Curvilinear coordinates for full-core atoms

Curvilinear coordinates, first introduced by F. Gygi for valence-only electronic systems within the local-density functional theory, can be used to describe both core and valence electrons in electronic-structure calculations. A simple and quite general coordinate transformation results in a large, yet affordable plane-wave energy cutoff for full-core systems (e.g., about 120 Ryd for carbon or silicon) within the local-density functional theory, and in a reduced correlation time for full-core variational Monte Carlo calculations. Numerical tests for isolated Li, C, and Si atoms are presented.Comment: 14 pages, 8 Postscript figures; acknowledgements and two refs. adde

Multi-Hazard Vulnerability of Unreinforced Masonry Structures

The purpose of this research study is to develop a methodological framework for the multi-hazard vulnerability assessment of unreinforced masonry structures (URMs) undergoing seismic, flood and wind loading. To date, the two main challenges related to multi-hazard vulnerability assessment are 1) the substantial discrepancy in the level of advancement of single-hazard vulnerability assessment procedures, specifically in relation to the complexity of analytical model used to correlate the level of damage caused to buildings to the hazard component and 2) the conceptual differences in the definition of single-hazard fragility curves to be used to conduct multi-hazard damage assessment in a commensurate manner. Therefore, research effort is still required to develop a harmonized analytical model able to relate the behaviour of masonry structures subjected to earthquake, flood and wind hazard to the corresponding levels of damage to unreinforced masonry structures, to define a common structural parameter for the derivation of single-hazard fragility functions which also allow for damage comparisons between these distinct perils. The framework proposed in this work carries out the assessment at a wall level. The hazard and the exposure components of the vulnerability assessment procedure are taken as inputs for the development of a kinematic model based on revised Yield Line Theory concepts. The main elements of added novelty are the inclusion of the contribution of torsional effects generated at unit level caused by the application of horizontal loadings, and a more refined computation of the crack pattern, defined on the basis of the geometry of the wall and the geometry of the units. Given that several configurations of admissible crack patterns can be identified for the same wall layout subjected to horizontal loading, an optimization routine is built to find, by means of Limit State Analysis, the minimum load required to produce failure corresponding to a specific crack pattern, and the maximum value of the performance variable, defined as the ratio between the demand imposed by the loading and the capacity of the system itself, for the collapse limit state. Such parameter, representative of the strength capacity of the system is then used to derive single-hazard fragility function to conduct collapse assessment. These curves are extracted by considering the variability of the asset, and hence focus on the aleatory aspect of the exposure component, rather than considering the uncertainties associated with each of the hazard’s intensity measure. The variance considered includes geometry, materials, presence of opening and boundary conditions. Comparisons on resulting fragility functions are drawn across seismic, flood and wind hazard, to establish relevance of the above parameters and sensitivity of the fragility functions. The framework is applied to the case study area of the Philippines, to prove the feasibility of the approach proposed

Constitutional Law—Racial Factor May Be Considered by School Board in Correcting Imbalance in New School District

Balaban v. Rubin, 14 N.Y.2d 193, 199 N.E.2d 375, 250 N.Y.S.2d 281, cert. denied, 85 S.Ct 148 (1964)

Personal identification of living people and corpses: usefulness and reliability of intraoral scanners and 3D technologies in modern forensic dentistry

Teeth and oral structures are considered valuable alternatives to DNA analysis and fingerprints for personal identification. Even if their reliability has been recognized, they’ve not been widely or at all tested with new technologies. This project had the aim to study the superimposability of dental and oral structures in radiographic examinations and 3D scans and stability of some of them, like palatal rugae, in patients undergoing to dental procedures and cadavers. The survey has been performed on the virtual and plastic reconstruction of the oral cavities developed from data collected from an innovative intraoral scanner and from orthopantomographs (in all patients and cadavers- if available -) and from full-mouth periapical films (in periodontal patients and cadavers only). In all the patients oral cavity scans started at the beginning of the therapeutic procedures and after one year. In cadavers oral cavity scans have been recorded on the first and the seventh or tenth day from the time of death, allowing a complete survey on how long the palatal rugae features and other oral structures remain stable after corruption of the body sets in their intraoral scans have been then superimposed on radiographs. Morphometric data collected from all the virtual and plastic reconstructions and radiographs, have been listed in an electronic paper. The statistical analysis estimated the differences in shape and length of palatal rugae and dental and other intraoral features in the groups. The results confirm the reliability and the superimposability of 2D radiographs with the reconstructions derived from 3D scans as tools for personal identification, allowing to develop a new protocol for personal identification overcomes the so traditional and so invasive oral autopsy

The association between Ponticulus Posticus and Dental Agenesis: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: Neural tube defects may increase the risk of an abnormal development of skull, vertebral column and teeth formation, including dental agenesis in non syndromic patients. The association between the presence of a congenital Dental Agenesis (DA) and the Atlantooccipital Ligament (AOL) calcification, known as "Ponticulus Posticus" (PP), as possible links can be investigated. DESIGN: After a systematic review of the scientific literature on this topic, two independent examiners assessed the AOL calcification in lateral cephalograms of 350 non syndromic patients(7-21 years old). The results were compared with a control group (non syndromic patients, without congenital missing teeth). RESULTS: The 16.3% of the population studied by cephalometric analysis revealed a prevalence rate of PP (both complete and partial) with a slight male predominance is seen, not statistically significant (χ square test = 0.09; p= 0.76). In both sexes complete PP is more observed. In the patients affected by DA the frequency of PP is the 66.6% (both complete than partial). The χ square test with Yates correction showed a significative difference(χ= 66.20; p value= 0.00) between PP in patients with DA compared to not affected by DA. CONCLUSIONS: PP is not an uncommon anomaly. Since orofacial pain like migraine and other symptoms are often associated to PP, during routine radiographic examination, if detected, it should be documented in patients' health record and with symptoms, further investigation should be sought for. These findings encourage to think there's an association between DA in non syndromic patients and neuro-crestal cells defects

Clear aligners: between evolution and efficiency—a scoping review

In recent years, clear aligners have diversified and evolved in their primary characteristics (material, gingival margin design, attachments, divots, auxiliaries), increasing their indications and efficiency. We overviewed the brands of aligners used in Italy and reviewed the literature on the evolution of clear aligners based on their characteristics mentioned above by consulting the main scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library). Inclusion and ex-clusion criteria were established. The data were collected on a purpose-made data collection form and analyzed descriptively. From the initial 580 records, 527 were excluded because they were not related to the subject of the review or because they did not meet the eligibility criteria. The remaining 31 studies were deemed comprehensive for the purpose of the review, although the “gingival margin design” feature and “auxiliaries” tool are not well represented in the more recent literature. Current knowledge on invisible aligners allows us to have a much clearer idea of the basic characteristics of aligner systems. There remains a need to deepen the use of systems other than In-visalign™ to give greater evidence to aligners that are very different based on the characteristics analyzed here and that are very widespread on the market

Clear aligners with differentiated thickness and without attachments : a case report

Most clear aligner systems use straight or scalloped gingival margin aligners that are replaced weekly and that mainly use attachments to guide many movements. Yet in the literature some studies show the effectiveness of the aligner margin extended beyon