Glioma infiltration sign on high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging in gliomas and its prognostic value.

PubMed

Zeng, Qiang; Ling, Chenhan; Shi, Feina; Dong, Fei; Jiang, Biao; Zhang, Jianmin

2018-03-01

Glioma cells may infiltrate beyond the tumor margins revealed on conventional structural images. To investigate whether the presence of a glioma infiltration sign on high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can predict the prognosis of gliomas. Retrospective cohort. Fifty-two patients with gliomas (14 WHO grade II; 13 WHO grade III; 25 WHO grade IV). 3.0T, including a T 1 -weighted contrast-enhanced (T 1 w-CE) sequence, contrast-enhanced T 2 -flair sequence, and a DWI sequence. T 1 w-CE images and contrast-enhanced T 2 -flair images were used for identifying the tumor region for enhancing and nonenhancing gliomas, respectively. The glioma infiltration sign was defined as the presence of a peritumoral abnormal high signal region on DWI map, which was adjacent to the tumor region and had higher signal than surrounding areas. This sign was assessed on a high b-value DWI map with b = 3000 s/mm 2 . For patients with glioma infiltration sign, DWI3000 max , DWI1000 max , ADC3000 min , and ADC1000 min were measured by drawing a region of interest over the peritumoral abnormal high signal region. Survival analysis was conducted by using Cox regression. Glioma infiltration sign was observed in 28 (53.8%) patients. The occurrence rate of this sign was 92.0% in grade IV gliomas, 30.8% in grade III gliomas, and 7.1% in grade II gliomas. The glioma infiltration sign could independently predict both the progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.58 [3.19-23.03], P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR, 95% CI = 11.90 [3.41-41.55], P < 0.001) after adjustment. For patients with glioma infiltration sign, DWI3000 max (P = 0.005) and ADC3000 min (P = 0.008) were both independent predictors of overall survival after adjustment, while DWI1000 max and ADC1000 min were not. The glioma infiltration sign on high b-value DWI is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in glioma patients. High b-value DWI might be a convenient method to detect glioma infiltration. 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

EQUATIONS AND THE EQUAL SIGN IN ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOKS.

PubMed

Powell, Sarah R

2012-06-01

To promote a relational understanding of the equal sign (=), students may require exposure to a variety of equation types (i.e., 3 = 8 - 5; 2 + 3 = 1 + 4; 9 - 3 = 6). The purpose of this study was to evaluate 8 elementary curricula for degree of exposure to equation types. Across 6 elementary grade levels, curricula were coded for the number of standard and nonstandard equation types appearing within the student textbook. Except in 1 of the 8 curricula, students typically do not receive exposure to nonstandard equation types that promote a relational understanding of the equal sign. An analysis of the accompanying teacher manual for each textbook suggests that students receive minimal instruction on relational definitions of the equal sign, with the majority of instruction occurring in grades K-2 and minimal instruction provided in grades 3-5.

Early Sign Language Exposure and Cochlear Implantation Benefits.

PubMed

Geers, Ann E; Mitchell, Christine M; Warner-Czyz, Andrea; Wang, Nae-Yuh; Eisenberg, Laurie S

2017-07-01

Most children with hearing loss who receive cochlear implants (CI) learn spoken language, and parents must choose early on whether to use sign language to accompany speech at home. We address whether parents' use of sign language before and after CI positively influences auditory-only speech recognition, speech intelligibility, spoken language, and reading outcomes. Three groups of children with CIs from a nationwide database who differed in the duration of early sign language exposure provided in their homes were compared in their progress through elementary grades. The groups did not differ in demographic, auditory, or linguistic characteristics before implantation. Children without early sign language exposure achieved better speech recognition skills over the first 3 years postimplant and exhibited a statistically significant advantage in spoken language and reading near the end of elementary grades over children exposed to sign language. Over 70% of children without sign language exposure achieved age-appropriate spoken language compared with only 39% of those exposed for 3 or more years. Early speech perception predicted speech intelligibility in middle elementary grades. Children without sign language exposure produced speech that was more intelligible (mean = 70%) than those exposed to sign language (mean = 51%). This study provides the most compelling support yet available in CI literature for the benefits of spoken language input for promoting verbal development in children implanted by 3 years of age. Contrary to earlier published assertions, there was no advantage to parents' use of sign language either before or after CI. Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Clinical, morphologic, and morphometric features of cranial thoracic spinal stenosis in large and giant breed dogs.

PubMed

Johnson, Philippa; De Risio, Luisa; Sparkes, Andrew; McConnell, Fraser; Holloway, Andrew

2012-01-01

The clinical, morphologic, and morphometric features of cranial thoracic spinal stenosis were investigated in large and giant breed dogs. Seventy-nine magnetic resonance imaging studies of the cranial thoracic spine were assessed. Twenty-six were retrieved retrospectively and 53 were acquired prospectively using the same inclusion criteria. Images were evaluated using a modified compression scale as: no osseous stenosis (grade 0), osseous stenosis without spinal cord compression (grade 1), and osseous stenosis with spinal cord compression (grade 2). Morphometric analysis was performed and compared to the subjective grading system. Grades 1 and 2 cranial thoracic spinal stenosis were identified on 24 imaging studies in 23 dogs. Sixteen of 23 dogs had a conformation typified by Molosser breeds and 21/23 were male. The most common sites of stenosis were T2-3 and T3-4. The articular process joints were enlarged with abnormal oblique orientation. Stenosis was dorsolateral, lateralized, or dorsoventral. Concurrent osseous cervical spondylomyelopathy was recognized in six dogs and other neurologic disease in five dogs. Cranial thoracic spinal stenosis was the only finding in 12 dogs. In 9 of these 12 dogs (all grade 2) neurolocalization was to the T3-L3 spinal segment. The median age of these dogs was 9.5 months. In the remaining three dogs neurologic signs were not present. Stenosis ratios were of limited benefit in detecting stenotic sites. Grade 2 cranial thoracic spinal stenosis causing direct spinal cord compression may lead to neurologic signs, however milder stenosis (grade 1) is likely to be subclinical or incidental. © 2012 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.

EQUATIONS AND THE EQUAL SIGN IN ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOKS

PubMed Central

Powell, Sarah R.

2012-01-01

To promote a relational understanding of the equal sign (=), students may require exposure to a variety of equation types (i.e., 3 = 8 − 5; 2 + 3 = 1 + 4; 9 − 3 = 6). The purpose of this study was to evaluate 8 elementary curricula for degree of exposure to equation types. Across 6 elementary grade levels, curricula were coded for the number of standard and nonstandard equation types appearing within the student textbook. Except in 1 of the 8 curricula, students typically do not receive exposure to nonstandard equation types that promote a relational understanding of the equal sign. An analysis of the accompanying teacher manual for each textbook suggests that students receive minimal instruction on relational definitions of the equal sign, with the majority of instruction occurring in grades K–2 and minimal instruction provided in grades 3–5. PMID:22707760

49 CFR 234.245 - Signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Maintenance Standards § 234.245 Signs. Each sign mounted on a highway-rail grade crossing signal post shall be maintained in good condition and be visible to the highway user. Inspections and Tests ...

Decision support system for the detection and grading of hard exudates from color fundus photographs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaafar, Hussain F.; Nandi, Asoke K.; Al-Nuaimy, Waleed

2011-11-01

Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness, and its earliest signs include damage to the blood vessels and the formation of lesions in the retina. Automated detection and grading of hard exudates from the color fundus image is a critical step in the automated screening system for diabetic retinopathy. We propose novel methods for the detection and grading of hard exudates and the main retinal structures. For exudate detection, a novel approach based on coarse-to-fine strategy and a new image-splitting method are proposed with overall sensitivity of 93.2% and positive predictive value of 83.7% at the pixel level. The average sensitivity of the blood vessel detection is 85%, and the success rate of fovea localization is 100%. For exudate grading, a polar fovea coordinate system is adopted in accordance with medical criteria. Because of its competitive performance and ability to deal efficiently with images of variable quality, the proposed technique offers promising and efficient performance as part of an automated screening system for diabetic retinopathy.

Factors influencing medical informatics examination grade--can biorhythm, astrological sign, seasonal aspect, or bad statistics predict outcome?

PubMed

Petrovecki, Mladen; Rahelić, Dario; Bilić-Zulle, Lidija; Jelec, Vjekoslav

2003-02-01

To investigate whether and to what extent various parameters, such as individual characteristics, computer habits, situational factors, and pseudoscientific variables, influence Medical Informatics examination grade, and how inadequate statistical analysis can lead to wrong conclusions. The study included a total of 382 second-year undergraduate students at the Rijeka University School of Medicine in the period from 1996/97 to 2000/01 academic year. After passing the Medical Informatics exam, students filled out an anonymous questionnaire about their attitude toward learning medical informatics. They were asked to grade the course organization and curriculum content, and provide their date of birth; sex; study year; high school grades; Medical Informatics examination grade, type, and term; and describe their computer habits. From these data, we determined their zodiac signs and biorhythm. Data were compared by the use of t-test, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's honest significance difference test, and randomized complete block design ANOVA. Out of 21 variables analyzed, only 10 correlated with the average grade. Students taking Medical Informatics examination in the 1998/99 academic year earned lower average grade than any other generation. Significantly higher Medical Informatics exam grade was earned by students who finished a grammar high school; owned and regularly used a computer, Internet, and e-mail (p< or =0.002 for all items); passed an oral exam without taking a written test (p=0.004), or did not repeat the exam (p<0.001). Better high-school students and students with better grades from high-school informatics course also scored significantly better (p=0.032 and p<0.001, respectively). Grade in high-school mathematics, student's sex, and time of year when the examination was taken were not related to the grade, and neither were pseudoscientific parameters, such as student zodiac sign, zodiac sign quality, or biorhythm cycles, except when intentionally inadequate statistics was used for data analysis. Medical Informatics examination grades correlated with general learning capacity and computer habits of students, but showed no relation to other investigated parameters, such as examination term or pseudoscientific parameters. Inadequate statistical analysis can always confirm false conclusions.

Evaluation of selected warning signs at skewed railroad-highway crossings.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-01-01

A 1984 study by the Research Council recommended that advance warning signs be placed in advance of skewed railroad-highway grade crossings. Several signs were suggested for use, and the study reported here was undertaken to determine the effectivene...

Signing Earth Science: Accommodations for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Whose First Language Is Sign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vesel, J.; Hurdich, J.

2014-12-01

TERC and Vcom3D used the SigningAvatar® accessibility software to research and develop a Signing Earth Science Dictionary (SESD) of approximately 750 standards-based Earth science terms for high school students who are deaf and hard of hearing and whose first language is sign. The partners also evaluated the extent to which use of the SESD furthers understanding of Earth science content, command of the language of Earth science, and the ability to study Earth science independently. Disseminated as a Web-based version and App, the SESD is intended to serve the ~36,000 grade 9-12 students who are deaf or hard of hearing and whose first language is sign, the majority of whom leave high school reading at the fifth grade or below. It is also intended for teachers and interpreters who interact with members of this population and professionals working with Earth science education programs during field trips, internships etc. The signed SESD terms have been incorporated into a Mobile Communication App (MCA). This App for Androids is intended to facilitate communication between English speakers and persons who communicate in American Sign Language (ASL) or Signed English. It can translate words, phrases, or whole sentences from written or spoken English to animated signing. It can also fingerspell proper names and other words for which there are no signs. For our presentation, we will demonstrate the interactive features of the SigningAvatar® accessibility software that support the three principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and have been incorporated into the SESD and MCA. Results from national field-tests will provide insight into the SESD's and MCA's potential applicability beyond grade 12 as accommodations that can be used for accessing the vocabulary deaf and hard of hearing students need for study of the geosciences and for facilitating communication about content. This work was funded in part by grants from NSF and the U.S. Department of Education.

The incidence and effect of fatty atrophy, positive tangent sign, and rotator cuff tears on outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty.

PubMed

Choate, W Stephen; Shanley, Ellen; Washburn, Richard; Tolan, Stefan J; Salim, Tariq I; Tadlock, Josh; Shealy, Elizabeth C; Long, Catherine D; Crawford, Ashley E; Kissenberth, Michael J; Lonergan, Keith T; Hawkins, Richard J; Tokish, John M

2017-12-01

Treatment choices for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in the absence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are not clearly defined in current literature. This study investigated the prevalence and effect of preoperative partial-thickness RCTs and muscular degenerative changes on postoperative outcomes after TSA. Medical records and magnetic resonance imaging studies were reviewed for patients who underwent TSA for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with minimum 2-year follow-up to determine preoperative tear classification, Goutallier grade, and supraspinatus tangent sign. Postoperative pain on the visual analog scale, range of motion, and patient outcomes scores were obtained to correlate preoperative RCT status, Goutallier grading, tangent sign, and postoperative outcomes. Patients with full-thickness RCT on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging were excluded. Forty-five patients met all inclusion criteria (average age, 65 ± 10 years; average follow-up, 43 months). Of the patients undergoing TSA, 40% had a significant (>50% thickness) partial RCT. Grade 3 to 4 Goutallier changes were noted in 22% of all patients, and 13% demonstrated grade 3 to 4 changes in the context of no tear. Positive tangent sign was present in 7% of all patients. The preoperative Goutallier grade of the infraspinatus was significantly negatively correlated with postoperative forward elevation (P = .02) and external rotation (P = .05), but rotator cuff pathology, including tear status, Goutallier grade, and the presence of a tangent sign, did not correlate with postoperative functional outcome scores. Even in the absence of a full-thickness RCT, rotator cuff atrophy, fatty infiltration, and partial thickness tearing are common findings. Although postoperative range of motion is correlated to Goutallier changes of the infraspinatus, rotator cuff pathology is not correlated to outcomes after TSA; therefore, one may proceed with TSA without concern of their effect on postoperative outcomes. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning about the Equal Sign: Does Comparing with Inequality Symbols Help?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hattikudur, Shanta; Alibali, Martha W.

2010-01-01

This study investigated whether instruction that involves comparing the equal sign with other relational symbols is more effective at imparting a relational interpretation of the equal sign than instruction about the equal sign alone. Third- and fourth-grade students in a comparing symbols group learned about the greater than, less than, and equal…

Improved accuracy in Risser sign grading with lateral spinal radiography

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

Development of the ossification of the iliac crest is used to assess the remaining spinal growth. The clinical value of the Risser sign has been questioned because of its inaccuracy in grades 3 and 4. Estimation of the Risser sign based on the lateral spinal radiograph has not been reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the course of ossification of the iliac apophysis along its full extension and to investigate relevance of the lateral spinal radiograph for more accurate Risser sign grading. Cross sectional analysis of spinal frontal and lateral long cassette standing spinal radiographs of 201 girls aged from 10.2 to 20.0 years were done. On the lateral spinal view, the ossification of the posterior part of the iliac apophysis was quantified at four grades: absent (A), partial (B), complete (C) or fused (D). The position of the posterior superior iliac spine was studied on both views as well as in pelvic specimens. The results showed that the posterior one-third portion of the iliac apophysis was sagittally oriented and obscured on the frontal radiograph by the sacroiliac junction. It could be studied on the lateral radiograph and revealed a different grading of the apophysis excursion in 58 of 201 (29%) patients, comparing to the frontal view. Both advanced or delayed ossification was observed and assessed with Lateral Risser Modifiers. Twenty-five percent of the patients at Risser 0 or 1 or 2 demonstrated a simultaneous ossification of the most anterior and the most posterior part of the iliac crest. The Risser grades of capping or fusion could be more precisely diagnosed using lateral radiograph in complement to the frontal one. The conclusions drawn from this study were: (1) Currently used Risser sign grading does not consider the actual excursion of the iliac apophysis, because one-third of the apophysis cannot be observed on the frontal radiograph. (2) Iliac apophysis full excursion or fusion can be more accurately estimated when the lateral spinal radiograph is analyzed with Lateral Risser Modifiers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00586-008-0794-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. PMID:18946691

Improved accuracy in Risser sign grading with lateral spinal radiography.

PubMed

Kotwicki, Tomasz

2008-12-01

Development of the ossification of the iliac crest is used to assess the remaining spinal growth. The clinical value of the Risser sign has been questioned because of its inaccuracy in grades 3 and 4. Estimation of the Risser sign based on the lateral spinal radiograph has not been reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the course of ossification of the iliac apophysis along its full extension and to investigate relevance of the lateral spinal radiograph for more accurate Risser sign grading. Cross sectional analysis of spinal frontal and lateral long cassette standing spinal radiographs of 201 girls aged from 10.2 to 20.0 years were done. On the lateral spinal view, the ossification of the posterior part of the iliac apophysis was quantified at four grades: absent (A), partial (B), complete (C) or fused (D). The position of the posterior superior iliac spine was studied on both views as well as in pelvic specimens. The results showed that the posterior one-third portion of the iliac apophysis was sagittally oriented and obscured on the frontal radiograph by the sacroiliac junction. It could be studied on the lateral radiograph and revealed a different grading of the apophysis excursion in 58 of 201 (29%) patients, comparing to the frontal view. Both advanced or delayed ossification was observed and assessed with Lateral Risser Modifiers. Twenty-five percent of the patients at Risser 0 or 1 or 2 demonstrated a simultaneous ossification of the most anterior and the most posterior part of the iliac crest. The Risser grades of capping or fusion could be more precisely diagnosed using lateral radiograph in complement to the frontal one. The conclusions drawn from this study were: (1) Currently used Risser sign grading does not consider the actual excursion of the iliac apophysis, because one-third of the apophysis cannot be observed on the frontal radiograph. (2) Iliac apophysis full excursion or fusion can be more accurately estimated when the lateral spinal radiograph is analyzed with Lateral Risser Modifiers.

Leadership Behaviors for Continuous School Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Florence S.

2011-01-01

In an effort to improve student achievement in our nation's public schools, former President George W. Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. The NCLB Act requires that each State Department of Education establishes a set of standards for student achievement with a grading system for making adequate yearly progress (AYP)…

Computed tomographic imaging interpretation improves fetal outcomes after maternal trauma.

PubMed

Kopelman, Tammy R; Bogert, James N; Walters, Jarvis W; Gridley, Daniel; Guzman, Oscar; Davis, Karole M; Pieri, Paola G; Vail, Sydney J; Pressman, Melissa

2016-12-01

Computed tomography (CT) has been validated to identify and classify placental abruption following blunt trauma. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate improvement in fetal survival when delivery occurs by protocol at the first sign of class III fetal heart rate tracing in pregnant trauma patients with a viable fetus on arrival and CT evidence of placental perfusion 50% or less secondary to placental abruption. This is a retrospective review of pregnant trauma patients at 26 weeks' gestation or greater who underwent abdominopelvic CT as part of their initial evaluation. Charts were reviewed for CT interpretation of placental pathology with classification of placental abruption based upon enhancement (Grade 1, >50% perfusion; Grade 2, 25%-50% perfusion; Grade 3, <25% perfusion), as well as need for delivery and fetal outcomes. Forty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Computed tomography revealed evidence of placental abruption in six patients (15%): Grade 1, one patient, Grade 2, one patient, and Grade 3, four patients. Gestational ages ranged from 26 to 39 weeks. All patients with placental abruption of Grade 2 or greater developed concerning fetal heart tracings and underwent delivery emergently at first sign. Abruption was confirmed intraoperatively in all cases. Each birth was viable, and Apgar scores at 10 minutes were greater than 7 in 80% of infants, all of whom were ultimately discharged home. The remaining infant was transferred to an outside facility. Delivery at first sign of nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracings in pregnant trauma patients (third trimester) with placental abruption of Grade 2 or greater can lead to improved fetal outcome. Therapeutic/care management study, level III.

Implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act: Toward a Coherent, Aligned Assessment System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Catherine; Boser, Ulrich; Sargrad, Scott; Marchitello, Max

2016-01-01

In December 2015, President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB), as the nation's major law governing public schools. ESSA retains the requirement that states test all students in reading and math in grades three through eight and once in high school, as well as the requirement that…

Contribution of Equal-Sign Instruction beyond Word-Problem Tutoring for Third-Grade Students with Mathematics Difficulty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powell, Sarah R.; Fuchs, Lynn S.

2010-01-01

Elementary school students often misinterpret the equal sign (=) as an operational rather than a relational symbol. Such misunderstanding is problematic because solving equations with missing numbers may be important for the development of higher order mathematics skills, including solving word problems. Research indicates equal-sign instruction…

Sign"geist": Promoting Bilingualism through the Linguistic Landscape of School Signage

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dressler, Roswita

2015-01-01

This study is an examination of signage and sign-making practices in one elementary (Kindergarten to sixth grade) public school which offers a German Bilingual Program (GBP) for the development of German-English bilingualism. Schools are public spaces in which the visible language choice on signs reveals the circulating discourses around language…

Pedestrian/bicyclist warning devices and signs at CTA rail-highway grade crossings.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-12-14

In the last 10 years, contrary to a decrease in the number of train-vehicle collisions at highway-rail grade crossings, the number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings has increased. The objective of this study was to ...

Bronchial asthma and COPD due to irritants in the workplace - an evidence-based approach

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Respiratory irritants represent a major cause of occupational obstructive airway diseases. We provide an overview of the evidence related to irritative agents causing occupational asthma or occupational COPD. Methods We searched MEDLINE via PubMed. Reference lists of relevant reviews were also screened. The SIGN grading system was used to rate the quality of each study. The modified RCGP three-star system was used to grade the body of evidence for each irritant agent regarding its causative role in either occupational asthma or occupational COPD. Results A total of 474 relevant papers were identified, covering 188 individual agents, professions or work-sites. The focus of most of the studies and the predominant diagnosis was occupational asthma, whereas occupational COPD arose only incidentally. The highest level assigned using the SIGN grading was 2+ (well-conducted systematic review, cohort or case–control study with a low risk of confounding or bias). According to the modified RCGP three-star grading, the strongest evidence of association with an individual agent, profession or work-site (“**”) was found for 17 agents or work-sites, including benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylicacid-1,2-anhydride, chlorine, platinum salt, isocyanates, cement dust, grain dust, animal farming, environmental tobacco smoke, welding fumes or construction work. Phthalic anhydride, glutaraldehyde, sulphur dioxide, cotton dust, cleaning agents, potrooms, farming (various), foundries were found to be moderately associated with occupational asthma or occupational COPD (“*[+]”). Conclusion This study let us assume that irritant-induced occupational asthma and especially occupational COPD are considerably underreported. Defining the evidence of the many additional occupational irritants for causing airway disorders will be the subject of continued studies with implications for diagnostics and preventive measures. PMID:23013890

Avascular necrosis as a complication of the treatment of dislocation of the hip in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Koch, A; Jozwiak, M; Idzior, M; Molinska-Glura, M; Szulc, A

2015-02-01

We investigated the incidence and risk factors for the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in the course of treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and dislocation of the hip. All underwent open reduction, proximal femoral and Dega pelvic osteotomy. The inclusion criteria were: a predominantly spastic form of CP, dislocation of the hip (migration percentage, MP > 80%), Gross Motor Function Classification System, (GMFCS) grade IV to V, a primary surgical procedure and follow-up of > one year. There were 81 consecutive children (40 girls and 41 boys) in the study. Their mean age was nine years (3.5 to 13.8) and mean follow-up was 5.5 years (1.6 to 15.1). Radiological evaluation included measurement of the MP, the acetabular index (AI), the epiphyseal shaft angle (ESA) and the pelvic femoral angle (PFA). The presence and grade of AVN were assessed radiologically according to the Kruczynski classification. Signs of AVN (grades I to V) were seen in 79 hips (68.7%). A total of 23 hips (18%) were classified between grades III and V. Although open reduction of the hip combined with femoral and Dega osteotomy is an effective form of treatment for children with CP and dislocation of the hip, there were signs of avascular necrosis in about two-thirds of the children. There was a strong correlation between post-operative pain and the severity of the grade of AVN. ©2015 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

Intranasal mast cell tumor in the dog: A case series

PubMed Central

Khoo, Alison; Lane, Amy; Wyatt, Ken

2017-01-01

The medical records of 4 dogs with histologically confirmed intranasal mast cell tumors (MCTs) were retrospectively evaluated to determine their biological behavior. Information on signalment, presenting clinical signs, tumor grade, treatment administered, and survival times was obtained from the medical record. All 4 patients had high grade tumors and received chemotherapy. Survival times ranged from 27 to 134 days. All 4 dogs showed signs of local or distant disease progression, suggestive of an aggressive behavior of intranasal MCTs. PMID:28761193

Low-grade prostate tumors can harbor signs of aggressive cancer | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

In a new study, Center for Cancer Research investigators found that low-grade and high-grade regions of prostate tumor tissue shared mutations typically linked to aggressive cancer. Testing for mutations to specific genes could help clinicians decide whether a patient with an initial low-grade result should undergo a follow-up biopsy. Learn more...

Comparative analysis of reflective sheeting.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-01-01

A comparative analysis was made of the initial brightness of seibulite brand super engineering grade and scotchlite brand high intensity grade reflective sheeting under road conditions. Overhead and ground-mounted guide signs were analyzed. Human fac...

[Evaluation of cartilage defects in the knee: validity of clinical, magnetic-resonance-imaging and radiological findings compared with arthroscopy].

PubMed

Spahn, G; Wittig, R; Kahl, E; Klinger, H M; Mückley, T; Hofmann, G O

2007-05-01

The study was aimed to evaluate the validity of clinical, radiological and MRI examination for cartilage defects of the knee compared with arthroscopic finding. Seven-hundred seventy-two patients who were suffering from knee pain over more than 3 months were evaluated clinical (grinding-sign) and with radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subsequent arthroscopy. The grinding sign had a sensitivity of 0.39. The association of a positive grinding test with high grade cartilage defects was significant (p<0.000). In 97.4% an intact chondral surface correlated with a normal radiological finding. Subchondral sclerosis, exophytes and a joint space narrowing was significantly associated with high grade cartilage defects (p<0.000). The accuracy of MRI was 59.5%. The MRI resulted in an overestimation in 36.6% and an underestimation in 3.9%. False-positive results were significant more often assessed in low-grade cartilage defects (p<0.000). Clinical signs, x-ray imaging and MRI correlate with arthroscopic findings in cases of deep cartilage lesions. In intact or low-grade degenerated cartilage often results an overestimating of these findings.

"Fiberoptic variable message signs" : Ladd Canyon - Drinking Fountain Grade Section , Old Oregon Trail Highway (Interstate 84) : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-02-01

The SYLVIA fiberoptic variable message signs (VMS) were installed on the Old Oregon Trail Highway (I-84) at milepost 263.4 near La Grande and at milepost 286.7 near North Powder. The purpose of the signs is to warn motorists of fog, winter blizzard c...

Pink-color sign in esophageal squamous neoplasia, and speculation regarding the underlying mechanism

PubMed Central

Ishihara, Ryu; Kanzaki, Hiromitsu; Iishi, Hiroyasu; Nagai, Kengo; Matsui, Fumi; Yamashina, Takeshi; Matsuura, Noriko; Ito, Takashi; Fujii, Mototsugu; Yamamoto, Sachiko; Hanaoka, Noboru; Takeuchi, Yoji; Higashino, Koji; Uedo, Noriya; Tatsuta, Masaharu; Tomita, Yasuhiko; Ishiguro, Shingo

2013-01-01

AIM: To investigate the reasons for the occurrence of the pink-color sign of iodine-unstained lesions. METHODS: In chromoendoscopy, the pink-color sign of iodine-unstained lesions is recognized as useful for the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with superficial esophageal neoplasms treated by endoscopic resection were included in the study. Areas of mucosa with and without the pink-color sign were evaluated histologically. The following histologic features that were possibly associated with the pink-color sign were evaluated. The keratinous layer and basal cell layer were classified as present or absent. Cellular atypia was classified as high grade, moderate grade or low grade, based on nuclear irregularity, mitotic figures, loss of polarity, chromatin pattern and nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. Vascular change was assessed based on dilatation, tortuosity, caliber change and variability in shape. Vessels with these four findings were classified as positive for vascular change. Endoscopic images of the lesions were captured immediately after iodine staining, 2-3 min after iodine staining and after complete fading of iodine staining. Quantitative analysis of color changes after iodine staining was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 61 superficial esophageal neoplasms in 54 patients were included in the study. The lesions were located in the cervical esophagus in one case, the upper thoracic esophagus in 10 cases, the mid-thoracic esophagus in 33 cases, and the lower thoracic esophagus in 17 cases. The median diameter of the lesions was 20 mm (range: 2-74 mm). Of the 61 lesions, 28 were classified as pink-color sign positive and 33 as pink-color sign negative. The histologic diagnosis was high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) or cancer invading into the lamina propria in 26 of the 28 pink-color sign positive lesions. There was a significant association between pink-color sign positive epithelium and HGIN or invasive cancer (P = 0.0001). Univariate analyses found that absence of the keratinous layer and cellular atypia were significantly associated with the pink-color sign. After Bonferroni correction, there were no significant associations between the pink-color sign and presence of the basal membrane or vascular change. Multivariate analyses found that only absence of the keratinous layer was independently associated with the pink-color sign (OR = 58.8, 95%CI: 5.5-632). Quantitative analysis was performed on 10 superficial esophageal neoplasms with both pink-color sign positive and negative areas in 10 patients. Pink-color sign positive mucosa had a lower mean color value in the late phase (pinkish color) than in the early phase (yellowish color), and had similar mean color values in the late and final phases. These findings suggest that pink-color positive mucosa underwent color fading from the color of the iodine (yellow) to the color of the mucosa (pink) within 2-3 min after iodine staining. Pink-color sign negative mucosa had similar mean color values in the late and early phases (yellowish color), and had a lower mean color value in the final phase (pinkish color) than in the late phase. These findings suggest that pink-color sign negative mucosa did not undergo color fading during the 2-3 min after iodine staining, and underwent color fading only after spraying of sodium thiosulfate. CONCLUSION: The pink-color sign was associated with absence of the keratinous layer. This sign may be caused by early fading of iodine staining. PMID:23885140

Education, socio-economic status and age-related macular degeneration in Asians: the Singapore Malay Eye Study.

PubMed

Cackett, P; Tay, W T; Aung, T; Wang, J J; Shankar, A; Saw, S M; Mitchell, P; Wong, T Y

2008-10-01

Low socio-economic status is increasingly being identified as a risk marker for chronic diseases, but few studies have investigated the link between socio-economic factors and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The present study aimed to assess the association between socio-economic status and the prevalence of AMD. A population-based cross-sectional study of 3280 (78.7% response rate) Malay adults aged 40-80 years residing in 15 south-western districts of Singapore. AMD was graded from retinal photographs at a central reading centre using the modified Wisconsin AMD scale. Early and late AMD signs were graded from retinal photographs following the Wisconsin grading system. Socio-economic status including education, housing type and income were determined from a detailed interview. Of the participants, 3265 had photographs of sufficient quality for grading of AMD. Early AMD was present in 168 (5.1%) and late AMD in 21 (0.6%). After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and body mass index, participants with lower educational levels were significantly more likely to have early AMD (multivariate OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.0). This association was stronger in persons who had never smoked (multivariate OR 3.6, 95% confidence CI 1.4 to 9.4). However, no association with housing type or income was seen. Low educational level is associated with a higher prevalence of early AMD signs in our Asian population, independent of age, cardiovascular risk factors and cigarette smoking.

Advances in Imaging and Management Trends of Traumatic Aortic Injuries.

PubMed

Nagpal, Prashant; Mullan, Brian F; Sen, Indrani; Saboo, Sachin S; Khandelwal, Ashish

2017-05-01

Acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI) is a life-threatening injury. CT is the imaging tool of choice, and the knowledge of direct and indirect signs of injury, grading system, and current management protocol helps the emergency radiologist to better identify and classify the injury and provide additional details that can impact management options. Newer dual-source CT technology with ultrafast acquisition speed has also influenced the appropriate protocol for imaging in patients with suspected ATAI. This review highlights the imaging protocol in patients with blunt trauma, CT appearance and grading systems of ATAI, management options, and the role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of these patients. We also briefly review the current literature on the definition, treatment, and follow-up protocol in patients with minimal aortic injury.

Use of Sound with Digital Text: Moving beyond Sound as an Add-On or Decoration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shanahan, Lynn

2012-01-01

The purpose of this interpretive case study was to explore--through a close analysis of one class project--students' use of audio signs and the teacher's scaffolding of the use of audio signs. Two research questions guided this study: (a) In what ways did the fifth-grade students use audio signs, specifically transitions sounds, when constructing…

Outcome and clinical signs of arthroscopically graded patellar chondromalacia with or without lateral release.

PubMed

Korkala, O L; Isotalo, T M; Lavonius, M I; Niskanen, R O

1995-01-01

In a follow-up study of 67 patients with an arthroscopically diagnosed patellar chondromalacia, we compared the results of plain conservative treatment with those after an open lateral retinacular release. The mean follow-up was 35 months. In Grade I chondromalacia the lateral release did not affect the result, which was in all cases good or excellent. In Grade II to IV chondromalacia the lateral release appeared beneficial, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. We also examined the validity of three clinical signs in arthroscopically verified patellar chondromalacia. Patellar inhibition and tracking tests were clearly more sensitive than the lateral apprehension test, which often gave a false negative result. If the patellar inhibition test is positive and a Grade II to IV chondromalacia of the patella is found at arthroscopy, lateral release should be considered among other procedures, like patellar shaving or patellar resurfacing.

Experimental Design for Evaluating the Safety Benefits of Railroad Advance Warning Signs

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-04-01

The report presents the findings and conclusions of a study to develop an experimental design and analysis plan for field testing and evaluation of the accident reduction potential of a proposed new railroad grade crossing advance warning sign. Sever...

Advances in Imaging and Management Trends of Traumatic Aortic Injuries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagpal, Prashant, E-mail: drprashantnagpal@gmail.com, E-mail: Prashant-nagpal@uiowa.edu; Mullan, Brian F.; Sen, Indrani

Acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI) is a life-threatening injury. CT is the imaging tool of choice, and the knowledge of direct and indirect signs of injury, grading system, and current management protocol helps the emergency radiologist to better identify and classify the injury and provide additional details that can impact management options. Newer dual-source CT technology with ultrafast acquisition speed has also influenced the appropriate protocol for imaging in patients with suspected ATAI. This review highlights the imaging protocol in patients with blunt trauma, CT appearance and grading systems of ATAI, management options, and the role of the multidisciplinary teammore » in the management of these patients. We also briefly review the current literature on the definition, treatment, and follow-up protocol in patients with minimal aortic injury.« less

Concussion: comparison of humans and rats.

PubMed

Parkinson, D; West, M; Pathiraja, T

1978-01-01

Concussion is the most primitive and probably the most simple central nervous system response to an outside agent. Although millions of neurons undergo a very rapid reversal with loss and restoration of function, many physicians argue that every knockout blow leaves some residual damage, i.e., some or all of these neurons stop short of recovery. Clinical experience shows a wide discrepancy in the appearance or persistence of certain signs and symptoms after all types of head injury, but particularly after concussing blows, when third party or grievance cases are involved. Using slow motion filmstrips of boxing ring knockouts, we established a grading system for concussion and duplicated these grades in nonanesthetized rats. When we compared the performance, learning, and memory of concussed rats with their preconcussion performance and with the performance of nonconcussed controls, we were unable to find any differences.

How Second-Grade Students Internalize Rules during Teacher-Student Transactions: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meard, Jacques; Bertone, Stefano; Flavier, Eric

2008-01-01

Background: Vygotsky's theory of the internalization of signs provided the basis for this study. Aims: This study tried to analyse the processes by which second-grade students internalize school rules. Sample: Ethnographic data were collected on 102 lessons in a second-grade class (6-8 years) during 1 year. This study focused on three lessons…

American Sign Language Syntactic and Narrative Comprehension in Skilled and Less Skilled Readers: Bilingual and Bimodal Evidence for the Linguistic Basis of Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chamberlain, Charlene; Mayberry, Rachel I.

2008-01-01

We tested the hypothesis that syntactic and narrative comprehension of a natural sign language can serve as the linguistic basis for skilled reading. Thirty-one adults who were deaf from birth and used American Sign Language (ASL) were classified as skilled or less skilled readers using an eighth-grade criterion. Proficiency with ASL syntax, and…

Rotator cuff muscle degeneration and tear severity related to myogenic, adipogenic, and atrophy genes in human muscle.

PubMed

Shah, Shivam A; Kormpakis, Ioannis; Cavinatto, Leonardo; Killian, Megan L; Thomopoulos, Stavros; Galatz, Leesa M

2017-12-01

Large rotator cuff tear size and advanced muscle degeneration can affect reparability of tears and compromise tendon healing. Clinicians often rely on direct measures of rotator cuff tear size and muscle degeneration from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine whether the rotator cuff tear is repairable. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between gene expression changes in rotator cuff muscle degeneration to standard data available to clinicians. Radiographic assessment of preoperative rotator cuff tear severity was completed for 25 patients with varying magnitudes of rotator cuff tears. Tear width and retraction were measured using MRI, and Goutallier grade, tangent (tan) sign, and Thomazeau grade were determined. Expression of myogenic-, adipogenic-, atrophy-, and metabolism-related genes in biopsied muscles were correlated with tear width, tear retraction, Goutallier grade, tan sign, and Thomazeau grade. Tear width positively correlated with Goutallier grade in both the supraspinatus (r = 0.73) and infraspinatus (r = 0.77), along with tan sign (r = 0.71) and Thomazeau grade (r = 0.68). Decreased myogenesis (Myf5), increased adipogenesis (CEBPα, Lep, Wnt10b), and decreased metabolism (PPARα) correlated with radiographic assessments. Gene expression changes suggest that rotator cuff tears lead to a dramatic molecular response in an attempt to maintain normal muscle tissue, increase adipogenesis, and decrease metabolism. Fat accumulation and muscle atrophy appear to stem from endogenous changes rather than from changes mediated by infiltrating cells. Results suggest that chronic unloading of muscle, induced by rotator cuff tear, disrupts muscle homeostasis. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2808-2814, 2017. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quantitative molecular viral loads in 7 horses with naturally occurring equine herpesvirus-1 infection.

PubMed

Estell, K E; Dawson, D R; Magdesian, K G; Swain, E; Laing, S T; Siso, S; Mapes, S; Pusterla, N

2015-11-01

Data associating quantitative viral load with severity, clinical signs and survival in equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM) have not been reported. To report the clinical signs, treatment, and temporal progression of viral loads in 7 horses with naturally occurring EHM and to examine the association of these factors with survival. Retrospective case series. The population included 7 horses with EHM presented to the University of California, Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from May to September 2011. Horses were graded using a neurological grading scale. Daily quantitative PCR was performed on nasal secretions and whole blood. Treatment, survival, outcome and histopathology were reported. At presentation, one horse was neurological grade 5/5, 3 were grade 4/5 and 3 were grade 3/5. All were treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, valacyclovir and management in a sling if necessary. All were infected with equine herpesvirus-1 of DNA polymerase D752 genotype. Peak viral load in nasal secretions and blood of 5 survivors ranged from 6.9 × 10(3) to 2.81 × 10(5) (median 5.11 × 10(4) ) and from 143 to 4340 gB gene copies/million eukaryotic cells (median 3146), respectively. The 2 nonsurvivors presented with grade 3/5 neurological signs and progressed to encephalopathy. Peak viral load was higher in nonsurvivors, with levels in nasal secretions of 1.9 × 10(9) and 2.2 × 10(9) and in blood of 2.05 × 10(4) and 1.02 × 10(5) gB gene copies/million eukaryotic cells. Case fatality was 2/7. Nonsurvivors had viral loads 1000-fold higher in nasal secretions and 10-fold higher in blood than survivors. There was no relationship between severity of clinical signs at presentation and survival. Thus, encephalopathy and high viral load were negatively associated with survival in this population. Further research should be performed to determine whether high viral loads are associated with encephalopathy and poor prognosis. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information. © 2014 EVJ Ltd.

Standard operating procedures for ESPEN guidelines and consensus papers.

PubMed

Bischoff, Stephan C; Singer, Pierre; Koller, Michael; Barazzoni, Rocco; Cederholm, Tommy; van Gossum, André

2015-12-01

The ESPEN Guideline standard operating procedures (SOP) is based on the methodology provided by the Association of Scientific Medical Societies of Germany (AWMF), the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), and the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine at the University of Oxford. The SOP is valid and obligatory for all future ESPEN-sponsored guideline projects aiming to generate high-quality guidelines on a regular basis. The SOP aims to facilitate the preparation of guideline projects, to streamline the consensus process, to ensure quality and transparency, and to facilitate the dissemination and publication of ESPEN guidelines. To achieve this goal, the ESPEN Guidelines Editorial board (GEB) has been established headed by two chairmen. The GEB will support and supervise the guideline processes and is responsible for the strategic planning of ESPEN guideline activities. Key elements of the SOP are the generation of well-built clinical questions according to the PICO system, a systemic literature search, a classification of the selected literature according to the SIGN evidence levels providing an evidence table, and a clear and straight-forward consensus procedure consisting of online voting's and a consensus conference. Only experts who meet the obligation to disclosure any potential conflict of interests and who are not employed by the Industry can participate in the guideline process. All recommendations will be graded according to the SIGN grading and novel outcome models besides biomedical endpoints. This approach will further extent the leadership of ESPEN in creating up-to-date and suitable for implementation guidelines and in sharing knowledge on malnutrition and clinical nutrition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Pedestrian/bicyclist warning devices and signs at highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossings.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-04-01

Federal reporting shows a relatively constant number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities at highway-rail and : pathway-rail grade crossings over the past 10 years. This is in contrast to a marked decrease in trainvehicle : collisions at highway-r...

Physical therapy for facial paralysis: a tailored treatment approach.

PubMed

Brach, J S; VanSwearingen, J M

1999-04-01

Bell palsy is an acute facial paralysis of unknown etiology. Although recovery from Bell palsy is expected without intervention, clinical experience suggests that recovery is often incomplete. This case report describes a classification system used to guide treatment and to monitor recovery of an individual with facial paralysis. The patient was a 71-year-old woman with complete left facial paralysis secondary to Bell palsy. Signs and symptoms were assessed using a standardized measure of facial impairment (Facial Grading System [FGS]) and questions regarding functional limitations. A treatment-based category was assigned based on signs and symptoms. Rehabilitation involved muscle re-education exercises tailored to the treatment-based category. In 14 physical therapy sessions over 13 months, the patient had improved facial impairments (initial FGS score= 17/100, final FGS score= 68/100) and no reported functional limitations. Recovery from Bell palsy can be a complicated and lengthy process. The use of a classification system may help simplify the rehabilitation process.

Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm of the Liver or Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Bile Duct? A Case Report and a Review of Literature.

PubMed

Kunovsky, Lumir; Kala, Zdenek; Svaton, Roman; Moravcik, Petr; Mazanec, Jan; Husty, Jakub; Prochazka, Vladimir

2018-01-01

Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the bile duct (IPMN-B) are diagnoses that were classified by the World Health Organization in 2010 as mucin-producing bile duct tumors of the hepatobiliary system. The preoperative differential diagnosis between these two entities is difficult; the presence of a communication with the bile duct is usually considered as a typical sign of IPMN-B. However, the presence of an ovarian-like stroma (OLS) has been established to define the diagnosis of MCN-L. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman with a rapid progression of a cystic tumor of the liver. In 2 years, the lesion increased from 27 to 64 mm and a dilation of the left hepatic duct appeared. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage with a biopsy was performed. No malignant cells were found on biopsy. Because of the rapid progression of the cystic tumor and unclear malignant potential, left hemihepatectomy was performed. Even though tumor masses were present in the biliary duct, on the basis of the presence of OLS, histology finally confirmed MCN-L with intermediate-grade intraepithelial dysplasia to high-grade intraepithelial dysplasia. The patient is currently under oncologic follow-up with no signs of recurrence of the disease. We present a rare case where MCN-L caused a dilation of the left hepatic duct, a sign that is usually a characteristic of IPMN-B.

Jaw symptoms and signs and the connection to cranial cervical symptoms and post-traumatic stress during the first year after a whiplash trauma.

PubMed

Severinsson, Yvonne; Bunketorp, Olle; Wenneberg, Bengt

2010-01-01

To estimate the prevalence of jaw symptoms and signs during the first year after a neck sprain in a car collision. Further, to determine their relationships to the localisation and grade of the initial neck symptoms and signs, headache, post-traumatic stress and crash characteristics. One hundred and forty-six adult subjects and crash characteristics were prospectively investigated in an in-depth study during 1997-2001. Head, neck, and jaw symptoms and signs were recorded within 5 weeks and after 1 year. Acute post-traumatic stress was estimated with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Jaw symptoms were initially reported by three men (5%) and three women (4%), and subsequently developed in eight women (10%) during the following year. Jaw signs were noted initially in 53 subjects (37%) and in 28 subjects (24%) after 1 year, without difference between sexes, and more often after low-speed impacts. Headache in females, cranial cervical symptoms, pronounced neck problems, post-traumatic stress and whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) grade II-III after rear-end impacts were related to jaw signs during the acute phase. After 1 year, jaw signs were related to residual neck problems, headache and post-traumatic stress. Jaw symptoms are seldom reported during the acute phase after a whiplash trauma. Women more often than men develop jaw symptoms during the first year. Jaw symptoms and signs may develop also after low-speed impacts, especially after rear-end collisions. Jaw symptoms and signs should be observed after whiplash trauma, especially in those with headache, pronounced neck problems, cranial neck symptoms and post-traumatic stress.

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SciLinks Forgot your login? Sign up for FREE access Log In I'm a ... Teacher Student User Name questions and satisfy their curiosity Learn More Sign up for Free Access Sites in the SciLinks program . SciLinks-Targeted, Grade-Specific Web Content for your Books Free web content to extend and expand student

Teaching Mathematics Vocabulary with an Interactive Signing Math Dictionary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vesel, Judy; Robillard, Tara

2013-01-01

State frameworks and national standards are explicit about the mathematics content that students must master at each grade level. Although the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act mandate that students who are deaf or hard of hearing and communicate in sign language have access to this content, evidence…

The Importance of Equal Sign Understanding in the Middle Grades

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knuth, Eric J.; Alibali, Martha W.; Hattikudur, Shanta; McNeil, Nicole M.; Stephens, Ana C.

2008-01-01

The equal sign is perhaps the most prevalent symbol in school mathematics, and developing an understanding of it has typically been considered mathematically straightforward. In fact, after its initial introduction during students' early elementary school education, little, if any instructional time is explicitly spent on the concept in the later…

Subclinical ultrasonographic abnormalities of the suspensory ligament branches in National Hunt racehorses.

PubMed

Fairburn, A J; Busschers, E; Barr, A R S

2017-07-01

Suspensory ligament branch (SLB) desmopathy is a common cause of lameness and an important cause of lost training in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Studies have assessed the impact of insertional injuries of the SLB on the careers of flat racehorses and established the prevalence of subclinical ultrasonographic SLB abnormalities in this population, but little work has investigated SLB injury in National Hunt (NH) racehorses. To investigate the prevalence of subclinical ultrasonographic SLB abnormalities in NH racehorses with no clinical signs or history of SLB injury and to establish the cross-sectional area (CSA) of SLBs in this population. Cross-sectional study using data collected from horses on an NH yard. Ultrasonographic examination of forelimb SLBs in 62 horses on a single NH yard was performed. Images were graded according to a previously reported system. CSA measurements were obtained from transverse images. Nineteen of 62 horses had at least one SLB with grade 2 ultrasonographic abnormalities. Grade 2 ultrasonographic abnormalities occurred more frequently in the medial than the lateral SLB (P = 0.05). The medial SLB insertional CSA was significantly larger (P<0.001) than that of the lateral SLB. Length of time on the yard (and therefore available veterinary history) is variable in this population. One in three NH racehorses without history or clinical signs of SLB injury had at least one SLB with a grade 2 ultrasonographic abnormality. The medial branch was over-represented. The medial SLB insertional CSA is larger than the lateral and thus comparison with the corresponding branch in the contralateral limb is recommended to avoid misdiagnosis of medial SLB enlargement. © 2016 EVJ Ltd.

Limaprost alfadex improves myelopathy symptoms in patients with cervical spinal canal stenosis.

PubMed

Sugawara, Taku; Hirano, Yoshitaka; Higashiyama, Naoki; Mizoi, Kazuo

2009-03-15

Myelopathy symptoms were prospectively studied in patients with cervical spinal canal stenosis (CSCS), using objective grading systems and stabilometry, to examine the effect of administration of prostaglandin E1 derivative limaprost alfadex (limaprost). Myelopathy scores/grades and stabilometry parameters were evaluated before, and 1 and 3 months after starting the limaprost treatment. Limaprost is a potent vasodilator and antiplatelet agent and has been used to treat the symptoms of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. The action presumably involves increased blood flow in the compressed cauda equina. Limaprost can also increase blood flow in the compressed spinal cord, but effects on myelopathy symptoms in patients with CSCS have not been established. This study examined 21 patients with mild spondylotic CSCS based on neurologic findings and compression of the cervical spinal cord on magnetic resonance imaging. Japanese Orthopedic Association score, grip and release test, and finger escape sign were measured, and stabilometry was performed by independent examiners, before, and 1 and 3 months after starting the oral limaprost treatment. Most patients experienced amelioration of the symptoms at 1 month after starting the treatment. Mean Japanese Orthopedic Association score and grip and release count were significantly improved and finger escape sign grade was higher in some patients. Stabilometry area with eyes closed and Romberg rate were also significantly improved. These improvements were maintained at 3 months. The efficacy of oral limaprost administration for patients with CSCS was confirmed by objective scoring and quantitative data.

Fostering Middle School Students' Relational Thinking of the Equal Sign Using GeoGebra

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ko, Yi-Yin; Karadag, Zekeriya

2013-01-01

Current reforms in mathematics education have called for a stronger emphasis on the teaching and learning of algebra for all students at all grade levels. Succeeding in algebra can prepare students to learn and understand more advanced mathematics in the future. One topic in algebra--the equal sign--has received considerable attention in middle…

Composing "Kid-Friendly" Multimodal Text: When Conversations, Instruction, and Signs Come Together

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shanahan, Lynn E.

2013-01-01

This interpretive case study investigated how a fifth-grade teacher's social practices with visual and linguistic signs positioned her students (10- and 11-year-olds) to take up particular modes as they constructed digital compositions. The context of the study was a suburban public school in the northeastern United States. Analysis was threefold.…

49 CFR 222.35 - What are the minimum requirements for quiet zones?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... within a single political jurisdiction shall be separated by at least one public highway-rail grade... include grade crossings on a segment of rail line crossing more than one political jurisdiction. (b... be credited in calculating the Quiet Zone Risk Index. (c) Advance warning signs. (1) Each highway...

49 CFR 222.35 - What are the minimum requirements for quiet zones?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... within a single political jurisdiction shall be separated by at least one public highway-rail grade... include grade crossings on a segment of rail line crossing more than one political jurisdiction. (b... be credited in calculating the Quiet Zone Risk Index. (c) Advance warning signs. (1) Each highway...

New View on the Initial Development Site and Radiographic Classification System of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Based on Radiographic Analysis

PubMed Central

Moon, Ki-Ho

2012-01-01

Introduction: Radiographic pathology of severe osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) such as severe osteophyte at tibial spine (TS), compartment narrowing, marginal osteophyte, and subchondral sclerosis is well known. Kellgren-Lawrence grading system, which is widely used to diagnose OAK, describes narrowing-marginal osteophyte in 4-grades but uses osteophyte at TS only as evidence of OAK without detailed-grading. However, kinematically the knee employs medial TS as an axis while medial and lateral compartments carry the load, suggesting that early OAK would occur sooner at TS than at compartment. Then, Kellgren-Lawrence system may be inadequate to diagnose early-stage OAK manifested as a subtle osteophyte at TS without narrowing-marginal osteophyte. This undiagnosed-OAK will deteriorate becoming a contributing factor in an increasing incidence of OAK. Methods: This study developed a radiographic OAK-marker based on both osteophyte at TS and compartment narrowing-marginal osteophyte and graded as normal, mild, moderate, and severe. With this marker, both knee radiographs of 1,728 patients with knee pain were analyzed. Results: Among 611 early-stage mild OAK, 562 or 92% started at TS and 49 or 8% at compartment. It suggests the initial development site of OAK, helping develop new site-specific radiographic classification system of OAK accurately to diagnose all severity of OAK at early, intermediate, or late-stage. It showed that Kellgren-Lawrence system missed 92.0% of early-stage mild OAK from diagnosis. Conclusions: A subtle osteophyte at TS is the earliest radiographic sign of OAK. A new radiographic classification system of OAK was suggested for accurate diagnosis of all OAK in severity and at stage. PMID:23675278

New view on the initial development site and radiographic classification system of osteoarthritis of the knee based on radiographic analysis.

PubMed

Moon, Ki-Ho

2012-12-01

Radiographic pathology of severe osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) such as severe osteophyte at tibial spine (TS), compartment narrowing, marginal osteophyte, and subchondral sclerosis is well known. Kellgren-Lawrence grading system, which is widely used to diagnose OAK, describes narrowing-marginal osteophyte in 4-grades but uses osteophyte at TS only as evidence of OAK without detailed-grading. However, kinematically the knee employs medial TS as an axis while medial and lateral compartments carry the load, suggesting that early OAK would occur sooner at TS than at compartment. Then, Kellgren-Lawrence system may be inadequate to diagnose early-stage OAK manifested as a subtle osteophyte at TS without narrowing-marginal osteophyte. This undiagnosed-OAK will deteriorate becoming a contributing factor in an increasing incidence of OAK. This study developed a radiographic OAK-marker based on both osteophyte at TS and compartment narrowing-marginal osteophyte and graded as normal, mild, moderate, and severe. With this marker, both knee radiographs of 1,728 patients with knee pain were analyzed. Among 611 early-stage mild OAK, 562 or 92% started at TS and 49 or 8% at compartment. It suggests the initial development site of OAK, helping develop new site-specific radiographic classification system of OAK accurately to diagnose all severity of OAK at early, intermediate, or late-stage. It showed that Kellgren-Lawrence system missed 92.0% of early-stage mild OAK from diagnosis. A subtle osteophyte at TS is the earliest radiographic sign of OAK. A new radiographic classification system of OAK was suggested for accurate diagnosis of all OAK in severity and at stage.

Identification of neuropathic pain in patients with neck/upper limb pain: application of a grading system and screening tools.

PubMed

Tampin, Brigitte; Briffa, Noelle Kathryn; Goucke, Roger; Slater, Helen

2013-12-01

The Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group (NeuPSIG) of the International Association for the Study of Pain has proposed a grading system for the presence of neuropathic pain (NeP) using the following categories: no NeP, possible, probable, or definite NeP. To further evaluate this system, we investigated patients with neck/upper limb pain with a suspected nerve lesion, to explore: (i) the clinical application of this grading system; (ii) the suitability of 2 NeP questionnaires (Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale [LANSS] and the painDETECT questionnaire [PD-Q]) in identifying NeP in this patient cohort; and (iii) the level of agreement in identifying NeP between the NeuPSIG classification system and 2 NeP questionnaires. Patients (n = 152; age 52 ± 12 years; 53% male) completed the PD-Q and LANSS questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive clinical examination. The NeuPSIG grading system proved feasible for application in this patient cohort, although it required considerable time and expertise. Both questionnaires failed to identify a large number of patients with clinically classified definite NeP (LANSS sensitivity 22%, specificity 88%; PD-Q sensitivity 64%, specificity 62%). These lowered sensitivity scores contrast with those from the original PD-Q and LANSS validation studies and may reflect differences in the clinical characteristics of the study populations. The diagnostic accuracy of LANSS and PD-Q for the identification of NeP in patients with neck/upper limb pain appears limited. Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Symptomatic relevance of intravertebral cleft in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

PubMed

Kawaguchi, Satoshi; Horigome, Keiko; Yajima, Hideki; Oda, Takashi; Kii, Yuichiro; Ida, Kazunori; Yoshimoto, Mitsunori; Iba, Kousuke; Takebayashi, Tsuneo; Yamashita, Toshihiko

2010-08-01

The present study was designed to determine clinical and radiographic characteristics of unhealed osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) and the role of fracture mobility and an intravertebral cleft in the regulation of pain symptoms in patients with an OVF. Patients who had persistent low-back pain for 3 months or longer and a collapsed thoracic or lumbar vertebra that had an intervertebral cleft and abnormal mobility were referred to as having unhealed OVFs. Twenty-four patients with an unhealed OVF and 30 patients with an acute OVF were compared with regard to several clinical and radiographic features including the presence of an intravertebral fluid sign. Subsequently, the extent of dynamic mobility of the fractured vertebra was analyzed for correlation with the patients' age, duration of symptoms, back pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, and performance status. Finally, in cases of unhealed OVFs, the subgroup of patients with positive fluid signs was compared with the subgroup of patients with negative fluid signs. Patients with an unhealed OVF were more likely to have a crush-type fracture, shorter vertebral height of the fractured vertebra, and a fracture with a positive fluid sign than those with an acute OVF. The extent of dynamic mobility of the vertebra correlated significantly with the VAS score in patients with an unhealed OVF. In addition, a significant correlation with the extent of dynamic vertebral mobility with performance status was seen in patients with an unhealed OVF and those with an acute OVF. Of the 24 patients with an unhealed OVF, 14 had a positive fluid sign in the affected vertebra. Patients with a positive fluid sign exhibited a statistically significantly greater extent of dynamic vertebral mobility, a higher VAS score, a higher performance status grade, and a greater likelihood of having a crush-type fracture than those with a negative fluid sign. All but 1 patient with an unhealed OVF and a positive fluid sign had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Grade 3 or 4 (bedridden most or all of the time). In sharp contrast, all 10 patients with an unhealed OVF and a negative fluid sign were Grade 1 or 2. Unhealed OVFs form a group of fractures that are distinct from acute OVFs regarding radiographic morphometry and contents of the intravertebral cleft. Dynamic vertebral mobility serves as a primal pain determinant in patients with an unhealed OVF and potentially in those with an acute OVF. Fluid accumulation in the intravertebral cleft of unhealed OVFs likely reflects long-term bedridden positioning of the patients in daily activity.

Equations and the Equal Sign in Elementary Mathematics Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powell, Sarah R.

2012-01-01

To promote a relational understanding of the equal sign (=), students may require exposure to a variety of equation types (i.e., 3 = 8 - 5; 2 + 3 = 1 + 4; 9 - 3 = 6). The purpose of this study was to evaluate 8 elementary curricula for degree of exposure to equation types. Across 6 elementary grade levels, curricula were coded for the number of…

Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievement of Elementary Students in Mississippi

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCorvey-Watson, Catherine

2012-01-01

In 2002, President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which added accountability to President Lyndon Johnson's original Title I legislation of 1964. Specifically, it required that all children in Grades 3-8, by school year 2014, regardless of socioeconomic status, perform at or above grade level requirements in mathematics…

Road Signs to Writing: Language Curriculum, Levels C-D [Grades Three and Four]; Teacher's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oregon Univ., Eugene. Oregon Elementary English Project.

Developed by the Oregon Elementary English Project, this curriculum unit, intended for grades three and four, introduces students to some of the mechanics of writing and provides some practice in using these mechanics. The unit contains an introduction to writing and seven sections, covering beginning and end punctuation, commas, the apostrophe,…

Rectal Bleeding After High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Combined With Hypofractionated External-Beam Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: The Relationship Between Dose-Volume Histogram Parameters and the Occurrence Rate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Okamoto, Masahiko, E-mail: masaoka@showa.gunma-u.ac.jp; Ishikawa, Hitoshi; Ebara, Takeshi

2012-02-01

Purpose: To determine the predictive risk factors for Grade 2 or worse rectal bleeding after high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) combined with hypofractionated external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer using dose-volume histogram analysis. Methods and Materials: The records of 216 patients treated with HDR-BT combined with EBRT were analyzed. The treatment protocols for HDR-BT were 5 Gy Multiplication-Sign five times in 3 days or 7 Gy Multiplication-Sign three, 10.5 Gy Multiplication-Sign two, or 9 Gy Multiplication-Sign two in 2 days. The EBRT doses ranged from 45 to 51 Gy with a fractional dose of 3 Gy. Results: In 20 patients Grade 2more » or worse rectal bleeding developed, and the cumulative incidence rate was 9% at 5 years. By converting the HDR-BT and EBRT radiation doses into biologic effective doses (BED), the BED{sub 3} at rectal volumes of 5% and 10% in the patients who experienced bleeding were significantly higher than those in the remaining 196 patients. Univariate analysis showed that a higher rectal BED{sub 3-5%} and the use of fewer needles in brachytherapy were correlated with the incidence of bleeding, but BED{sub 3-5%} was found to be the only significant factor on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The radiation dose delivered to small rectal lesions as 5% is important for predicting Grade 2 or worse rectal bleeding after HDR-BT combined with EBRT for prostate cancer.« less

Comparison of pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilization and fusion surgery in the treatment of radiographic adjacent-segment degeneration: a retrospective analysis of single L5-S1 degenerative spondylosis covering 4 years.

PubMed

Han, Yu; Sun, Jianguang; Luo, Chenghan; Huang, Shilei; Li, Liren; Ji, Xiang; Duan, Xiaozong; Wang, Zhenqing; Pi, Guofu

2016-12-01

OBJECTIVE Pedicle screw-based dynamic spinal stabilization systems (PDSs) were devised to decrease, theoretically, the risk of long-term complications such as adjacent-segment degeneration (ASD) after lumbar fusion surgery. However, to date, there have been few studies that fully proved that a PDS can reduce the risk of ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a PDS can influence the incidence of ASD and to discuss the surgical coping strategy for L5-S1 segmental spondylosis with preexisting L4-5 degeneration with no related symptoms or signs. METHODS This study retrospectively compared 62 cases of L5-S1 segmental spondylosis in patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (n = 31) or K-Rod dynamic stabilization (n = 31) with a minimum of 4 years' follow-up. The authors measured the intervertebral heights and spinopelvic parameters on standing lateral radiographs and evaluated preexisting ASD on preoperative MR images using the modified Pfirrmann grading system. Radiographic ASD was evaluated according to the results of radiography during follow-up. RESULTS All 62 patients achieved remission of their neurological symptoms without surgical complications. The Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional-hazards model showed no statistically significant differences between the 2 surgical groups in the incidence of radiographic ASD (p > 0.05). In contrast, the incidence of radiographic ASD was 8.75 times (95% CI 1.955-39.140; p = 0.005) higher in the patients with a preoperative modified Pfirrmann grade higher than 3 than it was in patients with a modified Pfirrmann grade of 3 or lower. In addition, no statistical significance was found for other risk factors such as age, sex, and spinopelvic parameters. CONCLUSIONS Pedicle screw-based dynamic spinal stabilization systems were not found to be superior to posterior lumbar interbody fusion in preventing radiographic ASD (L4-5) during the midterm follow-up. Preexisting ASD with a modified Pfirrmann grade higher than 3 was a risk factor for radiographic ASD. In the treatment of degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral spine, the authors found that both of these methods are feasible. Also, the authors believe that no extra treatment, other than observation, is needed for preexisting degeneration in L4-5 without any clinical symptoms or signs.

Orofacial myofunctional disorder in subjects with temporomandibular disorder.

PubMed

Ferreira, Cláudia Lúcia Pimenta; Da Silva, Marco Antônio M Rodrigues; de Felício, Cláudia Maria

2009-10-01

To determine the frequency and degree of orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) in a sample of patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), the dental records of 240 patients with a diagnosis of TMD were reviewed. Mean patient age and mean TMD duration, gender frequency, complaints, and signs and symptoms were calculated. The results showed that the sample studied was quite characteristic of a TMD group. The presence of the following signs/symptoms was significant: muscular pain, TMJ pain, joint noise, at least one otologic symptom, headache, and neck and shoulder pain. Most subjects presented some degree of OMD, with grade high prevailing over grade low. The importance of evaluating the stomatognathic structures and functions during the clinical examination of patients with TMD is emphasized.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students' Problem-Solving Strategies with Signed Arithmetic Story Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pagliaro, Claudia M.; Ansell, Ellen

2011-01-01

The use of problem-solving strategies by 59 deaf and hard of hearing children, grades K-3, was investigated. The children were asked to solve 9 arithmetic story problems presented to them in American Sign Language. The researchers found that while the children used the same general types of strategies that are used by hearing children (i.e.,…

Equation Structure and the Meaning of the Equal Sign: The Impact of Task Selection in Eliciting Elementary Students' Understandings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stephens, Ana C.; Knuth, Eric J.; Blanton, Maria L.; Isler, Isil; Gardiner, Angela Murphy; Marum, Tim

2013-01-01

This paper reports results from a written assessment given to 290 third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students prior to any instructional intervention. We share and discuss students' responses to items addressing their understanding of equation structure and the meaning of the equal sign. We found that many students held an operational conception of…

Coming to an Understanding of the Signed Numbers: How Second and Third Grade Students Make Sense of the Integers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madsen, Mark S.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this research has been to generate learning environments that surrounded second and third grade students with bi-directional counting experiences, leading them to discover and come to an understanding of opposite numbers. While engaged in games and bi-directional activities, these young students eagerly counted, by jumping frogs…

Beyond the Fourth Grade Glass Ceiling: Understanding Reading Comprehension among Bilingual/Bimodal Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, Jessica Armytage

2015-01-01

Research has found that, on average, deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students graduate from high school reading at the fourth grade level (Allen, 1986). Additionally, DHH children of deaf parents (Charrow & Fletcher, 1974) and those with strong American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency (Strong & Prinz, 1997) tend to outperform DHH students…

Training Literacy Skills through Sign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rudner, Mary; Andin, Josefine; Rönnberg, Jerker; Heimann, Mikael; Hermansson, Anders; Nelson, Keith; Tjus, Tomas

2015-01-01

The literacy skills of deaf children generally lag behind those of their hearing peers. The mechanisms of reading in deaf individuals are only just beginning to be unraveled but it seems that native language skills play an important role. In this study 12 deaf pupils (six in grades 1-2 and six in grades 4-6) at a Swedish state primary school for…

Accreta placentation: a systematic review of prenatal ultrasound imaging and grading of villous invasiveness.

PubMed

Jauniaux, Eric; Collins, Sally L; Jurkovic, Davor; Burton, Graham J

2016-12-01

Determining the depth of villous invasiveness before delivery is pivotal in planning individual management of placenta accreta. We have evaluated the value of various ultrasound signs proposed in the international literature for the prenatal diagnosis of accreta placentation and assessment of the depth of villous invasiveness. We undertook a PubMed and MEDLINE search of the relevant studies published from the first prenatal ultrasound description of placenta accreta in 1982 through March 30, 2016, using key words "placenta accreta," "placenta increta," "placenta percreta," "abnormally invasive placenta," "morbidly adherent placenta," and "placenta adhesive disorder" as related to "sonography," "ultrasound diagnosis," "prenatal diagnosis," "gray-scale imaging," "3-dimensional ultrasound", and "color Doppler imaging." The primary eligibility criteria were articles that correlated prenatal ultrasound imaging with pregnancy outcome. A total of 84 studies, including 31 case reports describing 38 cases of placenta accreta and 53 series describing 1078 cases were analyzed. Placenta accreta was subdivided into placenta creta to describe superficially adherent placentation and placenta increta and placenta percreta to describe invasive placentation. Of the 53 study series, 23 did not provide data on the depth of villous myometrial invasion on ultrasound imaging or at delivery. Detailed correlations between ultrasound findings and placenta accreta grading were found in 72 cases. A loss of clear zone (62.1%) and the presence of bridging vessels (71.4%) were the most common ultrasound signs in cases of placenta creta. In placenta increta, a loss of clear zone (84.6%) and subplacental hypervascularity (60%) were the most common ultrasound signs, whereas placental lacunae (82.4%) and subplacental hypervascularity (54.5%) were the most common ultrasound signs in placenta percreta. No ultrasound sign or a combination of ultrasound signs were specific of the depth of accreta placentation. The wide heterogeneity in terminology used to describe the grades of accreta placentation and differences in study design limits the evaluation of the accuracy of ultrasound imaging in the screening and diagnosis of placenta accreta. This review emphasizes the need for further prospective studies using a standardized evidence-based approach including a systematic correlation between ultrasound signs of placenta accreta and detailed clinical and pathologic examinations at delivery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Tutoring With Nonstandard Equations for Students With Mathematics Difficulty.

PubMed

Powell, Sarah R; Driver, Melissa K; Julian, Tyler E

2015-01-01

Students often misinterpret the equal sign (=) as operational instead of relational. Research indicates misinterpretation of the equal sign occurs because students receive relatively little exposure to equations that promote relational understanding of the equal sign. No study, however, has examined effects of nonstandard equations on the equation solving and equal-sign understanding of students with mathematics difficulty (MD). In the present study, second-grade students with MD (n = 51) were randomly assigned to standard equations tutoring, combined tutoring (standard and nonstandard equations), and no-tutoring control. Combined tutoring students demonstrated greater gains on equation-solving assessments and equal-sign tasks compared to the other two conditions. Standard tutoring students demonstrated improved skill on equation solving over control students, but combined tutoring students' performance gains were significantly larger. Results indicate that exposure to and practice with nonstandard equations positively influence student understanding of the equal sign. © Hammill Institute on Disabilities 2013.

Double sac sign and intradecidual sign in early pregnancy: interobserver reliability and frequency of occurrence.

PubMed

Doubilet, Peter M; Benson, Carol B

2013-07-01

To assess the interobserver agreement, frequency of occurrence, and prognostic importance of the double sac sign (DSS), intradecidual sign (IDS), and other sonographic findings in early intrauterine pregnancies. We retrospectively identified all sonograms obtained between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011, in which: (1) the scan demonstrated an intrauterine fluid collection without a yolk sac or embryo; (2) a follow-up scan confirmed an intrauterine pregnancy; and (3) the first-trimester outcome was known. Each coinvestigator characterized the 199 study sonograms as demonstrating or not demonstrating a DSS or an IDS, based on judgment about whether the scan met published criteria defining these signs. Interobserver agreement was poor for the DSS (κ= 0.24) and IDS (κ= 0.23). Scans frequently demonstrated neither sign: 150 cases (75.4%) if we considered a sign to be present when both investigators graded it as present and 69 cases (34.7%) using the looser criterion that either graded it as present. The presence of a DSS or an IDS was unrelated to the β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) value (P > .05, t test, all comparisons). An inner echogenic ring was present in 158 cases (79.4%), and the decidua was brighter peripherally than centrally in 102 (51.3%). The first-trimester outcome was unrelated to the presence of a DSS or an IDS, presence of an inner echogenic ring, or decidual appearance (P > .05, χ(2), all comparisons). The sonographic appearance of early gestational sacs, before visualization of a yolk sac or embryo, is highly variable. The DSS and IDS are often absent; there is poor interobserver agreement regarding these signs; and the prognosis is unrelated to their presence or absence. A round or oval intrauterine fluid collection in a woman with positive β-hCG should be treated as a gestational sac until proven otherwise, regardless of whether it demonstrates a DSS or an IDS.

Clinical Significance of the Champagne Bottle Neck Sign in the Extracranial Carotid Arteries of Patients with Moyamoya Disease.

PubMed

Yasuda, C; Arakawa, S; Shimogawa, T; Kanazawa, Y; Sayama, T; Haga, S; Morioka, T

2016-05-26

The champagne bottle neck sign represents a rapid reduction in the extracranial ICA diameters and is a characteristic feature of Moyamoya disease. However, the clinical significance of the champagne bottle neck sign is unclear. We investigated the relationship between the champagne bottle neck sign and the clinical and hemodynamic stages of Moyamoya disease. We analyzed 14 patients with Moyamoya disease before revascularization (5 men, 9 women; age, 43.2 ± 19.3 years). The ratio of the extracranial ICA and common carotid artery diameters was determined using carotid ultrasonography or cerebral angiography; a ratio of < 0.5 was considered champagne bottle neck sign-positive. The clinical disease stage was determined using the Suzuki angiographic grading system. CBF and cerebral vasoreactivity also were measured. The ICA/common carotid artery ratio (expressed as median [interquartile range]) decreased as the clinical stage advanced (stages I-II, 0.71 [0.60-0.77]; stages III-IV, 0.49 [0.45-0.57]; stages V-VI, 0.38 [0.34-0.47]; P < .001). Lower ICA/common carotid artery ratio tended to occur in symptomatic versus asymptomatic arteries (0.47 [0.40-0.53] versus 0.57 [0.40-0.66], respectively; P = .06). Although the ICA/common carotid artery ratio was not related to cerebral perfusion, it decreased as cerebral vasoreactivity decreased (P < .01). All champagne bottle neck sign-positive arteries were classified as Suzuki stage ≥III, 73% were symptomatic, and 89% exhibited reduced cerebral vasoreactivity. In contrast, all champagne bottle neck sign-negative arteries were Suzuki stage ≤III, 67% were asymptomatic, and all showed preserved cerebral vasoreactivity. The champagne bottle neck sign was related to advanced clinical stage, clinical symptoms, and impaired cerebral vasoreactivity. Thus, detection of the champagne bottle neck sign might be useful in determining the clinical and hemodynamic stages of Moyamoya disease. © 2016 American Society of Neuroradiology.

Microglia ablation alleviates myelin-associated catatonic signs in mice

PubMed Central

Janova, Hana; Arinrad, Sahab; Balmuth, Evan; Mitjans, Marina; Bittner, Robert A.; Pan, Hong; Goebbels, Sandra; Begemann, Martin; Gerwig, Ulrike C.; Langner, Sönke; Werner, Hauke B.; Davatzikos, Christos; Völzke, Henry; West, Brian L.; Reif, Andreas; Grabe, Hans Jörgen; Nave, Klaus-Armin

2017-01-01

The underlying cellular mechanisms of catatonia, an executive “psychomotor” syndrome that is observed across neuropsychiatric diseases, have remained obscure. In humans and mice, reduced expression of the structural myelin protein CNP is associated with catatonic signs in an age-dependent manner, pointing to the involvement of myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. Here, we showed that the underlying cause of catatonic signs is the low-grade inflammation of white matter tracts, which marks a final common pathway in Cnp-deficient and other mutant mice with minor myelin abnormalities. The inhibitor of CSF1 receptor kinase signaling PLX5622 depleted microglia and alleviated the catatonic symptoms of Cnp mutants. Thus, microglia and low-grade inflammation of myelinated tracts emerged as the trigger of a previously unexplained mental condition. We observed a very high (25%) prevalence of individuals with catatonic signs in a deeply phenotyped schizophrenia sample (n = 1095). Additionally, we found the loss-of-function allele of a myelin-specific gene (CNP rs2070106-AA) associated with catatonia in 2 independent schizophrenia cohorts and also associated with white matter hyperintensities in a general population sample. Since the catatonic syndrome is likely a surrogate marker for other executive function defects, we suggest that microglia-directed therapies may be considered in psychiatric disorders associated with myelin abnormalities. PMID:29252214

Fifth Disease

MedlinePlus

... past. The others included measles, rubella (German measles), chicken pox, scarlet fever, and roseola. Fifth disease is ... The first signs of fifth disease are mild flu- or cold-like symptoms, including: low-grade fever ...

Evidence-based practice in Behçet’s disease: identifying areas of unmet need for 2014

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Behçet’s Disease (BD) is characterized by a relapsing-remitting course, with symptoms of varying severity across almost all organ systems. There is a diverse array of therapeutic options with no universally accepted treatment regime, and it is thus important that clinical practice is evidence-based. We reviewed all currently available literature describing management of BD, and investigated whether evidence-based practice is possible for all disease manifestations, and assessed the range of therapeutic options tested. Methods We conducted an internet search of all literature describing management of BD up to August 2013, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. We recorded treatment options investigated and disease manifestations reported as primary and secondary study outcomes. Quality of data was assessed according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) hierarchy of evidence. Results Whilst there is much literature describing treatment of ocular and mucocutaneous disease, there is little to guide management of rheumatoid, cardiovascular and neurological disease. This broadly reflects the prevalence of disease manifestations of BD, but not the severity. Biologic therapies are the most commonly investigated intervention. The proportion of SIGN-1 graded studies is declining, and there are no SIGN-1 graded studies investigating neurological or gastrointestinal manifestations of BD. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate trends in published literature for management of BD over time. It identifies neurological, cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal disease as particular areas of unmet need and suggests that overall quality of evidence is declining. Future research should be designed to address these areas of insufficiency to facilitate evidence-based practice in BD. PMID:24475935

Safety Evaluation of Silk Protein Film (A Novel Wound Healing Agent) in Terms of Acute Dermal Toxicity, Acute Dermal Irritation and Skin Sensitization

PubMed Central

Padol, Amol R.; Jayakumar, K.; Shridhar, N. B.; Narayana Swamy, H. D.; Narayana Swamy, M.; Mohan, K.

2011-01-01

Acute dermal toxicity study was conducted in rats. The parameters studied were body weight, serum biochemistry and gross pathology. The animals were also observed for clinical signs and mortality after the application of test film. The dermal irritation potential of silk protein film was examined using Draize test. In the initial test, three test patches were applied sequentially for 3 min, 1 and 4 hours, respectively, and skin reaction was graded. The irritant or negative response was confirmed using two additional animals, each with one patch, for an exposure period of 4 hours. The responses were scored at 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the patch removal. Skin sensitization study was conducted according to Buehler test in guinea pigs, in which on day 0, 7 and 14, the animals were exposed to test material for 6 hours (Induction phase) and on day 28, the animals were exposed for a period of 24 hours (Challenge phase). The skin was observed and recorded at 24 and 48 hours after the patch removal. In acute dermal toxicity study, the rats dermally treated with silk film did not show any abnormal clinical signs and the body weight, biochemical parameters and gross pathological observations were not significantly different from the control group. In acute dermal irritation study, the treated rabbits showed no signs of erythema, edema and eschar, and the scoring was given as “0” for all time points of observations according to Draize scoring system. In skin sensitization study, there were no skin reactions 24 and 48 hours after the removal of challenge patch, which was scored “0” based on Magnusson/Kligman grading scale. PMID:21430915

Efficacy of a standardized herbal preparation (Roidosanal®) in the treatment of hemorrhoids: A randomized, controlled, open-label multicentre study

PubMed Central

Aggrawal, Kapil; Satija, Naveen; Dasgupta, Gita; Dasgupta, Partha; Nain, Parul; Sahu, Aditya R.

2014-01-01

Background: Catechins and epicatechins are monomers of naturally occurring proanthocyanidins, which have been reported with free radical scavenging, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiallergic, and vasodilatory properties. Plant parts rich in proanthocyanidins have been used for years in treatment of various ano-rectal diseases. This study compares the efficacy of two herbal preparations, Daflon® 500 mg and Roidosanal®, in ameliorating the signs and symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. Objective: To evaluate the safety and to compare the efficacy of a herbal preparation, Roidosanal® versus Daflon® 500 mg, on signs and symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease. Materials and Methods: In this pilot, active controlled, open-labeled multicentre study, 73 patients with proctoscopy proven hemorrhoids (Grade I to III) were randomly assigned to receive either Roidosanal® (Gr R; n = 37) or Daflon® 500 mg (Gr D; n = 36), for 15 days, at three centers in India. Assessment of hemorrhoidal symptoms was carried out in all patients at different time points. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed for both primary and secondary endpoints. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Both products were found to be equally effective in improving the ano-rectal conditions in Grade I and Grade II hemorrhoids; however, Roidosanal® demonstrated better efficacy in patients with Grade III hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids associated symptoms like bleeding, pain, etc., improved in both groups, although intergroup comparisons were comparable. Conclusion: Both Roidosanal® and Daflon® 500 mg were equally effective in resolving signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids. Roidosanal® can be tried as a safe and effective treatment option for treatment of hemorrhoids. Further randomized, double-blind and large multicentre studies are recommended. PMID:24948863

Cheyletiella infestation in the dog: observations on diagnostic methods and clinical signs.

PubMed

Saevik, B K; Bredal, W; Ulstein, T L

2004-10-01

The aims of this study were to evaluate the ability of diagnostic methods to detect naturally occurring Cheyletiella infestation in dogs, and to quantify and relate the number of mites and eggs present to clinical signs. Privately owned dogs with skin problems were eligible for inclusion in the study. Four diagnostic tests were performed on each dog in the following order: tape impression, hair plucking, skin scraping and vacuum cleaning. Dogs with positive test results for Cheyletiella infestation in at least one of the tests under evaluation were included in the study (n=27). The severity of pruritus and scaling was graded on a four-point fixed scale. The diagnostic findings in vacuum cleaning samples provided a semiquantitative measure of the grade of infestation. The vacuum cleaning test gave a positive test result in all dogs and was significantly more efficient than the other tests evaluated (P<0.01). The number of diagnostic findings varied considerably among the different vacuum samples. No significant relationship between the number of diagnostic findings and severity of clinical signs was detected.

Dedifferentiated endometrial cancer: an atypical case diagnosed from cerebellar and adrenal metastasis: case presentation and review of literature.

PubMed

Berretta, Roberto; Patrelli, Tito Silvio; Faioli, Raffaele; Mautone, Daniele; Gizzo, Salvatore; Mezzogiorno, Antonio; Giordano, Giovanna; Modena, Alberto Bacchi

2013-01-01

Dedifferentiated endometrial cancer (DEC) is microscopically characterized by the presence of high-grade areas emerging from low-grade tumour. DEC is an aggressive tumour even when the dedifferentiated component represents only 20% of the entire neoplasm. A proper histological diagnosis is essential to define the most appropriate therapeutic approach for these tumors, since they are characterized by a particularly aggressive trend and by an extremely poor prognosis. We report a single case of DEC associated with dedifferentiated and adrenal metastasis, for which the patient underwent both abdominal-pelvic and cerebellar surgery. Dedifferentiated carcinoma of the endometrium is a poorly recognized neoplasm since they have not been clearly defined the histological features discriminating this neoplasm from high-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Revising existing literature we found 79 described cases of central nervous system secondary involvement and 13 cases where the onset of the disease was characterized by neurological signs and symptoms. We could only find two reported cases of adrenal metastases originating from endometrial neoplasia but in no case of dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma previously described has been reported the concomitant adrenal-cerebellar involvement.

PET/MRI of metabolic activity in osteoarthritis: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Kogan, Feliks; Fan, Audrey P; McWalter, Emily J; Oei, Edwin H G; Quon, Andrew; Gold, Garry E

2017-06-01

To evaluate positron emission tomography / magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) knee imaging to detect and characterize osseous metabolic abnormalities and correlate PET radiotracer uptake with osseous abnormalities and cartilage degeneration observed on MRI. Both knees of 22 subjects with knee pain or injury were scanned at one timepoint, without gadolinium, on a hybrid 3.0T PET-MRI system following injection of 18 F-fluoride or 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). A musculoskeletal radiologist identified volumes of interest (VOIs) around bone abnormalities on MR images and scored bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and osteophytes using a MOAKS scoring system. Cartilage appearance adjacent to bone abnormalities was graded with MRI-modified Outerbridge classifications. On PET standardized uptake values (SUV) maps, VOIs with SUV greater than 5 times the SUV in normal-appearing bone were identified as high-uptake VOI (VOI High ). Differences in 18 F-fluoride uptake between bone abnormalities, BML, and osteophyte grades and adjacent cartilage grades on MRI were identified using Mann-Whitney U-tests. SUV max in all subchondral bone lesions (BML, osteophytes, sclerosis) was significantly higher than that of normal-appearing bone on MRI (P < 0.001 for all). Of the 172 high-uptake regions on 18 F-fluoride PET, 63 (37%) corresponded to normal-appearing subchondral bone on MRI. Furthermore, many small grade 1 osteophytes (40 of 82 [49%]), often described as the earliest signs of osteoarthritis (OA), did not show high uptake. Lastly, PET SUV max in subchondral bone adjacent to grade 0 cartilage was significantly lower compared to that of grades 1-2 (P < 0.05) and grades 3-4 cartilage (P < 0.001). PET/MRI can simultaneously assess multiple early metabolic and morphologic markers of knee OA across multiple tissues in the joint. Our findings suggest that PET/MR may detect metabolic abnormalities in subchondral bone, which appear normal on MRI. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1736-1745. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Psychosocial Factors Influencing Smokeless Tobacco Use by Teenage Military Dependents

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

age and grade Demographics both show strong bivariate relationships with the outcome MALE-male gender measures, we selected to use only one of these...a positive sign indicating a direct relation- no impact for either gender . Attitude and other tobacco influ- ship and a negative sign an inverse...by both genders . nlficant. However, if the interval includes one but is highly For both genders , the strongest explanatory variable for trial skewed

Automated measurement of retinal blood vessel tortuosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Vinayak; Reinhardt, Joseph M.; Abramoff, Michael D.

2010-03-01

Abnormalities in the vascular pattern of the retina are associated with retinal diseases and are also risk factors for systemic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. The three-dimensional retinal vascular pattern is mostly formed congenitally, but is then modified over life, in response to aging, vessel wall dystrophies and long term changes in blood flow and pressure. A characteristic of the vascular pattern that is appreciated by clinicians is vascular tortuosity, i.e. how curved or kinked a blood vessel, either vein or artery, appears along its course. We developed a new quantitative metric for vascular tortuosity, based on the vessel's angle of curvature, length of the curved vessel over its chord length (arc to chord ratio), number of curvature sign changes, and combined these into a unidimensional metric, Tortuosity Index (TI). In comparison to other published methods this method can estimate appropriate TI for vessels with constant curvature sign and vessels with equal arc to chord ratios, as well. We applied this method to a dataset of 15 digital fundus images of 8 patients with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and to the other publically available dataset of 60 fundus images of normal cases and patients with hypertensive retinopathy, of which the arterial and venous tortuosities have also been graded by masked experts (ophthalmologists). The method produced exactly the same rank-ordered list of vessel tortuosity (TI) values as obtained by averaging the tortuosity grading given by 3 ophthalmologists for FSHD dataset and a list of TI values with high ranking correlation with the ophthalmologist's grading for the other dataset. Our results show that TI has potential to detect and evaluate abnormal retinal vascular structure in early diagnosis and prognosis of retinopathies.

Control of gravitropic orientation. I. Non-vertical orientation by primary roots of maize results from decay of competence for orthogravitropic induction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaMotte, Clifford E.; Pickard, Barbara G.

2004-01-01

Plant organs may respond to gravity by vertical (orthogravitropic), oblique (plagiogravitropic) or horizontal (diagravitropic) growth. Primary roots of maize (Zea mays L.) provide a good system for studying such behaviours because they are reportedly capable of displaying all three responses. In current work using maize seedlings of the Silver Queen cultivar, stabilisation of growth at an oblique orientation was commonplace. Hypothetically, plagiogravitropism may be accomplished either by a process we call graded orthogravitropism or by hunting about a sensed non-vertical setpoint. In graded orthotropism primary bending is unidirectional and depends on facilitative stimuli that determine its extent. The hallmark of the setpoint mechanism is restorative curvature of either sign following a displacement; both diagravitropism and orthogravitropism are based on setpoints. Roots settled in a plagiogravitropic orientation were tested with various illumination and displacement protocols designed to distinguish between these two hypotheses. The tests refuted the setpoint hypothesis and supported that of graded orthotropism. No evidence of diagravitropism could be found, thus, earlier claims were likely based on inadequately controlled observations of graded orthotropism. We propose that orthotropism is graded by the sequential action of dual gravity receptors: induction of a vectorial gravitropic response requires gravitational induction of a separate facilitative response, whose decay in the absence of fresh stimuli can brake gravitropism at plagiotropic angles.

Grading Severity of Productive Cough Based on Symptoms and Airflow Obstruction.

PubMed

Vazquez Guillamet, Rodrigo; Petersen, Hans; Meek, Paula; Sood, Akshay; Tesfaigzi, Yohannes

2018-04-26

The binary approach to the diagnosis of Chronic Bronchitis (CB) is a major barrier to the study of the disease. We investigated whether severity of productive cough can be graded using symptoms and presence of fixed airflow obstruction (FAO), and whether the severity correlates with health status, exposures injurious to the lung, biomarkers of inflammation, and measures of airway wall thickening. Findings from a cross-sectional sample of 1,422 participants from the Lovelace Smokers Cohort (LSC) were validated in 4,488 participants from the COPDGene cohort (COPDGene). Health status was based on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Circulating CC16 levels were quantified by ELISA (LSC), and airway wall thickening was measured using computed tomography (COPDGene). FAO was defined as postbronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC <0.7. The presence and duration of productive cough and presence of FAO or wheeze were graded into Healthy Smokers, Productive Cough (PC), Chronic PC, PC with Signs of Airflow Obstruction, and Chronic PC with Signs of Airflow Obstruction. In both cohorts, higher grade of severity correlated with lower health status, greater frequency of injurious exposures, greater airway wall thickening, and lower circulating CC16 levels. Further, longitudinal follow-up suggested that disease resolution can occur at every grade of severity but is more common in groups of lower severity and least common once airway remodeling develops. Therefore, severity of productive cough can be graded based on symptoms and FAO and early intervention may benefit patients by changing the natural history of disease.

Signs of preclinical Wernicke's encephalopathy and thiamine levels as predictors of neuropsychological deficits in alcoholism without Korsakoff's syndrome.

PubMed

Pitel, Anne-Lise; Zahr, Natalie M; Jackson, Karen; Sassoon, Stephanie A; Rosenbloom, Margaret J; Pfefferbaum, Adolf; Sullivan, Edith V

2011-02-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether meeting historical criteria for unsuspected Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE), largely under-diagnosed in vivo, explains why some alcoholics have severe neuropsychological deficits, whereas others, with a similar drinking history, exhibit preserved performance. Demographic, clinical, alcohol related, and neuropsychological measures were collected in 56 abstinent alcoholics and 38 non-alcohol-dependent volunteers. Alcoholics were classified using the clinical criteria established by Caine et al (1997) and validated in their neuropathological study of alcoholic cases. Our alcoholics who met a single criterion were considered 'at risk for WE' and those with two or more criteria with 'signs of WE'. Whole blood thiamine was also measured in 22 of the comparison group and 28 alcoholics. Of the alcoholics examined, 27% met no criteria, 57% were at risk for WE, and 16% had signs of WE. Neuropsychological performance of the alcoholic subgroups was graded, with those meeting zero criteria not differing from controls, those meeting one criterion presenting mild-to-moderate deficits on some of the functional domains, and those meeting two or more criteria having the most severe deficits on each of the domains examined. Thiamine levels were selectively related to memory performance in the alcoholics. Preclinical signs of WE can be diagnosed in vivo, enabling the identification of ostensibly 'uncomplicated' alcoholics who are at risk for neuropsychological complications. The graded effects in neuropsychological performance suggest that the presence of signs of WE explains, at least partially, the heterogeneity of alcoholism-related cognitive and motor deficits.

The role of facial canal diameter in the pathogenesis and grade of Bell's palsy: a study by high resolution computed tomography.

PubMed

Celik, Onur; Eskiizmir, Gorkem; Pabuscu, Yuksel; Ulkumen, Burak; Toker, Gokce Tanyeri

The exact etiology of Bell's palsy still remains obscure. The only authenticated finding is inflammation and edema of the facial nerve leading to entrapment inside the facial canal. To identify if there is any relationship between the grade of Bell's palsy and diameter of the facial canal, and also to study any possible anatomic predisposition of facial canal for Bell's palsy including parts which have not been studied before. Medical records and temporal computed tomography scans of 34 patients with Bell's palsy were utilized in this retrospective clinical study. Diameters of both facial canals (affected and unaffected) of each patient were measured at labyrinthine segment, geniculate ganglion, tympanic segment, second genu, mastoid segment and stylomastoid foramen. The House-Brackmann (HB) scale of each patient at presentation and 3 months after the treatment was evaluated from their medical records. The paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for comparison of width between the affected side and unaffected side. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was also used for evaluation of relationship between the diameter of facial canal and the grade of the Bell's palsy. Significant differences were established at a level of p=0.05 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0.; Armonk, NY, IBM Corp). Thirty-four patients - 16 females, 18 males; mean age±Standard Deviation, 40.3±21.3 - with Bell's palsy were included in the study. According to the HB facial nerve grading system; 8 patients were grade V, 6 were grade IV, 11 were grade III, 8 were grade II and 1 patient was grade I. The mean width at the labyrinthine segment of the facial canal in the affected temporal bone was significantly smaller than the equivalent in the unaffected temporal bone (p=0.00). There was no significant difference between the affected and unaffected temporal bones at the geniculate ganglion (p=0.87), tympanic segment (p=0.66), second genu (p=0.62), mastoid segment (p=0.67) and stylomastoid foramen (p=0.16). We did not find any relationship between the HB grade and the facial canal diameter at the level of labyrinthine segment (p=0.41), tympanic segment (p=0.12), mastoid segment (p=0.14), geniculate ganglion (p=0.13) and stylomastoid foramen (p=0.44), while we found significant relationship at the level of second genu (p=0.02). We found the diameter of labyrinthine segment of facial canal as an anatomic risk factor for Bell's palsy. We also found significant relationship between the HB grade and FC diameter at the level of second genu. Future studies (MRI-CT combined or 3D modeling) are needed to promote this possible relevance especially at second genu. Thus, in the future it may be possible to selectively decompress particular segments in high grade BP patients. Copyright © 2016 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

First signs and symptoms of spondyloarthritis—data from an inception cohort with a disease course of two years or less (REGISPONSER-Early)

PubMed Central

Rojas-Vargas, Marena; Muñoz-Gomariz, Elisa; Escudero, Alejandro; Font, Pilar; Zarco, Pedro; Almodovar, Raquel; Gratacós, Jordi; Mulero, Juan; Juanola, Xavier; Montilla, Carlos; Moreno, Estefanía

2009-01-01

Objective. To determine the first signs and symptoms, and the clinical, biological and radiological characteristics of patients with early SpA. Methods. A total of 150 SpA patients were selected from 2367 listed in REGISPONSER (Registro Español de Espondiloartritis de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología). The inclusion criterion was a disease course of ⩽2 yrs from the onset of symptoms or the appearance of the first sign of disease. Results. Forty-six patients had AS, 51 psoriatic SpA (Ps-SpA), 43 uSpA, 5 ReA, 4 IBD arthropathy and 1 JCA. The mean age at onset of symptoms and at diagnosis was higher in Ps-SpA group (48.1 ± 13.6 and 48.5 ± 13.6 yrs) than in AS group (38.1 ± 12.8 and 38.9 ± 12.7 yrs) and uSpA group (36.3 ± 11.5 and 36.9 ± 11.4 yrs). The most frequent signs or symptoms were back pain: 72% AS group and 56% uSpA group. Lower limb arthritis was the first symptom in 57% Ps-SpA patients, 35% uSpA patients and 20% AS patients; upper limb arthritis was the first symptom in 53% Ps-SpA group and <16% of the remainder. Compared with longer duration disease, at onset, AS patients report upper limb arthritis more frequently and uSpA patients report more of enthesitis. Early radiological sacroiliitis was observed in all AS patients, of whom 54% had Grade II, 39% had Grade III and 7% had Grade IV. Conclusions. In our population, the first manifestations of SpA were low back pain and SI syndrome in AS and uSpA patients and peripheral arthritis in the Ps-SpA group. We can find early SI joint affectation in AS patients. PMID:19208685

Modeling Staphylococcus epidermidis-Induced Non-Unions: Subclinical and Clinical Evidence in Rats

PubMed Central

Lovati, Arianna Barbara; Romanò, Carlo Luca; Bottagisio, Marta; Monti, Lorenzo; De Vecchi, Elena; Previdi, Sara; Accetta, Riccardo; Drago, Lorenzo

2016-01-01

S. epidermidis is one of the leading causes of orthopaedic infections associated with biofilm formation on implant devices. Open fractures are at risk of S. epidermidis transcutaneous contamination leading to higher non-union development compared to closed fractures. Although the role of infection in delaying fracture healing is well recognized, no in vivo models investigated the impact of subclinical low-grade infections on bone repair and non-union. We hypothesized that the non-union rate is directly related to the load of this commonly retrieved pathogen and that a low-grade contamination delays the fracture healing without clinically detectable infection. Rat femurs were osteotomized and stabilized with plates. Fractures were infected with a characterized clinical-derived methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (103, 105, 108 colony forming units) and compared to uninfected controls. After 56 days, bone healing and osteomyelitis were clinically assessed and further evaluated by micro-CT, microbiological and histological analyses. The biofilm formation was visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The control group showed no signs of infection and a complete bone healing. The 103 group displayed variable response to infection with a 67% of altered bone healing and positive bacterial cultures, despite no clinical signs of infection present. The 105 and 108 groups showed severe signs of osteomyelitis and a non-union rate of 83–100%, respectively. The cortical bone reaction related to the periosteal elevation in the control group and the metal scattering detected by micro-CT represented limitations of this study. Our model showed that an intra-operative low-grade S. epidermidis contamination might prevent the bone healing, even in the absence of infectious signs. Our findings also pointed out a dose-dependent effect between the S. epidermidis inoculum and non-union rate. This pilot study identifies a relevant preclinical model to assess the role of subclinical infections in orthopaedic and trauma surgery and to test specifically designed diagnostic, prevention and therapeutic strategies. PMID:26796958

The hit problem for symmetric polynomials over the Steenrod algebra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janfada, A. S.; Wood, R. M. W.

2002-09-01

We cite [18] for references to work on the hit problem for the polynomial algebra P(n) = [open face F]2[x1, ;…, xn] = [oplus B: plus sign in circle]d[gt-or-equal, slanted]0 Pd(n), viewed as a graded left module over the Steenrod algebra [script A] at the prime 2. The grading is by the homogeneous polynomials Pd(n) of degree d in the n variables x1, …, xn of grading 1. The present article investigates the hit problem for the [script A]-submodule of symmetric polynomials B(n) = P(n)[sum L: summation operator]n , where [sum L: summation operator]n denotes the symmetric group on n letters acting on the right of P(n). Among the main results is the symmetric version of the well-known Peterson conjecture. For a positive integer d, let [mu](d) denote the smallest value of k for which d = [sum L: summation operator]ki=1(2[lambda]i[minus sign]1), where [lambda]i [gt-or-equal, slanted] 0.

Toxic effects and antitumor response of gemcitabine in combination with piroxicam treatment in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

PubMed

Marconato, Laura; Zini, Eric; Lindner, Donna; Suslak-Brown, Lisa; Nelson, Victoria; Jeglum, Ann K

2011-04-15

To investigate whether combined treatment with gemcitabine and piroxicam in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder is tolerated and provides an advantage in terms of survival time over previously reported treatments. Clinical trial. Animals-38 dogs with TCC of the urinary bladder. Dogs were treated with gemcitabine (800 mg/m(2), IV over 30 to 60 minutes, q 7 d) and piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg [0.14 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h). Complete blood cell counts were monitored prior to each gemcitabine treatment. All toxic effects of gemcitabine in dogs were recorded. Primary tumors were ultrasonographically reevaluated after 4 gemcitabine treatments. Dogs received a median of 8 gemcitabine treatments (range, 1 to 38 treatments/dog). In response to treatment, 10 of 38 (26.3%) dogs had grade 1 gastrointestinal tract signs, 11 (28.9%) had grade 2, and 5 (13.2%) had grade 3. Grade 1 neutropenia developed in 6 (15.8%) dogs and grade 2 and 3 neutropenia in 2 (5.3%) dogs each. Thrombocytopenia was rare. All dogs had improvement of clinical signs of disease. Two dogs had a complete tumor response, 8 had a partial response, 19 had stable disease, and 8 had progressive disease. Median survival time with treatment was 230 days. Administration of gemcitabine in combination with piroxicam treatment failed to provide a longer overall survival time in dogs with TCC of the urinary bladder, compared with previously reported treatment strategies. However, this combination of chemotherapy did provide a new treatment alternative with fewer adverse effects.

Dedifferentiated endometrial cancer: an atypical case diagnosed from cerebellar and adrenal metastasis: case presentation and review of literature

PubMed Central

Berretta, Roberto; Patrelli, Tito Silvio; Faioli, Raffaele; Mautone, Daniele; Gizzo, Salvatore; Mezzogiorno, Antonio; Giordano, Giovanna; Modena, Alberto Bacchi

2013-01-01

Dedifferentiated endometrial cancer (DEC) is microscopically characterized by the presence of high-grade areas emerging from low-grade tumour. DEC is an aggressive tumour even when the dedifferentiated component represents only 20% of the entire neoplasm. A proper histological diagnosis is essential to define the most appropriate therapeutic approach for these tumors, since they are characterized by a particularly aggressive trend and by an extremely poor prognosis. We report a single case of DEC associated with dedifferentiated and adrenal metastasis, for which the patient underwent both abdominal-pelvic and cerebellar surgery. Dedifferentiated carcinoma of the endometrium is a poorly recognized neoplasm since they have not been clearly defined the histological features discriminating this neoplasm from high-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Revising existing literature we found 79 described cases of central nervous system secondary involvement and 13 cases where the onset of the disease was characterized by neurological signs and symptoms. We could only find two reported cases of adrenal metastases originating from endometrial neoplasia but in no case of dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma previously described has been reported the concomitant adrenal-cerebellar involvement. PMID:23923084

The Development of Knowledge of an External Retrieval Cue Strategy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ritter, Kenneth

1978-01-01

Investigated preschool and third grade children's metamnemonic knowledge that in order to serve as an efficient retrieval cue of the location of a hidden object, an external marker sign must differentiate it from other locations. (JMB)

Evaluation of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Using T1ρ and T2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Rabbit Disc Injury Model.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Tetsuhiro; Watanabe, Atsuya; Kamoda, Hiroto; Miyagi, Masayuki; Inoue, Gen; Takahashi, Kazuhisa; Ohtori, Seiji

2018-04-01

An in vivo histologic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration was conducted. To clarify the sensitivity and efficacy of T1ρ/T2 mapping for IVD degeneration, the correlation between T1ρ/T2 mapping and degenerative grades and histological findings in the lumbar IVD were investigated. The early signs of IVD degeneration are proteoglycan loss, dehydration, and collagen degradation. Recently, several quantitative MRI techniques have been developed; T2 mapping can be used to evaluate hydration and collagen fiber integrity within cartilaginous tissue, and T1ρ mapping can be used to evaluate hydration and proteoglycan content. Using New Zealand White rabbits, annular punctures of the IVD were made 10 times at L2/3, 5 times at L3/4, and one time at L4/5 using an 18-gauge needle (n=6) or a 21-gauge needle (n=6). At 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery, MRI was performed including T1ρ and T2 mapping. The degree of IVD degeneration was macroscopically assessed using the Thompson grading system. All specimens were cut for hematoxylin and eosin, safranin-O, and toluidine blue staining. Disc degeneration became more severe as the number of punctures increased and when the larger needle was used. T1ρ and T2 values were significantly different between grade 1 and grade 3 IVDs, grade 1 and grade 4 IVDs, grade 2 and grade 3 IVDs, and grade 2 and grade 4 IVDs ( p <0.05). There was a significant difference between grade 1 and grade 2 IVDs only in terms of T1ρ values ( p <0.05). T1ρ and T2 quantitative MRI could detect these small differences. Our results suggest that T1ρ and T2 mapping are sensitive to degenerative changes of lumbar IVDs and that T1ρ mapping can be used as a clinical tool to identify early IVD degeneration.

Prolonged Cough in Pediatric Population First Line Care, Belgian Guidelines

PubMed Central

Leconte, Sophie; Valentin, Stéphanie; Dromelet, Estelle; De Jonghe, Michel

2017-01-01

Background: The clinical approach to a prolonged cough, i.e. a cough lasting more than three weeks, is challenging for general practitioners as well for primary care pediatricians. What the recommended clinical approach in primary care is, how cough duration or cough characteristics impact the diagnosis, and what the efficiency and safety of antibiotics or symptomatic treatments are remain in question for primary care physicians. Objective: The last Belgian guidelines were published in 2006 and needed to be reviewed. Those background questions were used to conduct our guideline updating procedure. Methods: We systematically performed a pyramidal literature search between the periods 2006-2014 in order to write evidence based guidelines. The data of the literature was summarized, discussed by the authors, experts and the Belgian primary care guidelines committee. Recommendations were formulated and scored following the GRADE classification. Results: The consultation history as well as the physical examination should be directed towards searching for warning signs (GRADE 1B) and towards the common etiologies depending on cough duration (GRADE 2C). If the cough lasts for more than eight weeks, chest radiography and spirometry should be considered (GRADE 2C). An antibiotic is recommended for a prolonged wet cough (over eight weeks) if prolonged bacterial bronchitis is suspected (GRADE 1B). In the absence of clinical signs of a specific etiology of a cough, no drug can be recommended (GRADE 1B). For all cases, it is initially suggested to avoid irritants (GRADE 1C) as well as to take into account the concerns of parents and inform them about the natural development of a cough. Conclusions: More research is needed to provide evidence on the clinical pathway on prolonged cough for primary care. Cough duration of more than eight weeks and prolonged wet cough are the most useful cough characteristics. Regarding a specific cough treatment, no medication has proved any effect greater than placebo. Attention to environmental triggers and patient-centered care remain the keystones of interventions PMID:29081858

Solar exposure(s) and facial clinical signs of aging in Chinese women: impacts upon age perception.

PubMed

Flament, Frederic; Bazin, Roland; Qiu, Huixia; Ye, Chengda; Laquieze, Sabine; Rubert, Virginie; Decroux, Aurelie; Simonpietri, Elisa; Piot, Bertrand

2015-01-01

A new reference clinical atlas of facial signs dedicated to photoaging was applied to 301 Chinese women of various ages through standardized photographs. Such approach aimed at better describing the facial changes induced by both real/chronological age and sun exposure and their respective impact on two subcohorts of different behavior with regard to sun exposure. A total of 28 various facial signs were individually graded according to their severity by a panel of experts, and a perceived apparent age of each subject was assessed. Results showed that the severity of major signs significantly increased rather linearly with age, with a higher rate in sun-exposed subjects as compared with subjects who regularly avoid sun exposure. The severity of facial signs, all impacted by sun exposure, better correlated with perceived apparent age than real/chronological age. The protocol used in the present work, similar to that previously applied to two cohorts of French women, assigned a greater impact of sun exposure in the facial aging signs of Asian women - all clinical signs are influenced by extrinsic factors - as compared with Caucasian women of comparable ages, likely related to much more intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

NNSA B-Roll: MOX Facility

ScienceCinema

None

2017-12-09

In 1999, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) signed a contract with a consortium, now called Shaw AREVA MOX Services, LLC to design, build, and operate a Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility. This facility will be a major component in the United States program to dispose of surplus weapon-grade plutonium. The facility will take surplus weapon-grade plutonium, remove impurities, and mix it with uranium oxide to form MOX fuel pellets for reactor fuel assemblies. These assemblies will be irradiated in commercial nuclear power reactors.

NNSA B-Roll: MOX Facility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2010-05-21

In 1999, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) signed a contract with a consortium, now called Shaw AREVA MOX Services, LLC to design, build, and operate a Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility. This facility will be a major component in the United States program to dispose of surplus weapon-grade plutonium. The facility will take surplus weapon-grade plutonium, remove impurities, and mix it with uranium oxide to form MOX fuel pellets for reactor fuel assemblies. These assemblies will be irradiated in commercial nuclear power reactors.

All About MOX

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2009-07-29

In 1999, the Nuclear Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) signed a contract with a consortium, now called Shaw AREVA MOX Services, LLC to design, build, and operate a Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility. This facility will be a major component in the United States program to dispose of surplus weapon-grade plutonium. The facility will take surplus weapon-grade plutonium, remove impurities, and mix it with uranium oxide to form MOX fuel pellets for reactor fuel assemblies. These assemblies will be irradiated in commercial nuclear power reactors.

All About MOX

ScienceCinema

None

2018-01-16

In 1999, the Nuclear Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) signed a contract with a consortium, now called Shaw AREVA MOX Services, LLC to design, build, and operate a Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility. This facility will be a major component in the United States program to dispose of surplus weapon-grade plutonium. The facility will take surplus weapon-grade plutonium, remove impurities, and mix it with uranium oxide to form MOX fuel pellets for reactor fuel assemblies. These assemblies will be irradiated in commercial nuclear power reactors.

A review on exudates detection methods for diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Joshi, Shilpa; Karule, P T

2018-01-01

The presence of exudates on the retina is the most characteristic symptom of diabetic retinopathy. As exudates are among early clinical signs of DR, their detection would be an essential asset to the mass screening task and serve as an important step towards automatic grading and monitoring of the disease. Reliable identification and classification of exudates are of inherent interest in an automated diabetic retinopathy screening system. Here we review the numerous early studies that used for automatic exudates detection with the aim of providing decision support in addition to reducing the workload of an ophthalmologist. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Current Concepts of Bruxism.

PubMed

Manfredini, Daniele; Serra-Negra, Junia; Carboncini, Fabio; Lobbezoo, Frank

Bruxism is a common phenomenon, and emerging evidence suggests that biologic, psychologic, and exogenous factors have greater involvement than morphologic factors in its etiology. Diagnosis should adopt the grading system of possible, probable, and definite. In children, it could be a warning sign of certain psychologic disorders. The proposed mechanism for the bruxism-pain relationship at the individual level is that stress sensitivity and anxious personality traits may be responsible for bruxism activities that may lead to temporomandibular pain, which in turn is modulated by psychosocial factors. A multiple-P (plates, pep talk, psychology, pills) approach involving reversible treatments is recommended, and adult prosthodontic management should be based on a common-sense cautionary approach.

Adjustment Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cutbill, C. Jean

Intended for counselors, the document offers guidelines for identifying nonattendance in primary grade students. Sections outline procedures for analyzing attendance patterns, signs of nonattendance for teachers to look for, actions to take when nonattendance is identified, types of nonattendance (such as chronic illnesses, overprotective parent,…

Safety sign designs for children by considering effect of the colors preferences: A case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iftadi, Irwan; Nugraha, Dian Cahya; Jauhari, Wakhid Ahmad

2018-02-01

Color has become a major consideration in ergonomics. Color conveys a message and it is an important element in safety signs. The importance of colors usage in safety sign designs makes the colors research into one of the things that must be done before designing them. So far, research in the related field only focused on the adult's perspective without involving children's perspective in designing the safety signs. This paper aims to find out how children's perception towards colors affects the safety sign designs. This study consist of eight sections which are literature study, direct observation, determining referents and other parameters, determining research respondents, making the booklet, assessing the colors preferences, determining the design's parameter value and creating the safety sign designs. Limitation of the research are the objects are the students with the age of 10 - 11 years old in Grade IV and then the research is conducted in the school day and hours that apply to the school. Chi square test and odds ratio are employed to assess the colors preferences. Twelve safety sign designs are proposed by considering the children's colors perception. The designs are grouped into three types of sign which are Mandatory Action Sign, Warning Sign and Prohibition Sign. Six colors are used to draw the safety signs i.e. red, orange, yellow, green, blue and black. On the basis of the study, it is concluded that the colors that often appears in safety signs is green with the percentage of 75% and that rarely appears is red with the percentage of 8.33%.

Significance of the Cytological Signs of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Anal Pap Smears of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Japanese Men Who Have Sex with Men

PubMed

Okayama, Kaori; Okodo, Mitsuaki; Kitamura, Hiroshi; Itoda, Ichiro

2017-11-26

Purpose: The incidence of invasive anal cancer (IAC) has been increasing among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Although cytological diagnosis is the modality of choice for screening cases of IAC, it is associated with lower sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate new cytological signs of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that may contribute to improving anal cytology. Methods: Anal cytology and HPV testing were performed using SurePath liquid-based cytology on samples obtained from 37 HIV-positive Japanese MSM. Subsequently, a histological biopsy based on high-resolution anoscopy was performed in MSM with abnormal cytological findings indicative of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) +. Also, anal Papanicolaou (Pap) smears were performed to determine cellularity, presence of dysplastic squamous cells, and other cytological signs of HPV infection. Results: Of the 37 MSM who underwent anal cytology, six tested negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, three cases exhibited ASC-US, 17 exhibited low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), nine exhibited high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and two remained undiagnosed. The anal Pap smears of 28 (96.6%) of the 29 MSM with abnormal cytological findings of ASC-US+ exhibited anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), as revealed by histological biopsy. The median value (minimum–maximum) of the cellularity of anal Pap smears was 12 (0–70.5) nsc/hpf. In 26 MSM with LSIL and HSIL, the median dysplastic squamous cells count was 14 (2–152) dsc/smear and the cytological sign of HPV infection was 11 (2–71) hpv/smear. Of all anal Pap smears that revealed ASC-US+, 96.6% exhibited cytological signs of HPV infection. Compression-positive binucleated cells were the most prevalent among all cytological signs of HPV infection. Conclusion: For anal cytology, instead of considering a small number of dysplastic squamous cells, screening based on cytological signs of HPV infection may be beneficial for improving the diagnosis of AIN. Creative Commons Attribution License

Revisiting peri-implant soft tissue – histopathological study of the peri-implant soft tissue

PubMed Central

Silva, Eduarda; Félix, Sérgio; Rodriguez-Archilla, Alberto; Oliveira, Pedro; Martins dos Santos, José

2014-01-01

Peri-implant soft tissues are essential for osseointegration. The peri-implant mucosa may lack vascular supply, and histological observation, even without plaque, shows the presence of inflammatory cells. The objectives of this study were to assess the histopathological changes of the epithelium and connective tissue around the implant. Twenty patients of both genders were studied. Twelve weeks after implant placement, fragments of peri-implant gingival sulcus were harvested and processed for light microscopy. Group I (10): without clinical inflammatory signs (control); Group II (10): with clinical inflammatory signs. Histopathological parameters were analyzed and classified in 3 grades: mild, moderate or severe (grade 1, 2 or 3). Control group showed only slight changes, grade 1. In group II we found edema with moderate to severe cellular and nuclear changes. There are more women than men with all grades of inflammation. All patients with moderate edema are male and all patients with severe edema are female. A significant association (p=0.007) exists between these two variables. Significant differences were found when comparing the degree of inflammation with nuclear alterations (p=0.001) and the same results when comparing the degree of edema and nuclear changes (p<0.001). This study demonstrates that clinical examination can be used, with a small margin of error, to monitor and control the state of the peri-implant mucosa. In clinics the predisposition of female patients to greater degree of edema and inflammation should be accounted for. PMID:24551281

Complete diagnostics and clinical approach for a female patient with unusual glioblastoma: A case study.

PubMed

Samal, Filip; Stanek, Libor; Filip, Michal; Haninec, Pavel; Vícha, Ales; Musil, Zdenek; Tesarova, Petra; Petruzelka, Lubos; Springer, Drahomira; Kralickova, Milena; Kohoutova, Milada; Zima, Tomas

2016-07-01

The present study reports a case of a 44-year-old female patient with a large frontal lobe tumor who underwent surgery using a modern navigation system SonoWand that combines the advantages of a non-frame navigation system with intraoperative real-time ultrasound imaging. The right frontal lobe tumor consisted of two morphologically different sections. A diffuse astrocytoma grade II and a glioblastoma grade IV were identified. These tumors were relatively substantially separated. A 17 p deletion, including TP53 , was detected in a diffuse astrocytoma but not in a glioblastoma. EGFR and MDM2 amplifications were detected only in a glioblastoma. Detection of these amplifications is typical for primary glioblastomas. These findings support our assumption of two independent tumors. The KRAS , BRAF and EGFR gene mutations were also detected in a glioblastoma. Such an accumulation of molecular mutations is rare in one tumor. Following oncological treatment the patient was cared for in the oncological center and survived for 15 months after the surgery without any signs of a disease. This is an unusual case, and to the best of our knowledge, is not frequently published in literature.

Correlation of SASH1 expression and ultrasonographic features in breast cancer.

PubMed

Gong, Xuchu; Wu, Jinna; Wu, Jian; Liu, Jun; Gu, Hailin; Shen, Hao

2017-01-01

SASH1 is a member of the SH3/SAM adapter molecules family and has been identified as a new tumor suppressor and critical protein in signal transduction. An ectopic expression of SASH1 is associated with decreased cell viability of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the association between SASH1 expression and the ultrasonographic features in breast cancer. A total of 186 patients diagnosed with breast cancer were included in this study. The patients received preoperative ultrasound examination, and the expression of SASH1 was determined using immunohistochemistry methods. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between SASH1-positive expression and the ultrasonographic features. The positive expression of SASH1 was observed in 63 (33.9%) patients. The positive expression rate of SASH1 was significantly decreased in patients with breast cancer (63/186, 33.9%) compared with controls ( P <0.001). The positive expression rate of SASH1 was significantly decreased in patients with edge burr sign ( P =0.025), lymph node metastasis ( P =0.007), and a blood flow grade of III ( P =0.013) compared with patients without those adverse ultrasonographic features. The expression of SASH1 was negatively correlated with edge burr sign ( P =0.025), lymph node metastasis ( P =0.007), and blood flow grade ( P =0.003) of the patients with breast cancer. The expression of SASH1 was inversely correlated with some critical ultrasonographic features, including edge burr sign, lymph node metastasis, and blood flow grade in breast cancer, and decreased SASH1 expression appears to be associated with adverse clinical and imaging features in breast cancer.

Correlation of SASH1 expression and ultrasonographic features in breast cancer

PubMed Central

Gong, Xuchu; Wu, Jinna; Wu, Jian; Liu, Jun; Gu, Hailin; Shen, Hao

2017-01-01

Objective SASH1 is a member of the SH3/SAM adapter molecules family and has been identified as a new tumor suppressor and critical protein in signal transduction. An ectopic expression of SASH1 is associated with decreased cell viability of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the association between SASH1 expression and the ultrasonographic features in breast cancer. Patients and methods A total of 186 patients diagnosed with breast cancer were included in this study. The patients received preoperative ultrasound examination, and the expression of SASH1 was determined using immunohistochemistry methods. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between SASH1-positive expression and the ultrasonographic features. Results The positive expression of SASH1 was observed in 63 (33.9%) patients. The positive expression rate of SASH1 was significantly decreased in patients with breast cancer (63/186, 33.9%) compared with controls (P<0.001). The positive expression rate of SASH1 was significantly decreased in patients with edge burr sign (P=0.025), lymph node metastasis (P=0.007), and a blood flow grade of III (P=0.013) compared with patients without those adverse ultrasonographic features. The expression of SASH1 was negatively correlated with edge burr sign (P=0.025), lymph node metastasis (P=0.007), and blood flow grade (P=0.003) of the patients with breast cancer. Conclusion The expression of SASH1 was inversely correlated with some critical ultrasonographic features, including edge burr sign, lymph node metastasis, and blood flow grade in breast cancer, and decreased SASH1 expression appears to be associated with adverse clinical and imaging features in breast cancer. PMID:28138250

[Injuries to car passengers protected by air bags].

PubMed

Sefrin, P; Kuhnigk, H; Koburg, R

2004-11-01

The air bag, like the seatbelt, is a further development of the inside protection of motorcar passengers. However, the airbag has also been made responsible for severe internal injuries. In a retrospective case control study, 394 accidents in which the air bag was released were analysed. At least medium severe injuries (Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale: MAIS > or = 2) occurred in 69 cases. Three different patterns of injury were distinguished depending on the level of difficulty of diagnosis by the emergency physician. Damage to the vehicles was scored in five intensities or damage grades. Thoracic injury was most frequently diagnosed in the patients (in 61.5 % of cases), followed by injuries to the lower (50.8 %) and upper extremities (47.7 %). Single injuries with a grade of severity of 2 (MAIS) predominated (59.7 %). In most of the cases the injury was easy to diagnose (64.6 %) because of external signs, in 24.6 % internal injuries were assumed and in only 10.8 % were there no sings of damage to body cavities. Most frequent were occult injuries in the thoracic region (100 %) and in the abdomen (74.4 %). However, occult injuries did not always conform to the grade of deformation to the vehicle, since in 66.7 % the grade of damage was 3. This was not true for the remaining types of injury because external injuries increased with the grade of damage to the vehicle. After the release of the air bag, occult injuries of the body cavities have to be expected, even if there are no signs of external injury. Women under 35 years of age are particularly endangered. There exists no minimum velocity for the occurrence of injuries to the body cavities because harm can simply be a result of the release of the air bag.

Computed tomography assessment of lateral pedicle wall perforation by free-hand subaxial cervical pedicle screw placement.

PubMed

Wang, Yingsong; Xie, Jingming; Yang, Zhendong; Zhao, Zhi; Zhang, Ying; Li, Tao; Liu, Luping

2013-07-01

To present the technique of free-hand subaxial cervical pedicle screw (CPS) placement without using intra-operative navigating devices, and to investigate the crucial factors for safe placement and avoidance of lateral pedicle wall perforation, by measuring and classifying perforations with postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. The placement of CPS has generally been considered as technically demanding and associated with considerable lateral wall perforation rate. For surgeons without access to navigation systems, experience of safe free-hand technique for subaxial CPS placement is especially valuable. A total of 214 consecutive traumatic or degenerative patients with 1,024 CPS placement using the free-hand technique were enrolled. In the operative process, the lateral mass surface was decorticated. Then a small curette was used to identify the pedicle entrance by touching the cortical bone of the medial pedicle wall. It was crucial to keep the transverse angle and make appropriate adjustment with guidance of the resistance of the thick medial cortical bone. The hand drill should be redirected once soft tissue breach was palpated by a slim ball-tip prober. With proper trajectory, tapping, repeated palpation, the 26-30 mm screw could be placed. After the procedure, the transverse angle of CPS trajectory was measured, and perforation of the lateral wall was classified by CT scan: grade 1, perforation of pedicle wall by screw placement, with the external edge of screw deviating out of the lateral pedicle wall equal to or less than 2 mm and grade 2, critical perforation of pedicle wall by screw placement, large than 2 mm. A total of 129 screws (12.64 %) were demonstrated as lateral pedicle wall perforation, of which 101 screws (9.86 %) were classified as grade 1, whereas 28 screws (2.73 %) as grade 2. Among the segments involved, C3 showed an obviously higher perforating rate than other (P < 0.05). The difference between the anatomical pedicle transverse angle and the screw trajectory angle was higher in patients of grade 2 perforation than the others. In the 28 screws of grade 2 perforation verified by axial CT, 26 screws had been palpated as abnormal during operation. However, only 19 out of the 101 screws of grade 1 perforation had shown palpation alarming signs during operation. The average follow-up was 36.8 months (range 5-65 months). There was no symptom and sign of neurovascular injuries. Two screws (0.20 %) were broken, and one screw (0.10 %) loosen. Placement of screw through a correct trajectory may lead to grade 1 perforation, which suggests transversal expansion and breakage of the thinner lateral cortex, probably caused by mismatching of the diameter of 3.5 mm screws and the tiny cancellous bone cavity of pedicle. Grade 1 perforation is deemed as relatively safe to the vertebral artery. Grade 2 perforation means obvious deviation of the trajectory angle of hand drill, which directly penetrates into the transverse foramen, and the risk of vertebral artery injury (VAI) or development of thrombi caused by the irregular blood flow would be much greater compared to grade 1 perforation. Moreover, there are two crucial maneuvers for increasing accuracy of screw placement: identifying the precise entry point using a curette or hand drill to touch the true entrance of the canal after decortication, and guiding CPS trajectory on axial plane by the resistant of thick medial wall.

Prevalence of Disability and Associated Factors among Registered Leprosy Patients in All Africa Tb and Leprosy Rehabilitation and Training Centre (ALERT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Shumet, Tigist; Demissie, Meaza; Bekele, Yonas

2015-10-01

Delay in leprosy diagnosis and treatment causes disabilities due to nerve damage, immunological reactions and bacillary infiltration. Leprosy disability leads not only to physical dysfunction and activity limitation but also disrupts social interaction of affected individuals by creating stigma and discrimination. This study was aimed at assessing leprosy disability status in patients registered at All African TB and Leprosy Rehabilitation and Training Centre. Medical records of leprosy patients registered from September 11, 2010 to September 10, 2013 G.C were reviewed. Prevalence of disability calculated, bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to determine crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. The overall prevalence of disability was found to be 65.9% from all categories of patients (40.2% Grade I and 25.7% Grade II). The Prevalence among the new category was 62.8% (39.1% Grade 1 and 23.7% Grade 2). Those ageed above 30 years, with duration of symptoms 6-12 months and above 24 months, with sensory loss, nerve damage and reversal reaction were more likely to develop disability. In this study the prevalence of disability, both Grade I and II, is very high. Disability was associated with age, duration of symptom, sensory loss, signs of nerve damage and reversal reaction. These risk factors indicate the existence of delay in diagnosis and treatment of leprosy cases. Therefore, the national leprosy control program should investigate leprosy case detection and diagnosis system in the country and work on improving early case detection and prevention of disability.

The Central Bright Spot Sign: A Potential New MR Imaging Sign for the Early Diagnosis of Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy due to Giant Cell Arteritis.

PubMed

Remond, P; Attyé, A; Lecler, A; Lamalle, L; Boudiaf, N; Aptel, F; Krainik, A; Chiquet, C

2017-07-01

A rapid identification of the etiology of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is crucial because it determines therapeutic management. Our aim was to assess MR imaging to study the optic nerve head in patients referred with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, due to either giant cell arteritis or the nonarteritic form of the disease, compared with healthy subjects. Fifteen patients with giant cell arteritis-related anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and 15 patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy from 2 medical centers were prospectively included in our study between August 2015 and May 2016. Fifteen healthy subjects and patients had undergone contrast-enhanced, flow-compensated, 3D T1-weighted MR imaging. The bright spot sign was defined as optic nerve head enhancement with a 3-grade ranking system. Two radiologists and 1 ophthalmologist independently performed blinded evaluations of MR imaging sequences with this scale. Statistical analysis included interobserver agreement. MR imaging scores were significantly higher in patients with giant cell arteritis-related anterior ischemic optic neuropathy than in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy ( P ≤ .05). All patients with giant cell arteritis-related anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (15/15) and 7/15 patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy presented with the bright spot sign. No healthy subjects exhibited enhancement of the anterior part of the optic nerve. There was a significant relationship between the side of the bright spot and the side of the anterior ischemic optic neuropathy ( P ≤ .001). Interreader agreement was good for observers (κ = 0.815). Here, we provide evidence of a new MR imaging sign that identifies the acute stage of giant cell arteritis-related anterior ischemic optic neuropathy; patients without this central bright spot sign always had a nonarteritic pathophysiology and therefore did not require emergency corticosteroid therapy. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Pedestrian/bicyclist warning devices and signs at CTA rail-highway grade crossings.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-12-14

The focus of this research was on individuals who utilize legally authorized CTA highway-rail crossings with pedestrian access. While trespassing is a major public safety issue, it is not the focus of this research. : An extensive review of the liter...

Safety for the Elementary Grades: A Multimedia Roundup.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mandell, Phyllis Levy; Rosenthal, Shiri

1980-01-01

Presents abstracts of films and cassettes for the elementary school dealing with basic safety, bicycle safety, electrical safety, emergencies and how to deal with them, fire and holiday safety, playground safety, poisons, school and bus safety, signs and signals, skateboard and water safety. (CS)

Driver performance on approach to crossbuck and STOP sign equipped crossings

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

In order to improve safe driving behavior at grade crossings, it is important to understand driver actions at or on approach to those areas. Thus, in order to gain a better understanding of the problem, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Offic...

Identifying the heterogeneity of COPD by V/P SPECT: a new tool for improving the diagnosis of parenchymal defects and grading the severity of small airways disease.

PubMed

Bajc, M; Chen, Y; Wang, J; Li, X Y; Shen, W M; Wang, C Z; Huang, H; Lindqvist, A; He, X Y

2017-01-01

Airway obstruction and possible concomitant pulmonary diseases in COPD cannot be identified conventionally with any single diagnostic tool. We aimed to diagnose and grade COPD severity and identify pulmonary comorbidities associated with COPD with ventilation/perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (V/P SPECT) using Technegas as the functional ventilation imaging agent. 94 COPD patients (aged 43-86 years, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages I-IV) were examined with V/P SPECT and spirometry. Ventilation and perfusion defects were analyzed blindly according to the European guidelines. Penetration grade of Technegas in V SPECT measured the degree of obstructive small airways disease. Total preserved lung function and penetration grade of Technegas in V SPECT were assessed by V/P SPECT and compared to GOLD stages and spirometry. Signs of small airway obstruction in the ventilation SPECT images were found in 92 patients. Emphysema was identified in 81 patients. Two patients had no signs of COPD, but both of them had a pulmonary embolism, and in one of them we also suspected a lung tumor. The penetration grade of Technegas in V SPECT and total preserved lung function correlated significantly to GOLD stages ( r =0.63 and -0.60, respectively, P <0.0001). V/P SPECT identified pulmonary embolism in 30 patients (32%). A pattern typical for heart failure was present in 26 patients (28%). Parenchymal changes typical for pneumonia or lung tumor were present in several cases. V/P SPECT, using Technegas as the functional ventilation imaging agent, is a new tool to diagnose COPD and to grade its severity. Additionally, it revealed heterogeneity of COPD caused by pulmonary comorbidities. The characteristics of these comorbidities suggest their significant impact in clarifying symptoms, and also their influence on the prognosis.

Life in the Hive: Supporting Inquiry into Complexity Within the Zone of Proximal Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danish, Joshua A.; Peppler, Kylie; Phelps, David; Washington, Dianna

2011-10-01

Research into students' understanding of complex systems typically ignores young children because of misinterpretations of young children's competencies. Furthermore, studies that do recognize young children's competencies tend to focus on what children can do in isolation. As an alternative, we propose an approach to designing for young children that is grounded in the notion of the Zone of Proximal Development (Vygotsky 1978) and leverages Activity Theory to design learning environments. In order to highlight the benefits of this approach, we describe our process for using Activity Theory to inform the design of new software and curricula in a way that is productive for young children to learn concepts that we might have previously considered to be "developmentally inappropriate". As an illuminative example, we then present a discussion of the design of the BeeSign simulation software and accompanying curriculum which specifically designed from an Activity Theory perspective to engage young children in learning about complex systems (Danish 2009a, b). Furthermore, to illustrate the benefits of this approach, we will present findings from a new study where 40 first- and second-grade students participated in the BeeSign curriculum to learn about how honeybees collect nectar from a complex systems perspective. We conclude with some practical suggestions for how such an approach to using Activity Theory for research and design might be adopted by other science educators and designers.

What to Do If Your Child Feels Lousy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parish, Lawrence C.

1991-01-01

Describes head, body, and crab lice so parents can recognize and respond to the problem in their children, noting that head lice are common in grade school children. The article includes an insert that describes 10 steps in recognizing signs of lice and providing treatment. (SM)

Effect of nabumetone treatment on vascular responses of the thoracic aorta in rat experimental arthritis.

PubMed

Ulker, S; Onal, A; Hatip, F B; Sürücü, A; Alkanat, M; Koşay, S; Evinç, A

2000-04-01

Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAI) drug which is known to cause less gastrointestinal damage than other NSAI drugs. This study was performed to evaluate whether nabumetone treatment might alter the vascular aberrations related to inflammation in a rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis. Nabumetone treatment (120 or 240 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1), orally) was initiated on the 15th day of adjuvant inoculation and continued for 14 days. Arthritic lesions, vascular contractile and relaxant responses and gastroduodenal histopathological preparations were evaluated 29 days after adjuvant inoculation. The contractile responses of aortic rings to phenylephrine and KCl were increased in grade 2 arthritic rats. In grade 3 arthritis only the phenylephrine contractility was decreased. The relaxant responses to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were decreased in grades 2 and 3. In healthy rats, nabumetone did not change the vascular responses. After treatment of arthritic rats with nabumetone, both the contractile and relaxant response of the aortic rings returned to normal, and arthritic score and paw swelling were reduced. Gastroduodenal histopathology did not show erosions or ulcers in any of the groups. In conclusion, nabumetone improved the systemic signs and vascular alterations in experimental arthritis without showing any gastrointestinal side effects. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.

I-35w incident management and impact of incidents on freeway operations. Final report, 1976-1979

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lari, A.; Christianson, D.; Porter, S.

1982-01-01

I-35W and I-94 Traffic Management System have been in operation since 1974. As of December 1979, the TMS operation included six principal functional subsystems. These are (1) a 24 camera closed circuit television network (2) 38 ramp meter signals, (3) eleven express bus and/or carpool meter bypass ramps, (4) a motorist information program including changeable message signs, lane control signals, highway advisory radio and a traffic grade information sign, (5) the Traffic Management Center and (6) an incident detection and response program. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, available incident records accumulated on the TMS were analyzed tomore » develop a comprehensive view of the types and quantities of incidents that have occurred. Second, the incident data base and companion volume and occupancy data was used to determine the impact of 'typical' incidents and the impact of the total incident problem. Included in the report is an analysis of incident types detected, mode of incident detection, duration of incidents, and incident response activities.« less

Development of American Sign Language Guidelines for K-12 Academic Assessments.

PubMed

Higgins, Jennifer A; Famularo, Lisa; Cawthon, Stephanie W; Kurz, Christopher A; Reis, Jeanne E; Moers, Lori M

2016-10-01

The U.S. federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was enacted with goals of closing achievement gaps and providing all students with access to equitable and high-quality instruction. One requirement of ESSA is annual statewide testing of students in grades 3-8 and once in high school. Some students, including many deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students, are eligible to use test supports, in the form of accommodations and accessibility tools, during state testing. Although technology allows accommodations and accessibility tools to be embedded within a digital assessment system, the success of this approach depends on the ability of test developers to appropriately represent content in accommodated forms. The Guidelines for Accessible Assessment Project (GAAP) sought to develop evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for representing test content in American Sign Language. In this article, we present an overview of GAAP, review of the literature, rationale, qualitative and quantitative research findings, and lessons learned. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Assessment of skin aging grading based on computer vision].

PubMed

Li, Lingyu; Xue, Jinxia; He, Xiangqian; Zhang, Sheng; Fan, Chu

2017-06-01

Skin aging is the most intuitive and obvious sign of the human aging processes. Qualitative and quantitative determination of skin aging is of particular importance for the evaluation of human aging and anti-aging treatment effects. To solve the problem of subjectivity of conventional skin aging grading methods, the self-organizing map (SOM) network was used to explore an automatic method for skin aging grading. First, the ventral forearm skin images were obtained by a portable digital microscope and two texture parameters, i.e. , mean width of skin furrows and the number of intersections were extracted by image processing algorithm. Then, the values of texture parameters were taken as inputs of SOM network to train the network. The experimental results showed that the network achieved an overall accuracy of 80.8%, compared with the aging grading results by human graders. The designed method appeared to be rapid and objective, which can be used for quantitative analysis of skin images, and automatic assessment of skin aging grading.

Development of Web-based Distributed Cooperative Development Environmentof Sign-Language Animation System and its Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuizono, Takaya; Hara, Kousuke; Nakayama, Shigeru

A web-based distributed cooperative development environment of sign-language animation system has been developed. We have extended the system from the previous animation system that was constructed as three tiered system which consists of sign-language animation interface layer, sign-language data processing layer, and sign-language animation database. Two components of a web client using VRML plug-in and web servlet are added to the previous system. The systems can support humanoid-model avatar for interoperability, and can use the stored sign language animation data shared on the database. It is noted in the evaluation of this system that the inverse kinematics function of web client improves the sign-language animation making.

Rubeosis iridis as a sign of underlying carotid stenosis.

PubMed

Oller, Mar; Esteban, Carlos; Pérez, Paulina; Parera, M Àngels; Lerma, Rosa; Llagostera, Secundino

2012-12-01

Severe carotid stenosis may be associated with uncommon clinical symptoms. We report a case of ocular ischemic syndrome and subsequent rubeosis iridis due to a high-grade carotid stenosis. The patient recovered visual acuity and his normal iris coloring after carotid endarterectomy. Rubeosis iridis may be the only clinical sign associated with severe carotid stenosis, making it mandatory to rule out the presence of carotid narrowing when it is detected. Establishing an early diagnosis is essential to improve quality of life, prognosis, and patients' outcome. Copyright © 2012 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Spermatotoxic effects of α-chlorohydrin in rats

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung-Hwan; Lee, In-Chul; Lim, Jeong-Hyeon; Moon, Changjong; Bae, Chun-Sik; Kim, Sung-Ho; Shin, Dong-Ho; Kim, Hyoung-Chin

2012-01-01

This study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of α-chlorohydrin (ACH) on epididymal function and antioxidant system in male rats. The test chemical was administered to male rats by gavage at doses of 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Twenty-four male rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups, with six rats in each group. Spermatotoxicity was assessed by measurement of reproductive organ weight, testicular sperm head count, epididymal sperm motility and morphology, histopathologic examination, and oxidative damage analysis in rats. At 30 mg/kg/day, an increase in the incidence of clinical signs, epididymis weight, and gross necropsy findings of the epididymis, a decrease in the sperm motility, and an increased incidence of histopathological changes of the epididymis were observed in a dose-dependent manner. At 10 mg/kg/day, an increased incidence of clinical signs and histopathological changes and decreased sperm motility were observed. In the oxidative damage analysis, an increase in the malondialdehyde concentration and a decrease in the glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in the epididymal tissue were detected at ≥3 mg/kg/day. The results show that graded doses of ACH elicit depletion of the antioxidant defense system and that the spermatotoxicity of ACH may be due to the induction of oxidative stress. PMID:22474469

Comprehensive automatic assessment of retinal vascular abnormalities for computer-assisted retinopathy grading.

PubMed

Joshi, Vinayak; Agurto, Carla; VanNess, Richard; Nemeth, Sheila; Soliz, Peter; Barriga, Simon

2014-01-01

One of the most important signs of systemic disease that presents on the retina is vascular abnormalities such as in hypertensive retinopathy. Manual analysis of fundus images by human readers is qualitative and lacks in accuracy, consistency and repeatability. Present semi-automatic methods for vascular evaluation are reported to increase accuracy and reduce reader variability, but require extensive reader interaction; thus limiting the software-aided efficiency. Automation thus holds a twofold promise. First, decrease variability while increasing accuracy, and second, increasing the efficiency. In this paper we propose fully automated software as a second reader system for comprehensive assessment of retinal vasculature; which aids the readers in the quantitative characterization of vessel abnormalities in fundus images. This system provides the reader with objective measures of vascular morphology such as tortuosity, branching angles, as well as highlights of areas with abnormalities such as artery-venous nicking, copper and silver wiring, and retinal emboli; in order for the reader to make a final screening decision. To test the efficacy of our system, we evaluated the change in performance of a newly certified retinal reader when grading a set of 40 color fundus images with and without the assistance of the software. The results demonstrated an improvement in reader's performance with the software assistance, in terms of accuracy of detection of vessel abnormalities, determination of retinopathy, and reading time. This system enables the reader in making computer-assisted vasculature assessment with high accuracy and consistency, at a reduced reading time.

Tanning among Ontario adolescents pre-legislation: Prevalence and beliefs.

PubMed

Nadalin, V; Marrett, L; Atkinson, J; Tenkate, T; Rosen, C F

2016-10-01

To establish adolescent tanning beliefs and behaviors, prevalence and location of UV tanning device (beds/lamps) use, awareness of risk and restriction signage, and frequency of tanning service refusal, noting differences by grade and sex, prior to a ban on UV tanning device use among those under 18 in Ontario, Canada. Data were collected May 5 to 20 of 2014. Children in grades 7 to 12, and under age 18 completed an on-line questionnaire that asked their age, sex, grade, methods used to tan, frequency, length and location of UV tanning device use, if services were refused and why, awareness and content of signs/warning labels, tanning beliefs and knowledge, and use of eye protection. Of 1561 participants (10% response rate), 49% were male, 51% female. There were significant differences between the sexes regarding tanning behaviors (e.g. not tanning, tanning outside). Seven percent (108) had 'ever' used UV tanning devices, females more than males (p=0.0026). Over half (57%) of the 104 using UV tanning devices in the past 12months noticed warning signs/labels, of which most noticed that UV tanning devices can cause cancer (65%), and that UV exposure can contribute to premature aging (67%). While most (66%) tanned at tanning salons/studios and beauty salons/studios, gyms/fitness clubs (35%) and home use were common (25%). A relatively low proportion of adolescents used UV tanning devices prior to the ban, with use more common among females and those in higher grades. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Clay Chess Sets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cahn, Jeanne

2011-01-01

For several years, the author has taught a six-week ceramics course to students in grades six through eight. This is an elective class, so only interested and passionate students sign up. In past years, she has given three different assignments using slab, coil, and pinch construction techniques, which allowed for individual creative expression.…

78 FR 66655 - Consumer Information; Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-06

... Act discussion below. We will consider all comments received before the close of business on the... signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may..., 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://www.dot.gov/privacy.html . Confidential Business...

Basic Applied Mathematics Part 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York City Board of Education, Brooklyn, NY. Div. of Curriculum and Instruction.

This guide, published by the New York City Board of Education, presents 62 lesson plans in basic mathematics for tenth grade students. Lesson plans and performance objectives focus on the following areas: (1) fundamental operations with signed numbers; (2) linear, weight and temperature measurements; (3) fractions, decimals and percents; (4)…

Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Bevacizumab Therapy for Radiation Necrosis of the Central Nervous System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levin, Victor A., E-mail: vlevin49@comcast.ne; Bidaut, Luc; Hou, Ping

Purpose: To conduct a controlled trial of bevacizumab for the treatment of symptomatic radiation necrosis of the brain. Methods and Materials: A total of 14 patients were entered into a placebo-controlled randomized double-blind study of bevacizumab for the treatment of central nervous system radiation necrosis. All patients were required to have radiographic or biopsy proof of central nervous system radiation necrosis and progressive neurologic symptoms or signs. Eligible patients had undergone irradiation for head-and-neck carcinoma, meningioma, or low- to mid-grade glioma. Patients were randomized to receive intravenous saline or bevacizumab at 3-week intervals. The magnetic resonance imaging findings 3 weeksmore » after the second treatment and clinical signs and symptoms defined the response or progression. Results: The volumes of necrosis estimated on T{sub 2}-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T{sub 1}-weighted gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated that although no patient receiving placebo responded (0 of 7), all bevacizumab-treated patients did so (5 of 5 randomized and 7 of 7 crossover) with decreases in T{sub 2}-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T{sub 1}-weighted gadolinium-enhanced volumes and a decrease in endothelial transfer constant. All bevacizumab-treated patients-and none of the placebo-treated patients-showed improvement in neurologic symptoms or signs. At a median of 10 months after the last dose of bevacizumab in patients receiving all four study doses, only 2 patients had experienced a recurrence of magnetic resonance imaging changes consistent with progressive radiation necrosis; one patient received a single additional dose of bevacizumab and the other patient received two doses. Conclusion: The Class I evidence of bevacizumab efficacy from the present study in the treatment of central nervous system radiation necrosis justifies consideration of this treatment option for people with radiation necrosis secondary to the treatment of head-and-neck cancer and brain cancer.« less

Southwest Research Institute assistance to NASA in biomedical areas of the technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culclasure, D. F.; Eckhardt, L.

1971-01-01

Significant applications of aerospace technology were achieved. These applications include: a miniaturized, noninvasive system to telemeter electrocardiographic signals of heart transplant patients during their recuperative period as graded situations are introduced; and economical vital signs monitor for use in nursing homes and rehabilitation hospitals to indicate the onset of respiratory arrest; an implantable telemetry system to indicate the onset of the rejection phenomenon in animals undergoing cardiac transplants; an exceptionally accurate current proportional temperature controller for pollution studies; an automatic, atraumatic blood pressure measurement device; materials for protecting burned areas in contact with joint bender splints; a detector to signal the passage of animals by a given point during ecology studies; and special cushioning for use with below-knee amputees to protect the integrity of the skin at the stump/prosthesis interface.

Assessing mNIS+7Ionis and international neurologists' proficiency in a familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy trial.

PubMed

Dyck, Peter J; Kincaid, John C; Dyck, P James B; Chaudhry, Vinay; Goyal, Namita A; Alves, Christina; Salhi, Hayet; Wiesman, Janice F; Labeyrie, Celine; Robinson-Papp, Jessica; Cardoso, Márcio; Laura, Matilde; Ruzhansky, Katherine; Cortese, Andrea; Brannagan, Thomas H; Khoury, Julie; Khella, Sami; Waddington-Cruz, Márcia; Ferreira, João; Wang, Annabel K; Pinto, Marcus V; Ayache, Samar S; Benson, Merrill D; Berk, John L; Coelho, Teresa; Polydefkis, Michael; Gorevic, Peter; Adams, David H; Plante-Bordeneuve, Violaine; Whelan, Carol; Merlini, Giampaolo; Heitner, Stephen; Drachman, Brian M; Conceição, Isabel; Klein, Christopher J; Gertz, Morie A; Ackermann, Elizabeth J; Hughes, Steven G; Mauermann, Michelle L; Bergemann, Rito; Lodermeier, Karen A; Davies, Jenny L; Carter, Rickey E; Litchy, William J

2017-11-01

Polyneuropathy signs (Neuropathy Impairment Score, NIS), neurophysiologic tests (m+7 Ionis ), disability, and health scores were assessed in baseline evaluations of 100 patients entered into an oligonucleotide familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) trial. We assessed: (1) Proficiency of grading neurologic signs and correlation with neurophysiologic tests, and (2) clinometric performance of modified NIS+7 neurophysiologic tests (mNIS+7 Ionis ) and its subscores and correlation with disability and health scores. The mNIS+7 Ionis sensitively detected, characterized, and broadly scaled diverse polyneuropathy impairments. Polyneuropathy signs (NIS and subscores) correlated with neurophysiology tests, disability, and health scores. Smart Somatotopic Quantitative Sensation Testing of heat as pain 5 provided a needed measure of small fiber involvement not adequately assessed by other tests. Specially trained neurologists accurately assessed neuropathy signs as compared to referenced neurophysiologic tests. The score, mNIS+7 Ionis , broadly detected, characterized, and scaled polyneuropathy abnormality in FAP, which correlated with disability and health scores. Muscle Nerve 56: 901-911, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins 4, 6 and 7 is downregulated in kidney allografts with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy.

PubMed

Furic-Cunko, Vesna; Kes, Petar; Coric, Marijana; Hudolin, Tvrtko; Kastelan, Zeljko; Basic-Jukic, Nikolina

2015-07-01

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are pleiotropic growth factors. This paper investigates the connection between the expression pattern of BMPs in kidney allograft tissue versus the cause of allograft dysfunction. The expression pattern of BMP2, BMP4, BMP6 and BMP7 in 50 kidney allografts obtained by transplant nephrectomy is investigated. Immunohistochemical staining is semiquantitatively evaluated for intensity to identify the expression pattern of BMPs in normal and allograft kidney tissues. The expression of BMP4 is unique between different tubular cell types in grafts without signs of fibrosis. This effect is not found in specimens with high grades of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA). In samples with IFTA grades II and III, the BMP7 expression is reduced in a significant fraction of specimens relative to those without signs of IFTA. The expression pattern of BMP6 indicates that its activation may be triggered by the act of transplantation and subsequent reperfusion injury. The expression of BMP2 is strong in all types of tubular epithelial cells and does not differ between the compared allografts and control kidney specimens. The intensity and expression pattern of BMP4, BMP6 and BMP7 in transplanted kidney tissue are found to be dependent upon the length of the transplanted period, the clinical indication for transplant nephrectomy and signs of IFTA in kidney tissue.

Comparison study of growth plate fusion using MRI versus plain radiographs as used in age determination for exclusion of overaged football players.

PubMed

George, John; Nagendran, Jayaselvi; Azmi, Khairul

2012-03-01

MRI of distal radius fusion is currently being used in the U17 World Cup to exclude overaged players. Developing countries that cannot afford to perform MRI on their players are using plain radiographs based on the same MRI criteria of fusion. The aim of this study is to compare the grade of fusion of the left wrist distal radial growth plate between MRI and plain radiographs. 150 healthy male football players were grouped into five age groups ranging from 15 to 19 years old. Each participant had coronal T1-weighted MRI and plain radiograph of the left wrist. The degree of distal radius fusion was rated randomly by three radiologists using a six-stage grading system proposed by the FIFA Research Centre. MRI assessment of distal radial growth plate fusion has good correlation with plain radiograph fusion (r=0.949). The mean of x-ray grading is higher than the MRI grading in the 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 years old age groups with p=0.443, 0.001, 0.009, <0.001 and 0.003, respectively, using Wilcoxon signed ranked test. Intraobserver and interobserver correlations were high (r=0.9). T1 MRI correlation with chronological age (r=0.771) was close to plain radiographs (r=0.821) with p value of <0.001. This article is of major importance as it is the first to show that x-rays significantly overrate the grading of fusion in this age group and therefore should not be used to exclude overaged players as is occurring now to the distress of many genuinely eligible players.

Long-term follow-up of Norwegian horses affected with acquired equine polyneuropathy.

PubMed

Hanche-Olsen, S; Kielland, C; Ihler, C F; Hultin Jäderlund, K

2017-09-01

Acquired equine polyneuropathy (AEP), a neurological disease clinically characterised by knuckling of metatarsophalangeal joints, has been described in numerous Nordic horses during the last 20 years. Although clinical recovery has been reported, large-scale data on long-term follow-up of survivors have been lacking. To describe long-term survival of AEP affected horses registered in Norway, with a focus on athletic performance and possible residual clinical signs connected to the disease. A retrospective cohort study. The study includes 143 horses recorded with AEP in Norway from 2000 to 2012, with the follow-up period continuing until 2015. Participating owners of survivors completed a standardised questionnaire, providing information on disease and convalescence, management, performance-level and possible residual clinical signs. To investigate the follow-up of survivors, we performed 2 multivariable linear regression models. The follow-up time of survivors was 1.0-14.5 years (median 5.3, interquartile range 2.5-7.2). Fifty-seven horses survived and all but 3 horses returned to previous or higher level of performance. However, possible disease-related residual clinical signs were reported in 14/57 horses. Forty-nine of the survivors were in athletic use at time of contact. The majority of survivors were categorised with low severity-grades at time of diagnosis and the initial grade was significantly associated with time to resumed training. Only 3 horses had experienced relapse/new attack during the follow-up period. Athletic performance was judged by owners, which renders a possible source of bias. Although AEP is a potential fatal disease, most survivors will recover and return to minimum previous level of athletic performance. Some horses display residual clinical signs, but often without negative effect on performance and relapse of disease is rare. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

Clinical signs of early osteoarthritis: reproducibility and relation to x ray changes in 541 women in the general population.

PubMed Central

Hart, D J; Spector, T D; Brown, P; Wilson, P; Doyle, D V; Silman, A J

1991-01-01

The definition and classification of early clinically apparent osteoarthritis both in clinical situations and in epidemiological surveys remains a problem. Few data exist on the between-observer reproducibility of simple clinical methods of detecting hand and knee osteoarthritis in the population and their sensitivity and specificity as compared with radiography. Two observers first studied the reproducibility of a number of clinical signs in 41 middle aged women. Good rates of agreement were found for most of the clinical signs tested (kappa = 0.54-1.0). The more reproducible signs were then tested on a population of 541 women, aged 45-65, drawn from general practice, screening centres, and patients previously attending hospital for non-rheumatic problems. The major clinical signs used had a high specificity (87-99%) and lower sensitivity (20-49%) when compared with radiographs graded on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale (2+ = positive). When analysis was restricted to symptomatic radiographic osteoarthritis, levels of sensitivity were increased and specificity was lowered. These data show that certain physical signs of osteoarthritis are reproducible and may be used to identify clinical disease. They are not a substitute for radiographs, however, if radiographic change is regarded as the 'gold standard' of diagnosis. As the clinical signs tested seemed specific for osteoarthritis they may be of value in screening populations for clinical disease. PMID:1877852

Assessment of fatty degeneration of the gluteal muscles in patients with THA using MRI: reliability and accuracy of the Goutallier and quartile classification systems.

PubMed

Engelken, Florian; Wassilew, Georgi I; Köhlitz, Torsten; Brockhaus, Sebastian; Hamm, Bernd; Perka, Carsten; Diederichs, und Gerd

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to quantify the performance of the Goutallier classification for assessing fatty degeneration of the gluteus muscles from magnetic resonance (MR) images and to compare its performance to a newly proposed system. Eighty-four hips with clinical signs of gluteal insufficiency and 50 hips from asymptomatic controls were analyzed using a standard classification system (Goutallier) and a new scoring system (Quartile). Interobserver reliability and intraobserver repeatability were determined, and accuracy was assessed by comparing readers' scores with quantitative estimates of the proportion of intramuscular fat based on MR signal intensities (gold standard). The existing Goutallier classification system and the new Quartile system performed equally well in assessing fatty degeneration of the gluteus muscles, both showing excellent levels of interrater and intrarater agreement. While the Goutallier classification system has the advantage of being widely known, the benefit of the Quartile system is that it is based on more clearly defined grades of fatty degeneration. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Kinect based sign language recognition system using spatio-temporal features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Memiş, Abbas; Albayrak, Songül

2013-12-01

This paper presents a sign language recognition system that uses spatio-temporal features on RGB video images and depth maps for dynamic gestures of Turkish Sign Language. Proposed system uses motion differences and accumulation approach for temporal gesture analysis. Motion accumulation method, which is an effective method for temporal domain analysis of gestures, produces an accumulated motion image by combining differences of successive video frames. Then, 2D Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) is applied to accumulated motion images and temporal domain features transformed into spatial domain. These processes are performed on both RGB images and depth maps separately. DCT coefficients that represent sign gestures are picked up via zigzag scanning and feature vectors are generated. In order to recognize sign gestures, K-Nearest Neighbor classifier with Manhattan distance is performed. Performance of the proposed sign language recognition system is evaluated on a sign database that contains 1002 isolated dynamic signs belongs to 111 words of Turkish Sign Language (TSL) in three different categories. Proposed sign language recognition system has promising success rates.

Optical Control of Internal Electric Fields in Band Gap-Graded InGaN Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erhard, N.; Sarwar, A. T. M. Golam; Yang, F.; McComb, D. W.; Myers, R. C.; Holleitner, A. W.

2015-01-01

InGaN nanowires are suitable building blocks for many future optoelectronic devices. We show that a linear grading of the indium content along the nanowire axis from GaN to InN introduces an internal electric field evoking a photocurrent. Consistent with quantitative band structure simulations we observe a sign change in the measured photocurrent as a function of photon flux. This negative differential photocurrent opens the path to a new type of nanowire-based photodetector. We demonstrate that the photocurrent response of the nanowires is as fast as 1.5 ps.

Combining Spot Sign and Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score to Estimate Functional Outcome: Analysis From the PREDICT Cohort.

PubMed

Schneider, Hauke; Huynh, Thien J; Demchuk, Andrew M; Dowlatshahi, Dar; Rodriguez-Luna, David; Silva, Yolanda; Aviv, Richard; Dzialowski, Imanuel

2018-06-01

The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score is the most commonly used grading scale for stratifying functional outcome in patients with acute ICH. We sought to determine whether a combination of the ICH score and the computed tomographic angiography spot sign may improve outcome prediction in the cohort of a prospective multicenter hemorrhage trial. Prospectively collected data from 241 patients from the observational PREDICT study (Prediction of Hematoma Growth and Outcome in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using the CT-Angiography Spot Sign) were analyzed. Functional outcome at 3 months was dichotomized using the modified Rankin Scale (0-3 versus 4-6). Performance of (1) the ICH score and (2) the spot sign ICH score-a scoring scale combining ICH score and spot sign number-was tested. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that ICH score (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-4.8) and spot sign number (n=1: odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.4; n>1: odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-17.1) were independently predictive of functional outcome at 3 months with similar odds ratios. Prediction of functional outcome was not significantly different using the spot sign ICH score compared with the ICH score alone (spot sign ICH score area under curve versus ICH score area under curve: P =0.14). In the PREDICT cohort, a prognostic score adding the computed tomographic angiography-based spot sign to the established ICH score did not improve functional outcome prediction compared with the ICH score. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Simultaneous Communication Supports Learning in Noise by Cochlear Implant Users

PubMed Central

Blom, Helen C.; Marschark, Marc; Machmer, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the potential of using spoken language and signing together (simultaneous communication, SimCom, sign-supported speech) as a means of improving speech recognition, comprehension, and learning by cochlear implant users in noisy contexts. Methods Forty eight college students who were active cochlear implant users, watched videos of three short presentations, the text versions of which were standardized at the 8th grade reading level. One passage was presented in spoken language only, one was presented in spoken language with multi-talker babble background noise, and one was presented via simultaneous communication with the same background noise. Following each passage, participants responded to 10 (standardized) open-ended questions designed to assess comprehension. Indicators of participants’ spoken language and sign language skills were obtained via self-reports and objective assessments. Results When spoken materials were accompanied by signs, scores were significantly higher than when materials were spoken in noise without signs. Participants’ receptive spoken language skills significantly predicted scores in all three conditions; neither their receptive sign skills nor age of implantation predicted performance. Discussion Students who are cochlear implant users typically rely solely on spoken language in the classroom. The present results, however, suggest that there are potential benefits of simultaneous communication for such learners in noisy settings. For those cochlear implant users who know sign language, the redundancy of speech and signs potentially can offset the reduced fidelity of spoken language in noise. Conclusion Accompanying spoken language with signs can benefit learners who are cochlear implant users in noisy situations such as classroom settings. Factors associated with such benefits, such as receptive skills in signed and spoken modalities, classroom acoustics, and material difficulty need to be empirically examined. PMID:28010675

Simultaneous communication supports learning in noise by cochlear implant users.

PubMed

Blom, Helen; Marschark, Marc; Machmer, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

This study sought to evaluate the potential of using spoken language and signing together (simultaneous communication, SimCom, sign-supported speech) as a means of improving speech recognition, comprehension, and learning by cochlear implant (CI) users in noisy contexts. Forty eight college students who were active CI users, watched videos of three short presentations, the text versions of which were standardized at the 8 th -grade reading level. One passage was presented in spoken language only, one was presented in spoken language with multi-talker babble background noise, and one was presented via simultaneous communication with the same background noise. Following each passage, participants responded to 10 (standardized) open-ended questions designed to assess comprehension. Indicators of participants' spoken language and sign language skills were obtained via self-reports and objective assessments. When spoken materials were accompanied by signs, scores were significantly higher than when materials were spoken in noise without signs. Participants' receptive spoken language skills significantly predicted scores in all three conditions; neither their receptive sign skills nor age of implantation predicted performance. Students who are CI users typically rely solely on spoken language in the classroom. The present results, however, suggest that there are potential benefits of simultaneous communication for such learners in noisy settings. For those CI users who know sign language, the redundancy of speech and signs potentially can offset the reduced fidelity of spoken language in noise. Accompanying spoken language with signs can benefit learners who are CI users in noisy situations such as classroom settings. Factors associated with such benefits, such as receptive skills in signed and spoken modalities, classroom acoustics, and material difficulty need to be empirically examined.

From Piloting e-Submission to Electronic Management of Assessment (EMA): Mapping Grading Journeys

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vergés Bausili, Anna

2018-01-01

The increasing interest in electronic management of assessment is a sign of a gradual institutionalisation of e-submission and e-marking technologies in UK Higher Education. The effective adoption of these technologies requires a managed approach, especially a detailed understanding of current assessment practices within the institution and the…

Current Backpack Weight Status for Primary Schoolchildren in Colima, Mexico

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olmedo-Buenrostro, Bertha Alicia; Delgado-Enciso, Iván; Sánchez-Ramírez, Carmen Alicia; Cruz, Sergio Adrián Montero; Vásquez, Clemente; Mora-Brambila, Ana Bertha; Rodríguez-Sánchez, Iram P.; Martínez-Fierro, Margarita L.

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study was to identify the current status of backpack weight in primary schoolchildren in Colima, Mexico, in relation to gender, school grade level, and body mass index. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 randomly selected children from 20 primary schools. The participating children's parents signed statements of…

32 CFR 154.41 - Central adjudication.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the military rank of 0-2. (ii) Unfavorable: Investigations that are not completely favorable must be... specifically designated by the head of the Component concerned, or designee. (b) In view of the significance..., must be approved and signed at the civilian grade of GS-14/15 or the military rank of O-6. (2) NACI...

Teaching Elementary Students to Be Safe on the Internet

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Panter, Suzanna L.

2009-01-01

On October 10, 2008 the "Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act" was signed. This law requires schools receiving federal E-rate discounts on Internet services to educate their students on appropriate online behavior. Many states including Virginia have mandated Internet Safety education in all grade levels as part of technology education.…

Increasing Children's ASL Classifier Production: A Multicomponent Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beal-Alvarez, Jennifer S.; Easterbrooks, Susan R.

2013-01-01

The Authors examined classifier production during narrative retells by 10 deaf and hard of hearing students in grades 2-4 at a day school for the deaf following a 6-week intervention of repeated viewings of stories in American Sign Language (ASL) paired with scripted teacher mediation. Classifier production, documented through a…

Everyday Reading and Writing: English. 5112.24.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knowles, Marlene; Wardell, Arlene

A curriculum guide to help students improve their everyday English skills has been designed for the Dade County Public Schools. The course, for grades 8 through 12, is to help students learn to read, write, and interpret letters, business forms, instructions, signs, maps, and magazines. The practical subject matter emphasizes basic reading and…

House Bill 5 Evaluation. Revised

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mellor, Lynn; Stoker, Ginger; Reese, Kelly

2015-01-01

In June 2013, former Texas Governor Rick Perry signed into law House Bill (HB) 5, 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session, which established a new high school graduation program--the Foundation High School Program--for students entering Grade 9 in 2014-15 and reduced the number of state assessments required for graduation. The legislation gave the…

Manual Signing in Adults with Intellectual Disability: Influence of Sign Characteristics on Functional Sign Vocabulary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meuris, Kristien; Maes, Bea; De Meyer, Anne-Marie; Zink, Inge

2014-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of sign characteristics in a key word signing (KWS) system on the functional use of those signs by adults with intellectual disability (ID). Method: All 507 signs from a Flemish KWS system were characterized in terms of phonological, iconic, and referential characteristics.…

Deep mural injury and perforation after colonic endoscopic mucosal resection: a new classification and analysis of risk factors.

PubMed

Burgess, Nicholas G; Bassan, Milan S; McLeod, Duncan; Williams, Stephen J; Byth, Karen; Bourke, Michael J

2017-10-01

Perforation is the most serious complication associated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). We propose a new classification for the appearance and integrity of the muscularis propria (MP) after EMR including various extents of deep mural injury (DMI). Risk factors for these injuries were analysed. Endoscopic images and histological specimens of consecutive patients undergoing EMR of colonic laterally spreading lesions ≥20 mm at a large Australian tertiary referral endoscopy unit were retrospectively analysed using our new DMI classification system. DMI was graded according to MP injury (I/II intact MP without/with fibrosis, III target sign, IV/V obvious transmural perforation without/with contamination). Histological specimens were examined for included MP and patient outcomes were recorded. All type III-V DMI signs were clipped if possible, types I and II DMI were clipped at the endoscopists' discretion. EMR was performed in 911 lesions (mean size 37 mm) in 802 patients (male sex 51.4%, mean age 67 years). DMI signs were identified in 83 patients (10.3%). Type III-V DMI was identified in 24 patients (3.0%); clipping was successfully performed in all patients. A clinically significant perforation occurred in two patients (0.2%). Only one of the 59 type I/II cases experienced a delayed perforation. 85.5% of patients with DMI were discharged on the same day, all without sequelae. On multivariable analysis, type III-V DMI was associated with transverse colon location (OR 3.55, p=0.028), en bloc resection (OR 3.84, p=0.005) and high-grade dysplasia or submucosal invasive cancer (OR 2.97, p 0.014). In this retrospective analysis, use of the new classification and management with clips appeared to be a safe approach. Advanced DMI types (III-V) occurred in 3.0% of patients and were associated with identifiable risk factors. Further prospective clinical studies should use this new classification. NCT01368289; results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Pharmacokinetic Profile, Safety, and Tolerability of Crisaborole Topical Ointment, 2% in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: An Open-Label Phase 2a Study.

PubMed

Tom, Wynnis L; Van Syoc, Merrie; Chanda, Sanjay; Zane, Lee T

2016-01-01

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) is an emerging target in treating inflammatory skin diseases. Crisaborole topical ointment, 2% is a novel, boron-based, topical PDE4 inhibitor under investigation for treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). Adolescent patients aged 12 to 17 years with treatable AD lesions involving ≥ 10% to ≤ 35% body surface area (BSA) were enrolled into a phase 2a, open-label study comprising pharmacokinetic (PK), safety, tolerability, and efficacy assessments. Crisaborole topical ointment, 2% was applied twice daily to affected areas for 28 days, with dosage based on baseline treatable BSA. PK blood samples were collected on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), laboratory parameters, and vital signs. Efficacy assessments included the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) score and severity of AD signs and symptoms. Twenty-three patients were enrolled; 22 completed the study (1 patient discontinued due to an AE [application site dermatitis]). PK analysis demonstrated limited exposure to crisaborole topical ointment, 2% after 8 days of dosing. Ten patients reported a total of 19 AEs, most commonly application site pain and nasopharyngitis (3 patients each). There were no clinically meaningful changes in laboratory or vital sign parameters. Efficacy was demonstrated by reductions in mean ISGA and AD sign and symptom severity scores. At day 29, eight patients (35%) had achieved an ISGA score ≤ 1 with ≥ 2-grade improvement. Mean treatable BSA declined from 17.6% to 8.2%. These results provide preliminary evidence for the limited systemic exposure, safety, and effectiveness of crisaborole topical ointment, 2% in adolescents with mild to moderate AD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Can corneal pannus with trachomatous inflammation--follicular be used in combination as an improved specific clinical sign for current ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection?

PubMed

Derrick, Tamsyn; Holland, Martin J; Cassama, Eunice; Markham-David, Rod; Nabicassa, Meno; Marks, Michael; Bailey, Robin L; Last, Anna R

2016-01-27

Trachoma is a blinding disease caused by conjunctival infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). Mass drug administration (MDA) for trachoma control is administered based on the population prevalence of the clinical sign of trachomatis inflammation - follicular (TF). However, the prevalence of TF is often much higher than the prevalence of Ct infection. The addition of a clinical sign specific for current ocular Ct infection to TF could save resources by preventing unnecessary additional rounds of MDA. Study participants were aged between 1-9 years and resided on 7 islands of the Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea Bissau. Clinical grades for trachoma and corneal pannus and ocular swab samples were taken from 80 children with TF and from 81 matched controls without clinical evidence of trachoma. Ct infection testing was performed using droplet digital PCR. New pannus was significantly associated with Ct infection after adjustment for TF (P = 0.009, OR = 3.65 (1.4-9.8)). Amongst individuals with TF, individuals with new pannus had significantly more Ct infection than individuals with none or old pannus (75.0% vs 45.5%, Chi(2) P = 0.01). TF and new pannus together provide a highly specific (91.7%), but a poorly sensitive (51.9%) clinical diagnostic test for Ct infection. As we move towards trachoma elimination it may be desirable to use a combined clinical sign (new pannus in addition to TF) that is highly specific for current ocular Ct infection. This would allow national health systems to obtain a more accurate estimate of Ct population prevalence to inform further need for MDA without the expense of Ct molecular diagnostics, which are currently unaffordable in programmatic contexts.

Development of a traffic sign inventory system : Sign Click.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-07-01

A system is not currently in place to inventory traffic signs in Kentucky. A sign inventory database would be beneficial for those responsible for maintenance and management of signs. The overall safety provided the driving public could benefit from ...

Towards a Transcription System of Sign Language for 3D Virtual Agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Do Amaral, Wanessa Machado; de Martino, José Mario

Accessibility is a growing concern in computer science. Since virtual information is mostly presented visually, it may seem that access for deaf people is not an issue. However, for prelingually deaf individuals, those who were deaf since before acquiring and formally learn a language, written information is often of limited accessibility than if presented in signing. Further, for this community, signing is their language of choice, and reading text in a spoken language is akin to using a foreign language. Sign language uses gestures and facial expressions and is widely used by deaf communities. To enabling efficient production of signed content on virtual environment, it is necessary to make written records of signs. Transcription systems have been developed to describe sign languages in written form, but these systems have limitations. Since they were not originally designed with computer animation in mind, in general, the recognition and reproduction of signs in these systems is an easy task only to those who deeply know the system. The aim of this work is to develop a transcription system to provide signed content in virtual environment. To animate a virtual avatar, a transcription system requires explicit enough information, such as movement speed, signs concatenation, sequence of each hold-and-movement and facial expressions, trying to articulate close to reality. Although many important studies in sign languages have been published, the transcription problem remains a challenge. Thus, a notation to describe, store and play signed content in virtual environments offers a multidisciplinary study and research tool, which may help linguistic studies to understand the sign languages structure and grammar.

Smart sign ordering system (phase I) : final report, May 2004.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-05-01

The University of Akron has developed an on-line traffic sign ordering system, the Smart Sign Ordering System (SSOS), for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The objective of SSOS is to increase the efficiency of the sign ordering process b...

Outcomes after medical and surgical interventions in horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy.

PubMed

Espinosa, P; Nieto, J E; Estell, K E; Kass, P H; Aleman, M

2017-11-01

Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a cause of neurological disease in horses that is characterised by facial and vestibulocochlear nerve deficits. Studies reporting and comparing survival following medical or surgical treatment of THO are lacking. To compare survival and prognosis in horses with THO treated medically or surgically, and to report surgical complications. Retrospective study. The medical records of horses diagnosed with THO were retrieved, and data on signalment, clinical signs and duration, corneal ulceration and bilateral occurrence were recorded. Neurological severity was graded according to clinical signs. Preoperative radiographic and endoscopic images were graded according to the severity of changes. Factors potentially affecting survival and treatment were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression. A total of 77 horses were identified as having THO during the period 1990-2014. Of these, 25 horses underwent ceratohyoid ostectomy (CHO) and eight underwent partial stylohyoid ostectomy (PSHO). Thirteen of 20, one of 25 and one of eight horses treated by medical therapy, CHO and PSHO, respectively, died or were subjected to euthanasia as a consequence of THO. Compared with CHO, medical therapy was significantly associated with nonsurvival, but there were no significant differences in survival between horses undergoing PSHO and medical therapy. The duration of clinical signs, and neurological, radiographic and endoscopic grades were not associated with survival of THO. However, the age of the horse was significantly associated with poorer survival. Survival time was significantly shorter in the medical therapy group compared with the two surgical groups combined, but did not differ significantly between the two surgical groups. No significant difference between groups was seen in the incidence of surgical complications (33.3% in the PSHO and 22.2% in the CHO group). This was a nonrandomised study of treatment effects on survival and included a low number of cases. The survival prognosis in horses with THO is good to excellent in those submitted to surgical intervention, and fair in those treated with medical therapy alone. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

Recruitment and retention strategies and methods in the HEALTHY study.

PubMed

Drews, K L; Harrell, J S; Thompson, D; Mazzuto, S L; Ford, E G; Carter, M; Ford, D A; Yin, Z; Jessup, A N; Roullet, J-B

2009-08-01

HEALTHY was a 3-year middle school-based primary prevention trial to reduce modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes in youth. The study was conducted at seven centers across the country. This paper describes the recruitment and retention activities employed in the study. Schools and students were the focus of recruitment and retention. Each center was responsible for the recruitment of six schools; eligibility was based on ability to enroll a sufficient number of predominately minority and lower socioeconomic status students. Study staff met with district superintendents and school principals to verify the eligibility of schools, and to ascertain how appropriate the school would be for conducting the trial. Sixth grade students were recruited employing a variety of techniques; students and their parents did not know whether their school was randomized to the intervention or control arm. This cohort was followed through sixth, seventh and eighth grades. In the eighth grade, an additional sample of students who were not originally enrolled in the study was recruited in a similar manner to participate in data collection to allow for cross-sectional and dose-response secondary analyses. Parents signed informed consent forms and children signed informed assent forms, as per the needs of the local Institutional Review Board. Parents received a letter describing the results of the health screening for their children after data collection in sixth and eighth grades. Retention of schools and students was critical for the success of the study and was encouraged through the use of financial incentives and other strategies. To a large extent, student withdrawal due to out-migration (transfer and geographical relocation) was beyond the ability of the study to control. A multi-level approach that proactively addressed school and parent concerns was crucial for the success of recruitment and retention in the HEALTHY study.

[Specific clinical signs suggestive of endometriosis (excluding adenomyosis) and questionnaires of symptoms, pain and quality of life: CNGOF-HAS Endometriosis Guidelines].

PubMed

Huchon, C; Aubry, G; Ploteau, S; Fauconnier, A

2018-03-01

In case of consultation for chronic pelvic pain or suspicion of endometriosis, it is recommended to evaluate the pain (intensity, resonance) and to search out the evocative and localizing symptoms of endometriosis (Grade B). The main symptoms suggestive of endometriosis are: severe dysmenorrhea (NP2), deep dyspareunia (NP2), painful defecation during menstruation (NP2), urinary tract symptoms during menstruation (NP2) and infertility (NP2). In patients with chronic pelvic pain, it is recommended to search deep infiltrating endometriosis in patients with painful defecation during menstruation or severe deep dyspareunia (Grade B). It is recommended to search symptoms suggestive of sensitization in painful patients with endometriosis (Grade B). When suggestive symptoms of endometriosis are present, a directed gynecological examination is recommended, where possible, including examination of the posterior vaginal cul-de-sac (Grade C). In assessing pain intensity or evaluating analgesic effectiveness of a treatment, it is recommended to use a scale to measure the intensity of pain (Grade A). In the management of symptomatic endometriosis, it is recommended to evaluate the quality of life (Grade C). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

International recommendations for glucose control in adult non diabetic critically ill patients.

PubMed

Ichai, Carole; Preiser, Jean-Charles

2010-01-01

The purpose of this research is to provide recommendations for the management of glycemic control in critically ill patients. Twenty-one experts issued recommendations related to one of the five pre-defined categories (glucose target, hypoglycemia, carbohydrate intake, monitoring of glycemia, algorithms and protocols), that were scored on a scale to obtain a strong or weak agreement. The GRADE (Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system was used, with a strong recommendation indicating a clear advantage for an intervention and a weak recommendation indicating that the balance between desirable and undesirable effects of an intervention is not clearly defined. A glucose target of less than 10 mmol/L is strongly suggested, using intravenous insulin following a standard protocol, when spontaneous food intake is not possible. Definition of the severe hypoglycemia threshold of 2.2 mmol/L is recommended, regardless of the clinical signs. A general, unique amount of glucose (enteral/parenteral) to administer for any patient cannot be suggested. Glucose measurements should be performed on arterial rather than venous or capillary samples, using central lab or blood gas analysers rather than point-of-care glucose readers. Thirty recommendations were obtained with a strong (21) and a weak (9) agreement. Among them, only 15 were graded with a high level of quality of evidence, underlying the necessity to continue clinical studies in order to improve the risk-to-benefit ratio of glucose control.

Corneal fibrosarcoma in a cat.

PubMed

Strong, Travis D; Tangeman, Sarah; Ben-Shlomo, Gil; Haynes, Joseph; Allbaugh, Rachel A

2016-07-01

To present the clinicopathologic features of a Domestic Short-haired cat with spontaneous, intermediate-grade corneal fibrosarcoma, possibly secondary to chronic corneal irritation associated with a corneal sequestrum. A 12-year-old, spayed female Domestic Short-haired cat was evaluated for a slowly growing, pink, exophytic mass affecting the left cornea. The cat had presented 6 years previously for bilateral brown corneal sequestra, as well as 3 years previously for a small pale growth on the left cornea hypothesized to be an epithelial inclusion cyst and a corneal ulcer affecting the right eye. Incisional biopsy of the corneal mass indicated intermediate-grade corneal fibrosarcoma within the corneal stroma. Owing to the potential for malignant behavior, the left globe was enucleated. Routine systemic staging was performed prior to surgery with no evidence of metastasis. Definitive diagnosis of corneal fibrosarcoma was made through histopathologic examination of the incisional biopsy. There was an elevated mitotic index, indicating an intermediate-grade phenotype. Histopathology of the enucleated globe substantiated the initial findings, and complete tumor resection was confirmed. Subjacent to the corneal fibrosarcoma, there was a region of necrotic tissue suggestive of a corneal sequestrum. Six months after diagnosis and enucleation, the patient remained healthy with no signs of local spread or distant metastasis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of a corneal fibrosarcoma in a cat. © 2016 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Reading to deaf children who sign: a response to Williams (2012) and suggestions for future research.

PubMed

Andrews, Jean F

2012-01-01

A commentary on Williams's (2012) invited article on the use of adapted vocabulary learning interventions focuses on three areas: (a) Vocabulary interventions with storybook reading originally designed for hearing children can be adapted for deaf children. (b) Teachers are invited to reflect on how the read-aloud process in English differs from the read-aloud process in sign. (b) Teachers are asked to consider adding drawing and writing activities to reading lessons to show young deaf readers how reading and writing are reciprocal processes. The emergent literacy theory is used, as it informs and drives instructional vocabulary teaching practices for deaf children in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. The emergent literacy theory broadly captures cognitive, social, perceptual, and linguistic understandings of how young signing deaf children acquire both English word recognition abilities and vocabulary knowledge, among other important prereading concepts.

Embedded Weapons-Grade Tungsten Alloy Shrapnel Rapidly Induces Metastatic High-Grade Rhabdomyosarcomas in F344 Rats

PubMed Central

Kalinich, John F.; Emond, Christy A.; Dalton, Thomas K.; Mog, Steven R.; Coleman, Gary D.; Kordell, Jessica E.; Miller, Alexandra C.; McClain, David E.

2005-01-01

Continuing concern regarding the potential health and environmental effects of depleted uranium and lead has resulted in many countries adding tungsten alloy (WA)-based munitions to their battlefield arsenals as replacements for these metals. Because the alloys used in many munitions are relatively recent additions to the list of militarily relevant metals, very little is known about the health effects of these metals after internalization as embedded shrapnel. Previous work in this laboratory developed a rodent model system that mimicked shrapnel loads seen in wounded personnel from the 1991 Persian Gulf War. In the present study, we used that system and male F344 rats, implanted intramuscularly with pellets (1 mm × 2 mm cylinders) of weapons-grade WA, to simulate shrapnel wounds. Rats were implanted with 4 (low dose) or 20 pellets (high dose) of WA. Tantalum (20 pellets) and nickel (20 pellets) served as negative and positive controls, respectively. The high-dose WA-implanted rats (n = 46) developed extremely aggressive tumors surrounding the pellets within 4–5 months after implantation. The low-dose WA-implanted rats (n = 46) and nickel-implanted rats (n = 36) also developed tumors surrounding the pellets but at a slower rate. Rats implanted with tantalum (n = 46), an inert control metal, did not develop tumors. Tumor yield was 100% in both the low- and high-dose WA groups. The tumors, characterized as high-grade pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas by histopathology and immunohistochemical examination, rapidly metastasized to the lung and necessitated euthanasia of the animal. Significant hematologic changes, indicative of polycythemia, were also observed in the high-dose WA-implanted rats. These changes were apparent as early as 1 month postimplantation in the high-dose WA rats, well before any overt signs of tumor development. These results point out the need for further studies investigating the health effects of tungsten and tungsten-based alloys. PMID:15929896

The University of Michigan Campus Identification Signs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor.

Specific information, identification, and direction to and within the campus as factors determining a campus sign system are discussed in terms of--(1) needs requiring an identification sign system, (2) recommendations for initiating a comprehensive sign system for the university, and (3) application procedures as they relate to streets, walkways,…

Visceral leishmaniasis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Santos Silva, André Filipe; Figueiredo Dias, João Paulo Branco Calheiros; Nuak, João Miguel Neves Gonçalves Santos; Rocha Aguiar, Francisca; Araújo Pinto, José António; Sarmento, António Carlos Eugénio Megre

2015-01-01

Visceral leishmaniasis is an infection with an insidious and disabling course caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. In Europe, it is mostly associated with HIV infection. Systemic lupus erythematosus and its treatment are associated with increased risk of infection, neoplastic and concomitant autoimmune disorders. The association of these diseases may go unnoticed. A 60 year-old Caucasian woman with lupus presented with a one-year history of fever, malaise, weakness and weight loss. The highlights on physical examination were pallor, palpable hepatosplenomegaly and low-grade fever. Blood tests showed pancytopenia, hyperproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia and hypergammaglobulinemia; electrophoresis showed a polyclonal gamma curve. Full-body CT scan revealed massive hepatosplenomegaly. Microbiology investigation was negative for the most common pathogens, including tuberculosis. There were no signs of hematologic malignancy in the bone marrow smear. PCR for Leishmania infantum was positive both in blood and bone marrow. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B, and immunosuppression was adjusted. She showed rapid clinical improvement and 6 months later had no signs of disease. The differential diagnosis in a patient with lupus presenting with fever and multisystemic manifestations includes infectious or neoplastic disorders. The patient lived in an endemic area of Leishmania, and typical clinical and analytical changes were all present, making this case highly educational. The case highlights the importance of a patient's epidemiological background and how it can lead to the diagnosis and timely treatment of a rare disease.

Crash test and evaluation of temporary wood sign support system for large guide signs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

The objective of this research task was to evaluate the impact performance of a temporary wood sign support : system for large guide signs. It was desired to use existing TxDOT sign hardware in the design to the extent possible. : The full-scale cras...

Exploring the Structure of Equivalence Items in an Assessment of Elementary Grades

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Singh, Rashmi; Kosko, Karl W.

2017-01-01

This study is focused on the structure of equivalence problem to probe the evolution from operational to relational view of students' understanding of the equals sign. We propose a modified construct map which incorporates the intermediate levels in such a transition which were previously ignored. Our findings suggest that the structure of number…

How Much "Cents" Does Your Money Make? Teacher's Guide [and] Student Material.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shell, Dee; Estes, Cynthia

This unit, which contains student materials and teacher's guide, is designed to teach second grade students to count change using pennies, dimes, and nickels. Instructions for students are on a teacher-made taped cassette. A read-along story introduces the unit. Section I reviews money signs and symbols that students need to recognize. Activities…

Chronic Absenteeism: A Key Indicator of Student Success. Policy Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rafa, Alyssa

2017-01-01

Research shows that chronic absenteeism can affect academic performance in later grades and is a key early warning sign that a student is more likely to drop out of high school. Several states enacted legislation to address this issue, and many states are currently discussing the utility of chronic absenteeism as an indicator of school quality or…

American History Brought to Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teague, Joetta

2011-01-01

For the past twenty years, a major project for the author's eighth-grade art classes has been a group diorama with plaster figures. The group has to include two to four people participating in a sport or an occupation while showing some kind of action and interaction. Not too long ago, a couple of girls asked to depict the signing of the…

Improving Student Drafting Knowledge and Skills through the Use of Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramsey, Steven A.; Vedder, Charles V.

A program was developed to infuse technology into drafting strategies to enhance learning of 11th- and 12th-grade students in a middle-class community in central Illinois who exhibited signs of inadequate achievement related to technology use. To document the extent of students' lack of understanding technology, surveys regarding attitudes toward…

Vocabulary Development: How Deaf Individuals Can Learn to Use the Information Given.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirsh-Pasek, Kathy; Freyd, Pamela

To determine if people analyze words in online reading, an experiment was conducted with 12 congenitally deaf, second generation sign language users with a reading level of 6.64 on a standardized reading achievement test. The hearing controls included seventh and eighth grade students who were matched for reading level. Both groups were split in…

Admin on the Fly

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raths, David

2009-01-01

Students at Tompkins Cortland Community College (commonly known as TC3) in upstate New York can use mobile phones to check their grades and course schedules, sign up for text alerts about class cancellations, and view a campus weather cam. They can even view their debit card account balances--all courtesy of the TC3 Mobile portal. The students at…

Equivalence in Symbolic and Nonsymbolic Contexts: Benefits of Solving Problems with Manipulatives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherman, Jody; Bisanz, Jeffrey

2009-01-01

Children's failure on equivalence problems (e.g., 5 + 4 = 7 + __) is believed to be the result of misunderstanding the equal sign and has been tested using symbolic problems (including "="). For Study 1 (N = 48), we designed a nonsymbolic method for presenting equivalence problems to determine whether Grade 2 children's difficulty is due…

Deaf Children's Science Content Learning in Direct Instruction Versus Interpreted Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurz, Kim B.; Schick, Brenda; Hauser, Peter C.

2015-01-01

This research study compared learning of 6-9th grade deaf students under two modes of educational delivery--interpreted vs. direct instruction using science lessons. Nineteen deaf students participated in the study in which they were taught six science lessons in American Sign Language. In one condition, the lessons were taught by a hearing…

Collaboration in Word Processing. Education and Technology Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heap, James L.; Moore, Shawn

A study investigating collaborative computer use for writing at the primary level was conducted at a Catholic school in Toronto through videotaping and observation in a first grade classroom over a period of 3 weeks. It was found that the differentiation of tasks by the computer into two types of acts--inputting signs and arranging text--was…

Mammography of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: review of 909 cases with radiographic-pathologic correlations.

PubMed

Barreau, Béatrice; de Mascarel, Isabelle; Feuga, Caroline; MacGrogan, Gaétan; Dilhuydy, Marie-Hélène; Picot, Véronique; Dilhuydy, Jean-Marie; de Lara, Christine Tunon; Bussières, Emmanuel; Schreer, I

2005-04-01

We retrospectively analysed mammographies of 909 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (1980-1999) and compared our results to those of literature. Microcalcifications were present in 75% of the cases, and soft-tissue abnormalities in 27% cases with association with calcifications in 14% of cases. Palpable masses were found in 12% of the cases and nipple discharge was present in 12% of the cases. The radiographic-pathologic correlation allowed to suspect the DCIS "aggressiveness" on radiologic signs. Granular, linear, branching and/or galactophoric topography of the microcalcifications were correlated with necrosis, grade 3, comedocarcinoma type. A number of microcalcifications higher than 20 was correlated with necrosis and grade 3. Mammographic size was correlated to histologic size. Masses were correlated with grade 1. A diagnosis strategy can be proposed with a multidisciplinar approach.

Low-grade osteosarcoma arising from cemento-ossifying fibroma: a case report

PubMed Central

Lee, Yong Bin; Kim, Nam-Kyoo; Kim, Jae-Young

2015-01-01

Cemento-ossifying fibromas are benign tumors, and, although cases of an aggressive type have been reported, no cases of cemento-ossifying fibroma transforming into osteosarcoma have been documented previously. Low-grade osteosarcoma is a rare type of primary bone tumor, representing 1%-2% of all osteosarcomas. A 45-year-old female patient was diagnosed with cemento-ossifying fibroma, treated with mass excision several times over a period of two years and eight months, and followed up. After biopsy gathered because of signs of recurrence, she was diagnosed with low-grade osteosarcoma. The patient underwent wide excision, segmental mandibulectomy, and reconstruction with fibula free flap. The aim of this report is to raise awareness of the possibility that cemento-ossifying fibroma can transform into osteosarcoma and of the consequent necessity for careful diagnosis and treatment planning. PMID:25741469

Low-grade osteosarcoma arising from cemento-ossifying fibroma: a case report.

PubMed

Lee, Yong Bin; Kim, Nam-Kyoo; Kim, Jae-Young; Kim, Hyung Jun

2015-02-01

Cemento-ossifying fibromas are benign tumors, and, although cases of an aggressive type have been reported, no cases of cemento-ossifying fibroma transforming into osteosarcoma have been documented previously. Low-grade osteosarcoma is a rare type of primary bone tumor, representing 1%-2% of all osteosarcomas. A 45-year-old female patient was diagnosed with cemento-ossifying fibroma, treated with mass excision several times over a period of two years and eight months, and followed up. After biopsy gathered because of signs of recurrence, she was diagnosed with low-grade osteosarcoma. The patient underwent wide excision, segmental mandibulectomy, and reconstruction with fibula free flap. The aim of this report is to raise awareness of the possibility that cemento-ossifying fibroma can transform into osteosarcoma and of the consequent necessity for careful diagnosis and treatment planning.

Violence exposure, sleep disturbance, and poor academic performance in middle school.

PubMed

Lepore, Stephen J; Kliewer, Wendy

2013-11-01

Violence has been linked to poor academic outcomes in youth, but there is little understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relation. This longitudinal survey study investigated whether sleep disturbance potentially mediates the associations between academic achievement and two forms of violence exposure--community violence and peer victimization-- in 498 seventh-grade youth. Structural equation models showed that community violence was associated with lower grade point average (GPA) directly and indirectly via sleep problems, whereas peer victimization was associated with lower GPA just indirectly via sleep problems. The structural models controlled for potential confounds, including depressive symptoms, intrusive thoughts and absenteeism. The findings suggest that failing grades and sleepiness in school may be signs that youth are exposed to violence. Interventions to improve sleep hygiene and reduce violence exposure may help to improve academic outcomes for youth.

2.8 {mu}m emission from type-I quantum wells grown on InAs{sub x}P{sub 1-x}/InP metamorphic graded buffers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jung, Daehwan; Song, Yuncheng; Larry Lee, Minjoo

We report 2.8 {mu}m emission from compressively strained type-I quantum wells (QWs) grown on InP-based metamorphic InAs{sub x}P{sub 1-x} step-graded buffers. High quality metamorphic graded buffers showed smooth surface morphology and low threading dislocation densities of approximately 2.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 6} cm{sup -2}. High-resolution x-ray diffraction scans showed strong satellites from multiple quantum wells grown on metamorphic buffers, and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed smooth and coherent quantum well interfaces. Room-temperature photoluminescence emission at 2.8 {mu}m with a narrow linewidth ({approx}50 meV) shows the promise of metamorphic growth for mid-infrared laser diodes on InP.

[Whiplash-associated disorders].

PubMed

Schmid, P

1999-09-25

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) represent a class of clinical complaints which commonly result from rear-end car accidents. An automobile collision can generate major forces which are transferred to the neck by an acceleration-deceleration mechanism (whiplash), resulting in bony or soft-tissue injuries (whiplash injury). Incidence of WAD is estimated to be 0.1 to 3.8/1000/year; WAD cost $29 billion a year in the USA. They can be classified clinically into 5 degrees of severity, namely WAD grades 0 to IV. Signs and symptoms typically crescendo during the first few days after an accident. Pathological findings (especially of musculo-skeletal or neurological types) must often be sought actively and should be documented at the earliest stage. Prevention of possible chronicity is the most important goal in clinical management of WAD. WAD grade IV patients are treated in the way their fracture or dislocation demands. Therapy of WAD grades I to III has three main aspects: non-narcotic analgesics, early active mobilisation (to the extent possible consistent with pain) and education of the patient. Soft collars should not be used (or only temporarily and sparingly). Most patients with WAD grades I-III feel well again relatively soon. Symptoms and signs that persist for longer than two months are important warning signs for imminent chronicity, which occurs at rates of 14-42%. In such cases, an interdisciplinary approach is recommended. Risk factors are accident severity, head position at the time of accident, age and pretraumatic existence of headache. Patients with chronic complaints can develop additional psychic and cognitive problems, which are caused by--and not the cause of--their chronic disorder. Therapy of chronic whiplash-associated disorders involves all the problems inherent in therapies of chronic pain. There are many therapeutic concepts, but little evidence that anything helps. Prevention of whiplash injuries is therefore very important in view of the lack of powerful treatment options. Although there is a substantial body of scientific literature about WAD, many unanswered questions remain. In particular the most important questions (how can patients with acute and chronic disorders be helped best) have no clear answer yet. Furthermore, there are many opinions and prejudices (especially concerning psycho-social factors of WAD) which have no scientific basis. Therefore, an intensive exchange of information between health care professionals, patients and the general public appears to be very important.

Traffic Sign Recognition with Invariance to Lighting in Dual-Focal Active Camera System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yanlei; Panahpour Tehrani, Mehrdad; Yendo, Tomohiro; Fujii, Toshiaki; Tanimoto, Masayuki

In this paper, we present an automatic vision-based traffic sign recognition system, which can detect and classify traffic signs at long distance under different lighting conditions. To realize this purpose, the traffic sign recognition is developed in an originally proposed dual-focal active camera system. In this system, a telephoto camera is equipped as an assistant of a wide angle camera. The telephoto camera can capture a high accuracy image for an object of interest in the view field of the wide angle camera. The image from the telephoto camera provides enough information for recognition when the accuracy of traffic sign is low from the wide angle camera. In the proposed system, the traffic sign detection and classification are processed separately for different images from the wide angle camera and telephoto camera. Besides, in order to detect traffic sign from complex background in different lighting conditions, we propose a type of color transformation which is invariant to light changing. This color transformation is conducted to highlight the pattern of traffic signs by reducing the complexity of background. Based on the color transformation, a multi-resolution detector with cascade mode is trained and used to locate traffic signs at low resolution in the image from the wide angle camera. After detection, the system actively captures a high accuracy image of each detected traffic sign by controlling the direction and exposure time of the telephoto camera based on the information from the wide angle camera. Moreover, in classification, a hierarchical classifier is constructed and used to recognize the detected traffic signs in the high accuracy image from the telephoto camera. Finally, based on the proposed system, a set of experiments in the domain of traffic sign recognition is presented. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can effectively recognize traffic signs at low resolution in different lighting conditions.

Sign detection for autonomous navigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodsell, Thomas G.; Snorrason, Magnus S.; Cartwright, Dustin; Stube, Brian; Stevens, Mark R.; Ablavsky, Vitaly X.

2003-09-01

Mobile robots currently cannot detect and read arbitrary signs. This is a major hindrance to mobile robot usability, since they cannot be tasked using directions that are intuitive to humans. It also limits their ability to report their position relative to intuitive landmarks. Other researchers have demonstrated some success on traffic sign recognition, but using template based methods limits the set of recognizable signs. There is a clear need for a sign detection and recognition system that can process a much wider variety of signs: traffic signs, street signs, store-name signs, building directories, room signs, etc. We are developing a system for Sign Understanding in Support of Autonomous Navigation (SUSAN), that detects signs from various cues common to most signs: vivid colors, compact shape, and text. We have demonstrated the feasibility of our approach on a variety of signs in both indoor and outdoor locations.

NEW ULTRA-WIDE-FIELD ANGIOGRAPHIC GRADING SCHEME FOR RADIATION RETINOPATHY AFTER IODINE-125 BRACHYTHERAPY FOR UVEAL MELANOMA.

PubMed

McCannel, Tara A; Kim, EunAh; Kamrava, Mitchell; Lamb, James; Caprioli, Joseph; Yang, Dong; McCannel, Colin A

2017-10-06

Radiation retinopathy remains incompletely characterized and may cause severe vision loss. Ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography provides a pan-fundus view of vascular alterations caused by radiation treatment and may predict visual and ocular outcomes. We have developed a grading scheme to describe pan-fundus severity and to predict the progression of radiation retinopathy in patients treated for uveal melanoma with iodine-125 brachytherapy. A retrospective review of patients treated with standard iodine-125 brachytherapy for uveal melanoma at the Ophthalmic Oncology Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, who had undergone both baseline and postbrachytherapy ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography. A grading scheme was devised based on observations of vascular leakage, retinal perfusion status, and retinal proliferation. The correlation of grade severity with patient characteristics, tumor features, visual acuity, optical coherence tomography findings, and neovascular glaucoma was measured with chi-square and one-way analysis of variance analyses. Sixty-seven patients were identified for review. Consistent wide-field angiographic patterns after brachytherapy were observed and graded as follows: Grade 0: normal; Grade 1: late foveal leakage; Grade 2: late peripheral leakage; Grade 3: presence of nonperfusion; and Grade 4: retinal neovascularization. Six eyes (8.9%) were Grade 0; 16 (23.8%) were Grade 1; 25 (37.3%) were Grade 2; 16 (23.4%) were Grade 3; and 4 (6.0%) were Grade 4. Higher grade radiation severity correlated significantly with duration of follow-up (P < 0.02); younger age (P = 0.035); worse visual acuity (P = 0.001); cystoid macular edema or atrophy on optical coherence tomography (P < 0.0001); and neovascular glaucoma (P = 0.003). Wide-field fluorescein angiography revealed distinct fundus-wide patterns of vascular damage, which were progressive in nature in eyes treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy for uveal melanoma and correlated with signs of progressive vascular injury. This grading scheme may have prognostic value to predict the progression of radiation retinopathy and to prognosticate visual outcomes in patients undergoing brachytherapy.

Commercial grade item (CGI) dedication of MDR relays for nuclear safety related applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Das, R.K.; Julka, A.; Modi, G.

1994-08-01

MDR relays manufactured by Potter and Brumfield (P and B) have been used in various safety related applications in commercial nuclear power plants. These include emergency safety features (ESF) actuation systems, emergency core cooling systems (ECCS) actuation, and reactor protection systems. The MDR relays manufactured prior to May 1990 showed signs of generic failure due to corrosion and outgassing of coil varnish. P and B has made design changes to correct these problems in relays manufactured after May 1990. However, P and B does not manufacture the relays under any 10CFR50 Appendix B quality assurance (QA) program. They manufacture themore » relays under their commercial QA program and supply these as commercial grade items. This necessitates CGI Dedication of these relays for use in nuclear-safety-related applications. This paper presents a CGI dedication program that has been used to dedicate the MDR relays manufactured after May 1990. The program is in compliance with current Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) guidelines and applicable industry standards; it specifies the critical characteristics of the relays, provides the tests and analysis required to verify the critical characteristics, the acceptance criteria for the test results, performs source verification to qualify P and B for its control of the critical characteristics, and provides documentation. The program provides reasonable assurance that the new MDR relays will perform their intended safety functions.« less

The rational clinical examination. Does this infant have pneumonia?

PubMed

Margolis, P; Gadomski, A

1998-01-28

Acute lower respiratory tract illness is common among children seen in primary care. We reviewed the accuracy and precision of the clinical examination in detecting pneumonia in children. Although most cases are viral, it is important to identify bacterial pneumonia to provide appropriate therapy. Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE from 1982 to 1995, reviewing reference lists, reviewing a published compendium of studies of the clinical examination, and consulting experts. Observer agreement is good for most signs on the clinical examination. Each study was reviewed by 2 observers and graded for methodologic quality. There is better agreement about signs that can be observed (eg, use of accessory muscles, color, attentiveness; kappa, 0.48-0.66) than signs that require auscultation of the chest (eg, adventitious sounds; kappa, 0.3). Measurements of the respiratory rate are enhanced by counting for 60 seconds. The best individual finding for ruling out pneumonia is the absence of tachypnea. Chest indrawing, and other signs of increased work of breathing, increases the likelihood of pneumonia. If all clinical signs (respiratory rate, auscultation, and work of breathing) are negative, the chest x-ray findings are unlikely to be positive. Studies are needed to assess the value of clinical findings when they are used together.

Effects of therapeutic touch on anxiety, vital signs, and cardiac dysrhythmia in a sample of Iranian women undergoing cardiac catheterization: a quasi-experimental study.

PubMed

Zolfaghari, Mitra; Eybpoosh, Sana; Hazrati, Maryam

2012-12-01

To investigate the effects of Therapeutic Touch (TT) on anxiety, vital signs, and cardiac dysrhythmia in women undergoing cardiac catheterization. It was a quasi-experimental study. The participants had no history of hallucination, anxiety, or other psychological problems. Participants had to be conscious and have attained at least sixth-grade literacy level. Participants were randomly assigned into an intervention group (n = 23; received 10-15 minutes TT), a placebo group (n = 23; received 10-15 minutes simulated touch), and a control group (n = 23; did not receive any therapy). Data were collected using Spielberger's anxiety test, cardiac dysrhythmia checklist, and vital signs recording sheet. Statistical analyses were considered to be significant at α = .05 levels. Sixty-nine women ranging in age from 35 to 65 years participated. TT significantly decreased state anxiety p < 0.0001 but not trait anxiety (p = .88), decreased the incidence of all cardiac dysrhythmias p < 0.0001 except premature ventricular contraction (p = .01), and regulated vital signs p < 0.0001 in the intervention group versus placebo and control group. TT is an effective approach for managing state anxiety, regulating vital signs, and decreasing the incidence of cardiac dysrhythmia during stressful situations, such as cardiac catheterization, in Iranian cardiac patients.

Novel endoscopic delivery modality of infrared coagulation therapy for internal hemorrhoids.

PubMed

McLemore, Elisabeth C; Rai, Rudra; Siddiqui, Junaid; Basu, P Patrick; Tabbaa, Mousab; Epstein, Michael S

2012-11-01

A novel endoscopic delivery system for infrared coagulation therapy (IRC) has been designed recently. IRC is a well-established treatment for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. Patients frequently undergo lower endoscopy before hemorrhoid treatment to eliminate other sources of bleeding. Current treatment options are difficult to perform without an anal retractor, adequate lighting, and specialized instruments. Endoscopic IRC is an attractive alternative to standard IRC, because it can be performed during the lower endoscopy. Endoscopic IRC utilizes infrared radiation generated by a control box, which is applied to the tissue through a flexible, fiber optic light guide (Precision Endoscopic Infrared Coagulator™). The light guide is placed through the colonoscope or flexible sigmoidoscope in the same chamber as other endoscopic instruments. A retrospective review was performed using a prospectively collected database. A standardized protocol was utilized in all patients. Patients graded their symptoms before and after therapy by using the visual analog symptom severity scoring system (range, 0-10). These results were analyzed by using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Exact P values were computed by using the R function wilcox.exact. A total of 55 patients underwent endoscopic IRC for predominately grade II and grade III symptomatic internal hemorrhoids (71 %). There were 22 (40 %) female patients. Posttherapy results indicated a significant improvement in global symptoms (pretreatment average global score = 2.24 vs. posttreatment average global score = 0.28; P < 0.0001). There have been no adverse events reported to date. Endoscopic IRC provides improved visibility and efficiency, allowing simultaneous treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids at the time of lower endoscopy. Patients experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after a single session of endoscopic IRC. There are a variety of additional endoscopic IRC therapeutic utilities: endoscopic management of angiodysplasia, inflammation, hemostasis, and NOTES applications.

On the System of Person-Denoting Signs in Estonian Sign Language: Estonian Name Signs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paales, Liina

2010-01-01

This article discusses Estonian personal name signs. According to study there are four personal name sign categories in Estonian Sign Language: (1) arbitrary name signs; (2) descriptive name signs; (3) initialized-descriptive name signs; (4) loan/borrowed name signs. Mostly there are represented descriptive and borrowed personal name signs among…

Smart sign enhancement : executive summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-09-01

In the Smart Sign Ordering System (Phase I) the : University of Akron developed an on-line : interactive traffic-sign ordering system for ODOT. : The main focus of SSOS Phase I was to provide : ODOT with a fully automated and networked sign : orderin...

In-Vehicle Signing Functions and Systems Concepts

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

This paper describes functional requirements and system concepts for an In-Vehicle Signing (IVS) system, which will bring information from roadway signs, signals, and pavement markings into the vehicle for presentation to the driver. Information filt...

A systematic review of near real-time and point-of-care clinical decision support in anesthesia information management systems.

PubMed

Simpao, Allan F; Tan, Jonathan M; Lingappan, Arul M; Gálvez, Jorge A; Morgan, Sherry E; Krall, Michael A

2017-10-01

Anesthesia information management systems (AIMS) are sophisticated hardware and software technology solutions that can provide electronic feedback to anesthesia providers. This feedback can be tailored to provide clinical decision support (CDS) to aid clinicians with patient care processes, documentation compliance, and resource utilization. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles on near real-time and point-of-care CDS within AIMS using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Studies were identified by searches of the electronic databases Medline and EMBASE. Two reviewers screened studies based on title, abstract, and full text. Studies that were similar in intervention and desired outcome were grouped into CDS categories. Three reviewers graded the evidence within each category. The final analysis included 25 articles on CDS as implemented within AIMS. CDS categories included perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, post-operative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis, vital sign monitors and alarms, glucose management, blood pressure management, ventilator management, clinical documentation, and resource utilization. Of these categories, the reviewers graded perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and clinical documentation as having strong evidence per the peer reviewed literature. There is strong evidence for the inclusion of near real-time and point-of-care CDS in AIMS to enhance compliance with perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and clinical documentation. Additional research is needed in many other areas of AIMS-based CDS.

Outcome assessment of lingual and labial appliances compared with cephalometric analysis, peer assessment rating, and objective grading system in Angle Class II extraction cases.

PubMed

Deguchi, Toru; Terao, Fumie; Aonuma, Tomo; Kataoka, Tomoki; Sugawara, Yasuyo; Yamashiro, Takashi; Takano-Yamamoto, Teruko

2015-05-01

To validate our hypothesis that there would be significant differences in treatment outcomes, including cephalometric values, degree of root resorption, occlusal indices, and functional aspect, between cases treated with labial and lingual appliances. Twenty-four consecutively treated Class II cases with extractions and lingual appliance were compared with 25 matched cases treated with extraction and labial appliance. Orthodontic treatment outcomes were evaluated by cephalometric analysis, peer assessment rating, and an objective grading system (OGS). Additionally, functional analysis was also performed in both groups after orthodontic treatment. Statistical comparison was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test within the groups, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare between the labial and lingual groups. The only significant difference between the groups was that the interincisal angle was larger in the lingual group than in the labial group. OGS evaluation showed that control over root angulation was significantly worse in the lingual group than in the labial group. There was no significant difference between groups in the amount of root resorption or in functional evaluation. Generally, lingual appliances offer comparable treatment results to those obtained with labial appliances. However, care should be taken with lingual appliances because they are more prone to produce uprighted incisors and root angulation.

Focus on Instruction Turns around Chicago Schools: Network Gets Results in 5 Schools in Chicago without "Drastic" Steps

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aarons, Dakarai I.

2010-01-01

Talk of "turning around" troubled schools has become synonymous with firing educators, but a nonprofit organization in Chicago with a successful track record takes a different approach. In 2006, Strategic Learning Initiatives (SLI) signed a contract with the Chicago public schools to help 10 schools serving grades K-8. More than 95…

How Do People Use Lighthouses and Navigational Charts? A Marine Education Infusion Unit. Revised Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butzow, John W.; And Others

Activities concerning navigational charts and aids are presented to help fifth- through ninth-grade students learn about the shape of the sea, its coast, and contours, and about the road signs of the sea which warn against danger and help mariners locate their positions. Teacher background information includes information on marine charts,…

Road Signs to Writing: Language Curriculum, Grades V-VI; Teacher's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oregon Univ., Eugene. Oregon Elementary English Project.

This curriculum unit, developed by the Oregon Elementary English Project, is intended for use with fifth and sixth graders as a guide for writing. Included are discussions of the various marks of punctuation and the rules for using them, the use of capitals, writing dialog and paragraphs, and the mechanics of letter writing. The guide can be used…

Development of American Sign Language Guidelines for K-12 Academic Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Higgins, Jennifer A.; Famularo, Lisa; Cawthon, Stephanie W.; Kurz, Christopher A.; Reis, Jeanne E.; Moers, Lori M.

2016-01-01

The U.S. federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was enacted with goals of closing achievement gaps and providing all students with access to equitable and high-quality instruction. One requirement of ESSA is annual statewide testing of students in grades 3-8 and once in high school. Some students, including many deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HH)…

The interactive evolution of human communication systems.

PubMed

Fay, Nicolas; Garrod, Simon; Roberts, Leo; Swoboda, Nik

2010-04-01

This paper compares two explanations of the process by which human communication systems evolve: iterated learning and social collaboration. It then reports an experiment testing the social collaboration account. Participants engaged in a graphical communication task either as a member of a community, where they interacted with seven different partners drawn from the same pool, or as a member of an isolated pair, where they interacted with the same partner across the same number of games. Participants' horizontal, pair-wise interactions led "bottom up" to the creation of an effective and efficient shared sign system in the community condition. Furthermore, the community-evolved sign systems were as effective and efficient as the local sign systems developed by isolated pairs. Finally, and as predicted by a social collaboration account, and not by an iterated learning account, interaction was critical to the creation of shared sign systems, with different isolated pairs establishing different local sign systems and different communities establishing different global sign systems. Copyright © 2010 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Smartphone use is a risk factor for pediatric dry eye disease according to region and age: a case control study.

PubMed

Moon, Jun Hyung; Kim, Kyoung Woo; Moon, Nam Ju

2016-10-28

In 2014, the overall rate of smartphone use in Korea was 83 and 89.8 % in children and adolescents. The rate of smartphone use differs according to region (urban vs. rural) and age (younger grade vs. older grade). We investigated risk and protective factors associated with pediatric dry eye disease (DED) in relation to smartphone use rate according to region and age. We enrolled 916 children and performed an ocular exam that included slit lamp exam and tear break-up time. A questionnaire administered to children and their families consisted of video display terminal (VDT) use, outdoor activity, learning, and modified ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score. DED was defined based on the International Dry Eye Workshop guidelines (Objective signs: punctate epithelial erosion or short tear break-up time; subjective symptoms: modified OSDI score) We performed statistical analysis of risk factors and protective factors in children divided into groups as follows: DED vs. control, urban vs. rural, younger grade (1st to 3rd) vs. older grade (4th to 6th). A total of 6.6 % of children were included in the DED group, and 8.3 % of children in the urban group were diagnosed with DED compared to 2.8 % in the rural group (P = 0.03). The rate of smartphone use was 61.3 % in the urban group and 51.0 % in the rural group (P = 0.04). In total, 9.1 % of children in the older-grade group were diagnosed with DED compared to 4 % in the younger-grade group (P = 0.03). The rate of smartphone use was 65.1 % in older-grade children and 50.9 % in younger-grade children (P < 0.001). The mean daily duration of smartphone use was longer in the DED group than controls (logistic regression analysis, P < 0.001, OR = 13.07), and the mean daily duration of outdoor activities was shorter in the DED group than controls (logistic regression analysis, P < 0.01, OR = 0.33). After cessation of smartphone use for 4 weeks in the DED group, both subjective symptoms and objective signs had improved. Smartphone use in children was strongly associated with pediatric DED; however, outdoor activity appeared to be protective against pediatric DED. Older-grade students in urban environments had DED risk factors (long duration of smartphone use), and a short duration of outdoor activity time. Therefore, close observation and caution are needed when older children in urban areas use smartphones.

Venomous snakebites in the United States: management review and update.

PubMed

Juckett, Gregory; Hancox, John G

2002-04-01

Venomous snakebites, although uncommon, are a potentially deadly emergency in the United States. Rattlesnakes cause most snakebites and related fatalities. Venomous snakes in the United States can be classified as having hemotoxic or neurotoxic venom. Patients with venomous snakebites present with signs and symptoms ranging from fang marks, with or without local pain and swelling, to life-threatening coagulopathy, renal failure, and shock. First-aid techniques such as arterial tourniquets, application of ice, and wound incisions are ineffective and can be harmful; however, suction with a venom extractor within the first five minutes after the bite may be useful. Conservative measures, such as immobilization and lymphatic constriction bands, are now advocated until emergency care can be administered. Patients with snakebites should undergo a comprehensive work-up to look for possible hematologic, neurologic, renal, and cardiovascular abnormalities. Equine-derived antivenin is considered the standard of care; however, a promising new treatment is sheep-derived antigen binding fragment ovine (CroFab), which is much less allergenic. Although there is no universal grading system for snakebites, a I through IV grading scale is clinically useful as a guide to antivenin administration. Surgical intervention with fasciotomy is now reserved for rare cases. Snakebite prevention should be taught to patients.

Clinical outcome in dogs with nasal tumors treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

PubMed

Hunley, David W; Mauldin, G Neal; Shiomitsu, Keijiro; Mauldin, Glenna E

2010-03-01

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a valuable tool in human radiation oncology, but information on its use in veterinary medicine is lacking. In this study, 12 dogs with nasal tumors were treated with IMRT at a median radiation dose of 54 Gy. Patient survival times and frequency and severity of side effects on ocular structures, oral mucosa, and skin were recorded. Eight dogs (67%) had resolution of clinical signs during radiation therapy. Median overall survival time was 446 d with a 50% 1-year and a 25% 2-year survival rate. Minimal grade 2 or 3 acute skin toxicity, no grade 2 or 3 late skin toxicity, and no grade 2 or 3 toxicity to oral mucosa or the eye opposite the tumor were identified in the dogs treated with IMRT in this study. The ipsilateral eye could not be routinely spared due to its proximity to the tumor.

Clinical outcome in dogs with nasal tumors treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy

PubMed Central

Hunley, David W.; Mauldin, G. Neal; Shiomitsu, Keijiro; Mauldin, Glenna E.

2010-01-01

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a valuable tool in human radiation oncology, but information on its use in veterinary medicine is lacking. In this study, 12 dogs with nasal tumors were treated with IMRT at a median radiation dose of 54 Gy. Patient survival times and frequency and severity of side effects on ocular structures, oral mucosa, and skin were recorded. Eight dogs (67%) had resolution of clinical signs during radiation therapy. Median overall survival time was 446 d with a 50% 1-year and a 25% 2-year survival rate. Minimal grade 2 or 3 acute skin toxicity, no grade 2 or 3 late skin toxicity, and no grade 2 or 3 toxicity to oral mucosa or the eye opposite the tumor were identified in the dogs treated with IMRT in this study. The ipsilateral eye could not be routinely spared due to its proximity to the tumor. PMID:20514254

Application of multimedia-based exercise programmes focused on improvement of the schoolgirls' musculoskeletal system during breaks between classes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendíková, Elena

2017-11-01

This pilot study presents theoretical basis related to the purpose and methodology of the presented research the aim of which is to point to the importance of multimedia-based physical activity (exercise programme) done during breaks between classes. The purpose of this programme is to prevent occurrence of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system among schoolchildren. The experimental and control groups were composed of the female students of the third grade at one secondary school in the town of L. Mikuláš. We obtained the data by means of standardized methods used for assessment of the musculoskeletal system in medical and physical education practice. The obtained qualitative and quantitative data were processed by means of the chi-squared test and the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results significantly (p<0.01) proved a positive effect of the multimedia-based exercise programme on the experimental group (Mwwtest=8.639, p<0.01), especially the positive and significant (p<0.01, p<0.05) effect on the functional status of the muscular system.

Correlation Between Body Weight and Mitoxantrone-Associated Neutropenia in Dogs.

PubMed

Richardson, Danielle; Poirier, Valerie J; Matsuyama, Arata; Calvalido, Jerome

Thirty-seven dogs with histologically or cytologically confirmed malignant tumors treated with single-agent mitoxantrone at 5 mg/m 2 were evaluated in a retrospective study assessing the correlation between body weight and neutropenia associated with a single dose of mitoxantrone in dogs. Overall, eight dogs (21%) experienced grade 3 neutropenia and five dogs (14%) experienced grade 4 neutropenia on day 7 following mitoxantrone chemotherapy. Dogs ≤10 kg body weight were significantly more likely to develop grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (5.8 relative risk; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-12.9; P < .0001) than dogs >10 kg. Dogs ≤15 kg body weight were significantly more likely to develop grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (8.1 relative risk; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-31.3; P < .0001) than dogs >15 kg. Of the 13 patients who developed grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, 6 (46%) were hospitalized for clinical signs related to neutropenia. Based on the severity of neutropenia and the resulting hospitalization seen in dogs ≤10 kg, a dose reduction could be considered for the initial dose of mitoxantrone, and clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of neutropenia in patients 10.1 to ≤15 kg.

ESARR: enhanced situational awareness via road sign recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perlin, V. E.; Johnson, D. B.; Rohde, M. M.; Lupa, R. M.; Fiorani, G.; Mohammad, S.

2010-04-01

The enhanced situational awareness via road sign recognition (ESARR) system provides vehicle position estimates in the absence of GPS signal via automated processing of roadway fiducials (primarily directional road signs). Sign images are detected and extracted from vehicle-mounted camera system, and preprocessed and read via a custom optical character recognition (OCR) system specifically designed to cope with low quality input imagery. Vehicle motion and 3D scene geometry estimation enables efficient and robust sign detection with low false alarm rates. Multi-level text processing coupled with GIS database validation enables effective interpretation even of extremely low resolution low contrast sign images. In this paper, ESARR development progress will be reported on, including the design and architecture, image processing framework, localization methodologies, and results to date. Highlights of the real-time vehicle-based directional road-sign detection and interpretation system will be described along with the challenges and progress in overcoming them.

Sign Language and Spoken Language for Children With Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth M; Hamel, Candyce; Stevens, Adrienne; Pratt, Misty; Moher, David; Doucet, Suzanne P; Neuss, Deirdre; Bernstein, Anita; Na, Eunjung

2016-01-01

Permanent hearing loss affects 1 to 3 per 1000 children and interferes with typical communication development. Early detection through newborn hearing screening and hearing technology provide most children with the option of spoken language acquisition. However, no consensus exists on optimal interventions for spoken language development. To conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of early sign and oral language intervention compared with oral language intervention only for children with permanent hearing loss. An a priori protocol was developed. Electronic databases (eg, Medline, Embase, CINAHL) from 1995 to June 2013 and gray literature sources were searched. Studies in English and French were included. Two reviewers screened potentially relevant articles. Outcomes of interest were measures of auditory, vocabulary, language, and speech production skills. All data collection and risk of bias assessments were completed and then verified by a second person. Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to judge the strength of evidence. Eleven cohort studies met inclusion criteria, of which 8 included only children with severe to profound hearing loss with cochlear implants. Language development was the most frequently reported outcome. Other reported outcomes included speech and speech perception. Several measures and metrics were reported across studies, and descriptions of interventions were sometimes unclear. Very limited, and hence insufficient, high-quality evidence exists to determine whether sign language in combination with oral language is more effective than oral language therapy alone. More research is needed to supplement the evidence base. Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Naturalizing semiotics: The triadic sign of Charles Sanders Peirce as a systems property.

PubMed

Kilstrup, Mogens

2015-12-01

The father of pragmatism, Charles Sanders Peirce, gave in 1903 the following definition of a sign: "A Sign, or Representamen, is a First which stands in such a genuine triadic relation to a Second, called its Object, as to be capable of determining a Third, called its Interpretant, to assume the same triadic relation to its Object in which it stands itself to the same Object. The triadic relation is genuine, that is its three members are bound together by it in a way that does not consist in any complexus of dyadic relations". Despite its cult status and its pragmatic foundation, the Peircean sign has never revealed its true potential by being integrated into a formal system. In the present report, a reconstruction of the sign model is presented, which may at first appear somewhat obvious and superficial. However by use of the reconstructed model, the above statement and the majority of Peirce's other statements about the nature of signs fall into place. Instead of defining three links between Object (O), Representamen (R), and Interpretant (I), the sign is described as having a single three-dimensional link, specifying its location in a three dimensional (O,R,I) linkage space. To understand and explain sign function, the process of sign utilization (semiosis) has to be divided into two temporally separated phases, a sign-establishment phase where a three-dimensional link (Ψ(O,R,I)) is formed between three sign elements, and a later sign-interpretation phase where the established linkage is used for inferring significance to a novel phenomenon, if this satisfies the criteria for being a Representamen for the sign. Numerous statements from Peirce indicate that he used a two-staged semiosis paradigm although he did not state that explicitly. The three-dimensional model was primarily constructed for use in biosemiotics, as an exploratory frame for mapping the evolutionary establishment of sign links, which logically must have preceded the fixation of any regulatory process in molecular biological systems. It became clear, however, that the model is able to clarify many of the difficult explanations offered by Peirce about his sign model. I make no claim that Peirce used a similar type of three-dimensional model, because he explicitly used the chemical atom as naturalization (natural scientific explanation) for his sign model, an interesting but problematic analogy. In order to discuss common versus specific semiotic scaffolds for molecular biosemiotics, biosemiotics and semiotics proper, I start with a generic definition of the three-dimensional sign system, using human semiosis as examples. After this, the major part of the paper, I define the specific biochemical and evolutionary scaffolds that is used for obtaining the evolutionary memory that is needed for sign establishment. To exemplify semiosis according to the present model I present a typical situation where a Representamen (RE) and an object (OE) in the establishment phase are frequently encountered together by a sign interpreter. The process that links specific Representamens to specific Objects will first involve the recognition of the specific traits that distinguish the two sign elements. Subsequently the establishment process leads to the creation of a specific systems-state, called the Interpretant, which links the two traits in a way that allows retrieval of the information (a memory function). During a later interpretation phase, a hypothetical Object will be inferred by the interpreter when a Representamen (RI) harboring the required characteristics is encountered. This inference happens through a memory retrieval process, irrespective of the fact that relevant Objects of the sign may never be encountered after establishment. A simplified scheme for computer neural network algorithms is introduced as an example of such a system. Since the Peircean sign according to this definition is a systems property, there can be no sign without a sign interpreting systems or without some kind of memory function. A sign interpreter will thus harbor a semiotic scaffold that consists of at least an input sensor and an interpreting system coupled to a memory function. Further border conditions for semiotic scaffolds will be introduced. Peirce published a comprehensive sign definition system, but he allowed only ten sign classes, selected from the twenty-seven sign classes that result from his three main subdivisions, each containing three classes. His allowed sign classes are here identified as those which do not infer more significance during interpretation than was warranted during establishment. The excluded sign classes are either undefinable in his system or are of such a nature that the objects during interpretation are inferred to be much more significant than what was warranted during establishment. Occult signs are of these forbidden free-wheeling types, and it is postulated that they were omitted because Peirce defined his sign classes for use in a novel sign based logical system, where such over-signification would be detrimental. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Science for Iowa Schools, Grades 4-6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nice, Karl; And Others

This guide includes four units for use in each of grades 4 through 6. The fourth grade units are entitled Measurement Systems, Classification Systems, Bio-Control Systems, and Hydrologic Systems; the fifth grade units are Chemical Systems, Force Systems, Bio-Systems, and Astro-Systems; and the sixth grade units are Equilibrium Systems,…

SIMOS feasibility report, task 4 : sign inventory management and ordering system

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-12-01

The Sign Inventory Management and Ordering System (SIMOS) design is a merger of existing manually maintained information management systems married to PennDOT's GIS and department-wide mainframe database to form a logical connection for enhanced sign...

Cross-Modal Recruitment of Auditory and Orofacial Areas During Sign Language in a Deaf Subject.

PubMed

Martino, Juan; Velasquez, Carlos; Vázquez-Bourgon, Javier; de Lucas, Enrique Marco; Gomez, Elsa

2017-09-01

Modern sign languages used by deaf people are fully expressive, natural human languages that are perceived visually and produced manually. The literature contains little data concerning human brain organization in conditions of deficient sensory information such as deafness. A deaf-mute patient underwent surgery of a left temporoinsular low-grade glioma. The patient underwent awake surgery with intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping, allowing direct study of the cortical and subcortical organization of sign language. We found a similar distribution of language sites to what has been reported in mapping studies of patients with oral language, including 1) speech perception areas inducing anomias and alexias close to the auditory cortex (at the posterior portion of the superior temporal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus); 2) speech production areas inducing speech arrest (anarthria) at the ventral premotor cortex, close to the lip motor area and away from the hand motor area; and 3) subcortical stimulation-induced semantic paraphasias at the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus at the temporal isthmus. The intraoperative setup for sign language mapping with intraoperative electrical stimulation in deaf-mute patients is similar to the setup described in patients with oral language. To elucidate the type of language errors, a sign language interpreter in close interaction with the neuropsychologist is necessary. Sign language is perceived visually and produced manually; however, this case revealed a cross-modal recruitment of auditory and orofacial motor areas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Feasibility Study of Real-Time Remote CT Reading for Suspected Acute Appendicitis Using an iPhone.

PubMed

Kim, Changsun; Kang, Bossng; Choi, Hyuk Joong; Park, Joon Bum

2015-08-01

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an iPhone-based remote control system as a real-time remote computed tomography (CT) reading tool for suspected appendicitis using a third-generation (3G) network under suboptimal illumination. One hundred twenty abdominal CT scans were selected; 60 had no signs of appendicitis, whereas the remaining 60 had signs of appendicitis. The 16 raters reviewed the images using the liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation, as well as using an iPhone connected to the PACS workstation via a remote control system. We graded the probability of the presence of acute appendicitis for each examination using a five-point Likert scale. The overall sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of suspected appendicitis using the iPhone and the LCD monitor were high, and they were not significantly different (sensitivity P = 1.00, specificity P = 0.14). The average areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for all CT readings with the iPhone and LCD monitor were 0.978 (confidence interval 0.965-0.991) and 0.974 (0.960-0.988), respectively, and the two devices did not have significantly different diagnostic performances (P = 0.55). The inter-rater agreement for both devices was very good; the kappa value for the iPhone was 0.809 (0.793-0.826), and that for the LCD monitor was 0.817 (0.801-0.834). Each rater had moderate-to-very good intra-observer agreement between the two devices. We verified the feasibility of an iPhone-based remote control system as a real-time remote CT reading tool for identifying suspected appendicitis using a 3G network and suboptimal illumination.

[Research and Implementation of Vital Signs Monitoring System Based on Cloud Platform].

PubMed

Yu, Man; Tan, Anzu; Huang, Jianqi

2018-05-30

Through analyzing the existing problems in the current mode, the vital signs monitoring information system based on cloud platform is designed and developed. The system's aim is to assist nurse carry out vital signs nursing work effectively and accurately. The system collects, uploads and analyzes patient's vital signs data by PDA which connecting medical inspection equipments. Clinical application proved that the system can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of medical care and may reduce medical expenses. It is alse an important practice result to build a medical cloud platform.

High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy as Monotherapy Delivered in Two Fractions Within One Day for Favorable/Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Toxicity Data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghilezan, Michel, E-mail: mghilezan@beaumont.edu; Martinez, Alvaro; Gustason, Gary

2012-07-01

Purpose: To report the toxicity profile of high-dose-rate (HDR)-brachytherapy (BT) as monotherapy in a Human Investigation Committee-approved study consisting of a single implant and two fractions (12 Gy Multiplication-Sign 2) for a total dose of 24 Gy, delivered within 1 day. The dose was subsequently increased to 27 Gy (13.5 Gy Multiplication-Sign 2) delivered in 1 day. We report the acute and early chronic genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity. Methods and Materials: A total of 173 patients were treated between December 2005 and July 2010. However, only the first 100 were part of the IRB-approved study and out of these, onlymore » 94 had a minimal follow-up of 6 months, representing the study population for this preliminary report. All patients had clinical Stage T2b or less (American Joint Committee on Cancer, 5th edition), Gleason score 6-7 (3+4), and prostate-specific antigen level of {<=}12 ng/mL. Ultrasound-guided HDR-BT with real-time dosimetry was used. The prescription dose was 24 Gy for the first 50 patients and 27 Gy thereafter. The dosimetric goals and constraints were the same for the two dose groups. Toxicity was scored using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3. The highest toxicity scores encountered at any point during follow-up are reported. Results: The median follow-up was 17 months (range, 6-40.5). Most patients had Grade 0-1 acute toxicity. The Grade 2 acute genitourinary toxicity was mainly frequency/urgency (13%), dysuria (5%), hematuria, and dribbling/hesitancy (2%). None of the patients required a Foley catheter at any time; however, 8% of the patients experienced transient Grade 1 diarrhea. No other acute gastrointestinal toxicities were found. The most common chronic toxicity was Grade 2 urinary frequency/urgency in 16% of patients followed by dysuria in 4% of patients; 2 patients had Grade 2 rectal bleeding and 1 had Grade 4, requiring laser treatment. Conclusions: Favorable-risk prostate cancer patients treated with a single implant HDR-BT to 24-27 Gy in two fractions within 1 day have excellent tolerance with minimal acute and chronic toxicity. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm these encouraging early results.« less

Deaf and hard of hearing students' problem-solving strategies with signed arithmetic story problems.

PubMed

Pagliaro, Claudia M; Ansell, Ellen

2012-01-01

The use of problem-solving strategies by 59 deaf and hard of hearing children, grades K-3, was investigated. The children were asked to solve 9 arithmetic story problems presented to them in American Sign Language. The researchers found that while the children used the same general types of strategies that are used by hearing children (i.e., modeling, counting, and fact-based strategies), they showed an overwhelming use of counting strategies for all types of problems and at all ages. This difference may have its roots in language or instruction (or in both), and calls attention to the need for conceptual rather than procedural mathematics instruction for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Motor vehicle driver injury severity study under various traffic control at highway-rail grade crossings in the United States.

PubMed

Hao, Wei; Daniel, Janice

2014-12-01

Based on the Federal Railway Administration (FRA) database, approximately 62% of the collisions at highway-rail crossings occurred at locations with active controls (gate and flashing lights), followed by passive controls (cross bucks and stop signs) with approximately 28% of accidents. The study applied an ordered probit model to explore the determinants of driver injury severity under various control measures at highway-rail grade crossing in the United States. The analysis found that schedule factor (peak hour), visibility, motor vehicle speed, train speed, driver's age, area type, traffic volume and highway pavement impact driver injury severity at both active and passive highway-rail crossings. For both active and passive control highway-rail grade crossings, speed control for both trains and vehicles will significantly reduce driver injury severity. However, the level of influence by vehicle speed and train speed at passive control is higher compared with active control. Paving highways at highway-rail grade crossings will also help to reduce driver injury severity at highway-rail crossing accidents. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Anorexia: an early sign of fourth ventricle astrocytoma in children.

PubMed

Leroy, Henri-Arthur; Baroncini, Marc; Delestret, Isabelle; Florent, Vincent; Vinchon, Matthieu

2014-12-01

Paediatric low-grade astrocytomas of the fourth ventricle are rare tumours, generally revealed by hydrocephalus. However, some patients present with a history of severe anorexia. It might be a harbinger, which if recognized, could lead to earlier diagnosis. We decided to examine our database in order to evaluate the incidence and signification of anorexia in this context. Retrospective monocentric study of cases of low-grade astrocytomas of the fourth ventricle operated between 1991 and 2012 in our paediatric neurosurgery department. We particularly observed the clinical presentation and long-term clinical, oncological and radiological evolution. Non-parametrical tests were used (Mann-Whitney, Fisher). We reviewed 34 cases, 31 pilocytic astrocytomas and 3 diffuse astrocytomas, 16 boys and 18 girls, (M/F ratio 0.89). Mean age at diagnosis was 8 years old. Seven presented with notable anorexia, the average BMI in this group was ≤2 standard deviation (SD); with clinical signs evolving for 11.5 months. Twenty-seven children had no anorexia; average BMI in this group was +1 SD, with clinical evolution for 6 months on an average of p < 0.05. We found no significant difference regarding hydrocephalus or tumour location. In all children with anorexia, body mass index improved markedly in the postoperative follow-up, which lasted, on average, for 6 years. Anorexia with stunted body weight curve is a non-exceptional presentation in children with low-grade astrocytomas of the fourth ventricle. Unexplained or atypical anorexia with negative etiologic assessment should prompt cerebral imaging. Clinical improvement after surgical resection, could suggest a possible interaction between tumour tissue and appetite-suppressing peptide secretion.

The Mechanics of Fingerspelling: Analyzing Ethiopian Sign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duarte, Kyle

2010-01-01

Ethiopian Sign Language utilizes a fingerspelling system that represents Amharic orthography. Just as each character of the Amharic abugida encodes a consonant-vowel sound pair, each sign in the Ethiopian Sign Language fingerspelling system uses handshape to encode a base consonant, as well as a combination of timing, placement, and orientation to…

Clinical, Radiologic, and Legal Significance of "Extensor Response" in Posttraumatic Coma.

PubMed

Firsching, Raimund; Woischneck, Dieter; Langejürgen, Alexander; Parreidt, Andreas; Bondar, Imre; Skalej, Martin; Röhl, Friedrich; Voellger, Benjamin

2015-11-01

The timely detection of neurologic deterioration can be critical for the survival of a neurosurgical patient following head injury. Because little reliable evidence is available on the prognostic value of the clinical sign "extensor response" in comatose posttraumatic patients, we investigated the correlation of this clinical sign with outcome and with early radiologic findings from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This retrospective analysis of prospectively obtained data included 157 patients who had remained in a coma for a minimum of 24 hours after traumatic brain injury. All patients received a 1.5-T MRI within 10 days (median: 2 days) of the injury. The correlations between clinical findings 12 and 24 hours after the injury-in particular, extensor response and pupillary function, MRI findings, and outcome after 1 year-were investigated. Statistical analysis included contingency tables, Fisher exact test, odds ratios (ORs) with confidence intervals (CIs), and weighted κ values. There were 48 patients with extensor response within the first 24 hours after the injury. Patients with extensor response (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies coma grade III) statistically were significantly more likely to harbor MRI lesions in the brainstem when compared with patients in a coma who had no further deficiencies (coma grade I; p = 0.0004 by Fisher exact test, OR 10.8 with 95% CI, 2.7-42.5) and patients with unilateral loss of pupil function (coma grade II; p = 0.0187, OR 2.8 with 95% CI, 1.2-6.5). The correlation of brainstem lesions as found by MRI and outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale after 1 year was also highly significant (p ≤ 0.016). The correlation of extensor response and loss of pupil function with an unfavorable outcome and with brainstem lesions revealed by MRI is highly significant. Their sudden onset may be associated with the sudden onset of brainstem dysfunction and should therefore be regarded as one of the most fundamental warning signs in the clinical monitoring of comatose patients. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Central nervous system infections masquerading as cerebrovascular accidents: Case series and review of literature.

PubMed

Hayes, Lisa; Malhotra, Prashant

2014-01-01

Central nervous system (CNS) infections can have various presentations including Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) which may go unrecognized as a presentation of infection. We describe three cases of different CNS infections complicated by CVA. Case 1 describes a 27-year-old man, presenting with symptoms consistent with a transient ischemic attack found to have racemose neurocysticercosis. Case 2 describes a 55-year-old man with low grade fevers for 4 weeks accompanied by visual and gait disturbances and delayed speech diagnosed with multiple small left thalamocapsular and superior cerebellar infarcts secondary to cryptococcal meningitis. The third case describes a man with pneumococcal meningitis complicated by cerebellar infarcts. CNS vascular compromise secondary to infections may be due to vasculitis, an immune-mediated parainfectious process causing vasospasm or thrombosis, or a hypercoagulable state with endothelial dysfunction. Patients with CVAs are at risk for aspiration pneumonia, urinary tract infections (especially catheter related) and other nosocomial infections and their clinical presentation may be very similar to CNS infections. The cases described demonstrate that CNS infections need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of CVAs presenting with fevers. The signs and symptoms of non-CNS infections associated with CVAs may be clinically indistinguishable from those of CNS infections. The outcomes of untreated CNS infections are extremely poor. It is thus imperative to have a high index of suspicion for CNS infection when evaluating CVAs with fevers or other signs of infection.

Central nervous system infections masquerading as cerebrovascular accidents: Case series and review of literature

PubMed Central

Hayes, Lisa; Malhotra, Prashant

2014-01-01

Introduction Central nervous system (CNS) infections can have various presentations including Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) which may go unrecognized as a presentation of infection. We describe three cases of different CNS infections complicated by CVA. Presentation Case 1 describes a 27-year-old man, presenting with symptoms consistent with a transient ischemic attack found to have racemose neurocysticercosis. Case 2 describes a 55-year-old man with low grade fevers for 4 weeks accompanied by visual and gait disturbances and delayed speech diagnosed with multiple small left thalamocapsular and superior cerebellar infarcts secondary to cryptococcal meningitis. The third case describes a man with pneumococcal meningitis complicated by cerebellar infarcts. Discussion CNS vascular compromise secondary to infections may be due to vasculitis, an immune-mediated parainfectious process causing vasospasm or thrombosis, or a hypercoagulable state with endothelial dysfunction. Patients with CVAs are at risk for aspiration pneumonia, urinary tract infections (especially catheter related) and other nosocomial infections and their clinical presentation may be very similar to CNS infections. Conclusion The cases described demonstrate that CNS infections need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of CVAs presenting with fevers. The signs and symptoms of non-CNS infections associated with CVAs may be clinically indistinguishable from those of CNS infections. The outcomes of untreated CNS infections are extremely poor. It is thus imperative to have a high index of suspicion for CNS infection when evaluating CVAs with fevers or other signs of infection. PMID:26839779

Driver’s Cognitive Workload and Driving Performance under Traffic Sign Information Exposure in Complex Environments: A Case Study of the Highways in China

PubMed Central

Lyu, Nengchao; Xie, Lian; Wu, Chaozhong; Fu, Qiang; Deng, Chao

2017-01-01

Complex traffic situations and high driving workload are the leading contributing factors to traffic crashes. There is a strong correlation between driving performance and driving workload, such as visual workload from traffic signs on highway off-ramps. This study aimed to evaluate traffic safety by analyzing drivers’ behavior and performance under the cognitive workload in complex environment areas. First, the driving workload of drivers was tested based on traffic signs with different quantities of information. Forty-four drivers were recruited to conduct a traffic sign cognition experiment under static controlled environment conditions. Different complex traffic signs were used for applying the cognitive workload. The static experiment results reveal that workload is highly related to the amount of information on traffic signs and reaction time increases with the information grade, while driving experience and gender effect are not significant. This shows that the cognitive workload of subsequent driving experiments can be controlled by the amount of information on traffic signs; Second, driving characteristics and driving performance were analyzed under different secondary task driving workload levels using a driving simulator. Drivers were required to drive at the required speed on a designed highway off-ramp scene. The cognitive workload was controlled by reading traffic signs with different information, which were divided into four levels. Drivers had to make choices by pushing buttons after reading traffic signs. Meanwhile, the driving performance information was recorded. Questionnaires on objective workload were collected right after each driving task. The results show that speed maintenance and lane deviations are significantly different under different levels of cognitive workload, and the effects of driving experience and gender groups are significant. The research results can be used to analyze traffic safety in highway environments, while considering more drivers’ cognitive and driving performance. PMID:28218696

A Prospective Cohort Study to Compare Treatment Results Between 2 Fractionation Schedules of High-Dose-Rate Intracavitary Brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) in Patients With Cervical Cancer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Eng-Yen; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan; Sun, Li-Min

Purpose: To compare the treatment results of 2 fractionation schedules for high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) in patients with cervical cancer. Methods and Materials: From June 2001 through January 2008, 267 patients with stage IB-IVA cervical cancer were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent 4-field pelvic irradiation and HDR-ICBT. The median central and parametrial doses were 39.6 Gy and 45 Gy, respectively. Patient underwent either 6 Gy Multiplication-Sign 4 (HDR-4) (n=144) or 4.5 Gy Multiplication-Sign 6 (HDR-6) (n=123) to point A of ICBT using {sup 192}Ir isotope twice weekly. The rates of overall survival, locoregional failure, distant metastasis, proctitis, cystitis,more » and enterocolitis were compared between HDR-4 and HDR-6. Results: There were no significant differences in the demographic data between HDR-4 and HDR-6 except for total treatment time. The 5-year proctitis rates were 23.0% and 21.5% in HDR-4 and HDR-6 (P=.399), respectively. The corresponding rates of grade 2-4 proctitis were 18.7% and 9.6% (P=.060). The corresponding rates of grades 3-4 proctitis were 5.2% and 1.3% (P=.231). Subgroup analysis revealed that HDR-4 significantly increased grade 2-4 proctitis in patients aged {>=}62 years old (P=.012) but not in patients aged <62 years (P=.976). The rates of overall survival, locoregional failure, distant metastasis, cystitis, and enterocolitis were not significantly different between HDR-4 and HDR-6 schedules. Conclusion: The small fraction size of HDR-ICBT is associated with grade 2 proctitis without compromise of prognosis in elderly patients. This schedule is suggested for patients who tolerate an additional 2 applications of HDR-ICBT.« less

Manual signing in adults with intellectual disability: influence of sign characteristics on functional sign vocabulary.

PubMed

Meuris, Kristien; Maes, Bea; De Meyer, Anne-Marie; Zink, Inge

2014-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of sign characteristics in a key word signing (KWS) system on the functional use of those signs by adults with intellectual disability (ID). All 507 signs from a Flemish KWS system were characterized in terms of phonological, iconic, and referential characteristics. Phonological and referential characteristics were assigned to the signs by speech-language pathologists. The iconicity (i.e., transparency, guessing the meaning of the sign; and translucency, rating on a 6-point scale) of the signs were tested in 467 students. Sign functionality was studied in 119 adults with ID (mean mental age of 50.54 months) by means of a questionnaire, filled out by a support worker. A generalized linear model with a negative binomial distribution (with log-link) showed that semantic category was the factor with the strongest influence on sign functionality, with grammatical class, referential concreteness, and translucency also playing a part. No sign phonological characteristics were found to be of significant influence on sign use. The meaning of a sign is the most important factor regarding its functionality (i.e., whether a sign is used in everyday communication). Phonological characteristics seem only of minor importance.

Relationships of nuclear, architectural and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grading systems in endometrial cancer.

PubMed

Toptaş, Tayfun; Peştereli, Elif; Bozkurt, Selen; Erdoğan, Gülgün; Şimşek, Tayup

2018-03-01

To examine correlations among nuclear, architectural, and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grading systems, and their relationships with lymph node (LN) involvement in endometrioid endometrial cancer. Histopathology slides of 135 consecutive patients were reviewed with respect to tumor grade and LN metastasis. Notable nuclear atypia was defined as grade 3 nuclei. FIGO grade was established by raising the architectural grade (AG) by one grade when the tumor was composed of cells with nuclear grade (NG) 3. Correlations between the grading systems were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, and relationships of grading systems with LN involvement were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Correlation analysis revealed a significant and strongly positive relationship between FIGO and architectural grading systems (r=0.885, p=0.001); however, correlations of nuclear grading with the architectural (r=0.535, p=0.165) and FIGO grading systems (r=0.589, p=0.082) were moderate and statistically non-significant. Twenty-five (18.5%) patients had LN metastasis. LN involvement rates differed significantly between tumors with AG 1 and those with AG 2, and tumors with FIGO grade 1 and those with FIGO grade 2. In contrast, although the difference in LN involvement rates failed to reach statistical significance between tumors with NG 1 and those with NG 2, it was significant between NG 2 and NG 3 (p=0.042). Although all three grading systems were associated with LN involvement in univariate analyses, an independent relationship could not be established after adjustment for other confounders in multivariate analysis. Nuclear grading is significantly correlated with neither architectural nor FIGO grading systems. The differences in LN involvement rates in the nuclear grading system reach significance only in the setting of tumor cells with NG 3; however, none of the grading systems was an independent predictor of LN involvement.

KSC-2011-7900

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-17

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, spacecraft technicians install the multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission on the Curiosity rover. The MMRTG will generate the power needed for the mission from the natural decay of plutonium-238, a non-weapons-grade form of the radioisotope. Heat given off by this natural decay will provide constant power through the day and night during all seasons. Curiosity, MSL's car-sized rover, has 10 science instruments designed to search for signs of life, including methane, and help determine if the gas is from a biological or geological source. Waste heat from the MMRTG will be circulated throughout the rover system to keep instruments, computers, mechanical devices and communications systems within their operating temperature ranges. Launch of MSL aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled for Nov. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: Department of Energy/Idaho National Laboratory

[Peripheral facial paralysis: the role of physical medicine and rehabilitation].

PubMed

Matos, Catarina

2011-12-01

Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) is a consequence of the peripheral neuronal lesion of the facial nerve (FN). It can be either primary (Bell`s Palsy) or secondary. The classical clinical presentation typically involves both stages of the hemiface. However, there may be other symptoms (ex. xerophthalmia, hyperacusis, phonation and deglutition changes) that one should recall. Clinical evaluation includes rigorous muscle tonus and sensibility search in the FN territory. Some useful instruments allow better objectivity in the patients' evaluation (House-Brackmann System, Facial Grading System, Functional Evaluation). There are clear referral criteria to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Treatment of Bell`s Palsy may include pharmacotherapy, neuromuscular training (NMT), physical methods and surgery. In the NMT field the several treatment techniques are systematized. Therapeutic strategies should be problem-oriented and adjusted to the patient's symptoms and signs. Physical methods are reviewed. In about 15-20 % of patients permanent sequelae subside after 3 months of evolution. PFP is commonly a multidisciplinary condition. Therefore, it is important to review strategies that Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation may offer.

[Implementation of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring in children and adults in secondary and tertiary health care facilities].

PubMed

Maza-Krzeptowsky, Lilia Cristina De la; Romero-Esquiliano, Gabriela; Ramírez-Segura, Eduardo H; Obieta-Cruz, Enrique De; Vega-Sosa, Alfonso; Cárdenas-Mejía, Alexander; Juan-Orta, Daniel San; Castillo-Herrera, Margot; Aguilar-Castillo, Sergio J; Ávila-Ordóñez, Mario U; Cordero-Guzmán, Luz M; Escobar-Cedillo, Rosa E; Fraire-Martínez, María I; Franco-Lira, Marisela O; González-Jaime, José J; Paz-Navarro, Claudia E; Ramos-Peek, Jaime N; Shkurovich-Bialik, Paul; Silva-Cerecedo, Pedro; Tello-Valdés, C Armando; Zavala-Reina, Álvaro A; López-Rodríguez, Jaime; Sosa-García, Ojino

2018-01-01

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is a procedure that uses neurophysiological techniques in order to evaluate the motor and sensitive systems during surgeries that endanger the nervous system. The approach, scope, target population, and clinical questions to be answered were defined. A systematic search of the evidence was conducted step by step; during the first stage, clinical practice guidelines were collected, during the second stage systematic reviews were obtained, and during the third stage, clinical trials and observational studies were procured. The MeSH nomenclature and free related terminology were used, with no language restrictions and a 5-10 years frame. The quality of the evidence was graded using the CEPD and SIGN scales. Obtained using the search algorrhythms of 892 documents. Fifty-eight were chosen to be included in the qualitative synthesis. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the studies. Eighteen recommendations were issued and will support the adequate use of the IONM. Copyright: © 2018 Permanyer.

Re-Os Systematics and HSE Distribution in Metal from Ochansk (H4) Chondrite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smoliar, M. I.; Horan, M. F.; Alexander, C. M. OD.; Walker, R. J.

2003-01-01

Previous studies of the Re-Os systematics of chondrites have documented considerable variation in the Re/Os ratios of whole rock samples. For some whole rock chondrites, Re-Os systematics display large deviations from the primitive isochron that are considerably larger than deviations in other isotope systems. Possible interpretation of these facts is that the Re-Os system in chondrites is particularly sensitive to post-formation alteration processes, thus providing a useful tool to examine such processes. Significant variations that have been detected in highly siderophile element (HSE) patterns for ordinary chondrites support this conclusion. We report Re-Os isotope data for metal separates from the Ochansk H4 chondrite coupled with abundance data for Ru, Pd, Ir, and Pt, determined in the same samples by isotope dilution. We chose this meteorite mainly because it is an observed fall with minimal signs of weathering, and its low metamorphic grade (H4) and shock stage (S3).

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Barrett's oesophagus.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, Rebecca C; di Pietro, Massimiliano; Ragunath, Krish; Ang, Yeng; Kang, Jin-Yong; Watson, Peter; Trudgill, Nigel; Patel, Praful; Kaye, Philip V; Sanders, Scott; O'Donovan, Maria; Bird-Lieberman, Elizabeth; Bhandari, Pradeep; Jankowski, Janusz A; Attwood, Stephen; Parsons, Simon L; Loft, Duncan; Lagergren, Jesper; Moayyedi, Paul; Lyratzopoulos, Georgios; de Caestecker, John

2014-01-01

These guidelines provide a practical and evidence-based resource for the management of patients with Barrett's oesophagus and related early neoplasia. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument was followed to provide a methodological strategy for the guideline development. A systematic review of the literature was performed for English language articles published up until December 2012 in order to address controversial issues in Barrett's oesophagus including definition, screening and diagnosis, surveillance, pathological grading for dysplasia, management of dysplasia, and early cancer including training requirements. The rigour and quality of the studies was evaluated using the SIGN checklist system. Recommendations on each topic were scored by each author using a five-tier system (A+, strong agreement, to D+, strongly disagree). Statements that failed to reach substantial agreement among authors, defined as >80% agreement (A or A+), were revisited and modified until substantial agreement (>80%) was reached. In formulating these guidelines, we took into consideration benefits and risks for the population and national health system, as well as patient perspectives. For the first time, we have suggested stratification of patients according to their estimated cancer risk based on clinical and histopathological criteria. In order to improve communication between clinicians, we recommend the use of minimum datasets for reporting endoscopic and pathological findings. We advocate endoscopic therapy for high-grade dysplasia and early cancer, which should be performed in high-volume centres. We hope that these guidelines will standardise and improve management for patients with Barrett's oesophagus and related neoplasia.

Low hospital referral rates of school scoliosis screening positives in an urban district of mainland China.

PubMed

Guo, Yawen; Jiang, Qingwu; Tanimoto, Tetsuya; Kami, Masahiro; Luo, Chunyan; Leppold, Claire; Nishimura, Koichi; He, Yongpin; Kato, Shigeaki; Ding, Xiaocang

2017-04-01

Significant prevalence rates of adolescent scoliosis in China were suggested in previous studies. However, school screenings for adolescent scoliosis have been suspended due to low rates of positive detection under the past screening system in China. The present study was undertaken to screen for adolescent scoliosis in middle school students under a modern assessment system in a district of Shanghai. We performed a population-based, cross-sectional study of a middle school scoliosis screening program in the Jingan district. In 2015, schoolchildren were initially screened by visual inspection of clinical signs and the forward-bending test. Suspected cases were referred for radiography in hospital for scoliosis diagnosis. A total of 5327 middle school students (grades 6-8) were screened with 520 (9.76%) positives (the positive rates of girls and boys at 15.28% and 4.59%, respectively) and no statistically significant difference among grades. Only 301 positives (57.9%) followed the referral for hospital radiography. There were 102 cases (33.9%) that were diagnosed with scoliosis by radiography criteria (Cobb angle ≥10°) including mild scoliosis (Cobb 10-25) for 94 cases and moderate scoliosis (Cobb 25-40) for 8 cases, and false-positives (Cobb 0) for 39 cases. The putative prevalence rate was estimated as 1.9% from the referred students. Under an accurate and modern assessment system, school screenings can detect scoliosis at a significant rate, but awareness of scoliosis risks is needed for residents in China to take up referrals for hospital diagnosis after school screenings.

Challenges for the functional diffusion map in pediatric brain tumors

PubMed Central

Grech-Sollars, Matthew; Saunders, Dawn E.; Phipps, Kim P.; Kaur, Ramneek; Paine, Simon M.L.; Jacques, Thomas S.; Clayden, Jonathan D.; Clark, Chris A.

2014-01-01

Background The functional diffusion map (fDM) has been suggested as a tool for early detection of tumor treatment efficacy. We aim to study 3 factors that could act as potential confounders in the fDM: areas of necrosis, tumor grade, and change in tumor size. Methods Thirty-four pediatric patients with brain tumors were enrolled in a retrospective study, approved by the local ethics committee, to examine the fDM. Tumors were selected to encompass a range of types and grades. A qualitative analysis was carried out to compare how fDM findings may be affected by each of the 3 confounders by comparing fDM findings to clinical image reports. Results Results show that the fDM in areas of necrosis do not discriminate between treatment response and tumor progression. Furthermore, tumor grade alters the behavior of the fDM: a decrease in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is a sign of tumor progression in high-grade tumors and treatment response in low-grade tumors. Our results also suggest using only tumor area overlap between the 2 time points analyzed for the fDM in tumors of varying size. Conclusions Interpretation of fDM results needs to take into account the underlying biology of both tumor and healthy tissue. Careful interpretation of the results is required with due consideration to areas of necrosis, tumor grade, and change in tumor size. PMID:24305721

Microbubble signal and trial of org in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) classification in ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Lee, Chan-Hyuk; Kang, Hyun Goo; Lee, Ji Sung; Ryu, Han Uk; Jeong, Seul-Ki

2018-07-15

Right-to-left shunt (RLS) through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is likely associated with ischemic stroke. Many studies have attempted to demonstrate the association between RLS and ischemic stroke. However, information on the association between the degree of RLS and the subtypes of ischemic stroke categorized by the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification is lacking. This was a retrospective study involving 508 patients with ischemic stroke who underwent a transcranial Doppler (TCD) microbubble test between 2013 and 2015. The degree of RLS was divided into 4 grades according to the microbubble signal (MBS) as follows: no MBS, grade 1; MBS < 20, grade 2; MBS > 20, grade 3; curtain sign, grade 4. The degree of RLS and the type of ischemic stroke as classified by TOAST were analyzed and compared with other clinical information and laboratory findings. The higher RLS grade was associated with the cardioembolism (CE) and stroke of undetermined etiology (SUE), and the microbubble signals were inversely related with small vessel disease (SVD). An MBS higher than grade 3 showed a 2.95-fold higher association with SUE than large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), while grade 4 MBS revealed an approximately 8-fold higher association with SUE than LAA. RLS identified by the TCD microbubble test was significantly and independently associated with cryptogenic ischemic stroke (negative evaluation). Subsequent studies are needed to determine the biologic relationship between RLS and ischemic stroke, particularly the cryptogenic subtype of ischemic stroke. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

I-39 dynamic message sign project summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-01

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) sought to deploy a message sign system consisting of permanently-mounted dynamic message signs around the Rockford metropolitan area. The project goal was to begin building a system of remotely-activat...

Study on road sign recognition in LabVIEW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panoiu, M.; Rat, C. L.; Panoiu, C.

2016-02-01

Road and traffic sign identification is a field of study that can be used to aid the development of in-car advisory systems. It uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to extract the road signs from outdoor images acquired by a camera in uncontrolled lighting conditions where they may be occluded by other objects, or may suffer from problems such as color fading, disorientation, variations in shape and size, etc. An automatic means of identifying traffic signs, in these conditions, can make a significant contribution to develop an Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) that continuously monitors the driver, the vehicle, and the road. Road and traffic signs are characterized by a number of features which make them recognizable from the environment. Road signs are located in standard positions and have standard shapes, standard colors, and known pictograms. These characteristics make them suitable for image identification. Traffic sign identification covers two problems: traffic sign detection and traffic sign recognition. Traffic sign detection is meant for the accurate localization of traffic signs in the image space, while traffic sign recognition handles the labeling of such detections into specific traffic sign types or subcategories [1].

[The WHO/ISUP grading system for renal carcinoma].

PubMed

Moch, H

2016-07-01

Histological tumor grading is an accepted prognostic parameter of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In 2012, the International Society of Urologic Pathologists (ISUP) proposed a novel grading system for RCC, mainly based on the evaluation of nucleoli: grade 1 tumors have nucleoli that are inconspicuous and basophilic at ×400 magnification; grade 2 tumors have nucleoli that are clearly visible at ×400 magnification and eosinophilic; grade 3 tumors have clearly visible nucleoli at ×100 magnification; and grade 4 tumors have extreme pleomorphism or rhabdoid and/or sarcomatoid morphology. This grading system was validated for clear cell renal cell carcinoma and papillary renal cell carcinoma. At the same time, the ISUP proposed not grading chromophobe renal cell carcinomas according to this system. At a consensus conference in Zurich the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the ISUP grading system; thus, the WHO/ISUP grading system is now going to be implemented internationally. The ISUP/WHO grading system has not been validated as a prognostic parameter for other tumor subtypes, but can be used for descriptive purposes.

KSC-2011-7898

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-17

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a turning fixture lowers the multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission toward the radioisotope power system integration cart (RIC). Once the MMRTG is secured on the cart, it will be installed on the Curiosity rover. The MMRTG will generate the power needed for the mission from the natural decay of plutonium-238, a non-weapons-grade form of the radioisotope. Heat given off by this natural decay will provide constant power through the day and night during all seasons. Curiosity, MSL's car-sized rover, has 10 science instruments designed to search for signs of life, including methane, and help determine if the gas is from a biological or geological source. Waste heat from the MMRTG will be circulated throughout the rover system to keep instruments, computers, mechanical devices and communications systems within their operating temperature ranges. Launch of MSL aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled for Nov. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: Department of Energy/Idaho National Laboratory

An assessment of patient sign-outs conducted by University at Buffalo internal medicine residents.

PubMed

Wheat, Deirdre; Co, Christopher; Manochakian, Rami; Rich, Ellen

2012-01-01

Internal medicine residents were surveyed regarding patient sign-outs at shift change. Data were used to design and implement interventions aimed at improving sign-out quality. This quasi-experimental project incorporated the Plan, Do, Study, Act methodology. Residents completed an anonymous electronic survey regarding experiences during sign-outs. Survey questions assessed structure, process, and outcome of sign-outs. Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data was performed; interventions were implemented based on survey findings. A total of 120 surveys (89% response) and 115 surveys (83% response) were completed by residents of 4 postgraduate years in response to the first (2008) and second (2009) survey requests, respectively. Approximately 79% of the respondents to the second survey indicated that postintervention sign-out systems were superior to preintervention systems. Results indicated improvement in specific areas of structure, process, and outcome. Survey-based modifications to existing sign-out systems effected measurable quality improvement in structure, process, and outcome.

Classified one-step high-radix signed-digit arithmetic units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherri, Abdallah K.

1998-08-01

High-radix number systems enable higher information storage density, less complexity, fewer system components, and fewer cascaded gates and operations. A simple one-step fully parallel high-radix signed-digit arithmetic is proposed for parallel optical computing based on new joint spatial encodings. This reduces hardware requirements and improves throughput by reducing the space-bandwidth produce needed. The high-radix signed-digit arithmetic operations are based on classifying the neighboring input digit pairs into various groups to reduce the computation rules. A new joint spatial encoding technique is developed to present both the operands and the computation rules. This technique increases the spatial bandwidth product of the spatial light modulators of the system. An optical implementation of the proposed high-radix signed-digit arithmetic operations is also presented. It is shown that our one-step trinary signed-digit and quaternary signed-digit arithmetic units are much simpler and better than all previously reported high-radix signed-digit techniques.

The implementation of a learning contract and the effects on the learning experiences of seventh-grade life science students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harmon, Sally Baden

2001-07-01

The purposes of this case study were to describe how a learning contract was implemented for a seventh-grade life science class and to discover its effects on the learning experiences of the students. A learning contract was a written agreement between the student and the teacher in which the student agreed to complete a variety of assignments for a particular grade. Learning contracts were issued to the students for three grading periods of six weeks. A total of 137 students participated in the case study, which began in September 1997 and culminated at the end of the third grading period in January 1998. The data were collected from three groups: (a) 137 seventh-grade life science students, (b) 48 parents, and (c) the classroom teacher-researcher. In order to guide the collection and analysis of data, twenty-four questions were developed. These questions were then compiled into two surveys. Responses from the student survey indicated that students: (a) signed up for an A more than any other grade, (b) liked working in teams, (c) found it easy to find assignments, (d) set goals to earn high grades, and (e) felt good about their science grades. For the first grading period, eighty-nine percent of parents surveyed responded that they were aware of their children's learning contract grade, and sixty-two percent of the parents surveyed responded that they were satisfied with their children's academic performance using the learning contract. Taped interviews were conducted with former seventh-grade students and the teacher-researcher. In the taped interviews, students told of their positive learning experiences. The teacher-researcher kept a daily journal and used its contents as data. As a result of this case study, the students and the teacher-researcher supported the continued use of the learning contract for the next school year.

Smart sign ordering system : research implementation plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-05-01

STATEMENT OF NEED: ODOT operates a Sign Shop to fabricate traffic and information signs. The Districts prepare and submit orders for : signs to the Central Office, where each order is checked against design specifications and standards. The Sign Shop...

A Study of the Effect of the Implementation of the Plus/Minus Grading System on Graduate Student Grades.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Malone, Bobby G.; Nelson, Jacquelyn S.; Nelson, C. Van

The implementation of a plus/minus system of grading to replace the traditional A through F grading system for graduate students was studied at a midsize Midwestern university. Decimal equivalents were established to enable the computation of grade point averages (GPAs) that reflected the dispersion of grades through the plus/minus system. A…

Sign language spotting with a threshold model based on conditional random fields.

PubMed

Yang, Hee-Deok; Sclaroff, Stan; Lee, Seong-Whan

2009-07-01

Sign language spotting is the task of detecting and recognizing signs in a signed utterance, in a set vocabulary. The difficulty of sign language spotting is that instances of signs vary in both motion and appearance. Moreover, signs appear within a continuous gesture stream, interspersed with transitional movements between signs in a vocabulary and nonsign patterns (which include out-of-vocabulary signs, epentheses, and other movements that do not correspond to signs). In this paper, a novel method for designing threshold models in a conditional random field (CRF) model is proposed which performs an adaptive threshold for distinguishing between signs in a vocabulary and nonsign patterns. A short-sign detector, a hand appearance-based sign verification method, and a subsign reasoning method are included to further improve sign language spotting accuracy. Experiments demonstrate that our system can spot signs from continuous data with an 87.0 percent spotting rate and can recognize signs from isolated data with a 93.5 percent recognition rate versus 73.5 percent and 85.4 percent, respectively, for CRFs without a threshold model, short-sign detection, subsign reasoning, and hand appearance-based sign verification. Our system can also achieve a 15.0 percent sign error rate (SER) from continuous data and a 6.4 percent SER from isolated data versus 76.2 percent and 14.5 percent, respectively, for conventional CRFs.

Treatment of symptomatic isolated dissection of superior mesenteric artery.

PubMed

Dong, Zhihui; Fu, Weiguo; Chen, Bin; Guo, Daqiao; Xu, Xin; Wang, Yuqi

2013-02-01

To present the short- to midterm outcomes after management of 14 patients with symptomatic isolated dissection of superior mesenteric artery (SIDSMA) and propose a preliminary treatment algorithm. SIDSMA is a rare but potentially fatal entity. However, most of these reports were isolated case reports, and a consensus treatment protocol remains lacking so far. It would be meaningful to propose a reasonable treatment algorithm for it. Patients with SIDSMA who were treated in our center between July 2007 and June 2011 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Based upon the abdominal pain and signs, the clinical manifestations have been retrospectively classified into grade I (peritonitis absent) and grade II (peritonitis present). Medical treatment mainly included anticoagulation, antiplatelet, and bowel rest. Endovascular stent placement and surgical fenestration with exploratory laparotomy have been selected according to the grade classification. Computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or duplex scans have been used for diagnosis and follow-up. Fourteen consecutive patients with SIDSMA were collected; among them, 13 cases belonged to grade I and one to grade II. The mean duration from the onset to the admission was 12 ± 12 days (range, 0.5-45 days). The mean distance from the primary tear to the ostium of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was 26 ± 4 mm (range, 15-32 mm). Medical treatment was given for 13 patients of grade I for the first 3 to 5 days after admission, and the abdominal pain remarkably or completely resolved in four patients who received continued medical treatment, whereas the other unresolved nine patients were converted to endovascular stent placement that succeeded in four and failed in five patients. Since these five cases were free from peritoneal signs, medical treatment was given again instead of an immediate surgical intervention, and ultimately achieved complete alleviation of abdominal pain within the following 1 week. The mean duration from the start of medical treatment to the alleviation of symptoms, including the continued medical treatment after the failed endovascular stent placement, was 8 ± 3 days (range, 4-12 days). The grade II patient underwent a successful emergency surgical SMA fenestration without bowel resection. Follow-up was accomplished in all 14 cases, ranging from 2 to 48 months (mean, 30 ± 15 months). No intestinal necrosis, morbidity, or mortality developed during hospitalization. During the follow-up, all patients were free from aneurysmal formation of SMA or chronic intestinal ischemia, and all stents remained patent. For grade I SIDSMA, most cases might be successfully treated with medical therapy, and the endovascular stent placement appears to be an acceptable alternative if medical treatment fails. For grade II SIDSMA, the endovascular stenting combined with laparoscopic exploration and/or open surgery could be a reasonable option. Copyright © 2013 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Free microvascular fibula graft for skeletal reconstruction of the distal radius: 5 years follow-up after en-bloc resection of a giant cell tumour].

PubMed

Franz, T; Krawczyk, T; Eggli, S; Wartburg, U von

2010-10-01

A giant cell tumour of the distal radius or of the carpal bones, verified by incisional biopsies, should be approached as a low-grade malignancy. Lesions that arise in the bones of the hand or the wrist have a greater propensity to metastasise, and have a higher risk of local recurrence. In this case report we describe a 54-year-old women with a giant cell tumour of the distal radius (Campanacci grade III lesion), having a follow-up of five years without signs of local recurrence or metastatic disease. The general principles of and options for surgical treatment are discussed. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

The relief of dry eye signs and symptoms using a combination of lubricants, lid hygiene and ocular nutraceuticals.

PubMed

Ngo, William; Srinivasan, Sruthi; Houtman, Diane; Jones, Lyndon

To determine the combined effect of TheraTears ® Lubricant Eye Drops, TheraTears ® SteriLid Eyelid Cleanser, and TheraTears ® Nutrition on dry eye signs and symptoms. This prospective study enrolled 28 dry eye participants. Participants were instructed to use the Lubricant Eye Drops at least 2-4× a day, SteriLid 1-2× a day, and Nutrition 3 gel caps once a day. Participants were followed up at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. Outcome variables were the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), osmolarity, number of meibomian glands blocked (#MG blocked), meibum quality, eyelid margin features, Schirmer's test, tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), meniscus height, corneal and conjunctival staining. Twenty participants (mean age=43, from 23 to 66, 17F, 3M) completed the study. Participants reported having used, on average, the Lubricant Eye Drop 2.4×/day, the SteriLid 1.1×/day, and the Nutrition 3 gel caps 1×/day. There was a significant change over time (p<0.05) for OSDI (-21.2 points), SANDE (-32.4 points), NIBUT (+0.43s), eyelid margin features (-1.1 grade), meibum quality (-1.0 grade), and #MG blocked (-4.0 glands). By using a combination of TheraTears ® Lubricant Eye Drop, SteriLid, and Nutrition, patients experience significant relief in both dry eye symptoms and signs. Copyright © 2016 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of ocular surface symptoms, signs, and uncomfortable hours of wear in contact lens wearers: the effect of refitting with daily-wear silicone hydrogel lenses (senofilcon a).

PubMed

Riley, Colleen; Young, Graeme; Chalmers, Robin

2006-12-01

Many soft contact lens wearers have symptoms or signs that compromise successful lens wear. This study estimated the prevalence of problems in current wearers of soft contact lenses and tested the effect of refitting patients with senofilcon A silicone hydrogel lenses (ACUVUE Oasys). Prevalence was estimated from 1,092 current lens wearers for frequent or constant discomfort or dryness, at least 2 hours of uncomfortable wear, at least grade 2 limbal or bulbar hyperemia (0-4), or at least grade 3 corneal staining (0-15). In the second part of the study, 112 of the 564 wearers classified as problem patients were refitted with senofilcon A lenses and reassessed 2 weeks later. Fifty-two percent (564 of 1,092) had some qualifying criteria, with dryness reported by 23%, discomfort by 13%, and at least 2 hours of uncomfortable wear by 27%. Six percent of subjects had qualifying limbal hyperemia; 10% had bulbar hyperemia; and 12% had corneal staining. After refitting 112 problem patients, 75% had less dryness; 88% had better comfort (P<0.0001 each); and 76% had fewer uncomfortable hours of wear (P=0.004). Although the average wearing time was unchanged, comfortable wearing time increased significantly (10.4 to 11.6 hours) (P=0.004). All (35 of 35) eyes with qualifying limbal hyperemia before the refit also improved (P<0.0001), as did 80% (40 of 50) of those with bulbar hyperemia (P<0.0001) and 76% (26 of 34) of those with corneal staining (P=0.005). Most soft lens wearers encounter clinically significant signs or symptoms with their current contact lenses. Refitting with new-generation silicone hydrogel lenses (senofilcon A) can alleviate some of these common problems.

Radiolucent cage for cervical vertebral reconstruction: a prospective study of 17 cases with 2-year minimum follow-up.

PubMed

Söderlund, C H; Pointillart, V; Pedram, M; Andrault, G; Vital, J M

2004-12-01

In cervical spondylotic myelopathy, extended anterior spinal cord decompression necessitates subsequent stable vertebral reconstruction. Reconstruction with an iliac crest graft and screw-plate fixation gives satisfactory clinical and radiological results, but they are often compromised by morbidity involving the bone harvest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution to cervical reconstruction of a biocompatible, radiolucent cage combined with screw-plate fixation, making use of bone harvested in situ. This prospective study was performed between July 2000 and March 2001 in eight women and nine men (mean age, 55 years) operated for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Situated between levels C3 and C6, the cage was inserted after one corporectomy in ten patients, two corporectomies in five patients, and three corporectomies in two patients. The cage consisted of a polyester mesh impregnated with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) conferring temporary rigidity to the cage during bony fusion. Clinical and radiological follow-up (plain films, computed tomographic reconstruction in three cases) was performed at 2 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 36 months, postoperatively, with a mean follow-up of 30 months. Functional results were evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association's scoring system. An independent surgeon assessed the radiological evidence of anterior cervical fusion using the grades proposed by Bridwell [6]. Every patient experienced neurological recovery. At last follow-up, radiological findings were consistent with grade I (complete fusion) in five cases, grade II (probable fusion) in ten cases, grade III (radiolucent halo in favor of non fusion) in one case, and grade IV (graft lysis) in one case with persistent neck pain. In three cases there was screw breakage (two grade II, one grade IV). None of these cases required surgical revision at latest follow-up. In extensive spinal cord decompression through an anterior approach, cervical reconstruction using the present type of cage can achieve clinical results comparable to conventional techniques. The rigidity of the cage meets biomechanical imperatives. Its radiolucency permits one to monitor the course of consolidation, contrary to metal cages. The cases of probable non-fusion and screw breakage were not accompanied by signs of instability on the flexion extension films. This cage meets the biologic and biomechanical imperatives of cervical reconstruction. It obviates complications involving bone harvest.

Preliminayr Study on Diffraction Enhanced Radiographic Imaging for a Canine Model of Cartilage Damage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muehleman,C.; Li, J.; Zhong, Z.

2006-01-01

Objective: To demonstrate the ability of a novel radiographic technique, Diffraction Enhanced Radiographic Imaging (DEI), to render high contrast images of canine knee joints for identification of cartilage lesions in situ. Methods: DEI was carried out at the X-15A beamline at Brookhaven National Laboratory on intact canine knee joints with varying levels of cartilage damage. Two independent observers graded the DE images for lesions and these grades were correlated to the gross morphological grade. Results: The correlation of gross visual grades with DEI grades for the 18 canine knee joints as determined by observer 1 (r2=0.8856, P=0.001) and observer 2more » (r2=0.8818, P=0.001) was high. The overall weighted ? value for inter-observer agreement was 0.93, thus considered high agreement. Conclusion: The present study is the first study for the efficacy of DEI for cartilage lesions in an animal joint, from very early signs through erosion down to subchondral bone, representing the spectrum of cartilage changes occurring in human osteoarthritis (OA). Here we show that DEI allows the visualization of cartilage lesions in intact canine knee joints with good accuracy. Hence, DEI may be applicable for following joint degeneration in animal models of OA.« less

Analyzing the Effects of a Mathematics Problem-Solving Program, Exemplars, on Mathematics Problem-Solving Scores with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chilvers, Amanda Leigh

2013-01-01

Researchers have noted that mathematics achievement for deaf and hard-of-hearing (d/hh) students has been a concern for many years, including the ability to problem solve. This quasi-experimental study investigates the use of the Exemplars mathematics program with students in grades 2-8 in a school for the deaf that utilizes American Sign Language…

An Evaluation of the Answer Key Used in Determining the 7th Grade Students' Levels of Disciplined Mind in Terms of Generalizability Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guler, Nese

2014-01-01

Nowadays, rapid changes in science and technology increase the demand of qualified individuals who have signs of disciplined mind which is hightlighted in Howard Gardner's (2006) five minds as one type of mind. So, it is important to measure whether individuals have disciplined mind or not. Based on this idea, it is aimed to evaluate the…

A semi-automatic traffic sign detection, classification, and positioning system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creusen, I. M.; Hazelhoff, L.; de With, P. H. N.

2012-01-01

The availability of large-scale databases containing street-level panoramic images offers the possibility to perform semi-automatic surveying of real-world objects such as traffic signs. These inventories can be performed significantly more efficiently than using conventional methods. Governmental agencies are interested in these inventories for maintenance and safety reasons. This paper introduces a complete semi-automatic traffic sign inventory system. The system consists of several components. First, a detection algorithm locates the 2D position of the traffic signs in the panoramic images. Second, a classification algorithm is used to identify the traffic sign. Third, the 3D position of the traffic sign is calculated using the GPS position of the photographs. Finally, the results are listed in a table for quick inspection and are also visualized in a web browser.

Traffic Sign Inventory from Google Street View Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Victor J. D.; Chen, Jyun-Han; Huang, Hsun-Sheng

2016-06-01

Traffic sign detection and recognition (TSDR) has drawn considerable attention on developing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and autonomous vehicle driving systems (AVDS) since 1980's. Unlikely to the general TSDR systems that deal with real-time images captured by the in-vehicle cameras, this research aims on developing techniques for detecting, extracting, and positioning of traffic signs from Google Street View (GSV) images along user-selected routes for low-cost, volumetric and quick establishment of the traffic sign infrastructural database that may be associated with Google Maps. The framework and techniques employed in the proposed system are described.

Use of a 2-tier histologic grading system for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors on cytology specimens.

PubMed

Hergt, Franziska; von Bomhard, Wolf; Kent, Michael S; Hirschberger, Johannes

2016-09-01

Mast cell tumors (MCT) represent the most common malignant skin tumor in the dog. Diagnosis of an MCT can be achieved through cytologic examination of a fine-needle aspirate. However, the grade of the tumor is an important prognostic marker and currently requires histologic assessment. Recently a 2-tier histologic grading system based on nuclear features including number of mitoses, multinucleated cells, bizarre nuclei, and karyomegaly was proposed. The aim of this study was to assess if the cytomorphologic criteria proposed in the 2-tier histologic grading system are applicable to cytology specimens. A total of 141 MCT specimens reported as grade I, II, or III according to the Patnaik system with both histologic specimens and fine-needle aspirates available were histologically and cytologically reevaluated in a retrospective study. According to the 2-tier grading system, 38 cases were diagnosed histologically as high-grade and 103 as low-grade MCT. Cytologic grading resulted in 36 high-grade and 105 low-grade tumors. Agreement between histologic and cytologic grading based on the 2-tier grading system was achieved in 133 cases (sensitivity 86.8%, specificity 97.1%, kappa value 0.853), but 5 high-grade tumors on histology were classified as low-grade on cytology. Cytologic grading of MCT in the dog is helpful for initial assessment. However, the reliability of cytology using the 2-tier grading system is considered inadequate at this point. Prospective studies including clinical outcome should be pursued to further determine diagnostic accuracy of cytologic mast cell grading. © 2016 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Louisiana traffic sign inventory and management system : LTRC technical summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-03-01

This project initiated the development of such a comprehensive asset management system in Louisiana, starting with traffic sign inventory in a single parish. The projects primary goal was to undertake a pilot field inventory of sign attribute data...

Periodontitis: Consensus report of workgroup 2 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.

PubMed

Papapanou, Panos N; Sanz, Mariano; Buduneli, Nurcan; Dietrich, Thomas; Feres, Magda; Fine, Daniel H; Flemmig, Thomas F; Garcia, Raul; Giannobile, William V; Graziani, Filippo; Greenwell, Henry; Herrera, David; Kao, Richard T; Kebschull, Moritz; Kinane, Denis F; Kirkwood, Keith L; Kocher, Thomas; Kornman, Kenneth S; Kumar, Purnima S; Loos, Bruno G; Machtei, Eli; Meng, Huanxin; Mombelli, Andrea; Needleman, Ian; Offenbacher, Steven; Seymour, Gregory J; Teles, Ricardo; Tonetti, Maurizio S

2018-06-01

A new periodontitis classification scheme has been adopted, in which forms of the disease previously recognized as "chronic" or "aggressive" are now grouped under a single category ("periodontitis") and are further characterized based on a multi-dimensional staging and grading system. Staging is largely dependent upon the severity of disease at presentation as well as on the complexity of disease management, while grading provides supplemental information about biological features of the disease including a history-based analysis of the rate of periodontitis progression; assessment of the risk for further progression; analysis of possible poor outcomes of treatment; and assessment of the risk that the disease or its treatment may negatively affect the general health of the patient. Necrotizing periodontal diseases, whose characteristic clinical phenotype includes typical features (papilla necrosis, bleeding, and pain) and are associated with host immune response impairments, remain a distinct periodontitis category. Endodontic-periodontal lesions, defined by a pathological communication between the pulpal and periodontal tissues at a given tooth, occur in either an acute or a chronic form, and are classified according to signs and symptoms that have direct impact on their prognosis and treatment. Periodontal abscesses are defined as acute lesions characterized by localized accumulation of pus within the gingival wall of the periodontal pocket/sulcus, rapid tissue destruction and are associated with risk for systemic dissemination. © 2018 American Academy of Periodontology and European Federation of Periodontology.

Development of a prehospital vital signs chart sharing system.

PubMed

Nakada, Taka-aki; Masunaga, Naohisa; Nakao, Shota; Narita, Maiko; Fuse, Takashi; Watanabe, Hiroaki; Mizushima, Yasuaki; Matsuoka, Tetsuya

2016-01-01

Physiological parameters are crucial for the caring of trauma patients. There is a significant loss of prehospital vital signs data of patients during handover between prehospital and in-hospital teams. Effective strategies for reducing the loss remain a challenging research area. We tested whether the newly developed electronic automated prehospital vital signs chart sharing system would increase the amount of prehospital vital signs data shared with a remote trauma center prior to hospital arrival. Fifty trauma patients, transferred to a level I trauma center in Japan, were studied. The primary outcome variable was the number of prehospital vital signs shared with the trauma center prior to hospital arrival. The prehospital vital signs chart sharing system significantly increased the number of prehospital vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, shared with the in-hospital team at a remote trauma center prior to patient arrival at the hospital (P < .0001). There were significant differences in prehospital vital signs during ambulance transfer between patients who had severe bleeding and non-severe bleeding within 24 hours after injury onset. Vital signs data collected during ambulance transfer via patient monitors could be automatically converted to easily visible patient charts and effectively shared with the remote trauma center prior to hospital arrival. The prehospital vital signs chart sharing system increased the number of precise vital signs shared prior to patient arrival at the hospital, which can potentially contribute to better trauma care without increasing labor and reduce information loss during clinical handover. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

American Sign Language/English bilingual model: a longitudinal study of academic growth.

PubMed

Lange, Cheryl M; Lane-Outlaw, Susan; Lange, William E; Sherwood, Dyan L

2013-10-01

This study examines reading and mathematics academic growth of deaf and hard-of-hearing students instructed through an American Sign Language (ASL)/English bilingual model. The study participants were exposed to the model for a minimum of 4 years. The study participants' academic growth rates were measured using the Northwest Evaluation Association's Measure of Academic Progress assessment and compared with a national-normed group of grade-level peers that consisted primarily of hearing students. The study also compared academic growth for participants by various characteristics such as gender, parents' hearing status, and secondary disability status and examined the academic outcomes for students after a minimum of 4 years of instruction in an ASL/English bilingual model. The findings support the efficacy of the ASL/English bilingual model.

Reliability of injury grading systems for patients with blunt splenic trauma.

PubMed

Olthof, D C; van der Vlies, C H; Scheerder, M J; de Haan, R J; Beenen, L F M; Goslings, J C; van Delden, O M

2014-01-01

The most widely used grading system for blunt splenic injury is the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) organ injury scale. In 2007 a new grading system was developed. This 'Baltimore CT grading system' is superior to the AAST classification system in predicting the need for angiography and embolization or surgery. The objective of this study was to assess inter- and intraobserver reliability between radiologists in classifying splenic injury according to both grading systems. CT scans of 83 patients with blunt splenic injury admitted between 1998 and 2008 to an academic Level 1 trauma centre were retrospectively reviewed. Inter and intrarater reliability were expressed in Cohen's or weighted Kappa values. Overall weighted interobserver Kappa coefficients for the AAST and 'Baltimore CT grading system' were respectively substantial (kappa=0.80) and almost perfect (kappa=0.85). Average weighted intraobserver Kappa's values were in the 'almost perfect' range (AAST: kappa=0.91, 'Baltimore CT grading system': kappa=0.81). The present study shows that overall the inter- and intraobserver reliability for grading splenic injury according to the AAST grading system and 'Baltimore CT grading system' are equally high. Because of the integration of vascular injury, the 'Baltimore CT grading system' supports clinical decision making. We therefore recommend use of this system in the classification of splenic injury. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Traffic Sign Detection Based on Biologically Visual Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, X.; Zhu, X.; Li, D.

2012-07-01

TSR (Traffic sign recognition) is an important problem in ITS (intelligent traffic system), which is being paid more and more attention for realizing drivers assisting system and unmanned vehicle etc. TSR consists of two steps: detection and recognition, and this paper describe a new traffic sign detection method. The design principle of the traffic sign is comply with the visual attention mechanism of human, so we propose a method using visual attention mechanism to detect traffic sign ,which is reasonable. In our method, the whole scene will firstly be analyzed by visual attention model to acquire the area where traffic signs might be placed. And then, these candidate areas will be analyzed according to the shape characteristics of the traffic sign to detect traffic signs. In traffic sign detection experiments, the result shows the proposed method is effectively and robust than other existing saliency detection method.

Alternative Grading Systems. The Practitioner, Vol. III, No. 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Leonibus, Nancy; Thomson, Scott

After examining some of the pros and cons of traditional grading, the demands colleges make on grading practices, and the responses of people interested in grading, a number of examples of operating alternative systems are given. The alternatives include a dual (pass/withdraw grading in some courses, traditional grading in others) system, a…

Validation study - on-road evaluation of the Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System - Stop Sign Assist sign : (CICAS-SSA Report #5).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-11-01

The CICAS-SSA sign is a roadside driver support system that is intended to improve gap rejection at rural stop-controlled intersections. The CICAS-SSA system tracks vehicle locations on a major roadway and then displays a message to a driver on the m...

Neural Basis of Action Understanding: Evidence from Sign Language Aphasia.

PubMed

Rogalsky, Corianne; Raphel, Kristin; Tomkovicz, Vivian; O'Grady, Lucinda; Damasio, Hanna; Bellugi, Ursula; Hickok, Gregory

2013-01-01

The neural basis of action understanding is a hotly debated issue. The mirror neuron account holds that motor simulation in fronto-parietal circuits is critical to action understanding including speech comprehension, while others emphasize the ventral stream in the temporal lobe. Evidence from speech strongly supports the ventral stream account, but on the other hand, evidence from manual gesture comprehension (e.g., in limb apraxia) has led to contradictory findings. Here we present a lesion analysis of sign language comprehension. Sign language is an excellent model for studying mirror system function in that it bridges the gap between the visual-manual system in which mirror neurons are best characterized and language systems which have represented a theoretical target of mirror neuron research. Twenty-one life long deaf signers with focal cortical lesions performed two tasks: one involving the comprehension of individual signs and the other involving comprehension of signed sentences (commands). Participants' lesions, as indicated on MRI or CT scans, were mapped onto a template brain to explore the relationship between lesion location and sign comprehension measures. Single sign comprehension was not significantly affected by left hemisphere damage. Sentence sign comprehension impairments were associated with left temporal-parietal damage. We found that damage to mirror system related regions in the left frontal lobe were not associated with deficits on either of these comprehension tasks. We conclude that the mirror system is not critically involved in action understanding.

Development and practice of a Telehealthcare Expert System (TES).

PubMed

Lin, Hanjun; Hsu, Yeh-Liang; Hsu, Ming-Shinn; Cheng, Chih-Ming

2013-07-01

Expert systems have been widely used in medical and healthcare practice for various purposes. In addition to vital sign data, important concerns in telehealthcare include the compliance with the measurement prescription, the accuracy of vital sign measurements, and the functioning of vital sign meters and home gateways. However, few expert system applications are found in the telehealthcare domain to address these issues. This article presents an expert system application for one of the largest commercialized telehealthcare practices in Taiwan by Min-Sheng General Hospital. The main function of the Telehealthcare Expert System (TES) developed in this research is to detect and classify events based on the measurement data transmitted to the database at the call center, including abnormality of vital signs, violation of vital sign measurement prescriptions, and malfunction of hardware devices (home gateway and vital sign meter). When the expert system detects an abnormal event, it assigns an "urgent degree" and alerts the nursing team in the call center to take action, such as phoning the patient for counseling or to urge the patient to return to the hospital for further tests. During 2 years of clinical practice, from 2009 to 2011, 19,182 patients were served by the expert system. The expert system detected 41,755 events, of which 22.9% indicated abnormality of vital signs, 75.2% indicated violation of measurement prescription, and 1.9% indicated malfunction of devices. On average, the expert system reduced by 76.5% the time that the nursing team in the call center spent in handling the events. The expert system helped to reduce cost and improve quality of the telehealthcare service.

DC-SIGN activation mediates the differential effects of SAP and CRP on the innate immune system and inhibits fibrosis in mice.

PubMed

Cox, Nehemiah; Pilling, Darrell; Gomer, Richard H

2015-07-07

Fibrosis is caused by scar tissue formation in internal organs and is associated with 45% of deaths in the United States. Two closely related human serum proteins, serum amyloid P (SAP) and C-reactive protein (CRP), strongly affect fibrosis. In multiple animal models, and in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, SAP affects several aspects of the innate immune system to reduce fibrosis, whereas CRP appears to potentiate fibrosis. However, SAP and CRP bind the same Fcγ receptors (FcγR) with similar affinities, and why SAP and CRP have opposing effects is unknown. Here, we report that SAP but not CRP binds the receptor DC-SIGN (SIGN-R1) to affect the innate immune system, and that FcγR are not necessary for SAP function. A polycyclic aminothiazole DC-SIGN ligand and anti-DC-SIGN antibodies mimic SAP effects in vitro. In mice, the aminothiazole reduces neutrophil accumulation in a model of acute lung inflammation and, at 0.001 mg/kg, alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by increasing levels of the immunosuppressant IL-10. DC-SIGN (SIGN-R1) is present on mouse lung epithelial cells, and SAP and the aminothiazole potentiate IL-10 production from these cells. Our data suggest that SAP activates DC-SIGN to regulate the innate immune system differently from CRP, and that DC-SIGN is a target for antifibrotics.

Clinical features of hemorrhoidal disease in renal transplant recipients.

PubMed

Tallarita, T; Gurrieri, C; Cappellani, A; Corona, D; Gagliano, M; Giuffrida, G; Caglià, P; Fiamingo, P; Giaquinta, A; Sinagra, N; Zerbo, D; Virzì, G; Veroux, P; Veroux, M

2010-05-01

Hemorrhoidal disease is a frequent cause of morbidity among the general population with a reported incidence of 4.4%, but little is known about its incidence and clinical features in kidney transplant recipients. Among 116 patients who had undergone kidney transplantation and were evaluated for hemorrhoidal disease, 82 had no hemorrhoids (70.6%), 28 (24%) had grade I hemorrhoids, and 6 (5.4%) had grade II hemorrhoids at the pretransplantation evaluation. Twenty-seven out of 116 recipients (22.4%) developed grade III or IV hemorrhoids after transplantation and underwent surgery. Hemorrhoidal disease was more frequent in patients with a pretransplantation history of hemorrhoids, with a rapid weight increase in the posttransplantation period, or who were aged between 30 and 50 years. Immunosuppressive therapy may play an important role in the worsening of hemorrhoidal disease among kidney transplant recipients. A prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment, whenever necessary, is mandatory for patients with clinical signs of worsening of hemorrhoids. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Facial paralysis due to an occult parotid abscess.

PubMed

Orhan, Kadir Serkan; Demirel, Tayfun; Kocasoy-Orhan, Elif; Yenigül, Kubilay

2008-01-01

Facial paralysis associated with benign diseases of the parotid gland is very rare. It has been reported in approximately 16 cases of acute suppurative parotitis or parotid abscess. We presented a 45-year-old woman who developed facial paralysis secondary to an occult parotid abscess. Initially, there was no facial paralysis and the signs and symptoms were suggestive of acute parotitis, for which medical treatment was initiated. Three days later, left-sided facial palsy of HB (House-Brackmann) grade 5 developed. Ultrasonography revealed a pretragal, hypoechoic mass, 10x8 mm in size, causing inflammation in the surrounding tissue. Fine needle aspiration biopsy obtained from the mass revealed polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes. No malignant cells were observed. The lesion was diagnosed as an occult parotid abscess. After a week, the mass disappeared and facial paralysis improved to HB grade 4. At the end of the first month, facial paralysis improved to HB grade 1. At three months, facial nerve function was nearly normal.

Sign language recognition and translation: a multidisciplined approach from the field of artificial intelligence.

PubMed

Parton, Becky Sue

2006-01-01

In recent years, research has progressed steadily in regard to the use of computers to recognize and render sign language. This paper reviews significant projects in the field beginning with finger-spelling hands such as "Ralph" (robotics), CyberGloves (virtual reality sensors to capture isolated and continuous signs), camera-based projects such as the CopyCat interactive American Sign Language game (computer vision), and sign recognition software (Hidden Markov Modeling and neural network systems). Avatars such as "Tessa" (Text and Sign Support Assistant; three-dimensional imaging) and spoken language to sign language translation systems such as Poland's project entitled "THETOS" (Text into Sign Language Automatic Translator, which operates in Polish; natural language processing) are addressed. The application of this research to education is also explored. The "ICICLE" (Interactive Computer Identification and Correction of Language Errors) project, for example, uses intelligent computer-aided instruction to build a tutorial system for deaf or hard-of-hearing children that analyzes their English writing and makes tailored lessons and recommendations. Finally, the article considers synthesized sign, which is being added to educational material and has the potential to be developed by students themselves.

Validation of a two-tier grading system in an unselected, consecutive cohort of serous ovarian cancer patients.

PubMed

Battista, Marco Johannes; Cotarelo, Cristina; Almstedt, Katrin; Heimes, Anne-Sophie; Makris, Georgios-Marios; Weyer, Veronika; Schmidt, Marcus

2016-09-01

New insights into the carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer (OC) lead to the definition of low-grade and high-grade serous OC. In this study, we validated the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) two-tier grading system and compared it with the traditional three-tier grading system as suggested by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Consecutive patients with serous OC were enrolled. These two grading systems were assessed independently from each other. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox-regression analyses were performed to validate and compare their prognostic impact. 143 consecutive patients entered the study. According to the Kaplan-Meier estimates, the MDACC grading system (p = 0.001) predicted the progression free survival (PFS) more precisely than the FIGO system (p = 0.025). The MDACC grading system (p = 0.008) but not the FIGO system (p = 0.329) showed a statistically significant difference in terms of disease specific survival (DSS). Multivariable Cox-regression analyses revealed an independent prognostic impact of the MDACC grading system but not of the FIGO system for PFS (HR 1.570; 95 % CI 1.007-2.449; p = 0.047, and HR 0.712; 95 % CI 0.476-1.066; p = 0.099, respectively). Concerning DSS, the two-tier grading system but not the FIGO system showed a prognostic impact in a univariable Cox-regression analysis (HR 2.152; 95 % CI 1.207-3.835; p = 0.009, and HR 1.258; 95 % CI 0.801-1.975; p = 0.319, respectively). We were able to validate the MDACC grading system in serous OC. Moreover, this grading system was stronger associated with survival than the FIGO system.

A Self-Calibrating Radar Sensor System for Measuring Vital Signs.

PubMed

Huang, Ming-Chun; Liu, Jason J; Xu, Wenyao; Gu, Changzhan; Li, Changzhi; Sarrafzadeh, Majid

2016-04-01

Vital signs (i.e., heartbeat and respiration) are crucial physiological signals that are useful in numerous medical applications. The process of measuring these signals should be simple, reliable, and comfortable for patients. In this paper, a noncontact self-calibrating vital signs monitoring system based on the Doppler radar is presented. The system hardware and software were designed with a four-tiered layer structure. To enable accurate vital signs measurement, baseband signals in the radar sensor were modeled and a framework for signal demodulation was proposed. Specifically, a signal model identification method was formulated into a quadratically constrained l1 minimization problem and solved using the upper bound and linear matrix inequality (LMI) relaxations. The performance of the proposed system was comprehensively evaluated using three experimental sets, and the results indicated that this system can be used to effectively measure human vital signs.

Boomerang deformity of cervical spinal cord migrating between split laminae after laminoplasty.

PubMed

Kimura, S; Gomibuchi, F; Shimoda, H; Ikezawa, Y; Segawa, H; Kaneko, F; Uchiyama, S; Homma, T

2000-04-01

Patients with cervical compression myelopathy were studied to elucidate the mechanism underlying boomerang deformity, which results from the migration of the cervical spinal cord between split laminae after laminoplasty with median splitting of the spinous processes (boomerang sign). Thirty-nine cases, comprising 25 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 8 patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and 6 patients with cervical disc herniation with developmental canal stenosis, were examined. The clinical and radiological findings were retrospectively compared between patients with (B group, 8 cases) and without (C group, 31 cases) boomerang sign. Moderate increase of the grade of this deformity resulted in no clinical recovery, although there was no difference in clinical recovery between the two groups. Most boomerang signs developed at the C4/5 and/or C5/6 level, where maximal posterior movement of the spinal cord was achieved. Widths between lateral hinges and between split laminae in the B group were smaller than in the C group. Flatness of the spinal cord in the B group was more severe than in the C group. In conclusion, the boomerang sign was caused by posterior movement of the spinal cord, narrower enlargement of the spinal canal and flatness of the spinal cord.

Objectifying the adjacent and opposite angles: a cultural historical analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daher, Wajeeh; Musallam, Nadera

2018-02-01

The angle topic is central to the development of geometric knowledge. Two of the basic concepts associated with this topic are the adjacent and opposite angles. It is the goal of the present study to analyze, based on the cultural historical semiotics framework, how high-achieving seventh grade students objectify the adjacent and opposite angles' concepts. We videoed the learning of a group of three high-achieving students who used technology, specifically GeoGebra, to explore geometric relations related to the adjacent and opposite angles' concepts. To analyze students' objectification of these concepts, we used the categories of objectification of knowledge (attention and awareness) and the categories of generalization (factual, contextual and symbolic), developed by Radford. The research results indicate that teacher's and students' verbal and visual signs, together with the software dynamic tools, mediated the students' objectification of the adjacent and opposite angles' concepts. Specifically, eye and gestures perceiving were part of the semiosis cycles in which the participating students were engaged and which related to the mathematical signs that signified the adjacent and the opposite angles. Moreover, the teacher's suggestions/requests/questions included/suggested semiotic signs/tools, including verbal signs that helped the students pay attention, be aware of and objectify the adjacent and opposite angles' concepts.

Integrated sign management system : ADOT maintenance group

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-12-01

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) maintains and manages an inventory of roadway signs. Before the implementation of this project, sign technicians maintained inventory records on individual laptops to track their daily sign maintenance ...

Localization and recognition of traffic signs for automated vehicle control systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zadeh, Mahmoud M.; Kasvand, T.; Suen, Ching Y.

1998-01-01

We present a computer vision system for detection and recognition of traffic signs. Such systems are required to assist drivers and for guidance and control of autonomous vehicles on roads and city streets. For experiments we use sequences of digitized photographs and off-line analysis. The system contains four stages. First, region segmentation based on color pixel classification called SRSM. SRSM limits the search to regions of interest in the scene. Second, we use edge tracing to find parts of outer edges of signs which are circular or straight, corresponding to the geometrical shapes of traffic signs. The third step is geometrical analysis of the outer edge and preliminary recognition of each candidate region, which may be a potential traffic sign. The final step in recognition uses color combinations within each region and model matching. This system maybe used for recognition of other types of objects, provided that the geometrical shape and color content remain reasonably constant. The method is reliable, easy to implement, and fast, This differs form the road signs recognition method in the PROMETEUS. The overall structure of the approach is sketched.

32 CFR 1605.28 - Signing official papers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Signing official papers. 1605.28 Section 1605.28 National Defense Other Regulations Relating to National Defense SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM ORGANIZATION District Appeal Boards § 1605.28 Signing official papers. Official documents issued...

32 CFR 1605.28 - Signing official papers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Signing official papers. 1605.28 Section 1605.28 National Defense Other Regulations Relating to National Defense SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM ORGANIZATION District Appeal Boards § 1605.28 Signing official papers. Official documents issued...

Real-time color/shape-based traffic signs acquisition and recognition system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saponara, Sergio

2013-02-01

A real-time system is proposed to acquire from an automotive fish-eye CMOS camera the traffic signs, and provide their automatic recognition on the vehicle network. Differently from the state-of-the-art, in this work color-detection is addressed exploiting the HSI color space which is robust to lighting changes. Hence the first stage of the processing system implements fish-eye correction and RGB to HSI transformation. After color-based detection a noise deletion step is implemented and then, for the classification, a template-based correlation method is adopted to identify potential traffic signs, of different shapes, from acquired images. Starting from a segmented-image a matching with templates of the searched signs is carried out using a distance transform. These templates are organized hierarchically to reduce the number of operations and hence easing real-time processing for several types of traffic signs. Finally, for the recognition of the specific traffic sign, a technique based on extraction of signs characteristics and thresholding is adopted. Implemented on DSP platform the system recognizes traffic signs in less than 150 ms at a distance of about 15 meters from 640x480-pixel acquired images. Tests carried out with hundreds of images show a detection and recognition rate of about 93%.

A randomized, controlled trial of the family check-up model in public secondary schools: Examining links between parent engagement and substance use progressions from early adolescence to adulthood.

PubMed

Véronneau, Marie-Hélène; Dishion, Thomas J; Connell, Arin M; Kavanagh, Kathryn

2016-06-01

Substance use in adulthood compromises work, relationships, and health. Prevention strategies in early adolescence are designed to reduce substance use and progressions to problematic use by adulthood. This report examines the long-term effects of offering Family Check-up (FCU) at multiple time points in secondary education on the progression of substance use from age 11 to 23 years. Participants (N = 998; 472 females) were randomly assigned individuals to intervention or control in Grade 6 and offered a multilevel intervention that included a classroom-based intervention (universal), the FCU (selected), and tailored family management treatment (indicated). Among intervention families, 23% engaged in the selected and indicated levels during middle school. Intention to treat analyses revealed that randomization to the FCU was associated with reduced growth in marijuana use (p < .05), but not alcohol and tobacco use. We also examined whether engagement in the voluntary FCU services moderated the effect of the intervention on substance use progressions using complier average causal effect (CACE) modeling, and found that engagement in the FCU services predicted reductions in alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use by age 23. In comparing engagers with nonengagers: 70% versus 95% showed signs of alcohol abuse or dependence, 28% versus 61% showed signs of tobacco dependence, and 59% versus 84% showed signs of marijuana abuse or dependence. Family interventions that are embedded within public school systems can reach high-risk students and families and prevent progressions from exploration to problematic substance use through early adulthood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Can SEE-2 children understand ASL-using adults?

PubMed

Luetke-Stahlman, B

1990-01-01

Signing Exact English or SEE-2, is one of several invented sign systems currently being used with hearing-impaired children in the United States. The system parallels the morphology of written English and differs from American Sign Language both in terms of the configuration of many of the lexical signs and in grammatical word order. The current study investigated whether students accustomed to an invented sign system could comprehend ASL signed by deaf adults. One group of subjects was exposed to SEE-2 in their day school classrooms. The other group attended residential programs and was exposed to Signed English, PSE and ASL. Both groups observed three videotaped short stories and answered questions following each. Both groups answered approximately 25 percent of the written comprehension questions correctly; their mean scores did not differ significantly. Results of the study suggest that students exposed to SEE-2 and lacking experiences with deaf adults were able to comprehend ASL as well as their peers who attended residential schools.

Large-scale classification of traffic signs under real-world conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazelhoff, Lykele; Creusen, Ivo; van de Wouw, Dennis; de With, Peter H. N.

2012-02-01

Traffic sign inventories are important to governmental agencies as they facilitate evaluation of traffic sign locations and are beneficial for road and sign maintenance. These inventories can be created (semi-)automatically based on street-level panoramic images. In these images, object detection is employed to detect the signs in each image, followed by a classification stage to retrieve the specific sign type. Classification of traffic signs is a complicated matter, since sign types are very similar with only minor differences within the sign, a high number of different signs is involved and multiple distortions occur, including variations in capturing conditions, occlusions, viewpoints and sign deformations. Therefore, we propose a method for robust classification of traffic signs, based on the Bag of Words approach for generic object classification. We extend the approach with a flexible, modular codebook to model the specific features of each sign type independently, in order to emphasize at the inter-sign differences instead of the parts common for all sign types. Additionally, this allows us to model and label the present false detections. Furthermore, analysis of the classification output provides the unreliable results. This classification system has been extensively tested for three different sign classes, covering 60 different sign types in total. These three data sets contain the sign detection results on street-level panoramic images, extracted from a country-wide database. The introduction of the modular codebook shows a significant improvement for all three sets, where the system is able to classify about 98% of the reliable results correctly.

Numeral-Incorporating Roots in Numeral Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Two Sign Languages

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuentes, Mariana; Massone, Maria Ignacia; Fernandez-Viader, Maria del Pilar; Makotrinsky, Alejandro; Pulgarin, Francisca

2010-01-01

Numeral-incorporating roots in the numeral systems of Argentine Sign Language (LSA) and Catalan Sign Language (LSC), as well as the main features of the number systems of both languages, are described and compared. Informants discussed the use of numerals and roots in both languages (in most cases in natural contexts). Ten informants took part in…

A Kinect-Based Sign Language Hand Gesture Recognition System for Hearing- and Speech-Impaired: A Pilot Study of Pakistani Sign Language.

PubMed

Halim, Zahid; Abbas, Ghulam

2015-01-01

Sign language provides hearing and speech impaired individuals with an interface to communicate with other members of the society. Unfortunately, sign language is not understood by most of the common people. For this, a gadget based on image processing and pattern recognition can provide with a vital aid for detecting and translating sign language into a vocal language. This work presents a system for detecting and understanding the sign language gestures by a custom built software tool and later translating the gesture into a vocal language. For the purpose of recognizing a particular gesture, the system employs a Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm and an off-the-shelf software tool is employed for vocal language generation. Microsoft(®) Kinect is the primary tool used to capture video stream of a user. The proposed method is capable of successfully detecting gestures stored in the dictionary with an accuracy of 91%. The proposed system has the ability to define and add custom made gestures. Based on an experiment in which 10 individuals with impairments used the system to communicate with 5 people with no disability, 87% agreed that the system was useful.

How sensory-motor systems impact the neural organization for language: direct contrasts between spoken and signed language

PubMed Central

Emmorey, Karen; McCullough, Stephen; Mehta, Sonya; Grabowski, Thomas J.

2014-01-01

To investigate the impact of sensory-motor systems on the neural organization for language, we conducted an H215O-PET study of sign and spoken word production (picture-naming) and an fMRI study of sign and audio-visual spoken language comprehension (detection of a semantically anomalous sentence) with hearing bilinguals who are native users of American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Directly contrasting speech and sign production revealed greater activation in bilateral parietal cortex for signing, while speaking resulted in greater activation in bilateral superior temporal cortex (STC) and right frontal cortex, likely reflecting auditory feedback control. Surprisingly, the language production contrast revealed a relative increase in activation in bilateral occipital cortex for speaking. We speculate that greater activation in visual cortex for speaking may actually reflect cortical attenuation when signing, which functions to distinguish self-produced from externally generated visual input. Directly contrasting speech and sign comprehension revealed greater activation in bilateral STC for speech and greater activation in bilateral occipital-temporal cortex for sign. Sign comprehension, like sign production, engaged bilateral parietal cortex to a greater extent than spoken language. We hypothesize that posterior parietal activation in part reflects processing related to spatial classifier constructions in ASL and that anterior parietal activation may reflect covert imitation that functions as a predictive model during sign comprehension. The conjunction analysis for comprehension revealed that both speech and sign bilaterally engaged the inferior frontal gyrus (with more extensive activation on the left) and the superior temporal sulcus, suggesting an invariant bilateral perisylvian language system. We conclude that surface level differences between sign and spoken languages should not be dismissed and are critical for understanding the neurobiology of language. PMID:24904497

Prototyping sensor network system for automatic vital signs collection. Evaluation of a location based automated assignment of measured vital signs to patients.

PubMed

Kuroda, T; Noma, H; Naito, C; Tada, M; Yamanaka, H; Takemura, T; Nin, K; Yoshihara, H

2013-01-01

Development of a clinical sensor network system that automatically collects vital sign and its supplemental data, and evaluation the effect of automatic vital sensor value assignment to patients based on locations of sensors. The sensor network estimates the data-source, a target patient, from the position of a vital sign sensor obtained from a newly developed proximity sensing system. The proximity sensing system estimates the positions of the devices using a Bluetooth inquiry process. Using Bluetooth access points and the positioning system newly developed in this project, the sensor network collects vital sign and its 4W (who, where, what, and when) supplemental data from any Bluetooth ready vital sign sensors such as Continua-ready devices. The prototype was evaluated in a pseudo clinical setting at Kyoto University Hospital using a cyclic paired comparison and statistical analysis. The result of the cyclic paired analysis shows the subjects evaluated the proposed system is more effective and safer than POCS as well as paper-based operation. It halves the times for vital signs input and eliminates input errors. On the other hand, the prototype failed in its position estimation for 12.6% of all attempts, and the nurses overlooked half of the errors. A detailed investigation clears that an advanced interface to show the system's "confidence", i.e. the probability of estimation error, must be effective to reduce the oversights. This paper proposed a clinical sensor network system that relieves nurses from vital signs input tasks. The result clearly shows that the proposed system increases the efficiency and safety of the nursing process both subjectively and objectively. It is a step toward new generation of point of nursing care systems where sensors take over the tasks of data input from the nurses.

32 CFR 1605.59 - Signing official papers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Signing official papers. 1605.59 Section 1605.59 National Defense Other Regulations Relating to National Defense SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM ORGANIZATION Local Boards § 1605.59 Signing official papers. Official papers issued by a local...

32 CFR 1605.59 - Signing official papers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Signing official papers. 1605.59 Section 1605.59 National Defense Other Regulations Relating to National Defense SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM ORGANIZATION Local Boards § 1605.59 Signing official papers. Official papers issued by a local...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fakir, H.; Gaede, S.; Mulligan, M.

Purpose: To design a versatile, nonhomogeneous insert for the dose verification phantom ArcCHECK{sup Trade-Mark-Sign} (Sun Nuclear Corp., FL) and to demonstrate its usefulness for the verification of dose distributions in inhomogeneous media. As an example, we demonstrate it can be used clinically for routine quality assurance of two volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) systems for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): SmartArc{sup Registered-Sign} (Pinnacle{sup 3}, Philips Radiation Oncology Systems, Fitchburg, WI) and RapidArc{sup Registered-Sign} (Eclipse{sup Trade-Mark-Sign }, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Methods: The cylindrical detector array ArcCHECK{sup Trade-Mark-Sign} has a retractable homogeneous acrylic insert. In this work, wemore » designed and manufactured a customized heterogeneous insert with densities that simulate soft tissue, lung, bone, and air. The insert offers several possible heterogeneity configurations and multiple locations for point dose measurements. SmartArc{sup Registered-Sign} and RapidArc{sup Registered-Sign} plans for lung SBRT were generated and copied to ArcCHECK{sup Trade-Mark-Sign} for each inhomogeneity configuration. Dose delivery was done on a Varian 2100 ix linac. The evaluation of dose distributions was based on gamma analysis of the diode measurements and point doses measurements at different positions near the inhomogeneities. Results: The insert was successfully manufactured and tested with different measurements of VMAT plans. Dose distributions measured with the homogeneous insert showed gamma passing rates similar to our clinical results ({approx}99%) for both treatment-planning systems. Using nonhomogeneous inserts decreased the passing rates by up to 3.6% in the examples studied. Overall, SmartArc{sup Registered-Sign} plans showed better gamma passing rates for nonhomogeneous measurements. The discrepancy between calculated and measured point doses was increased up to 6.5% for the nonhomogeneous insert depending on the inhomogeneity configuration and measurement location. SmartArc{sup Registered-Sign} and RapidArc{sup Registered-Sign} plans had similar plan quality but RapidArc{sup Registered-Sign} plans had significantly higher monitor units (up to 70%). Conclusions: A versatile, nonhomogeneous insert was developed for ArcCHECK{sup Trade-Mark-Sign} for an easy and quick evaluation of dose calculations with nonhomogeneous media and for comparison of different treatment planning systems. The device was tested for SmartArc{sup Registered-Sign} and RapidArc{sup Registered-Sign} plans for lung SBRT, showing the uncertainties of dose calculations with inhomogeneities. The new insert combines the convenience of the ArcCHECK{sup Trade-Mark-Sign} and the possibility of assessing dose distributions in inhomogeneous media.« less

Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East: Implications for the Superpowers,

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

when Israeli nuclear scientists began extracting low grade uranium from phosphate deposits in the Negev Desert. With the encouragement of Chaim... Negev -and concomitantly assisted in de- signing the research facilities associated with the reactor. By the time the reactor went critical in 1964, a...deposits in the Negev . Since the early 1970s, an esti- mated 40-50 tons of uranium oxide has been produced annually.1 6 In addition, unconfirmed

A Machine Vision System for Automatically Grading Hardwood Lumber - (Proceedings)

Treesearch

Richard W. Conners; Tai-Hoon Cho; Chong T. Ng; Thomas H. Drayer; Joe G. Tront; Philip A. Araman; Robert L. Brisbon

1990-01-01

Any automatic system for grading hardwood lumber can conceptually be divided into two components. One of these is a machine vision system for locating and identifying grading defects. The other is an automatic grading program that accepts as input the output of the machine vision system and, based on these data, determines the grade of a board. The progress that has...

Vital signs and other observations used to detect deterioration in pregnant women: an analysis of vital sign charts in consultant-led UK maternity units.

PubMed

Smith, G B; Isaacs, R; Andrews, L; Wee, M Y K; van Teijlingen, E; Bick, D E; Hundley, V

2017-05-01

Obstetric early warning systems are recommended for monitoring hospitalised pregnant and postnatal women. We decided to compare: (i) vital sign values used to define physiological normality; (ii) symptoms and signs used to escalate care; (iii) type of chart used; and (iv) presence of explicit instructions for escalating care. One-hundred-and-twenty obstetric early warning charts and escalation protocols were obtained from consultant-led maternity units in the UK and Channel Islands. These data were extracted: values used to determine normality for each maternal vital sign; chart colour-coding; instructions following early warning system triggering; other criteria used as triggers. There was considerable variation in the charts, warning systems and escalation protocols. Of 120 charts, 89.2% used colour; 69.2% used colour-coded escalation systems. Forty-one (34.2%) systems required the calculation of weighted scores. Seventy-five discrete combinations of 'normal' vital sign ranges were found, the most common being: heart rate=50-99beats/min; respiratory rate=11-20breaths/min; blood pressure, systolic=100-149mmHg, diastolic ≤89mmHg; SpO 2 =95-100%; temperature=36.0-37.9°C; and Alert-Voice-Pain-Unresponsive assessment=Alert. Most charts (90.8%) provided instructions about who to contact following triggering, but only 41.7% gave instructions about subsequent observation frequency. The wide range of 'normal' vital sign values in different systems suggests a lack of equity in the processes for detecting deterioration and escalating care in hospitalised pregnant and postnatal women. Agreement regarding 'normal' vital sign ranges is urgently required and would assist the development of a standardised obstetric early warning system and chart. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of 7T and 3T MRI in patients with moyamoya disease.

PubMed

Oh, Byeong Ho; Moon, Hyeong Cheol; Baek, Hyeon Man; Lee, Youn Joo; Kim, Sang Woo; Jeon, Young Jai; Lee, Gun Seok; Kim, Hong Rae; Choi, Jai Ho; Min, Kyung Soo; Lee, Mou Seop; Kim, Young Gyu; Kim, Dong Ho; Kim, Won Seop; Park, Young Seok

2017-04-01

Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) are widely used for evaluating the moyamoya disease (MMD). This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of 7Tesla (T) and 3T MRI/MRA in MMD. In this case control study, 12 patients [median age: 34years; range (10-66years)] with MMD and 12 healthy controls [median age: 25years; range (22-59years)] underwent both 7T and 3T MRI/MRA. To evaluate the accuracy of MRI/MRA in MMD, five criteria were compared between imaging systems of 7T and 3T: Suzuki grading system, internal carotid artery (ICA) diameter, ivy sign, flow void of the basal ganglia on T2-weighted images, and high signal intensity areas of the basal ganglia on time-of-flight (TOF) source images. No difference was observed between 7T and 3T MRI/MRA in Suzuki stage, ICA diameter, and ivy sign score; while, 7T MRI/MRA showed a higher detection rate in the flow void on T2-weighted images and TOF source images (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves of both T2 and TOF criteria showed that 7T MRI/MRA had higher sensitivity and specificity than 3T MRI/MRA. Our findings indicate that 7T MRI/MRA is superior to 3T MRI/MRA for the diagnosis of MMD in point of detecting the flow void in basal ganglia by T2-weighted and TOF images. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Dengue related maculopathy and foveolitis.

PubMed

Juanarita, Jaafar; Azmi, Mohd Noor Raja; Azhany, Yaakub; Liza-Sharmini, Ahmad Tajudin

2012-09-01

A 24 year-old Malay lady presented with high grade fever, myalgia, generalized rashes, severe headache and was positive for dengue serology test. Her lowest platelet count was 45 × 10(9) cells/L. She complained of sudden onset of painlessness, profound loss of vision bilaterally 7 days after the onset of fever. On examination, her right eye best corrected vision was 6/30 and left eye was 6/120. Her anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Funduscopy revealed there were multiple retinal haemorrhages found at posterior pole of both fundi and elevation at fovea area with subretinal fluid. Systemic examination revealed normal findings except for residual petechial rashes. She was managed conservatively. Her vision improved tremendously after 2 months. The retinal hemorrhages and foveal elevation showed sign of resolving. Ocular manifestations following dengue fever is rare. However, bilateral visual loss can occur if both fovea are involved.

A wearable computing platform for developing cloud-based machine learning models for health monitoring applications.

PubMed

Patel, Shyamal; McGinnis, Ryan S; Silva, Ikaro; DiCristofaro, Steve; Mahadevan, Nikhil; Jortberg, Elise; Franco, Jaime; Martin, Albert; Lust, Joseph; Raj, Milan; McGrane, Bryan; DePetrillo, Paolo; Aranyosi, A J; Ceruolo, Melissa; Pindado, Jesus; Ghaffari, Roozbeh

2016-08-01

Wearable sensors have the potential to enable clinical-grade ambulatory health monitoring outside the clinic. Technological advances have enabled development of devices that can measure vital signs with great precision and significant progress has been made towards extracting clinically meaningful information from these devices in research studies. However, translating measurement accuracies achieved in the controlled settings such as the lab and clinic to unconstrained environments such as the home remains a challenge. In this paper, we present a novel wearable computing platform for unobtrusive collection of labeled datasets and a new paradigm for continuous development, deployment and evaluation of machine learning models to ensure robust model performance as we transition from the lab to home. Using this system, we train activity classification models across two studies and track changes in model performance as we go from constrained to unconstrained settings.

DC-SIGN activation mediates the differential effects of SAP and CRP on the innate immune system and inhibits fibrosis in mice

PubMed Central

Cox, Nehemiah; Pilling, Darrell; Gomer, Richard H.

2015-01-01

Fibrosis is caused by scar tissue formation in internal organs and is associated with 45% of deaths in the United States. Two closely related human serum proteins, serum amyloid P (SAP) and C-reactive protein (CRP), strongly affect fibrosis. In multiple animal models, and in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, SAP affects several aspects of the innate immune system to reduce fibrosis, whereas CRP appears to potentiate fibrosis. However, SAP and CRP bind the same Fcγ receptors (FcγR) with similar affinities, and why SAP and CRP have opposing effects is unknown. Here, we report that SAP but not CRP binds the receptor DC-SIGN (SIGN-R1) to affect the innate immune system, and that FcγR are not necessary for SAP function. A polycyclic aminothiazole DC-SIGN ligand and anti–DC-SIGN antibodies mimic SAP effects in vitro. In mice, the aminothiazole reduces neutrophil accumulation in a model of acute lung inflammation and, at 0.001 mg/kg, alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by increasing levels of the immunosuppressant IL-10. DC-SIGN (SIGN-R1) is present on mouse lung epithelial cells, and SAP and the aminothiazole potentiate IL-10 production from these cells. Our data suggest that SAP activates DC-SIGN to regulate the innate immune system differently from CRP, and that DC-SIGN is a target for antifibrotics. PMID:26106150

Sign language processing and the mirror neuron system.

PubMed

Corina, David P; Knapp, Heather

2006-05-01

In this paper we review evidence for frontal and parietal lobe involvement in sign language comprehension and production, and evaluate the extent to which these data can be interpreted within the context of a mirror neuron system for human action observation and execution. We present data from three literatures--aphasia, cortical stimulation, and functional neuroimaging. Generally, we find support for the idea that sign language comprehension and production can be viewed in the context of a broadly-construed frontal-parietal human action observation/execution system. However, sign language data cannot be fully accounted for under a strict interpretation of the mirror neuron system. Additionally, we raise a number of issues concerning the lack of specificity in current accounts of the human action observation/execution system.

Clinical outcomes in extracranial tumor sites and unusual toxicities with concurrent whole brain radiation (WBRT) and Erlotinib treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastasis.

PubMed

Olmez, Inan; Donahue, Bernadine R; Butler, James S; Huang, Yiwu; Rubin, Philip; Xu, Yiqing

2010-11-01

Thirty percent of newly diagnosed NSCLC patients present with synchronous brain metastases, most of whom are treated with whole brain radiation. Systemic chemotherapy is usually avoided during WBRT due to concerns regarding toxicity. However, concurrent administration of targeted agents, such as Erlotinib, during WBRT may address systemic disease without causing toxicity. We report our institutional data on outcomes and toxicities with this treatment approach. Medical records of patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC and brain metastases receiving concurrent WBRT and Erlotinib treatment were reviewed. Radiographic response to therapy and toxicities were analyzed. Eight patients were identified and 7 were evaluable for response. All patients had intracranial disease control. In the extracranial sites, 3 (37.5%, intent-to-treat) showed partial response (PR), 2 (25%) had stable disease (SD), 1 (12.5%) had progression (PD) and 1 (12.5%) had new air space disease obscuring tumor response assessment. Among the three responders, two were female never smokers, while one was a female current smoker. Unanticipated grade 3 hepatotoxitity, hyponatremia, mental status changes, grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia, and grade 4 neutropenia with sepsis were observed. Three deaths occurred without clear signs of disease progression: one from neutropenic sepsis, one from wide spread air space disease, and one from neurologic deterioration. Our data demonstrates a high percentage of extracranial tumor response rates with first line Erlotinib in selected NSCLC patients. We observed unexpected serious complications and postulate possible mechanisms. We recommend caution to be exercised when considering Erlotinib treatment during WBRT, particularly in regard to drug-drug interactions and infection control. Data from prospective trials are needed to determine the benefits and toxicities of Erlotinib during WBRT. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Machine Vision System for Automatically Grading Hardwood Lumber - (Industrial Metrology)

Treesearch

Richard W. Conners; Tai-Hoon Cho; Chong T. Ng; Thomas T. Drayer; Philip A. Araman; Robert L. Brisbon

1992-01-01

Any automatic system for grading hardwood lumber can conceptually be divided into two components. One of these is a machine vision system for locating and identifying grading defects. The other is an automatic grading program that accepts as input the output of the machine vision system and, based on these data, determines the grade of a board. The progress that has...

Diagnostic accuracy of CTA and MRI/MRA in the evaluation of the cortical venous reflux in the intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula DAVF.

PubMed

Lin, Yen-Heng; Wang, Yu-Fen; Liu, Hon-Man; Lee, Chung-Wei; Chen, Ya-Fang; Hsieh, Hong-Jen

2018-01-01

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA) are used for the diagnosis of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of CTA and magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA) for detection of cortical venous reflux (CVR) in intracranial DAVFs. The records of patients with angiography-confirmed intracranial DAVFs who also received CTA and MRI/MRA from January 2008 to July 2016 were reviewed. CTA and MRI/MRA were reviewed for signs of CVR, and the diagnostic accuracy of individual signs was evaluated by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. A total 108 patients were included in this study. CTA signs of CVR included abnormal dilatation, early enhancement, and the presence of a medullary or pial vein. MRI/MRA signs of CVR included abnormal dilatation, early enhancement, flow-related enhancement, flow void, and medullary or pial venous collaterals. The sensitivity of individual CTA signs ranged from 62 to 96%, and specificities from 79 to 94%. The sensitivities of individual MRI/MRA signs ranged from 58 to 83%, and specificities from 77 to 93%. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of CTA and MRI/MRA were 0.91 and 0.87, respectively (P = 0.04 in direct comparison). In subgroup analysis, CTA had better diagnostic accuracy for higher grade disease (P = 0.05) and non-aggressive manifestation (P = 0.04). Both CTA and MRI/MRA have good diagnostic accuracy for detection of CVR in patients with intracranial DAVFs. There is modest evidence that CTA is better than MRI/MRA.

Uterine fibroids: Influence of "T2-Rim sign" on immediate therapeutic responses to magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation.

PubMed

Yeo, Sin Yuin; Kim, Young-Sun; Lim, Hyo Keun; Rhim, Hyunchul; Jung, Sin-Ho; Hwang, Na Young

2017-12-01

To investigate the influence of a high-signal-intensity peripheral rim on T2-weighted MR images (i.e., T2-rim sign) on the immediate therapeutic responses of MR-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) ablation of uterine fibroids. This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and patient informed consent was obtained for MR-HIFU ablation. In total, 196 fibroids (diameter 6.2±2.6cm) in 123 women (age 43.4±5.0 years) who underwent MR-HIFU ablation from January 2013 to April 2016 were included. The effects of a T2-rim sign on the immediate therapeutic responses (non-perfused volume [NPV] ratio, ablation efficiency [NPV/treatment cell volume], ablation quality [grade 1-5, poor to excellent]) were investigated with univariable and multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis. In multivariable analysis, T2 signal intensity ratio of fibroids-to-skeletal muscle, relative peak enhancement of fibroids, and subcutaneous fat thickness were also considered. The presence of a T2-rim sign significantly lowered the NPV ratio (54.0±28.0% vs. 83.7±17.7%), ablation efficiency (0.6±0.5 vs. 1.3±0.6), ablation quality (3.1±1.2 vs. 4.2±0.8), (P<0.0001). GEE analysis showed that the presence of a T2-rim sign was independently significant for ablation efficiency and ablation quality (P<0.05). Uterine fibroids with a T2-rim sign showed significantly poorer immediate therapeutic responses to MR-HIFU ablation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Skid-mounted support system for temporary guide signs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-11-01

A common issue during phased highway construction projects is the need to temporarily relocate : large guide signs on the roadside or install new guide signs for temporary use. The conventional concrete : foundations used for these signs are costly a...

36 CFR 1192.27 - Priority seating signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Priority seating signs. 1192... Buses, Vans and Systems § 1192.27 Priority seating signs. (a) Each vehicle shall contain sign(s) which indicate that seats in the front of the vehicle are priority seats for persons with disabilities, and that...

49 CFR 38.27 - Priority seating signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Priority seating signs. 38.27 Section 38.27... SPECIFICATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES Buses, Vans and Systems § 38.27 Priority seating signs. (a) Each vehicle shall contain sign(s) which indicate that seats in the front of the vehicle are priority seats for...

Sign phase transition in the problem of interfering directed paths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldwin, C. L.; Laumann, C. R.; Spivak, B.

2018-01-01

We investigate the statistical properties of interfering directed paths in disordered media. At long distance, the average sign of the sum over paths may tend to zero (sign disordered) or remain finite (sign ordered) depending on dimensionality and the concentration of negative scattering sites x . We show that in two dimensions the sign-ordered phase is unstable even for arbitrarily small x by identifying rare destabilizing events. In three dimensions, we present strong evidence that there is a sign phase transition at a finite xc>0 . These results have consequences for several different physical systems. In two-dimensional insulators at low temperature, the variable-range-hopping magnetoresistance is always negative, while in three dimensions, it changes sign at the point of the sign phase transition. We also show that in the sign-disordered regime a small magnetic field may enhance superconductivity in a random system of D -wave superconducting grains embedded in a metallic matrix. Finally, the existence of the sign phase transition in three dimensions implies new features in the spin-glass phase diagram at high temperature.

Fast Drawing of Traffic Sign Using Mobile Mapping System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Q.; Tan, B.; Huang, Y.

2016-06-01

Traffic sign provides road users with the specified instruction and information to enhance traffic safety. Automatic detection of traffic sign is important for navigation, autonomous driving, transportation asset management, etc. With the advance of laser and imaging sensors, Mobile Mapping System (MMS) becomes widely used in transportation agencies to map the transportation infrastructure. Although many algorithms of traffic sign detection are developed in the literature, they are still a tradeoff between the detection speed and accuracy, especially for the large-scale mobile mapping of both the rural and urban roads. This paper is motivated to efficiently survey traffic signs while mapping the road network and the roadside landscape. Inspired by the manual delineation of traffic sign, a drawing strategy is proposed to quickly approximate the boundary of traffic sign. Both the shape and color prior of the traffic sign are simultaneously involved during the drawing process. The most common speed-limit sign circle and the statistic color model of traffic sign are studied in this paper. Anchor points of traffic sign edge are located with the local maxima of color and gradient difference. Starting with the anchor points, contour of traffic sign is drawn smartly along the most significant direction of color and intensity consistency. The drawing process is also constrained by the curvature feature of the traffic sign circle. The drawing of linear growth is discarded immediately if it fails to form an arc over some steps. The Kalman filter principle is adopted to predict the temporal context of traffic sign. Based on the estimated point,we can predict and double check the traffic sign in consecutive frames.The event probability of having a traffic sign over the consecutive observations is compared with the null hypothesis of no perceptible traffic sign. The temporally salient traffic sign is then detected statistically and automatically as the rare event of having a traffic sign.The proposed algorithm is tested with a diverse set of images that are taken inWuhan, China with theMMS ofWuhan University. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can detect traffic signs at the rate of over 80% in around 10 milliseconds. It is promising for the large-scale traffic sign survey and change detection using the mobile mapping system.

[Prostate cancer. Part 2: Review of the various tumor grading systems over the years 1966-2015 and future perspectives of the new grading of the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP)].

PubMed

Helpap, B; Bubendorf, L; Kristiansen, G

2016-02-01

The continued development of methods in needle biopsies and radical prostatectomy for treatment of prostate cancer has given special emphasis to the question of the prognostic relevance of the various systems of grading. The classical purely histological grading system of Gleason has been modified several times in the past decades and cleared the way for a new grading system by the prognostic grading of Epstein. Assessment of the old and also modified combined histological and cytological grading of Mostofi, the World health Organization (WHO) and the urologic-pathological working group of prostate cancer in connection with the Gleason grading (combined Gleason-Helpap grading), has led to considerably improved rates of concordance between biopsy and radical prostatectomy and to improved estimations of prognosis beside its contribution to the development of a more practicable grading system for clinical use.

Inferior turbinate classification system, grades 1 to 4: development and validation study.

PubMed

Camacho, Macario; Zaghi, Soroush; Certal, Victor; Abdullatif, Jose; Means, Casey; Acevedo, Jason; Liu, Stanley; Brietzke, Scott E; Kushida, Clete A; Capasso, Robson

2015-02-01

To develop a validated inferior turbinate grading scale. Development and validation study. Phase 1 development (alpha test) consisted of a proposal of 10 different inferior turbinate grading scales (>1,000 clinic patients). Phase 2 validation (beta test) utilized 10 providers grading 27 standardized endoscopic photos of inferior turbinates using two different classification systems. Phase 3 validation (pilot study) consisted of 100 live consecutive clinic patients (n = 200 inferior turbinates) who were each prospectively graded by 18 different combinations of two independent raters, and grading was repeated by each of the same two raters, two separate times for each patient. In the development phase, 25% (grades 1-4) and 33% (grades 1-4) were the most useful systems. In the validation phase, the 25% classification system was found to be the best balance between potential clinical utility and ability to grade; the photo grading demonstrated a Cohen's kappa (κ) = 0.4671 ± 0.0082 (moderate inter-rater agreement). Live-patient grading with the 25% classification system demonstrated an overall inter-rater reliability of 71.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.8-77.3), with overall substantial agreement (κ = 0.704 ± 0.028). Intrarater reliability was 91.5% (95% CI: 88.7-94.3). Distribution for the 200 inferior turbinates was as follows: 25% quartile = grade 1, 50% quartile (median) = grade 2, 75% quartile = grade 3, and 90% quartile = grade 4. Mean turbinate size was 2.22 (95% CI: 2.07-2.34; standard deviation 1.02). Categorical κ was as follows: grade 1, 0.8541 ± 0.0289; grade 2, 0.7310 ± 0.0289; grade 3, 0.6997 ± 0.0289, and grade 4, 0.7760 ± 0.0289. The 25% (grades 1-4) inferior turbinate classification system is a validated grading scale with high intrarater and inter-rater reliability. This system can facilitate future research by tracking the effect of interventions on inferior turbinates. 2c. © 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

"Thinking-for-Writing": A Prolegomenon on Writing Signed Languages.

PubMed

Rosen, Russell S; Hartman, Maria C; Wang, Ye

2017-01-01

In his article in this American Annals of the Deaf special issue that also includes the present article, Grushkin argues that the writing difficulties of many deaf and hard of hearing children result primarily from the orthographic nature of the writing system; he proposes a new system based on features found in signed languages. In response, the present authors review the literature on D/HH children's writing difficulties, outline the main percepts of and assumptions about writing signed languages, discuss "thinking-for-writing" as a process in developing writing skills, offer research designs to test the effectiveness of writing signed language systems, and provide strategies for adopting "thinking-for-writing" in education. They conclude that until empirical studies show that writing signed languages effectively reflects writers' "thinking-for-writing," the alphabetic orthographic system of English should still be used, and ways should be found to teach D/HH children to use English writing to express their thoughts.

An fMRI Study of Perception and Action in Deaf Signers

PubMed Central

Okada, Kayoko; Rogalsky, Corianne; O’Grady, Lucinda; Hanaumi, Leila; Bellugi, Ursula; Corina, David; Hickok, Gregory

2016-01-01

Since the discovery of mirror neurons, there has been a great deal of interest in understanding the relationship between perception and action, and the role of the human mirror system in language comprehension and production. Two questions have dominated research. One concerns the role of Broca’s area in speech perception. The other concerns the role of the motor system more broadly in understanding action-related language. The current study investigates both of these questions in a way that bridges research on language with research on manual actions. We studied the neural basis of observing and executing American Sign Language (ASL) object and action signs. In an fMRI experiment, deaf signers produced signs depicting actions and objects as well as observed/comprehended signs of actions and objects. Different patterns of activation were found for observation and execution although with overlap in Broca’s area, providing prima facie support for the claim that the motor system participates in language perception. In contrast, we found no evidence that action related signs differentially involved the motor system compared to object related signs. These findings are discussed in the context of lesion studies of sign language execution and observation. In this broader context, we conclude that the activation in Broca’s area during ASL observation is not causally related to sign language understanding. PMID:26796716

An fMRI study of perception and action in deaf signers.

PubMed

Okada, Kayoko; Rogalsky, Corianne; O'Grady, Lucinda; Hanaumi, Leila; Bellugi, Ursula; Corina, David; Hickok, Gregory

2016-02-01

Since the discovery of mirror neurons, there has been a great deal of interest in understanding the relationship between perception and action, and the role of the human mirror system in language comprehension and production. Two questions have dominated research. One concerns the role of Broca's area in speech perception. The other concerns the role of the motor system more broadly in understanding action-related language. The current study investigates both of these questions in a way that bridges research on language with research on manual actions. We studied the neural basis of observing and executing American Sign Language (ASL) object and action signs. In an fMRI experiment, deaf signers produced signs depicting actions and objects as well as observed/comprehended signs of actions and objects. Different patterns of activation were found for observation and execution although with overlap in Broca's area, providing prima facie support for the claim that the motor system participates in language perception. In contrast, we found no evidence that action related signs differentially involved the motor system compared to object related signs. These findings are discussed in the context of lesion studies of sign language execution and observation. In this broader context, we conclude that the activation in Broca's area during ASL observation is not causally related to sign language understanding. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SIGN-R1 and complement factors are involved in the systemic clearance of radiation-induced apoptotic cells in whole-body irradiated mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Jin-Yeon; Loh, SoHee; Cho, Eun-hee

Although SIGN-R1-mediated complement activation pathway has been shown to enhance the systemic clearance of apoptotic cells, the role of SIGN-R1 in the clearance of radiation-induced apoptotic cells has not been characterized and was investigated in this study. Our data indicated that whole-body γ-irradiation of mice increased caspase-3{sup +} apoptotic lymphocyte numbers in secondary lymphoid organs. Following γ-irradiation, SIGN-R1 and complements (C4 and C3) were simultaneously increased only in the mice spleen tissue among the assessed tissues. In particular, C3 was exclusively activated in the spleen. The delayed clearance of apoptotic cells was markedly prevalent in the spleen and liver ofmore » SIGN-R1 KO mice, followed by a significant increase of CD11b{sup +} cells. These results indicate that SIGN-R1 and complement factors play an important role in the systemic clearance of radiation-induced apoptotic innate immune cells to maintain tissue homeostasis after γ-irradiation. - Highlights: • Splenic SIGN-R1{sup +} macrophages are activated after γ-irradiation. • C3 and C4 levels increased and C3 was activated in the spleen after γ-irradiation. • SIGN-R1 mediated the systemic clearance of radiation-induced apoptotic cells in spleen and liver.« less

How to improve vital sign data quality for use in clinical decision support systems? A qualitative study in nine Swedish emergency departments.

PubMed

Skyttberg, Niclas; Vicente, Joana; Chen, Rong; Blomqvist, Hans; Koch, Sabine

2016-06-04

Vital sign data are important for clinical decision making in emergency care. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) have been advocated to increase patient safety and quality of care. However, the efficiency of CDSS depends on the quality of the underlying vital sign data. Therefore, possible factors affecting vital sign data quality need to be understood. This study aims to explore the factors affecting vital sign data quality in Swedish emergency departments and to determine in how far clinicians perceive vital sign data to be fit for use in clinical decision support systems. A further aim of the study is to provide recommendations on how to improve vital sign data quality in emergency departments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen physicians and nurses from nine hospitals and vital sign documentation templates were collected and analysed. Follow-up interviews and process observations were done at three of the hospitals to verify the results. Content analysis with constant comparison of the data was used to analyse and categorize the collected data. Factors related to care process and information technology were perceived to affect vital sign data quality. Despite electronic health records (EHRs) being available in all hospitals, these were not always used for vital sign documentation. Only four out of nine sites had a completely digitalized vital sign documentation flow and paper-based triage records were perceived to provide a better mobile workflow support than EHRs. Observed documentation practices resulted in low currency, completeness, and interoperability of the vital signs. To improve vital sign data quality, we propose to standardize the care process, improve the digital documentation support, provide workflow support, ensure interoperability and perform quality control. Vital sign data quality in Swedish emergency departments is currently not fit for use by CDSS. To address both technical and organisational challenges, we propose five steps for vital sign data quality improvement to be implemented in emergency care settings.

The result of surgical treatment in patients with cerebral aneurysms in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital: a report of 225 cases.

PubMed

Watcharasaksilp, Wanarak; Limpastan, Kriengsak; Norasathada, Tanya; Vaniyapong, Tanat

2013-07-01

Evaluate the result of intracranial aneurysm surgery in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. A retrospective study ofpatients who underwent surgery for intracranial aneurysms between 2003 and 2007. The patients'age, gender, signs and symptoms, CT brain findings, Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), World Federation of Neurosurgical Society grading (WFNS), and aneurysm location were studied and correlated with outcome after surgery. Two hundred twenty five patients ofintracranial aneurysm were operated on between 2003 and 2007. Two hundred nine patients (92%) had anterior circulation aneurysms and 18 (8%) had posterior circulation aneurysms. The outcome, as evaluated by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), showed good recovery and moderate disability patients (142, 62.9%) were classified as favorable outcome group whereas patients with severe disability, vegetative state, and dead (83, 36.9%) were classified as unfavorable outcome. According to WFNS grading, the patients with unruptured aneurysm and WFNS grade 1-2 had favorable outcome in 116 patients (78.37%) and unfavorable outcome in 32 patients (21.62%). Whereas the patients with WFNS grade 3-5 had favorable outcome in 32 patients (33.76%) and unfavorable outcome in 51 patients (66.23%). This study of 225 cases revealed 142 cases with favorable outcome and 83 cases with unfavorable outcome. Factors that affected the outcome were WFNS grading and age.

Child development at 5 years of age predicted mathematics ability and schooling outcomes in Malawian adolescents.

PubMed

Gandhi, Mihir; Teivaanmaki, Tiina; Maleta, Kenneth; Duan, Xiaolian; Ashorn, Per; Cheung, Yin Bun

2013-01-01

This study aimed to examine the association between child development at 5 years of age and mathematics ability and schooling outcomes at 12 years of age in Malawian children. A prospective cohort study looking at 609 rural Malawian children. Outcome measures were percentage of correctly answered mathematics questions, highest school grade completed and number of times repeating school grades at 12 years of age. A child development summary score obtained at 5 years of age was the main exposure variable. Regression analyses were used to estimate the association and adjust for confounders. Sensitivity analysis was performed by handling losses to follow-up with multiple imputation (MI) method. The summary score was positively associated with percentage of correctly answered mathematics questions (p = 0.057; p = 0.031 MI) and with highest school grade completed (p = 0.096; p = 0.070 MI), and negatively associated with number of times repeating school grades (p = 0.834; p = 0.339 MI). Fine motor score at 5 years was independently associated with the mathematic score (p = 0.032; p = 0.011 MI). The association between child development and mathematics ability did not depend on school attendance. Child development at 5 years of age showed signs of positive association with mathematics ability and possibly with highest school grade completed at 12 years of age. © 2012 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica © 2012 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.

Pinky Extension as a Phonestheme in Mongolian Sign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Healy, Christina

2011-01-01

Mongolian Sign Language (MSL) is a visual-gestural language that developed from multiple languages interacting as a result of both geographic proximity and political relations and of the natural development of a communication system by deaf community members. Similar to the phonological systems of other signed languages, MSL combines handshapes,…

21 CFR 1311.55 - Requirements for systems used to process digitally signed orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... identification and password combination or biometric authentication to access the private key. Activation data... source. (9) The system must archive the digitally signed orders and any other records required in part... linked records for orders signed with a CSOS digital certificate must meet the following requirements: (1...

21 CFR 1311.55 - Requirements for systems used to process digitally signed orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... identification and password combination or biometric authentication to access the private key. Activation data... source. (9) The system must archive the digitally signed orders and any other records required in part... linked records for orders signed with a CSOS digital certificate must meet the following requirements: (1...

21 CFR 1311.55 - Requirements for systems used to process digitally signed orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... identification and password combination or biometric authentication to access the private key. Activation data... source. (9) The system must archive the digitally signed orders and any other records required in part... linked records for orders signed with a CSOS digital certificate must meet the following requirements: (1...

21 CFR 1311.55 - Requirements for systems used to process digitally signed orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... identification and password combination or biometric authentication to access the private key. Activation data... source. (9) The system must archive the digitally signed orders and any other records required in part... linked records for orders signed with a CSOS digital certificate must meet the following requirements: (1...

Phenomenology of Schizophrenia and the Representativeness of Modern Diagnostic Criteria.

PubMed

Kendler, Kenneth S

2016-10-01

This article aims to determine the degree to which modern operationalized diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia reflect the main clinical features of the disorder as described historically by diagnostic experts. Amazon.com, the National Library of Medicine, and Forgottenbooks.com were searched for articles written or translated into English from 1900 to 1960. Clinical descriptions of schizophrenia or dementia praecox appearing in 16 textbooks or review articles published between 1899 and 1956 were reviewed and compared with the criteria for schizophrenia from 6 modern US operationalized diagnostic systems. Twenty prominent symptoms and signs were reported by 5 or more authors. A strong association was seen between the frequency with which the symptoms/signs were reported and the likelihood of their presence in modern diagnostic systems. Of these 20 symptoms/signs, 3 (thought disorder, delusions, and hallucinations) were included in all diagnostic systems and were among the 4 most frequently reported. Three symptoms/signs were added then kept in subsequent criteria: emotional blunting, changes in volition, and changes in social life. Three symptoms/signs were added but then dropped: bizarre delusions, passivity symptoms, and mood incongruity. Eleven symptoms/signs were never included in any diagnostic system. Compared with historical authors, modern criteria favored symptoms over signs. Odd movements and postures, noted by 16 of 18 historical authors, were absent from all modern criteria. DSM-5 criteria contain 6 of the 20 historically noted symptoms/signs. Although modern operationalized criteria for schizophrenia reflect symptoms and signs commonly reported by historical experts, many clinical features emphasized by these experts are absent from modern criteria. This is not necessarily problematic as diagnostic criteria are meant to index rather than thoroughly describe syndromes. However, the lack of correspondence in schizophrenia between historically important symptoms/signs and current diagnostic systems highlights the limitations of clinical evaluations and research studies that restrict the diagnostic assessments to current diagnostic criteria. We should not confuse our DSM diagnostic criteria with the disorders that they were designed to index.

Emergence of a Communication System: International Sign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenstock, Rachel

International Sign (henceforth IS) is a communication system that is used widely in the international Deaf Community. The present study is one of the first to research extensively the origin of both the IS lexicon and grammatical structures. Findings demonstrate that IS is both influenced by naturally evolved sign languages used in grown deaf communities (henceforth SLs) and relies heavily on iconic, universal structures. This paper shows that IS continues to develop from a simplistic iconic system into a conventionalized system with increasingly complex rules.

23 CFR 750.104 - Signs that may not be permitted in protected areas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Advertising Adjacent to the Interstate System Under the 1958 Bonus Program § 750.104 Signs that may not be... protected areas: (a) Signs advertising activities that are illegal under State or Federal laws or regulations in effect at the location of such signs or at the location of such activities. (b) Obsolete signs...

SignMT: An Alternative Language Learning Tool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ditcharoen, Nadh; Naruedomkul, Kanlaya; Cercone, Nick

2010-01-01

Learning a second language is very difficult, especially, for the disabled; the disability may be a barrier to learn and to utilize information written in text form. We present the SignMT, Thai sign to Thai machine translation system, which is able to translate from Thai sign language into Thai text. In the translation process, SignMT takes into…

Prospective evaluation of Ki-67 system in histological grading of soft tissue sarcomas in the Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG0304.

PubMed

Tanaka, Kazuhiro; Hasegawa, Tadashi; Nojima, Takayuki; Oda, Yoshinao; Mizusawa, Junki; Fukuda, Haruhiko; Iwamoto, Yukihide

2016-04-18

The correct clinical staging of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is critical for the selection of treatments. The staging system consists of histological grade of the tumors and French Federation of Cancer Center (FNCLCC) system based on mitotic count is widely used for the grading. In this study, we compared the validity and usefulness of Ki-67 grading system with FNCLCC system in JCOG0304 trial which investigated the efficacy and safety of perioperative chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide for STS. All 70 eligible patients with STS in the extremities treated by perioperative chemotherapy in JCOG0304 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to investigate an influence on overall survival. The reproducibility of Ki-67 grading system in the histological grading of STS was higher than FNCLCC system (κ = 0.54 [95 % CI 0.39-0.71], and 0.46 [0.32-0.62], respectively). Although FNCLCC grade was not associated with overall survival (OS) in univariate analysis (HR 2.80 [0.74-10.55], p = 0.13), Ki-67 grading system had a tendency to associate with OS in univariate analysis (HR 4.12 [0.89-19.09], p = 0.07) and multivariate analysis with backward elimination (HR 3.51 [0.75-16.36], p = 0.11). This is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of Ki-67 grading system for the patients with STS in the prospective trial. The results indicate that Ki-67 grading system might be useful for the evaluation of histological grade of STS.

An experimental study of the emergence of human communication systems.

PubMed

Galantucci, Bruno

2005-09-10

The emergence of human communication systems is typically investigated via 2 approaches with complementary strengths and weaknesses: naturalistic studies and computer simulations. This study was conducted with a method that combines these approaches. Pairs of participants played video games requiring communication. Members of a pair were physically separated but exchanged graphic signals through a medium that prevented the use of standard symbols (e.g., letters). Communication systems emerged and developed rapidly during the games, integrating the use of explicit signs with information implicitly available to players and silent behavior-coordinating procedures. The systems that emerged suggest 3 conclusions: (a) signs originate from different mappings; (b) sign systems develop parsimoniously; (c) sign forms are perceptually distinct, easy to produce, and tolerant to variations. 2005 Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.

Surgical management for the first 48 h following blunt chest trauma: state of the art (excluding vascular injuries).

PubMed

de Lesquen, Henri; Avaro, Jean-Philippe; Gust, Lucile; Ford, Robert Michael; Beranger, Fabien; Natale, Claudia; Bonnet, Pierre-Mathieu; D'Journo, Xavier-Benoît

2015-03-01

This review aims to answer the most common questions in routine surgical practice during the first 48 h of blunt chest trauma (BCT) management. Two authors identified relevant manuscripts published since January 1994 to January 2014. Using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement, they focused on the surgical management of BCT, excluded both child and vascular injuries and selected 80 studies. Tension pneumothorax should be promptly diagnosed and treated by needle decompression closely followed with chest tube insertion (Grade D). All traumatic pneumothoraces are considered for chest tube insertion. However, observation is possible for selected patients with small unilateral pneumothoraces without respiratory disease or need for positive pressure ventilation (Grade C). Symptomatic traumatic haemothoraces or haemothoraces >500 ml should be treated by chest tube insertion (Grade D). Occult pneumothoraces and occult haemothoraces are managed by observation with daily chest X-rays (Grades B and C). Periprocedural antibiotics are used to prevent chest-tube-related infectious complications (Grade B). No sign of life at the initial assessment and cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration >10 min are considered as contraindications of Emergency Department Thoracotomy (Grade C). Damage Control Thoracotomy is performed for either massive air leakage or refractive shock or ongoing bleeding enhanced by chest tube output >1500 ml initially or >200 ml/h for 3 h (Grade D). In the case of haemodynamically stable patients, early video-assisted thoracic surgery is performed for retained haemothoraces (Grade B). Fixation of flail chest can be considered if mechanical ventilation for 48 h is probably required (Grade B). Fixation of sternal fractures is performed for displaced fractures with overlap or comminution, intractable pain or respiratory insufficiency (Grade D). Lung herniation, traumatic diaphragmatic rupture and pericardial rupture are life-threatening situations requiring prompt diagnosis and surgical advice. (Grades C and D). Tracheobronchial repair is mandatory in cases of tracheal tear >2 cm, oesophageal prolapse, mediastinitis or massive air leakage (Grade C). These evidence-based surgical indications for BCT management should support protocols for chest trauma management. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Centile-based early warning scores derived from statistical distributions of vital signs.

PubMed

Tarassenko, Lionel; Clifton, David A; Pinsky, Michael R; Hravnak, Marilyn T; Woods, John R; Watkinson, Peter J

2011-08-01

To develop an early warning score (EWS) system based on the statistical properties of the vital signs in at-risk hospitalised patients. A large dataset comprising 64,622 h of vital-sign data, acquired from 863 acutely ill in-hospital patients using bedside monitors, was used to investigate the statistical properties of the four main vital signs. Normalised histograms and cumulative distribution functions were plotted for each of the four variables. A centile-based alerting system was modelled using the aggregated database. The means and standard deviations of our population's vital signs are very similar to those published in previous studies. When compared with EWS systems based on a future outcome, the cut-off values in our system are most different for respiratory rate and systolic blood pressure. With four-hourly observations in a 12-h shift, about 1 in 8 at-risk patients would trigger our alerting system during the shift. A centile-based EWS system will identify patients with abnormal vital signs regardless of their eventual outcome and might therefore be more likely to generate an alert when presented with patients with redeemable morbidity or avoidable mortality. We are about to start a stepped-wedge clinical trial gradually introducing an electronic version of our EWS system on the trauma wards in a teaching hospital. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deaf-And-Mute Sign Language Generation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawai, Hideo; Tamura, Shinichi

1984-08-01

We have developed a system which can recognize speech and generate the corresponding animation-like sign language sequence. The system is implemented in a popular personal computer. This has three video-RAM's and a voice recognition board which can recognize only registered voice of a specific speaker. Presently, fourty sign language patterns and fifty finger spellings are stored in two floppy disks. Each sign pattern is composed of one to four sub-patterns. That is, if the pattern is composed of one sub-pattern, it is displayed as a still pattern. If not, it is displayed as a motion pattern. This system will help communications between deaf-and-mute persons and healthy persons. In order to display in high speed, almost programs are written in a machine language.

Can Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predict the Reparability of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears?

PubMed

Kim, Jung Youn; Park, Ji Seon; Rhee, Yong Girl

2017-06-01

Numerous studies have shown preoperative fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscles to be strongly negatively correlated with the successful repair of massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs). To assess the association between factors identified on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially infraspinatus fatty infiltration, and the reparability of massive RCTs. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. We analyzed a total of 105 patients with massive RCTs for whom MRI was performed ≤6 months before arthroscopic procedures. The mean age of the patients was 62.7 years (range, 46-83 years), and 46 were men. Among them, complete repair was possible in 50 patients (48%) and not possible in 55 patients (52%). The tangent sign, fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff, and Patte classification were evaluated as predictors of reparability. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC), the prediction accuracy of each variable and combinations of variables were measured. Reparability was associated with fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus ( P = .0045) and infraspinatus ( P < .001) muscles, the tangent sign ( P = .0033), and the Patte classification ( P < .001) but not with fatty infiltration of the subscapularis and teres minor ( P = .425 and .132, respectively). The cut-off values for supraspinatus and infraspinatus fatty infiltration were grade >3 and grade >2, respectively. The examination of single variables revealed that infraspinatus fatty infiltration showed the highest AUC value (0.812; sensitivity: 0.86; specificity: 0.76), while the tangent sign showed the lowest AUC value (0.626; sensitivity: 0.38; specificity: 0.87). Among 2-variable combinations, the combination of infraspinatus fatty infiltration and the Patte classification showed the highest AUC value (0.874; sensitivity: 0.54; specificity: 0.96). The combination of 4 variables, that is, infraspinatus and supraspinatus fatty infiltration, the tangent sign, and the Patte classification, had an AUC of 0.866 (sensitivity: 0.28; specificity: 0.98), which was lower than the highest AUC value (0.874; sensitivity: 0.54; specificity: 0.96) among the 2-variable combinations. The tangent sign or Patte classification alone was not a predictive indicator of the reparability of massive RCTs. Among single variables, infraspinatus fatty infiltration was the most effective in predicting reparability, while the combination of Goutallier classification <3 of the infraspinatus and Patte classification ≤2 of the rotator cuff muscles was the most predictive among the combinations of variables. This information may help predict the reparability of massive RCTs.

The Verbal System of Catalan Sign Language (LSC)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morales-Lopez, Esperanza; Boldu-Menasanch, Rosa Maria; Alonso-Rodriguez, Jesus Amador; Gras-Ferrer, Victoria; Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Maria Angeles

2005-01-01

This article describes the predicative verbal system of Catalan Sign Language (LSC) as it is used by Deaf people in the province of Barcelona. We also present a historical perspective of the research on this topic, which provides insight into the changes that have taken place over the last few decades in sign language linguistics. The principal…

An Intelligent Computer-Based System for Sign Language Tutoring

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ritchings, Tim; Khadragi, Ahmed; Saeb, Magdy

2012-01-01

A computer-based system for sign language tutoring has been developed using a low-cost data glove and a software application that processes the movement signals for signs in real-time and uses Pattern Matching techniques to decide if a trainee has closely replicated a teacher's recorded movements. The data glove provides 17 movement signals from…

Traffic signs recognition for driving assistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sai Sangram Reddy, Yatham; Karthik, Devareddy; Rana, Nikunj; Jasmine Pemeena Priyadarsini, M.; Rajini, G. K.; Naseera, Shaik

2017-11-01

In the current circumstances with the innovative headway, we must be able to provide assistance to the driving in recognising the traffic signs on the roads. At present time, many reviews are being directed moving in the direction of the usage of a keen Traffic Systems. One field of this exploration is driving support systems, and many reviews are being directed to create frameworks which distinguish and perceive street signs in front of the vehicle, and afterward utilize the data to advise the driver or to even control the vehicle by implementing this system on self-driving vehicles. In this paper we propose a method to detect the traffic sign board in a frame using HAAR cascading and then identifying the sign on it. The output may be either given out in voice or can be displayed as per the driver’s convenience. Each of the Traffic Sign is recognised using a database of images of symbols used to train the KNN classifier using open CV libraries.

Crisaborole Topical Ointment, 2% in Patients Ages 2 to 17 Years with Atopic Dermatitis: A Phase 1b, Open-Label, Maximal-Use Systemic Exposure Study.

PubMed

Zane, Lee T; Kircik, Leon; Call, Robert; Tschen, Eduardo; Draelos, Zoe Diana; Chanda, Sanjay; Van Syoc, Merrie; Hebert, Adelaide A

2016-07-01

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) is a promising target in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment. The pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and efficacy of crisaborole topical ointment, 2% (formerly AN2728) (Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Palo Alto, CA), a boron-based benzoxaborole PDE4 inhibitor, were evaluated in children with mild to moderate AD. This phase 1b, open-label, maximal-use study of crisaborole topical ointment, 2% applied twice daily (dose 3 mg/cm(2) ) for 28 days enrolled patients ages 2 to 17 years with extensive AD involving 25% or more or 35% or more treatable body surface area, depending on age. Primary PK and safety assessments included systemic exposure to crisaborole and its metabolites after 7 days of treatment and the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary efficacy assessments included change from baseline in Investigator Static Global Assessment (ISGA), treatment success (ISGA score ≤1 with a two-grade or greater improvement from baseline), and improvement in five AD signs and symptoms. Of 34 patients enrolled, 31 completed the study. Crisaborole was rapidly absorbed, with limited systemic exposure between days 1 and 8. Twenty-three of 34 patients reported one or more TEAEs; 95% were mild or moderate and one patient discontinued because of a TEAE. Mean ISGA scores declined from 2.65 at baseline to 1.15 at day 29, 47.1% of patients achieved treatment success, and 64.7% of patients achieved ISGA scores of clear (0) or almost clear . Mean severity scores for AD signs and symptoms declined throughout the study. This open-label study provides evidence that crisaborole topical ointment, 2% was well tolerated, with limited systemic exposure under maximal-use conditions in patients ages 2 years and older. © 2016 The Authors. Pediatric Dermatology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Automating Individualized Formative Feedback in Large Classes Based on a Directed Concept Graph

PubMed Central

Schaffer, Henry E.; Young, Karen R.; Ligon, Emily W.; Chapman, Diane D.

2017-01-01

Student learning outcomes within courses form the basis for course completion and time-to-graduation statistics, which are of great importance in education, particularly higher education. Budget pressures have led to large classes in which student-to-instructor interaction is very limited. Most of the current efforts to improve student progress in large classes, such as “learning analytics,” (LA) focus on the aspects of student behavior that are found in the logs of Learning Management Systems (LMS), for example, frequency of signing in, time spent on each page, and grades. These are important, but are distant from providing help to the student making insufficient progress in a course. We describe a computer analytical methodology which includes a dissection of the concepts in the course, expressed as a directed graph, that are applied to test questions, and uses performance on these questions to provide formative feedback to each student in any course format: face-to-face, blended, flipped, or online. Each student receives individualized assistance in a scalable and affordable manner. It works with any class delivery technology, textbook, and learning management system. PMID:28293202

Nursing review of diagnosis and treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis

PubMed Central

Epstein, Nancy E.; Hollingsworth, Renee D.

2017-01-01

Background: In the lumbar spine, degenerative spondylolisthesis or degenerative (not traumatic) slippage of one vertebral body over another is divided into 4 grades – grade I (25%), grade II (50%), grade III (75%), and grade IV (100%). Dynamic X-rays, magnetic resonance (MR), and computed tomography (CT) scans document the slip secondary to arthritic changes of the facet joint plus stenosis, ossification of the yellow ligament, disc herniations, and synovial cysts. MR best demonstrates soft tissue pathology whereas CT better delineates ossific/calcified disease. Methods: Grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis, typically found at the L4–L5 level followed by L3–L4 and L5S1, is more common in females (ratio 2:1) over the age of 65. Symptoms include radiculopathy (root pain) and neurogenic claudication (e.g., pain with ambulation, requiring the patient to stop, rest, sit down). Symptoms/signs may include unilateral/bilateral radiculopathy and uni/multifocal motor, reflex, and sensory deficits in. Some may also present with a cauda equina syndrome (e.g., paraparesis/sphincter dysfunction). Results: Surgery for grade I-II spondylolisthesis may include laminectomy alone, laminectomy/noninstrumented fusion or with an instrumented fusion. Older patients with osteoporosis are more likely to have no fusion or a noninstrumented fusion. All fusions utilize autograft harvested from the laminectomy that may or may not be combined with a bone graft expander (to increase the fusion mass) combined with autogenous bone marrow aspirate. The fusion mass is placed over the transverse processes following decortication. Conclusions: Patients with multilevel spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis may require decompressive lumbar laminectomies alone or in combination with noninstrumented or instrumented fusions. PMID:29119044

Hybrid time-frequency domain equalization based on sign-sign joint decision multimodulus algorithm for 6 × 6 mode division multiplexing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiao; Hu, Guijun; Gong, Caili; Li, Li

2018-02-01

In this paper, we propose a hybrid time-frequency domain sign-sign joint decision multimodulus algorithm (Hybrid-SJDMMA) for mode-demultiplexing in a 6 × 6 mode division multiplexing (MDM) system with high-order QAM modulation. The equalization performance of Hybrid-SJDMMA was evaluated and compared with the frequency domain multimodulus algorithm (FD-MMA) and the hybrid time-frequency domain sign-sign multimodulus algorithm (Hybrid-SMMA). Simulation results revealed that Hybrid-SJDMMA exhibits a significantly lower computational complexity than FD-MMA, and its convergence speed is similar to that of FD-MMA. Additionally, the bit-error-rate performance of Hybrid-SJDMMA was obviously better than FD-MMA and Hybrid-SMMA for 16 QAM and 64 QAM.

Vital signs in older patients: age-related changes.

PubMed

Chester, Jennifer Gonik; Rudolph, James L

2011-06-01

Vital signs are objective measures of physiological function that are used to monitor acute and chronic disease and thus serve as a basic communication tool about patient status. The purpose of this analysis was to review age-related changes of traditional vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature) with a focus on age-related molecular changes, organ system changes, systemic changes, and altered compensation to stressors. The review found that numerous physiological and pathological changes may occur with age and alter vital signs. These changes tend to reduce the ability of organ systems to adapt to physiological stressors, particularly in frail older patients. Because of the diversity of age-related physiological changes and comorbidities in an individual, single-point measurements of vital signs have less sensitivity in detecting disease processes. However, serial vital sign assessments may have increased sensitivity, especially when viewed in the context of individualized reference ranges. Vital sign change with age may be subtle because of reduced physiological ranges. However, change from an individual reference range may indicate important warning signs and thus may require additional evaluation to understand potential underlying pathological processes. As a result, individualized reference ranges may provide improved sensitivity in frail, older patients. Copyright © 2011 American Medical Directors Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KSC-2011-7899

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-17

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, secured to a turning fixture, is positioned on the radioisotope power system integration cart (RIC). The MMRTG will be installed on the Curiosity rover with the aid of the RIC. The MMRTG will generate the power needed for the mission from the natural decay of plutonium-238, a non-weapons-grade form of the radioisotope. Heat given off by this natural decay will provide constant power through the day and night during all seasons. Curiosity, MSL's car-sized rover, has 10 science instruments designed to search for signs of life, including methane, and help determine if the gas is from a biological or geological source. Waste heat from the MMRTG will be circulated throughout the rover system to keep instruments, computers, mechanical devices and communications systems within their operating temperature ranges. Launch of MSL aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled for Nov. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: Department of Energy/Idaho National Laboratory

Autonomous detection of indoor and outdoor signs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holden, Steven; Snorrason, Magnus; Goodsell, Thomas; Stevens, Mark R.

2005-05-01

Most goal-oriented mobile robot tasks involve navigation to one or more known locations. This is generally done using GPS coordinates and landmarks outdoors, or wall-following and fiducial marks indoors. Such approaches ignore the rich source of navigation information that is already in place for human navigation in all man-made environments: signs. A mobile robot capable of detecting and reading arbitrary signs could be tasked using directions that are intuitive to hu-mans, and it could report its location relative to intuitive landmarks (a street corner, a person's office, etc.). Such ability would not require active marking of the environment and would be functional in the absence of GPS. In this paper we present an updated version of a system we call Sign Understanding in Support of Autonomous Navigation (SUSAN). This system relies on cues common to most signs, the presence of text, vivid color, and compact shape. By not relying on templates, SUSAN can detect a wide variety of signs: traffic signs, street signs, store-name signs, building directories, room signs, etc. In this paper we focus on the text detection capability. We present results summarizing probability of detection and false alarm rate across many scenes containing signs of very different designs and in a variety of lighting conditions.

Swedish PE Teachers Struggle with Assessment in a Criterion-Referenced Grading System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Svennberg, Lena; Meckbach, Jane; Redelius, Karin

2018-01-01

In the field of education, the international trend is to turn to criterion-referenced grading in the hope of achieving accountable and consistent grades. Despite a national criterion-referenced grading system emphasising knowledge as the only base for grading, Swedish physical education (PE) grades have been shown to value non-knowledge factors,…

Grading of direct laryngoscopy. A survey of current practice.

PubMed

Cohen, A M; Fleming, B G; Wace, J R

1994-06-01

One hundred and twenty anaesthetists (30 of each grade), from three separate regions, were interviewed as to how they recorded the appearance of laryngeal structures at direct laryngoscopy and about their knowledge of the commonly used numerical grading system. About two-thirds of anaesthetists surveyed (69.2%) used the numerical grading system, but of these, over half could not identify a 'grade 2' laryngoscopic appearance correctly. Of anaesthetists who did not use the numerical method, over half could not correctly state the difference between a 'grade 2' and a 'grade 3' laryngoscopic appearance. Over 40% of anaesthetists stated incorrectly that the grading should be made on the initial view, even when laryngeal pressure had been needed. Junior anaesthetists were more likely to use the numerical method of recording. The results show that there is unacceptable uncertainty and inaccuracy in the use of the numerical grading system by users as well as non-users, which makes the current routine clinical use of the numerical grading system unsatisfactory.

Reliability and Validity of the Arthroscopic International Cartilage Repair Society Classification System: Correlation With Histological Assessment of Depth.

PubMed

Dwyer, Tim; Martin, C Ryan; Kendra, Rita; Sermer, Corey; Chahal, Jaskarndip; Ogilvie-Harris, Darrell; Whelan, Daniel; Murnaghan, Lucas; Nauth, Aaron; Theodoropoulos, John

2017-06-01

To determine the interobserver reliability of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system of chondral lesions in cadavers, to determine the intraobserver reliability of the ICRS grading system comparing arthroscopy and video assessment, and to compare the arthroscopic ICRS grading system with histological grading of lesion depth. Eighteen lesions in 5 cadaveric knee specimens were arthroscopically graded by 7 fellowship-trained arthroscopic surgeons using the ICRS classification system. The arthroscopic video of each lesion was sent to the surgeons 6 weeks later for repeat grading and determination of intraobserver reliability. Lesions were biopsied, and the depth of the cartilage lesion was assessed. Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlations. The interobserver reliability was 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.89) for the arthroscopic grading, and the intraobserver reliability with the video grading was 0.8 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.9). A high correlation was seen between the arthroscopic grading of depth and the histological grading of depth (0.91); on average, surgeons graded lesions using arthroscopy a mean of 0.37 (range, 0-0.86) deeper than the histological grade. The arthroscopic ICRS classification system has good interobserver and intraobserver reliability. A high correlation with histological assessment of depth provides evidence of validity for this classification system. As cartilage lesions are treated on the basis of the arthroscopic ICRS classification, it is important to ascertain the reliability and validity of this method. Copyright © 2016 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

46 CFR 169.750 - Radio call sign.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Radio call sign. 169.750 Section 169.750 Shipping COAST... Control, Miscellaneous Systems, and Equipment Markings § 169.750 Radio call sign. Each vessel certificated for exposed or partially protected water service must have its radio call sign permanently displayed...

Factors associated with recognition of the signs of dating violence by Japanese junior high school students.

PubMed

Nagamatsu, Miyuki; Hamada, Yukiko; Hara, Kenichi

2016-01-01

This study investigated factors associated with the ability of Japanese junior high school students to recognize the signs of dating violence. During a period of 20 months (from June 2011 to January 2013), a survey was distributed to 3340 students aged 13-15 years in the second and third grades at 18 junior high schools in a Japanese prefecture. The survey examined gender, recognition of the signs of dating violence, knowledge of dating violence, self-esteem, attitudes toward sexual activity, attitudes toward an equal dating relationship, and relationships with school teachers. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of the ability of boys and girls respondents to recognize the signs of physical and psychological dating violence. Binary multiple logistic regression analysis was also performed to identify predictors of the ability of boys and girls respondents to recognize the sign of sexual dating violence. The Ethics Committee of Saga University Medical School approved the study protocol. A total of 3050 (91.3%) students participated in this study (1547 boys and 1503 girls). Gender differences were noted with regard to the scores for some of the variables measured. The results indicated that boys who had more knowledge of dating violence, who focused on an equal dating relationship, and had a positive relationship with their teachers showed a greater ability to recognize the signs of dating violence. In addition, boys with a conservative attitude toward sexual activity showed a greater ability to recognize the signs of physical and sexual violence. Furthermore, girls with more knowledge of dating violence had a conservative attitude toward sexual activity, and girls who focused on an equal dating relationship showed greater ability to recognize the signs of dating violence. These findings suggest that education programs to prevent dating violence should promote understanding about dating violence with consideration of gender differences and should foster better relations between students and teachers, as well as promoting the establishment of an equal dating relationship between boys and girls.

Ultra wide field fluorescein angiography can detect macular pathology in central retinal vein occlusion.

PubMed

Tsui, Irena; Franco-Cardenas, Valentina; Hubschman, Jean-Pierre; Yu, Fei; Schwartz, Steven D

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ultra wide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA), a tool established for the detection of peripheral non-perfusion, can also detect macular pathology. A retrospective imaging review was performed on patients with central retinal vein occlusion. UWFFA was graded for angiographic leakage (petalloid and/or diffuse leakage) and presence of abnormalities in the foveal avascular zone and was then correlated to spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Sixty-six eyes met inclusion criteria. Intergrader agreement was highly reliable for grading macular leakage on UWFFA (kappa = 0.75) and moderately reliable for the evaluation of an abnormal foveal avascular zone (kappa = 0.43). Angiographic leakage on UWFFA correlated to macular edema on SD-OCT (P > .0001), and abnormalities in the foveal avascular zone on UWFFA correlated to ganglion cell layer atrophy on SD-OCT (P = .0002). Intergrader reliability in grading UWFFA was better when assessing macular leakage than when assessing macular ischemia. UWFFA findings correlated to macular edema and signs of macular ischemia on SD-OCT. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Post-traumatic subtalar osteoarthritis: which grading system should we use?

PubMed

de Muinck Keizer, Robert-Jan O; Backes, Manouk; Dingemans, Siem A; Goslings, J Carel; Schepers, Tim

2016-09-01

To assess and compare post-traumatic osteoarthritis following intra-articular calcaneal fractures, one must have a reliable grading system that consistently grades the post-traumatic changes of the joint. A reliable grading system aids in the communication between treating physicians and improves the interpretation of research. To date, there is no consensus on what grading system to use in the evaluation of post-traumatic subtalar osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the inter- and intra-rater reliability of two grading systems for post-traumatic subtalar osteoarthritis. Four observers evaluated 50 calcaneal fractures at least one year after trauma on conventional oblique lateral, internally and externally rotated views, and graded post-traumatic subtalar osteoarthritis using the Kellgren and Lawrence Grading Scale (KLGS) and the Paley Grading System (PGS). Inter- and intra-rater reliability were calculated and compared. The inter-rater reliability showed an intra-class correlation (ICC) of 0.54 (95 % CI 0.40-0.67) for the KLGS and an ICC of 0.41 (95 % CI 0.26 - 0.57) for the PGS. This difference was not statistically significant. The intra-rater reliability showed a mean weighted kappa of 0.62 for both the KLGS and the PGS. There is no statistically significant difference in reliability between the Kellgren and Lawrence Grading System (KLGS) and the Paley Grading System (PGS). The PGS allows for an easy two-step approach making it easy for everyday clinical purposes. For research purposes however, the more detailed and widely used KLGS seems preferable.

Pulmonary artery dissection following balloon valvuloplasty in a dog with pulmonic stenosis.

PubMed

Grint, K A; Kellihan, H B

2017-04-01

A 3-month-old, 9.9 kg, male pit bull cross was referred for evaluation of collapse. A left basilar systolic heart murmur graded V/VI and a grade IV/VI right basilar systolic heart murmur were ausculted. Echocardiography showed severe pulmonic stenosis characterized by annular hypoplasia, leaflet thickening, and leaflet fusion. After 1 month of atenolol therapy, a pulmonic valve balloon valvuloplasty procedure was performed, and the intra-operative right ventricular pressure was reduced by 43%. Echocardiography, performed the following day, showed apparent rupture of a pulmonary valve leaflet and a membranous structure within the pulmonary artery consistent with a dissecting membrane. Short-term follow-up has shown no apparent progression of the pulmonary artery dissection and the patient remains free of clinical signs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The British Sign Language Variant of Stokoe Notation: Report on a Type-Design Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thoutenhoofd, Ernst

2003-01-01

Explores the outcome of a publicly-funded research project titled "Redesign of the British Sign Language (BSL) Notation System with a New Font for Use in ICT." The aim of the project was to redesign the British Sign Language variant of Stokoe notation for practical use in information technology systems and software, such as lexical…

Oxford Grading Scale vs manometer for assessment of pelvic floor strength in nulliparous sports students.

PubMed

Da Roza, T; Mascarenhas, T; Araujo, M; Trindade, V; Jorge, R Natal

2013-09-01

To compare pelvic floor muscle strength in nulliparous sports students measured using the modified Oxford Grading Scale and a Peritron manometer; and to compare the manometric measurements between continent and incontinent subjects. Cross-sectional study. All subjects were evaluated twice on the same day; first by vaginal digital examination and subsequently by vaginal pressure using a Peritron manometer. Forty-three nulliparous female sports students [mean age 21 (standard deviation 4) years] from the Sports Faculty of the University of Porto. This study found a significant moderate correlation between the Oxford Grading Scale score and peak pressure on manometry (r=0.646, P=0.002). Mean maximal strength for the entire group was 70.4cmH2O (range 21 to 115cmH2O). Out of 43 subjects, 37% (n=16) demonstrated signs of incontinence. On manometry, no significant differences were found in vaginal resting pressure or peak pressure between the continent and incontinent groups. There was moderate correlation between peak pressure on manometry and the Oxford Grading Scale score. Peritron manometer measurements of pelvic floor muscle contractions showed no significant differences in vaginal resting pressure and peak pressure in continent and incontinent subjects. Copyright © 2012 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vorinostat and Temozolomide in Treating Young Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Primary Brain Tumors or Spinal Cord Tumors

ClinicalTrials.gov

2013-05-01

Childhood Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor; Childhood Central Nervous System Choriocarcinoma; Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumor; Childhood Central Nervous System Germinoma; Childhood Central Nervous System Mixed Germ Cell Tumor; Childhood Central Nervous System Teratoma; Childhood Central Nervous System Yolk Sac Tumor; Childhood Choroid Plexus Tumor; Childhood Craniopharyngioma; Childhood Ependymoblastoma; Childhood Grade I Meningioma; Childhood Grade II Meningioma; Childhood Grade III Meningioma; Childhood High-grade Cerebellar Astrocytoma; Childhood High-grade Cerebral Astrocytoma; Childhood Infratentorial Ependymoma; Childhood Low-grade Cerebellar Astrocytoma; Childhood Low-grade Cerebral Astrocytoma; Childhood Medulloepithelioma; Childhood Mixed Glioma; Childhood Oligodendroglioma; Childhood Supratentorial Ependymoma; Extra-adrenal Paraganglioma; Recurrent Childhood Brain Stem Glioma; Recurrent Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumor; Recurrent Childhood Cerebellar Astrocytoma; Recurrent Childhood Cerebral Astrocytoma; Recurrent Childhood Ependymoma; Recurrent Childhood Medulloblastoma; Recurrent Childhood Pineoblastoma; Recurrent Childhood Spinal Cord Neoplasm; Recurrent Childhood Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma; Recurrent Childhood Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Recurrent Childhood Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic Glioma

Graft-versus-Host Disease of the Gut: A Histologic Activity Grading System and Validation.

PubMed

Myerson, David; Steinbach, Gideon; Gooley, Ted A; Shulman, Howard M

2017-09-01

The pathologic interpretation of gut biopsies in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients to assess graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is well accepted and supplements clinical and endoscopic findings. However, the histologic activity grading of GVHD is controversial, with attempts to predict prognosis or response to treatment largely unsuccessful. GVHD is being diagnosed earlier in its course, raising the possibility that the pathologic grading system can be profitably modified. We developed a histologic activity grading system designed to replace the commonly used modified Lerner grading systems. Our system stratifies the low-level Lerner grade I category into 4 activity grade categories, based on the average frequency of apoptotic cells. The results are expressed as ordinal categories: GVHD of minimal, mild, moderate, severe histologic activity, or severe histologic activity with destruction (activity grades 1 to 5). In a retrospective study, we studied 87 consecutive cases with 201 post-transplantation specimens (median, 48 days; range, 18 to 1479 days) of stomach, duodenum, and colorectum, which had been activity graded at the time of the original diagnosis. Most of the biopsies diagnosed as GVHD were low grade-minimal (11%) or mild (71%) histologic activity. We hypothesized that the higher activity grades would be associated with more therapeutic intervention. The odds of increased therapy in the combined all-site specimens were increased as activity grade increased (odds ratio, 2.9 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.9 to 4.5]; P = < .0001). Thus, our grading system was validated. To investigate whether the activity grade was associated with therapy within the formerly undivided Lerner grade I category, the analysis was restricted to these 174 all-site specimens. The validation result was similar (odds ratio, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.3 to 7.2]; P = .009). This result interestingly suggests that there is useful information hidden in the Lerner grade I category, which could potentially guide immediately actionable treatment decisions. This histologic activity grade system has been in use at our institution for over 2 years with good acceptance. Copyright © 2017 The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Complete Vision-Based Traffic Sign Recognition Supported by an I2V Communication System

PubMed Central

García-Garrido, Miguel A.; Ocaña, Manuel; Llorca, David F.; Arroyo, Estefanía; Pozuelo, Jorge; Gavilán, Miguel

2012-01-01

This paper presents a complete traffic sign recognition system based on vision sensor onboard a moving vehicle which detects and recognizes up to one hundred of the most important road signs, including circular and triangular signs. A restricted Hough transform is used as detection method from the information extracted in contour images, while the proposed recognition system is based on Support Vector Machines (SVM). A novel solution to the problem of discarding detected signs that do not pertain to the host road is proposed. For that purpose infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication and a stereo vision sensor are used. Furthermore, the outputs provided by the vision sensor and the data supplied by the CAN Bus and a GPS sensor are combined to obtain the global position of the detected traffic signs, which is used to identify a traffic sign in the I2V communication. This paper presents plenty of tests in real driving conditions, both day and night, in which an average detection rate over 95% and an average recognition rate around 93% were obtained with an average runtime of 35 ms that allows real-time performance. PMID:22438704

Complete vision-based traffic sign recognition supported by an I2V communication system.

PubMed

García-Garrido, Miguel A; Ocaña, Manuel; Llorca, David F; Arroyo, Estefanía; Pozuelo, Jorge; Gavilán, Miguel

2012-01-01

This paper presents a complete traffic sign recognition system based on vision sensor onboard a moving vehicle which detects and recognizes up to one hundred of the most important road signs, including circular and triangular signs. A restricted Hough transform is used as detection method from the information extracted in contour images, while the proposed recognition system is based on Support Vector Machines (SVM). A novel solution to the problem of discarding detected signs that do not pertain to the host road is proposed. For that purpose infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication and a stereo vision sensor are used. Furthermore, the outputs provided by the vision sensor and the data supplied by the CAN Bus and a GPS sensor are combined to obtain the global position of the detected traffic signs, which is used to identify a traffic sign in the I2V communication. This paper presents plenty of tests in real driving conditions, both day and night, in which an average detection rate over 95% and an average recognition rate around 93% were obtained with an average runtime of 35 ms that allows real-time performance.

78 FR 60331 - Privacy Act of 1974: System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-01

... on Position Classification Appeals, Job Grading Appeals, Retained Grade or Pay Appeals, Fair Labor..., Job Grading Appeals, Retained Grade or Pay Appeals, Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) Claims and... appeal or a job grading appeal with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Merit System Accountability...

Working together to ensure safety at hydro projects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bartel, J.W.

Providing for public safety around a hydroelectric facility can be critically important to the welfare of a hydro-power producer. With this in mind, Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation have worked together to develop consistent safety signage and several for their hydro projects. Although the two utilities sometimes compete for electric customers, they cooperate to ensure the safety to those customers. Both WE and WPS took steps in 1986 to make their operations safer through involvement in the Wisconsin/Michigan Hydro User Group. The organization has 25 members-primarily of electric utilities and paper companies-who operate hydro facilities inmore » the two states. The two areas that the HUG studied in public safety were signs and warning systems. HUG established a sign committee to study how to increase safety of people around hydro plants through signs, explained Ted Handrick, hydro plant superintendent at WPS. The committee's recommendations led to development of a statewide uniform sign system adopted by all HUG members. The committee used Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' guidelines for warning signs and portages in developing the signage standards. HUG members are converting to these new sign standards as they replace old signs and/or install new signs. Notices describing the new signage system have been placed near each hydro plant, at boat landings, and in campgrounds. The signs are mounted well above ground level so they can be seen and easily read by recreationalists. Warning systems, in accordance with HUG warning standards, were installed at WE and WPS hydro facilities. These systems alert nearby recreational users of rapid increases in water flow when generating units are turned on or when spillway gates are opened. Soon after the authors installed equipment to remotely operate its hydro facilities, the utility experienced a dramatic increase increase in intrusion on dams and other structures at the projects.« less

Gleason grading system

MedlinePlus

... medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000920.htm Gleason grading system To use the sharing features on this page, ... score of between 5 and 7. Gleason Grading System Sometimes, it can be hard to predict how ...

Three-dimensional grammar in the brain: Dissociating the neural correlates of natural sign language and manually coded spoken language.

PubMed

Jednoróg, Katarzyna; Bola, Łukasz; Mostowski, Piotr; Szwed, Marcin; Boguszewski, Paweł M; Marchewka, Artur; Rutkowski, Paweł

2015-05-01

In several countries natural sign languages were considered inadequate for education. Instead, new sign-supported systems were created, based on the belief that spoken/written language is grammatically superior. One such system called SJM (system językowo-migowy) preserves the grammatical and lexical structure of spoken Polish and since 1960s has been extensively employed in schools and on TV. Nevertheless, the Deaf community avoids using SJM for everyday communication, its preferred language being PJM (polski język migowy), a natural sign language, structurally and grammatically independent of spoken Polish and featuring classifier constructions (CCs). Here, for the first time, we compare, with fMRI method, the neural bases of natural vs. devised communication systems. Deaf signers were presented with three types of signed sentences (SJM and PJM with/without CCs). Consistent with previous findings, PJM with CCs compared to either SJM or PJM without CCs recruited the parietal lobes. The reverse comparison revealed activation in the anterior temporal lobes, suggesting increased semantic combinatory processes in lexical sign comprehension. Finally, PJM compared with SJM engaged left posterior superior temporal gyrus and anterior temporal lobe, areas crucial for sentence-level speech comprehension. We suggest that activity in these two areas reflects greater processing efficiency for naturally evolved sign language. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isolating the incentive salience of reward-associated stimuli: value, choice, and persistence

PubMed Central

Chow, Jonathan J.

2015-01-01

Sign- and goal-tracking are differentially associated with drug abuse-related behavior. Recently, it has been hypothesized that sign- and goal-tracking behavior are mediated by different neurobehavioral valuation systems, including differential incentive salience attribution. Herein, we used different conditioned stimuli to preferentially elicit different response types to study the different incentive valuation characteristics of stimuli associated with sign- and goal-tracking within individuals. The results demonstrate that all stimuli used were equally effective conditioned stimuli; however, only a lever stimulus associated with sign-tracking behavior served as a robust conditioned reinforcer and was preferred over a tone associated with goal-tracking. Moreover, the incentive value attributed to the lever stimulus was capable of promoting suboptimal choice, leading to a significant reduction in reinforcers (food) earned. Furthermore, sign-tracking to a lever was more persistent than goal-tracking to a tone under omission and extinction contingencies. Finally, a conditional discrimination procedure demonstrated that sign-tracking to a lever and goal-tracking to a tone were dependent on learned stimulus–reinforcer relations. Collectively, these results suggest that the different neurobehavioral valuation processes proposed to govern sign- and goal-tracking behavior are independent but parallel processes within individuals. Examining these systems within individuals will provide a better understanding of how one system comes to dominate stimulus–reward learning, thus leading to the differential role these systems play in abuse-related behavior. PMID:25593298

Accordion complication grading predicts short-term outcome after right colectomy.

PubMed

Klos, Coen L; Safar, Bashar; Hunt, Steven R; Wise, Paul E; Birnbaum, Elisa H; Mutch, Matthew G; Fleshman, James W; Dharmarajan, Sekhar

2014-08-01

The Accordion severity grading system is a novel system to score the severity of postoperative complications in a standardized fashion. This study aims to demonstrate the validity of the Accordion system in colorectal surgery by correlating severity grades with short-term outcomes after right colectomy for colon cancer. This is a retrospective cohort review of patients who underwent right colectomy for cancer between January 1, 2002, and January 31, 2007, at a single tertiary care referral center. Complications were categorized according to the Accordion severity grading system: grades 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), 3-5 (severe), and 6 (death). Outcome measures were hospital stay, 30-d readmission rate and 1-y survival. Correlation between Accordion grades and outcome measures is reflected by Spearman rho (ρ). One-year survival was obtained per Kaplan-Meier method and compared by logrank test for trend. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Overall, 235 patients underwent right colectomy for cancer of which 122 (51.9%) had complications. In total, 52 (43%) had an Accordion grade 1 complication; 44 (36%) grade 2; four (3%) grade 3; 11 (9%) grade 4; seven (6%) grade 5; and four (3%) grade 6. There was significant correlation between Accordion grades and hospital stay (ρ = 0.495, P < 0.001) and 30-d readmission rate (ρ = 0.335, P < 0.001). There was a significant downward trend in 1-y survival as complication severity by Accordion grade increased (P = 0.02). The Accordion grading system is a useful tool to estimate short-term outcomes after right colectomy for cancer. High-grade Accordion complications are associated with longer hospital stay and increased risk of readmission and mortality. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Developing Within a Red-Ink Tattoo.

PubMed

Sherif, Sara; Blakeway, Elizabeth; Fenn, Chris; German, Alyn; Laws, Philip

Cutaneous reactions to tattoos are well reported and include allergic reactions, infections, and foreign body granuloma or may be a presenting sign of sarcoidosis. There have been very few reported cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in tattoo-treated skin. We report a case of SCC arising within a red-ink tattoo and discuss the potential the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in pathogenesis. This should serve to raise awareness of potential tattoo-related serious adverse effects.

A practical three-dimensional dosimetry system for radiation therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo Pengyi; Adamovics, John; Oldham, Mark

2006-10-15

There is a pressing need for a practical three-dimensional (3D) dosimetry system, convenient for clinical use, and with the accuracy and resolution to enable comprehensive verification of the complex dose distributions typical of modern radiation therapy. Here we introduce a dosimetry system that can achieve this challenge, consisting of a radiochromic dosimeter (PRESAGE trade mark sign ) and a commercial optical computed tomography (CT) scanning system (OCTOPUS trade mark sign ). PRESAGE trade mark sign is a transparent material with compelling properties for dosimetry, including insensitivity of the dose response to atmospheric exposure, a solid texture negating the need formore » an external container (reducing edge effects), and amenability to accurate optical CT scanning due to radiochromic optical contrast as opposed to light-scattering contrast. An evaluation of the performance and viability of the PRESAGE trade mark sign /OCTOPUS, combination for routine clinical 3D dosimetry is presented. The performance of the two components (scanner and dosimeter) was investigated separately prior to full system test. The optical CT scanner has a spatial resolution of {<=}1 mm, geometric accuracy within 1 mm, and high reconstruction linearity (with a R{sup 2} value of 0.9979 and a standard error of estimation of {approx}1%) relative to independent measurement. The overall performance of the PRESAGE trade mark sign /OCTOPUS system was evaluated with respect to a simple known 3D dose distribution, by comparison with GAFCHROMIC[reg] EBT film and the calculated dose from a commissioned planning system. The 'measured' dose distribution in a cylindrical PRESAGE trade mark sign dosimeter (16 cm diameter and 11 cm height) was determined by optical-CT, using a filtered backprojection reconstruction algorithm. A three-way Gamma map comparison (4% dose difference and 4 mm distance to agreement), between the PRESAGE trade mark sign , EBT and calculated dose distributions, showed full agreement in measurable region of PRESAGE trade mark sign dosimeter ({approx}90% of radius). The EBT and PRESAGE trade mark sign distributions agreed more closely with each other than with the calculated plan, consistent with penumbral blurring in the planning data which was acquired with an ion chamber. In summary, our results support the conclusion that the PRESAGE trade mark sign optical-CT combination represents a significant step forward in 3D dosimetry, and provides a robust, clinically effective and viable high-resolution relative 3D dosimetry system for radiation therapy.« less

Visibility of trabecular meshwork by standard and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuno, Yoshiaki; Yamanari, Masahiro; Kawana, Keisuke; Miura, Masahiro; Fukuda, Shinichi; Makita, Shuichi; Sakai, Shingo; Oshika, Tetsuro

2010-11-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is known to be advantageous because of its additional tissue-specific contrast of the anterior eye. So far, this advantage has been shown only qualitatively. We evaluate the improved visibility afforded by 3-D PS corneal and anterior eye segment OCT (PS-CAS-OCT) in visualizing the trabecular meshwork (TM) based on statistical evidences. A total of 31 normal subjects participated in this study. The anterior eye segments of both the eyes of the subjects are scanned using a custom-made PS-CAS-OCT and the standard-scattering OCT (S-OCT) and polarization-sensitive phase-retardation OCT (P-OCT) images are obtained. Three graders grade the visibility of the TM using a four-leveled grading system. The intergrader agreement, intermodality differences, and interquadrant dependence of visibility are statistically examined. All three of three combinations of graders show substantial agreement in visibility with P-OCT (ρ = 0.74, 0.70, and 0.68, Spearman's correlation), while only one of three shows substantial agreement with S-OCT (ρ = 0.72). Significant dependence of the visibility on the modality (S-OCT versus P-OCT) and quadrants are found by the analysis of variance. A subsequent Wilcoxon signed-rank test reveals significantly improved visibility. PS-CAS-OCT may become a useful tool for screening angle-closure glaucoma.

Outdoor Advertising Control

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-04-22

The State of Montana agreed to provide "effective control" of outdoor adervtising by establishing a sign permit system; maintenance of an inventory of all permitted signs, and a periodic surveillance of the controlled routes to disvover unlawful sign...

Agricultural produce grading and sorting system using color CCD and new color identification algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dongsheng; Zou, Jizuo; Yang, Yunping; Dong, Jianhua; Zhang, Yuanxiang

1996-10-01

A high-speed automatic agricultural produce grading and sorting system using color CCD and new color identification algorithm has been developed. In a typical application, the system can sort almonds into tow output grades according to their color. Almonds ar rich in 18 kinds of amino acids and 13 kinds of micro minerals and vitamins and can be made into almond drink. In order to ensure the drink quality, almonds must be sorted carefully before being made into a drink. Using this system, almonds can be sorted into two grades: up to grade and below grade almonds or foreign materials. A color CCD inspects the almonds passing on a conveyor of rotating rollers, a color identification algorithm grades almonds and distinguishes foreign materials from almonds. Employing an elaborately designed mechanism, the below grade almonds and foreign materials can be removed effectively from the raw almonds. This system can be easily adapted for inspecting and sorting other kinds of agricultural produce such as peanuts, beans tomatoes and so on.

Pixel color feature enhancement for road signs detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qieshi; Kamata, Sei-ichiro

2010-02-01

Road signs play an important role in our daily life which used to guide drivers to notice variety of road conditions and cautions. They provide important visual information that can help drivers operating their vehicles in a manner for enhancing traffic safety. The occurrence of some accidents can be reduced by using automatic road signs recognition system which can alert the drivers. This research attempts to develop a warning system to alert the drivers to notice the important road signs early enough to refrain road accidents from happening. For solving this, a non-linear weighted color enhancement method by pixels is presented. Due to the advantage of proposed method, different road signs can be detected from videos effectively. With suitably coefficients and operations, the experimental results have proved that the proposed method is robust, accurate and powerful in road signs detection.

Recognition of Indian Sign Language in Live Video

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singha, Joyeeta; Das, Karen

2013-05-01

Sign Language Recognition has emerged as one of the important area of research in Computer Vision. The difficulty faced by the researchers is that the instances of signs vary with both motion and appearance. Thus, in this paper a novel approach for recognizing various alphabets of Indian Sign Language is proposed where continuous video sequences of the signs have been considered. The proposed system comprises of three stages: Preprocessing stage, Feature Extraction and Classification. Preprocessing stage includes skin filtering, histogram matching. Eigen values and Eigen Vectors were considered for feature extraction stage and finally Eigen value weighted Euclidean distance is used to recognize the sign. It deals with bare hands, thus allowing the user to interact with the system in natural way. We have considered 24 different alphabets in the video sequences and attained a success rate of 96.25%.

Properties of light reflected from road signs in active imaging.

PubMed

Halstuch, Aviran; Yitzhaky, Yitzhak

2008-08-01

Night vision systems in vehicles are a new emerging technology. A crucial problem in active (laser-based) systems is distortion of images by saturation and blooming due to strong retroreflections from road signs. We quantify this phenomenon. We measure the Mueller matrices and the polarization state of the reflected light from three different types of road sign commonly used. Measurements of the reflected intensity are also taken with respect to the angle of reflection. We find that different types of sign have different reflection properties. It is concluded that the optimal solution for attenuating the retroreflected intensity is using a linear polarized light source and a linear polarizer with perpendicular orientation (with regard to the source) at the detector. Unfortunately, while this solution performs well for two types of road sign, it is less efficient for the third sign type.

Semantic categorization: a comparison between deaf and hearing children.

PubMed

Ormel, Ellen A; Gijsel, Martine A R; Hermans, Daan; Bosman, Anna M T; Knoors, Harry; Verhoeven, Ludo

2010-01-01

Learning to read is a major obstacle for children who are deaf. The otherwise significant role of phonology is often limited as a result of hearing loss. However, semantic knowledge may facilitate reading comprehension. One important aspect of semantic knowledge concerns semantic categorization. In the present study, the quality of the semantic categorization of both deaf and hearing children was examined for written words and pictures at two categorization levels. The deaf children performed better at the picture condition compared to the written word condition, while the hearing children performed similarly at pictures and written words. The hearing children outperformed the deaf children, in particular for written words. In addition, the results of the deaf children for the written words correlated to their sign vocabulary and sign language comprehension. The increase in semantic categorization was limited across elementary school grade levels. Readers will be able to: (1) understand several semantic categorization differences between groups of deaf and hearing children; (2) describe factors that may affect the development of semantic categorization, in particular the relationship between sign language skills and semantic categorization for deaf children. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nipple Discharge: An Early Warning Sign of Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Parthasarathy, Veda; Rathnam, Usharani

2012-01-01

Nipple discharge (ND) can be the earliest presenting symptom of breast cancer. We hereby present two cases of breast cancer with no palpable mass manifesting as isolated ND, which was whitish in color. In both cases, cytology of the discharge revealed highly pleomorphic cells indicating a high grade malignancy. Mammography showed diffuse, extensive microcalcifications. Simple mastectomy with axillary clearance was done. Histology in both cases revealed diffusely spreading intraductal carcinoma, with focus of microinvasion in one case. ND if scanty or not blood stained is often ignored by the patients and at times, the clinicians. This article highlights that ND can be an early warning sign of intraductal carcinomas that are non-invasive in early stage. Irrespective of the color or nature of the discharge, unilateral ND needs to be evaluated. Proper clinical assessment, cytological evaluation of the ND, and mammography ought to be performed in all such cases. Considering the low level of awareness in women regarding the warning signs of breast cancer, the current focus is to create “breast awareness.” Women should be sensitized to recognize any unusual changes in their breasts and report to their health care providers at the earliest. PMID:23189234

Real-time stop sign detection and distance estimation using a single camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wenpeng; Su, Yuxuan; Cheng, Ming

2018-04-01

In modern world, the drastic development of driver assistance system has made driving a lot easier than before. In order to increase the safety onboard, a method was proposed to detect STOP sign and estimate distance using a single camera. In STOP sign detection, LBP-cascade classifier was applied to identify the sign in the image, and the principle of pinhole imaging was based for distance estimation. Road test was conducted using a detection system built with a CMOS camera and software developed by Python language with OpenCV library. Results shows that that the proposed system reach a detection accuracy of maximum of 97.6% at 10m, a minimum of 95.00% at 20m, and 5% max error in distance estimation. The results indicate that the system is effective and has the potential to be used in both autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance driving systems.

V2S: Voice to Sign Language Translation System for Malaysian Deaf People

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mean Foong, Oi; Low, Tang Jung; La, Wai Wan

The process of learning and understand the sign language may be cumbersome to some, and therefore, this paper proposes a solution to this problem by providing a voice (English Language) to sign language translation system using Speech and Image processing technique. Speech processing which includes Speech Recognition is the study of recognizing the words being spoken, regardless of whom the speaker is. This project uses template-based recognition as the main approach in which the V2S system first needs to be trained with speech pattern based on some generic spectral parameter set. These spectral parameter set will then be stored as template in a database. The system will perform the recognition process through matching the parameter set of the input speech with the stored templates to finally display the sign language in video format. Empirical results show that the system has 80.3% recognition rate.

Reclassification of serous ovarian carcinoma by a 2-tier system: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.

PubMed

Bodurka, Diane C; Deavers, Michael T; Tian, Chunqiao; Sun, Charlotte C; Malpica, Anais; Coleman, Robert L; Lu, Karen H; Sood, Anil K; Birrer, Michael J; Ozols, Robert; Baergen, Rebecca; Emerson, Robert E; Steinhoff, Margaret; Behmaram, Behnaz; Rasty, Golnar; Gershenson, David M

2012-06-15

A study was undertaken to use the 2-tier system to reclassify the grade of serous ovarian tumors previously classified using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 3-tier system and determine the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients treated on Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Protocol 158. The authors retrospectively reviewed demographic, pathologic, and survival data of 290 patients with stage III serous ovarian carcinoma treated with surgery and chemotherapy on GOG Protocol 158, a cooperative multicenter group trial. A blinded pathology review was performed by a panel of 6 gynecologic pathologists to verify histology and regrade tumors using the 2-tier system. The association of tumor grade with PFS and OS was assessed. Of 241 cases, both systems demonstrated substantial agreement when combining FIGO grades 2 and 3 (overall agreement, 95%; kappa statistic, 0.68). By using the 2-tier system, patients with low-grade versus high-grade tumors had significantly longer PFS (45.0 vs 19.8 months, respectively; P = .01). By using FIGO criteria, median PFS for patients with grade 1, 2, and 3 tumors was 37.5, 19.8, and 20.1 months, respectively (P = .07). There was no difference in clinical outcome in patients with grade 2 or 3 tumors in multivariate analysis. Woman with high-grade versus low-grade tumors demonstrated significantly higher risk of death (hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-5.04; P = .02). Women with high-grade versus low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary are 2 distinct patient populations. Adoption of the 2-tier grading system provides a simple yet precise framework for predicting clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2011 American Cancer Society.

77 FR 15024 - Privacy Act of 1974; Revised System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-14

... Agency customers and employees single sign-on capability and electronic authentication and authorization...Authentication acts as a single sign-on point for USDA Agency applications. This allows a USDA customer to sign onto any USDA applications they have been authorized on via a single sign-on. 2. When a record on its...

Kinship in Mongolian Sign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geer, Leah

2011-01-01

Information and research on Mongolian Sign Language is scant. To date, only one dictionary is available in the United States (Badnaa and Boll 1995), and even that dictionary presents only a subset of the signs employed in Mongolia. The present study describes the kinship system used in Mongolian Sign Language (MSL) based on data elicited from…

47 CFR 97.19 - Application for a vanity call sign.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... SERVICES AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE General Provisions § 97.19 Application for a vanity call sign. (a) The person named in an operator/primary station license grant or in a club station license grant is eligible... sign selected by the vanity call sign system. Effective February 14, 2011, the person named in a club...

47 CFR 97.19 - Application for a vanity call sign.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... SERVICES AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE General Provisions § 97.19 Application for a vanity call sign. (a) The person named in an operator/primary station license grant or in a club station license grant is eligible... sign selected by the vanity call sign system. Effective February 14, 2011, the person named in a club...

47 CFR 97.19 - Application for a vanity call sign.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... SERVICES AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE General Provisions § 97.19 Application for a vanity call sign. (a) The person named in an operator/primary station license grant or in a club station license grant is eligible... sign selected by the vanity call sign system. Effective February 14, 2011, the person named in a club...

47 CFR 97.19 - Application for a vanity call sign.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... SERVICES AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE General Provisions § 97.19 Application for a vanity call sign. (a) The person named in an operator/primary station license grant or in a club station license grant is eligible... sign selected by the vanity call sign system. Effective February 14, 2011, the person named in a club...

In-vehicle signing functions of an in-vehicle information system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tufano, D.R.; Knee, H.E.; Spelt, P.F.

The definition of In-Vehicle Signing (IVS) functions was guided by the principles of traffic engineering as they apply to the design and placement of roadway signs. Because of the dynamic and active nature of computing, communications, and display technology, IVS can fulfill the signing principles of traffic engineering in ways that have been impossible with conventional signage. Current signing technology represents a series of compromises of these principles, especially the data and equations contributing to the calculation of required sight distance. A number of conditions relevant to sight distance are quite variable, e.g.: vehicle speed, visibility, weather, and driver reactionmore » time. However, conventional signing requires that there are fixed values of each variable for the determination of (e.g.) legibility distance. IVS, on the other hand, will be able to tailor the timing of sign presentation to the dynamically diverse variable values of all of these conditions. A clear, in-vehicle sign display, adaptive to ambient and driver conditions, will in fact obviate the entire issue of sign legibility. These capabilities, together with information filtering functions, will truly enhance the presentation of sign information to drivers. The development of IVS is a critical step in the development of an integrated In-Vehicle Information System (IVIS).« less

Non-Contact Sensor for Long-Term Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring: A Review on Intelligent Phased-Array Doppler Sensor Design

PubMed Central

Hall, Travis; Nguyen, Tam Q.; Mayeda, Jill C.; Lie, Paul E.; Lopez, Jerry; Banister, Ron E.

2017-01-01

It has been the dream of many scientists and engineers to realize a non-contact remote sensing system that can perform continuous, accurate and long-term monitoring of human vital signs as we have seen in many Sci-Fi movies. Having an intelligible sensor system that can measure and record key vital signs (such as heart rates and respiration rates) remotely and continuously without touching the patients, for example, can be an invaluable tool for physicians who need to make rapid life-and-death decisions. Such a sensor system can also effectively help physicians and patients making better informed decisions when patients’ long-term vital signs data is available. Therefore, there has been a lot of research activities on developing a non-contact sensor system that can monitor a patient’s vital signs and quickly transmit the information to healthcare professionals. Doppler-based radio-frequency (RF) non-contact vital signs (NCVS) monitoring system are particularly attractive for long term vital signs monitoring because there are no wires, electrodes, wearable devices, nor any contact-based sensors involved so the subjects may not be even aware of the ubiquitous monitoring. In this paper, we will provide a brief review on some latest development on NCVS sensors and compare them against a few novel and intelligent phased-array Doppler-based RF NCVS biosensors we have built in our labs. Some of our NCVS sensor tests were performed within a clutter-free anechoic chamber to mitigate the environmental clutters, while most tests were conducted within the typical Herman-Miller type office cubicle setting to mimic a more practical monitoring environment. Additionally, we will show the measurement data to demonstrate the feasibility of long-term NCVS monitoring. The measured data strongly suggests that our latest phased array NCVS system should be able to perform long-term vital signs monitoring intelligently and robustly, especially for situations where the subject is sleeping without hectic movements nearby. PMID:29140281

Non-Contact Sensor for Long-Term Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring: A Review on Intelligent Phased-Array Doppler Sensor Design.

PubMed

Hall, Travis; Lie, Donald Y C; Nguyen, Tam Q; Mayeda, Jill C; Lie, Paul E; Lopez, Jerry; Banister, Ron E

2017-11-15

It has been the dream of many scientists and engineers to realize a non-contact remote sensing system that can perform continuous, accurate and long-term monitoring of human vital signs as we have seen in many Sci-Fi movies. Having an intelligible sensor system that can measure and record key vital signs (such as heart rates and respiration rates) remotely and continuously without touching the patients, for example, can be an invaluable tool for physicians who need to make rapid life-and-death decisions. Such a sensor system can also effectively help physicians and patients making better informed decisions when patients' long-term vital signs data is available. Therefore, there has been a lot of research activities on developing a non-contact sensor system that can monitor a patient's vital signs and quickly transmit the information to healthcare professionals. Doppler-based radio-frequency (RF) non-contact vital signs (NCVS) monitoring system are particularly attractive for long term vital signs monitoring because there are no wires, electrodes, wearable devices, nor any contact-based sensors involved so the subjects may not be even aware of the ubiquitous monitoring. In this paper, we will provide a brief review on some latest development on NCVS sensors and compare them against a few novel and intelligent phased-array Doppler-based RF NCVS biosensors we have built in our labs. Some of our NCVS sensor tests were performed within a clutter-free anechoic chamber to mitigate the environmental clutters, while most tests were conducted within the typical Herman-Miller type office cubicle setting to mimic a more practical monitoring environment. Additionally, we will show the measurement data to demonstrate the feasibility of long-term NCVS monitoring. The measured data strongly suggests that our latest phased array NCVS system should be able to perform long-term vital signs monitoring intelligently and robustly, especially for situations where the subject is sleeping without hectic movements nearby.

[Grading of gynecological tumors : Current aspects].

PubMed

Horn, L-C; Mayr, D; Brambs, C E; Einenkel, J; Sändig, I; Schierle, K

2016-07-01

Histopathological assessment of the tumor grade and cell type is central to the management and prognosis of various gynecological malignancies. Conventional grading systems for squamous carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the vulva, vagina and cervix are poorly defined. For endometrioid tumors of the female genital tract as well as for mucinous endometrial, ovarian and seromucinous ovarian carcinomas, the 3‑tiered FIGO grading system is recommended. For uterine neuroendocrine tumors the grading system of the gastrointestinal counterparts has been adopted. Uterine leiomyosarcomas are not graded. Endometrial stromal sarcomas are divided into low and high grades, based on cellular morphology, immunohistochemical and molecular findings. A chemotherapy response score was established for chemotherapeutically treated high-grade serous pelvic cancer. For non-epithelial ovarian malignancies, only Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors and immature teratomas are graded. At this time molecular profiling has no impact on the grading of tumors of the female genital tract.

Hyperammonemia and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Predicts Presence of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs with Congenital Portosystemic Shunts

PubMed Central

Tivers, Mickey S.; Handel, Ian; Gow, Adam G.; Lipscomb, Vicky J.; Jalan, Rajiv; Mellanby, Richard J.

2014-01-01

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with liver disease. The pathogenesis of he is incompletely understood although ammonia and inflammatory cytokines have been implicated as key mediators. To facilitate further mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis of HE, a large number of animal models have been developed which often involve the surgical creation of an anastomosis between the hepatic portal vein and the caudal vena cava. One of the most common congenital abnormalities in dogs is a congenital portosystemic shunt (cpss), which closely mimics these surgical experimental models of HE. Dogs with a cPSS often have clinical signs which mimic clinical signs observed in humans with HE. Our hypothesis is that the pathogenesis of HE in dogs with a cPSS is similar to humans with HE. The aim of the study was to measure a range of clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters, which have been linked to the development of HE in humans, in dogs with a cPSS and a known HE grade. One hundred and twenty dogs with a cPSS were included in the study and multiple regression analysis of clinical, haematological and biochemical variables revealed that plasma ammonia concentrations and systemic inflammatory response syndrome scores predicted the presence of HE. Our findings further support the notion that the pathogenesis of canine and human HE share many similarities and indicate that dogs with cPSS may be an informative spontaneous model of human HE. Further investigations on dogs with cPSS may allow studies on HE to be undertaken without creating surgical models of HE thereby allowing the number of large animals used in animal experimentation to be reduced. PMID:24392080

Hyperammonemia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome predicts presence of hepatic encephalopathy in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts.

PubMed

Tivers, Mickey S; Handel, Ian; Gow, Adam G; Lipscomb, Vicky J; Jalan, Rajiv; Mellanby, Richard J

2014-01-01

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with liver disease. The pathogenesis of he is incompletely understood although ammonia and inflammatory cytokines have been implicated as key mediators. To facilitate further mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis of HE, a large number of animal models have been developed which often involve the surgical creation of an anastomosis between the hepatic portal vein and the caudal vena cava. One of the most common congenital abnormalities in dogs is a congenital portosystemic shunt (cpss), which closely mimics these surgical experimental models of HE. Dogs with a cPSS often have clinical signs which mimic clinical signs observed in humans with HE. Our hypothesis is that the pathogenesis of HE in dogs with a cPSS is similar to humans with HE. The aim of the study was to measure a range of clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters, which have been linked to the development of HE in humans, in dogs with a cPSS and a known HE grade. One hundred and twenty dogs with a cPSS were included in the study and multiple regression analysis of clinical, haematological and biochemical variables revealed that plasma ammonia concentrations and systemic inflammatory response syndrome scores predicted the presence of HE. Our findings further support the notion that the pathogenesis of canine and human HE share many similarities and indicate that dogs with cPSS may be an informative spontaneous model of human HE. Further investigations on dogs with cPSS may allow studies on HE to be undertaken without creating surgical models of HE thereby allowing the number of large animals used in animal experimentation to be reduced.

The Grading System: Does an "A" Really Equal Learning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haley, Beverly

1988-01-01

Good grades on a report card do not necessarily mean the material has been comprehended. This article examines the relative worth of grades; extra credit assignments; categorizing students into A, B, or C boxes; and the role of parental pressures for higher grades. Grading systems should be subordinate to true learning motivation. (MLH)

Job Grading System for Trades and Labor Occupations. Part II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Civil Service Commission, Washington, DC. Bureau of Policies and Standards.

Three new standards (telephone mechanic, electroplater, and animal caretaker) for grading jobs under the Federal Wage System are cited. There is an alphabetical listing by job for published job grading standards, an occupational code-structure index for published grading standards, and a list of 61 jobs by published job grading standard with…

9 CFR 55.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... of any signs of central nervous system disease in herd animals; maintaining records of the... State or APHIS representative of any clinical signs of a central nervous system disease or chronic... identification number (AIN). A numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in the...

9 CFR 55.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... of any signs of central nervous system disease in herd animals; maintaining records of the... State or APHIS representative of any clinical signs of a central nervous system disease or chronic... identification number (AIN). A numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in the...

9 CFR 55.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... of any signs of central nervous system disease in herd animals; maintaining records of the... State or APHIS representative of any clinical signs of a central nervous system disease or chronic... identification number (AIN). A numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in the...

Preliminary work in developing sawbolt grading systems for white oak

Treesearch

Everette D. Rast; Everette D. Rast

1971-01-01

This paper is principally a description of one technique used in the development of white oak (Quercus alba L.) sawbolt grades--not a final sawbolt grading system for the species over its range. This technique can be used by anyone in developing other bolt-grade specifications or in refining the system presented in this paper.

Specifications-Based Grading in an Introduction to Proofs Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Kristopher

2018-01-01

This article describes a system of specifications-based grading used in an introduction to proofs course. The system was introduced to address two issues that arose in the course: how to spend less time grading and how to encourage use of feedback. We describe the implementation of the system and the results on grading and on students.

Grayscale image segmentation for real-time traffic sign recognition: the hardware point of view

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Tam P.; Deng, Guang; Elton, Darrell

2009-02-01

In this paper, we study several grayscale-based image segmentation methods for real-time road sign recognition applications on an FPGA hardware platform. The performance of different image segmentation algorithms in different lighting conditions are initially compared using PC simulation. Based on these results and analysis, suitable algorithms are implemented and tested on a real-time FPGA speed sign detection system. Experimental results show that the system using segmented images uses significantly less hardware resources on an FPGA while maintaining comparable system's performance. The system is capable of processing 60 live video frames per second.

Sign Language Recognition System using Neural Network for Digital Hardware Implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vargas, Lorena P.; Barba, Leiner; Torres, C. O.; Mattos, L.

2011-01-01

This work presents an image pattern recognition system using neural network for the identification of sign language to deaf people. The system has several stored image that show the specific symbol in this kind of language, which is employed to teach a multilayer neural network using a back propagation algorithm. Initially, the images are processed to adapt them and to improve the performance of discriminating of the network, including in this process of filtering, reduction and elimination noise algorithms as well as edge detection. The system is evaluated using the signs without including movement in their representation.

Telesign: a videophone system for sign language distant communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mozelle, Gerard; Preteux, Francoise J.; Viallet, Jean-Emmanuel

1998-09-01

This paper presents a low bit rate videophone system for deaf people communicating by means of sign language. Classic video conferencing systems have focused on head and shoulders sequences which are not well-suited for sign language video transmission since hearing impaired people also use their hands and arms to communicate. To address the above-mentioned functionality, we have developed a two-step content-based video coding system based on: (1) A segmentation step. Four or five video objects (VO) are extracted using a cooperative approach between color-based and morphological segmentation. (2) VO coding are achieved by using a standardized MPEG-4 video toolbox. Results of encoded sign language video sequences, presented for three target bit rates (32 kbits/s, 48 kbits/s and 64 kbits/s), demonstrate the efficiency of the approach presented in this paper.

The GRADE approach for assessing new technologies as applied to apheresis devices in ulcerative colitis

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background In the last few years, a new non-pharmacological treatment, termed apheresis, has been developed to lessen the burden of ulcerative colitis (UC). Several methods can be used to establish treatment recommendations, but over the last decade an informal collaboration group of guideline developers, methodologists, and clinicians has developed a more sensible and transparent approach known as the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). GRADE has mainly been used in clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews. The aim of the present study is to describe the use of this approach in the development of recommendations for a new health technology, and to analyse the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats found when doing so. Methods A systematic review of the use of apheresis for UC treatment was performed in June 2004 and updated in May 2008. Two related clinical questions were selected, the outcomes of interest defined, and the quality of the evidence assessed. Finally, the overall quality of each question was taken into account to formulate recommendations following the GRADE approach. To evaluate this experience, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis was performed to enable a comparison with our previous experience with the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) method. Results Application of the GRADE approach allowed recommendations to be formulated and the method to be clarified and made more explicit and transparent. Two weak recommendations were proposed to answer to the formulated questions. Some challenges, such as the limited number of studies found for the new technology and the difficulties encountered when searching for the results for the selected outcomes, none of which are specific to GRADE, were identified. GRADE was considered to be a more time-consuming method, although it has the advantage of taking into account patient values when defining and grading the relevant outcomes, thereby avoiding any influence from literature precedents, which could be considered to be a strength of this method. Conclusions The GRADE approach could be appropriate for making the recommendation development process for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) reports more explicit, especially with regard to new technologies. PMID:20553616

The effects of sesame oil on the prevention of amiodarone-induced phlebitis.

PubMed

Bagheri-Nesami, Masoumeh; Shorofi, Seyed Afshin; Hashemi-Karoie, Seyedeh Zahra; Khalilian, Alireza

2015-01-01

Phlebitis is the most common complication associated with peripheral intravenous infusion of amiodarone. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of sesame oil on the prevention of amiodarone-induced phlebitis. This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Thirty-six patients hospitalized in a coronary care unit were randomly allocated into two groups using a convenience sampling method. Following peripheral intravenous cannulation, five drops of pure sesame oil were applied to the skin within a 10 cm radius of the infusion site prior to the administration of amiodarone in the intervention group. Sesame oil was rubbed on the skin at the infusion site every 6 h in the 24-h period of amiodarone infusion. In the control group, liquid paraffin, used as a placebo, was rubbed on the skin at the infusion site of amiodarone. Both groups were monitored for the development of phlebitis and its degree within the 24-h period of amiodarone infusion as well as 6 h after its administration. The incidence of phlebitis was confirmed and recorded by an assessor who was blind to the two groups. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 18, and descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier, Hazard ratio, independent t-test, and Fisher's exact test. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in their catheter survival after 30 h and 10 min (P < 0.001). Over 60% of the patients (61.1%) in the intervention group did not show any sign of phlebitis, while 16.7% and 22.2% of the patients manifested signs of grade 2 and 3 phlebitis, respectively. In the control group, 22.2% of the patients showed no signs of phlebitis, while 5.6%, 27.8%, and 44.4% of the patients exhibited signs of grade 2, 3, and 4 phlebitis, respectively. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the degree of phlebitis (P = 0.006) and the onset of phlebitis development (P < 0.001) between the two groups. It is recommended to apply sesame oil topically to the infusion site of amiodarone so as to reduce the rate of the development of amiodarone-related phlebitis.

The effects of sesame oil on the prevention of amiodarone-induced phlebitis

PubMed Central

Bagheri-Nesami, Masoumeh; Shorofi, Seyed Afshin; Hashemi-Karoie, Seyedeh Zahra; Khalilian, Alireza

2015-01-01

Background: Phlebitis is the most common complication associated with peripheral intravenous infusion of amiodarone. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of sesame oil on the prevention of amiodarone-induced phlebitis. Materials and Methods: This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Thirty-six patients hospitalized in a coronary care unit were randomly allocated into two groups using a convenience sampling method. Following peripheral intravenous cannulation, five drops of pure sesame oil were applied to the skin within a 10 cm radius of the infusion site prior to the administration of amiodarone in the intervention group. Sesame oil was rubbed on the skin at the infusion site every 6 h in the 24-h period of amiodarone infusion. In the control group, liquid paraffin, used as a placebo, was rubbed on the skin at the infusion site of amiodarone. Both groups were monitored for the development of phlebitis and its degree within the 24-h period of amiodarone infusion as well as 6 h after its administration. The incidence of phlebitis was confirmed and recorded by an assessor who was blind to the two groups. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 18, and descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square test, Kaplan–Meier, Hazard ratio, independent t-test, and Fisher's exact test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in their catheter survival after 30 h and 10 min (P < 0.001). Over 60% of the patients (61.1%) in the intervention group did not show any sign of phlebitis, while 16.7% and 22.2% of the patients manifested signs of grade 2 and 3 phlebitis, respectively. In the control group, 22.2% of the patients showed no signs of phlebitis, while 5.6%, 27.8%, and 44.4% of the patients exhibited signs of grade 2, 3, and 4 phlebitis, respectively. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the degree of phlebitis (P = 0.006) and the onset of phlebitis development (P < 0.001) between the two groups. Conclusions: It is recommended to apply sesame oil topically to the infusion site of amiodarone so as to reduce the rate of the development of amiodarone-related phlebitis. PMID:26120338

Smart sign ordering system : executive summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-05-01

Problem: The districts submit sign orders to the Sign Shop, : where all approved orders are processed in : production planning, fabrication, and subsequent : shipping. Due to lack of data automation and : efficient means of data exchange and manageme...

Prostate cancer: from Gleason scoring to prognostic grade grouping.

PubMed

Montironi, Rodolfo; Santoni, Matteo; Mazzucchelli, Roberta; Burattini, Luciano; Berardi, Rossana; Galosi, Andrea B; Cheng, Liang; Lopez-Beltran, Antonio; Briganti, Alberto; Montorsi, Francesco; Scarpelli, Marina

2016-01-01

The Gleason grading system was developed in the late 1960s by Dr. Donald F. Gleason. Due to changes in prostatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) detection and treatment, newer technologies to better characterize prostatic pathology, subsequently described variants of PAC and further data relating various morphologic patterns to prognosis, the application of the Gleason grading system changed substantially in surgical pathology. First in 2005 and more recently in 2014, consensus conferences were held to update PAC grading. Here, we review of the successive changes in the grading of PAC from the original system, with emphasis on the newest prognostic grade grouping.

Properties of light reflected from road signs in active imaging for driving safety

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halstuch, Aviran; Yitzhaky, Yitzhak

2007-10-01

Night-vision systems in vehicles are a new emerging technology. A crucial problem in active (illumination-based) systems is distortion of images by saturation and blooming, due to strong retro-reflections from road signs. In this work we quantified this phenomenon. We measured the Mueller matrices and the polarization state of the reflected light from three different types of road signs commonly used. Measurements of the reflected intensity were taken also with respect to the angle of reflection. We found that different types of signs have different reflection properties. It is concluded from our measurements that the optimal solution for attenuating the retro-reflected intensity is using a linear horizontal polarized light source and a linear vertical polarizer. Unfortunately, while the performance of this solution is good for two types of road signs, it is less efficient for the third sign type.

sCD30, interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme and anti-Annexin V autoantibodies concentrations in heart transplant recipients.

PubMed

Zeglen, Sławomir; Zakliczyński, Michał; Nozyński, Jerzy; Rogala, Barbara; Zembala, Marian

2006-11-01

sCD30 and ICE/caspase-1 as apoptosis-regulating factors are suspected to be involved in the survival rate of immunocompetent cells during immunosuppression after allotransplantation. Serum CD30 and ICE/caspase-1 concentrations were estimated and associated with unspecific serum apoptosis marker--anti-Annexin V antibodies and myocardial biopsies results. 28 clinically stabile patients--heart transplant recipients at least 3 months after cardiac transplantation performed due to heart failure caused by ischaemic and/or congestive cardiomyopathy or/and primary valvular heart disease (26 men and 2 women, mean age=36.8 years, S.D.=7.6) with normal heart function assessed by use of ultrasound scan--were involved in the trial. The patients were divided and analyzed in two ways: first according to the results of elective endomyocardial biopsies and second to main immunosuppressive agent used. The enzyme immunoassay (CD30, Dako; interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE)/Caspase-1 ELISA and anti-Annexin V BENDER MedSystem) for soluble CD30, caspase-1 and anti-Annexin V autoantibodies serum levels was used. sCD30 and caspase-1 concentrations were non-significantly up-regulated in all analysed groups--with or without rejection signs or immunosuppressed with cyclosporine or especially tacrolimus. In contrast anti-Annexin V autoantibodies concentration was non-significantly down-regulated also in all studied groups. Moreover in the group with signs of transplant rejection, strong negative correlation between anti-Annexin antibodies and rejection grade was observed (-0.65, p<0.05). Biopsy results were comparable in groups treated with tacrolimus and cyclosporine A. The increasing tendency of sCD30 and caspase-1 as well as the decrease in anti-Annexin V autoantibodies concentrations in heart recipients could be the result of post-transplant apoptosis disturbances. This tendency seems to be inhibited in a greater degree by tacrolimus than by cyclosporine. Anti-Annexin V autoantibodies might be considered as negative rejection markers due to their strong negative correlation with the rejection grade.

23 CFR 750.107 - Class 3 and 4 signs outside informational sites.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... areas. (6) Not more than one such sign advertising activities being conducted as a single enterprise or... 23 Highways 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Class 3 and 4 signs outside informational sites. 750.107... to the Interstate System Under the 1958 Bonus Program § 750.107 Class 3 and 4 signs outside...

23 CFR 750.107 - Class 3 and 4 signs outside informational sites.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... areas. (6) Not more than one such sign advertising activities being conducted as a single enterprise or... 23 Highways 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Class 3 and 4 signs outside informational sites. 750.107... to the Interstate System Under the 1958 Bonus Program § 750.107 Class 3 and 4 signs outside...

A human mirror neuron system for language: Perspectives from signed languages of the deaf.

PubMed

Knapp, Heather Patterson; Corina, David P

2010-01-01

Language is proposed to have developed atop the human analog of the macaque mirror neuron system for action perception and production [Arbib M.A. 2005. From monkey-like action recognition to human language: An evolutionary framework for neurolinguistics (with commentaries and author's response). Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 28, 105-167; Arbib M.A. (2008). From grasp to language: Embodied concepts and the challenge of abstraction. Journal de Physiologie Paris 102, 4-20]. Signed languages of the deaf are fully-expressive, natural human languages that are perceived visually and produced manually. We suggest that if a unitary mirror neuron system mediates the observation and production of both language and non-linguistic action, three prediction can be made: (1) damage to the human mirror neuron system should non-selectively disrupt both sign language and non-linguistic action processing; (2) within the domain of sign language, a given mirror neuron locus should mediate both perception and production; and (3) the action-based tuning curves of individual mirror neurons should support the highly circumscribed set of motions that form the "vocabulary of action" for signed languages. In this review we evaluate data from the sign language and mirror neuron literatures and find that these predictions are only partially upheld. 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Professional ballet dancers have a similar prevalence of articular cartilage defects compared to age- and sex-matched non-dancing athletes.

PubMed

Mayes, Susan; Ferris, April-Rose; Smith, Peter; Garnham, Andrew; Cook, Jill

2016-12-01

Ballet exposes the hip joint to repetitive loading in extreme ranges of movement and may predispose a dancer to pain and osteoarthritis (OA). The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of cartilage defects in professional ballet dancers and athletes and to determine the relationship of clinical signs and symptoms. Forty-nine male and female, current and retired professional ballet dancers and 49 age- and sex-matched non-dancing athletes completed hip pain questionnaires, including the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), and underwent hip range of movement (ROM) testing and 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging to score cartilage defects (no defect, grade 1: focal partial defect and grade 2: diffuse or full thickness defect). Thirty (61 %) dancers and 27 (55 %) athletes had cartilage defects (p = 0.54). The frequency of grade 1 and 2 cartilage defects did not differ between dancers and athletes (p = 0.83). The frequency of cartilage defects was similar in male and female dancers (p = 0.34), and male and female athletes (p = 0.24). Cartilage defects were not related to history of hip pain (p = 0.34), HAGOS pain (p = 0.14), sports/rec (p = 0.15) scores or hip internal rotation ≤20° (p > 0.01). Cartilage defects were related to age in male dancers (p = 0.002). Ballet dancers do not appear to be at a greater risk of cartilage injury compared to non-dancing athletes. Male dancers develop cartilage defects at an earlier age than athletes and female dancers. Cartilage defects were not related to clinical signs and symptoms; thus, prospective studies are required to determine which cartilage defects progress to symptomatic hip OA.

User's guide to UGRS: the Ultimate Grading and Remanufacturing System (version 5.0).

Treesearch

John Moody; Charles J. Gatchell; Elizabeth S. Walker; Powsiri Klinkhachorn

1998-01-01

The Ultimate Grading and Remanufacturing System (UGRS) is the latest generation of advanced computer programs for lumber grading. It is designed to be a training and research tool that allows grading of lumber according to 1998 NHLA rules and remanufacturing for maximum dollar value. A 32-bit application that runs under all Microsoft Windows operating systems, UGRS...

Louisiana traffic sign inventory and management system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-09-01

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), like many state highway agencies in the United States, lacks a comprehensive system for inventorying and maintaining records of traffic signs. To address this problem, state highway d...

A self-adaptive algorithm for traffic sign detection in motion image based on color and shape features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ka; Sheng, Yehua; Gong, Zhijun; Ye, Chun; Li, Yongqiang; Liang, Cheng

2007-06-01

As an important sub-system in intelligent transportation system (ITS), the detection and recognition of traffic signs from mobile images is becoming one of the hot spots in the international research field of ITS. Considering the problem of traffic sign automatic detection in motion images, a new self-adaptive algorithm for traffic sign detection based on color and shape features is proposed in this paper. Firstly, global statistical color features of different images are computed based on statistics theory. Secondly, some self-adaptive thresholds and special segmentation rules for image segmentation are designed according to these global color features. Then, for red, yellow and blue traffic signs, the color image is segmented to three binary images by these thresholds and rules. Thirdly, if the number of white pixels in the segmented binary image exceeds the filtering threshold, the binary image should be further filtered. Fourthly, the method of gray-value projection is used to confirm top, bottom, left and right boundaries for candidate regions of traffic signs in the segmented binary image. Lastly, if the shape feature of candidate region satisfies the need of real traffic sign, this candidate region is confirmed as the detected traffic sign region. The new algorithm is applied to actual motion images of natural scenes taken by a CCD camera of the mobile photogrammetry system in Nanjing at different time. The experimental results show that the algorithm is not only simple, robust and more adaptive to natural scene images, but also reliable and high-speed on real traffic sign detection.

Can the optimum artificial tear treatment for dry eye disease be predicted from presenting signs and symptoms?

PubMed

Essa, Laika; Laughton, Deborah; Wolffsohn, James S

2018-02-01

To assess dry eye treatment with four preservative-free dry eye artificial tear treatments to facilitate evidence-based prescribing. A randomised, single masked crossover trial of Clinitas Soothe, Hyabak, Tears Again and TheraTears artificial tears was conducted on 50 symptomatic dry eye patients, aged 60.8±14.2years. At baseline and after trialling each treatment for 4 weeks, signs and symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive tear break-up time, fluorescein tear break-up time, tear meniscus height (TMH), Phenol Red test, lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), ocular surface staining, and lipid layer grading and osmolarity (baseline visit only). OSDI (p=0.002), LIPCOF (p=0.014) and conjunctival staining (p<0.001) significantly improved from baseline, however, the impact of each dry eye treatment on ocular symptoms and signs was similar. Clinitas Soothe and Hyabak were preferred by 34%/30% of participants, but only subjective comparison with the other drops influenced this choice. TheraTears was preferred (by 24%) by those with a lower baseline tear volume (p=0.01) and Tears Again (by 12%) by those with a thinner baseline lipid layer (p=0.04). The treatment that afforded the greatest improvement in clinical signs did not consistently match each individual's preferred treatment. If prescribed to a general dry eye population, the artificial tears performed similarly, improving symptoms and conjunctival signs. However, osmolarity balanced artificial tears were the preferred treatment in individuals with low baseline tear volume and lipisomal spray for individuals with a baseline lipid layer deficiency. Copyright © 2017 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparing Acquisition of Exchange-Based and Signed Mands with Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barlow, Kathryn E.; Tiger, Jeffrey H.; Slocum, Sarah K.; Miller, Sarah J.

2013-01-01

Therapists and educators frequently teach alternative-communication systems, such as picture exchanges or manual signs, to individuals with developmental disabilities who present with expressive language deficits. Michael (1985) recommended a taxonomy for alternative communication systems that differentiated between selection-based systems in…

The SOS Suicide Prevention Program: Further Evidence of Efficacy and Effectiveness.

PubMed

Schilling, Elizabeth A; Aseltine, Robert H; James, Amy

2016-02-01

This study replicated and extended previous evaluations of the Signs of Suicide (SOS) prevention program in a high school population using a more rigorous pre-test post-test randomized control design than used in previous SOS evaluations in high schools (Aseltine and DeMartino 2004; Aseltine et al. 2007). SOS was presented to an ethnically diverse group of ninth grade students in technical high schools in Connecticut. After controlling for the pre-test reports of suicide behaviors, exposure to the SOS program was associated with significantly fewer self-reported suicide attempts in the 3 months following the program. Ninth grade students in the intervention group were approximately 64% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past 3 months compared with students in the control group. Similarly, exposure to the SOS program resulted in greater knowledge of depression and suicide and more favorable attitudes toward (1) intervening with friends who may be exhibiting signs of suicidal intent and (2) getting help for themselves if they were depressed or suicidal. In addition, high-risk SOS participants, defined as those with a lifetime history of suicide attempt, were significantly less likely to report planning a suicide in the 3 months following the program compared to lower-risk participants. Differential attrition is the most serious limitation of the study; participants in the intervention group who reported a suicide attempt in the previous 3 months at baseline were more likely to be missing at post-test than their counterparts in the control group.

Efficacy of low-dose radiotherapy in painful gonarthritis: experiences from a retrospective East German bicenter study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of low-dose radiotherapy in painful gonarthritis. Methods We assessed the medical records of 1037 patients with painful gonarthritis who had undergone low-dose radiotherapy between 1981 and 2008. The subjective patient perception of the response to irradiation as graded immediately or up to two months after the completion of a radiotherapy series was evaluated and correlated with age, gender, radiological grading and the duration of symptoms before radiotherapy. Moreover, we performed a mail survey to obtain additional long-term follow-up information and received one hundred and six evaluable questionnaires. Results We assessed 1659 series of radiotherapy in 1037 patients. In 79.3% of the cases the patients experienced a slight, marked or complete pain relief immediately or up to two months after the completion of radiotherapy. Gender, age and the duration of pain before radiotherapy did not have a significant influence on the response to irradiation. In contrast, severe signs of osteoarthritis were associated with more effective pain relief. In more than 50% of the patients who reported a positive response to irradiation a sustained period of symptomatic improvement was observed. Conclusions Our results confirm that low-dose radiotherapy is an effective treatment for painful osteoarthritis of the knee. In contrast to an earlier retrospective study, severe signs of osteoarthritis constituted a positive prognostic factor for the response to irradiation. A randomized trial is urgently required to compare radiotherapy with other treatment modalities. PMID:23369282

Asset Management of Roadway Signs Through Advanced Technology

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-06-01

This research project aims to ease the process of Roadway Sign asset management. The project utilized handheld computer and global positioning system (GPS) technology to capture sign location data along with a timestamp. This data collection effort w...

Review of sign overlay procedures in Virginia.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1984-01-01

Maintaining the large number of signs on the state's roads demands a substantial effort, especially now that many of the signs erected during construction of the interstate and urban arterial systems are deteriorating to the point of requiring replac...

Evaluation of light-emitting diodes for signage applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freyssinier, Jean Paul; Zhou, Yutao; Ramamurthy, Vasudha; Bierman, Andrew; Bullough, John D.; Narendran, Nadarajah

2004-01-01

This paper outlines two parts of a study designed to evaluate the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in channel-letter signs. The first part of the study evaluated the system performance of red LED signs and white LED signs against reference neon and cold-cathode signs. The results show a large difference between the actual performance and potential savings from red and white LEDs. Depending on the configuration, a red LED sign could use 20% to 60% less power than a neon sign at the same light output. The light output of the brightest white LED sign tested was 15% lower than the cold-cathode reference, but its power was 53% higher. It appears from this study that the most efficient white LED system is still 40% less efficient than the cold-cathode system tested. One area that offers a great potential for further energy savings is the acrylic diffuser of the signs. The acrylic diffusers measured absorb between 60% and 66% of the light output produced by the sign. Qualitative factors are also known to play an important role in signage systems. One of the largest issues with any new lighting technology is its acceptance by the end user. Consistency of light output and color among LEDs, even from the same manufacturing batch, and over time, are two of the major issues that also could affect the advantages of LEDs for signage applications. To evaluate different signage products and to identify the suitability of LEDs for this application, it is important to establish a criterion for brightness uniformity. Building upon this information, the second part of the study used human factors evaluations to determine a brightness-uniformity criterion for channel-letter signs. The results show that the contrast modulation between bright and dark areas within a sign seems to elicit the strongest effect on how people perceive uniformity. A strong monotonic relationship between modulation and acceptability was found in this evaluation. The effect of contrast seems to be stronger than that of spatial frequency or background luminance, particularly for contrast modulation values of less than 0.20 or greater than 0.60. A sign with luminance variations of less than 20% would be accepted by at least 80% of the population in any given context.

Report on METHODS OF Evaluating Students at the University of California, Berkeley.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Stuart

Several arguments are made for changing the present system of grading in college. The arguments deal with: (1) the negative effect of grading on the teaching situation--the system is capricious and variable and encourages "grade grubbing"; (2) the lack of accuracy and uniformity of grades; (3) the effect of grading, as an enforcer of the…

A multiresolutional approach to fuzzy text meaning: A first attempt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mehler, A.

1996-12-31

The present paper focuses on the connotative meaning aspect of language signs especially above the level of words. In this context the view is taken that texts can be defined as a kind of supersign, to which-in the same way as to other signs-a meaning can be assigned. A text can therefore be described as the result of a sign articulation which connects the material text sign with a corresponding meaning. For the constitution of the structural text meaning a kind of a semiotic composition principle is responsible, which leads to the emergence of interlocked levels of language units, demonstratingmore » different grades of resolution. Starting on the level of words, and going through the level of sentences this principle reaches finally the level of texts by aggregating step by step the meaning of a unit on a higher level out of the meanings of all components one level below, which occur within this unit. Besides, this article will elaborate the hypothesis that the meaning constitution as a two-stage process, corresponding to the syntagmatic and paradigmatic restrictions of language elements among each other, obtains equally on the level of texts. On text level this two-levelledness leads to the constitution of the connotative text meaning, whose constituents are determined on word level by the syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations of the words. The formalization of the text meaning representation occurs with the help of fuzzy set theory.« less

High-Temperature Oxidation of Plutonium Surrogate Metals and Alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sparks, Joshua C.; Krantz, Kelsie E.; Christian, Jonathan H.

The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) is a nuclear non-proliferation agreement designed to remove 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium from Russia and the United States. While several removal options have been proposed since the agreement was first signed in 2000, processing the weapons-grade plutonium to mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel has remained the leading candidate for achieving the goals of the PMDA. However, the MOX program has received its share of criticisms, which causes its future to be uncertain. One alternative pathway for plutonium disposition would involve oxidizing the metal followed by impurity down blending and burial in the Waste Isolationmore » Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico. This pathway was investigated by use of a hybrid microwave and a muffle furnace with Fe and Al as surrogate materials. Oxidation occurred similarly in the microwave and muffle furnace; however, the microwave process time was significantly faster.« less

Evidence-based guidelines for supportive care of patients with Ebola virus disease.

PubMed

Lamontagne, François; Fowler, Robert A; Adhikari, Neill K; Murthy, Srinivas; Brett-Major, David M; Jacobs, Michael; Uyeki, Timothy M; Vallenas, Constanza; Norris, Susan L; Fischer, William A; Fletcher, Thomas E; Levine, Adam C; Reed, Paul; Bausch, Daniel G; Gove, Sandy; Hall, Andrew; Shepherd, Susan; Siemieniuk, Reed A; Lamah, Marie-Claude; Kamara, Rashida; Nakyeyune, Phiona; Soka, Moses J; Edwin, Ama; Hazzan, Afeez A; Jacob, Shevin T; Elkarsany, Mubarak Mustafa; Adachi, Takuya; Benhadj, Lynda; Clément, Christophe; Crozier, Ian; Garcia, Armando; Hoffman, Steven J; Guyatt, Gordon H

2018-02-17

The 2013-16 Ebola virus disease outbreak in west Africa was associated with unprecedented challenges in the provision of care to patients with Ebola virus disease, including absence of pre-existing isolation and treatment facilities, patients' reluctance to present for medical care, and limitations in the provision of supportive medical care. Case fatality rates in west Africa were initially greater than 70%, but decreased with improvements in supportive care. To inform optimal care in a future outbreak of Ebola virus disease, we employed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to develop evidence-based guidelines for the delivery of supportive care to patients admitted to Ebola treatment units. Key recommendations include administration of oral and, as necessary, intravenous hydration; systematic monitoring of vital signs and volume status; availability of key biochemical testing; adequate staffing ratios; and availability of analgesics, including opioids, for pain relief. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adverse Childhood Experiences among Veterinary Medical Students: A Multi-Site Study.

PubMed

Strand, Elizabeth B; Brandt, Jennifer; Rogers, Kenita; Fonken, Laurie; Chun, Ruthanne; Conlon, Peter; Lord, Linda

This research explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among veterinary medical students across six academic institutions of veterinary medicine, and their relationship with depression, stress, and desire to become a veterinarian. Between April 1, 2016, and May 23, 2016, 1,118 veterinary medical students in all 4 years of the curriculum (39% response rate) completed an anonymous web-based questionnaire about ACEs, depression using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CESD), stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the age at which they wanted to become a veterinarian. Sixty-one percent (677) of respondents reported having at least one ACE. The most prevalent ACE reported was living with a household member with a mental illness (31%). Students who had experienced four or more ACEs had an approximately threefold increase in signs of clinical depression and higher than average stress when compared to students who had experienced no ACEs. The number of ACEs showed an overall graded relationship to signs of clinical depression and higher than average stress. There was no statistically significant relationship between age at which a student wanted to become a veterinarian and exposure to ACEs. Veterinary students report being exposed to ACEs before age 18 at a rate similar to that of other population-based studies. These findings do not suggest that veterinary students enter the veterinary medical education system more at risk for poor mental health due to ACEs than the general population.

Categorization of intraoperative ureteroscopy complications using modified Satava classification system.

PubMed

Tepeler, Abdulkadir; Resorlu, Berkan; Sahin, Tolga; Sarikaya, Selcuk; Bayindir, Mirze; Oguz, Ural; Armagan, Abdullah; Unsal, Ali

2014-02-01

To review our experience with ureteroscopy (URS) in the treatment of ureteral calculi and stratify intraoperative complications of URS according to the modified Satava classification system. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1,208 patients (672 males and 536 females), with a mean age of 43.1 years (range 1-78), who underwent ureteroscopic procedures for removal of ureteral stones. Intraoperative complications were recorded according to modified Satava classification system. Grade 1 complications included incidents without consequences for the patient; grade 2 complications, which are treated intraoperatively with endoscopic surgery (grade 2a) or required endoscopic re-treatment (grade 2b); and grade 3 complications included incidents requiring open or laparoscopic surgery. The stones were completely removed in 1,067 (88.3%) patients after primary procedure by either simple extraction or after fragmentation. The overall incidence of intraoperative complications was 12.6%. The most common complications were proximal stone migration (3.9%), mucosal injury (2.8%), bleeding (1.9%), inability to reach stone (1.8%), malfunctioning or breakage of instruments (0.8%), ureteral perforation (0.8%) and ureteral avulsion (0.16%). According to modified Satava classification system, there were 4.5% grade 1; 4.4% grade 2a; 3.2% grade 2b; and 0.57% grade 3 complications. We think that modified Satava classification is a quick and simple system for describing the severity of intraoperative URS complications and this grading system will facilitate a better comparison for the surgical outcomes obtained from different centers.

Validating Emergency Department Vital Signs Using a Data Quality Engine for Data Warehouse

PubMed Central

Genes, N; Chandra, D; Ellis, S; Baumlin, K

2013-01-01

Background : Vital signs in our emergency department information system were entered into free-text fields for heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen saturation. Objective : We sought to convert these text entries into a more useful form, for research and QA purposes, upon entry into a data warehouse. Methods : We derived a series of rules and assigned quality scores to the transformed values, conforming to physiologic parameters for vital signs across the age range and spectrum of illness seen in the emergency department. Results : Validating these entries revealed that 98% of free-text data had perfect quality scores, conforming to established vital sign parameters. Average vital signs varied as expected by age. Degradations in quality scores were most commonly attributed logging temperature in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius; vital signs with this error could still be transformed for use. Errors occurred more frequently during periods of high triage, though error rates did not correlate with triage volume. Conclusions : In developing a method for importing free-text vital sign data from our emergency department information system, we now have a data warehouse with a broad array of quality-checked vital signs, permitting analysis and correlation with demographics and outcomes. PMID:24403981

Validating emergency department vital signs using a data quality engine for data warehouse.

PubMed

Genes, N; Chandra, D; Ellis, S; Baumlin, K

2013-01-01

Vital signs in our emergency department information system were entered into free-text fields for heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen saturation. We sought to convert these text entries into a more useful form, for research and QA purposes, upon entry into a data warehouse. We derived a series of rules and assigned quality scores to the transformed values, conforming to physiologic parameters for vital signs across the age range and spectrum of illness seen in the emergency department. Validating these entries revealed that 98% of free-text data had perfect quality scores, conforming to established vital sign parameters. Average vital signs varied as expected by age. Degradations in quality scores were most commonly attributed logging temperature in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius; vital signs with this error could still be transformed for use. Errors occurred more frequently during periods of high triage, though error rates did not correlate with triage volume. In developing a method for importing free-text vital sign data from our emergency department information system, we now have a data warehouse with a broad array of quality-checked vital signs, permitting analysis and correlation with demographics and outcomes.

The Cultural Evolution of Human Communication Systems in Different Sized Populations: Usability Trumps Learnability

PubMed Central

Fay, Nicolas; Ellison, T. Mark

2013-01-01

This study examines the intergenerational transfer of human communication systems. It tests if human communication systems evolve to be easy to learn or easy to use (or both), and how population size affects learnability and usability. Using an experimental-semiotic task, we find that human communication systems evolve to be easier to use (production efficiency and reproduction fidelity), but harder to learn (identification accuracy) for a second generation of naïve participants. Thus, usability trumps learnability. In addition, the communication systems that evolve in larger populations exhibit distinct advantages over those that evolve in smaller populations: the learnability loss (from the Initial signs) is more muted and the usability benefits are more pronounced. The usability benefits for human communication systems that evolve in a small and large population is explained through guided variation reducing sign complexity. The enhanced performance of the communication systems that evolve in larger populations is explained by the operation of a content bias acting on the larger pool of competing signs. The content bias selects for information-efficient iconic signs that aid learnability and enhance usability. PMID:23967243

The cultural evolution of human communication systems in different sized populations: usability trumps learnability.

PubMed

Fay, Nicolas; Ellison, T Mark

2013-01-01

This study examines the intergenerational transfer of human communication systems. It tests if human communication systems evolve to be easy to learn or easy to use (or both), and how population size affects learnability and usability. Using an experimental-semiotic task, we find that human communication systems evolve to be easier to use (production efficiency and reproduction fidelity), but harder to learn (identification accuracy) for a second generation of naïve participants. Thus, usability trumps learnability. In addition, the communication systems that evolve in larger populations exhibit distinct advantages over those that evolve in smaller populations: the learnability loss (from the Initial signs) is more muted and the usability benefits are more pronounced. The usability benefits for human communication systems that evolve in a small and large population is explained through guided variation reducing sign complexity. The enhanced performance of the communication systems that evolve in larger populations is explained by the operation of a content bias acting on the larger pool of competing signs. The content bias selects for information-efficient iconic signs that aid learnability and enhance usability.

Looking for Trouble

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rice, Mike

2006-01-01

Circuit breakers are the linchpin of an institution's power-distribution system, so it's not surprising that several warning signs of an aging system relate to these devices. When warning signs occur, it's a message to facilities managers and administrators that breakers may need to be upgraded to help the power distribution system meet existing…

Teaching of the Society for Fetal Urology grading system for pediatric hydronephrosis is improved by e-Learning using Computer Enhanced Visual Learning (CEVL): A multi-institutional trial.

PubMed

Liu, Dennis B; Palmer, Blake; Herndon, C D Anthony; Maizels, Max

2015-08-01

It is unclear how clinicians learn to grade pediatric hydronephrosis (HN) and how effective their training has been. We sought to: 1. Assess how clinicians learn to grade HN and their confidence in their training and abilities and 2. To assess Computer Enhanced Visual Learning (CEVL) e-Learning to learn the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) grading system for pediatric HN. A multi-institutional online survey was distributed to pediatric urologists, nephrologists, and radiologists. Respondents used a 6-point Likert scale (0 = not confident to 5 = very confident) to assess their confidence in knowledge of the criteria, indications, and ability to grade HN, and how they learned to grade. Participants assigned SFU grades to 15 neonatal ultrasounds (US). A CEVL module on the SFU grading system was accessed and a post-CEVL survey completed. Changes in confidence and accuracy of grading were compared before and after CEVL e-Learning. The most common method of learning was "casually during training" (44.5%). Significant increases in confidence in knowledge of criteria, indications, and ability to grade, as well as the accuracy of grading were seen following CEVL e-Learning (Figure A and B). Although the SFU grading system is considered the predominant grading system for HN, its application in clinical practice has been inconsistent. While this may be due to the grading system itself, it is possible that deficient training and confidence are the root causes. Our data supports this by demonstrating that most clinicians receive only casual training and accordingly, report low confidence in their knowledge and ability to grade HN. Therefore, we conclude that there exists a strong need to improve the teaching of the SFU grading system. e-Learning has been shown to be effective in teaching difficult topics and skills. We demonstrate that e-Learning with CEVL is effective in increasing both the confidence and accuracy of SFU grading of pediatric HN. Limitations of our study include a small sample size, low response rate, and discrepant participation. Furthermore, we did not assess the extent to which the CEVL module was used or include a control group learning through traditional means. Therefore, we were unable to evaluate the efficiency of learning or be certain that the improvements seen were derived exclusively from CEVL. Current training in SFU grading of HN is mostly unstructured and inaccurate grading is common. Learners who use CEVL show improvements in their confidence and ability to SFU grade HN. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Indoor Navigation by People with Visual Impairment Using a Digital Sign System

PubMed Central

Legge, Gordon E.; Beckmann, Paul J.; Tjan, Bosco S.; Havey, Gary; Kramer, Kevin; Rolkosky, David; Gage, Rachel; Chen, Muzi; Puchakayala, Sravan; Rangarajan, Aravindhan

2013-01-01

There is a need for adaptive technology to enhance indoor wayfinding by visually-impaired people. To address this need, we have developed and tested a Digital Sign System. The hardware and software consist of digitally-encoded signs widely distributed throughout a building, a handheld sign-reader based on an infrared camera, image-processing software, and a talking digital map running on a mobile device. Four groups of subjects—blind, low vision, blindfolded sighted, and normally sighted controls—were evaluated on three navigation tasks. The results demonstrate that the technology can be used reliably in retrieving information from the signs during active mobility, in finding nearby points of interest, and following routes in a building from a starting location to a destination. The visually impaired subjects accurately and independently completed the navigation tasks, but took substantially longer than normally sighted controls. This fully functional prototype system demonstrates the feasibility of technology enabling independent indoor navigation by people with visual impairment. PMID:24116156

Advanced driver assistance system: Road sign identification using VIAPIX system and a correlation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouerhani, Y.; Alfalou, A.; Desthieux, M.; Brosseau, C.

2017-02-01

We present a three-step approach based on the commercial VIAPIX® module for road traffic sign recognition and identification. Firstly, detection in a scene of all objects having characteristics of traffic signs is performed. This is followed by a first-level recognition based on correlation which consists in making a comparison between each detected object with a set of reference images of a database. Finally, a second level of identification allows us to confirm or correct the previous identification. In this study, we perform a correlation-based analysis by combining and adapting the Vander Lugt correlator with the nonlinear joint transformation correlator (JTC). Of particular significance, this approach permits to make a reliable decision on road traffic sign identification. We further discuss a robust scheme allowing us to track a detected road traffic sign in a video sequence for the purpose of increasing the decision performance of our system. This approach can have broad practical applications in the maintenance and rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure, or for drive assistance.

Pediatric airway study: Endoscopic grading system for quantifying tonsillar size in comparison to standard adenotonsillar grading systems.

PubMed

Patel, Neha A; Carlin, Kristen; Bernstein, Joseph M

Current grading systems may not allow clinicians to reliably document and communicate adenotonsillar size in the clinical setting. A validated endoscopic grading system may be useful for reporting tonsillar size in future clinical outcome studies. This is especially important as tonsillar enlargement is the cause of a substantial health care burden on children. To propose and validate an easy-to-use flexible fiberoptic endoscopic grading system that provides physicians with a more accurate sense of the three-dimensional relationship of the tonsillar fossa to the upper-airway. 50 consecutive pediatric patients were prospectively recruited between February 2015 and February 2016 at a pediatric otolaryngology outpatient clinic. The patients had no major craniofacial abnormalities and were aged 1 to 16years. Each patient had data regarding BMI, Friedman palate position, OSA-18 survey results collected. For each child, digital video clips of fiberoptic nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and laryngeal exams were presented to 2 examiners. Examiners were asked to independently use the proposed Endoscopic tonsillar grading system, the Brodsky tonsillar grading scale, the Modified Brodsky tonsillar grading scale with a tongue depressor, and the Parikh adenoid grading system to rate adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Cohen's Kappa and weighted Kappa scores were used to assess interrater reliability for each of the four grading scales. The Spearman correlation was used to test the associations between each scale and OSA-18 scores, as well as Body Mass Index (BMI). 50 pediatric patients were included in this study (mean age 6.1years, range of 1year to 16years). The average BMI was 20. The average OSA-18 score was 61.7. The average Friedman palate position score was 1.34. Twelve percent of the patients had a Friedman palate position score≥3, which made traditional Brodsky grading of their tonsils impossible without a tongue depressor. All four scales showed strong agreement between the two raters. The weighted Kappa was 0.83 for the Modified Brodsky scale, 0.89 for the Brodsky scale, 0.94 for the Parikh scale to 0.98 for the Endoscopic scale (almost perfect agreement). The Endoscopic scale showed the most consistent agreement between the raters during the study. There was a moderate association between the Parikh adenoid grading system with OSA-18 scores (Spearman's ρ=0.58, p<0.001) compared to a low association of the tonsillar grading systems with OSA- 18 scores. None of the scales correlated with patient BMI. The proposed Endoscopic tonsillar grading system is as reliable of a method of grading tonsillar size as conventional grading systems. It offers the advantage of allowing for critical evaluation of the tonsils without any anatomic distortion which may occur with the use of a tongue blade. This new validated endoscopic grading system provides a tool for communicating the degree of airway obstruction at the level of the oropharynx regardless of Friedman palate position and may be used in future outcomes projects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MORPHOLOGICAL PATTERN AND FREQUENCY OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUMOURS IN CHILDREN.

PubMed

Bilqees, Fatima; Samina, Khaleeq; Mohammad, Tahir; Khaleeq-uz-Zamaan

2016-01-01

Recent studies, including a comprehensive study by National Cancer Institute, have shown that a significant increase in the incidence of childhood brain tumours makes them the most common paediatric tumour. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of central nervous system tumours in paediatric age group (0-12 years), and to segregate various morphologic types according to WHO classification. The study included consecutive cases of central nervous system tumours diagnosed in children in the histopathology department at Federal Government Polyclinic, PGMI, Islamabad, during a period of 4.8 years (Jan 2009-Aug 2013). The initial histopathological evaluation of these lesions was performed on H&E stained sections of paraffin embedded tissues. Special stains and immunohistochemistry were performed whenever indicated. Out of 75 cases, 34 (45.3%) were astrocytic tumours, including 16 (47.1%) Pilocytic astrocytomas (WHO Grade-I), 1 (2.9%) diffuse fibrillary astrocytoma (WHO Grade-II), 1 (2.9%) anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO Grade-III) and 16(47.1%) glioblastoma multiforme (WHO Grade-IV); 18 (24%) were embryonal tumours including 17 (94.4%) medulloblastoma (WHO Grade-IV) and 1 (5.6%) neuroblastoma (WHO Grade IV); 10 (13.3%) were craniopharyngiomas (WHO Grade-I) and 5 (6.7%) were ependymal tumours including 1 (20%) myxopapillary ependymoma (WHO Grade-I) and 4 (80%) ependymomas (WHO Grade-II). Miscellaneous entities included 3 (4%) choroid plexus tumours; 1 (2%) anaplastic oligodendroglioma (WHO Grade-III); 1 (2%) atypical meningioma (WHO Grade-II); 1 (2%) schwannoma (WHO Grade-I); 1 (2%) neurofibroma (WHO Grade-I) and 1 (2%) lipoma (WHO Grade-I). Astrocytic tumours are the most common central nervous system tumours in paediatric age group and high grade lesions (WHO Grade-IV) constitute the largest category (45.3%).

Automated egg grading system using computer vision: Investigation on weight measure versus shape parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasir, Ahmad Fakhri Ab; Suhaila Sabarudin, Siti; Majeed, Anwar P. P. Abdul; Ghani, Ahmad Shahrizan Abdul

2018-04-01

Chicken egg is a source of food of high demand by humans. Human operators cannot work perfectly and continuously when conducting egg grading. Instead of an egg grading system using weight measure, an automatic system for egg grading using computer vision (using egg shape parameter) can be used to improve the productivity of egg grading. However, early hypothesis has indicated that more number of egg classes will change when using egg shape parameter compared with using weight measure. This paper presents the comparison of egg classification by the two above-mentioned methods. Firstly, 120 images of chicken eggs of various grades (A–D) produced in Malaysia are captured. Then, the egg images are processed using image pre-processing techniques, such as image cropping, smoothing and segmentation. Thereafter, eight egg shape features, including area, major axis length, minor axis length, volume, diameter and perimeter, are extracted. Lastly, feature selection (information gain ratio) and feature extraction (principal component analysis) are performed using k-nearest neighbour classifier in the classification process. Two methods, namely, supervised learning (using weight measure as graded by egg supplier) and unsupervised learning (using egg shape parameters as graded by ourselves), are conducted to execute the experiment. Clustering results reveal many changes in egg classes after performing shape-based grading. On average, the best recognition results using shape-based grading label is 94.16% while using weight-based label is 44.17%. As conclusion, automated egg grading system using computer vision is better by implementing shape-based features since it uses image meanwhile the weight parameter is more suitable by using weight grading system.

When does a system become phonological? Handshape production in gesturers, signers, and homesigners

PubMed Central

Coppola, Marie; Mazzoni, Laura; Goldin-Meadow, Susan

2013-01-01

Sign languages display remarkable crosslinguistic consistencies in the use of handshapes. In particular, handshapes used in classifier predicates display a consistent pattern in finger complexity: classifier handshapes representing objects display more finger complexity than those representing how objects are handled. Here we explore the conditions under which this morphophonological phenomenon arises. In Study 1, we ask whether hearing individuals in Italy and the United States, asked to communicate using only their hands, show the same pattern of finger complexity found in the classifier handshapes of two sign languages: Italian Sign Language (LIS) and American Sign Language (ASL). We find that they do not: gesturers display more finger complexity in handling handshapes than in object handshapes. The morphophonological pattern found in conventional sign languages is therefore not a codified version of the pattern invented by hearing individuals on the spot. In Study 2, we ask whether continued use of gesture as a primary communication system results in a pattern that is more similar to the morphophonological pattern found in conventional sign languages or to the pattern found in gesturers. Homesigners have not acquired a signed or spoken language and instead use a self-generated gesture system to communicate with their hearing family members and friends. We find that homesigners pattern more like signers than like gesturers: their finger complexity in object handshapes is higher than that of gesturers (indeed as high as signers); and their finger complexity in handling handshapes is lower than that of gesturers (but not quite as low as signers). Generally, our findings indicate two markers of the phonologization of handshape in sign languages: increasing finger complexity in object handshapes, and decreasing finger complexity in handling handshapes. These first indicators of phonology appear to be present in individuals developing a gesture system without benefit of a linguistic community. Finally, we propose that iconicity, morphology and phonology each play an important role in the system of sign language classifiers to create the earliest markers of phonology at the morphophonological interface. PMID:23723534

[Neuroendocrine neoplasm of digestive system with different grades: a clinicopathologic and prognostic study].

PubMed

Zhang, Ming-hui; Liu, Yan-hui; Luo, Xin-lan; Lin, Xing-tao; Zhuang, Heng-guo

2012-07-01

To study the clinicopathologic and prognostic features of neuroendocrine neoplasm of digestive system with different grades. The clinicopathologic features of 139 cases of neuroendocrine neoplasm occurring in digestive system were retrospectively reviewed and graded according to the 2010 World Health Organization classification of tumours of the digestive system. Immunohistochemical study for synaptophysin, chromogranin A and Ki-67 was carried out. The follow-up and survival data were analysed using Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were tested by Log-rank testing and independent risk factors were analysed using Cox regression model. Amongst the 139 cases studied, there were 88 cases (63.3%) of grade 1 tumors, 9 cases (6.5%) of grade 2 tumors and 42 cases (30.2%) of grade 3 tumors. There was diffusely positive staining for synaptophysin and chromogranin A in most of the grade 1 and grade 2 tumors. The staining in grade 3 tumors however was focal (P < 0.05). The differences in tumor size, depth of invasion, presence of tumor emboli, perineural permeation, nodal involvement, distant metastasis and survival rate amongst the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There is significant difference in the clinicopathologic and prognostic features of neuroendocrine neoplasm of digestive system with different grades. It is considered as an independent prognostic factor and represents a useful tool for prognostic evaluation of such tumors, both in clinical practice and research.

Diagnostic accuracy of pre-treatment biopsy for grading cutaneous mast cell tumours in dogs.

PubMed

Shaw, T; Kudnig, S T; Firestone, S M

2018-06-01

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are common tumours of the canine skin, and are estimated to represent up to 20% of all skin tumours in dogs. Tumour grade has a major impact on the incidence of local recurrence and metastatic potential. In addition to helping the clinician with surgical planning, knowledge of the tumour grade also assists in proper prognostication and client education. For pre-treatment biopsies to be useful, there must exist a high level of correlation between the histopathological grade obtained from the pre-treatment biopsy and the actual histopathological grade from the excisional biopsy. The aim of this study was to determine concordance of tumour grade between various biopsy techniques (wedge, punch, needle core) and the "gold standard" excisional biopsy method. We found an overall concordance rate of 96% based on the Patnaik grading system, and an overall concordance rate of 92% based on the Kiupel grading system. The accuracy of the various biopsy techniques (wedge, punch and needle core) when compared with excisional biopsy was 92%, 100% and 100%, respectively, based on the Patnaik grading system, and 90%, 95% and 100%, respectively, based on the Kiupel grading system. Of the cases with discordant results, the pre-treatment biopsies tended to underestimate the grade of the tumour. Based on these results, we conclude that pre-treatment biopsies are sufficiently accurate for differentiating low-grade from high-grade MCTs, regardless of biopsy technique or tumour location. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

On the linguistic status of ‘agreement’ in sign languages

PubMed Central

LILLO-MARTIN, DIANE; MEIER, RICHARD P.

2013-01-01

In signed languages, the arguments of verbs can be marked by a system of verbal modification that has been termed “agreement” (more neutrally, “directionality”). Fundamental issues regarding directionality remain unresolved and the phenomenon has characteristics that call into question its analysis as agreement. We conclude that directionality marks person in American Sign Language, and the ways person marking interacts with syntactic phenomena are largely analogous to morpho-syntactic properties of familiar agreement systems. Overall, signed languages provide a crucial test for how gestural and linguistic mechanisms can jointly contribute to the satisfaction of fundamental aspects of linguistic structure. PMID:23495262

The detection of 4 vital signs of in-patients Using fuzzy database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haris Rangkuti, A.; Erlisa Rasjid, Zulfany

2014-03-01

Actually in order to improve in the performance of the Hospital's administrator, by serve patients effectively and efficiently, the role of information technology become the dominant support. Especially when it comes to patient's conditions, such that it will be reported to a physician as soon as possible, including monitoring the patient's conditions regularly. For this reason it is necessary to have a Hospital Monitoring Information System, that is able to provide information about the patient's condition which is based on the four vital signs, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. To monitor the 4 vital signs, the concept of fuzzy logic is used, where the vital signs number approaches 1 then the patient is close to recovery, and on the contrary, when the vital signs number approaches 0 then the patient still has problems. This system also helps nurses to provide answers to the relatives of patients, who wants to know the development of the patient's condition, including the recovery percentage based on the average of Fuzzy max from the 4 vital signs. Using Fuzzy-based monitoring system, the monitoring of the patient's condition becomes simpler and easier.

Road sign recognition with fuzzy adaptive pre-processing models.

PubMed

Lin, Chien-Chuan; Wang, Ming-Shi

2012-01-01

A road sign recognition system based on adaptive image pre-processing models using two fuzzy inference schemes has been proposed. The first fuzzy inference scheme is to check the changes of the light illumination and rich red color of a frame image by the checking areas. The other is to check the variance of vehicle's speed and angle of steering wheel to select an adaptive size and position of the detection area. The Adaboost classifier was employed to detect the road sign candidates from an image and the support vector machine technique was employed to recognize the content of the road sign candidates. The prohibitory and warning road traffic signs are the processing targets in this research. The detection rate in the detection phase is 97.42%. In the recognition phase, the recognition rate is 93.04%. The total accuracy rate of the system is 92.47%. For video sequences, the best accuracy rate is 90.54%, and the average accuracy rate is 80.17%. The average computing time is 51.86 milliseconds per frame. The proposed system can not only overcome low illumination and rich red color around the road sign problems but also offer high detection rates and high computing performance.

Broken selection rule in the quantum Rabi model

PubMed Central

Forn-Díaz, P.; Romero, G.; Harmans, C. J. P. M.; Solano, E.; Mooij, J. E.

2016-01-01

Understanding the interaction between light and matter is very relevant for fundamental studies of quantum electrodynamics and for the development of quantum technologies. The quantum Rabi model captures the physics of a single atom interacting with a single photon at all regimes of coupling strength. We report the spectroscopic observation of a resonant transition that breaks a selection rule in the quantum Rabi model, implemented using an LC resonator and an artificial atom, a superconducting qubit. The eigenstates of the system consist of a superposition of bare qubit-resonator states with a relative sign. When the qubit-resonator coupling strength is negligible compared to their own frequencies, the matrix element between excited eigenstates of different sign is very small in presence of a resonator drive, establishing a sign-preserving selection rule. Here, our qubit-resonator system operates in the ultrastrong coupling regime, where the coupling strength is 10% of the resonator frequency, allowing sign-changing transitions to be activated and, therefore, detected. This work shows that sign-changing transitions are an unambiguous, distinctive signature of systems operating in the ultrastrong coupling regime of the quantum Rabi model. These results pave the way to further studies of sign-preserving selection rules in multiqubit and multiphoton models. PMID:27273346

Road Sign Recognition with Fuzzy Adaptive Pre-Processing Models

PubMed Central

Lin, Chien-Chuan; Wang, Ming-Shi

2012-01-01

A road sign recognition system based on adaptive image pre-processing models using two fuzzy inference schemes has been proposed. The first fuzzy inference scheme is to check the changes of the light illumination and rich red color of a frame image by the checking areas. The other is to check the variance of vehicle's speed and angle of steering wheel to select an adaptive size and position of the detection area. The Adaboost classifier was employed to detect the road sign candidates from an image and the support vector machine technique was employed to recognize the content of the road sign candidates. The prohibitory and warning road traffic signs are the processing targets in this research. The detection rate in the detection phase is 97.42%. In the recognition phase, the recognition rate is 93.04%. The total accuracy rate of the system is 92.47%. For video sequences, the best accuracy rate is 90.54%, and the average accuracy rate is 80.17%. The average computing time is 51.86 milliseconds per frame. The proposed system can not only overcome low illumination and rich red color around the road sign problems but also offer high detection rates and high computing performance. PMID:22778650

Central nervous system decompression sickness and venous gas emboli in hypobaric conditions.

PubMed

Balldin, Ulf I; Pilmanis, Andrew A; Webb, James T

2004-11-01

Altitude decompression sickness (DCS) that involves the central nervous system (CNS) is a rare but potentially serious condition. Identification of early symptoms and signs of this condition might improve treatment. We studied data from 26 protocols carried out in our laboratory over the period 1983-2003; all were designed to provoke DCS in a substantial proportion of subjects. The data set included 2843 cases. We classified subject-exposures that resulted in DCS as: 1) neurological DCS of peripheral and/or central origin (NEURO); 2) a subset of those that involved only the CNS (CNS); and 3) all other cases, i.e., DCS cases that did not have a neurological component (OTHER). For each case, echo imaging data were used to document whether venous gas emboli (VGE) were present, and their level was classified as: 1) any level, i.e., Grade 1 or higher (VGE-1); and 2) high level, Grade 4 (VGE-4). There were 1108 cases of altitude DCS in the database; 218 were classified as NEURO and 49 of those as CNS. VGE-1 were recorded in 83.8% of OTHER compared with 58.7% of NEURO and 55.1% of CNS (both p < 0.001 compared with OTHER). The corresponding values for VGE-4 were 48.8%, 37.0%, and 34.7% (p < 0.001, compared to OTHER). Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) was used to treat about half of the CNS cases, while all other cases were treated with 2 h breathing 100% oxygen at ground level. Since only about half of the rare cases of hypobaric CNS DCS cases were accompanied by any level of VGE, echo imaging for bubbles may have limited application for use as a predictor of such cases.

Clinicopathological findings and five year survival rates for patients with central nervous system tumors in Yazd, Iran.

PubMed

Zahir, Shokouh Taghipour; Vakili, Mahmood; Navabii, Hossein; Rahmani, Koorosh

2014-01-01

The incidence rate of brain tumors has increased more than 40% in the past 20 years, especially in adults. We aimed to study the clinical and pathological findings of central nervous system (CNS) tumor patients and to evaluate their 5 year survival rates. The archives of all patients with CNS tumors in 6 health care centers in Yazd, Iran, from 2006 to 2013, were studied. Patients data were extracted using a checklist which included age, sex, date of reference and diagnosis, date of death, clinical signs, radiography findings, pathology report, size and location of tumor, patient treatment and grade of tumor. A total of 306 patient records were studied in the 8 year period. The most prevalent type of tumor was astrocytoma (n=113, 36.9%). The frequency of almost all tumor types was statistically higher in male patients (p=0.025). In most cases surgery with radiotherapy was the treatment of choice (49.3%). The most frequent symptom reported was headache (in 60.8% of patients) followed by convulsions (15.7%). Most of the tumors were located in the right hemisphere (46.1%) and the frontal and parietal lobe (26% and 12%, respectively). Radiography findings displayed edema with a nonhomogeneous lesion in majority of the patients (87%). The survival fraction of the patients with malignant tumors decreased over time (0.807 in the first year and 0.358 at the end of the 5th year). Astrocytoma was the more common CNS tumor with male predominance. Overall survival rates of malignant tumors decreased over time and this was in relation with tumor grade.

Student and Faculty Perceptions of Plus/Minus Grading and Its Effect on Course Grade Point Averages

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edgar, Leslie D.; Johnson, Donald M.; Graham, Donna L.; Dixon, Bruce L.

2014-01-01

In fall 2005, the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas authorized the optional use of a plus/minus grading system. Since 2005, approximately one-half of courses have been graded using plus/minus and one-half using the straight letter grade system. This study examined student (n = 338) and…

Magnetic resonance imaging of pelvic endometriosis.

PubMed

Méndez Fernández, R; Barrera Ortega, J

Endometriosis is common in women of reproductive age; it can cause pelvic pain and infertility. It is important to diagnose endometriosis and to thoroughly evaluate its extension, especially when surgical treatment is being considered. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with careful examination technique and interpretation enables more accurate and complete diagnosis and staging than ultrasonography, especially in cases of deep pelvic endometriosis. Furthermore, MRI can identify implants in sites that can be difficult to access in endoscopic or laparoscopic explorations. In this article, we describe the appropriate MRI protocol for the study of pelvic endometriosis and the MRI signs of pelvic organ involvement. It is necessary to know the subtle findings and to look for them so we can ensure that they are not overlooked. We describe clinical grading systems for endometriosis and review the diagnostic efficacy of MRI in comparison with other imaging techniques and surgery. Copyright © 2017 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Pericardial Effusion and Pericardiocentesis: Role of Echocardiography

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Pericardial effusion can develop from any pericardial disease, including pericarditis and several systemic disorders, such as malignancies, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic renal failure, thyroid diseases, and autoimmune diseases. The causes of large pericardial effusion requiring invasive pericardiocentesis may vary according to the time, country, and hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most important tool for diagnosis, grading, the pericardiocentesis procedure, and follow up of pericardial effusion. Cardiac tamponade is a kind of cardiogenic shock and medical emergency. Clinicians should understand the tamponade physiology, especially because it can develop without large pericardial effusion. In addition, clinicians should correlate the echocardiographic findings of tamponade, such as right ventricular collapse, right atrial collapse, and respiratory variation of mitral and tricuspid flow, with clinical signs of clinical tamponade, such as hypotension or pulsus paradoxus. Percutaneous pericardiocentesis has been the most useful procedure in many cases of large pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, or pericardial effusion of unknown etiology. The procedure should be performed with the guidance of echocardiography. PMID:23236323

I'm scared to go to School! Capturing the Effects of Chronic Daily Fears on Students' Concept of Self.

PubMed

Lange, Rense; Martinez-Garrido, Cynthia; Ventura, Alexandre

Students may experience considerable fear and stress in school settings, and based on Dweck's (2006) notion of "mindset" we hypothesized that fear introduces qualitative changes in students' self-concepts. Hypotheses were tested on 3847 third-grade students from nine Iberoamerican countries (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Spain, and Venezuela), who completed Murillo's (2007) adaptation of Marsh' (1988) SDQ-I. Rasch scaling indicated that the information-content of High-Fear students' ratings was more localized across the latent dimension than was that of Low-Fear students, and their ratings also showed less cognitive variety. The resulting measurement distortions could be captured via logistic regression over the ratings' residuals. Also, using training and validation samples (with respectively 60 and 40% of all cases), it proved possible to predict students' fear levels and their gender. We see the present findings as a first step towards implementing an online warning and detection system for signs of bullying among students.

Relationship of the Van Herick Grading System with Peripheral Iris Configuration and Level of Iris Insertion.

PubMed

Khan, Faisal Aziz; Niazi, Shafaq Pervez Khan; Khan, Assad Zaman

2017-09-01

To determine the relationship of the van Herick angle grading system with the level of iris insertion and peripheral iris configuration. Observational study. Eye department, Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt., Karachi, from May to October 2015. Sixty-five eyes of 65 patients were recruited. Anterior chamber depth at the temporal limbus was measured as a fraction of corneal section thickness using van Herick technique and graded on the standard 4-point scale of the van Herick grading system. Gonioscopy of the temporal quadrant was performed with a Posner 4 mirror goniolens and both the true level of iris insertion and peripheral iris configuration were recorded on a 4-point scale so as to equate with the van Herick 4-point grading system. Spearman's rho test was applied to determine the relationship of the van Herick grading system with level of iris root insertion and peripheral iris configuration. Amoderate positive correlation between van Herick grade and peripheral iris configuration was found which was statistically significant (rs=0.42, p < 0.001). Astatistically significant and moderate positive correlation was also detected between van Herick grade and the level of iris insertion (rs=0.45, p < 0.001). The van Herick grade has a moderately positive relationship with the peripheral iris configuration and true level of iris insertion.

Smart sign enhancement, phase 2 : final report, September 2007.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-09-01

An on line ordering system, called Smart Sign Ordering System (SSOS), was : developed by The University of Akron for Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) : in 2004. Driven by the demand of managing planning, fabrication, packaging and : delivery,...

Evaluation of the Historic Triangle Wayfinding Sign System.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

The "Historic Triangle" in Virginia is named for the historic areas comprising and surrounding Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, Virginia. A Historic Triangle Wayfinding Sign System was designed to lead travelers from I-64 to historic sites in W...

The 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Consensus Conference on Gleason Grading of Prostatic Carcinoma: Definition of Grading Patterns and Proposal for a New Grading System.

PubMed

Epstein, Jonathan I; Egevad, Lars; Amin, Mahul B; Delahunt, Brett; Srigley, John R; Humphrey, Peter A

2016-02-01

In November, 2014, 65 prostate cancer pathology experts, along with 17 clinicians including urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists from 19 different countries gathered in a consensus conference to update the grading of prostate cancer, last revised in 2005. The major conclusions were: (1) Cribriform glands should be assigned a Gleason pattern 4, regardless of morphology; (2) Glomeruloid glands should be assigned a Gleason pattern 4, regardless of morphology; (3) Grading of mucinous carcinoma of the prostate should be based on its underlying growth pattern rather than grading them all as pattern 4; and (4) Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate without invasive carcinoma should not be assigned a Gleason grade and a comment as to its invariable association with aggressive prostate cancer should be made. Regarding morphologies of Gleason patterns, there was clear consensus on: (1) Gleason pattern 4 includes cribriform, fused, and poorly formed glands; (2) The term hypernephromatoid cancer should not be used; (3) For a diagnosis of Gleason pattern 4, it needs to be seen at 10x lens magnification; (4) Occasional/seemingly poorly formed or fused glands between well-formed glands is insufficient for a diagnosis of pattern 4; (5) In cases with borderline morphology between Gleason pattern 3 and pattern 4 and crush artifacts, the lower grade should be favored; (6) Branched glands are allowed in Gleason pattern 3; (7) Small solid cylinders represent Gleason pattern 5; (8) Solid medium to large nests with rosette-like spaces should be considered to represent Gleason pattern 5; and (9) Presence of unequivocal comedonecrosis, even if focal is indicative of Gleason pattern 5. It was recognized by both pathologists and clinicians that despite the above changes, there were deficiencies with the Gleason system. The Gleason grading system ranges from 2 to 10, yet 6 is the lowest score currently assigned. When patients are told that they have a Gleason score 6 out of 10, it implies that their prognosis is intermediate and contributes to their fear of having a more aggressive cancer. Also, in the literature and for therapeutic purposes, various scores have been incorrectly grouped together with the assumption that they have a similar prognosis. For example, many classification systems consider Gleason score 7 as a single score without distinguishing 3+4 versus 4+3, despite studies showing significantly worse prognosis for the latter. The basis for a new grading system was proposed in 2013 by one of the authors (J.I.E.) based on data from Johns Hopkins Hospital resulting in 5 prognostically distinct Grade Groups. This new system was validated in a multi-institutional study of over 20,000 radical prostatectomy specimens, over 16,000 needle biopsy specimens, and over 5,000 biopsies followed by radiation therapy. There was broad (90%) consensus for the adoption of this new prostate cancer Grading system in the 2014 consensus conference based on: (1) the new classification provided more accurate stratification of tumors than the current system; (2) the classification simplified the number of grading categories from Gleason scores 2 to 10, with even more permutations based on different pattern combinations, to Grade Groups 1 to 5; (3) the lowest grade is 1 not 6 as in Gleason, with the potential to reduce overtreatment of indolent cancer; and (4) the current modified Gleason grading, which forms the basis for the new grade groups, bears little resemblance to the original Gleason system. The new grades would, for the foreseeable future, be used in conjunction with the Gleason system [ie. Gleason score 3+3=6 (Grade Group 1)]. The new grading system and the terminology Grade Groups 1-5 have also been accepted by the World Health Organization for the 2016 edition of Pathology and Genetics: Tumours of the Urinary System and Male Genital Organs.

Mash evaluation of TxDOT high-mounting-height temporary work zone sign support system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-02-01

The objective of this research was to develop a nonproprietary, lightweight, crashworthy, temporary work-zone single sign support for use with an aluminum sign substrate. The device is intended to meet the evaluation criteria in American Association ...

In-Vehicle Signing Functions of an In-Vehicle Information System

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

The definition of In-Vehicle Signing (IVS) functions was guided by the principles of traffic engineering as they apply to the design and placement of roadway signs. Because of the dynamic and active nature of computing, communications, and display te...

An analytic survey of signing inventory procedures in Virginia.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-01-01

An analytic survey was made of the highway signing and sign-maintenance inventory systems in each of the districts of the Virginia Department of Highways. Of particular concern in reviewing the procedures was the format of the inventory forms, the ap...

Clinical implications and applications of the twinkling sign in ureteral calculus: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Sharma, Gyanendra; Sharma, Anshu

2013-06-01

Twinkling is an artifact seen on color Doppler ultrasound as a rapidly changing mixture of red and blue behind a stationary echogenic structure. We studied the presence or absence of this artifact in ureteral calculi detected on ultrasound and correlated it with clinical parameters. We evaluated 284 ureteral calculi seen on color Doppler ultrasound. The twinkling artifact was graded as 0 to 2 and correlated with the presence or absence of pain, symptom duration, degree of hydronephrosis and passage of a Glidewire® guidewire across the ureteral calculus during ureterorenoscopy. The presence or absence of twinkling was not associated with the degree of hydronephrosis. Twinkling was absent in 92% of patients with significant pain and grade 2 twinkling was seen in 69.5% without significant pain. Twinkling was dominantly absent in patients with a recent colic episode, while 77% who presented 2 to 15 days after a colic episode had grade 2 twinkling. The guidewire was difficult to pass in cases with absent twinkling compared to those with grade 2 twinkling, in which the guidewire and ureteral catheter crossed the calculus easily. Absent twinkling is associated with significant pain, a recent colic episode and difficult guidewire passage across the calculus. These findings suggest that absent twinkling implies significant obstruction, while its presence indicates no significant obstruction. Copyright © 2013 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Achieving interlocking nails without using an image intensifier

PubMed Central

Ogunlusi, Johnson D.; Ine, Henry R.

2006-01-01

Interlocking nails are commonly performed using an image intensifier. These are expensive and are not readily available in most resource-poor countries of the world. The aim of this study was to achieve interlocking nailing without the use of an image intensifier. This is a prospective descriptive analysis of 40 consecutive cases seen with shaft fractures of the humerus, femur, and tibia. Fracture fixation was done using Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nails. Forty limbs in 34 patients were studied. There were 12 females and 22 males, giving a ratio of 1:2. The mean age (years) was 35.75±13.16 and the range was 17–70 years. The studied bones were: humerus 10%, femur 65%, and tibia 25%. The fracture lines were: transverse 40%, oblique 15%, and communited 45%. Fracture grades were: closed 90%, grade I, 5%, grade II, 2.5%, and grade IIIA, 2.5%. Surgical approaches were: antegrade 62.5% and retrograde 37.5%. Indications for fixation were: recent fracture 92.5%, non-union 5%, and malunion 3%. Methods of reductions were: open 85% and closed 15%. The mean follow-up period (years) was 1.50±0.78. The union time averaged 3 months. Complication was mainly screw loosening due to severe osteoporoses in one case. It is, therefore, concluded that, with the aid of external jigs and slot finders, interlocking can be achieved without an image intensifier. PMID:17039384

Spinal accessory nerve to triceps muscle transfer using long autologous nerve grafts for recovery of elbow extension in traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

PubMed

Bulstra, Liselotte F; Rbia, Nadia; Kircher, Michelle F; Spinner, Robert J; Bishop, Allen T; Shin, Alexander Y

2017-12-08

OBJECTIVE Reconstructive options for brachial plexus lesions continue to expand and improve. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and quality of restored elbow extension in patients with brachial plexus injuries who underwent transfer of the spinal accessory nerve to the motor branch of the radial nerve to the long head of the triceps muscle with an intervening autologous nerve graft and to identify patient and injury factors that influence functional triceps outcome. METHODS A total of 42 patients were included in this retrospective review. All patients underwent transfer of the spinal accessory nerve to the motor branch of the radial nerve to the long head of the triceps muscle as part of their reconstruction plan after brachial plexus injury. The primary outcome was elbow extension strength according to the modified Medical Research Council muscle grading scale, and signs of triceps muscle recovery were recorded using electromyography. RESULTS When evaluating the entire study population (follow-up range 12-45 months, mean 24.3 months), 52.4% of patients achieved meaningful recovery. More specifically, 45.2% reached Grade 0 or 1 recovery, 19.1% obtained Grade 2, and 35.7% improved to Grade 3 or better. The presence of a vascular injury impaired functional outcome. In the subgroup with a minimum follow-up of 20 months (n = 26), meaningful recovery was obtained by 69.5%. In this subgroup, 7.7% had no recovery (Grade 0), 19.2% had recovery to Grade 1, and 23.1% had recovery to Grade 2. Grade 3 or better was reached by 50% of patients, of whom 34.5% obtained Grade 4 elbow extension. CONCLUSIONS Transfer of the spinal accessory nerve to the radial nerve branch to the long head of the triceps muscle with an interposition nerve graft is an adequate option for restoration of elbow extension, despite the relatively long time required for reinnervation. The presence of vascular injury impairs functional recovery of the triceps muscle, and the use of shorter nerve grafts is recommended when and if possible.

The World Health Organization 1973 classification system for grade is an important prognosticator in T1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

PubMed

van de Putte, Elisabeth E Fransen; Bosschieter, Judith; van der Kwast, Theo H; Bertz, Simone; Denzinger, Stefan; Manach, Quentin; Compérat, Eva M; Boormans, Joost L; Jewett, Michael A S; Stoehr, Robert; van Leenders, Geert J L H; Nieuwenhuijzen, Jakko A; Zlotta, Alexandre R; Hendricksen, Kees; Rouprêt, Morgan; Otto, Wolfgang; Burger, Maximilian; Hartmann, Arndt; van Rhijn, Bas W G

2018-04-10

To compare the prognostic value of the World Health Organization (WHO) 1973 and 2004 classification systems for grade in T1 bladder cancer (T1-BC), as both are currently recommended in international guidelines. Three uro-pathologists re-revised slides of 601 primary (first diagnosis) T1-BCs, initially managed conservatively (bacille Calmette-Guérin) in four hospitals. Grade was defined according to WHO1973 (Grade 1-3) and WHO2004 (low-grade [LG] and high-grade [HG]). This resulted in a lack of Grade 1 tumours, 188 (31%) Grade 2, and 413 (69%) Grade 3 tumours. There were 47 LG (8%) vs 554 (92%) HG tumours. We determined the prognostic value for progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in Cox-regression models and corrected for age, sex, multiplicity, size and concomitant carcinoma in situ. At a median follow-up of 5.9 years, 148 patients showed progression and 94 died from BC. The WHO1973 Grade 3 was negatively associated with PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.1) and CSS (HR 3.4), whilst WHO2004 grade was not prognostic. On multivariable analysis, WHO1973 grade was the only prognostic factor for progression (HR 2.0). Grade 3 tumours (HR 3.0), older age (HR 1.03) and tumour size >3 cm (HR 1.8) were all independently associated with worse CSS. The WHO1973 classification system for grade has strong prognostic value in T1-BC, compared to the WHO2004 system. Our present results suggest that WHO1973 grade cannot be replaced by the WHO2004 classification in non-muscle-invasive BC guidelines. © 2018 The Authors BJU International © 2018 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of liver fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis.

PubMed

D'Onofrio, Mirko; Martone, Enrico; Brunelli, Silvia; Faccioli, Niccolò; Zamboni, Giulia; Zagni, Irene; Fattovich, Giovanna; Pozzi Mucelli, Roberto

2005-10-01

To assess the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) in the identification and grading of hepatic fibrosis in patients afflicted with chronic viral liver disease, compared to histological examination as a gold standard. We prospectively studied 105 patients (32 F, 73 M) affected by chronic viral liver disease in 36 months. Patients were studied with B-mode US and then underwent US-guided liver biopsy. All the patients were studied with conventional US with a Sequoia 512, 6.0 (Acuson, Mountain View CA, USA). We evaluated the following US parameters: liver margins, parenchymal echotexture, portal vein caliber and spleen diameter. The four B-mode US parameters were used for the US grading (from 0 to 4). Scheuer's grading (from 0 to 4) was used for the histological score. Grades 3 and 4 were considered as positive for fibrosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were calculated in the case of absence, positivity of one or all the US parameters. The correlation between US and histological scores was evaluated with Spearman's test. At histology seventy-seven patients (73%) had absent grade 0 (1 patient; 1%), low-moderate grade 1 (35 patients; 33%) or grade 2 (41 patients; 39%) liver fibrosis. Twenty-eight patients (27%) had severe grade 3 (16 patients; 15%) or grade 4 (12 patients; 11%) fibrosis. In the case of absence of US parameters sensitivity was 32%, specificity 32%, positive predictive value 15%, negative predictive value 57% and accuracy 32%. In the case of positivity of at least one of the US parameters the values were 68%, 68%, 43%, 84% and 69%. In the case of presence of all the US signs the results were 25%, 100%, 100%, 79% and 80%. None of the 77 patients with a healthy liver or with low-grade fibrosis was positive for all the US parameters. All the patients positive for all of the ultrasonographic parameters had high-grade fibrosis or cirrhosis at liver biopsy. Correlation between B-mode and histological scores was not statistically significant (Rs=0.45; p=0.0001). US identification of liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease is possible with 25% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 79% negative predictive value, with an 80% diagnostic accuracy.

Real-Time (Vision-Based) Road Sign Recognition Using an Artificial Neural Network.

PubMed

Islam, Kh Tohidul; Raj, Ram Gopal

2017-04-13

Road sign recognition is a driver support function that can be used to notify and warn the driver by showing the restrictions that may be effective on the current stretch of road. Examples for such regulations are 'traffic light ahead' or 'pedestrian crossing' indications. The present investigation targets the recognition of Malaysian road and traffic signs in real-time. Real-time video is taken by a digital camera from a moving vehicle and real world road signs are then extracted using vision-only information. The system is based on two stages, one performs the detection and another one is for recognition. In the first stage, a hybrid color segmentation algorithm has been developed and tested. In the second stage, an introduced robust custom feature extraction method is used for the first time in a road sign recognition approach. Finally, a multilayer artificial neural network (ANN) has been created to recognize and interpret various road signs. It is robust because it has been tested on both standard and non-standard road signs with significant recognition accuracy. This proposed system achieved an average of 99.90% accuracy with 99.90% of sensitivity, 99.90% of specificity, 99.90% of f-measure, and 0.001 of false positive rate (FPR) with 0.3 s computational time. This low FPR can increase the system stability and dependability in real-time applications.

Effect of predictive sign of acceleration on heart rate variability in passive translation situation: preliminary evidence using visual and vestibular stimuli in VR environment

PubMed Central

Watanabe, Hiroshi; Teramoto, Wataru; Umemura, Hiroyuki

2007-01-01

Objective We studied the effects of the presentation of a visual sign that warned subjects of acceleration around the yaw and pitch axes in virtual reality (VR) on their heart rate variability. Methods Synchronization of the immersive virtual reality equipment (CAVE) and motion base system generated a driving scene and provided subjects with dynamic and wide-ranging depth information and vestibular input. The heart rate variability of 21 subjects was measured while the subjects observed a simulated driving scene for 16 minutes under three different conditions. Results When the predictive sign of the acceleration appeared 3500 ms before the acceleration, the index of the activity of the autonomic nervous system (low/high frequency ratio; LF/HF ratio) of subjects did not change much, whereas when no sign appeared the LF/HF ratio increased over the observation time. When the predictive sign of the acceleration appeared 750 ms before the acceleration, no systematic change occurred. Conclusion The visual sign which informed subjects of the acceleration affected the activity of the autonomic nervous system when it appeared long enough before the acceleration. Also, our results showed the importance of the interval between the sign and the event and the relationship between the gradual representation of events and their quantity. PMID:17903267

Real-Time (Vision-Based) Road Sign Recognition Using an Artificial Neural Network

PubMed Central

Islam, Kh Tohidul; Raj, Ram Gopal

2017-01-01

Road sign recognition is a driver support function that can be used to notify and warn the driver by showing the restrictions that may be effective on the current stretch of road. Examples for such regulations are ‘traffic light ahead’ or ‘pedestrian crossing’ indications. The present investigation targets the recognition of Malaysian road and traffic signs in real-time. Real-time video is taken by a digital camera from a moving vehicle and real world road signs are then extracted using vision-only information. The system is based on two stages, one performs the detection and another one is for recognition. In the first stage, a hybrid color segmentation algorithm has been developed and tested. In the second stage, an introduced robust custom feature extraction method is used for the first time in a road sign recognition approach. Finally, a multilayer artificial neural network (ANN) has been created to recognize and interpret various road signs. It is robust because it has been tested on both standard and non-standard road signs with significant recognition accuracy. This proposed system achieved an average of 99.90% accuracy with 99.90% of sensitivity, 99.90% of specificity, 99.90% of f-measure, and 0.001 of false positive rate (FPR) with 0.3 s computational time. This low FPR can increase the system stability and dependability in real-time applications. PMID:28406471

Neural systems supporting linguistic structure, linguistic experience, and symbolic communication in sign language and gesture.

PubMed

Newman, Aaron J; Supalla, Ted; Fernandez, Nina; Newport, Elissa L; Bavelier, Daphne

2015-09-15

Sign languages used by deaf communities around the world possess the same structural and organizational properties as spoken languages: In particular, they are richly expressive and also tightly grammatically constrained. They therefore offer the opportunity to investigate the extent to which the neural organization for language is modality independent, as well as to identify ways in which modality influences this organization. The fact that sign languages share the visual-manual modality with a nonlinguistic symbolic communicative system-gesture-further allows us to investigate where the boundaries lie between language and symbolic communication more generally. In the present study, we had three goals: to investigate the neural processing of linguistic structure in American Sign Language (using verbs of motion classifier constructions, which may lie at the boundary between language and gesture); to determine whether we could dissociate the brain systems involved in deriving meaning from symbolic communication (including both language and gesture) from those specifically engaged by linguistically structured content (sign language); and to assess whether sign language experience influences the neural systems used for understanding nonlinguistic gesture. The results demonstrated that even sign language constructions that appear on the surface to be similar to gesture are processed within the left-lateralized frontal-temporal network used for spoken languages-supporting claims that these constructions are linguistically structured. Moreover, although nonsigners engage regions involved in human action perception to process communicative, symbolic gestures, signers instead engage parts of the language-processing network-demonstrating an influence of experience on the perception of nonlinguistic stimuli.

Interactive Games with an Assistive Robotic System for Hearing-Impaired Children.

PubMed

Uluer, Pinar; Akalin, Neziha; Gurpinar, Cemal; Kose, Hatice

2017-01-01

This paper presents an assistive robotic system, which can recognize and express sign language words from a predefined set, within interactive games to communicate with and teach hearing-impaired children sign language. The robotic system uses audio, visual and tactile feedback for interaction with the children and the teacher/researcher.

A Prototype Greek Text to Greek Sign Language Conversion System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kouremenos, Dimitris; Fotinea, Stavroula-Evita; Efthimiou, Eleni; Ntalianis, Klimis

2010-01-01

In this article, a prototype Greek text to Greek Sign Language (GSL) conversion system is presented. The system is integrated into an educational platform that addresses the needs of teaching GSL grammar and was developed within the SYNENNOESE project (Efthimiou "et al." 2004a. Developing an e-learning platform for the Greek sign…

21 CFR 1311.55 - Requirements for systems used to process digitally signed orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... system must use either a user identification and password combination or biometric authentication to... and any other records required in part 1305 of this chapter, including any linked data. (10) The...) A system used to receive, verify, and create linked records for orders signed with a CSOS digital...

Cranial Chordoma: A New Preoperative Grading System.

PubMed

Brito da Silva, Harley; Straus, David; Barber, Jason K; Rostomily, Robert C; Ferreira, Manuel; Sekhar, Laligam N

2017-11-03

Chordomas are rare but challenging neoplasms involving the skull base. A preoperative grading system will be useful to identify both areas for treatment and risk factors, and correlate to the degree of resection, complications, and recurrence. To propose a new grading system for cranial chordomas designed by the senior author. Its purpose is to enable comparison of different tumors with a similar pathology to clivus chordoma, and statistically correlate with postoperative outcomes. The numerical grading system included tumor size, site of the tumor, vascular encasement, intradural extension, brainstem invasion, and recurrence of the tumor either after surgery or radiotherapy with a range of 2 to 25 points; it was used in 42 patients with cranial chordoma. The grading system was correlated with number of operations for resection, degree of resection, number and type of complications, recurrence, and survival. We found 3 groups: low-risk 0 to 7 points, intermediate-risk 8 to 12 points, and high-risk ≥13 points in the grading system. The 3 groups were correlated with the following: extent of resection (partial, subtotal, or complete; P < .002); number of operative stages to achieve removal (P < .014); tumor recurrence (P = .03); postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (P < .001); and with successful outcome (P = .005). The grading system itself correlated with the outcome (P = .005). The proposed chordoma grading system can help surgeons to predict the difficulty of the case and know which areas of the skull base will need attention to plan further therapy. © Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2017.

Neuropathic pain: an updated grading system for research and clinical practice.

PubMed

Finnerup, Nanna B; Haroutounian, Simon; Kamerman, Peter; Baron, Ralf; Bennett, David L H; Bouhassira, Didier; Cruccu, Giorgio; Freeman, Roy; Hansson, Per; Nurmikko, Turo; Raja, Srinivasa N; Rice, Andrew S C; Serra, Jordi; Smith, Blair H; Treede, Rolf-Detlef; Jensen, Troels S

2016-08-01

The redefinition of neuropathic pain as "pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system," which was suggested by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG) in 2008, has been widely accepted. In contrast, the proposed grading system of possible, probable, and definite neuropathic pain from 2008 has been used to a lesser extent. Here, we report a citation analysis of the original NeuPSIG grading paper of 2008, followed by an analysis of its use by an expert panel and recommendations for an improved grading system. As of February, 2015, 608 eligible articles in Scopus cited the paper, 414 of which cited the neuropathic pain definition. Of 220 clinical studies citing the paper, 56 had used the grading system. The percentage using the grading system increased from 5% in 2009 to 30% in 2014. Obstacles to a wider use of the grading system were identified, including (1) questions about the relative significance of confirmatory tests, (2) the role of screening tools, and (3) uncertainties about what is considered a neuroanatomically plausible pain distribution. Here, we present a revised grading system with an adjusted order, better reflecting clinical practice, improvements in the specifications, and a word of caution that even the "definite" level of neuropathic pain does not always indicate causality. In addition, we add a table illustrating the area of pain and sensory abnormalities in common neuropathic pain conditions and propose areas for further research.

Entanglement and the fermion sign problem in auxiliary field quantum Monte Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broecker, Peter; Trebst, Simon

2016-08-01

Quantum Monte Carlo simulations of fermions are hampered by the notorious sign problem whose most striking manifestation is an exponential growth of sampling errors with the number of particles. With the sign problem known to be an NP-hard problem and any generic solution thus highly elusive, the Monte Carlo sampling of interacting many-fermion systems is commonly thought to be restricted to a small class of model systems for which a sign-free basis has been identified. Here we demonstrate that entanglement measures, in particular the so-called Rényi entropies, can intrinsically exhibit a certain robustness against the sign problem in auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo approaches and possibly allow for the identification of global ground-state properties via their scaling behavior even in the presence of a strong sign problem. We corroborate these findings via numerical simulations of fermionic quantum phase transitions of spinless fermions on the honeycomb lattice at and below half filling.

Automatic Recognition of Road Signs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Yasuo; Kohashi, Yuuichirou; Ishikawa, Naoto; Nakajima, Masato

2002-11-01

The increase in traffic accidents is becoming a serious social problem with the recent rapid traffic increase. In many cases, the driver"s carelessness is the primary factor of traffic accidents, and the driver assistance system is demanded for supporting driver"s safety. In this research, we propose the new method of automatic detection and recognition of road signs by image processing. The purpose of this research is to prevent accidents caused by driver"s carelessness, and call attention to a driver when the driver violates traffic a regulation. In this research, high accuracy and the efficient sign detecting method are realized by removing unnecessary information except for a road sign from an image, and detect a road sign using shape features. At first, the color information that is not used in road signs is removed from an image. Next, edges except for circular and triangle ones are removed to choose sign shape. In the recognition process, normalized cross correlation operation is carried out to the two-dimensional differentiation pattern of a sign, and the accurate and efficient method for detecting the road sign is realized. Moreover, the real-time operation in a software base was realized by holding down calculation cost, maintaining highly precise sign detection and recognition. Specifically, it becomes specifically possible to process by 0.1 sec(s)/frame using a general-purpose PC (CPU: Pentium4 1.7GHz). As a result of in-vehicle experimentation, our system could process on real time and has confirmed that detection and recognition of a sign could be performed correctly.

Grading Practices and Distributions Across Internal Medicine Clerkships.

PubMed

Fazio, Sara B; Torre, Dario M; DeFer, Thomas M

2016-01-01

Clerkship evaluation and grading practices vary widely between U.S. medical schools. Grade inflation continues to exist, and grade distribution is likely to be different among U.S. medical schools. Increasing the number of available grades curtails "grade inflation." A national survey of all Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine members was administered in 2011. The authors assessed key aspects of grading. Response rate was 76%. Among clerkship directors (CDs), 61% of respondents agreed that grade inflation existed in the internal medicine clerkship at their school, and 43% believed that it helped students obtain better residency positions. With respect to grading practices, 79% of CDs define specific behaviors needed to achieve each grade, and 36% specify an ideal grade distribution. In addition, 44% have a trained core faculty responsible for evaluating students, 35% describe formal grading meetings, and 39% use the Reporter-Interpreter-Manager-Educator (RIME) scheme. Grading scales were described as follows: 4% utilize a pass/fail system, 13% a 3-tier (e.g., Honors/Pass/Fail), 45% 4-tier, 35% 5-tier, and 4% 6+-tier system. There was a trend to higher grades with more tiers available. Grade inflation continues in the internal medicine clerkship. Almost half of CDs feel that this practice assists students to obtain better residency positions. A minority of programs have a trained core faculty who are responsible for evaluation. About one third have formal grading meetings and use the RIME system; both have been associated with more robust and balanced grading practices. In particular, there is a wide variation between schools in the percentage of students who are awarded the highest grade, which has implications for residency applications. Downstream users of clinical clerkship grades must be fully aware of these variations in grading in order to appropriately judge medical student performance.

Signed language and human action processing: evidence for functional constraints on the human mirror-neuron system.

PubMed

Corina, David P; Knapp, Heather Patterson

2008-12-01

In the quest to further understand the neural underpinning of human communication, researchers have turned to studies of naturally occurring signed languages used in Deaf communities. The comparison of the commonalities and differences between spoken and signed languages provides an opportunity to determine core neural systems responsible for linguistic communication independent of the modality in which a language is expressed. The present article examines such studies, and in addition asks what we can learn about human languages by contrasting formal visual-gestural linguistic systems (signed languages) with more general human action perception. To understand visual language perception, it is important to distinguish the demands of general human motion processing from the highly task-dependent demands associated with extracting linguistic meaning from arbitrary, conventionalized gestures. This endeavor is particularly important because theorists have suggested close homologies between perception and production of actions and functions of human language and social communication. We review recent behavioral, functional imaging, and neuropsychological studies that explore dissociations between the processing of human actions and signed languages. These data suggest incomplete overlap between the mirror-neuron systems proposed to mediate human action and language.

On-line prediction of yield grade, longissimus muscle area, preliminary yield grade, adjusted preliminary yield grade, and marbling score using the MARC beef carcass image analysis system.

PubMed

Shackelford, S D; Wheeler, T L; Koohmaraie, M

2003-01-01

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the ability of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center's beef carcass image analysis system to predict calculated yield grade, longissimus muscle area, preliminary yield grade, adjusted preliminary yield grade, and marbling score under commercial beef processing conditions. In two commercial beef-processing facilities, image analysis was conducted on 800 carcasses on the beef-grading chain immediately after the conventional USDA beef quality and yield grades were applied. Carcasses were blocked by plant and observed calculated yield grade. The carcasses were then separated, with 400 carcasses assigned to a calibration data set that was used to develop regression equations, and the remaining 400 carcasses assigned to a prediction data set used to validate the regression equations. Prediction equations, which included image analysis variables and hot carcass weight, accounted for 90, 88, 90, 88, and 76% of the variation in calculated yield grade, longissimus muscle area, preliminary yield grade, adjusted preliminary yield grade, and marbling score, respectively, in the prediction data set. In comparison, the official USDA yield grade as applied by online graders accounted for 73% of the variation in calculated yield grade. The technology described herein could be used by the beef industry to more accurately determine beef yield grades; however, this system does not provide an accurate enough prediction of marbling score to be used without USDA grader interaction for USDA quality grading.

Cetuximab-induced skin exanthema: prophylactic and reactive skin therapy are equally effective.

PubMed

Wehler, Thomas C; Graf, Claudine; Möhler, Markus; Herzog, Jutta; Berger, Martin R; Gockel, Ines; Lang, Hauke; Theobald, Matthias; Galle, Peter R; Schimanski, Carl C

2013-10-01

Treatment with cetuximab is accompanied by the development of an acneiform follicular skin exanthema in more than 80 % of patients. Severe exanthema (grade III/IV) develops in about 9-19 % of patients with the necessity of cetuximab dose reduction or cessation. The study presented was a retrospective analysis of 50 gastrointestinal cancer patients treated with cetuximab in combination with either FOLFIRI or FOLFOX. One cohort of 15 patients received an in-house reactive skin protocol upon development of an exanthema. A second cohort of 15 patients received a skin prophylaxis starting with the first dose of cetuximab before clinical signs of toxicity. A third historic group of 20 patients had received no skin prophylaxis or reactive treatment. 19/20 patients of the historic group developed a skin exanthema. Grade III/IV exanthema was observed six times. Forty percent discontinued cetuximab therapy. The average time to exanthema onset was 14.7 days. Applying the reactive skin protocol after the first occurrence of an exanthema, the exanthema was downgraded as follows: No patients developed grade IV° exanthema, and two patients developed a grade II/III exanthema. In the majority of cases, the reactive skin protocol controlled the exanthema (grade 0-I°). No dose reductions in cetuximab were necessary. Applying the prophylactic skin protocol starting at the beginning of cetuximab application was not superior to the reactive skin protocol. Cetuximab-induced skin exanthema can be coped with a reactive protocol equally effective as compared to a prophylactic skin treatment. A prospective study with higher patient numbers is planned.

Investigation of the effects of graded models on the biomechanical behavior of a bone-dental implant system under osteoporotic conditions

PubMed Central

Li, Ying; Shuang Liu, Zhong; Ming Bai, Xiao; Zhang, Bin

2013-01-01

Objective: To investigate the effects of graded models on the biomechanical behavior of a bone-implant system under osteoporotic conditions. Methodology : A finite element model (FEM) of the jawbone segments with a titanium implant is used. Two types of models (a graded model and a non-graded model) are established. The graded model is established based on the graded variation of the elastic modulus of the cortical bone and the non-graded model is defined by homogeneous cortical bone. The vertical and oblique loads are adopted. The max von Mises stresses and the max displacements of the cortical bone are evaluated. Results: Comparing the two types of models, the difference in the maximum von Mises stresses of the cortical bone is more than 20%. The values of the maximum displacements in the graded models are considerably less than in the non-graded models. Conclusions: These results indicate the significance of taking into account the actual graded properties of the cortical bone so that the biomechanical behavior of the bone-implant system can be analyzed accurately. PMID:24353590

Investigation of the effects of graded models on the biomechanical behavior of a bone-dental implant system under osteoporotic conditions.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Shuang Liu, Zhong; Ming Bai, Xiao; Zhang, Bin

2013-04-01

To investigate the effects of graded models on the biomechanical behavior of a bone-implant system under osteoporotic conditions. Methodology : A finite element model (FEM) of the jawbone segments with a titanium implant is used. Two types of models (a graded model and a non-graded model) are established. The graded model is established based on the graded variation of the elastic modulus of the cortical bone and the non-graded model is defined by homogeneous cortical bone. The vertical and oblique loads are adopted. The max von Mises stresses and the max displacements of the cortical bone are evaluated. Comparing the two types of models, the difference in the maximum von Mises stresses of the cortical bone is more than 20%. The values of the maximum displacements in the graded models are considerably less than in the non-graded models. These results indicate the significance of taking into account the actual graded properties of the cortical bone so that the biomechanical behavior of the bone-implant system can be analyzed accurately.

The Effects of Framing Grades on Student Learning and Preferences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bies-Hernandez, Nicole J.

2012-01-01

Two experiments examined whether framing effects, in terms of losses and gains, can be extended to student learning and grading preferences. In Experiment 1, participants rated psychology course syllabi to investigate preferences for differently framed grading systems: a loss versus gain grading system. The results showed a clear framing effect…

Systematic Review of Anastomotic Leakage Rate According to an International Grading System Following Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

PubMed Central

Ye, Guang-Yao; Yu, Min-Hao; Gao, Yun-He; Li, Zhao-Shen; Yu, En-Da; Zhong, Ming

2013-01-01

Background A generally acceptable definition and a severity grading system for anastomotic leakages (ALs) following rectal resection were not available until 2010, when the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISGRC) proposed a definition and a grading system for AL. Methods A search for published data was performed using the MEDLINE database (2000 to December 5, 2012) to perform a systematic review of the studies that described AL, grade AL according to the grading system, pool data, and determine the average rate of AL for each grade after anterior resection (AR) for rectal cancer. Results A total of 930 abstracts were retrieved; 40 articles on AR, 25 articles on low AR (LAR), and 5 articles on ultralow AR (ULAR) were included in the review and analysis. The pooled overall AL rate of AR was 8.58% (2,085/24,288); the rate of the asymptomatic leakage (Grade A) was 2.57%, that of AL that required active intervention without relaparotomy (Grade B) was 2.37%, and that of AL that required relaparotomy (Grade C) was 5.40%. The pooled rate of AL that required relaparotomy was higher in AR (5.40%) than in LAR (4.70%) and in ULAR (1.81%), which could be attributed to the higher rate of protective defunctioning stoma in LAR (40.72%) and ULAR (63.44%) compared with that in AR (30.11%). Conclusions The new grading system is simple that the ALs of each grade can be easily extracted from past publications, therefore likely to be accepted and applied in future studies. PMID:24086552

Automated Grading of Rough Hardwood Lumber

Treesearch

Richard W. Conners; Tai-Hoon Cho; Philip A. Araman

1989-01-01

Any automatic hardwood grading system must have two components. The first of these is a computer vision system for locating and identifying defects on rough lumber. The second is a system for automatically grading boards based on the output of the computer vision system. This paper presents research results aimed at developing the first of these components. The...

Independent validation of the prognostic capacity of the ISUP prostate cancer grade grouping system for radiation treated patients with long-term follow-up.

PubMed

Spratt, D E; Jackson, W C; Abugharib, A; Tomlins, S A; Dess, R T; Soni, P D; Lee, J Y; Zhao, S G; Cole, A I; Zumsteg, Z S; Sandler, H; Hamstra, D; Hearn, J W; Palapattu, G; Mehra, R; Morgan, T M; Feng, F Y

2016-09-01

There has been a recent proposal to change the grading system of prostate cancer into a five-tier grade grouping system. The prognostic impact of this has been demonstrated in regards only to biochemical recurrence-free survival (bRFS) with short follow-up (3 years). Between 1990 and 2013, 847 consecutive men were treated with definitive external beam radiation therapy at a single academic center. To validate the new grade grouping system, bRFS, distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) and prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) were calculated. Adjusted Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the independent impact of the new grade grouping system. Discriminatory analyses were performed to compare the commonly used three-tier Gleason score system (6, 7 and 8-10) to the new system. The median follow-up of our cohort was 88 months. The 5-grade groups independently validated differing risks of bRFS (group 1 as reference; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.35, 2.16, 1.79 and 3.84 for groups 2-5, respectively). Furthermore, a clear stratification was demonstrated for DMFS (aHR 2.03, 3.18, 3.62 and 13.77 for groups 2-5, respectively) and PCSS (aHR 3.00, 5.32, 6.02 and 39.02 for groups 2-5, respectively). The 5-grade group system had improved prognostic discrimination for all end points compared with the commonly used three-tiered system (that is, Gleason score 6, 7 and 8-10). In a large independent radiotherapy cohort with long-term follow-up, we have validated the bRFS benefit of the proposed five-tier grade grouping system. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the system is highly prognostic for DMFS and PCSS. Grade group 5 had markedly worse outcomes for all end points, and future work is necessary to improve outcomes in these patients.

Mutation detection for inventories of traffic signs from street-level panoramic images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazelhoff, Lykele; Creusen, Ivo; De With, Peter H. N.

2014-03-01

Road safety is positively influenced by both adequate placement and optimal visibility of traffic signs. As their visibility degrades over time due to e.g. aging, vandalism, accidents and vegetation coverage, up-to-date inven­tories of traffic signs are highly attractive for preserving a high road safety. These inventories are performed in a semi-automatic fashion from street-level panoramic images, exploiting object detection and classification tech­niques. Next to performing inventories from scratch, these systems are also exploited for the efficient retrieval of situation changes by comparing the outcome of the automated system to a baseline inventory (e.g. performed in a previous year). This allows for specific manual interactions to the found changes, while skipping all unchanged situations, thereby resulting in a large efficiency gain. This work describes such a mutation detection approach, with special attention to re-identifying previously found signs. Preliminary results on a geographical area con­taining about 425 km of road show that 91.3% of the unchanged signs are re-identified, while the amount of found differences equals about 35% of the number of baseline signs. From these differences, about 50% correspond to physically changed traffic signs, next to false detections, misclassifications and missed signs. As a bonus, our approach directly results in the changed situations, which is beneficial for road sign maintenance.