cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An improved MLC segmentation algorithm and software for step-and-shoot IMRT delivery without tongue-and-groove error.

We present an improved multileaf collimator (MLC) segmentation algorithm, denoted by SLS{sub NOTG} (static leaf sequencing with no tongue-and-groove error), for step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) delivery. SLS{sub NOTG} is an improvement over the MLC segmentation algorithm called SLS that was developed by Luan et al. [Med. Phys. 31(4), 695-707 (2004)], which did not consider tongue-and-groove error corrections. The aims of SLS{sub NOTG} are (1) shortening the treatment times of IMRT plans by minimizing their numbers of segments and (2) minimizing the tongue-and-groove errors of the computed IMRT plans. The input to SLS{sub NOTG} is intensity maps (IMs) produced by current planning systems, and its output is (modified) optimized leaf sequences without tongue-and-groove error. Like the previous SLS algorithm [Luan et al., Med. Phys. 31(4), 695-707 (2004)], SLS{sub NOTG} is also based on graph algorithmic techniques in computer science. It models the MLC segmentation problem as a weighted minimum-cost path problem, where the weight of the path is the number of segments and the cost of the path is the amount of tongue-and-groove error. Our comparisons of SLS{sub NOTG} with CORVUS indicated that for the same intensity maps, the numbers of segments computed by SLS{sub NOTG} are up to 50%more » less than those by CORVUS 5.0 on the Elekta LINAC system. Our clinical verifications have shown that the dose distributions of the SLS{sub NOTG} plans do not have tongue-and-groove error and match those of the corresponding CORVUS plans, thus confirming the correctness of SLS{sub NOTG}. Comparing with existing segmentation methods, SLS{sub NOTG} also has two additional advantages: (1) SLS{sub NOTG} can compute leaf sequences whose tongue-and-groove error is minimized subject to a constraint on the maximum allowed number of segments, which may be desirable in clinical situations where a treatment with the complete correction of tongue-and-groove error takes too much time, and (2) SLS{sub NOTG} can be used to minimize a more general type of error called the tongue-or-groove error.« less
Persistence of Reed Canarygrass Clones in Binary Mixture with Alfalfa and Birdsfoot Trefoil

(...) Alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil concentrations increased from 266 and 159 g kh −1 , respectively, at Harvest 1 (8 June 1983), to 937 and 856 g kg −1 , respectively, at Harvest 7 (7 June 1985). Interaction between reed canarygrass clones and legume cultivars generally did not accompany significance of main effects, and ranks for legume concentration among reed canarygrass clonal mixtures stabilized by Harvest 2 (26 July 1983). (...)
Quantification of human motion: gait analysis—benefits and limitations to its application to clinical problems

The technology supporting the analysis of human motion has advanced dramatically. Past decades of locomotion research have provided us with significant knowledge about the accuracy of tests performed, the understanding of the process of human locomotion, and how clinical testing can be used to evaluate medical disorders and affect their treatment. Gait analysis is now recognized as clinically useful and financially reimbursable for some medical conditions. Yet, the routine clinical use of gait analysis has seen very limited growth. The issue of its clinical value is related to many factors, including the applicability of existing technology to addressing clinical problems; the limited use of such tests to address a wide variety of medical disorders; the manner in which gait laboratories are organized, tests are performed, and reports generated; and the clinical understanding and expectations of laboratory results. Clinical use is most hampered by the length of time and costs required for performing a study and interpreting it. A "gait" report is lengthy, its data are not well understood, and it includes a clinical interpretation, all of which do not occur with other clinical tests. Current biotechnology research is seeking to address these problems by creating techniques to capture data rapidly, accurately, and efficiently, and to interpret such data by an assortment of modeling, statistical, wave interpretation, and artificial intelligence methodologies. The success of such efforts rests on both our technical abilities and communication between engineers and clinicians.
Resonance Behavior of Magnetostrictive Sensor in Biological Agent Detection

The growing threat of biowarfare agents and bioterrorism has led to the development of specific field tools that perform rapid analysis and identification of encountered suspect materials. One such technology, recently developed is a micro scale acoustic sensor that uses experimental modal analysis. Ferromagnetic materials with the property to change their physical dimensions in response to changing its magnetization can be built into such sensors and actuators. One such sensor is fashioned from Metglas 2826MB, a Magnetostrictive strip actuated in their longitudinal vibration mode when subjected to external magnetic field. Due to mass addition, these magnetostrictive strips are driven to resonance with a modulated magnetic field resulting in frequency shifts. In Vibration Mechanics the frequency shift for a certain amount of mass will have a tolerance limit based on their distribution and discrete position over the sensor platform. In addition, lateral positioning of same amount of mass does not influence the resonant frequency shift of the sensor. This work concentrates on developing a model correlating theoretical, experimental and numerical simulations to determine the mass of E. Coli O157:H7 cells attached to the sensor platform.
Optimization and simplicity: Computational vision and biological explanation

David Marr's theory of vision has been a rich source of inspiration, fascination and confusion. I will suggest that some of this confusion can be traced to discrepancies between the way Marr developed his theory in practice and the way he suggested such a theory ought to be developed in his explicit metatheoretical remarks. I will address claims that Marr's theory may be seen as an “optimizing” theory, along with the attendant suggestion that optimizing assumptions may be inappropriate for cognitive mechanisms just as anti-adaptationists have argued they are inappropriate for other physiological mechanisms. I will discuss the nature of optimizing assumptions and theories. Considering various difficulties in identifying and assessing optimizing assumptions, I will suggest that Marr's theory is not purely an optimizing theory and that reaction to Marr on this issue prompts interesting considerations for the development of inter-disciplinary constraints in the cognitive and brain sciences.
Symptomatology across the menstrual cycle in smoking and nonsmoking women

Recent studies suggest that both smoking rates and general menstrual symptomatology increase in women premenstrually; however, no study has investigated the changes in menstrual symptomatology and smoking behavior in both smoking and nonsmoking women over an entire menstrual cycle. Thirty premenopausal women completed daily symptom checklists over an entire menstrual cycle. Smokers also recorded their smoking behavior. Results indicated that symptom severity was greatest during menses for both smoking and nonsmoking women. For cigarette consumption, analyses indicated that women smokers appear to smoke more during menses and the luteal phases than ovulation and that variability in smoking was greatest premenstrually. In summary, results indicated that general menstrual symptomatology increases during menses and the late luteal phase and that smoking-deprivation symptomatology increase in both smokers and nonsmokers. This suggests that smokers may have a difficult time quitting during menses or the luteal phase of their cycle.
Polypeptide multilayer films

Research on polypeptide multilayer films, coatings, and microcapsules is located at the intersection of several disciplines: synthetic polymer chemistry and physics, biomaterials science, and nanoscale engineering. The past few years have witnessed considerable growth in each of these areas. Unexplored territory has been found at the borders, and new possibilities for technology development are taking form from technological advances in polypeptide production, sequencing of the human genome, and the nature of peptides themselves. Most envisioned applications of polypeptide multilayers have a biomedical bent. Prospects seem no less positive, however, in fields ranging from food technology to environmental science. This review of the present state of polypeptide multilayer film research covers key points of polypeptides as materials, means of polymer production and film preparation, film characterization methods, focal points of current research in basic science, and the outlook for a few specific applicat...
Differential effects of age and history of hypertension on regional brain volumes and iron

Aging affects various structural and metabolic properties of the brain. However, associations among various aspects of brain aging are unclear. Moreover, those properties and associations among them may be modified by age-associated increase in vascular risk. In this study, we measured volume of brain regions that vary in their vulnerability to aging and estimated local iron content via T2* relaxometry. In 113 healthy adults (19-83 years old), we examined prefrontal cortex (PFC), primary visual cortex (VC), hippocampus (HC), entorhinal cortex (EC), caudate nucleus (Cd), and putamen (Pt). In some regions (PFC, VC, Cd, and Pt) age-related differences in iron and volume followed similar patterns. However, in the medial-temporal structures, volume and iron content exhibited different age trajectories. Whereas age-related volume reduction was mild in HC and absent in EC, iron content evidenced significant age-related declines. In hypertensive participants significantly greater iron content was noted in all examined regions. Thus, iron content as measured by T2* may be a sensitive index of regional brain aging and may reveal declines that are more prominent than gross anatomical shrinkage.
Production of transformed soybean plants by electroporation of protoplasts

Protoplasts obtained from immature seeds of Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Clark 63 (soybean) were electroporated with DNA carrying either the kanamycin or hygromycin resistance genes and the reporter genes, β-glucuronidase or opine synthesis. Antibiotic resistance could be selected for at the frequency of about one colony from 2000 electroporated protoplasts (0.05%) and the reporter genes were expressed in from 75 to 90% of the selected colonies. Antibiotic resistance and reporter gene expression were not found in untreated protoplasts
The external limiting membrane in developing normal and dysplastic canine retina

Development of the external limiting membrane of the retina in English springer spaniel fetuses and neonates with incipient stages of retinal dysplasia and in normal mongrel fetuses and neonates was examined using transmission electron microscopy and the freeze-fracture technique. The external limiting membrane of the retina of normal canine fetuses was composed of zonulae adherentes in which there were focal areas of apparent apposition between adjacent ventricular cell membranes. Freeze-fracture examination revealed gap junctions within the external limiting membrane that were composed of 8-10 nm P-face particles in aggregates of variable size and shape. These junctions corresponded to areas of focal membrane apposition. Tight junction strands were also identified in deep E-face grooves which were located perpendicular to the external limiting membrane. At day 46 of gestation in incipiently dysplastic English springer spaniel fetal eyes, there was a marked decrease in the size and area occupied by gap junctions within the external limiting membrane as compared with retinas of mongrel control fetuses at the same age and of other age groups. This apparent loss of gap junctions, coincident with the incipient onset of histologically detectable dysplastic events in the sensory retina, may contribute to the morphogenesis of the defect.
Radiology Resource Utilization During an H1N1 Influenza Outbreak

Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the radiology resources utilized by patients infected with novel influenza A (H1N1) during the 2009 summer outbreak to aid in pandemic planning for the 2010 influenza season. Materials and Methods Of the 222 patients diagnosed or presumed to have H1N1 infection in the authors' health system from May 1 to July 18, 2009, 66 received imaging, including at least one chest imaging study directly related to the infection. Fourteen of these patients required advanced mechanical ventilation and were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU; group 1); the remainder were managed as outpatients (27 of 52) or required brief hospitalizations (25 of 52) without mechanical ventilation (group 2; n=52). The imaging histories of all 66 patients were reviewed for the period of hospitalization for group 1 patients and from 10 days before to 30 days after the diagnosis of influenza infection for group 2 patients to determine the number, types, and temporal distribution of radiology procedures performed during the flu outbreak. Results Thirty percent of all patients with known or presumed influenza (H1N1) underwent radiologic imaging. The 14 patients in the ICU received a total of 469 chest radiographic studies (mean, 33.5), 15 thoracic CT examinations, and 170 additional imaging studies, the most common of which were 72 abdominal radiographic studies and 16 abdominal CT examinations. Seventy-one percent (334 of 469) of all the radiographic examinations in ICU patients were obtained during a single month. In contrast, group 2 patients received a total of 71 chest radiographic studies (mean, 1.4), 6 thoracic CT examinations, and 28 additional imaging studies, spread roughly evenly over the study period, with a subtle peak in early June. Conclusions The majority of patients with H1N1 infection (70%) received no imaging studies. Patients sufficiently ill to require some level of imaging had, on average, just over one chest radiographic study. The 6% of patients who required ICU stays received an average of 33.5 chest radiographic studies and one thoracic CT examination. This information should be useful for health care organizations in planning their radiology resource needs during an H1N1 flu pandemic.
Reduced Brain/Serum Glucose Ratios Predict Cerebral Metabolic Distress and Mortality After Severe Brain Injury

The brain is dependent on glucose to meet its energy demands. We sought to evaluate the potential importance of impaired glucose transport by assessing the relationship between brain/serum glucose ratios, cerebral metabolic distress, and mortality after severe brain injury. We studied 46 consecutive comatose patients with subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, or cardiac arrest who underwent cerebral microdialysis and intracranial pressure monitoring. Continuous insulin infusion was used to maintain target serum glucose levels of 80–120 mg/dL (4.4–6.7 mmol/L). General linear models of logistic function utilizing generalized estimating equations were used to relate predictors of cerebral metabolic distress (defined as a lactate/pyruvate ratio [LPR] ≥ 40) and mortality. A total of 5,187 neuromonitoring hours over 300 days were analyzed. Mean serum glucose was 133 mg/dL (7.4 mmol/L). The median brain/serum glucose ratio, calculated hourly, was substantially lower (0.12) than the expected normal ratio of 0.40 (brain 2.0 and serum 5.0 mmol/L). In addition to low cerebral perfusion pressure (P = 0.05) and baseline Glasgow Coma Scale score (P < 0.0001), brain/serum glucose ratios below the median of 0.12 were independently associated with an increased risk of metabolic distress (adjusted OR = 1.4 [1.2–1.7], P < 0.001). Low brain/serum glucose ratios were also independently associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR = 6.7 [1.2–38.9], P < 0.03) in addition to Glasgow Coma Scale scores (P = 0.029). Reduced brain/serum glucose ratios, consistent with impaired glucose transport across the blood brain barrier, are associated with cerebral metabolic distress and increased mortality after severe brain injury.
Markup Pricing and the Auto Industry: A Partial Explanation of Stagflation in an Oligopolistic Economy

Abstract. Price leadership firms and especially wage leadership unions frequently are not operating at points of maximization in the neoclassical sense, because contrived high level demand has brought low price consciousness or elasticity of demand for their commodities or services. Accordingly, they can get higher profits or wages anytime they choose to raise their price except during severe recession. If output falls as a consequence, goveniment and the central hank have stood ready to expand total spending. The contrived high demand has interacted with oligopolistic practices to obviate the distinction between elasticity for the firm and that of its industry, with empirical studies showing demand elasticity commonly not much above unity. The automobile industry is the focus of attention in this study. It appears that stable and high employment market capitalism no longer is possible, because at a minimum t requires generalized maximization behavior, which involves operation against constraining supply and demand parameters.
In Situ Studies of the Mass Transfer Mechanism across a Methane Hydrate Film Using High-Resolution Confocal Raman Spectroscopy

Hydrate films typically form at gas−water interfaces where the concentrations of guest and host molecules are the highest. Once formed, the films provide a significant mass transfer barrier to furt...
Imagery and organization in the recall of prose

Abstract A theoretical puzzle in research on imagery and memory is that even when concrete and abstract sentences can be shown to receive equal amounts of integrative processing, concrete ones still are remembered better than abstract ones. Three experiments examined recall of concrete and abstract sentences that composed paragraphs comparable in comprehensibility, syntactic structure, and conceptual structure and consisted of many of the same words. In all experiments, concrete and abstract sentences were remembered equally well when they were presented in paragraph order. When presented in random order, the usual 2:1 recall advantage for concrete materials was observed. The results are considered in terms of dual coding theory, text comprehension, and the distinction between itemspecific and relational processing. A context availability model is shown to account for the present results and a variety of other findings previously taken as evidence for and against dual coding theory.
I-DNA suppressed by ethidium bromide and accumulated with dactinomycin.

THE I-DNA in cytoplasmic particles1–4 of embryonic chick cells has a 260 nm/280 nm ratio of 1.95 (ref. 5) and a buoyant density of CsCl of 1.700–1.703 g/ml.; mitochondrial DNA has a buoyant density of 1.708 g/ml.6,7. Other reports of non-mitochondrial cytoplasmic DNA different from nuclear DNA have appeared recently8–10.
Radiance aa a paradigm for a wave description of optical measurements

We demonstrate a consistent approach to incorporating the diffractin properties of the instrument in optical measurements.
Adjustments and measures of differential expression for microarray data

Motivation: Existing analyses of microarray data often incorporate an obscure data normalization procedure applied prior to data analysis. For example, ratios of microarray channels intensities are normalized to have common mean over the set of genes. We made an attempt to understand the meaning of such procedures from the modeling point of view, and to formulate the model assumptions that underlie them. Given a considerable diversity of data adjustment procedures, the question of their performance, comparison and ranking for various microarray experiments was of interest. Results: A two-step statistical procedure is proposed: data transformation (adjustment for slide-specific effect) followed by a statistical test applied to transformed data. Various methods of analysis for differential expression are compared using simulations and real data on colon cancer cell lines. We found that robust categorical adjustments outperform the ones based on a precisely defined stochastic model, including some commonly used procedures. Availability: A program implementing the proposed adjustment and test procedures is available at http://www.hci.
A caloric-based evaluation of diet indices for largemouth bass

Selection of methods for quantitative description and assessment of food habits is a concern for trophic investigations. We used diet data for largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, to compare a caloric-based approach with eight diet indices: percent frequency of occurrence, percent total number, percent total weight, mean relative number, mean relative volume, relative importance index, prey-importance index, and mean stomach fullness. Mean caloric contribution of stomach contents for each prey taxon was used as a standard to compare diet indices. Temporal differences in composition and caloric contents of largemouth bass stomach contents were apparent. Most diet indices provided similar assessments when diets were dominated by a single prey type (i.e., gizzard shad during June-October). However, diet indices evaluated provided dissimilar assessments of stomach contents when a variety of prey with differing caloric densities were consumed (e.g., April). Mean stomach fullness and percent by volume were significantly (p < 0.002) correlated (r = 0.94 − 1.00) with mean caloric contribution of largemouth bass stomach contents during all months. Unlike percent by weight, mean stomach fullness accounted for differences in fish size and stomach capacity. Thus, mean stomach fullness by prey type appears to be the most appropriate index when objectives include simplified caloric-based assessments of fish diets.
Efficient strategies for low-statistics nuclear searches

We demonstrate that with statistically accurate strategies the reliability, speed, and sensitivity of nuclear search can be significantly improved. We offer two efficient strategies for the quick localization of a weak radioactive source in a large search area. The comparison of our search strategies with a simple uniform search shows improvement of the average search time by 5-10 times. We show that the proposed search strategies significantly reduce the search time while keeping the number of both false negatives and false alarms under control.
A fast translation method for paging on top of segmentation

A description is presented of a fast, one-step translation method that implements paging on top of segmentation. This method translates a virtual address into a physical address, performing both the segmentation and paging translations, with a single TLB (translation lookaside buffer) read and a short add. Previous methods performed this translation in two steps and required two TLB reads and a long add. Using the fast method, the fine-grain protection and relocation of segmentation combined with paging can be provided with delay and complexity comparable to paging-only systems. This method allows small segments, particularly important in object-oriented programming systems, to be managed efficiently. >
Peru-Chile Trench Sediments and Sea-Floor Spreading

The hypotheses of sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics require the removal of sediment from oceanic trenches either by crustal underthrusting or by folding against the base of a continental or insular margin. Accordingly, over a period of time the volume of sediment removed by way of spreading must be equal to the difference between the observable volume of undeformed terrigenous deposits in a trench and the volume contributed to it by continental erosion. To assess possible sediment loss from the central Chilean segment (23°–44° S.) of the Peru-Chile Trench, we have compared the volume of terrigenous deposits overlying the land, the continental margin, and filling the trench with that expected from continental denudation. Our data indicate that an episode of sediment removal occurred at the base of the margin and adjacent deep-sea floor in Late Cretaceous and perhaps earlymost Tertiary time and may imply spreading. Nearly 100 × 10 3 km 3 of deposits of Tertiary age, chiefly Eocene to Pliocene, have accumulated on the margin, and perhaps an additional 5 × 10 3 km 3 in the trench. This amount of offshore sediment could be supplied by fairly low rates (3 cm/10 3 yrs) of Tertiary erosion. However, many uncertainties in our denudation-sedimentation budget make it impossible to determine whether or not sediment reaching the base of the margin was removed tectonically in Tertiary time. Between 27° and 44° S., the trench contains nearly 70 × 10 s km 3 of turbidite deposits that we believe accumulated during late Cenozoic periods of glacially lowered sea level. The volume of turbidites in the trench is virtually equal to that expected from continental erosion, which is estimated to have probably been no greater than 5 cm/10 3 yr for the arid region between 27° and 31°, and 50 cm/10 3 yr for the humid and partially glaciated region from 36° to 42°. During this time of rapid erosion and trench filling, magnetic data indicate that convergence of lithospheric plates was taking place below the trench at a rate between 5 and 10 cm/yr. If turbidite deposits were swept from the trench at these rates, then continental denudation must have been exceedingly rapid: 20–40 cm/10 3 yr for the arid zone, and 110–165 cm/10 3 yr for the partially glaciated region. If more conventional estimates of erosion are valid, then either (1) late Cenozoic underthrusting has not taken place (or at a rate much slower than that implied by geophysical data), or (2) underthrusting at the prescribed rates has not involved the removal of a significant volume of sediment from the trench.
Building a European Community of Engaged Scholars

In support of EURAM’s vision of ‘building a community of engaged scholars’, I propose undertaking indigenousresearch in diverse European countries and cultures. I begin by recognizing the importance of indigenous researchnot only for developing an understanding of, and identity with, context-speciﬁc management issues and problemsin local European countries, but also for advancing general theoretical knowledge across cultural boundaries.Challenging to undertake, I propose a method of engaged scholarship for conducting indigenous research.
Treatment of Panic Disorder

In 1981, panic disorder was officially recognized as a separate illness and not merely a component of generalized anxiety disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks or unpredictable episodes of sudden and overwhelming feelings of fear or terror. The disorder has a lifetime prevalence rate of 1.6% to 2%, being more common in women than men; many patients do not seek treatment. The majority of patients who have panic disorder develop severe anxiety and agoraphobia; comorbidity with depression occurs in approximately 33%. Panic disorder seems to be chronic with significant morbidity and mortality, including suicide, in patients who are untreated. Fortunately, panic disorder can be successfully treated using several drugs, including antidepressants, imipramine and phenelzine, and the benzodiazepine, alprazolam. It is anticipated that the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will soon approve the first antipanic drug, alprazolam (Xanax, Upjohn, Kalamazoo, MI). The drug of choice for panic...
Modeling metal bioaccumulation and tissue distribution in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) in three contaminated estuaries

The present study experimentally assessed the uptake, loss, and resulting tissue distribution of As(V), Cd, Cr(III), Hg(II), and methylmercury (MeHg) in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) following aqueous exposure in water collected from 3 contaminated field sites—Baltimore Harbor and Elizabeth River (Chesapeake Bay), and Mare Island (San Francisco Bay)—using a radiotracer technique. Uptake rate constants (L g−1 d−1) were highest for MeHg (0.370–0.781) and lowest for As (0.00028–0.00065). Loss rate constants (d−1) were highest for As (0.046–0.096) and lowest for MeHg (0.006–0.009). Tissue distribution data showed that MeHg was redistributed around the body throughout the 9-d depuration period, and drinking may be an uptake mechanism for Cd from the aqueous phase in higher-salinity water. The kinetic parameters calculated in the present study were entered into a bioaccumulation model to calculate the predicted body burden of each metal at steady state and the percentage body burden attributable to dietary exposure on a site-specific basis. Calculated body burdens varied between field sites for all metals except Cr. The predicted values for Cd, Hg(II), and MeHg matched independent field data from contaminated estuaries, indicating that the model can account for the major processes governing metal concentration in killifish. The diet accounted for >97% of the body burden of Cd and MeHg and was the predominant exposure route for As and Cr. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:89–101. © 2013 SETAC
Defining Oral Neglect in Institutionalized Elderly: A Consensus Definition for the Protection of Vulnerable Elderly People

ABSTRACT Background The authors administered surveys to develop an operational definition of oral neglect in institutionalized elderly (ONiIE) in the United States. Methods The authors administered a Delphi technique survey involving three rounds to a panel of 19 geriatric dental experts in 1995 to arrive at a definition of ONiIE. The authors validated the 1995 ONiIE definition by administering a Delphi technique survey involving four rounds to a subset of eight experts from the 1995 panel. Results The panelists in the 2009 survey validated the 28 oral diseases or conditions that were part of the 1995 ONiIE definition and added one new oral condition—bleeding. They also reached consensus agreement for each of the 29 listed oral diseases and conditions regarding both the diagnostic stage at which those diseases and conditions should be included in a definition (mild, moderate, or severe) and the specified time period required to constitute neglect (that is, total “time to qualify as neglect” was eight days for acute conditions and 35 days for chronic conditions). Conclusions An expert-driven consensus ONiIE definition was established. It consists of 29 oral diseases and conditions, each of which has been associated with a diagnostic stage and a specified time period required to constitute neglect. Clinical Implications Since federal legislation that funds payments to nursing homes for the care and housing of their residents requires that there shall be no oral neglect, this validated consensus ONiIE definition provides a utilitarian means to enforce that legislative expectation.
Missense Mutation in a Von Willebrand Factor Type a Domain of the α3(VI) Collagen Gene (COL6A3) in a Family with Bethlem Myopathy

The Bethlem myopathy is a rare autosomal dominant proximal myopathy characterized by early childhood onset and joint contractures. Evidence for linkage and genetic heterogeneity has been established, with the majority of families linked to 21q22.3 and one large family linked to 2q37, implicating the three type VI collagen subunit genes, COL6A1 (chromosome 21), COL6A2 (chromosome 21) and COL6A3 (chromosome 2) as candidate genes. Mutations of the invariant glycine residues in the triple-helical domain-coding region of COL6A1 and COL6A2 have been reported previously in the chromosome 21-linked families. We report here the identification of a G-->A mutation in the N-terminal globular domain-coding region of COL6A3 in a large American pedigree (19 affected, 12 unaffected), leading to the substitution of glycine by glutamic acid in the N2 motif, which is homologous to the type A domains of the von Willebrand factor. This mutation segregated to all affected family members, to no unaffected family members, and was not identified in 338 unrelated Caucasian control chromosomes. Thus mutations in either the triple-helical domain or the globular domain of type VI collagen appear to cause Bethlem myopathy.
Improving classifier utility by altering the misclassification cost ratio

This paper examines whether classifier utility can be improved by altering the misclassification cost ratio (the ratio of false positive misclassification costs to false negative misclassification costs) associated with two-class datasets. This is evaluated by varying the cost ratio passed into two cost-sensitive learners and then evaluating the results using the actual (or presumed actual) cost information. Our results indicate that a cost ratio other than the true ratio often maximizes classifier utility. Furthermore, by using a hold out set to identify the "best" cost ratio for learning, we are able to take advantage of this behavior and generate classifiers that outperform the accepted strategy of always using the actual cost information during the learning phase.
Target tracking and localization using infrared video imagery

One of the signicant problems in visual tracking of objects is the requirement for a human analyst to post-process and interpret the data. For instance, consider the task of tracking a target, in this case a moving person, using video imagery. When this person hides behind an obstruction, and is therefore no longer visible by the camera, conventional tracking systems quickly lose track of the target and are no longer able to indicate where the target is or where it was headed. A human interpreter is then needed to conclude that the person is hiding, and probably (with certain probability) is still there. A Process Query System (PQS) is able to track and predict the path of arbitrary objects, based only on a description of their dynamic behavior, thus eliminating the need for precise identication of each object in every frame. The PQS is therefore able to draw human-like conclusions, allowing the system to track the person even when he/she is out of view. Additionally, using dynamic descriptions of tracked objects allows for low-quality video signals, or even infrared video, to be used for tracking. In this paper we introduce a novel way of implementing a video-based tracking system using a Process Query System to predict the position of objects in the environment, even after they have disappeared from view. Although the image processing pipeline is trivial, tracking accuracy is remarkably high, suggesting that overall performance can be improved even further with the use of more sophisticated video processing and image recognition technology.
Cancer Control in Susceptible Groups: Opportunities and Challenges

Cancer mortality rates in the United States have risen throughout most of this century, and a downward trend has just emerged in recent years. Nevertheless, it is predicted that cancer will soon be the leading cause of death among Americans. To gain new knowledge of etiology, we have studied persons at highest risk as human models of cancer susceptibility. Clinical observations at the bedside are used to generate etiologic hypotheses that are tested in epidemiologic studies. Companion laboratory studies can identify biologic mechanisms of predisposition. Data show that inborn mutations in cancer-predisposing genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, markedly increase the risk of cancers at unusually early ages. Increasing numbers of these highly penetrant genes are being identified. These discoveries have created new opportunities for genetic testing to identify cancer-prone individuals. Individuals found to be carriers can be offered counseling to avoid environmental exposures that further elevate risk, intensive medical surveillance for early detection, participation in chemoprevention trials, and prophylactic surgery to remove at-risk tissues. However, genetic knowledge can have adverse effects, including psychologic distress, social stigmatization, and loss of health insurance. Research is needed to maximize benefits and minimize risks to the susceptible populations. Professional and public education can promote appropriate use of genetic data, and legislation may be required to prevent discrimination. Knowledge of these highly penetrant genes can be extended to common polymorphisms that modify cancer risk associated with exposures to environmental carcinogens.
I Have a Voice and Can Speak Up for Myself Through Writing

Writing can be a method of expression for those who cannot or do not feel comfortable expressing themselves verbally. For students with disabilities, however, writing can be a challenging task because they often fail to see writing as a process. This article examines how to use the self-regulated strategy development model of writing, an evidence-based practice, to teach middle and high school students with emotional/behavioral disabilities to use persuasive writing as a tool to advocate for their needs and wants. Writing can help students develop self-determination skills and self-expression with the time needed to reflect on what they want to say, making the process of writing an empowering one. Example lessons, guidelines, and sample materials are provided.
Billroth I, Gastric Resection Extent Necessary to Protect Against Histamine-Provoked Ulcer.

ConclusionSmall gastric resections (25 and 50%) in dogs, when accompanied by no afferent loop (Billroth I), are accompanied by a high incidence of histamine invoked stomal ulcer. When a three-quarter gastric resection (75%) is done, however, stomal ulcer cannot be produced with histamine. These experiments suggest that it is unlikely that substitution of the Billroth I for the Billroth II plan of operation, in which a short afferent duodenal loop is employed, will protect against recurrent ulcer with less sacrifice of stomach. A three-quarter resection will protect against the histamine-in-beeswax provoked ulcer, whether the operation is carried out on the Billroth I or II plan of operation.
Unfired refractories bonded with coal tar pitch

Medium-temperature coal tar pitches are effective bonds for making unfired dolomite and dolomite —magnesite refractories by pressing bodies heated to 100–120°C. The features of the refractories with a pitch bond are the higher contents of carbon resistant to oxidation (about 4%), and the higher compressive strength (400–500 kg/cm2), and finally the higher hydration resistance (10 days).
Teachers’ Perceptions of a Professional Development Distance Learning Course

AbstractThis study describes how practicing teachers perceived their participation in a distance learning course in German language pedagogy. Interviews, observations, and documents were used as data sources in this study. A description, the methodology, and emerging issues and assertions are provided. The summary describes similarities between the teachers’ perceptions and the instructor’s expectations.
Cyclone Separator for Transferring Live Insects, and Its Biological Effects on Trichoplusia ni and Voria ruralis

A cyclone separator can be used to transfer live insects from one cage to another without passing the insect through an impeller or fan housing. The insects are transported in an air stream, and they can be transferred into either airtight or screened containers. Multiple passages through the machine had no significant effect upon the longevity, mating, fertility or pheromone response of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner). Mortality of Voria ruralis Fallen, transferred through the machine, was no different than mortality in a control group.
24-Hour Urinary Parameters in Overweight and Obese Children with Urolithiasis

Purpose: The increasing incidence of pediatric nephrolithiasis is a growing concern and its association with obesity continues to be an area of debate. We present data on urine chemistries of overweight/obese children compared to those with a normal body mass index and history of urolithiasis treated at a single institution in the United States, and assess risk factors.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 110 stone forming patients who underwent 24-hour urine collection and stratified them according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions of overweight/obese (body mass index above 85th/95th percentile). Absolute urine collection quantities were compared between groups. Stone risk factors were analyzed according to Litholink® specified reference ranges.Results: Compared to patients with low or normal body mass index, overweight and obese patients had lower body surface area adjusted citrate (242 mg/1.73 m2 vs 315 mg/1.73 m2, p = 0.03), lower urine phosphate (12 mg/kg v...
Multilayer MgB2 superconducting quantum interference filter magnetometers

We report two types of all-MgB2 superconductive quantum interference filter (SQIF) magnetometers that can measure absolute magnetic fields with high sensitivity. In one configuration, the SQIFs were made of 20 multilayer nonplanar all-MgB2 superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) connected in parallel with loop areas ranging in size from 0.4 to 3.6 μm2. These devices are sensitive to magnetic fields parallel to the substrate and show a single antipeak from 3 to 16 K with a maximum transfer function of ∼16 V/T at 3 K and a field noise of ∼110 pT/Hz1/2 above 100 Hz at 10 K. In a second configuration, the SQIFs were made with 16 planar SQUIDs connected in parallel with loop areas ranging in size from 4 μm2 to 25 μm2 and are sensitive to the magnetic fields perpendicular to the substrate. The planar SQIF shows a single antipeak from 10 to 22 K with a maximum transfer function of 7800 V/T at 10 K and a field noise of ∼70 pT/Hz1/2 above 100 Hz at 20 K.
Observation on effect of Dezocine combined with Parecoxib Sodium on emergence agitation in patients of radical operation for esophageal cancer

Objective To evaluate the effect of Dezocine combined with Parecoxib Sodium on emergence agitation in patients of radical operation for esophageal cancer.Methods 80 patients(ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ) undergoing general anesthesia for esophageal carcinoma were randomly assigned to 4 groups,with 20 cases in each group: Dezocine 10 mg(group A);Parecoxib Sodium 40 mg(group B);Dezocine 10 mg plus Parecoxib Sodium 40 mg(group C);euvolemia normal saline(group D).All the patients were administered intravenously different group drugs 30 minutes before the end of surgery.The occurrence of emergence agitation,waking up and consciousness recovery time,analgesia and sedation scores were observed.Results The agitation scores and incidence of agitation and analgesia scores were significantly lower in group A,B,C than those in group D(P 0.05),but group A and B were higher than those of group C(P 0.05).The sedation scores of group B and D were higher than those of group A and C(P 0.05).There were no significant differences between 4 groups in awake and consciousness time during emergence from general anesthesia.Conclusion Dezocine combined with Parecoxib Sodium intramuscular injection can significantly reduce the incidence of agitation effectively and safely during emergence from general anesthesia in patients of esophageal carcinoma undergoing radical operation,which is worthy of clinical promotion.
A Case for Yuman Participation in the Hohokam Regional System

ABSTRACTLinguistic and archaeological data indicate that for two or more centuries near A.D. 1000, some Yuman groups lived in close association with speakers of Upper Piman, a language unrelated to the Yuman language family. An examination of archaeological, ethnographic, and linguistic information leads to the inference that Yuman-Piman bilingualism developed within the Hohokam culture area of southern Arizona. Comparison of Yuman and Hohokam burial practices strongly supports the linguistic analysis. The study also explores the cultural-historical implications for Hohokam development within the framework of the regional system concept.
Biomimetic Rotated Lamellar Plywood Motifs by Additive Manufacturing of Metal Alloy Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Additive manufacturing presents opportunities to treat bone defects using biomimetic tissue scaffolds. Past investigations have explored modulating scaffold mechanical properties through varying materials and geometric motifs. Herein, we applied the rotated plywood structure of bone tissue to a 3D printed scaffold with the goal of improving mechanical performance compared to an orthogonal mesh design commonly used in tissue scaffold applications. The scaffolds were subjected to uniaxial compression followed by scanning electron microscopy and microcomputer tomography. The uniaxial compression test was characterized through elastic modulus (mean 1.32 GPa biomimetic, 0.196 GPa orthogonal, p < 0.001), ultimate compressive strength (mean 16.546 MPa biomimetic, 6.309 MPa orthogonal design, p < 0.001), and ultimate compressive strain values (4.867% biomimetic, 9.000% orthogonal, p < 0.005). Correlation of microfracture imaging to bulk scaffold mode of failure suggest that utilizing the biomimetic plywood design...
Surface Spin Waves

In the study of lattice dynamics, it is well known that associated with free surfaces there exist normal modes characterized by a displacement field that varies in a wave like manner in the directions parallel to the surface, and which decay to zero exponentially fast as one moves toward the interior of the crystal. (1), (2) It has recently been shown (3) that in a Heisenberg ferromagnet at temperatures low compared to the Curie temperature, surface spin wave modes exist with properties similar in many respects to the lattice dynamical counterparts. Within the spin wave approximation, the surface modes are eigenstates of the Heisenberg Hamiltonian. Thus, the modes contribute to the specific heat of the system. If one approaches the crystal surface from within, the mean spin deviation will increase because of the presence of the thermally excited surface waves.
Positioning SMEs With a Lone Designer: A Qualitative Study of Small Design Firms

The purpose of this study is to examine how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a lone designer strategically position themselves relative to large organizations (LOs). Based on a study of small design firms, the results suggest that SMEs with a lone designer manage a portfolio of internal positioning strategies (experimentation, design consistency, speed of execution, and networked communities) and external positioning strategies (personalized services, experimentation, and credibility) to differentiate from LOs. Furthermore, the results indicate SMEs’ positioning strategies may vary depending on their firm size. This article contributes to the SME positioning literature and the dialectic on team versus lone effort.
Siren's Song: Phillis Wheatley's Subversive Elegy

The poems in Phillis Wheatley's only published collection, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, illuminate Wheatley's deep religious conviction while relying on her education in Greek an...
Predicting women’s emotional responses to hooking up: Do motives matter?

Among young women, hookups have been found to lead to varied emotional responses. The authors tested three hypotheses to disentangle these contradictory findings in a weekly diary study. A trait-level motives hypothesis suggests that trait-level motives moderate emotional responses to hookups. A motive satisfaction hypothesis suggests that emotional responses to hooking up depend on satisfaction within hookups. A dual-effects hypothesis proposes the co-occurrence of positive and negative emotional responses. In this study, 203 college women reported trait-level motives for hooking up (e.g., pleasure/fun, intimacy, coping). Next, 5 weekly surveys asked about recent hookup experiences. These responses were compared to the same women’s emotions on weeks they did not hook up, thereby controlling for selection bias. All three hypotheses were supported. Pleasure/fun motives predicted more positive and less negative emotions; satisfaction of pleasure, intimacy, and affirmation motives resulted in more positive a...