their physiological roles in microalgae remain elusive. Genome comparison of photosynthetic autotrophic eukaryotes has revealed that the biosynthetic pathways of abscisic acid (ABA) and cytokinins (CKs) emerged in unicellular algae. While ABA and CK degradation mechanisms emerged broadly in algal lineages, complete vascular plant‐type conjugation pathways emerged prior to the rise of Streptophyta. In microalgae, a complete set of proteins from the canonical ABA and CK sensing and signaling pathways is not essential, but individual components are present, suggesting stepwise recruitment of phytohormone signaling components. In the oleaginous eustigmatophyte Nannochloropsis oceanica IMET1, UHPLC‐MS/MS detected a wide array of plant hormones, despite a phytohormone profile that is very distinct from that of flowering plants. Time‐series transcriptional analysis during nitrogen depletion revealed activation of the ABA biosynthetic pathway and antagonistic transcription of CK biosynthetic genes. Correspondingly, the ABA level increases while the dominant bioactive CK forms decrease. Moreover, exogenous CKs stimulate cell‐cycle progression while exogenous ABA acts as both an algal growth repressor and a positive regulator in response to stresses. The presence of such functional flowering plant‐like phytohormone signaling systems in Nannochloropsis sp. suggests a much earlier origin of phytohormone biosynthesis and degradation than previously believed, and supports the presence in microalgae of as yet unknown conjugation and sensing/signaling systems that may be exploited for microalgal feedstock development.
Evidence‐Based Stillbirth Prevention Strategies: Combining Empirical and Theoretical Paradigms to Inform Health Planning and Decision‐Making
Authors: King Mary Lou , Aden Amna , Tapa Stephany , Jumah Reem , Khan Salma
Published: July 2014

Introduction

A global health project undertaken in Qatar on the Arabian Peninsula immersed undergraduate nursing students in hands‐on learning to address the question: What strategies are effective in preventing stillbirth? Worldwide stillbirth estimates of 2.6 million per year and the high rate in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of 27 per 1,000 total live births provided the stimulus for this inquiry.

Methods

We used a dual empirical and theoretical approach that combined the principles of evidence‐based practice and population health planning. Students were assisted to translate pre‐appraised literature based on the 6S hierarchical pyramid of evidence. The PRECEDE‐PROCEED (P‐P) model served as an organizing template to assemble data extracted from the appraisal of 21 systematic literature reviews ± meta‐analyses, 2 synopses of synthesized reports, and 9 individual studies summarizing stillbirth prevention strategies in low, middle, and high income countries. Consistent with elements of the P‐P model, stillbirth prevention strategies were classified as social, epidemiological, educational, ecological, administrative, or policy.

Results

Ten recommendations with clear evidence of effectiveness in preventing stillbirth in low, middle, or high income countries were identified. Several other promising interventions were identified with weak, uncertain, or inconclusive evidence. These require further rigorous testing.

Linking Evidence to Action

Two complementary paradigms—evidence‐based practice and an ecological population health program planning model—helped baccalaureate nursing students transfer research evidence into useable knowledge for practice. They learned the importance of comprehensive assessments and evidence‐informed interventions. The multidimensional elements of the P‐P model sensitized students to the complex interrelated factors influencing stillbirth and its prevention.
Control Port Influence on Swirl, Operating, and Flow Characteristics
of a Mini-Vortex Amplifier on Glove Box Service
Authors: Francis J. , Parker D. , Whitty J. , Zhang G.
Published: July 2014

Vortex amplifiers (VA) use fluidic phenomena to modify flow through a containment breach, when used to protect glove box workers from exposure to the contents. The influence of control port geometry on swirl, operating characteristics, global flow, and momentum characteristics is studied experimentally. Shape and size of the control flow channels and the pressure applied at the tangential ports are critical in determining the trajectory of the jet issuing from the tangential ports and deflection of radial flow and vortex strength. Dominance of control-to-exit area ratio is confirmed. A clear improvement in performance is noted for a practical geometry derived from shaped passages of the device. Flow and momentum characteristics provide additional design data. The relationship of swirl number to output flow is demonstrated. Global flow and momentum characteristics provide insight into design and operation that is useful when avoiding back diffusion.
Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Quantification of the Gas Leakage Due to Electrical Feedthroughs in Anodic Bonding
Authors: Liu Qimin , Du Lidong , Zhao Zhan , Liu Cheng , Fang Zhen
Published: July 2014

In this paper, theoretical analysis and experimental quantification of the gas leakage issue due to feedthroughs in anodic bonding are presented. The theoretical analysis was conducted to quantitatively analyze the influence of metal feedthroughs in anodic bonding on the package quality based on the plate elastic deformation theory and the theory of gas flow in capillaries. To validate the analysis, absolute capacitive pressure sensors were fabricated with gold feedthroughs in the silicon–glass bonding interface. The dimensions of the leakage microchannels due to feedthroughs were quantified experimentally and the leakage rate following the anodic bonding was measured using a helium leak detector. The deviations from calculated values were less than 30% in different channel dimensions and 38.3% in leakage rates between theoretical analysis and experimental studies. To address this issue, a new structure was designed, fabricated and characterized where localized Si–Au eutectic bonding was used to improve the package quality. By fine tuning two key parameters of bonding temperature and feedthrough step height, the new design was demonstrated to improve the hermetic levels by at least two orders of magnitude compared to the conventional design without eutectic bonding.
The Experimental Studies of Improving the Aerodynamic Performance of a Turbine Exhaust System
Authors: Guillot Stephen , Ng Wing F. , Hamm Hans D. , Stang Ulrich E. , Lowe Kevin T.
Published: July 2014

Analysis and testing were conducted to optimize an axial diffuser–collector gas turbine exhaust. Two subsonic wind tunnel facilities were designed and built to support this program. A 1/12th scale test rig enabled rapid and efficient evaluation of multiple geometries. This test facility was designed to run continuously at an inlet Mach number of 0.41 and an inlet hydraulic diameter-based Reynolds number of 3.4 × 105. A 1/4th geometric scale test rig was designed and built to validate the data in the 1/12th scale rig. This blow-down rig facilitated testing at a nominally equivalent inlet Mach number, while the Reynolds number was matched to realistic engine conditions via back pressure. Multihole pneumatic pressure probes, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and surface oil flow visualization were deployed in conjunction with computational tools to explore physics-based alterations to the exhaust geometry. The design modifications resulted in a substantial increase in the overall pressure recovery coefficient of +0.07 (experimental result) above the baseline geometry. The optimized performance, first measured at 1/12th scale and obtained using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was validated at the full scale Reynolds number.
SU‐E‐T‐488: An Iso‐Dose Curve Based Interactive IMRT Optimization System for Physician‐Driven Plan Tuning
Authors: Shi F , Tian Z , Zarepisheh M , Cervino L , Jia X , Jiang S
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

In treatment plan optimization for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), after a plan is initially developed by a dosimetrist, the attending physician evaluates its quality and often would like to improve it. As opposed to having the dosimetrist implement the improvements, it is desirable to have the physician directly and efficiently modify the plan for a more streamlined and effective workflow. In this project, we developed an interactive optimization system for physicians to conveniently and efficiently fine‐tune iso‐dose curves.

Methods:

An interactive interface is developed under C++/Qt. The physician first examines iso‐dose lines. S/he then picks an iso‐dose curve to be improved and drags it to a more desired configuration using a computer mouse or touchpad. Once the mouse is released, a voxel‐based optimization engine is launched. The weighting factors corresponding to voxels between the iso‐dose lines before and after the dragging are modified. The underlying algorithm then takes these factors as input to re‐optimize the plan in near real‐time on a GPU platform, yielding a new plan best matching the physician's desire. The re‐optimized DVHs and iso‐dose curves are then updated for the next iteration of modifications. This process is repeated until a physician satisfactory plan is achieved.

Results:

We have tested this system for a series of IMRT plans. Results indicate that our system provides the physicians an intuitive and efficient tool to edit the iso‐dose curves according to their preference. The input information is used to guide plan re‐optimization, which is achieved in near real‐time using our GPU‐based optimization engine. Typically, a satisfactory plan can be developed by a physician in a few minutes using this tool.

Conclusion:

With our system, physicians are able to manipulate iso‐dose curves according to their preferences. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this tool.
SU‐E‐T‐504: Usefulness of CT‐MR Fusion in Radiotherapy Planning for Prostate Cancer Patient with Bilateral Hip Replacements
Authors: He R. , Kumar P. , Hu Y. , Suggs J. , Yang C. , Giri Shankar
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Target localization of prostate for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) in patients with bilateral hip replacements is difficult due to artifacts in Computed Tomography (CT) images generated from the prostheses high Z materials. In this study, Magnetic Resonance (MR) images fused with CT images are tested as a solution.

Methods:

CT images of 2.5 mm slice thickness were acquired on a GE Lightspeed scanner with a flat‐topped couch for a prostate cancer patient with bilateral hip replacements. T2 weighted images of 5 mm separation were acquired on a MR Scanner. After the MR‐CT registration on a radiotherapy treatment planning system (Eclipse, Varian), the target volumes were defined by the radiation oncologists on MR images and then transferred to CT images for planning and dose calculation. The CT Hounsfield Units (HU) was reassigned to zero (as water) for artifacts. The Varian flat panel treatment couch was modeled for dose calculation accuracy with heterogeneity correction. A Volume Matrix Arc Therapy (VMAT) and a seven‐field IMRT plans were generated, each avoiding any beam transversing the prostheses; the two plans were compared. The superior VMAT plan was used for treating the patient. In‐vivo dosimetry was performed using MOSFET (Best Canada) placed in a surgical tube inserted into the patient rectum during therapy. The measured dose was compared with planned dose for MOSFET location.

Results:

The registration of MR‐CT images and the agreement of target volumes were confirmed by three physicians. VMAT plan was deemed superior to IMRT based on dose to critical nearby structures and overall conformality of target dosing. In‐vivo measured dose compared with calculated dose was ‐4.5% which was likely due to attenuation of the surgical tube surrounding MOSFET.

Conclusion:

When artifacts are present on planning CT due to bilateral hip prostheses, MR‐CT image fusion is a feasible solution for target delineation.
SU‐E‐T‐507: Interfractional Variation of Fiducial Marker Position During HDR Brachytherapy with Cervical Interstitial Needle Template
Authors: Shen S , Kim R , Benhabib S , Araujo J , Burnett L , Duan J , Popple R , Wu X , Cardan R , Brezovich I
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

HDR brachytherapy using interstitial needle template for cervical cancer is commonly delivered in 4‐5 fractions. Routine verification of needle positions before each fraction is often based on radiographic imaging of implanted fiducial markers. The current study evaluated interfractional displacement of implanted fiducial markers using CT images.

Methods:

9 sequential patients with cervical interstitial needle implants were evaluated. The superior and inferior borders of the target volumes were defined by fiducial markers in planning CT. The implant position was verified with kV orthogonal images before each fraction. A second CT was acquired prior 3rd fraction (one or 2 days post planning CT). Distances from inferior and superior fiducial markers to pubic symphysis plane (perpendicular to vaginal obtulator)were measured. Distance from needle tip of a reference needle (next to the inferior marker) to the pubic symphysis plane was also determined. The difference in fiducial marker distance or needle tip distance between planning CT and CT prior 3rd fraction were measured to assess markers migration and needle displacement.

Results:

The mean inferior marker displacement was 4.5 mm and ranged 0.9 to 11.3 mm. The mean superior marker displacement was 2.7 mm and ranged 0 to 10.4 mm. There was a good association between inferior and superior marker displacement (r=0.95). Mean averaged inferior and superior marker displacement was 3.3 mm and ranged from 0.1 to 10.9 mm, with a standard deviation of 3.2 mm. The mean needle displacement was 5.6 mm and ranged 0.2 to 15.6 mm. Needle displacements were reduced (p<0.05) after adjusting according to needle‐to‐fiducials distance.

Conclusion:

There were small fiducial marker displacements between HDR fractions. Our study suggests a target margin of 9.7 mm to cover interfractional marker displacements (in 95% cases) for pretreatment verification based on radiographic imaging.
SU‐E‐T‐512: Electromagnetic Simulations of the Dielectric Wall Accelerator
Authors: Uselmann A , Mackie T
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To characterize and parametrically study the key components of a dielectric wall accelerator through electromagnetic modeling and particle tracking.

Methods:

Electromagnetic and particle tracking simulations were performed using a commercial code (CST Microwave Studio, CST Inc.) utilizing the finite integration technique. A dielectric wall accelerator consists of a series of stacked transmission lines sequentially fired in synchrony with an ion pulse. Numerous properties of the stacked transmission lines, including geometric, material, and electronic properties, were analyzed and varied in order to assess their impact on the transverse and axial electric fields. Additionally, stacks of transmission lines were simulated in order to quantify the parasitic effect observed in closely packed lines. Particle tracking simulations using the particle‐in‐cell method were performed on the various stacks to determine the impact of the above properties on the resultant phase space of the ions.

Results:

Examination of the simulation results show that novel geometries can shape the accelerating pulse in order to reduce the energy spread and increase the average energy of accelerated ions. Parasitic effects were quantified for various geometries and found to vary with distance from the end of the transmission line and along the beam axis. An optimal arrival time of an ion pulse relative to the triggering of the transmission lines for a given geometry was determined through parametric study. Benchmark simulations of single transmission lines agree well with published experimental results.

Conclusion:

This work characterized the behavior of the transmission lines used in a dielectric wall accelerator and used this information to improve them in novel ways. Utilizing novel geometries, we were able to improve the accelerating gradient and phase space of the accelerated particle bunch. Through simulation, we were able to discover and optimize design issues with the device at low cost. Funding: Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison WI; Conflict of Interest: Dr. Mackie is an investor and board member at CPAC, a company developing compact accelerator designs similar to those discussed in this work, but designs discussed are not directed by CPAC.

Funding: Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison WI; Conflict of Interest: Dr. Mackie is an investor and board member at CPAC, a company developing compact accelerator designs similar to those discussed in this work, but designs discussed are not directed by CPAC.
Relation Between Vitamin D Status and Body Composition in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Heller Jenna E. , Thomas Joi J. , Hollis Bruce W. , Larson-Meyer D. Enette
Published: July 2014

Excess body fat or obesity is known to increase risk of poor vitamin D status in nonathletes but it is not known if this is the case in athletes. Furthermore, the reason for this association is not understood, but is thought to be due to either sequestration of the fat-soluble vitamin within adipose tissue or the effect of volume dilution related to obese individuals’ larger body size. Forty two US college athletes (24 men 18 women, 20.7 ± 1.6 years, 85.0 ± 28.7 kg, BMI = 25.7 ± 6.1 kg/m2) provided blood samples during the fall and underwent measurement of body composition via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum samples were evaluated for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration to assess vitamin D status using Diasorin 25(OH)D radioiodine assay. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was negatively associated with height (r = -0.45), total body mass (r = -0.57), BMI (r = -0.57), body fat percentage (r = -0.45), fat mass (r = -0.60) and fat-free mass (r = -0.51) (p < .05). These associations did not change after controlling for sex. In a linear regression mixed model, fat mass (coefficient -0.47, p = .01), but not fat-free mass (coefficient -0.18, p = .32) significantly predicted vitamin D status and explained approximately 36% of the variation in serum 25(OH)D concentration. These results suggest that athletes with a large body size and/or excess adiposity may be at higher risk for vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. In addition, the significant association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and fat mass in the mixed model, which remained after controlling for sex, is in support of vitamin D sequestration rather than volume dilution as an explanation for such association.
Comparison of the Effects of Hydration with Water or Isotonic Solution on the Recovery of Cardiac Autonomic Modulation
Authors: Vanderlei Franciele Marques , Moreno Isadora Lessa , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos Marques , Pastre Carlos Marcelo , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Ferreira Celso
Published: July 2014

Despite the importance of hydration during exercise, the impact of ingesting water or isotonic solution during and after exercise on the regulation of autonomic modulation is unclear. The study aimed to compare the effect of ingesting water or isotonic solution (Gatorade®, Brazil) on cardiac autonomic modulation in young people after submaximal aerobic exercise. Thirty-one young men were subjected to a protocol consisting of 4 steps: 1) incremental test, 2) control protocol without hydration, 3) protocol with ingestion of water, and 4) protocol with ingestion of isotonic solution. The protocol consisted of 10 min of rest, 90 min of treadmill exercise at 60% VO2peak, and 60 min of recovery at rest. In the hydration protocols, hydration occurred during and after exercise, every 15 min beginning after the 15th minute of exercise, with the amount ingested proportional to body mass lost in the control protocol. Autonomic modulation was evaluated by heart rate variability. The hydration protocols promoted a more efficient recovery of autonomic modulation, and for the exercise performed, regardless of the hydration administered, the effect on autonomic modulation was similar.
Entropy of Movement Outcome in Space-Time
Authors: Lai Shih-Chiung , Hsieh Tsung-Yu , Newell Karl M.
Published: July 2014

Information entropy of the joint spatial and temporal (space-time) probability of discrete movement outcome was investigated in two experiments as a function of different movement strategies (space-time, space, and time instructional emphases), task goals (point-aiming and target-aiming) and movement speed-accuracy constraints. The variance of the movement spatial and temporal errors was reduced by instructional emphasis on the respective spatial or temporal dimension, but increased on the other dimension. The space-time entropy was lower in targetaiming task than the point-aiming task but did not differ between instructional emphases. However, the joint probabilistic measure of spatial and temporal entropy showed that spatial error is traded for timing error in tasks with space-time criteria and that the pattern of movement error depends on the dimension of the measurement process. The unified entropy measure of movement outcome in space-time reveals a new relation for the speed-accuracy function.
Perception of Self-Motion and Regulation of Walking Speed in Young-Old Adults
Authors: Lalonde-Parsi Marie-Jasmine , Lamontagne Anouk
Published: July 2014

Whether a reduced perception of self-motion contributes to poor walking speed adaptations in older adults is unknown. In this study, speed discrimination thresholds (perceptual task) and walking speed adaptations (walking task) were compared between young (19–27 years) and young-old individuals (63–74 years), and the relationship between the performance on the two tasks was examined. Participants were evaluated while viewing a virtual corridor in a helmet-mounted display. Speed discrimination thresholds were determined using a staircase procedure. Walking speed modulation was assessed on a self-paced treadmill while exposed to different self-motion speeds ranging from 0.25 to 2 times the participants’ comfortable speed. For each speed, participants were instructed to match the self-motion speed described by the moving corridor. On the walking task, participants displayed smaller walking speed errors at comfortable walking speeds compared with slower of faster speeds. The young-old adults presented larger speed discrimination thresholds (perceptual experiment) and larger walking speed errors (walking experiment) compared with young adults. Larger walking speed errors were associated with higher discrimination thresholds. The enhanced performance on the walking task at comfortable speed suggests that intersensory calibration processes are influenced by experience, hence optimized for frequently encountered conditions. The altered performance of the young-old adults on the perceptual and walking tasks, as well as the relationship observed between the two tasks, suggest that a poor perception of visual motion information may contribute to the poor walking speed adaptations that arise with aging.
Effects of Different Doses of Caffeine on Anaerobic Exercise in Boys
Authors: Turley Kenneth R. , Eusse Paola A. , Thomas Myles M. , Townsend Jeremy R. , Morton Aaron B.
Published: July 2014

This study investigated effects of low (1 mg·kg−1), moderate (3 mg·kg−1) and high (5 mg·kg−1) doses of caffeine on anaerobic performance in boys. Twenty-six 8- to 10-year-old boys participated in a double-blind, crossover, counter-balanced study. Boys received in random order a placebo (PL) or anhydrous caffeine: 1 (CAF-1), 3 (CAF-3), or 5 (CAF-5) mg caffeine·kg−1 body mass in cherry flavored Sprite. Sixty minutes following consumption boys performed a static handgrip test and then a 30-s Wingate test. Maximal grip strength (21.5 ± 4.9 & 21.6 ± 4.7 vs. 20.4 ± 4.0 kg) was significantly higher in CAF-5 & CAF-3 vs PL, respectively. Absolute and relative peak power (287 ± 72 vs 281 ± 69 W & 8.0 ± 0.9 vs 7.8 ± 1.0 W·kg−1) were significantly higher in CAF-3 vs PL, respectively. Mean power (153 ± 48 vs 146 ± 43 W) was significantly higher in CAF-5 vs PL, respectively. Peak Wingate HR was significantly higher (189 ± 8 vs 185 ± 9 beats·min−1) in CAF-5 vs PL, respectively. These findings suggest that in boys CAF-1 did not affect performance. During the Wingate test CAF-3 resulted in higher peak power while CAF-5 increased mean power. The significant increase in peak HR following the Wingate test is likely related to greater mean power generated during CAF-5.
Coach Learning and Coach Education: Portuguese Expert Coaches’ Perspective
Authors: Mesquita Isabel , Ribeiro Joana , Santos Sofia , Morgan Kevin
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to analyze Portuguese expert coaches’ conceptions of learning sources that promote long-term coach development and the extent to which these sources are currently present in coach education programs. Six expert coaches were individually interviewed, using a semistructured format and the interviews were analyzed using QSR N6 Nudist software. The results highlighted the participants’ awareness of the uniqueness of coach education, emphasizing the importance of reflecting and engaging with a variety of learning experiences. Findings also revealed dissatisfaction with the current dominant education framework in Portugal, which remains excessively didactic and classroom-orientated. In contrast, the participants externalized a constructivist approach for coach education assuming the need for theoretical knowledge to be framed in practical contexts, where they have the opportunity to share and reflect their own and others’ experiences to develop learning. Such a position echoes Sfard’s acquisition and participation learning metaphors.
The WNK-SPAK/OSR1 pathway: Master regulator of cation-chloride cotransporters
Authors: Alessi Dario R. , Zhang Jinwei , Khanna Arjun , Hochdörfer Thomas , Shang Yuze , Kahle Kristopher T.
Published: July 2014

A two-tiered kinase cascade is a potentially important therapeutic target for hypertension and neurological diseases of hyperexcitability.
Combined Treatment for Rett Syndrome
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: July 2014

Treatment with the growth factor IGF1 and the β
2
-adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol may benefit patients with Rett syndrome.
Automatic Requirement Classification: Tackling Inconsistencies Between Requirements and Regulations
Authors: Ott Daniel , Houdek Frank
Published: July 2014

Current Requirement Engineering research must face the need to deal with the increasing scale of today's requirement specifications. One important and recent research direction is handling the consistency assurance between large scale specifications and many additional regulations (e.g. national and international norms and standards), which the specifications must consider or satisfy. For example, the specification volume for a single electronic control unit (ECU) in the automotive domain sums up to 3000 to 5000 pages distributed over 30 to 300 individual documents (specification and regulations).

In this work, we present an approach to automatically classify the requirements in a set of specification documents and regulations to content topics in order to improve review activities in identifying cross-document inconsistencies. An essential success criteria for this approach from an industrial perspective is a sufficient classification quality with minimal manual effort.

In this paper, we show the results of an evaluation in the domain of automotive specifications at Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The results show that one manually classified specification is sufficient to derive automatic classifications for other documents within this domain with satisfactory recall and precision. So, the approach of using content topics is not only effective but also efficient in large scale industrial environments.
Applying GG-Convex Function to Hermite-Hadamard Inequalities Involving Hadamard Fractional Integrals
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Wang JinRong , Deng JianHua
Published: July 2014

By virtue of fractional integral identities, incomplete beta function, useful series, and inequalities, we apply the concept of GG-convex function to derive new type Hermite-Hadamard inequalities involving Hadamard fractional integrals. Finally, some applications to special means of real numbers are demonstrated.
Privacy-Preserving Self-Helped Medical Diagnosis Scheme Based on Secure Two-Party Computation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sun Yi , Wen Qiaoyan , Zhang Yudong , Li Wenmin
Published: July 2014

With the continuing growth of wireless sensor networks in pervasive medical care, people pay more and more attention to privacy in medical monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. On one hand, we expect the public health institutions to provide us with better service. On the other hand, we would not like to leak our personal health information to them. In order to balance this contradiction, in this paper we design a privacy-preserving self-helped medical diagnosis scheme based on secure two-party computation in wireless sensor networks so that patients can privately diagnose themselves by inputting a health card into a self-helped medical diagnosis ATM to obtain a diagnostic report just like drawing money from a bank ATM without revealing patients’ health information and doctors’ diagnostic skill. It makes secure self-helped disease diagnosis feasible and greatly benefits patients as well as relieving the heavy pressure of public health institutions.
Structural Investigation of Photocatalyst Solid Ag1−xCuxInS2 Quaternary Alloys Sprayed Thin Films Optimized within the Lattice Compatibility Theory (LCT) Scope
Authors: Colantoni A. , Longo L. , Boubaker K.
Published: July 2014

CuxAg1−xInS2 solid thin films were fabricated through a low-cost process. Particular process-related enhanced properties lead to reaching a minimum of lattice mismatch between absorber and buffer layers within particular solar cell devices. First, copper-less samples X-ray diffraction analysis depicts the presence of AgInS2 ternary compound in chalcopyrite tetragonal phase with privileged (112) peak (d112=1.70 Å) according to JCPDS 75-0118 card. Second, when x content increases, we note a shift of the same preferential orientation (112) and its value reaches 1.63 Å corresponding to CuInS2 chalcopyrite tetragonal material according to JCPDS 89-6095 file. Finally, the formation and stability of these quaternaries have been discussed in terms of the lattice compatibility in relation with silver-copper duality within indium disulfide lattice structure. Plausible explanations for the extent and dynamics of copper incorporation inside AgInS2 elaborated ternary matrices have been proposed.