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Technical Note (technical + note)
Selected AbstractsTechnical Note: Effect of contact lenses on measurement of the accommodation microfluctuationsOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 1 2008Mhairi Day Abstract Aim:, Dynamic measurement of accommodation in subjects with myopia usually involves recording through soft contact lenses (CLs) to correct the refractive error. Conversely, dynamic accommodation measurement in emmetropic control subjects is generally undertaken without any corrective lenses. The aim of this experiment was to determine whether CL correction affects the measurement of accommodation microfluctuations using infrared refractometry, and whether this needs to be considered in studies which attempt to compare accommodation responses between the two groups. Methods:, Ten young emmetropic subjects viewed a high contrast Maltese cross target monocularly using the right eye at a target vergence of 0 D. The subjects viewed the target under two conditions: with CL condition and without CL condition, where the subjects viewed the target with the eye only. Accommodation responses of the right eye were recorded continuously for 2 min at a sampling rate of 52 Hz using the Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 autorefractor. Results:, No significant difference (two-tailed paired t -test, t9 = ,1.499, p = 0.168) was found in mean accommodation response between the with CL (mean ± S.D. = ,0.02 ± 0.24 D) and without CL conditions (mean ± S.D. = +0.01 ± 0.25 D). No significant (two-tailed paired t -test, t9 = 0.151, p = 0.883) difference in the magnitude of the accommodation microfluctuations was found between the with CL (mean ± S.D. = 0.162 ± 0.04 D) and without CL condition (mean ± S.D. = 0.169 ± 0.04 D). Power spectrum analysis revealed no differences in the characteristics of the microfluctuations waveform between the two conditions. A control experiment carried out on a subgroup of five subjects using a negative (,3 D) CL demonstrated that there was no significant effect of the dioptric power of the CL on the magnitude of the accommodation microfluctuations (anova: F3,15 = 0.254, p = 0.782). Conclusion:, Thin soft CLs do not affect the magnitude or frequency characteristics of accommodation microfluctuations when measured using the Shin-Nippon SRW-5000. [source] Technical Note: Grading the vertical cup:disc ratio and the effect of scalingOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 6 2007Ruth Bennett Abstract Purpose:, To evaluate the effect of scaling on sensitivity to change for grading the vertical cup:disc ratio (CDR). Methods:, Vertical CDR was assessed by six observers (three ophthalmologists and three optometrists) on 43 stereo disc photographs. Repeated observations were made for both 0.1 and 0.05 interval scales. Paired differences were calculated for all observers and each observer separately. Mean and standard deviation of differences and agreement statistics were used to compare scales. Results:, Five observers demonstrated a reduction in the spread of differences (mean difference 0.19 to 0.15) and all observers demonstrated a reduction in concordance using the finer scale (mean concordance 54% to 39%). Conclusion:, The use of a finer scale reduces test,retest variability and increases sensitivity to change when estimating the vertical CDR. Use of this scale does not require any additional resource and it may be easily implemented in routine clinical practice. [source] Technical Note: Method for estimating volume of subretinal fluid in cases of localized retinal detachment by OCT ophthalmoscopyOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 5 2007Hideto Nakajima Abstract The volume of the subretinal fluid can be used to assess the condition of different types of retinal and macular disorders. The purpose of this report is to introduce a method to measure the volume of the subretinal fluid with the images of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) Ophthalmoscope in three cases of central serous chorioretinopathy and one case of retinal pigment epithelial detachment. We used the topography-mode program of the OCT Ophthalmoscope and measured the average height of the retinal detachment. By multiplying the size of the area of the retinal detachment and the average height of the retinal detachment, the volume of subretinal fluid could be determined. Examples are given to show the results of volume measurement of subretinal fluid in cases of localized retinal detachments. [source] Technical Note: Accounting for anatomical symmetry in the first-order optical character of left and right eyesOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 4 2007W. F. Harris Abstract In quantitative analyses of the optical character of eyes (and related systems) it is sometimes necessary to deal with left and right eyes in the same context. In accounting for anatomical symmetry (mirror symmetry in the mid-sagittal plane) one treats a cylinder axis at 20°, say, in a left eye as equivalent to an axis at 160° in a right eye. But this is only one aspect of the linear optical character of an eye. The purpose of this note is to show how to account for anatomical symmetry in the linear optical character of eyes in general. In particular the note shows how to modify the optical properties of left (or right) eyes so that anatomical symmetry is accounted for in quantitative analyses in contexts in which both left and right eyes are involved. [source] Technical Note: The effect of refractive blur on colour vision evaluated using the Cambridge Colour Test, the Ishihara Pseudoisochromatic Plates and the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue TestOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 3 2007Sri Thyagarajan Abstract The results of a prospective study examining the effect of refractive blur on colour vision performance in normal subjects measured with three different colour vision tests are reported. The Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue (FM100) and Cambridge Colour Test (CCT) results were significantly affected at +6 D of spherical refractive blur, whereas those from the Ishihara Pseudoisochromatic Plate (IPP) test were not. In a clinical setting, correction of refractive error up to 3 D for colour vision testing with these tests may not be required. Poor colour vision should not be attributed solely to refractive causes of poor visual acuity (Snellen equivalent: >6/36). Fastest test times were achieved using IPP, followed by CCT. [source] EUCAST Technical Note on tigecyclineCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 11 2006Article first published online: 14 SEP 200, The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) Steering Committee No abstract is available for this article. [source] European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) Technical Notes on antimicrobial susceptibility testingCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 6 2006G. Kahlmeter Abstract The main objectives of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) are to harmonise breakpoints for antimicrobial agents in Europe, and to act as the breakpoint committee for the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) during the registration of new antimicrobial agents. Detailed EUCAST procedures for harmonising and setting breakpoints for antimicrobial agents are available on the EUCAST website. Beginning with the current issue, a series of EUCAST Technical Notes will be published in CMI, based on the rationale documents produced by EUCAST for each of the antimicrobial agents studied, with the aim of highlighting important background information underlying decisions on breakpoints made by EUCAST. [source] Technical note: Usability evaluation of the modified CIE1976 Uniform-Chromaticity scale for assessing image quality of visual display monitorsHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 1 2003WookGee Lee White uniformity indicates the degree of uniform distribution of white color across the display screen and is one of the important inspection factors determining the image quality of a visual display unit (VDU). Experiments in which participants were confronted with 6 evaluation points embedded in 3 measurement groups on a VDU screen were conducted to gather the psychophysical data that include the levels of white uniformity obtained from participants and a colorimetric system (CA-100). In an accuracy test, 37.12% of the participants showed the same conclusion led by the original CIE1976 criteria, and 62.88% of the participants showed the same conclusion led by the modified equation. In magnitude estimation evaluating the display's white uniformity, the magnitude score of the modified equation (0.36) was significantly larger than that of the original equation (0.32). It was concluded that the modified equation is more sensitive to the change of white uniformity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 13: 85,95, 2003. [source] Atraumatic suction tip for microsurgery: Technical noteMICROSURGERY, Issue 4 2004Tomas Menovsky M.D. Ph.D. During microneurosurgery, frequent suction is essential for a successful operative course. A new self-made disposable suction tip is described which facilitates atraumatic suction, even near vital anatomical structures. The efficacy of this suction tip was confirmed in selected operative procedures. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: An R program for automating bone cross section reconstructionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Adam D. Sylvester Abstract Many recent studies have used long bone cross-sectional geometric properties in various comparative analyses. Methods have been described for reconstructing diaphyseal cross sections from external molds and biplanar radiographs that produce accurate results (within 5% of true values on average). The manual image processing required, however, is both time and labor intensive. A new freely available program developed here for the computational freeware, R, automates much of the process. This study compares cross-sectional properties calculated using the new R program to those from peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT) and the original manual method. We find that the R program works aswell as the original manual image processing for most cross sections eliminates the chance for entry errors at several steps and greatly speeds up data collection. Am J Phys Anthropol 142:665,669, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: A stereological analysis of the cross-sectional variability of the femoral osteon populationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Chiara Villa Abstract Unbiased selection of regions of interest (ROIs) and unbiased definition of histological structures are needed to improve the repeatability of microscopic methods for age at death determination and to reduce operator subjectivity. We present results obtained by selecting ROIs according to stereological principles on a sample of 28 femoral cross sections of Caucasoid males aged 20,89 years. A regular grid was overlaid on the cross section, and the ROIs were selected as close as possible to the periosteum in the anterior, lateral, and medial regions. The areas consisting of all intact secondary osteons plus fragments were outlined and osteon population density, percent osteon population, area, and perimeter were calculated using stereological methods and software. Overall, the analyses of intra- and inter-section variability showed no significant difference between the ROIs, i.e., the location within the cross section of the ROIs does not affect the outcome of the analyses. The individual variability was found to be higher in adults aged 30,55 years than in other age ranges. ranges. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Terahertz imaging of ancient mummies and boneAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Lena Öhrström Abstract Ancient mummified soft-tissues are a unique source to study the evolution of disease. Diagnostic imaging of such historic tissues is of foremost interest in paleoanthropology or paleopathology, with conventional x-ray and computed tomography (CT) being the gold-standard. Longer wavelength radiation in the far-infrared or Terahertz region allows diagnostic close-to-surface tissue differentiation of bone morphology while being harmless to human cells. The aim of this study is to show the feasibility and the morpho-diagnostic impact of THz imaging of historic remains. Images of an artificially embalmed ancient Egyptian human mummy hand, an artificially embalmed ancient Egyptian mummified fish and a macerated human lumbar vertebra were obtained by THz-pulse imaging and compared with conventional X-ray and CT images. Although conventional x-ray imaging provides higher spatial resolution, we found that THz-imaging is well-suited for the investigation of ancient mummified soft tissue and embalming-related substances / wrappings. In particular, bone and cartilaginous structures can be well differentiated from surrounding soft-tissues and bandage-wrappings by THz imaging. Furthermore, THz-pulse imaging also measures the time-delay of the pulsed signal when passing through the sample, which provides supplementary information on the optical density of the sample that is not obtained by X-ray and CT. Terahertz radiation provides a completely non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality for historic dry specimens. We anticipate this modality also to be used for detection of hidden objects in historic samples such as funerary amulets still in situ in wrapped mummies, as well as potentially for the identification of spectral signatures from chemical substances, e.g., in embalming essences.. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: PCR analysis of minimum target amount of ancient DNAAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Daniela Woide Abstract The study of ancient DNA plays an important role in archaeological and palaeontological research as well as in pathology and forensics. Here, we present a new tool for ancient DNA analysis, which overcomes contamination problems, DNA degradation, and the negative effects of PCR inhibitors while reducing the amount of starting target material in the picogram range. Ancient bone samples from four Egyptian mummies were examined by combining laser microdissection, conventional DNA extraction, and low-volume PCR. Initially, several bone particles (osteons) in the micrometer range were extracted by laser microdissection. Subsequently, ancient DNA amplification was performed to verify our extraction method. Amelogenin and ,-actin gene specific fragments were amplified via low-volume PCR in a total reaction volume of 1 ,l. Results of microdissected mummy DNA samples were compared to mummy DNA, which was extracted using a standard DNA extraction method based on pulverization of bone material. Our results highlight the combination of laser microdissection and low-volume PCR as a promising new technique in ancient DNA analysis. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Morphometric maps of long bone shafts and dental roots for imaging topographic thickness variationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Luca Bondioli Abstract Qualitative and quantitative characterization through functional imaging of mineralized tissues is of potential value in the study of the odontoskeletal remains. This technique, widely developed in the medical field, allows the bi-dimensional, planar representation of some local morphometric properties, i.e., topographic thickness variation, of a three-dimensional object, such as a long bone shaft. Nonetheless, the use of morphometric maps is still limited in (paleo)anthropology, and their feasibility has not been adequately tested on fossil specimens. Using high-resolution microtomographic images, here we apply bi-dimensional virtual "unrolling" and synthetic thickness mapping techniques to compare cortical bone topographic variation across the shaft in a modern and a fossil human adult femur (the Magdalenian from Chancelade). We also test, for the first time, the possibility to virtually unroll and assess for dentine thickness variation in modern and fossil (the Neanderthal child from Roc de Marsal) human deciduous tooth roots. The analyses demonstrate the feasibility of using two-dimensional morphometric maps for the synthetic functional imaging and comparative biomechanical interpretation of cortical bone thickness variation in extant and fossil specimens and show the interest of using this technique also for the subtle characterization of root architecture and dentine topography. More specifically, our preliminary results support the use of virtual cartography as a tool for assessing to what extent internal root morphology is capable of responding to loading and directional stresses and strains in a predictable way. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: A new method for measuring long bone curvature using 3D landmarks and semi-landmarksAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Isabelle De Groote Abstract Here we describe and evaluate a new method for quantifying long bone curvature using geometric morphometric and semi-landmark analysis of the human femur. The technique is compared with traditional ways of measuring subtense and point of maximum curvature using either coordinate calipers or projection onto graph paper. Of the traditional methods the graph paper method is more reliable than using coordinate calipers. Measurement error is consistently lower for measuring point of maximum curvature than for measuring subtense. The results warrant caution when comparing data collected by the different traditional methods. Landmark data collection proves reliable and has a low measurement error. However, measurement error increases with the number of semi-landmarks included in the analysis of curvature. Measurements of subtense can be estimated more reliably using 3D landmarks along the curve than using traditional techniques. We use equidistant semi-landmarks to quantify the curve because sliding the semi-landmarks masks the curvature signal. Principal components analysis of these equidistant semi-landmarks provides the added benefit of describing the shape of the curve. These results are promising for functional and forensic analysis of long bone curvature in modern human populations and in the fossil record. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: A new three-dimensional technique for high resolution quantitative recording of perikymataAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2010E. Bocaege Abstract The number and spacing of incremental markings at the enamel surface, known as perikymata, are considered important indicators of dental growth patterns, as they provide information on crown formation times and the underlying developmental processes. This study explores the potential of a new three-dimensional technique for the reconstruction of dental growth profiles, using teeth from a medieval child from Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The crowns of three anterior teeth were imaged and analyzed using the Alicona 3D InfiniteFocus imaging microscope. Individual perikyma grooves can be unambiguously identified on a profile of the reconstructed enamel surface and direct distances between successive pairs of perikyma grooves can be calculated from coordinate data. This quantitative approach constitutes a more objective way to record perikymata spacing than current methods. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: The effect of midshaft location on the error ranges of femoral and tibial cross-sectional parametersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Vladimír Sládek Abstract In comparing long-bone cross-sectional geometric properties between individuals, percentages of bone length are often used to identify equivalent locations along the diaphysis. In fragmentary specimens where bone lengths cannot be measured, however, these locations must be estimated more indirectly. In this study, we examine the effect of inaccurately located femoral and tibial midshafts on estimation of geometric properties. The error ranges were compared on 30 femora and tibiae from the Eneolithic and Bronze Age. Cross-sections were obtained at each 1% interval from 60 to 40% of length using CT scans. Five percent of deviation from midshaft properties was used as the maximum acceptable error. Reliability was expressed by mean percentage differences, standard deviation of percentage differences, mean percentage absolute differences, limits of agreement, and mean accuracy range (MAR) (range within which mean deviation from true midshaft values was less than 5%). On average, tibial cortical area and femoral second moments of area are the least sensitive to positioning error, with mean accuracy ranges wide enough for practical application in fragmentary specimens (MAR = 40,130 mm). In contrast, tibial second moments of area are the most sensitive to error in midshaft location (MAR = 14,20 mm). Individuals present significant variation in morphology and thus in error ranges for different properties. For highly damaged fossil femora and tibiae we recommend carrying out additional tests to better establish specific errors associated with uncertain length estimates. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Efficiency of total demineralization and ion-exchange column for DNA extraction from boneAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Seung Bum Seo Abstract We investigated whether a combination of recently introduced methods, total demineralization and ion-exchange columns, would increase DNA recovery from old bone. Ten bone samples taken after a burial period of ,60 years were used in this study. Bone powder was digested using total or incomplete demineralization. DNA was extracted by the standard organic method. The DNA extract was purified with ion-exchange columns or QIAquick® spin columns. The efficiency of different DNA extraction methods was compared in terms of DNA concentration, inhibitors generated by real-time PCR, and conventional STR typing results. The mean DNA concentration using the total demineralization method is ,3 times higher than that using the incomplete demineralization method. For DNA purification, the method using QIAquick® spin columns appeared to yield approximately double the DNA than the method using ion-exchange columns. Furthermore, 2 out of 10 samples showed higher levels of inhibition with CT values of IPC ,30 cycles when using only ion-exchange columns. In STR results, total demineralization yielded more locus profiles by 4.2 loci than incomplete demineralization, and QIAquick® spin columns also yielded more locus profiles by 3.5 loci than ion-exchange columns. Total demineralization of bone powder significantly increased DNA yield and improved STR typing results. However, the use of ion-exchange columns was not efficient when compared with the method using QIAquick® spin columns. It is suggested that the combination of total demineralization and QIAquick® spin columns lead to greatly improved STR typing results. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Applicability of tooth cementum annulation to an archaeological populationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Mirjana Roksandic Abstract The use of tooth cementum annulations for age determination has been deemed promising, exhibiting high correlations with chronological age. Despite its apparent potential, to date, the tooth cementum annulations method has been used rarely for estimating ages in archaeological populations. Here we examine the readability of cementum annulations and the consistency of age estimates using a sample of 116 adults from the Iron Gates Gorge Mesolithic/Neolithic series. Our examination of the method pointed to several sources of error that call into question the use of this method for estimating the chronological ages of archaeologically derived dental samples. The poor performance of the method in our analysis might be explained by taphonomic influences, including the effect of chemical and biological agents on dental microstructures. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Forearm pronation efficiency analysis in skeletal remainsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Ignasi Galtés Abstract This work presents an original methodology for analyzing forearm-pronation efficiency from skeletal remains and its variation with regard to changes in the elbow position. The methodology is based on a biomechanical model that defines rotational efficiency as a mathematical function expressing a geometrical relationship between the origin and insertion of the pronator teres. The methodology uses humeral distal epiphysis photography, from which the geometrical parameters for the efficiency calculus can be obtained. Rotational efficiency is analyzed in a human specimen and in a living nonhuman hominoid (Symphalangus syndactylus) for a full elbow extension (180°) and an intermediate elbow position (90°). In both specimens, the results show that this rotational-efficiency parameter varies throughout the entire rotational range and show a dependency on the elbow joint position. The rotational efficiency of the siamang's pronator teres is less affected by flexion of the forearm than that of the human. The fact that forearm-pronation efficiency can be inferred, even quantified, allows us to interpret more precisely the functional and evolutionary significance of upper-limb skeletal design in extant and fossil primate taxa. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Removal of metal ion inhibition encountered during DNA extraction and amplification of copper-preserved archaeological bone using size exclusion chromatographyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Carney D. Matheson Abstract A novel technique for the removal of metal ions inhibiting DNA extraction and PCR of archaeological bone extracts is presented using size exclusion chromatography. Two case studies, involving copper inhibition, demonstrate the effective removal of metal ion inhibition. Light microscopy, SEM, elemental analysis, and genetic analysis were used to demonstrate the effective removal of metal ions from samples that previously exhibited molecular inhibition. This research identifies that copper can cause inhibition of DNA polymerase during DNA amplification. The use of size exclusion chromatography as an additional purification step before DNA amplification from degraded bone samples successfully removes metal ions and other inhibitors, for the analysis of archaeological bone. The biochemistry of inhibition is explored through chemical and enzymatic extraction methodology on archaeological material. We demonstrate a simple purification technique that provides a high yield of purified DNA (>95%) that can be used to address most types of inhibition commonly associated with the analysis of degraded archaeological and forensic samples. We present a new opportunity for the molecular analysis of archaeological samples preserved in the presence of metal ions, such as copper, which have previously yielded no DNA results. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Occlusal fingerprint analysis: Quantification of tooth wear patternAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Ottmar Kullmer Abstract Information about food ingestion and mastication behavior during the lifespan of an individual is encoded in the dental occlusal wear pattern. To decode this information, we describe a new method called occlusal fingerprint analysis (OFA). Structural parameters of wear facets on the occlusal surface of teeth are quantified from digitized casts for the interpretation of occlusal aspects. The OFA provides an individual three-dimensional dental occlusal compass that indicates the major pathways of interaction between antagonists, revealing information about development, spatial position, and enlargement of wear facets. Humans develop a very similar overall pattern of crown contacts, although specific characteristics of wear facets reflect an individual's occlusal relationships and masticatory behavior. We hypothesize that the wear pattern is a unique character and therefore valuable for individual identification. Furthermore we suggest that OFA, when further developed, may be useful for identification of behavioral, biological, and chemical factors affecting crown morphology. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Prediction of sex based on five skull traits using decision analysis (CHAID)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Joan C. Stevenson Abstract Osteologists commonly assess the sex of skeletal remains found in forensic and archaeological contexts based on ordinal scores of subjectively assessed sexually dimorphic traits. Using known-sex samples, logistic regression (LR) discriminant functions have been recently developed, which allow sex probabilities to be determined. A limitation of LR is that it emphasizes main effects and not interactions. Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) is an alternative classification strategy that emphasizes the information in variable interactions and uses decision trees to maximize the probability of correct sex determinations. We used CHAID to analyze the predictive value of the 31 possible combinations of five sexually dimorphic skull traits that Walker used previously to develop logistic regression sex determination equations. The samples consisted of 304 individuals of known sex of English, African American, and European American origin. Based on practical considerations, selection criteria for the best sex predictive trait combinations (SPTCs) were set at accuracies for both sexes of 75% or greater and sex biases lower than 5%. Although several of the trees meeting these criteria were produced for the English and European American samples, none met them for the African American sample. In the series of out-of-sample tests we performed, the trees from the English and combined sample of all groups predicted best. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: A revised radiocarbon date for a case of treponemal disease from Safed, Israel, from the 15th Century ADAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Piers D. Mitchell No abstract is available for this article. [source] Technical note: Virtual reconstruction of a fragmentary clavicleAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Stefano Benazzi Abstract We report a procedure for the virtual reconstruction of incomplete human bones applicable to skeletal remains from archaeological excavations or to reconstructive and prosthetic surgery. To test the procedure, we reconstructed a fragmented left clavicle on the basis of the contralateral clavicle. The procedure involved 3-D laser scanner acquisition of the left clavicle (complete but broken into two parts), the same manually reconstructed bone, and the intact right clavicle, which was mirror-imaged and used as a reference for the reconstruction of the whole left clavicle. Because it was not possible to recognize homologous anatomical landmarks, on the two reference models (a mirror-image copy of the right clavicle and the main fragment of the left), we identified three grids with an increasing number of corresponding landmarks, which constituted the framework of the deformation process. The three reconstructed digital models of the clavicle closely approximated the model of the original clavicle. They also showed that an increasing number of landmarks did not significantly improve the reconstructed model. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Technical note: Standardized and semiautomated Harris lines detectionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2008S. Suter Abstract Arrest in long bone growth and the subsequent resumption of growth may be visible as radiopaque transverse lines in radiographs (Harris lines, HL; Harris, HA. 1933. Bone growth in health and disease. London: Oxford University Press). The assessment of individual age at occurrence of such lines, as part of paleopathological skeletal studies, is time-consuming and shows large intra- and interobserver variability. Thus, a standardized, automated detection algorithm would help to increase the validity of such paleopathological research. We present an image analysis application facilitating automatic detection of HL. On the basis of established age calculation methods, the individual age-at-formation can be automatically assessed with the tool presented. Additional user input to confirm the automatic result is possible via an intuitive graphical user interface. Automated detection of HL from digital radiographs of a sample of late Medieval Swiss tibiae was compared to the consensus of manual assessment by two blinded expert observers. The intra- and interobserver variability was high. The quality of the observer result improved when standardized detection criteria were defined and applied. The newly developed algorithm detected two-thirds of the HL that were identified as consensus lines between the observers. It was, however, necessary to validate the last one-third by manual editing. The lack of a large test series must be noted. The application is freely available for further testing by any interested researcher. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Factors influencing the challenges of modelling and treating fecal indicator bacteria in surface watersECOHYDROLOGY, Issue 4 2009Cristiane Q. Surbeck Abstract In the United States, thousands of creeks, rivers, and coastal zones are listed as impaired in the Clean Water Act's 303(d) list. The number one general cause of impairments is denoted as ,pathogens', which can include known pathogenic organisms or, more commonly, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as fecal coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, and enterococci bacteria. Despite efforts by water quality managers to reduce FIB in surface waters via treatment, successful and significant reduction of FIB has been difficult to achieve to meet water quality standards. In addition, current efforts to numerically model FIB concentrations in surface waters do not consider many complexities associated with FIB as a pollutant. Reasons for the challenge of treating and modelling FIB are their varied sources and mechanisms of survival and decay in the environment. This technical note addresses this challenge by discussing the nature of FIB, their sources, and their fate and transport mechanisms. Sources of FIB to surface waters include wastewater, stormwater and dry-weather runoff, and animals. Mechanisms of pathogen indicator occurrence in surface waters are transport in stormwater, ecological proliferation, and interaction with sediments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Performance of a modified direct expansion A/C unitINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 13 2010Esmail M. A. Mokheimer Abstract This technical note communicates the thermal performance of a modified ten-Ton Refrigerant Direct Expansion (10-TR DX) air conditioning unit into a chiller under actual operating conditions. The modified unit achieved higher COP and cooling capacity compared with conventional DX. The increase in the unit cooling capacity is basically attributed to the enhanced heat transfer coefficient of the Plate-and-Frame Heat Exchanger evaporator. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Use of a combination of flaps to achieve primary closure of defect following excision of keratocystic odontogenic tumour: a technical noteORAL SURGERY, Issue 3 2010J. Patel Abstract Aims:, Description of a case of a combination of flaps to achieve primary closure over large defect following the excision of a keratocystic odontogenic tumour. Materials:, Following the resection of a large keratocystic odontogenic tumour. Methods:, Combination of laterally positioned buccal flap, vascularised palatal connective tissue graft and buccal fat pad. Results:, Closure over the large defect. Conclusions:, Successful post-operative healing over the resected region allowing for future restoration space left in the dentition. [source] Spring-retained delayed surgical obturator for total maxillectomy: a technical noteORAL SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2010P.G. Patil Abstract Aim: The aim of this article is to describe a technique to fabricate a spring retained surgical obturator prosthesis for rehabilitation of a patient with total maxillectomy. Material and Methods: The mandibular retention plate was fabricated with the help of hard, round, stainless steel orthodontic wires and heat-polymerizing acrylic resin. The 0.6 mm wire is manipulated to make Adams clasps on right and left mandibular first molars and 1 mm wire to make C clasps on right and left mandibular first premolars. A palatal shaped maxillary obturator plate was fabricated with acrylic resin. Two newly designed springs were fabricated with 0.6 mm orthodontic wire. Lower end of the springs were attached to the mandibular retention plate and upper ends were attached to the maxillary obturator plate. Results: When the appliance was placed in the mouth with the help of the mandibular retention plate, the maxillary obturator plate remains in a floating position in the mouth by spring-action on both sides. The springs used in the appliance were easy to fabricate and required less space in the buccal vestibules with minimum soft tissue irritation. Conclusion: This obturator develops the seal with the dorsum of the tongue during deglutition, thus helping the patient to take liquid food orally. It has proven to be the acceptable and comfortable treatment option for the patients with total maxillectomy, thereby, enhancing the quality of life during the initial healing period. [source] | |||||||||||||