Effect of Desflurane versus Sevoflurane in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

He, Jiaxuan; Zhang, Yong; Xue, Rongliang; Lv, Jianrui; Ding, Xiaoying; Zhang, Zhenni

2015-01-01

To compare the effect of desflurane versus sevoflurane in pediatric anesthesia by conducting meta-analysis. Studies were searched from PubMed, Medline, Springer, Elsevier Science Direct, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar up to July 2014. Weighted mean difference (WMD) or risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were considered as effect sizes. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed by Cochran Q test and I2 statistic. The random effects model was performed in the meta-analysis when heterogeneity was observed, or the fixed effect model was used. Review Manager 5.1 software was applied for the meta-analysis. A total of 11 studies (13 comparisons) involving 1,273 objects were included in this meta-analysis. No heterogeneity was observed between studies for any comparison but for postoperative extubation time. The results showed significant differences between desflurane and sevoflurane groups for postoperative extubation time (WMD = -3.87, 95%CI = -6.14 to -1.60, P < 0.01), eye opening time (WMD = -1.11, 95%CI = -1.49 to -0.72, P < 0.01), awakening time (WMD = -4.27, 95%CI = -5.28 to -3.26, P < 0.01) and agitation (RR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.05 to 1.96, P = 0.02). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected for discharge from the recovery room, oculocardiac reflex, nausea and vomiting and severe pain. Desflurane may have less adverse effects than sevoflurane when used in pediatric anesthesia with significantly shorter postoperative extubation time, eye opening time and awakening time as well as slighter agitation.

Comparison of histomorphometrical data obtained with two different image analysis methods.

PubMed

Ballerini, Lucia; Franke-Stenport, Victoria; Borgefors, Gunilla; Johansson, Carina B

2007-08-01

A common way to determine tissue acceptance of biomaterials is to perform histomorphometrical analysis on histologically stained sections from retrieved samples with surrounding tissue, using various methods. The "time and money consuming" methods and techniques used are often "in house standards". We address light microscopic investigations of bone tissue reactions on un-decalcified cut and ground sections of threaded implants. In order to screen sections and generate results faster, the aim of this pilot project was to compare results generated with the in-house standard visual image analysis tool (i.e., quantifications and judgements done by the naked eye) with a custom made automatic image analysis program. The histomorphometrical bone area measurements revealed no significant differences between the methods but the results of the bony contacts varied significantly. The raw results were in relative agreement, i.e., the values from the two methods were proportional to each other: low bony contact values in the visual method corresponded to low values with the automatic method. With similar resolution images and further improvements of the automatic method this difference should become insignificant. A great advantage using the new automatic image analysis method is that it is time saving--analysis time can be significantly reduced.

Pre-hospital electrocardiogram triage with telemedicine near halves time to treatment in STEMI: A meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of non-randomized studies.

PubMed

Brunetti, Natale Daniele; De Gennaro, Luisa; Correale, Michele; Santoro, Francesco; Caldarola, Pasquale; Gaglione, Antonio; Di Biase, Matteo

2017-04-01

A shorter time to treatment has been shown to be associated with lower mortality rates in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Several strategies have been adopted with the aim to reduce any delay in diagnosis of AMI: pre-hospital triage with telemedicine is one of such strategies. We therefore aimed to measure the real effect of pre-hospital triage with telemedicine in case of AMI in a meta-analysis study. We performed a meta-analysis of non-randomized studies with the aim to quantify the exact reduction of time to treatment achieved by pre-hospital triage with telemedicine. Data were pooled and compared by relative time reduction and 95% C.I.s. A meta-regression analysis was performed in order to find possible predictors of shorter time to treatment. Eleven studies were selected and finally evaluated in the study. The overall relative reduction of time to treatment with pre-hospital triage and telemedicine was -38/-40% (p<0.001). Absolute time reduction was significantly correlated to time to treatment in the control groups (p<0.001), while relative time reduction was independent. A non-significant trend toward shorter relative time reductions was observed over years. Pre-hospital triage with telemedicine is associated with a near halved time to treatment in AMI. The benefit is larger in terms of absolute time to treatment reduction in populations with larger delays to treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in West Africa in 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, M.; Cao, C. X.; Guo, H. F.

2017-09-01

Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is an acute hemorrhagic diseases caused by the Ebola virus, which is highly contagious. This paper aimed to explore the possible gathering area of EHF cases in West Africa in 2014, and identify endemic areas and their tendency by means of time-space analysis. We mapped distribution of EHF incidences and explored statistically significant space, time and space-time disease clusters. We utilized hotspot analysis to find the spatial clustering pattern on the basis of the actual outbreak cases. spatial-temporal cluster analysis is used to analyze the spatial or temporal distribution of agglomeration disease, examine whether its distribution is statistically significant. Local clusters were investigated using Kulldorff's scan statistic approach. The result reveals that the epidemic mainly gathered in the western part of Africa near north Atlantic with obvious regional distribution. For the current epidemic, we have found areas in high incidence of EVD by means of spatial cluster analysis.

Analysis of Nonstationary Time Series for Biological Rhythms Research.

PubMed

Leise, Tanya L

2017-06-01

This article is part of a Journal of Biological Rhythms series exploring analysis and statistics topics relevant to researchers in biological rhythms and sleep research. The goal is to provide an overview of the most common issues that arise in the analysis and interpretation of data in these fields. In this article on time series analysis for biological rhythms, we describe some methods for assessing the rhythmic properties of time series, including tests of whether a time series is indeed rhythmic. Because biological rhythms can exhibit significant fluctuations in their period, phase, and amplitude, their analysis may require methods appropriate for nonstationary time series, such as wavelet transforms, which can measure how these rhythmic parameters change over time. We illustrate these methods using simulated and real time series.

[Effect of occupational stress on mental health].

PubMed

Yu, Shan-fa; Zhang, Rui; Ma, Liang-qing; Gu, Gui-zhen; Yang, Yan; Li, Kui-rong

2003-02-01

To study the effect of job psychological demands and job control on mental health and their interaction. 93 male freight train dispatchers were evaluated by using revised Job Demand-Control Scale and 7 strain scales. Stepwise regression analysis, Univariate ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H and Modian methods were used in statistic analysis. Kruskal-Wallis H and Modian methods analysis revealed the difference in mental health scores among groups of decision latitude (mean rank 55.57, 47.95, 48.42, 33.50, P < 0.05), the differences in scores of mental health (37.45, 40.01, 58.35), job satisfaction (53.18, 46.91, 32.43), daily life strains (33.00, 44.96, 56.12) and depression (36.45, 42.25, 53.61) among groups of job time demands (P < 0.05) were all statistically significant. ANOVA showed that job time demands and decision latitude had interaction effects on physical complains (R(2) = 0.24), state-anxiety (R(2) = 0.26), and daytime fatigue (R(2) = 0.28) (P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed a significant job time demands and job decision latitude interaction effect as well as significant main effects of the some independent variables on different job strains (R(2) > 0.05). Job time demands and job decision latitude have direct and interactive effects on psychosomatic health, the more time demands, the more psychological strains, the effect of job time demands is greater than that of job decision latitude.

[Association between the canine monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) gene polymorphisms and behavior of puppies in open-field test].

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Hui; Xu, Han-Kun; Mao, Da-Gan; Ma, Da-Jun; Chen, Peng; Yang, Li-Guo

2006-11-01

Excitability, activity and exploration behavior of puppies in a novel open-field were tested in a total of 204 two-month-old German shepherd dog, labrador retriever or English springer spaniel puppies. The polymorphisms of monoamine oxidase B gene (MAOB) were detected by PCR-RFLP. Statistics analysis indicated that genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphisms were significantly different among three breeds (P < 0.01). With GLM analysis of SAS software, association analysis was conducted between MAOB gene polymorphisms and locomotion and vocalization behavior parameters in the open-field test. The results showed that MAOB gene polymorphisms had a significant effect on walking time, squares crossed, lying time, the times of standing up against walls(P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) and were associated with the times of posture change (P=0.064). Walking time and squares crossed were higher in TT genotype puppies than those in TC and CC puppies (P < 0.05) and the times of posture change and standing up against walls were also higher than those in CC (P < 0.05). In addition, lying time in CC genotype puppies were higher than that in TT (P < 0.05). MAOB had a positive effect on walking time, lying time, squares crossed, the times of posture change, the times of standing up against walls in the three dog breeds that was highly statistically significant (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Our results imply that MAOB gene significantly affects the excitability, activity and exploration behavior of puppies in open-field test and TT genotype has favorable effects in these behavior traits.

Time-Series Analysis of Remotely-Sensed SeaWiFS Chlorophyll in River-Influenced Coastal Regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acker, James G.; McMahon, Erin; Shen, Suhung; Hearty, Thomas; Casey, Nancy

2009-01-01

The availability of a nearly-continuous record of remotely-sensed chlorophyll a data (chl a) from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) mission, now longer than ten years, enables examination of time-series trends for multiple global locations. Innovative data analysis technology available on the World Wide Web facilitates such analyses. In coastal regions influenced by river outflows, chl a is not always indicative of actual trends in phytoplankton chlorophyll due to the interference of colored dissolved organic matter and suspended sediments; significant chl a timeseries trends for coastal regions influenced by river outflows may nonetheless be indicative of important alterations of the hydrologic and coastal environment. Chl a time-series analysis of nine marine regions influenced by river outflows demonstrates the simplicity and usefulness of this technique. The analyses indicate that coastal time-series are significantly influenced by unusual flood events. Major river systems in regions with relatively low human impact did not exhibit significant trends. Most river systems with demonstrated human impact exhibited significant negative trends, with the noteworthy exception of the Pearl River in China, which has a positive trend.

On the use of SSTAs (Significant Sequences of TIR Anomalies) to activate Natural Time Analysis: a long term study on earthquakes (M>4) occurred in Greece during 2004-2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisi, Mariano; Tramutoli, Valerio; Eleftheriou, Alexander; Filizzola, Carolina; Genzano, Nicola; Lacava, Teodosio; Paciello, Rossana; Pergola, Nicola; Vallianatos, Filippos

2017-04-01

Real-time integration of independent observations is expected to significantly improve our present capability of dynamically assess Seismic Hazard. Specific observations (e.g. anomaly in one parameter) can be used as a trigger (and/or to establish space/time constraints) for activating (implementing) the analysis on other independent parameters (e.g. b-value computation, Natural Time Analysis, on seismic data) whose systematic computation could result otherwise very computationally expensive or operationally impossible. In the present paper one of these parameters (the Earth's emitted radiation in the Thermal Infra-Red spectral region) has been used to activate the application of Natural Time Analysis of seismic data in order to verify possible improvements in the forecast of earthquakes (with M≥4) occurred in Greece during 2004-2013. The RST (Robust Satellite Technique) data analysis approach and RETIRA (Robust Estimator of TIR Anomalies) index were used to preliminarily define, and then to identify, Significant Sequences of TIR Anomalies (SSTAs) in 10 years (2004-2013) of daily TIR images acquired by the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) on board the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite. A previous paper showed that in the same period of time more than 93% of all identified SSTAs occurred in a pre-fixed space-time window around earthquakes time (30 days before up to 15 after) and epicenter (within 150 km or Dorbrovolsky distance) with a false positive rate smaller than 7%. In this paper a circular area around the barycenter of the observed Thermal Anomalies (and not just the convolution of them) has been used to define the area from which to collect seismic data required for Natural Time Analysis. Fifteen days prior the date of the first observed Significant Thermal Anomaly (STA) was the starting time used for collecting earthquakes from the catalog. The changes in the quality of earthquake forecast that were achieved by using each individual parameter in different configurations as well as the improvement emerging by their joint use of them will be presented referring to the 10 years studied period and to several recent events occurred in Greece.

A statistical approach to evaluate the performance of cardiac biomarkers in predicting death due to acute myocardial infarction: time-dependent ROC curve

PubMed

Karaismailoğlu, Eda; Dikmen, Zeliha Günnur; Akbıyık, Filiz; Karaağaoğlu, Ahmet Ergun

2018-04-30

Background/aim: Myoglobin, cardiac troponin T, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) are frequently used biomarkers for evaluating risk of patients admitted to an emergency department with chest pain. Recently, time- dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has been used to evaluate the predictive power of biomarkers where disease status can change over time. We aimed to determine the best set of biomarkers that estimate cardiac death during follow-up time. We also obtained optimal cut-off values of these biomarkers, which differentiates between patients with and without risk of death. A web tool was developed to estimate time intervals in risk. Materials and methods: A total of 410 patients admitted to the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath were included. Cox regression analysis was used to determine an optimal set of biomarkers that can be used for estimating cardiac death and to combine the significant biomarkers. Time-dependent ROC analysis was performed for evaluating performances of significant biomarkers and a combined biomarker during 240 h. The bootstrap method was used to compare statistical significance and the Youden index was used to determine optimal cut-off values. Results : Myoglobin and BNP were significant by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Areas under the time-dependent ROC curves of myoglobin and BNP were about 0.80 during 240 h, and that of the combined biomarker (myoglobin + BNP) increased to 0.90 during the first 180 h. Conclusion: Although myoglobin is not clinically specific to a cardiac event, in our study both myoglobin and BNP were found to be statistically significant for estimating cardiac death. Using this combined biomarker may increase the power of prediction. Our web tool can be useful for evaluating the risk status of new patients and helping clinicians in making decisions.

Time-resolved confocal fluorescence microscopy: novel technical features and applications for FLIM, FRET and FCS using a sophisticated data acquisition concept in TCSPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koberling, Felix; Krämer, Benedikt; Kapusta, Peter; Patting, Matthias; Wahl, Michael; Erdmann, Rainer

2007-05-01

In recent years time-resolved fluorescence measurement and analysis techniques became a standard in single molecule microscopy. However, considering the equipment and experimental implementation they are typically still an add-on and offer only limited possibilities to study the mutual dependencies with common intensity and spectral information. In contrast, we are using a specially designed instrument with an unrestricted photon data acquisition approach which allows to store spatial, temporal, spectral and intensity information in a generalized format preserving the full experimental information. This format allows us not only to easily study dependencies between various fluorescence parameters but also to use, for example, the photon arrival time for sorting and weighting the detected photons to improve the significance in common FCS and FRET analysis schemes. The power of this approach will be demonstrated for different techniques: In FCS experiments the concentration determination accuracy can be easily improved by a simple time-gated photon analysis to suppress the fast decaying background signal. A more detailed analysis of the arrival times allows even to separate FCS curves for species which differ in their fluorescence lifetime but, for example, cannot be distinguished spectrally. In multichromophoric systems like a photonic wire which undergoes unidirectional multistep FRET the lifetime information complements significantly the intensity based analysis and helps to assign the respective FRET partners. Moreover, together with pulsed excitation the time-correlated analysis enables directly to take advantage of alternating multi-colour laser excitation. This pulsed interleaved excitation (PIE) can be used to identify and rule out inactive FRET molecules which cause interfering artefacts in standard FRET efficiency analysis. We used a piezo scanner based confocal microscope with compact picosecond diode lasers as excitation sources. The timing performance can be significantly increased by using new SPAD detectors which enable, in conjunction with new TCSPC electronics, an overall IRF width of less than 120 ps maintaining single molecule sensitivity.

[Analysis of time domain and frequency domain heart rate variability in fighter pilot before and after upright tilt].

PubMed

Wang, L; Wu, L; Ji, G; Zhang, X; Chen, T; Wang, L

1998-12-01

Effects of upright tilt on mechanism of autonomic nervous regulation of cardiovascular system and characteristics of heart rate variability (HRV) were observed in sixty healthy male pilots. Relation between time domain and frequency domain indexes of short-time HRV (5 min) were analysed before and after upright tilt. The results showed that there are significant difference in short time HRV parameters before and after upright tilt. Significant relationship was formed between time domain and frequency domain indexes of HRV. It suggests that time domain and frequency domain HRV analysis is capable of revealing certain informations embedded in a short series of R-R intervals and can help to evaluate the status of autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function in pilots.

Leaf phenological characters of main tree species in urban forest of Shenyang.

PubMed

Xu, Sheng; Xu, Wenduo; Chen, Wei; He, Xingyuan; Huang, Yanqing; Wen, Hua

2014-01-01

Plant leaves, as the main photosynthetic organs and the high energy converters among primary producers in terrestrial ecosystems, have attracted significant research attention. Leaf lifespan is an adaptive characteristic formed by plants to obtain the maximum carbon in the long-term adaption process. It determines important functional and structural characteristics exhibited in the environmental adaptation of plants. However, the leaf lifespan and leaf characteristics of urban forests were not studied up to now. By using statistic, linear regression methods and correlation analysis, leaf phenological characters of main tree species in urban forest of Shenyang were observed for five years to obtain the leafing phenology (including leafing start time, end time, and duration), defoliating phenology (including defoliation start time, end time, and duration), and the leaf lifespan of the main tree species. Moreover, the relationships between temperature and leafing phenology, defoliating phenology, and leaf lifespan were analyzed. The timing of leafing differed greatly among species. The early leafing species would have relatively early end of leafing; the longer it took to the end of leafing would have a later time of completed leafing. The timing of defoliation among different species varied significantly, the early defoliation species would have relatively longer duration of defoliation. If the mean temperature rise for 1°C in spring, the time of leafing would experience 5 days earlier in spring. If the mean temperature decline for 1°C, the time of defoliation would experience 3 days delay in autumn. There is significant correlation between leaf longevity and the time of leafing and defoliation. According to correlation analysis and regression analysis, there is significant correlation between temperature and leafing and defoliation phenology. Early leafing species would have a longer life span and consequently have advantage on carbon accumulation compared with later defoliation species.

Predictive factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving sorafenib therapy using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis.

PubMed

Nishikawa, Hiroki; Nishijima, Norihiro; Enomoto, Hirayuki; Sakamoto, Azusa; Nasu, Akihiro; Komekado, Hideyuki; Nishimura, Takashi; Kita, Ryuichi; Kimura, Toru; Iijima, Hiroko; Nishiguchi, Shuhei; Osaki, Yukio

2017-01-01

To investigate variables before sorafenib therapy on the clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving sorafenib and to further assess and compare the predictive performance of continuous parameters using time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. A total of 225 HCC patients were analyzed. We retrospectively examined factors related to overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) using univariate and multivariate analyses. Subsequently, we performed time-dependent ROC analysis of continuous parameters which were significant in the multivariate analysis in terms of OS and PFS. Total sum of area under the ROC in all time points (defined as TAAT score) in each case was calculated. Our cohort included 175 male and 50 female patients (median age, 72 years) and included 158 Child-Pugh A and 67 Child-Pugh B patients. The median OS time was 0.68 years, while the median PFS time was 0.24 years. On multivariate analysis, gender, body mass index (BMI), Child-Pugh classification, extrahepatic metastases, tumor burden, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were identified as significant predictors of OS and ECOG-performance status, Child-Pugh classification and extrahepatic metastases were identified as significant predictors of PFS. Among three continuous variables (i.e., BMI, AST and AFP), AFP had the highest TAAT score for the entire cohort. In subgroup analyses, AFP had the highest TAAT score except for Child-Pugh B and female among three continuous variables. In continuous variables, AFP could have higher predictive accuracy for survival in HCC patients undergoing sorafenib therapy.

Increasing operating room efficiency through electronic medical record analysis.

PubMed

Attaallah, A F; Elzamzamy, O M; Phelps, A L; Ranganthan, P; Vallejo, M C

2016-05-01

We used electronic medical record (EMR) analysis to determine errors in operating room (OR) time utilisation. Over a two year period EMR data of 44,503 surgical procedures was analysed for OR duration, on-time, first case, and add-on time performance, within 19 surgical specialties. Maximal OR time utilisation at our institution could have saved over 302,620 min or 5,044 hours of OR efficiency over a two year period. Most specialties (78.95%) had inaccurately scheduled procedure times and therefore used the OR more than their scheduled allotment time. Significant differences occurred between the mean scheduled surgical durations (101.38 ± 87.11 min) and actual durations (108.18 ± 102.27 min; P < 0.001). Significant differences also occurred between the mean scheduled add-on durations (111.4 ± 75.5 min) and the actual add-on scheduled durations (118.6 ± 90.1 minutes; P < 0.001). EMR quality improvement analysis can be used to determine scheduling error and bias, in order to improve efficiency and increase OR time utilisation.

The contributing role of physical education in youth's daily physical activity and sedentary behavior.

PubMed

Chen, Senlin; Kim, Youngwon; Gao, Zan

2014-02-04

School physical education (PE) is considered as an effective channel for youth to accumulate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and reduce sedentary time. The purpose of this study was to determine the contributing role of PE in daily MVPA and sedentary time among youth. The study recruited 67 sixth grade children (29 boys; Mean age = 11.75) from two suburban schools at a U.S. Midwest state, 48 of whom contributed ≥10 hours of physical activity (PA) data per day were included for analysis. An objective monitoring tool (i.e., Sensewear armband monitor) was used to capture the participants' MVPA and sedentary time for 7-14 days. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis (r), multi-level regression analyses, and analysis of variance were conducted for data analysis. MVPA and sedentary time in PE showed significant positive associations with daily MVPA and sedentary time, respectively (r = 0.35, p < 0.01; r = 0.55, p < 0.01). Regression analyses revealed that one minute increase in MVPA and sedentary behavior in PE was associated with 2.04 minutes and 5.30 minutes increases in daily MVPA and sedentary behavior, respectively, after controlling for sex and BMI. The participants demonstrated a significantly higher level of MVPA (p = .05) but similar sedentary time (p = 0.61) on PE days than on non-PE days. Boys had significantly more daily MVPA (p < .01) and less sedentary time (p < .01) than girls; while higher BMI was associated with more sedentary time (p < .01). PE displayed a positive contribution to increasing daily MVPA and decreasing daily sedentary time among youth. Active participation in PE classes increases the chance to be more active and less sedentary beyond PE among youth.

Immediate versus delayed intramedullary nailing for open fractures of the tibial shaft: a multivariate analysis of factors affecting deep infection and fracture healing.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Kazuhiko; Itoman, Moritoshi; Uchino, Masataka; Fukushima, Kensuke; Nitta, Hiroshi; Kojima, Yoshiaki

2008-10-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate contributing factors affecting deep infection and fracture healing of open tibia fractures treated with locked intramedullary nailing (IMN) by multivariate analysis. We examined 99 open tibial fractures (98 patients) treated with immediate or delayed locked IMN in static fashion from 1991 to 2002. Multivariate analyses following univariate analyses were derived to determine predictors of deep infection, nonunion, and healing time to union. The following predictive variables of deep infection were selected for analysis: age, sex, Gustilo type, fracture grade by AO type, fracture location, timing or method of IMN, reamed or unreamed nailing, debridement time (< or =6 h or >6 h), method of soft-tissue management, skin closure time (< or =1 week or >1 week), existence of polytrauma (ISS< 18 or ISS> or =18), existence of floating knee injury, and existence of superficial/pin site infection. The predictive variables of nonunion selected for analysis was the same as those for deep infection, with the addition of deep infection for exchange of pin site infection. The predictive variables of union time selected for analysis was the same as those for nonunion, excluding of location, debridement time, and existence of floating knee and superficial infection. Six (6.1%; type II Gustilo n=1, type IIIB Gustilo n=5) of the 99 open tibial fractures developed deep infections. Multivariate analysis revealed that timing or method of IMN, debridement time, method of soft-tissue management, and existence of superficial or pin site infection significantly correlated with the occurrence of deep infection (P< 0.0001). In the immediate nailing group alone, the deep infection rate in type IIIB + IIIC was significantly higher than those in type I + II and IIIA (P = 0.016). Nonunion occurred in 17 fractures (20.3%, 17/84). Multivariate analysis revealed that Gustilo type, skin closure time, and existence of deep infection significantly correlated with occurrence of nonunion (P < 0.05). Gustilo type and existence of deep infection were significantly correlated with healing time to union on multivariate analysis (r(2) = 0.263, P = 0.0001). Multivariate analyses for open tibial fractures treated with IMN showed that IMN after EF (especially in existence of pin site infection) was at high risk of deep infection, and that debridement within 6 h and appropriate soft-tissue managements were also important factor in preventing deep infections. These analyses postulated that both the Gustilo type and the existence of deep infection is related with fracture healing in open fractures treated with IMN. In addition, immediate IMN for type IIIB and IIIC is potentially risky, and canal reaming did not increase the risk of complication for open tibial fractures treated with IMN.

No improvement in the reporting of clinical trial subgroup effects in high-impact general medical journals.

PubMed

Gabler, Nicole B; Duan, Naihua; Raneses, Eli; Suttner, Leah; Ciarametaro, Michael; Cooney, Elizabeth; Dubois, Robert W; Halpern, Scott D; Kravitz, Richard L

2016-07-16

When subgroup analyses are not correctly analyzed and reported, incorrect conclusions may be drawn, and inappropriate treatments provided. Despite the increased recognition of the importance of subgroup analysis, little information exists regarding the prevalence, appropriateness, and study characteristics that influence subgroup analysis. The objective of this study is to determine (1) if the use of subgroup analyses and multivariable risk indices has increased, (2) whether statistical methodology has improved over time, and (3) which study characteristics predict subgroup analysis. We randomly selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from five high-impact general medical journals during three time periods. Data from these articles were abstracted in duplicate using standard forms and a standard protocol. Subgroup analysis was defined as reporting any subgroup effect. Appropriate methods for subgroup analysis included a formal test for heterogeneity or interaction across treatment-by-covariate groups. We used logistic regression to determine the variables significantly associated with any subgroup analysis or, among RCTs reporting subgroup analyses, using appropriate methodology. The final sample of 416 articles reported 437 RCTs, of which 270 (62 %) reported subgroup analysis. Among these, 185 (69 %) used appropriate methods to conduct such analyses. Subgroup analysis was reported in 62, 55, and 67 % of the articles from 2007, 2010, and 2013, respectively. The percentage using appropriate methods decreased over the three time points from 77 % in 2007 to 63 % in 2013 (p < 0.05). Significant predictors of reporting subgroup analysis included industry funding (OR 1.94 (95 % CI 1.17, 3.21)), sample size (OR 1.98 per quintile (1.64, 2.40), and a significant primary outcome (OR 0.55 (0.33, 0.92)). The use of appropriate methods to conduct subgroup analysis decreased by year (OR 0.88 (0.76, 1.00)) and was less common with industry funding (OR 0.35 (0.18, 0.70)). Only 33 (18 %) of the RCTs examined subgroup effects using a multivariable risk index. While we found no significant increase in the reporting of subgroup analysis over time, our results show a significant decrease in the reporting of subgroup analyses using appropriate methods during recent years. Industry-sponsored trials may more commonly report subgroup analyses, but without utilizing appropriate methods. Suboptimal reporting of subgroup effects may impact optimal physician-patient decision-making.

A novel tool for continuous fracture aftercare - Clinical feasibility and first results of a new telemetric gait analysis insole.

PubMed

Braun, Benedikt J; Bushuven, Eva; Hell, Rebecca; Veith, Nils T; Buschbaum, Jan; Holstein, Joerg H; Pohlemann, Tim

2016-02-01

Weight bearing after lower extremity fractures still remains a highly controversial issue. Even in ankle fractures, the most common lower extremity injury no standard aftercare protocol has been established. Average non weight bearing times range from 0 to 7 weeks, with standardised, radiological healing controls at fixed time intervals. Recent literature calls for patient-adapted aftercare protocols based on individual fracture and load scenarios. We show the clinical feasibility and first results of a new, insole embedded gait analysis tool for continuous monitoring of gait, load and activity. Ten patients were monitored with a new, independent gait analysis insole for up to 3 months postoperatively. Strict 20 kg partial weight bearing was ordered for 6 weeks. Overall activity, load spectrum, ground reaction forces, clinical scoring and general health data were recorded and correlated. Statistical analysis with power analysis, t-test and Spearman correlation was performed. Only one patient completely adhered to the set weight bearing limit. Average time in minutes over the limit was 374 min. Based on the parameters load, activity, gait time over 20 kg weight bearing and maximum ground reaction force high and low performers were defined after 3 weeks. Significant difference in time to painless full weight bearing between high and low performers was shown. Correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between weight bearing and clinical scoring as well as pain (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Score rs=0.74; Olerud-Molander Score rs=0.93; VAS pain rs=-0.95). Early, continuous gait analysis is able to define aftercare performers with significant differences in time to full painless weight bearing where clinical or radiographic controls could not. Patient compliance to standardised weight bearing limits and protocols is low. Highly individual rehabilitation patterns were seen in all patients. Aftercare protocols should be adjusted to real-time patient conditions, rather than fixed intervals and limits. With a real-time measuring device high performers could be identified and influenced towards optimal healing conditions early, while low performers are recognised and missing healing influences could be corrected according to patient condition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anterolateral minithoracotomy versus median sternotomy for the treatment of congenital heart defects: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

PubMed

Ding, Chao; Wang, Chunmao; Dong, Aiqiang; Kong, Minjian; Jiang, Daming; Tao, Kaiyu; Shen, Zhonghua

2012-05-04

Anterolateral Minithoracotomy (ALMT) for the radical correction of Congenital Heart Defects is an alternative to Median Sternotomy (MS) due to reduce operative trauma accelerating recovery and yield a better cosmetic outcome after surgery. Our purpose is to conduct whether ALMT would bring more short-term benefits to patients than conventional Median Sternotomy by using a meta-analysis of case-control study in the published English Journal. 6 case control studies published in English from 1997 to 2011 were identified and synthesized to compare the short-term postoperative outcomes between ALMT and MS. These outcomes were cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, intubation time, intensive care unit stay time, and postoperative hospital stay time. ALMT had significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass times (8.00 min more, 95% CI 0.36 to 15.64 min, p = 0.04). Some evidence proved that aortic cross-clamp time of ALMT was longer, yet not significantly (2.38 min more, 95% CI -0.15 to 4.91 min, p = 0.06). In addition, ALMT had significantly shorter intubation time (1.66 hrs less, 95% CI -3.05 to -0.27 hrs, p = 0.02). Postoperative hospital stay time was significantly shorter with ALMT (1.52 days less, 95% CI -2.71 to -0.33 days, p = 0.01). Some evidence suggested a reduction in ICU stay time in the ALMT group. However, this did not prove to be statistically significant (0.88 days less, 95% CI -0.81 to 0.04 days, p = 0.08). ALMT can bring more benefits to patients with Congenital Heart Defects by reducing intubation time and postoperative hospital stay time, though ALMT has longer CPB time and aortic cross-clamp time.

76 FR 17160 - Notice of Finding of No Significant Antitrust Changes and Time for Filing Requests for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-28

... Time for Filing Requests for Reevaluation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aaron Szabo, Financial Analyst, Financial Analysis and International Projects Branch, Division of Policy and Rulemaking, Office... Analysis and Recommendation In reaching this conclusion, the NRC staff considered the structure of the...

Efficacy comparison between cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter: a meta-analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yi-He; Lin, Hui; Xie, Cheng-Long; Zhang, Xiao-Ting; Li, Yi-Gang

2015-06-01

We perform this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of cryoablation versus radiofrequency ablation for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter. By searching EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane electronic databases from March 1986 to September 2014, 7 randomized clinical trials were included. Acute (risk ratio[RR]: 0.93; P = 0.14) and long-term (RR: 0.94; P = 0.08) success rate were slightly lower in cryoablation group than in radiofrequency ablation group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, the fluoroscopy time was nonsignificantly reduced (weighted mean difference[WMD]: -2.83 P = 0.29), whereas procedure time was significantly longer (WMD: 25.95; P = 0.01) in cryoablation group compared with radiofrequency ablation group. Furthermore, Pain perception during the catheter ablation was substantially less in cryoabaltion group than in radiofrequency ablation group (standardized mean difference[SMD]: -2.36 P < 0.00001). Thus, our meta-analysis demonstrated that cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation produce comparable acute and long-term success rate for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter. Meanwhile, cryoablation ablation tends to reduce the fluoroscopy time and significantly reduce pain perception in cost of significantly prolonged procedure time.

Efficacy comparison between cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter: a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Chen, Yi-He; Lin, Hui; Xie, Cheng-Long; Zhang, Xiao-Ting; Li, Yi-Gang

2015-01-01

We perform this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of cryoablation versus radiofrequency ablation for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter. By searching EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane electronic databases from March 1986 to September 2014, 7 randomized clinical trials were included. Acute (risk ratio[RR]: 0.93; P = 0.14) and long-term (RR: 0.94; P = 0.08) success rate were slightly lower in cryoablation group than in radiofrequency ablation group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, the fluoroscopy time was nonsignificantly reduced (weighted mean difference[WMD]: −2.83; P = 0.29), whereas procedure time was significantly longer (WMD: 25.95; P = 0.01) in cryoablation group compared with radiofrequency ablation group. Furthermore, Pain perception during the catheter ablation was substantially less in cryoabaltion group than in radiofrequency ablation group (standardized mean difference[SMD]: −2.36; P < 0.00001). Thus, our meta-analysis demonstrated that cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation produce comparable acute and long-term success rate for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter. Meanwhile, cryoablation ablation tends to reduce the fluoroscopy time and significantly reduce pain perception in cost of significantly prolonged procedure time. PMID:26039980

Statistical inference for time course RNA-Seq data using a negative binomial mixed-effect model.

PubMed

Sun, Xiaoxiao; Dalpiaz, David; Wu, Di; S Liu, Jun; Zhong, Wenxuan; Ma, Ping

2016-08-26

Accurate identification of differentially expressed (DE) genes in time course RNA-Seq data is crucial for understanding the dynamics of transcriptional regulatory network. However, most of the available methods treat gene expressions at different time points as replicates and test the significance of the mean expression difference between treatments or conditions irrespective of time. They thus fail to identify many DE genes with different profiles across time. In this article, we propose a negative binomial mixed-effect model (NBMM) to identify DE genes in time course RNA-Seq data. In the NBMM, mean gene expression is characterized by a fixed effect, and time dependency is described by random effects. The NBMM is very flexible and can be fitted to both unreplicated and replicated time course RNA-Seq data via a penalized likelihood method. By comparing gene expression profiles over time, we further classify the DE genes into two subtypes to enhance the understanding of expression dynamics. A significance test for detecting DE genes is derived using a Kullback-Leibler distance ratio. Additionally, a significance test for gene sets is developed using a gene set score. Simulation analysis shows that the NBMM outperforms currently available methods for detecting DE genes and gene sets. Moreover, our real data analysis of fruit fly developmental time course RNA-Seq data demonstrates the NBMM identifies biologically relevant genes which are well justified by gene ontology analysis. The proposed method is powerful and efficient to detect biologically relevant DE genes and gene sets in time course RNA-Seq data.

A randomised controlled cross-over trial of aerobic training versus Qigong in advanced Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Burini, D; Farabollini, B; Iacucci, S; Rimatori, C; Riccardi, G; Capecci, M; Provinciali, L; Ceravolo, M G

2006-09-01

To investigate the effects of an aerobic training in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) as compared to a medical Chinese exercise (Qigong). randomized controlled trial with a cross over design. PD out-patients referred to a Neurorehabilitation facility for the management of motor disability. 26 PD patients in Hoehn and Yahr stage II to III under stable medication were randomly allocated to either Group AT1+QG2 (receiving 20 aerobic training sessions followed by 20 ''Qigong'' group sessions with 2 month interval between the interventions), or Group QG1+AT2 (performing the same treatments with an inverted sequence). clinical effects of treatment were sought through the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Brown's Disability Scale (B'DS), six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT), Borg scale for breathlessness, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 items (PDQ-39). A spirometry test and maximum cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were also performed to determine the pulmonary function, the metabolic and cardio-respiratory requests at rest and under exercise. All measures were taken immediately before and at the completion of each treatment phase. The statistical analysis focusing on the evolution of motor disability and quality of life revealed a significant interaction effect between group and time for the 6MWT (time x group effect: F: 5.4 P=0.002) and the Borg scale (time x group effect: F: 4.2 P=0.009). Post hoc analysis showed a significant increase in 6MWT and a larger decrease in Borg score after aerobic training within each subgroup, whereas no significant changes were observed during Qigong. No significant changes over time were detected through the analysis of UPDRS, B'DS, BDI and PDQ-39 scores. The analysis of cardiorespiratory parameters showed significant interaction effects between group and time for the Double Productpeak (time x group effect: F: 7.7 P=0.0003), the VO(2peak) (time x group effect: F: 4.8 P=0.007), and the VO(2)/kg ratio (time x group effect: F: 4.3 P=0.009), owing to their decrease after aerobic training to an extent that was never observed after Qigong treatment. Aerobic training exerts a significant impact on the ability of moderately disabled PD patients to cope with exercise, although it does not improve their self-sufficiency and quality of life.

Hierarchical model analysis of the Atlantic Flyway Breeding Waterfowl Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sauer, John R.; Zimmerman, Guthrie S.; Klimstra, Jon D.; Link, William A.

2014-01-01

We used log-linear hierarchical models to analyze data from the Atlantic Flyway Breeding Waterfowl Survey. The survey has been conducted by state biologists each year since 1989 in the northeastern United States from Virginia north to New Hampshire and Vermont. Although yearly population estimates from the survey are used by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for estimating regional waterfowl population status for mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), black ducks (Anas rubripes), wood ducks (Aix sponsa), and Canada geese (Branta canadensis), they are not routinely adjusted to control for time of day effects and other survey design issues. The hierarchical model analysis permits estimation of year effects and population change while accommodating the repeated sampling of plots and controlling for time of day effects in counting. We compared population estimates from the current stratified random sample analysis to population estimates from hierarchical models with alternative model structures that describe year to year changes as random year effects, a trend with random year effects, or year effects modeled as 1-year differences. Patterns of population change from the hierarchical model results generally were similar to the patterns described by stratified random sample estimates, but significant visibility differences occurred between twilight to midday counts in all species. Controlling for the effects of time of day resulted in larger population estimates for all species in the hierarchical model analysis relative to the stratified random sample analysis. The hierarchical models also provided a convenient means of estimating population trend as derived statistics from the analysis. We detected significant declines in mallard and American black ducks and significant increases in wood ducks and Canada geese, a trend that had not been significant for 3 of these 4 species in the prior analysis. We recommend using hierarchical models for analysis of the Atlantic Flyway Breeding Waterfowl Survey.

Texture analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient maps for treatment response assessment in prostate cancer bone metastases-A pilot study.

PubMed

Reischauer, Carolin; Patzwahl, René; Koh, Dow-Mu; Froehlich, Johannes M; Gutzeit, Andreas

2018-04-01

To evaluate whole-lesion volumetric texture analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for assessing treatment response in prostate cancer bone metastases. Texture analysis is performed in 12 treatment-naïve patients with 34 metastases before treatment and at one, two, and three months after the initiation of androgen deprivation therapy. Four first-order and 19 second-order statistical texture features are computed on the ADC maps in each lesion at every time point. Repeatability, inter-patient variability, and changes in the feature values under therapy are investigated. Spearman rank's correlation coefficients are calculated across time to demonstrate the relationship between the texture features and the serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. With few exceptions, the texture features exhibited moderate to high precision. At the same time, Friedman's tests revealed that all first-order and second-order statistical texture features changed significantly in response to therapy. Thereby, the majority of texture features showed significant changes in their values at all post-treatment time points relative to baseline. Bivariate analysis detected significant correlations between the great majority of texture features and the serum PSA levels. Thereby, three first-order and six second-order statistical features showed strong correlations with the serum PSA levels across time. The findings in the present work indicate that whole-tumor volumetric texture analysis may be utilized for response assessment in prostate cancer bone metastases. The approach may be used as a complementary measure for treatment monitoring in conjunction with averaged ADC values. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determinants of holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser time and energy during ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy.

PubMed

Molina, Wilson R; Marchini, Giovanni S; Pompeo, Alexandre; Sehrt, David; Kim, Fernando J; Monga, Manoj

2014-04-01

To evaluate the association of preoperative noncontrast computed tomography stone characteristics, laser settings, and stone composition with cumulative holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser time/energy. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent semirigid/flexible ureteroscopy and Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy (200 or 365 μm laser fiber; 0.8-1.0 J energy; and 8-10 Hz rate) at 2 tertiary care centers (April 2010-May 2012). Studied parameters were as follows: patient's characteristics; stone characteristics (location, burden, hardness, and composition); total laser time and energy; and surgical outcomes. One hundred patients met our inclusion criteria. Mean stone size was 1.01 ± 0.42 cm and volume 0.33 ± 0.04 cm(3). Mean stone radiodensity was 990 ± 296 HU, and Hounsfield units density 13.8 ± 6.0 HU/mm. All patients were considered stone free. Stone size and volume had a significant positive correlation with laser energy (R = 0.516, P <.001; R = 0.621, P <.001) and laser time (R = 0.477, P <.001; R = 0.567, P <.001). When controlling for stone size, only the correlation between HU and laser time was significant (R = 0.262, P = .011). In the multivariate analysis, with exception of stone composition (P = .103), all parameters significantly increased laser energy (R(2) = 0.524). Multivariate analysis revealed a positive significant association of laser time with stone volume (P <.001) and Hounsfield units density (P <.001; R(2) = 0.512). In multivariate analysis for laser energy, only calcium phosphate stones required less energy to fragment compared with uric acid stones. No significant differences were found in the multivariate laser time model. Ho:YAG laser cumulative energy and total time are significantly affected by stone dimensions, hardness location, fiber size, and power. Kidney location, laser fiber size, and laser power have more influence on the final laser energy than on the total laser time. Calcium phosphate stones require less laser energy to fragment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporal processing impairment in children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Huang, Jia; Yang, Bin-rang; Zou, Xiao-bing; Jing, Jin; Pen, Gang; McAlonan, Gráinne M; Chan, Raymond C K

2012-01-01

The current study aimed to investigate temporal processing in Chinese children with Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) using time production, time reproduction paradigm and duration discrimination tasks. A battery of tests specifically designed to measure temporal processing was administered to 94 children with ADHD and 100 demographically matched healthy children. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and a repeated measure MANOVA indicated that children with ADHD were impaired in time processing functions. The results of pairwise comparisons showed that the probands with a family history of ADHD performed significantly worse than those without family history in the time production tasks and the time reproduction task. Logistic regression analysis showed duration discrimination had a significant role in predicting whether the children were suffering from ADHD or not, while temporal processing had a significant role in predicting whether the ADHD children had a family history or not. This study provides further support for the existence of a generic temporal processing impairment in ADHD children and suggests that abnormalities in time processing and ADHD share some common genetic factors. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Psychophysiological effects of self-regulation method: EEG frequency analysis and contingent negative variations.

PubMed

Ikemi, A

1988-01-01

Experiments were conducted to investigate the psychophysiological effects of self-regulation method (SRM), a newly developed method of self-control, using EEG frequency analysis and contingent negative variations (CNV). The results of the EEG frequency analysis showed that there is a significant increase in the percentage (power) of the theta-band and a significant decrease in the percentage (power) of the beta-band during SRM. Moreover, the results of an identical experiment conducted on subjects in a drowsy state showed that the changes in EEG frequencies during SRM can be differentiated from those of a drowsy state. Furthermore, experiments using CNV showed that there is a significant reduction of CNV amplitude during SRM. Despite the reduced amplitude during SRM, the number of errors in a task to evoke the CNV was reduced significantly without significant delay of reaction time. When an identical experiment was conducted in a drowsy state, CNV amplitude was reduced significantly, but reaction time and errors increased. From these experiments, the state of vigilance during SRM was discussed as a state of 'relaxed alertness'.

Time Spent Walking and Risk of Diabetes in Japanese Adults: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Diabetes Study.

PubMed

Kabeya, Yusuke; Goto, Atsushi; Kato, Masayuki; Matsushita, Yumi; Takahashi, Yoshihiko; Isogawa, Akihiro; Inoue, Manami; Mizoue, Tetsuya; Tsugane, Shoichiro; Kadowaki, Takashi; Noda, Mitsuhiko

2016-01-01

The association between time spent walking and risk of diabetes was investigated in a Japanese population-based cohort. Data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Diabetes cohort were analyzed. The surveys of diabetes were performed at baseline and at the 5-year follow-up. Time spent walking per day was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire (<30 minutes, 30 minutes to <1 hour, 1 to <2 hours, or ≥2 hours). A cross-sectional analysis was performed among 26 488 adults in the baseline survey. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between time spent walking and the presence of unrecognized diabetes. We then performed a longitudinal analysis that was restricted to 11 101 non-diabetic adults who participated in both the baseline and 5-year surveys. The association between time spent walking and the incidence of diabetes during the 5 years was examined. In the cross-sectional analysis, 1058 participants had unrecognized diabetes. Those with time spent walking of <30 minutes per day had increased odds of having diabetes in relation to those with time spent walking of ≥2 hours (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02-1.48). In the longitudinal analysis, 612 participants developed diabetes during the 5 years of follow-up. However, a significant association between time spent walking and the incidence of diabetes was not observed. Increased risk of diabetes was implied in those with time spent walking of <30 minutes per day, although the longitudinal analysis failed to show a significant result.

[Study of the reliability in one dimensional size measurement with digital slit lamp microscope].

PubMed

Wang, Tao; Qi, Chaoxiu; Li, Qigen; Dong, Lijie; Yang, Jiezheng

2010-11-01

To study the reliability of digital slit lamp microscope as a tool for quantitative analysis in one dimensional size measurement. Three single-blinded observers acquired and repeatedly measured the images with a size of 4.00 mm and 10.00 mm on the vernier caliper, which simulatated the human eye pupil and cornea diameter under China-made digital slit lamp microscope in the objective magnification of 4 times, 10 times, 16 times, 25 times, 40 times and 4 times, 10 times, 16 times, respectively. The correctness and precision of measurement were compared. The images with 4 mm size were measured by three investigators and the average values were located between 3.98 to 4.06. For the images with 10.00 mm size, the average values fell within 10.00 ~ 10.04. Measurement results of 4.00 mm images showed, except A4, B25, C16 and C25, significant difference was noted between the measured value and the true value. Regarding measurement results of 10.00 mm iamges indicated, except A10, statistical significance was found between the measured value and the true value. In terms of comparing the results of the same size measured at different magnifications by the same investigator, except for investigators A's measurements of 10.00 mm dimension, the measurement results by all the remaining investigators presented statistical significance at different magnifications. Compared measurements of the same size with different magnifications, measurements of 4.00 mm in 4-fold magnification had no significant difference among the investigators', the remaining results were statistically significant. The coefficient of variation of all measurement results were less than 5%; as magnification increased, the coefficient of variation decreased. The measurement of digital slit lamp microscope in one-dimensional size has good reliability,and should be performed for reliability analysis before used for quantitative analysis to reduce systematic errors.

RE-EVALUATION OF APPLICABILITY OF AGENCY SAMPLE HOLDING TIMES

EPA Science Inventory

Holding times are the length of time a sample can be stored after collection and prior to analysis without significantly affecting the analytical results. Holding times vary with the analyte, sample matrix, and analytical methodology used to quantify the analytes concentration. ...

The Impact of Time Management on Students’ Academic Achievement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razali, S. N. A. M.; Rusiman, M. S.; Gan, W. S.; Arbin, N.

2018-04-01

Time management is very important and it may actually affect individual’s overall performance and achievements. Students nowadays always commented that they do not have enough time to complete all the tasks assigned to them. In addition, a university environment’s flexibility and freedom can derail students who have not mastered time management skills. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the time management and academic achievement of the students. The factor analysis result showed three main factors associated with time management which can be classified as time planning, time attitudes and time wasting. The result also indicated that gender and races of students show no significant differences in time management behaviours. While year of study and faculty of students reveal the significant differences in the time management behaviours. Meanwhile, all the time management behaviours are significantly positively related to academic achievement of students although the relationship is weak. Time planning is the most significant correlated predictor.

Spatial analysis of precipitation time series over the Upper Indus Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latif, Yasir; Yaoming, Ma; Yaseen, Muhammad

2018-01-01

The upper Indus basin (UIB) holds one of the most substantial river systems in the world, contributing roughly half of the available surface water in Pakistan. This water provides necessary support for agriculture, domestic consumption, and hydropower generation; all critical for a stable economy in Pakistan. This study has identified trends, analyzed variability, and assessed changes in both annual and seasonal precipitation during four time series, identified herein as: (first) 1961-2013, (second) 1971-2013, (third) 1981-2013, and (fourth) 1991-2013, over the UIB. This study investigated spatial characteristics of the precipitation time series over 15 weather stations and provides strong evidence of annual precipitation by determining significant trends at 6 stations (Astore, Chilas, Dir, Drosh, Gupis, and Kakul) out of the 15 studied stations, revealing a significant negative trend during the fourth time series. Our study also showed significantly increased precipitation at Bunji, Chitral, and Skardu, whereas such trends at the rest of the stations appear insignificant. Moreover, our study found that seasonal precipitation decreased at some locations (at a high level of significance), as well as periods of scarce precipitation during all four seasons. The observed decreases in precipitation appear stronger and more significant in autumn; having 10 stations exhibiting decreasing precipitation during the fourth time series, with respect to time and space. Furthermore, the observed decreases in precipitation appear robust and more significant for regions at high elevation (>1300 m). This analysis concludes that decreasing precipitation dominated the UIB, both temporally and spatially including in the higher areas.

Statistical significance of task related deep brain EEG dynamic changes in the time-frequency domain.

PubMed

Chládek, J; Brázdil, M; Halámek, J; Plešinger, F; Jurák, P

2013-01-01

We present an off-line analysis procedure for exploring brain activity recorded from intra-cerebral electroencephalographic data (SEEG). The objective is to determine the statistical differences between different types of stimulations in the time-frequency domain. The procedure is based on computing relative signal power change and subsequent statistical analysis. An example of characteristic statistically significant event-related de/synchronization (ERD/ERS) detected across different frequency bands following different oddball stimuli is presented. The method is used for off-line functional classification of different brain areas.

Optimal ranking regime analysis of intra- to multidecadal U.S. climate variability. Part I: Temperature

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Optimal Ranking Regime (ORR) method was used to identify intra- to multi-decadal (IMD) time windows containing significant ranking sequences in U.S. climate division temperature data. The simplicity of the ORR procedure’s output – a time series’ most significant non-overlapping periods of high o...

Persistence of space radiation induced cytogenetic damage in the blood lymphocytes of astronauts.

PubMed

George, K; Chappell, L J; Cucinotta, F A

2010-08-14

Cytogenetic damage was assessed in blood lymphocytes from 16 astronauts before and after they participated in long-duration space missions of 3 months or more. The frequency of chromosome damage was measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) chromosome painting before flight and at various intervals from a few days to many months after return from the mission. For all individuals, the frequency of chromosome exchanges measured within a month of return from space was higher than their preflight yield. However, some individuals showed a temporal decline in chromosome damage with time after flight. Statistical analysis using combined data for all astronauts indicated a significant overall decreasing trend in total chromosome exchanges with time after flight, although this trend was not seen for all astronauts and the yield of chromosome damage in some individuals actually increased with time after flight. The decreasing trend in total exchanges was slightly more significant when statistical analysis was restricted to data collected more than 220 days after return from flight. When analysis was restricted to data collected within 220 days of return from the mission there was no relationship between total exchanges and time. Translocation yields varied more between astronauts and there was only a slight non-significant decrease with time after flight that was similar for both later and earlier sampling times. Copyright (c) 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Variability of rainfall over Lake Kariba catchment area in the Zambezi river basin, Zimbabwe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muchuru, Shepherd; Botai, Joel O.; Botai, Christina M.; Landman, Willem A.; Adeola, Abiodun M.

2016-04-01

In this study, average monthly and annual rainfall totals recorded for the period 1970 to 2010 from a network of 13 stations across the Lake Kariba catchment area of the Zambezi river basin were analyzed in order to characterize the spatial-temporal variability of rainfall across the catchment area. In the analysis, the data were subjected to intervention and homogeneity analysis using the Cumulative Summation (CUSUM) technique and step change analysis using rank-sum test. Furthermore, rainfall variability was characterized by trend analysis using the non-parametric Mann-Kendall statistic. Additionally, the rainfall series were decomposed and the spectral characteristics derived using Cross Wavelet Transform (CWT) and Wavelet Coherence (WC) analysis. The advantage of using the wavelet-based parameters is that they vary in time and can therefore be used to quantitatively detect time-scale-dependent correlations and phase shifts between rainfall time series at various localized time-frequency scales. The annual and seasonal rainfall series were homogeneous and demonstrated no apparent significant shifts. According to the inhomogeneity classification, the rainfall series recorded across the Lake Kariba catchment area belonged to category A (useful) and B (doubtful), i.e., there were zero to one and two absolute tests rejecting the null hypothesis (at 5 % significance level), respectively. Lastly, the long-term variability of the rainfall series across the Lake Kariba catchment area exhibited non-significant positive and negative trends with coherent oscillatory modes that are constantly locked in phase in the Morlet wavelet space.

Autonomic nervous functions in fetal type Minamata disease patients: assessment of heart rate variability.

PubMed

Oka, Tomoko; Matsukura, Makoto; Okamoto, Miwako; Harada, Noriaki; Kitano, Takao; Miike, Teruhisa; Futatsuka, Makoto

2002-12-01

In order to assess the cardiovascular autonomic nervous functions in patients with fetal type Minamata disease (FMD), we investigated blood pressure (BP), and conducted time and frequency domain analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Subjects were 9 patients in Meisuien recognized as FMD, and 13 healthy age matched control subjects. HRV and BP were assessed after subjects rested in a supine position for 10 minutes. Electrocardiographic (ECG) data were collected for 3 minutes during natural breathing. Time domain analysis (the average of R-R intervals [Mean RR], standard deviation of R-R intervals [SD RR], coefficient of variation [CV]), and frequency domain analysis by fast Fourier transformation (FFT) (power of low frequency [LF] and high frequency [HF] component, expressed in normalized units[nu]) were then conducted. In the time domain analysis, the mean RR of the FMD group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Neither SD RR nor CV showed significant differences between the two groups, but both tended to be lower in the FMD group. In the frequency domain analysis, the HF component of the FMD group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Pulse pressure (PP) was significantly lower in the FMD subjects. These findings suggest that parasympathetic nervous dysfunction might exist in FMD patients, who were exposed to high doses of methylmercury (MeHg) during the prenatal period. Decrease of PP might be due to degenerative changes of blood vessels driven by exposure to high doses of MeHg.

Modular socket system versus traditionally laminated socket: a cost analysis.

PubMed

Normann, Elna; Olsson, Anna; Brodtkorb, Thor-Henrik

2011-03-01

Using the new modular socket system (MSS) to produce a prosthetic socket directly on the patient has the potential of being easier and quicker to manufacture but also incurring higher costs. The purpose of the study was to compare the costs of manufacturing a transtibial prosthetic socket using either a MSS or a standard laminated socket (PC). Concurrent controlled trial. A total of 20 patients at two orthopaedic facilities were followed with regards to the cost of manufacturing a prosthetic socket using either MSS or PC. Time aspects and material costs were considered in the cost analysis. Other factors studied include delivery time and number of visits. For the cost analysis, only direct costs pertaining to the prosthetic socket were considered. The total cost of MSS was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to PC. However, the production and time cost was significantly lower. Delivery time to the patient was 1 day for MSS compared to 17 days for PC. Our study shows that the direct prosthetic cost of treating a patient using MSS is significantly higher than treating a patient using PC. However, the MSS prosthesis can be delivered significantly faster and with fewer visits. Further studies taking the full societal costs of MSS into account should therefore be performed. This study shows that the direct prosthetic cost of treating a patient with Modular Socket System is significantly higher than treating a patient with plastercasting with standard laminated socket. However, the Modular Socket System prosthesis can be delivered significantly faster and with fewer visits.

The effect of interventions targeting screen time reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wu, Lei; Sun, Samio; He, Yao; Jiang, Bin

2016-07-01

Previous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of interventions aimed at screen time reduction, but the results have been inconsistent. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to summarize the accumulating evidence of the impact of interventions targeting screen time reduction on body mass index (BMI) reduction and screen time reduction. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched for RCTs on the effect of interventions targeting screen time reduction. The primary and secondary outcomes were the mean difference between the treatment and control groups in the changes in BMI and changes in screen viewing time. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled mean differences. Fourteen trials including 2238 participants were assessed. The pooled analysis suggested that interventions targeting screen time reduction had a significant effect on BMI reduction (-0.15 kg/m, P < 0.001, I = 0) and on screen time reduction (-4.63 h/w, P = 0.003, I = 94.6%). Subgroup analysis showed that a significant effect of screen time reduction was observed in studies in which the duration of intervention was <7 months and that the types of interventions in those studies were health promotion curricula or counseling. Interventions for screen time reduction might be effective in reducing screen time and preventing excess weight. Further rigorous investigations with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are still needed to evaluate the efficacy of screen time reduction both in children and in adults.

Robotic partial nephrectomy shortens warm ischemia time, reducing suturing time kinetics even for an experienced laparoscopic surgeon: a comparative analysis.

PubMed

Faria, Eliney F; Caputo, Peter A; Wood, Christopher G; Karam, Jose A; Nogueras-González, Graciela M; Matin, Surena F

2014-02-01

Laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy (LPN and RPN) are strongly related to influence of tumor complexity and learning curve. We analyzed a consecutive experience between RPN and LPN to discern if warm ischemia time (WIT) is in fact improved while accounting for these two confounding variables and if so by which particular aspect of WIT. This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive procedures performed by a single surgeon between 2002-2008 (LPN) and 2008-2012 (RPN). Specifically, individual steps, including tumor excision, suturing of intrarenal defect, and parenchyma, were recorded at the time of surgery. Multivariate and univariate analyzes were used to evaluate influence of learning curve, tumor complexity, and time kinetics of individual steps during WIT, to determine their influence in WIT. Additionally, we considered the effect of RPN on the learning curve. A total of 146 LPNs and 137 RPNs were included. Considering renal function, WIT, suturing time, renorrhaphy time were found statistically significant differences in favor of RPN (p < 0.05). In the univariate analysis, surgical procedure, learning curve, clinical tumor size, and RENAL nephrometry score were statistically significant predictors for WIT (p < 0.05). RPN decreased the WIT on average by approximately 7 min compared to LPN even when adjusting for learning curve, tumor complexity, and both together (p < 0.001). We found RPN was associated with a shorter WIT when controlling for influence of the learning curve and tumor complexity. The time required for tumor excision was not shortened but the time required for suturing steps was significantly shortened.

The change of adjacent segment after cervical disc arthroplasty compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Dong, Liang; Xu, Zhengwei; Chen, Xiujin; Wang, Dongqi; Li, Dichen; Liu, Tuanjing; Hao, Dingjun

2017-10-01

Many meta-analyses have been performed to study the efficacy of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF); however, there are few data referring to adjacent segment within these meta-analyses, or investigators are unable to arrive at the same conclusion in the few meta-analyses about adjacent segment. With the increased concerns surrounding adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) and adjacent segment disease (ASDis) after anterior cervical surgery, it is necessary to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis to analyze adjacent segment parameters. To perform a comprehensive meta-analysis to elaborate adjacent segment motion, degeneration, disease, and reoperation of CDA compared with ACDF. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs comparing CDA and ACDF before May 2016. The analysis parameters included follow-up time, operative segments, adjacent segment motion, ASDeg, ASDis, and adjacent segment reoperation. The risk of bias scale was used to assess the papers. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to analyze the reason for high heterogeneity. Twenty-nine RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Compared with ACDF, the rate of adjacent segment reoperation in the CDA group was significantly lower (p<.01), and the advantage of that group in reducing adjacent segment reoperation increases with increasing follow-up time by subgroup analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in ASDeg between CDA and ACDF within the 24-month follow-up period; however, the rate of ASDeg in CDA was significantly lower than that of ACDF with the increase in follow-up time (p<.01). There was no statistically significant difference in ASDis between CDA and ACDF (p>.05). Cervical disc arthroplasty provided a lower adjacent segment range of motion (ROM) than did ACDF, but the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with ACDF, the advantages of CDA were lower ASDeg and adjacent segment reoperation. However, there was no statistically significant difference in ASDis and adjacent segment ROM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gender, Race, and Survival: A Study in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases Patients Utilizing the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Recursive Partitioning Analysis Classification

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

Videtic, Gregory M.M., E-mail: videtig@ccf.or; Reddy, Chandana A.; Chao, Samuel T.

Purpose: To explore whether gender and race influence survival in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with brain metastases, using our large single-institution brain tumor database and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) brain metastases classification. Methods and materials: A retrospective review of a single-institution brain metastasis database for the interval January 1982 to September 2004 yielded 835 NSCLC patients with brain metastases for analysis. Patient subsets based on combinations of gender, race, and RPA class were then analyzed for survival differences. Results: Median follow-up was 5.4 months (range, 0-122.9 months). There were 485 male patients (M)more » (58.4%) and 346 female patients (F) (41.6%). Of the 828 evaluable patients (99%), 143 (17%) were black/African American (B) and 685 (83%) were white/Caucasian (W). Median survival time (MST) from time of brain metastasis diagnosis for all patients was 5.8 months. Median survival time by gender (F vs. M) and race (W vs. B) was 6.3 months vs. 5.5 months (p = 0.013) and 6.0 months vs. 5.2 months (p = 0.08), respectively. For patients stratified by RPA class, gender, and race, MST significantly favored BFs over BMs in Class II: 11.2 months vs. 4.6 months (p = 0.021). On multivariable analysis, significant variables were gender (p = 0.041, relative risk [RR] 0.83) and RPA class (p < 0.0001, RR 0.28 for I vs. III; p < 0.0001, RR 0.51 for II vs. III) but not race. Conclusions: Gender significantly influences NSCLC brain metastasis survival. Race trended to significance in overall survival but was not significant on multivariable analysis. Multivariable analysis identified gender and RPA classification as significant variables with respect to survival.« less

An evaluation of various forms of VAS retrievals in the analysis of a preconvective environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petersen, R. A.; Keyser, D. A.

1987-01-01

VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) radiance data obtained over the continental United States on July 20, 1981 are used to evaluate a variety of VAS retrieval procedures and parameters in the qualitative analysis and forecasting of severe weather events. The particular case analyzed contains two significantly different mesoscale convective events in the central plains. Retrievals of temperature, dewpoint temperature, equivalent potential temperature, total column precipitable water, and lifted index are shown to be physically consistent in space and time and to compare well with available radiosonde data. The analysis of the VAS retrievals identified significant spatial gradients and temporal changes in the thermal and moisture fields, including times and locations between radiosonde observations.

What is associated with race performance in male 100-km ultra-marathoners--anthropometry, training or marathon best time?

PubMed

Knechtle, Beat; Knechtle, Patrizia; Rosemann, Thomas; Senn, Oliver

2011-03-01

We investigated the associations of anthropometry, training, and pre-race experience with race time in 93 recreational male ultra-marathoners (mean age 44.6 years, s = 10.0; body mass 74.0 kg, s = 9.0; height 1.77 m, s = 0.06; body mass index 23.4 kg · m(-2), s = 2.0) in a 100-km ultra-marathon using bivariate and multivariate analysis. In the bivariate analysis, body mass index (r = 0.24), the sum of eight skinfolds (r = 0.55), percent body fat (r = 0.57), weekly running hours (r = -0.29), weekly running kilometres (r = -0.49), running speed during training (r = -0.50), and personal best time in a marathon (r = 0.72) were associated with race time. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed an independent and negative association of weekly running kilometres and average speed in training with race time, as well as a significant positive association between the sum of eight skinfold thicknesses and race time. There was a significant positive association between 100-km race time and personal best time in a marathon. We conclude that both training and anthropometry were independently associated with race performance. These characteristics remained relevant even when controlling for personal best time in a marathon.

Leaf Phenological Characters of Main Tree Species in Urban Forest of Shenyang

PubMed Central

Xu, Sheng; Xu, Wenduo; Chen, Wei; He, Xingyuan; Huang, Yanqing; Wen, Hua

2014-01-01

Background Plant leaves, as the main photosynthetic organs and the high energy converters among primary producers in terrestrial ecosystems, have attracted significant research attention. Leaf lifespan is an adaptive characteristic formed by plants to obtain the maximum carbon in the long-term adaption process. It determines important functional and structural characteristics exhibited in the environmental adaptation of plants. However, the leaf lifespan and leaf characteristics of urban forests were not studied up to now. Methods By using statistic, linear regression methods and correlation analysis, leaf phenological characters of main tree species in urban forest of Shenyang were observed for five years to obtain the leafing phenology (including leafing start time, end time, and duration), defoliating phenology (including defoliation start time, end time, and duration), and the leaf lifespan of the main tree species. Moreover, the relationships between temperature and leafing phenology, defoliating phenology, and leaf lifespan were analyzed. Findings The timing of leafing differed greatly among species. The early leafing species would have relatively early end of leafing; the longer it took to the end of leafing would have a later time of completed leafing. The timing of defoliation among different species varied significantly, the early defoliation species would have relatively longer duration of defoliation. If the mean temperature rise for 1°C in spring, the time of leafing would experience 5 days earlier in spring. If the mean temperature decline for 1°C, the time of defoliation would experience 3 days delay in autumn. Interpretation There is significant correlation between leaf longevity and the time of leafing and defoliation. According to correlation analysis and regression analysis, there is significant correlation between temperature and leafing and defoliation phenology. Early leafing species would have a longer life span and consequently have advantage on carbon accumulation compared with later defoliation species. PMID:24963625

Integrated communication and control systems. I - Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halevi, Yoram; Ray, Asok

1988-01-01

The paper presents the results of an ICCS analysis focusing on discrete-time control systems subject to time-varying delays. The present analytical technique is applicable to integrated dynamic systems such as those encountered in advanced aircraft, spacecraft, and the real-time control of robots and machine tools via a high-speed network within an autonomous manufacturing environment. The significance of data latency and missynchronization between individual system components in ICCS networks is discussed in view of the time-varying delays.

Monitoring sleepiness with on-board electrophysiological recordings for preventing sleep-deprived traffic accidents.

PubMed

Papadelis, Christos; Chen, Zhe; Kourtidou-Papadeli, Chrysoula; Bamidis, Panagiotis D; Chouvarda, Ioanna; Bekiaris, Evangelos; Maglaveras, Nikos

2007-09-01

The objective of this study is the development and evaluation of efficient neurophysiological signal statistics, which may assess the driver's alertness level and serve as potential indicators of sleepiness in the design of an on-board countermeasure system. Multichannel EEG, EOG, EMG, and ECG were recorded from sleep-deprived subjects exposed to real field driving conditions. A number of severe driving errors occurred during the experiments. The analysis was performed in two main dimensions: the macroscopic analysis that estimates the on-going temporal evolution of physiological measurements during the driving task, and the microscopic event analysis that focuses on the physiological measurements' alterations just before, during, and after the driving errors. Two independent neurophysiologists visually interpreted the measurements. The EEG data were analyzed by using both linear and non-linear analysis tools. We observed the occurrence of brief paroxysmal bursts of alpha activity and an increased synchrony among EEG channels before the driving errors. The alpha relative band ratio (RBR) significantly increased, and the Cross Approximate Entropy that quantifies the synchrony among channels also significantly decreased before the driving errors. Quantitative EEG analysis revealed significant variations of RBR by driving time in the frequency bands of delta, alpha, beta, and gamma. Most of the estimated EEG statistics, such as the Shannon Entropy, Kullback-Leibler Entropy, Coherence, and Cross-Approximate Entropy, were significantly affected by driving time. We also observed an alteration of eyes blinking duration by increased driving time and a significant increase of eye blinks' number and duration before driving errors. EEG and EOG are promising neurophysiological indicators of driver sleepiness and have the potential of monitoring sleepiness in occupational settings incorporated in a sleepiness countermeasure device. The occurrence of brief paroxysmal bursts of alpha activity before severe driving errors is described in detail for the first time. Clear evidence is presented that eye-blinking statistics are sensitive to the driver's sleepiness and should be considered in the design of an efficient and driver-friendly sleepiness detection countermeasure device.

Modeling Canadian Quality Control Test Program for Steroid Hormone Receptors in Breast Cancer: Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

PubMed

Pérez, Teresa; Makrestsov, Nikita; Garatt, John; Torlakovic, Emina; Gilks, C Blake; Mallett, Susan

The Canadian Immunohistochemistry Quality Control program monitors clinical laboratory performance for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor tests used in breast cancer treatment management in Canada. Current methods assess sensitivity and specificity at each time point, compared with a reference standard. We investigate alternative performance analysis methods to enhance the quality assessment. We used 3 methods of analysis: meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity of each laboratory across all time points; sensitivity and specificity at each time point for each laboratory; and fitting models for repeated measurements to examine differences between laboratories adjusted by test and time point. Results show 88 laboratories participated in quality control at up to 13 time points using typically 37 to 54 histology samples. In meta-analysis across all time points no laboratories have sensitivity or specificity below 80%. Current methods, presenting sensitivity and specificity separately for each run, result in wide 95% confidence intervals, typically spanning 15% to 30%. Models of a single diagnostic outcome demonstrated that 82% to 100% of laboratories had no difference to reference standard for estrogen receptor and 75% to 100% for progesterone receptor, with the exception of 1 progesterone receptor run. Laboratories with significant differences to reference standard identified with Generalized Estimating Equation modeling also have reduced performance by meta-analysis across all time points. The Canadian Immunohistochemistry Quality Control program has a good design, and with this modeling approach has sufficient precision to measure performance at each time point and allow laboratories with a significantly lower performance to be targeted for advice.

Prognostic significance of blood coagulation tests in carcinoma of the lung and colon.

PubMed

Wojtukiewicz, M Z; Zacharski, L R; Moritz, T E; Hur, K; Edwards, R L; Rickles, F R

1992-08-01

Blood coagulation test results were collected prospectively in patients with previously untreated, advanced lung or colon cancer who entered into a clinical trial. In patients with colon cancer, reduced survival was associated (in univariate analysis) with higher values obtained at entry to the study for fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) split products, antiplasmin, and fibrinopeptide A and accelerated euglobulin lysis times. In patients with non-small cell lung cancer, reduced survival was associated (in univariate analysis) with higher fibrinogen and fibrin(ogen) split products, platelet counts and activated partial thromboplastin times. In patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung, only higher activated partial thromboplastin times were associated (in univariate analysis) with reduced survival in patients with disseminated disease. In multivariate analysis, higher activated partial thromboplastin times were a significant independent predictor of survival for patients with non-small cell lung cancer limited to one hemithorax and with disseminated small cell carcinoma of the lung. Fibrin(ogen) split product levels were an independent predictor of survival for patients with disseminated non-small cell lung cancer as were both the fibrinogen and fibrinopeptide A levels for patients with disseminated colon cancer. These results suggest that certain tests of blood coagulation may be indicative of prognosis in lung and colon cancer. The heterogeneity of these results suggests that the mechanism(s), intensity, and pathophysiological significance of coagulation activation in cancer may differ between tumour types.

Mean platelet volume (MPV) predicts middle distance running performance.

PubMed

Lippi, Giuseppe; Salvagno, Gian Luca; Danese, Elisa; Skafidas, Spyros; Tarperi, Cantor; Guidi, Gian Cesare; Schena, Federico

2014-01-01

Running economy and performance in middle distance running depend on several physiological factors, which include anthropometric variables, functional characteristics, training volume and intensity. Since little information is available about hematological predictors of middle distance running time, we investigated whether some hematological parameters may be associated with middle distance running performance in a large sample of recreational runners. The study population consisted in 43 amateur runners (15 females, 28 males; median age 47 years), who successfully concluded a 21.1 km half-marathon at 75-85% of their maximal aerobic power (VO2max). Whole blood was collected 10 min before the run started and immediately thereafter, and hematological testing was completed within 2 hours after sample collection. The values of lymphocytes and eosinophils exhibited a significant decrease compared to pre-run values, whereas those of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets, mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils and monocytes were significantly increased after the run. In univariate analysis, significant associations with running time were found for pre-run values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), MPV, reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration (RetCHR), and post-run values of MCH, RDW, MPV, monocytes and RetCHR. In multivariate analysis, in which running time was entered as dependent variable whereas age, sex, blood lactate, body mass index, VO2max, mean training regimen and the hematological parameters significantly associated with running performance in univariate analysis were entered as independent variables, only MPV values before and after the trial remained significantly associated with running time. After adjustment for platelet count, the MPV value before the run (p = 0.042), but not thereafter (p = 0.247), remained significantly associated with running performance. The significant association between baseline MPV and running time suggest that hyperactive platelets may exert some pleiotropic effects on endurance performance.

PM₁₀ exposure and non-accidental mortality in Asian populations: a meta-analysis of time-series and case-crossover studies.

PubMed

Park, Hye Yin; Bae, Sanghyuk; Hong, Yun-Chul

2013-01-01

We investigated the association between particulate matter less than 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM₁₀) exposure and non-accidental mortality in Asian populations by meta-analysis, using both time-series and case-crossover analysis. Among the 819 published studies searched from PubMed and EMBASE using key words related to PM₁₀ exposure and non-accidental mortality in Asian countries, 8 time-series and 4 case-crossover studies were selected for meta-analysis after exclusion by selection criteria. We obtained the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of non-accidental mortality per 10 µg/m³ increase of daily PM₁₀ from each study. We used Q statistics to test the heterogeneity of the results among the different studies and evaluated for publication bias using Begg funnel plot and Egger test. Testing for heterogeneity showed significance (p<0.001); thus, we applied a random-effects model. RR (95% CI) per 10 µg/m³ increase of daily PM₁₀ for both the time-series and case-crossover studies combined, time-series studies relative risk only, and case-crossover studies only, were 1.0047 (1.0033 to 1.0062), 1.0057 (1.0029 to 1.0086), and 1.0027 (1.0010 to 1.0043), respectively. The non-significant Egger test suggested that this analysis was not likely to have a publication bias. We found a significant positive association between PM₁₀ exposure and non-accidental mortality among Asian populations. Continued investigations are encouraged to contribute to the health impact assessment and public health management of air pollution in Asian countries.

Effects of consumer-oriented health information technologies in diabetes management over time: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Tao, Da; Wang, Tieyan; Wang, Tieshan; Liu, Shuang; Qu, Xingda

2017-09-01

To reveal the effects of consumer-oriented health information technologies (CHITs) on patient outcomes in diabetes management over time through systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched 5 electronic databases (from database inception to July 2016) for studies that reported on randomized controlled trials examining the effects of CHITs on glycemic control and other patient outcomes in diabetes management. Data were analyzed using either meta-analysis or a narrative synthesis approach. Eighty randomized controlled trial studies, representing 87 individual trials, were identified and included for analysis. Overall, the meta-analysis showed that the use of CHITs resulted in significant improvement in glycemic control compared to usual care (standardized mean difference = -0.31%, 95% confidence interval -0.38 to -0.23, P  < .001) in patients with diabetes. Specifically, improvement in glycemic control was significant at intervention durations of 3, 6, 8, 9, 12, 15, 30, and 60 months, while no significant differences were found at other time points reported. The narrative synthesis provided mixed effects of CHITs on other clinical, psychosocial, behavioral, and knowledge outcomes. The use of CHITs appears to be more effective than usual care in improving glycemic control for patients with diabetes. However, their effectiveness did not remain consistent over time and in other patient outcomes. Further efforts are required to examine long-term effects of CHITs and to explore factors that can moderate the effects over time. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Answering the Questions of Whether and When Learning Occurs: Using Discrete-Time Survival Analysis to Investigate the Ways in Which College Chemistry Students' Ideas about Structure-Property Relationships Evolve

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Underwood, Sonia M.; Reyes-Gastelum, David; Cooper, Melanie M.

2015-01-01

Longitudinal studies can provide significant insights into how students develop competence in a topic or subject area over time. However, there are many barriers, such as retention of students in the study and the complexity of data analysis, that make these studies rare. Here, we present how a statistical framework, discrete-time survival…

Mapping agroecological zones and time lag in vegetation growth by means of Fourier analysis of time series of NDVI images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Menenti, M.; Azzali, S.; Verhoef, W.; Van Swol, R.

1993-01-01

Examples are presented of applications of a fast Fourier transform algorithm to analyze time series of images of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values. The results obtained for a case study on Zambia indicated that differences in vegetation development among map units of an existing agroclimatic map were not significant, while reliable differences were observed among the map units obtained using the Fourier analysis.

Relative importance of climate changes at different time scales on net primary productivity-a case study of the Karst area of northwest Guangxi, China.

PubMed

Liu, Huiyu; Zhang, Mingyang; Lin, Zhenshan

2017-10-05

Climate changes are considered to significantly impact net primary productivity (NPP). However, there are few studies on how climate changes at multiple time scales impact NPP. With MODIS NPP product and station-based observations of sunshine duration, annual average temperature and annual precipitation, impacts of climate changes at different time scales on annual NPP, have been studied with EEMD (ensemble empirical mode decomposition) method in the Karst area of northwest Guangxi, China, during 2000-2013. Moreover, with partial least squares regression (PLSR) model, the relative importance of climatic variables for annual NPP has been explored. The results show that (1) only at quasi 3-year time scale do sunshine duration and temperature have significantly positive relations with NPP. (2) Annual precipitation has no significant relation to NPP by direct comparison, but significantly positive relation at 5-year time scale, which is because 5-year time scale is not the dominant scale of precipitation; (3) the changes of NPP may be dominated by inter-annual variabilities. (4) Multiple time scales analysis will greatly improve the performance of PLSR model for estimating NPP. The variable importance in projection (VIP) scores of sunshine duration and temperature at quasi 3-year time scale, and precipitation at quasi 5-year time scale are greater than 0.8, indicating important for NPP during 2000-2013. However, sunshine duration and temperature at quasi 3-year time scale are much more important. Our results underscore the importance of multiple time scales analysis for revealing the relations of NPP to changing climate.

Magnetic navigation system for percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Qi, Zhiyong; Wu, Bangwei; Luo, Xinping; Zhu, Jun; Shi, Haiming; Jin, Bo

2016-07-01

Magnetic navigation system (MNS) allows calculation of the vessel coordinates in real space within the patient's chest for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, its impact on the procedural parameters and clinical outcomes is still a matter of debate. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. Studies exploring the advantages of MNS were identified in English-language articles by search of Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library Databases (inception to October 2015). A standardized protocol was used to extract details on study design, region origin, demographic data, lesion type, and clinical outcomes. The main outcome measures were contrast consumption, procedural success rate, contrast used for wire crossing, procedure time to cross the lesions, and the fluoroscopy time fluoroscopy time. A total of 12 clinical trials involving 2174 patients were included for analysis (902 patients in the magnetic PCI group and 1272 in the conventional PCI group). Overall, contrast consumption was decreased by 40.45 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] -70.98 to -9.92, P = 0.009) in magnetic PCI group compared with control group. In addition, magnetic PCI was associated with significantly decreasing procedural time by 2.17 minutes (95% CI -3.91 to -0.44, P = 0.01) and the total fluoroscopy time was significantly decreased by 1.43 minutes (95% CI -2.29 to -0.57, P = 0.001) in magnetic PCI group. However, procedural success rate, contrast used for wire crossing, procedure time to cross the lesions, and the fluoroscopy time to cross the lesions demonstrated that no statistically difference was observed between 2 groups. The present meta-analysis indicated an improvement of overall contrast consumption, total procedural time, and fluoroscopy time in magnetic PCI group. However, no significant advantages were observed associated with procedural success rate.

Time Spent Walking and Risk of Diabetes in Japanese Adults: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Diabetes Study

PubMed Central

Kabeya, Yusuke; Goto, Atsushi; Kato, Masayuki; Matsushita, Yumi; Takahashi, Yoshihiko; Isogawa, Akihiro; Inoue, Manami; Mizoue, Tetsuya; Tsugane, Shoichiro; Kadowaki, Takashi; Noda, Mitsuhiko

2016-01-01

Background The association between time spent walking and risk of diabetes was investigated in a Japanese population-based cohort. Methods Data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Diabetes cohort were analyzed. The surveys of diabetes were performed at baseline and at the 5-year follow-up. Time spent walking per day was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire (<30 minutes, 30 minutes to <1 hour, 1 to <2 hours, or ≥2 hours). A cross-sectional analysis was performed among 26 488 adults in the baseline survey. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between time spent walking and the presence of unrecognized diabetes. We then performed a longitudinal analysis that was restricted to 11 101 non-diabetic adults who participated in both the baseline and 5-year surveys. The association between time spent walking and the incidence of diabetes during the 5 years was examined. Results In the cross-sectional analysis, 1058 participants had unrecognized diabetes. Those with time spent walking of <30 minutes per day had increased odds of having diabetes in relation to those with time spent walking of ≥2 hours (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.48). In the longitudinal analysis, 612 participants developed diabetes during the 5 years of follow-up. However, a significant association between time spent walking and the incidence of diabetes was not observed. Conclusions Increased risk of diabetes was implied in those with time spent walking of <30 minutes per day, although the longitudinal analysis failed to show a significant result. PMID:26725285

Can a clinical placement influence stigma? An analysis of measures of social distance.

PubMed

Moxham, Lorna; Taylor, Ellie; Patterson, Christopher; Perlman, Dana; Brighton, Renee; Sumskis, Susan; Keough, Emily; Heffernan, Tim

2016-09-01

The way people who experience mental illness are perceived by health care professionals, which often includes stigmatising attitudes, can have a significant impact on treatment outcomes and on their quality of life. To determine whether stigma towards people with mental illness varied for undergraduate nursing students who attended a non-traditional clinical placement called Recovery Camp compared to students who attended a 'typical' mental health clinical placement. Quasi-experimental. Seventy-nine third-year nursing students were surveyed; n=40 attended Recovery Camp (intervention), n=39 (comparison group) attended a 'typical' mental health clinical placement. All students completed the Social Distance Scale (SDS) pre- and post-placement and at three-month follow-up. Data analysis consisted of a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) exploring parameter estimates between group scores across three time points. Two secondary repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to demonstrate the differences in SDS scores for each group across time. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated the differences between time intervals. A statistically significant difference in ratings of stigma between the intervention group and the comparison group existed. Parameter estimates revealed that stigma ratings for the intervention group were significantly reduced post-placement and remained consistently low at three-month follow-up. There was no significant difference in ratings of stigma for the comparison group over time. Students who attended Recovery Camp reported significant decreases in stigma towards people with a mental illness over time, compared to the typical placement group. Findings suggest that a therapeutic recreation based clinical placement was more successful in reducing stigma regarding mental illness in undergraduate nursing students compared to those who attended typical mental health clinical placements. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EEG Correlates of Fluctuation in Cognitive Performance in an Air Traffic Control Task

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-01

using non-parametric statistical analysis to identify neurophysiological patterns due to the time-on-task effect. Significant changes in EEG power...EEG, Cognitive Performance, Power Spectral Analysis , Non-Parametric Analysis Document is available to the public through the Internet...3 Performance Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 EEG

Time evolution of surface chlorophyll patterns from cross-spectrum analysis of satellite color images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denman, Kenneth L.; Abbott, Mark R.

1988-01-01

The rate of decorrelation of surface chlorophyll patterns as a function of the time separation between pairs of images was determined from two sequences of CZCS images of the Pacific Ocean area adjacent to Vancouver Island, Canada; cloud-free subareas were selected that were common to several images separated in time by 1-17 days. Image pairs were subjected to two-dimensional autospectrum and cross-spectrum analysis in an array processor, and squared coherence estimates found for several wave bands were plotted against time separation, in analogy with a time-lagged cross correlation function. It was found that, for wavelengths of 50-150 km, significant coherence was lost after 7-10 days, while for wavelengths of 25-50 km, significant coherence was lost after only 5-7 days. In both cases, offshore regions maintained coherence longer than coastal regions.

Kepler light-curve analysis of the blazar W2R 1926+42

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohan, P.; Gupta, Alok C.; Bachev, Rumen; Strigachev, Anton

2016-02-01

We study the long term Kepler light curve of the blazar W2R 1926+42 (˜1.6 yr) which indicates a variety of variability properties during different intervals of observation. The normalized excess variance, Fvar ranges from 1.8 per cent in the quiescent phase and 43.3 per cent in the outburst phase. We find no significant deviation from linearity in the Fvar-flux relation. Time series analysis is conducted using the Fourier power spectrum and the wavelet analysis methods to study the power spectral density (PSD) shape, infer characteristic time-scales and statistically significant quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs). A bending power law with an associated time-scale of T_B = 6.2^{+6.4}_{-3.1} hours is inferred in the PSD analysis. We obtain a black hole mass of M• = (1.5-5.9) × 107 M⊙ for the first time using Fvar and the bend time-scale for this source. From a mean outburst lifetime of days, we infer a distance from the jet base r ≤ 1.75 pc indicating that the outburst originates due to a shock. A possible QPO peaked at 9.1 d and lasting 3.4 cycles is inferred from the wavelet analysis. Assuming that the QPO is a true feature, r = (152-378)GM•/c2 and supported by the other timing analysis products such as a weighted mean PSD slope of -1.5 ± 0.2 from the PSD analysis, we argue that the observed variability and the weak and short duration QPO could be due to jet based processes including orbital features in a relativistic helical jet and others such as shocks and turbulence.

Evaluation of the appropriate time period between sampling and analyzing for automated urinalysis

PubMed Central

Dolscheid-Pommerich, Ramona C.; Klarmann-Schulz, Ute; Conrad, Rupert; Stoffel-Wagner, Birgit; Zur, Berndt

2016-01-01

Introduction Preanalytical specifications for urinalysis must be strictly adhered to avoid false interpretations. Aim of the present study is to examine whether the preanalytical factor ‘time point of analysis’ significantly influences stability of urine samples for urine particle and dipstick analysis. Materials and methods In 321 pathological spontaneous urine samples, urine dipstick (Urisys™2400, Combur-10-Test™strips, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and particle analysis (UF-1000 i™, Sysmex, Norderstedt, Germany) were performed within 90 min, 120 min and 240 min after urine collection. Results For urine particle analysis, a significant increase in conductivity (120 vs. 90 min: P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min: P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in WBC (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), RBC (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), casts (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001) and epithelial cells (120 vs. 90 min P = 0.610, 240 vs. 90 min P = 0.041) were found. There were no significant changes for bacteria. Regarding urine dipstick analysis, misclassification rates between measurements were significant for pH (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), leukocytes (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), nitrite (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), protein (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P<0.001), ketone (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), blood (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), specific gravity (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001) and urobilinogen (120 vs. 90 min, P = 0.031). Misclassification rates were not significant for glucose and bilirubin. Conclusion Most parameters critically depend on the time window between sampling and analysis. Our study stresses the importance of adherence to early time points in urinalysis (within 90 min). PMID:26981022

Using SSTAs (Significant Sequences of TIR Anomalies) to trigger Natural Time Analysis: a Long Term Study on Earthquakes (M>4) occurred over Greece in 2004-2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tramutoli, V.; Eleftheriou, A.; Filizzola, C.; Genzano, N.; Lacava, T.; Lisi, M.; Paciello, R.; Pergola, N.; Vallianatos, F.

2016-12-01

From an appropriate identification and real-time integration of independent observations we expect to significantly improve our present capability of dynamically assess Seismic Hazard. Sometime one specific observation (e.g. anomaly in one parameter) can be used as a trigger or as a reference point (in the space and/or time domain) for activating/improving analysis on other independent parameters (e.g. b-value computation and/or Natural Time Analysis on seismic data) whose systematic computation could result otherwise very computationally expensive or impossible. In this paper one of these parameter (the Earth's emitted radiation in the Thermal Infra-Red spectral region) will be used to drive the application of Natural Time Analysis of seismic data in order to verify possible improvements in the forecast of earthquakes (with M≥4) occurred in Greece in the 10 years period 2004-2013. The RST (Robust Satellite Technique) data analysis approach and RETIRA (Robust Estimator of TIR Anomalies) index were used to preliminarily define, and then to identify, Significant Sequences of TIR Anomalies (SSTAs) in 10 years (2004-2013) of daily TIR images acquired by the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) on board the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite. A previous paper already demonstrated that more than 93% of all identified SSTAs occurred in a pre-fixed space-time window around earthquakes time (30 days before up to 15 after) and location (within 150 km or Dorbrovolsky distance) with a false positive rate smaller than 7%. In this paper just the barycenter of (and not all the alerted area) SSTAs is used to define the center of the circular area from which collect seismic data required for NTA analysis. Changes in the quality of earthquake forecast achieved by using each individual parameter in different configurations as well as the improvement rising by their joint use will be presented with reference to the 10 years considered period and to several recent events occurred in Greece.

Anterolateral minithoracotomy versus median sternotomy for the treatment of congenital heart defects: a meta-analysis and systematic review

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Anterolateral Minithoracotomy (ALMT) for the radical correction of Congenital Heart Defects is an alternative to Median Sternotomy (MS) due to reduce operative trauma accelerating recovery and yield a better cosmetic outcome after surgery. Our purpose is to conduct whether ALMT would bring more short-term benefits to patients than conventional Median Sternotomy by using a meta-analysis of case–control study in the published English Journal. Methods 6 case control studies published in English from 1997 to 2011 were identified and synthesized to compare the short-term postoperative outcomes between ALMT and MS. These outcomes were cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, intubation time, intensive care unit stay time, and postoperative hospital stay time. Results ALMT had significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass times (8.00 min more, 95% CI 0.36 to 15.64 min, p = 0.04). Some evidence proved that aortic cross-clamp time of ALMT was longer, yet not significantly (2.38 min more, 95% CI −0.15 to 4.91 min, p = 0.06). In addition, ALMT had significantly shorter intubation time (1.66 hrs less, 95% CI −3.05 to −0.27 hrs, p = 0.02). Postoperative hospital stay time was significantly shorter with ALMT (1.52 days less, 95% CI −2.71 to −0.33 days, p = 0.01). Some evidence suggested a reduction in ICU stay time in the ALMT group. However, this did not prove to be statistically significant (0.88 days less, 95% CI −0.81 to 0.04 days, p = 0.08). Conclusion ALMT can bring more benefits to patients with Congenital Heart Defects by reducing intubation time and postoperative hospital stay time, though ALMT has longer CPB time and aortic cross-clamp time. PMID:22559820

Influence of the Time Scale on the Construction of Financial Networks

PubMed Central

Emmert-Streib, Frank; Dehmer, Matthias

2010-01-01

Background In this paper we investigate the definition and formation of financial networks. Specifically, we study the influence of the time scale on their construction. Methodology/Principal Findings For our analysis we use correlation-based networks obtained from the daily closing prices of stock market data. More precisely, we use the stocks that currently comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and estimate financial networks where nodes correspond to stocks and edges correspond to none vanishing correlation coefficients. That means only if a correlation coefficient is statistically significant different from zero, we include an edge in the network. This construction procedure results in unweighted, undirected networks. By separating the time series of stock prices in non-overlapping intervals, we obtain one network per interval. The length of these intervals corresponds to the time scale of the data, whose influence on the construction of the networks will be studied in this paper. Conclusions/Significance Numerical analysis of four different measures in dependence on the time scale for the construction of networks allows us to gain insights about the intrinsic time scale of the stock market with respect to a meaningful graph-theoretical analysis. PMID:20949124

Noise induced hearing loss of forest workers in Turkey.

PubMed

Tunay, M; Melemez, K

2008-09-01

In this study, a total number of 114 workers who were in 3 different groups in terms of age and work underwent audiometric analysis. In order to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between the hearing loss levels of the workers who were included in the study, variance analysis was applied with the help of the data obtained as a result of the evaluation. Correlation and regression analysis were applied in order to determine the relations between hearing loss and their age and their time of work. As a result of the variance analysis, statistically significant differences were found at 500, 2000 and 4000 Hz frequencies. The most specific difference was observed among chainsaw machine operators at 4000 Hz frequency, which was determined by the variance analysis. As a result of the correlation analysis, significant relations were found between time of work and hearing loss in 0.01 confidence level and between age and hearing loss in 0.05 confidence level. Forest workers using chainsaw machines should be informed, they should wear or use protective materials and less noising chainsaw machines should be used if possible and workers should undergo audiometric tests when they start work and once a year.

Relationship between radiation treatment time and overall survival after induction chemotherapy for locally advanced head-and-neck carcinoma: a subset analysis of TAX 324.

PubMed

Sher, David J; Posner, Marshall R; Tishler, Roy B; Sarlis, Nicholas J; Haddad, Robert I; Holupka, Edward J; Devlin, Phillip M

2011-12-01

To analyze the relationship between overall survival (OS) and radiation treatment time (RTT) and overall treatment time (OTT) in a well-described sequential therapy paradigm for locally advanced head-and-neck carcinoma (LAHNC). TAX 324 is a Phase III study comparing TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil) with PF (cisplatin and fluorouracil) induction chemotherapy (IC) in LAHNC patients; both arms were followed by carboplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Prospective radiotherapy quality assurance was performed. This analysis includes all patients who received three cycles of IC and a radiation dose of ≥70 Gy. Radiotherapy treatment time was analyzed as binary (≤8 weeks vs. longer) and continuous (number of days beyond 8 weeks) functions. The primary analysis assessed the relationship between RTT, OTT, and OS, and the secondary analysis explored the association between treatment times and locoregional recurrence (LRR). A total of 333 (of 501) TAX 324 patients met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis. There were no significant differences between the treatment arms in baseline or treatment characteristics. On multivariable analysis, PF IC, World Health Organization performance status of 1, non-oropharynx site, T3/4 stage, N3 status, and prolonged RTT (hazard ratio 1.63, p=0.006) were associated with significantly inferior survival. Performance status, T3/4 disease, and prolonged RTT (odds ratio 1.68, p=0.047) were independently and negatively related to LRR on multivariable analysis, whereas PF was not. Overall treatment time was not independently associated with either OS or LRR. In this secondary analysis of the TAX 324 trial, TPF IC remains superior to PF IC after controlling for radiotherapy delivery time. Even with optimal IC and concurrent chemotherapy, a non-prolonged RTT is a crucial determinant of treatment success. Appropriate delivery of radiotherapy after IC remains essential for optimizing OS in LAHNC. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Relationship Between Radiation Treatment Time and Overall Survival After Induction Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Head-and-Neck Carcinoma: A Subset Analysis of TAX 324

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

Sher, David J., E-mail: dsher@partners.org; Posner, Marshall R.; Tishler, Roy B.

2011-12-01

Purpose: To analyze the relationship between overall survival (OS) and radiation treatment time (RTT) and overall treatment time (OTT) in a well-described sequential therapy paradigm for locally advanced head-and-neck carcinoma (LAHNC). Methods and Materials: TAX 324 is a Phase III study comparing TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil) with PF (cisplatin and fluorouracil) induction chemotherapy (IC) in LAHNC patients; both arms were followed by carboplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Prospective radiotherapy quality assurance was performed. This analysis includes all patients who received three cycles of IC and a radiation dose of {>=} 70 Gy. Radiotherapy treatment time was analyzed as binary ({<=} 8more » weeks vs. longer) and continuous (number of days beyond 8 weeks) functions. The primary analysis assessed the relationship between RTT, OTT, and OS, and the secondary analysis explored the association between treatment times and locoregional recurrence (LRR). Results: A total of 333 (of 501) TAX 324 patients met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis. There were no significant differences between the treatment arms in baseline or treatment characteristics. On multivariable analysis, PF IC, World Health Organization performance status of 1, non-oropharynx site, T3/4 stage, N3 status, and prolonged RTT (hazard ratio 1.63, p = 0.006) were associated with significantly inferior survival. Performance status, T3/4 disease, and prolonged RTT (odds ratio 1.68, p = 0.047) were independently and negatively related to LRR on multivariable analysis, whereas PF was not. Overall treatment time was not independently associated with either OS or LRR. Conclusions: In this secondary analysis of the TAX 324 trial, TPF IC remains superior to PF IC after controlling for radiotherapy delivery time. Even with optimal IC and concurrent chemotherapy, a non-prolonged RTT is a crucial determinant of treatment success. Appropriate delivery of radiotherapy after IC remains essential for optimizing OS in LAHNC.« less

Apollo 15 time and motion study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kubis, J. F.; Elrod, J. T.; Rusnak, R.; Barnes, J. E.

1972-01-01

A time and motion study of Apollo 15 lunar surface activity led to examination of four distinct areas of crewmen activity. These areas are: an analysis of lunar mobility, a comparative analysis of tasks performed in 1-g training and lunar EVA, an analysis of the metabolic cost of two activities that are performed in several EVAs, and a fall/near-fall analysis. An analysis of mobility showed that the crewmen used three basic mobility patterns (modified walk, hop, side step) while on the lunar surface. These mobility patterns were utilized as adaptive modes to compensate for the uneven terrain and varied soil conditions that the crewmen encountered. A comparison of the time required to perform tasks at the final 1-g lunar EVA training sessions and the time required to perform the same task on the lunar surface indicates that, in almost all cases, it took significantly more time (on the order of 40%) to perform tasks on the moon. This increased time was observed even after extraneous factors (e.g., hardware difficulties) were factored out.

High-speed peak matching algorithm for retention time alignment of gas chromatographic data for chemometric analysis

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

Johnson, Kevin J.; Wright, Bob W.; Jarman, Kristin H.

2003-05-09

A rapid retention time alignment algorithm was developed as a preprocessing utility to be used prior to chemometric analysis of large datasets of diesel fuel gas chromatographic profiles. Retention time variation from chromatogram-to-chromatogram has been a significant impediment against the use of chemometric techniques in the analysis of chromatographic data due to the inability of current multivariate techniques to correctly model information that shifts from variable to variable within a dataset. The algorithm developed is shown to increase the efficacy of pattern recognition methods applied to a set of diesel fuel chromatograms by retaining chemical selectivity while reducing chromatogram-to-chromatogram retentionmore » time variations and to do so on a time scale that makes analysis of large sets of chromatographic data practical.« less

Metabolic Imaging in Multiple Time Scales

PubMed Central

Ramanujan, V Krishnan

2013-01-01

We report here a novel combination of time-resolved imaging methods for probing mitochondrial metabolism multiple time scales at the level of single cells. By exploiting a mitochondrial membrane potential reporter fluorescence we demonstrate the single cell metabolic dynamics in time scales ranging from milliseconds to seconds to minutes in response to glucose metabolism and mitochondrial perturbations in real time. Our results show that in comparison with normal human mammary epithelial cells, the breast cancer cells display significant alterations in metabolic responses at all measured time scales by single cell kinetics, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and by scaling analysis of time-series data obtained from mitochondrial fluorescence fluctuations. Furthermore scaling analysis of time-series data in living cells with distinct mitochondrial dysfunction also revealed significant metabolic differences thereby suggesting the broader applicability (e.g. in mitochondrial myopathies and other metabolic disorders) of the proposed strategies beyond the scope of cancer metabolism. We discuss the scope of these findings in the context of developing portable, real-time metabolic measurement systems that can find applications in preclinical and clinical diagnostics. PMID:24013043

Gender differences in the long-term associations between posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms: findings from the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study.

PubMed

Horesh, Danny; Lowe, Sarah R; Galea, Sandro; Uddin, Monica; Koenen, Karestan C

2015-01-01

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are known to be highly comorbid. However, previous findings regarding the nature of this comorbidity have been inconclusive. This study prospectively examined whether PTSD and depression are distinct constructs in an epidemiologic sample, as well as assessed the directionality of the PTSD-depression association across time. Nine hundred and forty-two Detroit residents (males: n = 387; females: n = 555) were interviewed by phone at three time points, 1 year apart. At each time point, they were assessed for PTSD (using the PCL-C), depression (PHQ-9), trauma exposure, and stressful life events. First, a confirmatory factor analysis showed PTSD and depression to be two distinct factors at all three waves of assessments (W1, W2, and W3). Second, chi-square analysis detected significant differences between observed and expected rates of comorbidity at each time point, with significantly more no-disorder and comorbid cases, and significantly fewer PTSD only and depression only cases, than would be expected by chance alone. Finally, a cross-lagged analysis revealed a bidirectional association between PTSD and depression symptoms across time for the entire sample, as well as for women separately, wherein PTSD symptoms at an early wave predicted later depression symptoms, and vice versa. For men, however, only the paths from PTSD symptoms to subsequent depression symptoms were significant. Across time, PTSD and depression are distinct, but correlated, constructs among a highly-exposed epidemiologic sample. Women and men differ in both the risk of these conditions, and the nature of the long-term associations between them. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Estimation of T2* Relaxation Time of Breast Cancer: Correlation with Clinical, Imaging and Pathological Features

PubMed Central

Seo, Mirinae; Jahng, Geon-Ho; Sohn, Yu-Mee; Rhee, Sun Jung; Oh, Jang-Hoon; Won, Kyu-Yeoun

2017-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the T2* relaxation time in breast cancer, and to evaluate the association between the T2* value with clinical-imaging-pathological features of breast cancer. Materials and Methods Between January 2011 and July 2013, 107 consecutive women with 107 breast cancers underwent multi-echo T2*-weighted imaging on a 3T clinical magnetic resonance imaging system. The Student's t test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare the T2* values of cancer for different groups, based on the clinical-imaging-pathological features. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to find independent predictive factors associated with the T2* values. Results Of the 107 breast cancers, 92 were invasive and 15 were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The mean T2* value of invasive cancers was significantly longer than that of DCIS (p = 0.029). Signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and histologic grade of invasive breast cancers showed significant correlation with T2* relaxation time in univariate and multivariate analysis. Breast cancer groups with higher signal intensity on T2WI showed longer T2* relaxation time (p = 0.005). Cancer groups with higher histologic grade showed longer T2* relaxation time (p = 0.017). Conclusion The T2* value is significantly longer in invasive cancer than in DCIS. In invasive cancers, T2* relaxation time is significantly longer in higher histologic grades and high signal intensity on T2WI. Based on these preliminary data, quantitative T2* mapping has the potential to be useful in the characterization of breast cancer. PMID:28096732

Utility of repeat testing of critical values: a Q-probes analysis of 86 clinical laboratories.

PubMed

Lehman, Christopher M; Howanitz, Peter J; Souers, Rhona; Karcher, Donald S

2014-06-01

A common laboratory practice is to repeat critical values before reporting the test results to the clinical care provider. This may be an unnecessary step that delays the reporting of critical test results without adding value to the accuracy of the test result. To determine the proportions of repeated chemistry and hematology critical values that differ significantly from the original value as defined by the participating laboratory, to determine the threshold differences defined by the laboratory as clinically significant, and to determine the additional time required to analyze the repeat test. Participants prospectively reviewed critical test results for 4 laboratory tests: glucose, potassium, white blood cell count, and platelet count. Participants reported the following information: initial and repeated test result; time initial and repeat results were first known to laboratory staff; critical result notification time; if the repeat result was still a critical result; if the repeat result was significantly different from the initial result, as judged by the laboratory professional or policy; significant difference threshold, as defined by the laboratory; the make and model of the instrument used for primary and repeat testing. Routine, repeat analysis of critical values is a common practice. Most laboratories did not formally define a significant difference between repeat results. Repeated results were rarely considered significantly different. Median repeated times were at least 17 to 21 minutes for 10% of laboratories. Twenty percent of laboratories reported at least 1 incident in the last calendar year of delayed result reporting that clinicians indicated had adversely affected patient care. Routine repeat analysis of automated chemistry and hematology critical values is unlikely to be clinically useful and may adversely affect patient care.

Epipolis-laser in situ keratomileusis versus photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of myopia: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wu, Wenjing; Wang, Yan; Xu, Lulu

2015-10-01

It is unclear whether epipolis-laser in situ keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK) has any significant advantage over photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for correcting myopia. We undertook this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies to examine possible differences in efficacy, predictability, and side effects between Epi-LASIK and PRK for correcting myopia. A system literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library EMBASE. The statistical analysis was performed by RevMan 5.0 software. The results included efficacy outcomes (percentage of eyes with 20/20 uncorrected visual acuity post-treatment), predictability (proportion of eyes within ±0.5 D of the target refraction), epithelial healing time, and the incidence of significant haze and pain scores after surgery. There are seven articles with total 987 eyes suitable for the meta-analysis. There is no statistical significance in the predictability between Epi-LASIK and PRK, the risk ratio (RR) is 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.92, 1.16], p = 0.18; with respect to efficacy, the odds ratio is 1.43, 95% CI = [0.85, 2.40], p = 0.56 between Epi-LASIK and PRK, there is no statistical significance either. The epithelial cell layer healing time and the pain scores and the incidence of significant haze showed no significance between these two techniques although more pains can be found in Epi-LASIK than PRK at the early-stage post-operation. According to the above analysis, Epi-LASIK has good efficacy and predictability as PRK. In addition, both techniques have low pain scores and low incidence of significant haze.

Formulation of a dynamic analysis method for a generic family of hoop-mast antenna systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabriele, A.; Loewy, R.

1981-01-01

Analytical studies of mast-cable-hoop-membrane type antennas were conducted using a transfer matrix numerical analysis approach. This method, by virtue of its specialization and the inherently easy compartmentalization of the formulation and numerical procedures, can be significantly more efficient in computer time required and in the time needed to review and interpret the results.

Effect of cooking time on some nutrient and antinutrient components of bambaragroundnut seeds.

PubMed

Omoikhoje, Stanley Omoh; Aruna, Mohammed Bashiru; Bamgbose, Adeyemi Mustapha

2009-02-01

The proximate composition, gross energy, mineral composition, percentage sugar, oligosaccharides and antinutrient substances of bambaragroundnut seeds subjected to different cooking times were determined. The seeds were cooked for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Results of the proximate analysis showed that only the ether extract and ash were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced as the cooking time increased. In contrast, gross energy values significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increased cooking time. Amongst, the mineral elements assayed, calcium, magnesium and iron were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while phosphorous, potassium, sodium and copper were reduced significantly (P > 0.05) with inreased cooking time. Percentage sucrose and glucose of bambaragroundnut seeds were significantly (P < 0.05) lowest in the raw form, but increased progressively with increased of cooking time. Raffinose and stachyose levels were reduced significantly by increased cookinf time (P < 0.05) with the least value in seeds cooked for 120 min. Trypsin inhibitor, hemagglutinin and tannin were completely eliminated in seeds cooked for 60 min or longer, but the phytin level was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by cooking. For a significant detoxification of antinutrient substances and for optimal bioavailability of the component nutrients of bambaragroundnut seeds, an optimum cooking time of 60 min at 100 degrees C is therefore recommended.

JCDSA: a joint covariate detection tool for survival analysis on tumor expression profiles.

PubMed

Wu, Yiming; Liu, Yanan; Wang, Yueming; Shi, Yan; Zhao, Xudong

2018-05-29

Survival analysis on tumor expression profiles has always been a key issue for subsequent biological experimental validation. It is crucial how to select features which closely correspond to survival time. Furthermore, it is important how to select features which best discriminate between low-risk and high-risk group of patients. Common features derived from the two aspects may provide variable candidates for prognosis of cancer. Based on the provided two-step feature selection strategy, we develop a joint covariate detection tool for survival analysis on tumor expression profiles. Significant features, which are not only consistent with survival time but also associated with the categories of patients with different survival risks, are chosen. Using the miRNA expression data (Level 3) of 548 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) as an example, miRNA candidates for prognosis of cancer are selected. The reliability of selected miRNAs using this tool is demonstrated by 100 simulations. Furthermore, It is discovered that significant covariates are not directly composed of individually significant variables. Joint covariate detection provides a viewpoint for selecting variables which are not individually but jointly significant. Besides, it helps to select features which are not only consistent with survival time but also associated with prognosis risk. The software is available at http://bio-nefu.com/resource/jcdsa .

Effect of age, gender and body mass index on visual and auditory reaction times in Indian population.

PubMed

Nikam, Lalita H; Gadkari, Jayshree V

2012-01-01

The effect of Age. Gender and Body Mass Index (BMI) on the Visual (VRT) and Auditory reaction time (ART) was studied in 30 males and 30 females in the age group of 18-20 years along with 30 males and 30 females in the age group of 65-75 years. Statistical analysis of the data by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc by Tukey-HSD test showed that BMI, VRT and ART were significantly higher in old than young individuals. Females had higher BMI and longer reaction times than males. There was significant positive correlation between BMI and reaction times (VRT and ART) in both males and females by Pearson correlation analysis. Older individuals should be more careful and vigilant about the injuries and falls due to increased reaction time. Longer reaction times and higher BMI in females could be attributed to fluid and salt retention due to female sex hormones affecting sensorimotor co-ordination.

A novel way to detect correlations on multi-time scales, with temporal evolution and for multi-variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Naiming; Xoplaki, Elena; Zhu, Congwen; Luterbacher, Juerg

2016-06-01

In this paper, two new methods, Temporal evolution of Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis (TDCCA) and Temporal evolution of Detrended Partial-Cross-Correlation Analysis (TDPCCA), are proposed by generalizing DCCA and DPCCA. Applying TDCCA/TDPCCA, it is possible to study correlations on multi-time scales and over different periods. To illustrate their properties, we used two climatological examples: i) Global Sea Level (GSL) versus North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO); and ii) Summer Rainfall over Yangtze River (SRYR) versus previous winter Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). We find significant correlations between GSL and NAO on time scales of 60 to 140 years, but the correlations are non-significant between 1865-1875. As for SRYR and PDO, significant correlations are found on time scales of 30 to 35 years, but the correlations are more pronounced during the recent 30 years. By combining TDCCA/TDPCCA and DCCA/DPCCA, we proposed a new correlation-detection system, which compared to traditional methods, can objectively show how two time series are related (on which time scale, during which time period). These are important not only for diagnosis of complex system, but also for better designs of prediction models. Therefore, the new methods offer new opportunities for applications in natural sciences, such as ecology, economy, sociology and other research fields.

Mouse strain differences in immobility and sensitivity to fluvoxamine and desipramine in the forced swimming test: analysis of serotonin and noradrenaline transporter binding.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Yumi; Kajiwara, Yoshinobu; Hirano, Kazufumi; Yamada, Shizuo; Tagawa, Noriko; Kobayashi, Yoshiharu; Hotta, Yoshihiro; Yamada, Jun

2008-09-11

Strain differences in immobility time in the forced swimming test were investigated in five strains of mice, namely, ICR, ddY, C57BL/6, DBA/2 and BALB/c mice. There were significant strain differences. The immobility times of ICR, ddY and C57BL/6 mice were longer than those of DBA/2 and BALB/c mice. Immobility times were not significantly related to locomotor activity in these strains. There were also differences in sensitivity to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluvoxamine. In ICR, ddY and C57BL/6 mice, fluvoxamine did not affect immobility time, while it reduced the immobility time of DBA/2 and BALB/c mice dose-dependently. The noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor desipramine decreased immobility time in all strains of mice. Serotonin (5-HT) transporter binding in the brains of all five strains of mice was also investigated. Analysis of 5-HT transporter binding revealed significant strain differences, being lower in DBA/2 and BALB/c mice than in other strains of mice. The amount of 5-HT transporter binding was correlated to baseline immobility time. However, there was no significant relation between noradrenaline transporter binding and immobility time. These results suggest that the duration of baseline immobility depends on the levels of 5-HT transporter binding, leading to apparent strain differences in immobility time in the forced swimming test. Furthermore, differences in 5-HT transporter binding may cause variations in responses to fluvoxamine.

Statistical inference methods for sparse biological time series data.

PubMed

Ndukum, Juliet; Fonseca, Luís L; Santos, Helena; Voit, Eberhard O; Datta, Susmita

2011-04-25

Comparing metabolic profiles under different biological perturbations has become a powerful approach to investigating the functioning of cells. The profiles can be taken as single snapshots of a system, but more information is gained if they are measured longitudinally over time. The results are short time series consisting of relatively sparse data that cannot be analyzed effectively with standard time series techniques, such as autocorrelation and frequency domain methods. In this work, we study longitudinal time series profiles of glucose consumption in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae under different temperatures and preconditioning regimens, which we obtained with methods of in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. For the statistical analysis we first fit several nonlinear mixed effect regression models to the longitudinal profiles and then used an ANOVA likelihood ratio method in order to test for significant differences between the profiles. The proposed methods are capable of distinguishing metabolic time trends resulting from different treatments and associate significance levels to these differences. Among several nonlinear mixed-effects regression models tested, a three-parameter logistic function represents the data with highest accuracy. ANOVA and likelihood ratio tests suggest that there are significant differences between the glucose consumption rate profiles for cells that had been--or had not been--preconditioned by heat during growth. Furthermore, pair-wise t-tests reveal significant differences in the longitudinal profiles for glucose consumption rates between optimal conditions and heat stress, optimal and recovery conditions, and heat stress and recovery conditions (p-values <0.0001). We have developed a nonlinear mixed effects model that is appropriate for the analysis of sparse metabolic and physiological time profiles. The model permits sound statistical inference procedures, based on ANOVA likelihood ratio tests, for testing the significance of differences between short time course data under different biological perturbations.

Characteristic Markers of the WNT Signaling Pathways Are Differentially Expressed in Osteoarthritic Cartilage

PubMed Central

Dehne, T.; Lindahl, A.; Brittberg, M.; Pruss, A.; Ringe, J.; Sittinger, M.; Karlsson, C.

2012-01-01

Objective: It is well known that expression of markers for WNT signaling is dysregulated in osteoarthritic (OA) bone. However, it is still not fully known if the expression of these markers also is affected in OA cartilage. The aim of this study was therefore to examine this issue. Methods: Human cartilage biopsies from OA and control donors were subjected to genome-wide oligonucleotide microarrays. Genes involved in WNT signaling were selected using the BioRetis database, KEGG pathway analysis was searched using DAVID software tools, and cluster analysis was performed using Genesis software. Results from the microarray analysis were verified using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. In order to study the impact of cytokines for the dysregulated WNT signaling, OA and control chondrocytes were stimulated with interleukin-1 and analyzed with real-time PCR for their expression of WNT-related genes. Results: Several WNT markers displayed a significantly altered expression in OA compared to normal cartilage. Interestingly, inhibitors of the canonical and planar cell polarity WNT signaling pathways displayed significantly increased expression in OA cartilage, while the Ca2+/WNT signaling pathway was activated. Both real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry verified the microarray results. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that interleukin-1 upregulated expression of important WNT markers. Conclusions: WNT signaling is significantly affected in OA cartilage. The result suggests that both the canonical and planar cell polarity WNT signaling pathways were partly inhibited while the Ca2+/WNT pathway was activated in OA cartilage. PMID:26069618

Radiofrequency Ablation versus Cryoablation in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Hachem, Ali H.; Marine, Joseph E.; Tahboub, Housam A.; Kamdar, Sana; Kanjwal, Shaffi; Soni, Ronak

2018-01-01

Background Pulmonary vein isolation is commonly performed using radiofrequency energy with cryoablation gaining acceptance. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials which compared radiofrequency versus cryoablation for patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods A systematic search strategy identified both published and unpublished articles from inception to November 10, 2016, in multiple databases. The primary outcomes for this meta-analysis were long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation at 12-month follow-up and overall postoperative complication rates. For all included studies, the methodological quality was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for risk of bias. Results A total of 247 articles were identified with eight being included in this review as they satisfied the prespecified inclusion criteria. Overall, there was no significant difference in freedom from atrial fibrillation at ≥12-month follow-up between those receiving cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation, respectively (OR = 0.98, CI = 0.67–1.43, I2 = 56%, p=0.90). Additionally, the secondary outcomes of duration of ablation, fluoroscopy time, and ablation time failed to reach significance. Cryoballoon ablation had significantly greater odds of postoperative phrenic nerve injury at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions Our meta-analysis suggests that cryoballoon ablation provides comparable benefits with regard to freedom from atrial fibrillation at medium-term follow-up, fluoroscopy time, ablation time, operative duration, and overall complication rate in comparison to radiofrequency ablation. PMID:29805800

A meta-analysis of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in patients suspected of having acute appendicitis

PubMed Central

Temple, Larissa K.F.; Litwin, Demetrius E.; McLeod, Robin S.

Objective To determine if any significant differences exist between laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA). Design A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LA to OA. Data sources An extensive literature search was conducted for appropriate articles published between January 1990 and March 1997. Articles were initially retrieved through MEDLINE with MeSH terms “appendicitis” or “appendectomy” and “laparoscopy.” Additional methods included cross-referencing bibliographies of retrieved articles, hand searching abstracts from relevant meetings and consultation with a content expert. Study selection Only RCTs published in English in which patients had a preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis were included. Data extraction The outcomes of interest included operating time, hospital stay, readmission rates, return to normal activity and complications. The Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager 3.0 was used to calculate odds ratios (OR), weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The random-effects model was used for statistical analysis. Data synthesis Twelve trials met the inclusion criteria. Because there were insufficient data in some trials, operating time, hospitalization and return to work were assessed in only 8 trials. Mean operating time was significantly longer with LA (WMD 18.10 minutes, 95% CI 12.87 to 23.15 minutes). There were fewer wound infections in LA (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.69), but no significant differences in intra-abdominal abscess rates (OR 1.94, 95% CI 0.68 to 5.58). There was no significant difference in the mean length of hospital stay (WMD −0.16 days, 95% CI −0.44 to 0.15 days) or readmission rates (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.48). However, the return to normal activity was significantly earlier with LA (WMD −5.79 days, 95% CI −7.38 to −4.21 days). Sensitivity analyses did not affect the results. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that operating room time is significantly longer, hospital stay is unchanged but return to normal activities is significantly earlier with LA. PMID:10526524

A Biomechanical Comparison of the Long Snap in Football Between High School and University Football Players.

PubMed

Chizewski, Michael G; Alexander, Marion J L

2015-08-01

Limited previous research was located that examined the technique of the long snap in football. The purpose of the study was to compare the joint movements, joint velocities, and body positions used to perform fast and accurate long snaps in high school (HS) and university (UNI) athletes. Ten HS and 10 UNI subjects were recruited for filming, each performing 10 snaps at a target with the fastest and most accurate trial being selected for subject analysis. Eighty-three variables were measured using Dartfish Team Pro 4.5.2 video analysis software, with statistical analysis performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 16.0. Several significant comparisons to long snapping technique between groups were noted during analysis; however, the body position and movement variables at release showed the greatest number of significant differences. The UNI athletes demonstrated significantly higher release velocity and left elbow extension velocity, with significantly lower release height and release angle than the HS group. Total snap time (release time + total flight time) was determined to have the strongest correlation to release velocity for the HS group (r = -0.915) and UNI group (r = -0.918). The study suggests HS long snappers may benefit from less elbow flexion and more knee flexion in the backswing (set position) to increase release velocity. University long snappers may benefit from increased left elbow extension range of motion during force production and decreased shoulder flexion at critical instant to increase long snap release velocity.

A Prospective Comparison of Robotic and Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

PubMed Central

Link, Richard E.; Bhayani, Sam B.; Kavoussi, Louis R.

2006-01-01

Objective: To determine whether robotic-assisted pyeloplasty (RLP) has any significant clinical or cost advantages over laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for surgeons already facile with intracorporeal suturing. Summary Background Data: LP has become an established management approach for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. More recently, the da Vinci robot has been applied to this procedure (RLP) in an attempt to shorten the learning curve. Whether RLP provides any significant advantage over LP for the experienced laparoscopist remains unclear. Methods: Ten consecutive cases each of transperitoneal RLP and LP performed by a single surgeon were compared prospectively with respect to surgical times and perioperative outcomes. Cost assessment was performed by sensitivity analysis using a mathematical cost model incorporating operative time, anesthesia fees, consumables, and capital equipment depreciation. Results: The RLP and LP groups had statistically indistinguishable demographics, pathology, and similar perioperative outcomes. Mean operative and total room time for RLP was significantly longer than LP by 19.5 and 39.0 minutes, respectively. RLP was much more costly than LP (2.7 times), due to longer operative time, increased consumables costs, and depreciation of the costly da Vinci system. However, even if depreciation was eliminated, RLP was still 1.7 times as costly as LP. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that LP operative time must increase to almost 6.5 hours for it to become cost equivalent to RLP. Conclusions: For the experienced laparoscopist, application of the da Vinci robot resulted in no significant clinical advantage and added substantial cost to transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. PMID:16552199

A prospective comparison of robotic and laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

PubMed

Link, Richard E; Bhayani, Sam B; Kavoussi, Louis R

2006-04-01

To determine whether robotic-assisted pyeloplasty (RLP) has any significant clinical or cost advantages over laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for surgeons already facile with intracorporeal suturing. LP has become an established management approach for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. More recently, the da Vinci robot has been applied to this procedure (RLP) in an attempt to shorten the learning curve. Whether RLP provides any significant advantage over LP for the experienced laparoscopist remains unclear. Ten consecutive cases each of transperitoneal RLP and LP performed by a single surgeon were compared prospectively with respect to surgical times and perioperative outcomes. Cost assessment was performed by sensitivity analysis using a mathematical cost model incorporating operative time, anesthesia fees, consumables, and capital equipment depreciation. The RLP and LP groups had statistically indistinguishable demographics, pathology, and similar perioperative outcomes. Mean operative and total room time for RLP was significantly longer than LP by 19.5 and 39.0 minutes, respectively. RLP was much more costly than LP (2.7 times), due to longer operative time, increased consumables costs, and depreciation of the costly da Vinci system. However, even if depreciation was eliminated, RLP was still 1.7 times as costly as LP. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that LP operative time must increase to almost 6.5 hours for it to become cost equivalent to RLP. For the experienced laparoscopist, application of the da Vinci robot resulted in no significant clinical advantage and added substantial cost to transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery varicocelectomy versus conventional laparoscopic varicocele ligation: A meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Li, Mingchao; Wang, Zhengyun

2016-01-01

Objective To perform a meta-analysis of data from available published studies comparing laparoendoscopic single-site surgery varicocelectomy (LESSV) with conventional transperitoneal laparoscopic varicocele ligation. Methods A comprehensive data search was performed in PubMed and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials and comparative studies that compared the two surgical approaches for the treatment of varicoceles. Results Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. LESSV required a significantly longer operative time than conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy but was associated with significantly less postoperative pain at 6 h and 24 h, a shorter recovery time and greater patient satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome. There was no difference between the two surgical approaches in terms of postoperative semen quality or the incidence of complications. Conclusion These data suggest that LESSV offers a well tolerated and efficient alternative to conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy, with less pain, a shorter recovery time and better cosmetic satisfaction. Further well-designed studies are required to confirm these findings and update the results of this meta-analysis. PMID:27688686

Harmonic versus LigaSure hemostasis technique in thyroid surgery: A meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Upadhyaya, Arun; Hu, Tianpeng; Meng, Zhaowei; Li, Xue; He, Xianghui; Tian, Weijun; Jia, Qiang; Tan, Jian

2016-01-01

Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure vessel sealing systems have been suggested as options for saving surgical time and reducing postoperative complications. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to compare surgical time, postoperative complications and other parameters between them in for the open thyroidectomy procedure. Studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science until December 2015. All the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure during open thyroidectomy were selected. Following data extraction, statistical analyses were performed. Among the 24 studies that were evaluated for eligibility, 7 RCTs with 981 patients were included. The Harmonic scalpel significantly reduced surgical time compared with LigaSure techniques (8.79 min; 95% confidence interval, −15.91 to −1.67; P=0.02). However, no significant difference was observed for the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, thyroid weight and serum calcium level postoperatively in either group. The present meta-analysis indicated superiority of Harmonic Scalpel only in terms of surgical time compared with LigaSure hemostasis techniques in open thyroid surgery. PMID:27446546

13C cell wall enrichment and ionic liquid NMR analysis: progress towards a high-throughput detailed chemical analysis of the whole plant cell wall.

PubMed

Foston, Marcus; Samuel, Reichel; Ragauskas, Arthur J

2012-09-07

The ability to accurately and rapidly measure plant cell wall composition, relative monolignol content and lignin-hemicellulose inter-unit linkage distributions has become essential to efforts centered on reducing the recalcitrance of biomass by genetic engineering. Growing (13)C enriched transgenic plants is a viable route to achieve the high-throughput, detailed chemical analysis of whole plant cell wall before and after pretreatment and microbial or enzymatic utilization by (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in a perdeuterated ionic liquid solvent system not requiring component isolation. 1D (13)C whole cell wall ionic liquid NMR of natural abundant and (13)C enriched corn stover stem samples suggest that a high level of uniform labeling (>97%) can significantly reduce the total NMR experiment times up to ~220 times. Similarly, significant reduction in total NMR experiment time (~39 times) of the (13)C enriched corn stover stem samples for 2D (13)C-(1)H heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR was found.

Display format, highlight validity, and highlight method: Their effects on search performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donner, Kimberly A.; Mckay, Tim D.; Obrien, Kevin M.; Rudisill, Marianne

1991-01-01

Display format and highlight validity were shown to affect visual display search performance; however, these studies were conducted on small, artificial displays of alphanumeric stimuli. A study manipulating these variables was conducted using realistic, complex Space Shuttle information displays. A 2x2x3 within-subjects analysis of variance found that search times were faster for items in reformatted displays than for current displays. Responses to valid applications of highlight were significantly faster than responses to non or invalidly highlighted applications. The significant format by highlight validity interaction showed that there was little difference in response time to both current and reformatted displays when the highlight validity was applied; however, under the non or invalid highlight conditions, search times were faster with reformatted displays. A separate within-subject analysis of variance of display format, highlight validity, and several highlight methods did not reveal a main effect of highlight method. In addition, observed display search times were compared to search time predicted by Tullis' Display Analysis Program. Benefits of highlighting and reformatting displays to enhance search and the necessity to consider highlight validity and format characteristics in tandem for predicting search performance are discussed.

A hybrid symplectic principal component analysis and central tendency measure method for detection of determinism in noisy time series with application to mechanomyography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Hong-Bo; Dokos, Socrates

2013-06-01

We present a hybrid symplectic geometry and central tendency measure (CTM) method for detection of determinism in noisy time series. CTM is effective for detecting determinism in short time series and has been applied in many areas of nonlinear analysis. However, its performance significantly degrades in the presence of strong noise. In order to circumvent this difficulty, we propose to use symplectic principal component analysis (SPCA), a new chaotic signal de-noising method, as the first step to recover the system dynamics. CTM is then applied to determine whether the time series arises from a stochastic process or has a deterministic component. Results from numerical experiments, ranging from six benchmark deterministic models to 1/f noise, suggest that the hybrid method can significantly improve detection of determinism in noisy time series by about 20 dB when the data are contaminated by Gaussian noise. Furthermore, we apply our algorithm to study the mechanomyographic (MMG) signals arising from contraction of human skeletal muscle. Results obtained from the hybrid symplectic principal component analysis and central tendency measure demonstrate that the skeletal muscle motor unit dynamics can indeed be deterministic, in agreement with previous studies. However, the conventional CTM method was not able to definitely detect the underlying deterministic dynamics. This result on MMG signal analysis is helpful in understanding neuromuscular control mechanisms and developing MMG-based engineering control applications.

A hybrid symplectic principal component analysis and central tendency measure method for detection of determinism in noisy time series with application to mechanomyography.

PubMed

Xie, Hong-Bo; Dokos, Socrates

2013-06-01

We present a hybrid symplectic geometry and central tendency measure (CTM) method for detection of determinism in noisy time series. CTM is effective for detecting determinism in short time series and has been applied in many areas of nonlinear analysis. However, its performance significantly degrades in the presence of strong noise. In order to circumvent this difficulty, we propose to use symplectic principal component analysis (SPCA), a new chaotic signal de-noising method, as the first step to recover the system dynamics. CTM is then applied to determine whether the time series arises from a stochastic process or has a deterministic component. Results from numerical experiments, ranging from six benchmark deterministic models to 1/f noise, suggest that the hybrid method can significantly improve detection of determinism in noisy time series by about 20 dB when the data are contaminated by Gaussian noise. Furthermore, we apply our algorithm to study the mechanomyographic (MMG) signals arising from contraction of human skeletal muscle. Results obtained from the hybrid symplectic principal component analysis and central tendency measure demonstrate that the skeletal muscle motor unit dynamics can indeed be deterministic, in agreement with previous studies. However, the conventional CTM method was not able to definitely detect the underlying deterministic dynamics. This result on MMG signal analysis is helpful in understanding neuromuscular control mechanisms and developing MMG-based engineering control applications.

The Role of Habit and Perceived Control on Health Behavior among Pregnant Women.

PubMed

Mullan, Barbara; Henderson, Joanna; Kothe, Emily; Allom, Vanessa; Orbell, Sheina; Hamilton, Kyra

2016-05-01

Many pregnant women do not adhere to physical activity and dietary recommendations. Research investigating what psychological processes might predict physical activity and healthy eating (fruit and vegetable consumption) during pregnancy is scant. We explored the role of intention, habit, and perceived behavioral control as predictors of physical activity and healthy eating. Pregnant women (N = 195, Mage = 30.17, SDage = 4.46) completed questionnaires at 2 time points. At Time 1, participants completed measures of intention, habit, and perceived behavioral control. At Time 2, participants reported on their behavior (physical activity and healthy eating) within the intervening week. Regression analysis determined whether Time 1 variables predicted behavior at Time 2. Interaction terms also were tested. Final regression models indicated that only intention and habit explained significant variance in physical activity, whereas habit and the interaction between intention and habit explained significant variance in healthy eating. Simple slopes analysis indicated that the relationship between intention and healthy eating behavior was only significant at high levels of habit. Findings highlight the influence of habit on behavior and suggest that automaticity interventions may be useful in changing health behaviors during pregnancy.

Severity, course, and predictors of sleep disruption following hematopoietic cell transplantation: a secondary data analysis from the BMT CTN 0902 trial.

PubMed

Jim, Heather S L; Sutton, Steven; Majhail, Navneet S; Wood, William A; Jacobsen, Paul B; Wingard, John R; Wu, Juan; Knight, Jennifer M; Syrjala, Karen L; Lee, Stephanie J

2018-03-07

Sleep disruption has received little attention in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The goal of this study was to describe severity, course, and predictors of sleep disruption following HCT. A secondary data analysis was conducted of the Blood and Marrow Transplantation Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) 0902 study. Participants completed a modified version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index prior to transplant and 100 and 180 days posttransplant. Growth mixture models were used to characterize subgroups of patients based on baseline sleep disruption and change over time. A total of 570 patients (mean age 55 years, 42% female) were included in the current analyses. Patients could be grouped into four distinct classes based on sleep disruption: (1) clinically significant sleep disruption at baseline that did not improve over time (20%); (2) clinically significant sleep disruption at baseline that improved over time (22%); (3) sleep disruption that did not reach clinical significance at baseline and did not improve over time (45%); and (4) no sleep disruption at baseline or over time (13%). These data provide a more comprehensive understanding of sleep disruption that can be used to develop interventions to improve sleep in HCT recipients.

Modeling the Trajectory of Analgesic Demand Over Time After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using the Latent Curve Analysis.

PubMed

Lo, Po-Han; Tsou, Mei-Yung; Chang, Kuang-Yi

2015-09-01

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) is commonly used for pain relief after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to model the trajectory of analgesic demand over time after TKA and explore its influential factors using latent curve analysis. Data were retrospectively collected from 916 patients receiving unilateral or bilateral TKA and postoperative PCEA. PCEA demands during 12-hour intervals for 48 hours were directly retrieved from infusion pumps. Potentially influential factors of PCEA demand, including age, height, weight, body mass index, sex, and infusion pump settings, were also collected. A latent curve analysis with 2 latent variables, the intercept (baseline) and slope (trend), was applied to model the changes in PCEA demand over time. The effects of influential factors on these 2 latent variables were estimated to examine how these factors interacted with time to alter the trajectory of PCEA demand over time. On average, the difference in analgesic demand between the first and second 12-hour intervals was only 15% of that between the first and third 12-hour intervals. No significant difference in PCEA demand was noted between the third and fourth 12-hour intervals. Aging tended to decrease the baseline PCEA demand but body mass index and infusion rate were positively correlated with the baseline. Only sex significantly affected the trend parameter and male individuals tended to have a smoother decreasing trend of analgesic demands over time. Patients receiving bilateral procedures did not consume more analgesics than their unilateral counterparts. Goodness of fit analysis indicated acceptable model fit to the observed data. Latent curve analysis provided valuable information about how analgesic demand after TKA changed over time and how patient characteristics affected its trajectory.

Association of unipedal standing time and bone mineral density in community-dwelling Japanese women.

PubMed

Sakai, A; Toba, N; Takeda, M; Suzuki, M; Abe, Y; Aoyagi, K; Nakamura, T

2009-05-01

Bone mineral density (BMD) and physical performance of the lower extremities decrease with age. In community-dwelling Japanese women, unipedal standing time, timed up and go test, and age are associated with BMD while in women aged 70 years and over, unipedal standing time is associated with BMD. The aim of this study was to clarify whether unipedal standing time is significantly associated with BMD in community-dwelling women. The subjects were 90 community-dwelling Japanese women aged 54.7 years. BMD of the second metacarpal bone was measured by computed X-ray densitometry. We measured unipedal standing time as well as timed up and go test to assess physical performance of the lower extremities. Unipedal standing time decreased with increased age. Timed up and go test significantly correlated with age. Low BMD was significantly associated with old age, short unipedal standing time, and long timed up and go test. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that age, unipedal standing time, and timed up and go test were significant factors associated with BMD. In 21 participants aged 70 years and over, body weight and unipedal standing time, but not age, were significantly associated with BMD. BMD and physical performance of the lower extremities decrease with older age. Unipedal standing time, timed up and go test, and age are associated with BMD in community-dwelling Japanese women. In women aged 70 years and over, unipedal standing time is significantly associated with BMD.

Cadmium toxicity at low concentration on rabbit spermatozoa motility, morphology and membrane integrity in vitro.

PubMed

Roychoudhury, Shubhadeep; Massanyi, Peter; Bulla, Jozef; Choudhury, Manabendra Dutta; Lukac, Norbert; Filipejova, Terezia; Trandzik, Jozef; Toman, Robert; Almasiova, Viera

2010-09-01

In this study the effect of cadmium on various parameters of spermatozoa motility, morphology as well as on the spermatozoa membrane integrity in rabbits was analyzed in vitro, experimental concentrations ranging from 0.62 to 0.98 micro g CdCl(2)/mL. Pooled rabbit (n = 5) semen was cultured in vitro with cadmium and subsequently diluted to various experimental concentrations apart from control which received no cadmium exposure. Using computer assisted semen analysis method (CASA) we detected decrease of total motility with in the higher concentration range at Time 0. However, with increasing time (after 1 and 2 h of culture), cadmium exerted deleterious effect leading to significant motility reduction in comparison to control. A similar trend was exhibited in case of progressive motility, too. Most of the spermatozoa distance and velocity parameters detected no significant change in comparison to control at the beginning of culture (Time 0), although the toxic effect became significant (P < 0.05) with the passage of culture time (Times 1 and 2 h) in all concentrations. Analysis of spermatozoa morphology detected significant (P < 0.05) alterations at higher concentrations. At higher concentrations acrosomal changes, head without flagellum/separated flagellum, broken flagellum and other abnormalities were significantly higher (P < 0.05), while knob-twisted flagellum and small heads differed significantly (P < 0.05) in comparison to control at all concentrations. In regards to flagellum torso, flagellum ball and retention of cytoplasmic drop statistically higher values (P < 0.05) were noted at the maxium experimental concentration only. Annexin analysis for detection of spermatozoa with disordered membranes revealed higher occurrence of positive spermatozoa in cadmium exposed groups. Annexin-positive reactions suggested alterations in anterior part of head (acrosome) and in flagellum (mitochondrial segment) of spermatozoa. This paper underlines that cadmium is highly toxic for rabbit spermatozoa, as visualized by the toxic effects on parameters of spermatozoa motility, morphology and membrane integrity. The toxic effect is more drastic at higher concentrations. This study also indicates that cadmium requires a minimum one hour incubation time to exert its deletorious effects on various parameters of spermatozoa, particularly at low concentrations.

Significance testing of clinical data using virus dynamics models with a Markov chain Monte Carlo method: application to emergence of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus.

PubMed Central

Burroughs, N J; Pillay, D; Mutimer, D

1999-01-01

Bayesian analysis using a virus dynamics model is demonstrated to facilitate hypothesis testing of patterns in clinical time-series. Our Markov chain Monte Carlo implementation demonstrates that the viraemia time-series observed in two sets of hepatitis B patients on antiviral (lamivudine) therapy, chronic carriers and liver transplant patients, are significantly different, overcoming clinical trial design differences that question the validity of non-parametric tests. We show that lamivudine-resistant mutants grow faster in transplant patients than in chronic carriers, which probably explains the differences in emergence times and failure rates between these two sets of patients. Incorporation of dynamic models into Bayesian parameter analysis is of general applicability in medical statistics. PMID:10643081

Motivation Change in Therapeutic Community Residential Treatment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgen, Keith; Kressel, David

2010-01-01

Latent growth curve analysis was used to assess motivation change across 3 time points for 120 therapeutic community residents. Models included the time-invariant predictor of readiness for treatment, which significantly predicted initial treatment motivation but not the rate of motivation change over time. (Contains 1 figure and 2 tables.)

Microbial activity and community composition during bioremediation of diesel-oil-contaminated soil: effects of hydrocarbon concentration, fertilizers, and incubation time.

PubMed

Margesin, Rosa; Hämmerle, Marion; Tscherko, Dagmar

2007-02-01

We investigated the influence of three factors-diesel oil concentration [2500, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 mg total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) kg(-1) soil], biostimulation (unfertilized, inorganic fertilization with NPK nutrients, or oleophilic fertilization with Inipol EAP22), and incubation time-on hydrocarbon removal, enzyme activity (lipase), and microbial community structure [phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA)] in a laboratory soil bioremediation treatment. Fertilization enhanced TPH removal and lipase activity significantly (P < or = 0.001). The higher the initial contamination, the more marked was the effect of fertilization. Differences between the two fertilizers were not significant (P > 0.05). Microbial communities, as assessed by PLFA patterns, were primarily influenced by the TPH content, followed by fertilization, and the interaction of these two factors, whereas incubation time was of minor importance. This was demonstrated by three-factorial analysis of variance and multidimensional scaling analysis. Low TPH content had no significant effect on soil microbial community, independent of the treatment. High TPH content generally resulted in increased PLFA concentrations, whereby a significant increase in microbial biomass with time was only observed with inorganic fertilization, whereas oleophilic fertilization (Inipol EAP22) tended to inhibit microbial activity and to reduce PLFA contents with time. Among bacteria, PLFA indicative of the Gram-negative population were significantly (P < or = 0.05) increased in soil samples containing high amounts of diesel oil and fertilized with NPK after 21-38 days of incubation at 20 degrees C. The Gram-positive population was not significantly influenced by TPH content or biostimulation treatment.

Detrended Partial-Cross-Correlation Analysis: A New Method for Analyzing Correlations in Complex System

PubMed Central

Yuan, Naiming; Fu, Zuntao; Zhang, Huan; Piao, Lin; Xoplaki, Elena; Luterbacher, Juerg

2015-01-01

In this paper, a new method, detrended partial-cross-correlation analysis (DPCCA), is proposed. Based on detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA), this method is improved by including partial-correlation technique, which can be applied to quantify the relations of two non-stationary signals (with influences of other signals removed) on different time scales. We illustrate the advantages of this method by performing two numerical tests. Test I shows the advantages of DPCCA in handling non-stationary signals, while Test II reveals the “intrinsic” relations between two considered time series with potential influences of other unconsidered signals removed. To further show the utility of DPCCA in natural complex systems, we provide new evidence on the winter-time Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the winter-time Nino3 Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly (Nino3-SSTA) affecting the Summer Rainfall over the middle-lower reaches of the Yangtze River (SRYR). By applying DPCCA, better significant correlations between SRYR and Nino3-SSTA on time scales of 6 ~ 8 years are found over the period 1951 ~ 2012, while significant correlations between SRYR and PDO on time scales of 35 years arise. With these physically explainable results, we have confidence that DPCCA is an useful method in addressing complex systems. PMID:25634341

Fractal dynamics of heartbeat time series of young persons with metabolic syndrome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muñoz-Diosdado, A.; Alonso-Martínez, A.; Ramírez-Hernández, L.; Martínez-Hernández, G.

2012-10-01

Many physiological systems have been in recent years quantitatively characterized using fractal analysis. We applied it to study heart variability of young subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS); we examined the RR time series (time between two R waves in ECG) with the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) method, the Higuchi's fractal dimension method and the multifractal analysis to detect the possible presence of heart problems. The results show that although the young persons have MS, the majority do not present alterations in the heart dynamics. However, there were cases where the fractal parameter values differed significantly from the healthy people values.

Prehabilitation influences exercise-related psychological constructs such as self-efficacy and outcome expectations to exercise.

PubMed

Brown, Kent; Loprinzi, Paul D; Brosky, Joseph A; Topp, Robert

2014-01-01

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a clinical condition affecting more than 27 million Americans. There is no known cure for OA other than replacing the diseased joint with a joint prosthesis, a process called total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The TKA projections for the year 2016 are 1,046,000, and this number is predicted to increase by 600% to more than 3.4 million cases by 2030. The purpose of this study was to determine whether knee OA patients who engage in guided exercise (prehabilitation) before their TKA report higher levels of self-efficacy to exercise (SEE) and higher outcome expectations for exercise (OEE) than those who do not. Thirty-one participants were randomized into 2 groups (16 in prehabilitation group [PRE] and 15 in control group [CON]), all participants completed the protocol (22 women and 9 men). The PRE group participated in an exercise intervention (prehabilitation) 3 times per week for 8 weeks before TKA. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to investigate the effects of group (PRE vs. CON), time (baseline T1, T2, T3, and T4), and the interaction of group and time on the dependent variables of SEE and OEE. This analysis indicated that SEE did not change over time (p = 0.62) or between the groups (p = 0.86). The analysis of the OEE indicated a significant time effect (p = 0.008). Post hoc analysis indicated that the CON group significantly declined between T2 and T4. The PRE group did not significantly change their OEE over the 4 data collection points of the study.

Single-site Versus Multiport Robotic Hysterectomy in Benign Gynecologic Diseases: A Retrospective Evaluation of Surgical Outcomes and Cost Analysis.

PubMed

Bogliolo, Stefano; Ferrero, Simone; Cassani, Chiara; Musacchi, Valentina; Zanellini, Francesca; Dominoni, Mattia; Spinillo, Arsenio; Gardella, Barbara

2016-01-01

To compare the surgical outcomes and costs of robotic-assisted hysterectomy with the single-site (RSSH) or multiport approach (RH). A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database (Canadian Task Force classification II1). A university hospital. Consecutive women who underwent robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for the treatment of benign gynecologic diseases. Data on surgical approach, surgical outcomes, and costs were collected in a prospective database and retrospectively analyzed. The total operative time, console time, docking time, estimated blood loss, conversion rate, and surgical complications rate were compared between the 2 study groups. Cost analysis was performed. One hundred four patients underwent total robotic-assisted hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (45 RSSH and 59 RH). There was no significant difference in the indications for surgery and in the characteristics of the patients between the 2 study groups. There was no significant difference between the single-site and multiport approach in console time, surgical complication rate, conversion rate, and postoperative pain. The docking time was lower in the RH group (p = .0001). The estimated blood loss and length of hospitalization were lower in the RSSH group (p = .0008 and p = .009, respectively). The cost analysis showed significant differences in favor of RSSH. RSSH should be preferred to RH when hysterectomy is performed for benign disease because it could be at least as equally effective and safe with a potential cost reduction. However, because of the high cost and absence of clear advantages, the robotic approach should be considered only for selected patients. Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of spatial and temporal variability in hydrochemistry of Johor Straits, Malaysia.

PubMed

Abdullah, Pauzi; Abdullah, Sharifah Mastura Syed; Jaafar, Othman; Mahmud, Mastura; Khalik, Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd

2015-12-15

Characterization of hydrochemistry changes in Johor Straits within 5 years of monitoring works was successfully carried out. Water quality data sets (27 stations and 19 parameters) collected in this area were interpreted subject to multivariate statistical analysis. Cluster analysis grouped all the stations into four clusters ((Dlink/Dmax) × 100<90) and two clusters ((Dlink/Dmax) × 100<80) for site and period similarities. Principal component analysis rendered six significant components (eigenvalue>1) that explained 82.6% of the total variance of the data set. Classification matrix of discriminant analysis assigned 88.9-92.6% and 83.3-100% correctness in spatial and temporal variability, respectively. Times series analysis then confirmed that only four parameters were not significant over time change. Therefore, it is imperative that the environmental impact of reclamation and dredging works, municipal or industrial discharge, marine aquaculture and shipping activities in this area be effectively controlled and managed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diabetes and risk of anastomotic leakage after gastrointestinal surgery.

PubMed

Lin, Xiaoti; Li, Jingjing; Chen, Weiyu; Wei, Fengqin; Ying, Mingang; Wei, Weidong; Xie, Xiaoming

2015-06-15

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most common and lethal complications in gastrointestinal surgery. However, the relationship between AL risk and diabetes mellitus (DM) remains ambiguous. This meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between DM and AL risk in patients after gastrointestinal resection. Odds ratios (OR) estimate with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined and weighted to produce pooled OR using the fixed-effects model. Relative risks were calculated in subgroup analysis of prospective studies. We calculated publication bias by Begg rank correlation test and Egger linear regression test. DM was significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of AL morbidity in colorectal patients, 1.661 times in total patients (95% CIs = 1.266-2.178), 1.995 times in a subgroup of case-control studies, 1.581 times in cohort investigations, 1.688 times in retrospective trials, and 1.562 times in prospective designs. After adjusting for the factor of obesity and/or body mass index in the subgroup analyses of colorectal surgery, DM patients without obesity experienced a significantly increased risk of AL (OR = 1.572, 95% CIs = 1.112-2.222). Furthermore, when obesity had not been adjusted, DM patients endured a dramatical increase of AL incidence (OR = 1.812, 95% CIs = 1.171-2.804). Perforation incidence after gastric resection showed borderline association with DM (OR = 2.170, 95% CIs = 0.956-4.926). The present meta-analysis provides strong evidence for the first time that DM is significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of AL mortality in colorectal surgery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and pulsed electromagnetic fields bone growth stimulation in acute fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Hannemann, P F W; Mommers, E H H; Schots, J P M; Brink, P R G; Poeze, M

2014-08-01

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the best currently available evidence from randomized controlled trials comparing pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) or low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) bone growth stimulation with placebo for acute fractures. We performed a systematic literature search of the medical literature from 1980 to 2013 for randomized clinical trials concerning acute fractures in adults treated with PEMF or LIPUS. Two reviewers independently determined the strength of the included studies by assessing the risk of bias according to the criteria in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Seven hundred and thirty-seven patients from 13 trials were included. Pooled results from 13 trials reporting proportion of nonunion showed no significant difference between PEMF or LIPUS and control. With regard to time to radiological union, we found heterogeneous results that significantly favoured PEMF or LIPUS bone growth stimulation only in non-operatively treated fractures or fractures of the upper limb. Furthermore, we found significant results that suggest that the use of PEMF or LIPUS in acute diaphyseal fractures may accelerate the time to clinical union. Current evidence from randomized trials is insufficient to conclude a benefit of PEMF or LIPUS bone growth stimulation in reducing the incidence of nonunions when used for treatment in acute fractures. However, our systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that PEMF or LIPUS can be beneficial in the treatment of acute fractures regarding time to radiological and clinical union. PEMF and LIPUS significantly shorten time to radiological union for acute fractures undergoing non-operative treatment and acute fractures of the upper limb. Furthermore, PEMF or LIPUS bone growth stimulation accelerates the time to clinical union for acute diaphyseal fractures.

Analysis of geographical disparities in temporal trends of health outcomes using space-time joinpoint regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goovaerts, Pierre

2013-06-01

Analyzing temporal trends in health outcomes can provide a more comprehensive picture of the burden of a disease like cancer and generate new insights about the impact of various interventions. In the United States such an analysis is increasingly conducted using joinpoint regression outside a spatial framework, which overlooks the existence of significant variation among U.S. counties and states with regard to the incidence of cancer. This paper presents several innovative ways to account for space in joinpoint regression: (1) prior filtering of noise in the data by binomial kriging and use of the kriging variance as measure of reliability in weighted least-square regression, (2) detection of significant boundaries between adjacent counties based on tests of parallelism of time trends and confidence intervals of annual percent change of rates, and (3) creation of spatially compact groups of counties with similar temporal trends through the application of hierarchical cluster analysis to the results of boundary analysis. The approach is illustrated using time series of proportions of prostate cancer late-stage cases diagnosed yearly in every county of Florida since 1980s. The annual percent change (APC) in late-stage diagnosis and the onset years for significant declines vary greatly across Florida. Most counties with non-significant average APC are located in the north-western part of Florida, known as the Panhandle, which is more rural than other parts of Florida. The number of significant boundaries peaked in the early 1990s when prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test became widely available, a temporal trend that suggests the existence of geographical disparities in the implementation and/or impact of the new screening procedure, in particular as it began available.

RAPID ON-SITE METHODS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

EPA Science Inventory

The analysis of potentially hazardous air, water and soil samples collected and shipped to service laboratories off-site is time consuming and expensive. This Chapter addresses the practical alternative of performing the requisite analytical services on-site. The most significant...

Interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in 0–5-year-olds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

PubMed Central

Downing, Katherine L; Hnatiuk, Jill A; Hinkley, Trina; Salmon, Jo; Hesketh, Kylie D

2018-01-01

Aim or objective To evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural interventions that report sedentary behaviour outcomes during early childhood. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Global Health, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus with Full Text and EMBASE electronic databases were searched in March 2016. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Inclusion criteria were: (1) published in a peer-reviewed English language journal; (2) sedentary behaviour outcomes reported; (3) randomised controlled trial (RCT) study design; and (4) participants were children with a mean age of ≤5.9 years and not yet attending primary/elementary school at postintervention. Results 31 studies were included in the systematic review and 17 studies in the meta-analysis. The overall mean difference in screen time outcomes between groups was −17.12 (95% CI −28.82 to −5.42) min/day with a significant overall intervention effect (Z=2.87, p=0.004). The overall mean difference in sedentary time between groups was −18.91 (95% CI −33.31 to −4.51) min/day with a significant overall intervention effect (Z=2.57, p=0.01). Subgroup analyses suggest that for screen time, interventions of ≥6 months duration and those conducted in a community-based setting are most effective. For sedentary time, interventions targeting physical activity (and reporting changes in sedentary time) are more effective than those directly targeting sedentary time. Summary/conclusions Despite heterogeneity in study methods and results, overall interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in early childhood show significant reductions, suggesting that this may be an opportune time to intervene. Trial registration number CRD42015017090. PMID:29449219

Optimization of Region of Interest Drawing for Quantitative Analysis: Differentiation Between Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions on Contrast-Enhanced Sonography.

PubMed

Nakata, Norio; Ohta, Tomoyuki; Nishioka, Makiko; Takeyama, Hiroshi; Toriumi, Yasuo; Kato, Kumiko; Nogi, Hiroko; Kamio, Makiko; Fukuda, Kunihiko

2015-11-01

This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of quantitative analysis of benign and malignant breast lesions using contrast-enhanced sonography. Contrast-enhanced sonography using the perflubutane-based contrast agent Sonazoid (Daiichi Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan) was performed in 94 pathologically proven palpable breast mass lesions, which could be depicted with B-mode sonography. Quantitative analyses using the time-intensity curve on contrast-enhanced sonography were performed in 5 region of interest (ROI) types (manually traced ROI and circular ROIs of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm in diameter). The peak signal intensity, initial slope, time to peak, positive enhancement integral, and wash-out ratio were investigated in each ROI. There were significant differences between benign and malignant lesions in the time to peak (P < .05), initial slope (P < .001), and positive enhancement integral (P < .05) for the manual ROI. Significant differences were found between benign and malignant lesions in the time to peak (P < .05) for the 5-mm ROI; the time to peak (P < .05) and initial slope (P< .05) for the 10-mm ROI; absolute values of the peak signal intensity (P< .05), time to peak (P< .01), and initial slope (P< .005) for the 15-mm ROI; and the time to peak (P < .05) and initial slope (P < .05) for the 20-mm ROI. There were no statistically significant differences in any wash-out ratio values for the 5 ROI types. Kinetic analysis using contrast-enhanced sonography is useful for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions. © 2015 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in 0-5-year-olds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

PubMed

Downing, Katherine L; Hnatiuk, Jill A; Hinkley, Trina; Salmon, Jo; Hesketh, Kylie D

2018-03-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural interventions that report sedentary behaviour outcomes during early childhood. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Global Health, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus with Full Text and EMBASE electronic databases were searched in March 2016. Inclusion criteria were: (1) published in a peer-reviewed English language journal; (2) sedentary behaviour outcomes reported; (3) randomised controlled trial (RCT) study design; and (4) participants were children with a mean age of ≤5.9 years and not yet attending primary/elementary school at postintervention. 31 studies were included in the systematic review and 17 studies in the meta-analysis. The overall mean difference in screen time outcomes between groups was -17.12 (95% CI -28.82 to -5.42) min/day with a significant overall intervention effect (Z=2.87, p=0.004). The overall mean difference in sedentary time between groups was -18.91 (95% CI -33.31 to -4.51) min/day with a significant overall intervention effect (Z=2.57, p=0.01). Subgroup analyses suggest that for screen time, interventions of ≥6 months duration and those conducted in a community-based setting are most effective. For sedentary time, interventions targeting physical activity (and reporting changes in sedentary time) are more effective than those directly targeting sedentary time. Despite heterogeneity in study methods and results, overall interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in early childhood show significant reductions, suggesting that this may be an opportune time to intervene. CRD42015017090. 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/.

Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Significance of Oscillatory Components in the Rhythmic Structure of Pulse Signal in the Diagnostics of Psychosomatic Disorders in School Age Children.

PubMed

Desova, A A; Dorofeyuk, A A; Anokhin, A M

2017-01-01

We performed a comparative analysis of the types of spectral density typical of various parameters of pulse signal. The experimental material was obtained during the examination of school age children with various psychosomatic disorders. We also performed a typological analysis of the spectral density functions corresponding to the time series of different parameters of a single oscillation of pulse signals; the results of their comparative analysis are presented. We determined the most significant spectral components for two disordersin children: arterial hypertension and mitral valve prolapse.

Time-Efficiency Analysis Comparing Digital and Conventional Workflows for Implant Crowns: A Prospective Clinical Crossover Trial.

PubMed

Joda, Tim; Brägger, Urs

2015-01-01

To compare time-efficiency in the production of implant crowns using a digital workflow versus the conventional pathway. This prospective clinical study used a crossover design that included 20 study participants receiving single-tooth replacements in posterior sites. Each patient received a customized titanium abutment plus a computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) zirconia suprastructure (for those in the test group, using digital workflow) and a standardized titanium abutment plus a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown (for those in the control group, using a conventional pathway). The start of the implant prosthetic treatment was established as the baseline. Time-efficiency analysis was defined as the primary outcome, and was measured for every single clinical and laboratory work step in minutes. Statistical analysis was calculated with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. All crowns could be provided within two clinical appointments, independent of the manufacturing process. The mean total production time, as the sum of clinical plus laboratory work steps, was significantly different. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) time was 185.4 ± 17.9 minutes for the digital workflow process and 223.0 ± 26.2 minutes for the conventional pathway (P = .0001). Therefore, digital processing for overall treatment was 16% faster. Detailed analysis for the clinical treatment revealed a significantly reduced mean ± SD chair time of 27.3 ± 3.4 minutes for the test group compared with 33.2 ± 4.9 minutes for the control group (P = .0001). Similar results were found for the mean laboratory work time, with a significant decrease of 158.1 ± 17.2 minutes for the test group vs 189.8 ± 25.3 minutes for the control group (P = .0001). Only a few studies have investigated efficiency parameters of digital workflows compared with conventional pathways in implant dental medicine. This investigation shows that the digital workflow seems to be more time-efficient than the established conventional production pathway for fixed implant-supported crowns. Both clinical chair time and laboratory manufacturing steps could be effectively shortened with the digital process of intraoral scanning plus CAD/CAM technology.

Time-series analysis of delta13C from tree rings. I. Time trends and autocorrelation.

PubMed

Monserud, R A; Marshall, J D

2001-09-01

Univariate time-series analyses were conducted on stable carbon isotope ratios obtained from tree-ring cellulose. We looked for the presence and structure of autocorrelation. Significant autocorrelation violates the statistical independence assumption and biases hypothesis tests. Its presence would indicate the existence of lagged physiological effects that persist for longer than the current year. We analyzed data from 28 trees (60-85 years old; mean = 73 years) of western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl.), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. glauca) growing in northern Idaho. Material was obtained by the stem analysis method from rings laid down in the upper portion of the crown throughout each tree's life. The sampling protocol minimized variation caused by changing light regimes within each tree. Autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models were used to describe the autocorrelation structure over time. Three time series were analyzed for each tree: the stable carbon isotope ratio (delta(13)C); discrimination (delta); and the difference between ambient and internal CO(2) concentrations (c(a) - c(i)). The effect of converting from ring cellulose to whole-leaf tissue did not affect the analysis because it was almost completely removed by the detrending that precedes time-series analysis. A simple linear or quadratic model adequately described the time trend. The residuals from the trend had a constant mean and variance, thus ensuring stationarity, a requirement for autocorrelation analysis. The trend over time for c(a) - c(i) was particularly strong (R(2) = 0.29-0.84). Autoregressive moving average analyses of the residuals from these trends indicated that two-thirds of the individual tree series contained significant autocorrelation, whereas the remaining third were random (white noise) over time. We were unable to distinguish between individuals with and without significant autocorrelation beforehand. Significant ARMA models were all of low order, with either first- or second-order (i.e., lagged 1 or 2 years, respectively) models performing well. A simple autoregressive (AR(1)), model was the most common. The most useful generalization was that the same ARMA model holds for each of the three series (delta(13)C, delta, c(a) - c(i)) for an individual tree, if the time trend has been properly removed for each series. The mean series for the two pine species were described by first-order ARMA models (1-year lags), whereas the Douglas-fir mean series were described by second-order models (2-year lags) with negligible first-order effects. Apparently, the process of constructing a mean time series for a species preserves an underlying signal related to delta(13)C while canceling some of the random individual tree variation. Furthermore, the best model for the overall mean series (e.g., for a species) cannot be inferred from a consensus of the individual tree model forms, nor can its parameters be estimated reliably from the mean of the individual tree parameters. Because two-thirds of the individual tree time series contained significant autocorrelation, the normal assumption of a random structure over time is unwarranted, even after accounting for the time trend. The residuals of an appropriate ARMA model satisfy the independence assumption, and can be used to make hypothesis tests.

The false-negative rate of sentinel node biopsy in patients with breast cancer: a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Pesek, Sarah; Ashikaga, Taka; Krag, Lars Erik; Krag, David

2012-01-01

Background/Purpose In sentinel node surgery for breast cancer, procedural accuracy is assessed by calculating the false-negative rate. It is important to measure this since there are potential adverse outcomes from missing node metastases. We performed a meta-analysis of published data to assess which method has achieved the lowest false-negative rate. Methods We found 3588 articles concerning sentinel nodes and breast cancer published from 1993 through mid-2011; 183 articles met our inclusion criteria. The studies described in these 183 articles included a total of 9306 patients. We grouped the studies by injection material and injection location. The false-negative rates were analyzed according to these groupings and also by the year in which the articles were published. Results There was significant variation in the false-negative rate over time with a trend to higher rates over time. There was significant variation related to injection material. The use of blue dye alone was associated with the highest false-negative rate. Inclusion of a radioactive tracer along with blue dye resulted in a significantly lower false-negative rate. Although there were variations in the false-negative rate according to injection location, none were significant. This meta-analysis also indicates a significant change over time in the false-negative rate. Discussion/Conclusions The use of blue dye should be accompanied by a radioactive tracer to achieve a significantly lower false-negative rate. Location of injection did not have a significant impact on the false-negative rate. Given the limitations of acquiring appropriate data, the false-negative rate should not be used as a metric for training or quality control. PMID:22569745

Trends in Average Living Children at the Time of Terminal Contraception: A Time Series Analysis Over 27 Years Using ARIMA (p, d, q) Nonseasonal Model.

PubMed

Mumbare, Sachin S; Gosavi, Shriram; Almale, Balaji; Patil, Aruna; Dhakane, Supriya; Kadu, Aniruddha

2014-10-01

India's National Family Welfare Programme is dominated by sterilization, particularly tubectomy. Sterilization, being a terminal method of contraception, decides the final number of children for that couple. Many studies have shown the declining trend in the average number of living children at the time of sterilization over a short period of time. So this study was planned to do time series analysis of the average children at the time of terminal contraception, to do forecasting till 2020 for the same and to compare the rates of change in various subgroups of the population. Data was preprocessed in MS Access 2007 by creating and running SQL queries. After testing stationarity of every series with augmented Dickey-Fuller test, time series analysis and forecasting was done using best-fit Box-Jenkins ARIMA (p, d, q) nonseasonal model. To compare the rates of change of average children in various subgroups, at sterilization, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied. Forecasting showed that the replacement level of 2.1 total fertility rate (TFR) will be achieved in 2018 for couples opting for sterilization. The same will be achieved in 2020, 2016, 2018, and 2019 for rural area, urban area, Hindu couples, and Buddhist couples, respectively. It will not be achieved till 2020 in Muslim couples. Every stratum of population showed the declining trend. The decline for male children and in rural area was significantly faster than the decline for female children and in urban area, respectively. The decline was not significantly different in Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist couples.

Sleep Time Monitoring by Accelerometer in Two Subjects for 1 Year

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

KAWADA, T.; KUROIWA, M.; SASAZAWA, Y.; SUZUKI, S.; TAMURA, Y.

2002-02-01

The authors conducted sleep time monitoring using an activity-detecting device on a married couple. The subjects were a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman. They were continuously monitored for 1 year or a half-year from 1998 to 1999. Their daily activities were not limited. The male works in an office 5 days a week and stays at home on weekends. The female is a farmer and works in the field when the weather is clear. They usually went to bed at 10-11 p.m. and got up around 6 a.m. the next morning on weekdays. The activity-monitoring device, Actiwatch®, was installed on the wrists of their non-dominant arms. The number of body movements was calculated by the summation of the active electricity number. There was no significant monthly difference in the mean nightly total sleep time (TST) by analysis of variance in either the husband or the wife. When nocturnal and diurnal sleep were combined for the analysis, the mean value in April or May, 1999, was significantly larger than the values in July, August, December or October, although only in the husband. The sleep time for Saturday or Sunday was significantly extended as compared to that of a weekday. Power spectrum analysis showed the TST cycle to predominate on all 7 days in the week in both subjects.

Workplace standing time and the incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal study in adults.

PubMed

Chaput, Jean-Philippe; Saunders, Travis J; Tremblay, Mark S; Katzmarzyk, Peter T; Tremblay, Angelo; Bouchard, Claude

2015-02-10

It is increasingly recognized that standing represents a simple solution to extended periods of sitting. However, it is currently unknown whether workplace standing time is prospectively associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to examine the association between workplace standing time and the incidence of overweight/obesity (OW/OB) and impaired glucose tolerance/type 2 diabetes (IGT/T2D) in adults. A longitudinal analysis from the Quebec Family Study (Canada) was conducted on 293 participants, aged 18 to 65 years, followed for a mean of 6 years. Information on self-reported occupational standing time as well as several covariates was collected at both baseline and follow-up. Outcome measures included the development of OW/OB (i.e. body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2)) and IGT/T2D (i.e. 2-h postload plasma glucose level ≥7.8 mmol/L). The incidence rates of OW/OB and IGT/T2D over the 6-year follow-up period were 17.4% and 12.6%, respectively. Significant negative associations were observed between the amount of occupational standing time and the development of outcome measures. However, the associations were no longer significant after adjustment for age, sex, smoking habits, total annual family income, daily caloric intake, and submaximal working capacity. In age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis, significant negative linear trends were observed across levels of standing time and the outcome variables. However, the associations were no longer significant after further adjustment for the other covariates. Finally, we observed that the change in standing time from baseline to year 6 was significantly associated with the development of outcome measures, with higher incidence rates in adults reporting a reduction in standing time at follow-up. However, the associations became non-significant after adjustment for covariates. Greater occupational standing time is not sufficient in and of itself to prevent the development of OW/OB and IGT/T2D in adults. Future efforts are needed to better understand the potential benefits of higher amounts of standing time throughout the day on the prevention of chronic diseases.

CXCR4 expression is associated with time-course permanent and temporary myocardial infarction in rats.

PubMed

Kiani, Ali Asghar; Babaei, Fereshteh; Sedighi, Mehrnoosh; Soleimani, Azam; Ahmadi, Kolsum; Shahrokhi, Somayeh; Anbari, Khatereh; Nazari, Afshin

2017-06-01

Experimental myocardial infarction triggers secretion of Stromal cell-derived factor1 and lead to increase in the expression of its receptor "CXCR4" on the surface of various cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of CXCR4 in peripheral blood cells following time-course permanent and temporary ischemia in rats. Fourteen male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of seven and were placed under permanent and transient ischemia. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at different time points, RNAs extracted and applied to qRT-PCR analysis of the CXCR4 gene. Based on repeated measures analysis of variance, the differences in the expression levels of the gene in each of the groups were statistically significant over time (the effect of time) ( P <0.001). Additionally, the difference in gene expression between the two groups was statistically significant (the effect of group), such that at all times, the expression levels of the gene were significantly higher in the permanent ischemia than in the transient ischemia group ( P <0.001). Moreover, the interactive effect of time-group on gene expression was statistically significant ( P <0.001). CXCR4 is modulated in an induced ischemia context implying a possible association with myocardial infarction. Checking of CXCR4 expression in the ischemic changes shows that damage to the heart tissue trigger the secretion of inflammatory chemokine SDF, Followed by it CXCR4 expression in blood cells. These observations suggest that changes in the expression of CXCR4 may be considered a valuable marker for monitoring myocardial infarction.

Analysis of Radiation Effects in Digital Subtraction Angiography of Intracranial Artery Stenosis.

PubMed

Guo, Chaoqun; Shi, Xiaolei; Ding, Xianhui; Zhou, Zhiming

2018-04-21

Intracranial artery stenosis (IAS) is the most common cause for acute cerebral accidents. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard to detect IAS and usually brings excess radiation exposure to examinees and examiners. The artery pathology might influence the interventional procedure, causing prolonged radiation effects. However, no studies on the association between IAS pathology and operational parameters are available. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 93 patients with first-ever stroke/transient ischemic attack, who received DSA examination within 3 months from onset in this single center. Comparison of baseline characteristics was determined by 2-tailed Student's t-test or the chi-square test between subjects with and without IAS. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between IAS pathology and the items with a P value <0.05 in Student's t-test or chi-square test. There were 93 candidates (42 with IAS and 51 without IAS) in this study. The 2 groups shared no significance of the baseline characteristics (P > 0.05). We found a significantly higher total time, higher kerma area product, greater total dose, and greater DSA dose in the IAS group than in those without IAS (P < 0.05). A binary logistic regression analysis indicated the significant association between total time and IAS pathology (P < 0.05) but no significance in kerma area product, radiation dose, and DSA dose (P > 0.05). IAS pathology would indicate a prolonged total time of DSA procedure in clinical practice. However, the radiation effects would not change with pathologic changes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SSAW: A new sequence similarity analysis method based on the stationary discrete wavelet transform.

PubMed

Lin, Jie; Wei, Jing; Adjeroh, Donald; Jiang, Bing-Hua; Jiang, Yue

2018-05-02

Alignment-free sequence similarity analysis methods often lead to significant savings in computational time over alignment-based counterparts. A new alignment-free sequence similarity analysis method, called SSAW is proposed. SSAW stands for Sequence Similarity Analysis using the Stationary Discrete Wavelet Transform (SDWT). It extracts k-mers from a sequence, then maps each k-mer to a complex number field. Then, the series of complex numbers formed are transformed into feature vectors using the stationary discrete wavelet transform. After these steps, the original sequence is turned into a feature vector with numeric values, which can then be used for clustering and/or classification. Using two different types of applications, namely, clustering and classification, we compared SSAW against the the-state-of-the-art alignment free sequence analysis methods. SSAW demonstrates competitive or superior performance in terms of standard indicators, such as accuracy, F-score, precision, and recall. The running time was significantly better in most cases. These make SSAW a suitable method for sequence analysis, especially, given the rapidly increasing volumes of sequence data required by most modern applications.

Effect of adding piperacillin-tazobactam to automated dispensing cabinets on promptness of first-dose antibiotics in hospitalized patients.

PubMed

Lo, Amy; Zhu, Juanqi Nikki; Richman, Mark; Joo, Julianne; Chan, Patrick

2014-10-01

Significant improvements in order-to-administration times for critical first doses of i.v. antibiotic therapy through the use of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) are reported. In a retrospective pre-post analysis conducted at a large academic medical center, pharmacy and medical records were reviewed to evaluate average times to administration of first doses of i.v. piperacillin-tazobactam therapy during designated periods before and after the addition of selected i.v. antibiotics to ADCs on patient care units. Inpatients who received a specified i.v. piperacillin-tazobactam formulation were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint was the total time from prescribing to administration; the impact of ADC use on other time intervals (e.g., from scanning of orders to administration, from pharmacist verification and release of orders to administration) was also evaluated. A total of 121 subjects were included in the preimplementation (n = 65) and postimplementation (n = 56) samples. There was a significant 1.7-hour reduction in the mean ± S.D. order-to-administration time (from 4.5 ± 4.1 to 2.9 ± 2.5 hours, p = 0.009) for piperacillin-tazobactam first doses with the use of ADCs. Subgroup analyses showed significant reductions in the mean ± S.D. scan-to-administration time (from 3.3 ± 3.4 to 1.7 ± 1.5 hours, p = 0.001) and release-to-administration time (from 2.4 ± 2.4 to 1.4 ± 1.5 hours, p = 0.034). The addition of a piperacillin-tazobactam product and other commonly used i.v. antibiotics to ADCs was associated with a significantly reduced order-to-administration time for piperacillin-tazobactam first doses. This change was accounted for by a significant reduction in the time between order entry and drug administration. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantifying memory in complex physiological time-series.

PubMed

Shirazi, Amir H; Raoufy, Mohammad R; Ebadi, Haleh; De Rui, Michele; Schiff, Sami; Mazloom, Roham; Hajizadeh, Sohrab; Gharibzadeh, Shahriar; Dehpour, Ahmad R; Amodio, Piero; Jafari, G Reza; Montagnese, Sara; Mani, Ali R

2013-01-01

In a time-series, memory is a statistical feature that lasts for a period of time and distinguishes the time-series from a random, or memory-less, process. In the present study, the concept of "memory length" was used to define the time period, or scale over which rare events within a physiological time-series do not appear randomly. The method is based on inverse statistical analysis and provides empiric evidence that rare fluctuations in cardio-respiratory time-series are 'forgotten' quickly in healthy subjects while the memory for such events is significantly prolonged in pathological conditions such as asthma (respiratory time-series) and liver cirrhosis (heart-beat time-series). The memory length was significantly higher in patients with uncontrolled asthma compared to healthy volunteers. Likewise, it was significantly higher in patients with decompensated cirrhosis compared to those with compensated cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. We also observed that the cardio-respiratory system has simple low order dynamics and short memory around its average, and high order dynamics around rare fluctuations.

Quantifying Memory in Complex Physiological Time-Series

PubMed Central

Shirazi, Amir H.; Raoufy, Mohammad R.; Ebadi, Haleh; De Rui, Michele; Schiff, Sami; Mazloom, Roham; Hajizadeh, Sohrab; Gharibzadeh, Shahriar; Dehpour, Ahmad R.; Amodio, Piero; Jafari, G. Reza; Montagnese, Sara; Mani, Ali R.

2013-01-01

In a time-series, memory is a statistical feature that lasts for a period of time and distinguishes the time-series from a random, or memory-less, process. In the present study, the concept of “memory length” was used to define the time period, or scale over which rare events within a physiological time-series do not appear randomly. The method is based on inverse statistical analysis and provides empiric evidence that rare fluctuations in cardio-respiratory time-series are ‘forgotten’ quickly in healthy subjects while the memory for such events is significantly prolonged in pathological conditions such as asthma (respiratory time-series) and liver cirrhosis (heart-beat time-series). The memory length was significantly higher in patients with uncontrolled asthma compared to healthy volunteers. Likewise, it was significantly higher in patients with decompensated cirrhosis compared to those with compensated cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. We also observed that the cardio-respiratory system has simple low order dynamics and short memory around its average, and high order dynamics around rare fluctuations. PMID:24039811

Research on Optimization of GLCM Parameter in Cell Classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xi-Kun; Hou, Jie; Hu, Xin-Hua

2016-05-01

Real-time classification of biological cells according to their 3D morphology is highly desired in a flow cytometer setting. Gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) algorithm has been developed to extract feature parameters from measured diffraction images ,which are too complicated to coordinate with the real-time system for a large amount of calculation. An optimization of GLCM algorithm is provided based on correlation analysis of GLCM parameters. The results of GLCM analysis and subsequent classification demonstrate optimized method can lower the time complexity significantly without loss of classification accuracy.

On the forecast of runoff based on the harmonic analysis of time series of precipitation in the catchment area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherednichenko, A. V.; Cherednichenko, A. V.; Cherednichenko, V. S.

2018-01-01

It is shown that a significant connection exists between the most important harmonics, extracted in the process of harmonic analysis of time series of precipitation in the catchment area of rivers and the amount of runoff. This allowed us to predict the size of the flow for a period of up to 20 years, assuming that the main parameters of the harmonics are preserved at the predicted time interval. The results of such a forecast for three river basins of Kazakhstan are presented.

Identifying seismic electirc signals upon significant periodic data loss. The case of Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varotsos, P.; Skordas, E. S.; Sarlis, N. V.; Lazaridou, M. S.

2011-12-01

In many cases of geophysical interest, it happens that for substantial parts of the time of data collection, high noise prevents any attempt for extracting a useful signal. Data for such time segments are removed from further analysis. This is the case, for example, in the geoelectrical field measurements at some sites in Japan, where high noise - due mainly to leakage currents from DC driven trains - prevails almost during 70% of the 24 hour operational time. In particular, the low noise time occurs from 00:00 to 06:00 and from 22:00 to 24:00 local time (LT) when nearby DC driven trains cease service, i.e., almost only 30% of the 24 h. Thus, the question arises whether it is still possible to identify seismic electric signals [P. Varotsos and K. Alexopoulos, Tectonophysics 110 (1984) 73-98; 99-125] upon removing the noisy data segments lasting for the period 06:00 to 22:00 every day. We show that even in such a case, the identification of seismic electric signals, which are long-range correlated signals [PA Varotsos, NV Sarlis and ES Skordas, Phys. Rev. E 66 (2002), 011902], may be possible[PA Varotsos, NV Sarlis and ES Skordas, Tectonophysics 503 (2011) 189-194]. The key point is the use of the following two modern methods: The natural time analysis [PA Varotsos, NV Sarlis and ES Skordas, Natural Time Analysis: The new view of time (2011) Springer-Verlag Berlin-Heidelberg] of the remaining data and the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA). Our main conclusion states that the distinction between seismic electric signal activities (critical dynamics) and artificial noise becomes possible even after removing periodically a significant portion of the data.

Color-coded perfusion analysis of CEUS for pre-interventional diagnosis of microvascularisation in cases of vascular malformations.

PubMed

Teusch, V I; Wohlgemuth, W A; Piehler, A P; Jung, E M

2014-01-01

Aim of our pilot study was the application of a contrast-enhanced color-coded ultrasound perfusion analysis in patients with vascular malformations to quantify microcirculatory alterations. 28 patients (16 female, 12 male, mean age 24.9 years) with high flow (n = 6) or slow-flow (n = 22) malformations were analyzed before intervention. An experienced examiner performed a color-coded Doppler sonography (CCDS) and a Power Doppler as well as a contrast-enhanced ultrasound after intravenous bolus injection of 1 - 2.4 ml of a second-generation ultrasound contrast medium (SonoVue®, Bracco, Milan). The contrast-enhanced examination was documented as a cine sequence over 60 s. The quantitative analysis based on color-coded contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images included percentage peak enhancement (%peak), time to peak (TTP), area under the curve (AUC), and mean transit time (MTT). No side effects occurred after intravenous contrast injection. The mean %peak in arteriovenous malformations was almost twice as high as in slow-flow-malformations. The area under the curve was 4 times higher in arteriovenous malformations compared to the mean value of other malformations. The mean transit time was 1.4 times higher in high-flow-malformations compared to slow-flow-malformations. There was no difference regarding the time to peak between the different malformation types. The comparison between all vascular malformation and surrounding tissue showed statistically significant differences for all analyzed data (%peak, TTP, AUC, MTT; p < 0.01). High-flow and slow-flow vascular malformations had statistically significant differences in %peak (p < 0.01), AUC analysis (p < 0.01), and MTT (p < 0.05). Color-coded perfusion analysis of CEUS seems to be a promising technique for the dynamic assessment of microvasculature in vascular malformations.

Dynamic contrast–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

PubMed Central

Condliffe, Robin; Marshall, Helen; Elliot, Charlie; Kiely, David G.; Wild, Jim M.

2014-01-01

Abstract Dynamic contrast–enhanced (DCE) time-resolved magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a technique whereby the passage of an intravenous contrast bolus can be tracked through the pulmonary vascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of DCE-MR pulmonary blood transit times in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Seventy-nine patients diagnosed with PAH underwent pulmonary DCE imaging at 1.5 T using a time-resolved three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo sequence. The prognostic significance of two DCE parameters, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the first-pass clearance curve and pulmonary transit time (PTT), along with demographic and invasive catheter measurements, was evaluated by univariate and bivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. DCE-MR transit times were most closely correlated with cardiac index (CI) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and were both found to be accurate for detecting reduced CI (FWHM area under the curve [AUC] at receiver operating characteristic analysis = 0.91 and PTT AUC = 0.92, respectively) and for detecting elevated PVRI (FWHM AUC = 0.88 and PTT AUC = 0.84, respectively). During the follow-up period, 25 patients died. Patients with longer measurements of FWHM (P = 0.0014) and PTT (P = 0.004) were associated with poor outcome at Kaplan-Meier analysis, and both parameters were strong predictors of adverse outcome from Cox proportional hazards analysis (P = 0.013 and 0.010, respectively). At bivariate analysis, DCE measurements predicted mortality independent of age, gender, and World Health Organization functional class; however, invasive hemodynamic indexes CI, PVRI, and DCE measurements were not independent of one another. In conclusion, DCE-MR transit times predict mortality in patients with PAH and are closely associated with clinical gold standards CI and PVRI. PMID:25006422

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PubMed

Swift, Andrew J; Telfer, Adam; Rajaram, Smitha; Condliffe, Robin; Marshall, Helen; Capener, Dave; Hurdman, Judith; Elliot, Charlie; Kiely, David G; Wild, Jim M

2014-03-01

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) time-resolved magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a technique whereby the passage of an intravenous contrast bolus can be tracked through the pulmonary vascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of DCE-MR pulmonary blood transit times in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Seventy-nine patients diagnosed with PAH underwent pulmonary DCE imaging at 1.5 T using a time-resolved three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo sequence. The prognostic significance of two DCE parameters, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the first-pass clearance curve and pulmonary transit time (PTT), along with demographic and invasive catheter measurements, was evaluated by univariate and bivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. DCE-MR transit times were most closely correlated with cardiac index (CI) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and were both found to be accurate for detecting reduced CI (FWHM area under the curve [AUC] at receiver operating characteristic analysis = 0.91 and PTT AUC = 0.92, respectively) and for detecting elevated PVRI (FWHM AUC = 0.88 and PTT AUC = 0.84, respectively). During the follow-up period, 25 patients died. Patients with longer measurements of FWHM (P = 0.0014) and PTT (P = 0.004) were associated with poor outcome at Kaplan-Meier analysis, and both parameters were strong predictors of adverse outcome from Cox proportional hazards analysis (P = 0.013 and 0.010, respectively). At bivariate analysis, DCE measurements predicted mortality independent of age, gender, and World Health Organization functional class; however, invasive hemodynamic indexes CI, PVRI, and DCE measurements were not independent of one another. In conclusion, DCE-MR transit times predict mortality in patients with PAH and are closely associated with clinical gold standards CI and PVRI.

Cost Analysis of Implementing Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Plus Real-Time Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention for Bloodstream Infections

PubMed Central

Patel, Twisha S.; Kaakeh, Rola; Nagel, Jerod L.; Newton, Duane W.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Studies evaluating rapid diagnostic testing plus stewardship intervention have consistently demonstrated improved clinical outcomes for patients with bloodstream infections. However, the cost of implementing new rapid diagnostic testing can be significant, and such testing usually does not generate additional revenue. There are minimal data evaluating the impact of adding matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for rapid organism identification and dedicating pharmacy stewardship personnel time on the total hospital costs. A cost analysis was performed utilizing patient data generated from the hospital cost accounting system and included additional costs of MALDI-TOF equipment, supplies and personnel, and dedicated pharmacist time for blood culture review and of making interventions to antimicrobial therapy. The cost analysis was performed from a hospital perspective for 3-month blocks before and after implementation of MALDI-TOF plus stewardship intervention. A total of 480 patients with bloodstream infections were included in the analysis: 247 in the preintervention group and 233 in the intervention group. Thirty-day mortality was significantly improved in the intervention group (12% versus 21%, P < 0.01), and the mean length of stay was reduced, although the difference was not statistically significant (13.0 ± 16.5 days versus 14.2 ± 16.7 days, P = 0.44). The total hospital cost per bloodstream infection was lower in the intervention group ($42,580 versus $45,019). Intensive care unit cost per bloodstream infection accounted for the largest share of the total costs in each group and was also lower in the intervention group ($10,833 versus $13,727). Implementing MALDI-TOF plus stewardship review and intervention decreased mortality for patients with bloodstream infections. Despite the additional costs of implementing MALDI-TOF and of dedicating pharmacy stewardship personnel time to interventions, the total hospital costs decreased by $2,439 per bloodstream infection, for an approximate annual cost savings of $2.34 million. PMID:27795335

Identifying arsenic trioxide (ATO) functions in leukemia cells by using time series gene expression profiles.

PubMed

Yang, Hong; Lin, Shan; Cui, Jingru

2014-02-10

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is presently the most active single agent in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In order to explore the molecular mechanism of ATO in leukemia cells with time series, we adopted bioinformatics strategy to analyze expression changing patterns and changes in transcription regulation modules of time series genes filtered from Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE24946). We totally screened out 1847 time series genes for subsequent analysis. The KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathways enrichment analysis of these genes showed that oxidative phosphorylation and ribosome were the top 2 significantly enriched pathways. STEM software was employed to compare changing patterns of gene expression with assigned 50 expression patterns. We screened out 7 significantly enriched patterns and 4 tendency charts of time series genes. The result of Gene Ontology showed that functions of times series genes mainly distributed in profiles 41, 40, 39 and 38. Seven genes with positive regulation of cell adhesion function were enriched in profile 40, and presented the same first increased model then decreased model as profile 40. The transcription module analysis showed that they mainly involved in oxidative phosphorylation pathway and ribosome pathway. Overall, our data summarized the gene expression changes in ATO treated K562-r cell lines with time and suggested that time series genes mainly regulated cell adhesive. Furthermore, our result may provide theoretical basis of molecular biology in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Can methadone maintenance for heroin-dependent patients retained in general practice reduce criminal conviction rates and time spent in prison?

PubMed Central

Keen, J; Rowse, G; Mathers, N; Campbell, M; Seivewright, N

2000-01-01

A retrospective analysis was made of the criminal records of 57 patients successfully retained in methadone maintenance at two general practices in Sheffield. Their criminal conviction rates and time spent in prison per year were compared for the periods before and after the start of their methadone programme. Overall, patients retained on methadone programmes in the general practices studied had significantly fewer convictions and cautions, and spent significantly less time in prison than they had before the start of treatment. PMID:10695069

Meta-analysis of Timing for Microsurgical Free-Flap Reconstruction for Lower Limb Injury: Evaluation of the Godina Principles.

PubMed

Haykal, Siba; Roy, Mélissa; Patel, Ashit

2018-05-01

 In 1986, Marko Godina published his seminal work regarding the timing of free-flap reconstruction for traumatic extremity defects. Early reconstruction, compared with delayed and late reconstruction resulted in significant decreases in free-flap failure rate, post-operative infections, hospitalization time, bone healing time, and number of additional anesthesias. The objective of this manuscript was to evaluate whether these principles continue to apply.  A meta-analysis was performed analyzing articles from Medline, Embase, and Pubmed. Four hundred and ninety-two articles were screened, and 134 articles were assessed for eligibility. Following full-text review, 43 articles were included in this study.  The exact timing for free-flap reconstruction, free-flap failure rate, infection rate, and follow-up was defined in all 43 articles. Early free-flap reconstruction was found to have significantly lower rates of free-flap failure and infection in comparison to delayed reconstruction ( p  = 0.008; p  = 0.0004). Compared with late reconstruction, early reconstruction was found to have significantly lower infection rates only ( p  = 0.01) with no difference in free-flap failures rates. Early reconstruction was found to lead to fewer additional procedures ( p  = 0.03). No statistical significance was found for bone healing time or hospitalization time.  Early free-flap reconstruction performed within the first 72 hours resulted in a decreased rate of free-flap failures, infection, and additional procedures with no difference in other parameters. The largest majority of free flaps continue to be performed in a delayed time frame. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Comparison of helicopter and ground emergency medical service: a retrospective analysis of a German rescue helicopter base.

PubMed

Mommsen, Philipp; Bradt, Nikolas; Zeckey, Christian; Andruszkow, Hagen; Petri, Max; Frink, Michael; Hildebrand, Frank; Krettek, Christian; Probst, Christian

2012-01-01

In consideration of rising cost pressure in the German health care system, the usefulness of helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) in terms of time- and cost-effectiveness is controversially discussed. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether HEMS is associated with significantly decreased arrival and transportation times compared to ground EMS. In a retrospective study, we evaluated 1,548 primary emergency missions for time sensitive diagnoses (multiple trauma, traumatic brain and burn injury, heart-attack, stroke, and pediatric emergency) performed by a German HEMS using the medical database, NADIN, of the German Air Rescue Service. Arrival and transportation times were compared to calculated ground EMS times. HEMS showed significantly reduced arrival times at the scene in case of heart-attack, stroke and pediatric emergencies. In contrast, HEMS and ground EMS showed comparable arrival times in patients with multiple trauma, traumatic brain and burn injury due to an increased flight distance. HEMS showed a significantly decreased transportation time to the closest centre capable of specialist care in all diagnosis groups (p<0.001). The results of the present study indicate the time-effectiveness of German air ambulance services with significantly decreased transportation times.

Magnetic navigation system for percutaneous coronary intervention

PubMed Central

Qi, Zhiyong; Wu, Bangwei; Luo, Xinping; Zhu, Jun; Shi, Haiming; Jin, Bo

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: Magnetic navigation system (MNS) allows calculation of the vessel coordinates in real space within the patient's chest for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, its impact on the procedural parameters and clinical outcomes is still a matter of debate. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. Methods and Results: Studies exploring the advantages of MNS were identified in English-language articles by search of Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library Databases (inception to October 2015). A standardized protocol was used to extract details on study design, region origin, demographic data, lesion type, and clinical outcomes. The main outcome measures were contrast consumption, procedural success rate, contrast used for wire crossing, procedure time to cross the lesions, and the fluoroscopy time fluoroscopy time. A total of 12 clinical trials involving 2174 patients were included for analysis (902 patients in the magnetic PCI group and 1272 in the conventional PCI group). Overall, contrast consumption was decreased by 40.45 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] −70.98 to −9.92, P = 0.009) in magnetic PCI group compared with control group. In addition, magnetic PCI was associated with significantly decreasing procedural time by 2.17 minutes (95% CI −3.91 to −0.44, P = 0.01) and the total fluoroscopy time was significantly decreased by 1.43 minutes (95% CI −2.29 to −0.57, P = 0.001) in magnetic PCI group. However, procedural success rate, contrast used for wire crossing, procedure time to cross the lesions, and the fluoroscopy time to cross the lesions demonstrated that no statistically difference was observed between 2 groups. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis indicated an improvement of overall contrast consumption, total procedural time, and fluoroscopy time in magnetic PCI group. However, no significant advantages were observed associated with procedural success rate. PMID:27442645

Adherence to Antitumor Necrosis Factor Use Recommendations in Spondyloarthritis: Measurement and Effect in the DESIR Cohort.

PubMed

Harvard, Stephanie; Guh, Daphne; Bansback, Nick; Richette, Pascal; Saraux, Alain; Fautrel, Bruno; Anis, Aslam H

2017-10-01

To evaluate a classification system to define adherence to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) use recommendations and examine the effect of adherence on outcomes in the DESIR cohort (Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifférenciées Récentes). Using alternate definitions of adherence, patients were classified as adherent "timely" anti-TNF users, nonadherent "late" anti-TNF users, adherent nonusers ("no anti-TNF need"), non-adherent nonusers ("unmet anti-TNF need"). Multivariate models were fitted to examine the effect of adherence on quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), total costs, and nonbiologic costs 1 year following an index date. Generalized linear regression models assuming a γ-distribution with log link were used for costs outcomes and linear regression models for QALY outcomes. Using the main definition of adherence, there were no significant differences between late anti-TNF users and timely anti-TNF users in total costs (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.54-1.36, p = 0.516) or nonbiologic costs (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.44-1.18, p = 0.187). However, in the sensitivity analysis, late anti-TNF users had significantly increased nonbiologic costs compared with timely users (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.06-2.36, p = 0.026). In the main analysis, there were no significant differences in QALY between timely anti-TNF users and late anti-TNF users, or between timely users and patients with unmet anti-TNF need. In the sensitivity analysis, patients with unmet anti-TNF need had significantly lower QALY than timely anti-TNF users (-0.04, 95% CI -0.07 to -0.01, p = 0.016). The effect of adherence to anti-TNF recommendations on outcomes was sensitive to the definition of adherence used, highlighting the need to validate methods to measure adherence.

Towards understanding temporal and spatial dynamics of seagrass landscapes using time-series remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyons, Mitchell B.; Roelfsema, Chris M.; Phinn, Stuart R.

2013-03-01

The spatial and temporal dynamics of seagrasses have been well studied at the leaf to patch scales, however, the link to large spatial extent landscape and population dynamics is still unresolved in seagrass ecology. Traditional remote sensing approaches have lacked the temporal resolution and consistency to appropriately address this issue. This study uses two high temporal resolution time-series of thematic seagrass cover maps to examine the spatial and temporal dynamics of seagrass at both an inter- and intra-annual time scales, one of the first globally to do so at this scale. Previous work by the authors developed an object-based approach to map seagrass cover level distribution from a long term archive of Landsat TM and ETM+ images on the Eastern Banks (≈200 km2), Moreton Bay, Australia. In this work a range of trend and time-series analysis methods are demonstrated for a time-series of 23 annual maps from 1988 to 2010 and a time-series of 16 monthly maps during 2008-2010. Significant new insight was presented regarding the inter- and intra-annual dynamics of seagrass persistence over time, seagrass cover level variability, seagrass cover level trajectory, and change in area of seagrass and cover levels over time. Overall we found that there was no significant decline in total seagrass area on the Eastern Banks, but there was a significant decline in seagrass cover level condition. A case study of two smaller communities within the Eastern Banks that experienced a decline in both overall seagrass area and condition are examined in detail, highlighting possible differences in environmental and process drivers. We demonstrate how trend and time-series analysis enabled seagrass distribution to be appropriately assessed in context of its spatial and temporal history and provides the ability to not only quantify change, but also describe the type of change. We also demonstrate the potential use of time-series analysis products to investigate seagrass growth and decline as well as the processes that drive it. This study demonstrates clear benefits over traditional seagrass mapping and monitoring approaches, and provides a proof of concept for the use of trend and time-series analysis of remotely sensed seagrass products to benefit current endeavours in seagrass ecology.

A spectral power analysis of driving behavior changes during the transition from nondistraction to distraction.

PubMed

Wang, Yuan; Bao, Shan; Du, Wenjun; Ye, Zhirui; Sayer, James R

2017-11-17

This article investigated and compared frequency domain and time domain characteristics of drivers' behaviors before and after the start of distracted driving. Data from an existing naturalistic driving study were used. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) was applied for the frequency domain analysis to explore drivers' behavior pattern changes between nondistracted (prestarting of visual-manual task) and distracted (poststarting of visual-manual task) driving periods. Average relative spectral power in a low frequency range (0-0.5 Hz) and the standard deviation in a 10-s time window of vehicle control variables (i.e., lane offset, yaw rate, and acceleration) were calculated and further compared. Sensitivity analyses were also applied to examine the reliability of the time and frequency domain analyses. Results of the mixed model analyses from the time and frequency domain analyses all showed significant degradation in lateral control performance after engaging in visual-manual tasks while driving. Results of the sensitivity analyses suggested that the frequency domain analysis was less sensitive to the frequency bandwidth, whereas the time domain analysis was more sensitive to the time intervals selected for variation calculations. Different time interval selections can result in significantly different standard deviation values, whereas average spectral power analysis on yaw rate in both low and high frequency bandwidths showed consistent results, that higher variation values were observed during distracted driving when compared to nondistracted driving. This study suggests that driver state detection needs to consider the behavior changes during the prestarting periods, instead of only focusing on periods with physical presence of distraction, such as cell phone use. Lateral control measures can be a better indicator of distraction detection than longitudinal controls. In addition, frequency domain analyses proved to be a more robust and consistent method in assessing driving performance compared to time domain analyses.

Alterations of Vertical Jump Mechanics after a Half-Marathon Mountain Running Race

PubMed Central

Rousanoglou, Elissavet N.; Noutsos, Konstantinos; Pappas, Achilleas; Bogdanis, Gregory; Vagenas, Georgios; Bayios, Ioannis A.; Boudolos, Konstantinos D.

2016-01-01

The fatiguing effect of long-distance running has been examined in the context of a variety of parameters. However, there is scarcity of data regarding its effect on the vertical jump mechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations of countermovement jump (CMJ) mechanics after a half-marathon mountain race. Twenty-seven runners performed CMJs before the race (Pre), immediately after the race (Post 1) and five minutes after Post 1 (Post 2). Instantaneous and ensemble-average analysis focused on jump height and, the maximum peaks and time-to-maximum peaks of: Displacement, vertical force (Fz), anterior-posterior force (Fx), Velocity and Power, in the eccentric (tECC) and concentric (tCON) phase of the jump, respectively. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used for statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). The jump height decrease was significant in Post 2 (-7.9%) but not in Post 1 (-4.1%). Fx and Velocity decreased significantly in both Post 1 (only in tECC) and Post 2 (both tECC and tCON). Α timing shift of the Fz peaks (earlier during tECC and later during tCON) and altered relative peak times (only in tECC) were also observed. Ensemble-average analysis revealed several time intervals of significant post-race alterations and a timing shift in the Fz-Velocity loop. An overall trend of lowered post-race jump output and mechanics was characterised by altered jump timing, restricted anterior-posterior movement and altered force-velocity relations. The specificity of mountain running fatigue to eccentric muscle work, appears to be reflected in the different time order of the post-race reductions, with the eccentric phase reductions preceding those of the concentric one. Thus, those who engage in mountain running should particularly consider downhill training to optimise eccentric muscular action. Key points The 4.1% reduction of jump height immediately after the race is not statistically significant The eccentric phase alterations of jump mechanics precede those of the concentric ones. Force-velocity alterations present a timing shift rather than a change in force or velocity magnitude. PMID:27274665

Alterations of Vertical Jump Mechanics after a Half-Marathon Mountain Running Race.

PubMed

Rousanoglou, Elissavet N; Noutsos, Konstantinos; Pappas, Achilleas; Bogdanis, Gregory; Vagenas, Georgios; Bayios, Ioannis A; Boudolos, Konstantinos D

2016-06-01

The fatiguing effect of long-distance running has been examined in the context of a variety of parameters. However, there is scarcity of data regarding its effect on the vertical jump mechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations of countermovement jump (CMJ) mechanics after a half-marathon mountain race. Twenty-seven runners performed CMJs before the race (Pre), immediately after the race (Post 1) and five minutes after Post 1 (Post 2). Instantaneous and ensemble-average analysis focused on jump height and, the maximum peaks and time-to-maximum peaks of: Displacement, vertical force (Fz), anterior-posterior force (Fx), Velocity and Power, in the eccentric (tECC) and concentric (tCON) phase of the jump, respectively. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used for statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). The jump height decrease was significant in Post 2 (-7.9%) but not in Post 1 (-4.1%). Fx and Velocity decreased significantly in both Post 1 (only in tECC) and Post 2 (both tECC and tCON). Α timing shift of the Fz peaks (earlier during tECC and later during tCON) and altered relative peak times (only in tECC) were also observed. Ensemble-average analysis revealed several time intervals of significant post-race alterations and a timing shift in the Fz-Velocity loop. An overall trend of lowered post-race jump output and mechanics was characterised by altered jump timing, restricted anterior-posterior movement and altered force-velocity relations. The specificity of mountain running fatigue to eccentric muscle work, appears to be reflected in the different time order of the post-race reductions, with the eccentric phase reductions preceding those of the concentric one. Thus, those who engage in mountain running should particularly consider downhill training to optimise eccentric muscular action. Key pointsThe 4.1% reduction of jump height immediately after the race is not statistically significantThe eccentric phase alterations of jump mechanics precede those of the concentric ones.Force-velocity alterations present a timing shift rather than a change in force or velocity magnitude.

The Timing of First Marriage: Are There Religious Variations?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Xiaohe; Hudspeth, Clark D.; Bartkowski, John P.

2005-01-01

Using survey data from a nationally representative sample, this article explores how marriage timing varies across major religious denominations. Survival analysis indicates that net of statistical controls, Catholics, moderate Protestants, conservative Protestants, and Mormons marry significantly earlier than their unaffiliated counterparts. This…

Detection of caffeine in tea, instant coffee, green tea beverage, and soft drink by direct analysis in real time (DART) source coupled to single-quadrupole mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Zhao, Pengyue; Zhang, Fengzu; Bai, Aijuan; Pan, Canping

2013-01-01

Ambient ionization direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to single-quadrupole MS (DART-MS) was evaluated for rapid detection of caffeine in commercial samples without chromatographic separation or sample preparation. Four commercial samples were examined: tea, instant coffee, green tea beverage, and soft drink. The response-related parameters were optimized for the DART temperature and MS fragmentor. Under optimal conditions, the molecular ion (M+H)+ was the major ion for identification of caffeine. The results showed that DART-MS is a promising tool for the quick analysis of important marker molecules in commercial samples. Furthermore, this system has demonstrated significant potential for high sample throughput and real-time analysis.

Association Between Blood Glucose and Functional Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Zheng, Jun; Yu, Zhiyuan; Ma, Lu; Guo, Rui; Lin, Sen; You, Chao; Li, Hao

2018-03-16

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating subtype of stroke. Patients with ICH have poor functional outcomes. The association between blood glucose level and functional outcome in ICH remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between blood glucose level and functional outcomes in patients with ICH. Literature was searched systemically in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Published cohort studies evaluating the association between blood glucose and functional outcome in patients with ICH were included. This meta-analysis was performed using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 16 studies were included in our meta-analysis. Our data show that hyperglycemia defined by cutoff values was significantly associated with unfavorable functional outcome (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.36-2.39; P < 0.001). Our analysis also suggested a significant association between increased blood glucose levels and functional outcomes (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.07; P < 0.001). High blood glucose level is significantly associated with poor functional outcome in ICH. Further studies with larger sample sizes, more time points, and longer follow-up times are necessary to confirm this association. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Factors that impact turnaround time of surgical pathology specimens in an academic institution.

PubMed

Patel, Samip; Smith, Jennifer B; Kurbatova, Ekaterina; Guarner, Jeannette

2012-09-01

Turnaround time of laboratory results is important for customer satisfaction. The College of American Pathologists' checklist requires an analytic turnaround time of 2 days or less for most routine cases and lets every hospital define what a routine specimen is. The objective of this study was to analyze which factors impact turnaround time of nonbiopsy surgical pathology specimens. We calculated the turnaround time from receipt to verification of results (adjusted for weekends and holidays) for all nonbiopsy surgical specimens during a 2-week period. Factors studied included tissue type, number of slides per case, decalcification, immunohistochemistry, consultations with other pathologists, and diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A total of 713 specimens were analyzed, 551 (77%) were verified within 2 days and 162 (23%) in 3 days or more. Lung, gastrointestinal, breast, and genitourinary specimens showed the highest percentage of cases being signed out in over 3 days. Diagnosis of malignancy (including staging of the neoplasia), consultation with other pathologists, having had a frozen section, and use of immunohistochemical stains were significantly associated with increased turnaround time in univariate analysis. Decalcification was not associated with increased turnaround time. In multivariate analysis, consultation with other pathologists, use of immunohistochemistry, diagnosis of malignancy, and the number of slides studied continued to be significantly associated with prolonged turnaround time. Our findings suggest that diagnosis of malignancy is central to significantly prolonging the turnaround time for surgical pathology specimens, thus institutions that serve cancer centers will have longer turnaround time than those that do not. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multi-complexity ensemble measures for gait time series analysis: application to diagnostics, monitoring and biometrics.

PubMed

Gavrishchaka, Valeriy; Senyukova, Olga; Davis, Kristina

2015-01-01

Previously, we have proposed to use complementary complexity measures discovered by boosting-like ensemble learning for the enhancement of quantitative indicators dealing with necessarily short physiological time series. We have confirmed robustness of such multi-complexity measures for heart rate variability analysis with the emphasis on detection of emerging and intermittent cardiac abnormalities. Recently, we presented preliminary results suggesting that such ensemble-based approach could be also effective in discovering universal meta-indicators for early detection and convenient monitoring of neurological abnormalities using gait time series. Here, we argue and demonstrate that these multi-complexity ensemble measures for gait time series analysis could have significantly wider application scope ranging from diagnostics and early detection of physiological regime change to gait-based biometrics applications.

Similarities and differences in anthropometry and training between recreational male 100-km ultra-marathoners and marathoners.

PubMed

Rüst, Christoph Alexander; Knechtle, Beat; Knechtle, Patrizia; Rosemann, Thomas

2012-01-01

Several recent investigations showed that the best marathon time of an individual athlete is also a strong predictor variable for the race time in a 100-km ultra-marathon. We investigated similarities and differences in anthropometry and training characteristics between 166 100-km ultra-marathoners and 126 marathoners in recreational male athletes. The association of anthropometric variables and training characteristics with race time was assessed by using bi- and multi-variate analysis. Regarding anthropometry, the marathoners had a significantly lower calf circumference (P < 0.05) and a significantly thicker skinfold at pectoral (P < 0.01), axilla (P < 0.05), and suprailiacal sites (P < 0.05) compared to the ultra-marathoners. Considering training characteristics, the marathoners completed significantly fewer hours (P < 0.001) and significantly fewer kilometres (P < 0.001) during the week, but they were running significantly faster during training (P < 0.001). The multi-variate analysis showed that age (P < 0.0001), body mass (P = 0.011), and percent body fat (P = 0.019) were positively and weekly running kilometres (P < 0.0001) were negatively related to 100-km race times in the ultra-marathoners. In the marathoners, percent body fat (P = 0.002) was positively and speed in running training (P < 0.0001) was negatively associated with marathon race times. In conclusion, these data suggest that performance in both marathoners and 100-km ultra-marathoners is inversely related to body fat. Moreover, marathoners rely more on speed in running during training whereas ultra-marathoners rely on volume in running training.

Analysis of the sleep quality of elderly people using biomedical signals.

PubMed

Moreno-Alsasua, L; Garcia-Zapirain, B; Mendez-Zorrilla, A

2015-01-01

This paper presents a technical solution that analyses sleep signals captured by biomedical sensors to find possible disorders during rest. Specifically, the method evaluates electrooculogram (EOG) signals, skin conductance (GSR), air flow (AS), and body temperature. Next, a quantitative sleep quality analysis determines significant changes in the biological signals, and any similarities between them in a given time period. Filtering techniques such as the Fourier transform method and IIR filters process the signal and identify significant variations. Once these changes have been identified, all significant data is compared and a quantitative and statistical analysis is carried out to determine the level of a person's rest. To evaluate the correlation and significant differences, a statistical analysis has been calculated showing correlation between EOG and AS signals (p=0,005), EOG, and GSR signals (p=0,037) and, finally, the EOG and Body temperature (p=0,04). Doctors could use this information to monitor changes within a patient.

Statistical Analysis of Human Body Movement and Group Interactions in Response to Music

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desmet, Frank; Leman, Marc; Lesaffre, Micheline; de Bruyn, Leen

Quantification of time series that relate to physiological data is challenging for empirical music research. Up to now, most studies have focused on time-dependent responses of individual subjects in controlled environments. However, little is known about time-dependent responses of between-subject interactions in an ecological context. This paper provides new findings on the statistical analysis of group synchronicity in response to musical stimuli. Different statistical techniques were applied to time-dependent data obtained from an experiment on embodied listening in individual and group settings. Analysis of inter group synchronicity are described. Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) and Cross Correlation Function (CCF) were found to be valid methods to estimate group coherence of the resulting movements. It was found that synchronicity of movements between individuals (human-human interactions) increases significantly in the social context. Moreover, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the type of music is the predominant factor in both the individual and the social context.

Evaluation of different time domain peak models using extreme learning machine-based peak detection for EEG signal.

PubMed

Adam, Asrul; Ibrahim, Zuwairie; Mokhtar, Norrima; Shapiai, Mohd Ibrahim; Cumming, Paul; Mubin, Marizan

2016-01-01

Various peak models have been introduced to detect and analyze peaks in the time domain analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. In general, peak model in the time domain analysis consists of a set of signal parameters, such as amplitude, width, and slope. Models including those proposed by Dumpala, Acir, Liu, and Dingle are routinely used to detect peaks in EEG signals acquired in clinical studies of epilepsy or eye blink. The optimal peak model is the most reliable peak detection performance in a particular application. A fair measure of performance of different models requires a common and unbiased platform. In this study, we evaluate the performance of the four different peak models using the extreme learning machine (ELM)-based peak detection algorithm. We found that the Dingle model gave the best performance, with 72 % accuracy in the analysis of real EEG data. Statistical analysis conferred that the Dingle model afforded significantly better mean testing accuracy than did the Acir and Liu models, which were in the range 37-52 %. Meanwhile, the Dingle model has no significant difference compared to Dumpala model.

Optimization of Injection Molding Parameters for HDPE/TiO₂ Nanocomposites Fabrication with Multiple Performance Characteristics Using the Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis.

PubMed

Pervez, Hifsa; Mozumder, Mohammad S; Mourad, Abdel-Hamid I

2016-08-22

The current study presents an investigation on the optimization of injection molding parameters of HDPE/TiO₂ nanocomposites using grey relational analysis with the Taguchi method. Four control factors, including filler concentration (i.e., TiO₂), barrel temperature, residence time and holding time, were chosen at three different levels of each. Mechanical properties, such as yield strength, Young's modulus and elongation, were selected as the performance targets. Nine experimental runs were carried out based on the Taguchi L₉ orthogonal array, and the data were processed according to the grey relational steps. The optimal process parameters were found based on the average responses of the grey relational grades, and the ideal operating conditions were found to be a filler concentration of 5 wt % TiO₂, a barrel temperature of 225 °C, a residence time of 30 min and a holding time of 20 s. Moreover, analysis of variance (ANOVA) has also been applied to identify the most significant factor, and the percentage of TiO₂ nanoparticles was found to have the most significant effect on the properties of the HDPE/TiO₂ nanocomposites fabricated through the injection molding process.

Space-time analysis of pneumonia hospitalisations in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Benincà, Elisa; van Boven, Michiel; Hagenaars, Thomas; van der Hoek, Wim

2017-01-01

Community acquired pneumonia is a major global public health problem. In the Netherlands there are 40,000-50,000 hospital admissions for pneumonia per year. In the large majority of these hospital admissions the etiologic agent is not determined and a real-time surveillance system is lacking. Localised and temporal increases in hospital admissions for pneumonia are therefore only detected retrospectively and the etiologic agents remain unknown. Here, we perform spatio-temporal analyses of pneumonia hospital admission data in the Netherlands. To this end, we scanned for spatial clusters on yearly and seasonal basis, and applied wavelet cluster analysis on the time series of five main regions. The pneumonia hospital admissions show strong clustering in space and time superimposed on a regular yearly cycle with high incidence in winter and low incidence in summer. Cluster analysis reveals a heterogeneous pattern, with most significant clusters occurring in the western, highly urbanised, and in the eastern, intensively farmed, part of the Netherlands. Quantitatively, the relative risk (RR) of the significant clusters for the age-standardised incidence varies from a minimum of 1.2 to a maximum of 2.2. We discuss possible underlying causes for the patterns observed, such as variations in air pollution.

Glucose time series complexity as a predictor of type 2 diabetes

PubMed Central

Rodríguez de Castro, Carmen; Vargas, Borja; García Delgado, Emilio; García Carretero, Rafael; Ruiz‐Galiana, Julián; Varela, Manuel

2016-01-01

Abstract Background Complexity analysis of glucose profile may provide valuable information about the gluco‐regulatory system. We hypothesized that a complexity metric (detrended fluctuation analysis, DFA) may have a prognostic value for the development of type 2 diabetes in patients at risk. Methods A total of 206 patients with any of the following risk factors (1) essential hypertension, (2) obesity or (3) a first‐degree relative with a diagnosis of diabetes were included in a survival analysis study for a diagnosis of new onset type 2 diabetes. At inclusion, a glucometry by means of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System was performed, and DFA was calculated for a 24‐h glucose time series. Patients were then followed up every 6 months, controlling for the development of diabetes. Results In a median follow‐up of 18 months, there were 18 new cases of diabetes (58.5 cases/1000 patient‐years). DFA was a significant predictor for the development of diabetes, with ten events in the highest quartile versus one in the lowest (log‐rank test chi2 = 9, df = 1, p = 0.003), even after adjusting for other relevant clinical and biochemical variables. In a Cox model, the risk of diabetes development increased 2.8 times for every 0.1 DFA units. In a multivariate analysis, only fasting glucose, HbA1c and DFA emerged as significant factors. Conclusions Detrended fluctuation analysis significantly performed as a harbinger of type 2 diabetes development in a high‐risk population. Complexity analysis may help in targeting patients who could be candidates for intensified treatment. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. PMID:27253149

Distributed lags time series analysis versus linear correlation analysis (Pearson's r) in identifying the relationship between antipseudomonal antibiotic consumption and the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in a single Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital.

PubMed

Erdeljić, Viktorija; Francetić, Igor; Bošnjak, Zrinka; Budimir, Ana; Kalenić, Smilja; Bielen, Luka; Makar-Aušperger, Ksenija; Likić, Robert

2011-05-01

The relationship between antibiotic consumption and selection of resistant strains has been studied mainly by employing conventional statistical methods. A time delay in effect must be anticipated and this has rarely been taken into account in previous studies. Therefore, distributed lags time series analysis and simple linear correlation were compared in their ability to evaluate this relationship. Data on monthly antibiotic consumption for ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, carbapenems and cefepime as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility were retrospectively collected for the period April 2006 to July 2007. Using distributed lags analysis, a significant temporal relationship was identified between ciprofloxacin, meropenem and cefepime consumption and the resistance rates of P. aeruginosa isolates to these antibiotics. This effect was lagged for ciprofloxacin and cefepime [1 month (R=0.827, P=0.039) and 2 months (R=0.962, P=0.001), respectively] and was simultaneous for meropenem (lag 0, R=0.876, P=0.002). Furthermore, a significant concomitant effect of meropenem consumption on the appearance of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains (resistant to three or more representatives of classes of antibiotics) was identified (lag 0, R=0.992, P<0.001). This effect was not delayed and it was therefore identified both by distributed lags analysis and the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Correlation coefficient analysis was not able to identify relationships between antibiotic consumption and bacterial resistance when the effect was delayed. These results indicate that the use of diverse statistical methods can yield significantly different results, thus leading to the introduction of possibly inappropriate infection control measures. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Audio signal analysis for tool wear monitoring in sheet metal stamping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ubhayaratne, Indivarie; Pereira, Michael P.; Xiang, Yong; Rolfe, Bernard F.

2017-02-01

Stamping tool wear can significantly degrade product quality, and hence, online tool condition monitoring is a timely need in many manufacturing industries. Even though a large amount of research has been conducted employing different sensor signals, there is still an unmet demand for a low-cost easy to set up condition monitoring system. Audio signal analysis is a simple method that has the potential to meet this demand, but has not been previously used for stamping process monitoring. Hence, this paper studies the existence and the significance of the correlation between emitted sound signals and the wear state of sheet metal stamping tools. The corrupting sources generated by the tooling of the stamping press and surrounding machinery have higher amplitudes compared to that of the sound emitted by the stamping operation itself. Therefore, a newly developed semi-blind signal extraction technique was employed as a pre-processing technique to mitigate the contribution of these corrupting sources. The spectral analysis results of the raw and extracted signals demonstrate a significant qualitative relationship between wear progression and the emitted sound signature. This study lays the basis for employing low-cost audio signal analysis in the development of a real-time industrial tool condition monitoring system.

Is objectively measured sitting time associated with low back pain? A cross-sectional investigation in the NOMAD study.

PubMed

Gupta, Nidhi; Christiansen, Caroline Stordal; Hallman, David M; Korshøj, Mette; Carneiro, Isabella Gomes; Holtermann, Andreas

2015-01-01

Studies on the association between sitting time and low back pain (LBP) have found contrasting results. This may be due to the lack of objectively measured sitting time or because socioeconomic confounders were not considered in the analysis. To investigate the association between objectively measured sitting time (daily total, and occupational and leisure-time periods) and LBP among blue-collar workers. Two-hundred-and-one blue-collar workers wore two accelerometers (GT3X+ Actigraph) for up to four consecutive working days to obtain objective measures of sitting time, estimated via Acti4 software. Workers reported their LBP intensity the past month on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 9 (worst imaginable pain) and were categorized into either low (≤ 5) or high (> 5) LBP intensity groups. In the multivariate-adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, total sitting time, and occupational and leisure-time sitting were both modeled as continuous (hours/day) and categorical variables (i.e. low, moderate and high sitting time). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant positive association between total sitting time (per hour) and high LBP intensity (odds ratio; OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.15-1.77, P = 0.01). Similar results were obtained for leisure-time sitting (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.10-1.91, P = 0.01), and a similar but non-significant trend was obtained for occupational sitting time (OR = 1.34, 95%CI 0.99-1.82, P = 0.06). In the analysis on categorized sitting time, high sitting time was positively associated with high LBP for total (OR = 3.31, 95%CI = 1.18-9.28, P = 0.03), leisure (OR = 5.31, 95%CI = 1.57-17.90, P = 0.01), and occupational (OR = 3.26, 95%CI = 0.89-11.98, P = 0.08) periods, referencing those with low sitting time. Sitting time is positively associated with LBP intensity among blue-collar workers. Future studies using a prospective design with objective measures of sitting time are recommended.

Is Objectively Measured Sitting Time Associated with Low Back Pain? A Cross-Sectional Investigation in the NOMAD study

PubMed Central

Gupta, Nidhi; Christiansen, Caroline Stordal; Hallman, David M.; Korshøj, Mette; Carneiro, Isabella Gomes; Holtermann, Andreas

2015-01-01

Background Studies on the association between sitting time and low back pain (LBP) have found contrasting results. This may be due to the lack of objectively measured sitting time or because socioeconomic confounders were not considered in the analysis. Objectives To investigate the association between objectively measured sitting time (daily total, and occupational and leisure-time periods) and LBP among blue-collar workers. Methods Two-hundred-and-one blue-collar workers wore two accelerometers (GT3X+ Actigraph) for up to four consecutive working days to obtain objective measures of sitting time, estimated via Acti4 software. Workers reported their LBP intensity the past month on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 9 (worst imaginable pain) and were categorized into either low (≤5) or high (>5) LBP intensity groups. In the multivariate-adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, total sitting time, and occupational and leisure-time sitting were both modeled as continuous (hours/day) and categorical variables (i.e. low, moderate and high sitting time). Results The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant positive association between total sitting time (per hour) and high LBP intensity (odds ratio; OR=1.43, 95%CI=1.15-1.77, P=0.01). Similar results were obtained for leisure-time sitting (OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.10-1.91, P=0.01), and a similar but non-significant trend was obtained for occupational sitting time (OR=1.34, 95%CI 0.99-1.82, P=0.06). In the analysis on categorized sitting time, high sitting time was positively associated with high LBP for total (OR=3.31, 95%CI=1.18-9.28, P=0.03), leisure (OR=5.31, 95%CI=1.57-17.90, P=0.01), and occupational (OR=3.26, 95%CI=0.89-11.98, P=0.08) periods, referencing those with low sitting time. Conclusion Sitting time is positively associated with LBP intensity among blue-collar workers. Future studies using a prospective design with objective measures of sitting time are recommended. PMID:25806808

Clinical usefulness and feasibility of time-frequency analysis of chemosensory event-related potentials.

PubMed

Huart, C; Rombaux, Ph; Hummel, T; Mouraux, A

2013-09-01

The clinical usefulness of olfactory event-related brain potentials (OERPs) to assess olfactory function is limited by the relatively low signal-to-noise ratio of the responses identified using conventional time-domain averaging. Recently, it was shown that time-frequency analysis of the obtained EEG signals can markedly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of OERPs in healthy controls, because it enhances both phase-locked and non phase-locked EEG responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of this approach and evaluate its feasibility in a clinical setting. We retrospectively analysed EEG recordings obtained from 45 patients (15 anosmic, 15 hyposmic and 15 normos- mic). The responses to olfactory stimulation were analysed using conventional time-domain analysis and joint time-frequency analysis. The ability of the two methods to discriminate between anosmic, hyposmic and normosmic patients was assessed using a Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis. The discrimination performance of OERPs identified using conventional time-domain averaging was poor. In contrast, the discrimination performance of the EEG response identified in the time-frequency domain was relatively high. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the magnitude of this response and the psychophysical olfactory score. Time-frequency analysis of the EEG responses to olfactory stimulation could be used as an effective and reliable diagnostic tool for the objective clinical evaluation of olfactory function in patients.

Effect of Photoactivation Timing on the Mechanical Properties of Resin Cements and Bond Strength of Fiberglass Post to Root Dentin.

PubMed

Pereira, R D; Valdívia, A D C M; Bicalho, A A; Franco, S D; Tantbirojn, D; Versluis, A; Soares, C J

2015-01-01

This study tested the hypothesis that photoactivation timing and resin cement affect mechanical properties and bond strength of fiberglass posts to root dentin at different depths. Fiberglass posts (Exacto, Angelus) were luted with RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE), Panavia F 2.0 (Kuraray), or RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) using three photoactivation timings: light curing immediately, after three minutes, or after five minutes. Push-out bonding strength, PBS (n=10) was measured on each root region (coronal, middle, apical). The elastic modulus (E) and Vickers hardness (VHN) of the cement layer along the root canal were determined using dynamic indentation (n=5). A strain-gauge test was used to measure post-gel shrinkage of each cement (n=10). Residual shrinkage stress was assessed with finite element analysis. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance in a split-plot arrangement and a Tukey test (α=0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the influence of study factors. The five-minute delay photoactivation timing significantly increased the PBS for all resin cements evaluated. The PBS decreased significantly from coronal to apical root canal regions. The mean values for E and VHN increased significantly with the delayed photoactivation for RelyX Unicem and decreased from coronal to apical root regions for all resin cements with the immediate-curing timing. The PBS of fiber posts to root dentin, E, and VHN values were affected by the root canal region, photoactivation timing, and resin cement type. Shrinkage stress values decreased gradually with delayed photoactivation for all the cements.

Extending nonlinear analysis to short ecological time series.

PubMed

Hsieh, Chih-hao; Anderson, Christian; Sugihara, George

2008-01-01

Nonlinearity is important and ubiquitous in ecology. Though detectable in principle, nonlinear behavior is often difficult to characterize, analyze, and incorporate mechanistically into models of ecosystem function. One obvious reason is that quantitative nonlinear analysis tools are data intensive (require long time series), and time series in ecology are generally short. Here we demonstrate a useful method that circumvents data limitation and reduces sampling error by combining ecologically similar multispecies time series into one long time series. With this technique, individual ecological time series containing as few as 20 data points can be mined for such important information as (1) significantly improved forecast ability, (2) the presence and location of nonlinearity, and (3) the effective dimensionality (the number of relevant variables) of an ecological system.

Influence of a cyclic combination chemotherapeutic protocol on primary haemostasis in dogs suffering from malignant lymphoma.

PubMed

Eberle, N; Mischke, R

2010-03-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cyclic combination chemotherapy on primary haemostasis in dogs with malignant lymphoma. Seventeen dogs receiving cytostatic treatment for high-grade lymphoma were included in the study. The dogs were treated with a Madison-Wisconsin derived protocol, which included asparaginase, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone. At different time points during the first 4 weeks of induction, platelet count, capillary bleeding time, analysis of the platelet function using the platelet function analyser PFA-100, and platelet aggregation by the Born-method were measured. The most obvious changes were found for median values of the platelet count, which increased significantly from 210,000/microL before induction to 349,000/microL during the second week of induction (P=0.0010). Median platelet count subsequently decreased by the fourth week of treatment (Friedman-test: P<0.0001). None of the parameters of platelet function (capillary bleeding time, automatic platelet function analysis, aggregation maximum) showed significant changes with time (P>0.05, Friedman-test). The results did not suggest that significant platelet dysfunction was induced by the chemotherapeutic protocol used in the study. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of RAPID for a UNF cask benchmark problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mascolino, Valerio; Haghighat, Alireza; Roskoff, Nathan J.

2017-09-01

This paper examines the accuracy and performance of the RAPID (Real-time Analysis for Particle transport and In-situ Detection) code system for the simulation of a used nuclear fuel (UNF) cask. RAPID is capable of determining eigenvalue, subcritical multiplication, and pin-wise, axially-dependent fission density throughout a UNF cask. We study the source convergence based on the analysis of the different parameters used in an eigenvalue calculation in the MCNP Monte Carlo code. For this study, we consider a single assembly surrounded by absorbing plates with reflective boundary conditions. Based on the best combination of eigenvalue parameters, a reference MCNP solution for the single assembly is obtained. RAPID results are in excellent agreement with the reference MCNP solutions, while requiring significantly less computation time (i.e., minutes vs. days). A similar set of eigenvalue parameters is used to obtain a reference MCNP solution for the whole UNF cask. Because of time limitation, the MCNP results near the cask boundaries have significant uncertainties. Except for these, the RAPID results are in excellent agreement with the MCNP predictions, and its computation time is significantly lower, 35 second on 1 core versus 9.5 days on 16 cores.

Changes in precipitation regime in the Baltic countries in 1966-2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaagus, Jaak; Briede, Agrita; Rimkus, Egidijus; Sepp, Mait

2018-01-01

The aim of the study was to analyse trends and regime shifts in time series of monthly, seasonal and annual precipitation in the eastern Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) during 1966-2015. Data from 54 stations with nearly homogeneous series were used. The Mann-Kendall test was used for trend analysis and the Rodionov test for the analysis of regime shifts. Rather few statistically significant trends ( p < 0.05) and regime shifts were determined. The highest increase (by approximately 10 mm per decade) was observed in winter precipitation when a significant trend was found at the large majority of stations. For monthly precipitation, increasing trends were detected at many stations in January, February and June. Weak negative trends revealed at few stations in April and September. Annual precipitation has generally increased, but the trend is mostly insignificant. The analysis of regime shifts revealed some significant abrupt changes, the most important of which were upward shifts in winter, in January and February precipitation at many stations since 1990 or in some other years (1989, 1995). A return shift in the time series of February precipitation occurred since 2003. The most significant increase in precipitation was determined in Latvia and the weakest increase in Lithuania.

A Social Network Analysis of 140 Community‐Academic Partnerships for Health: Examining the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Syed M.; Maurana, Cheryl A.; DeFino, Mia C.; Brewer, Devon D.

2015-01-01

Abstract Introduction: Social Network Analysis (SNA) provides an important, underutilized approach to evaluating Community Academic Partnerships for Health (CAPHs). This study examines administrative data from 140 CAPHs funded by the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program (HWPP). Methods: Funder data was normalized to maximize number of interconnections between funded projects and 318 non‐redundant community partner organizations in a dual mode analysis, examining the period from 2003–2013.Two strategic planning periods, 2003–2008 vs. 2009–2014, allowed temporal comparison. Results: Connectivity of the network was largely unchanged over time, with most projects and partner organizations connected to a single large component in both time periods. Inter‐partner ties formed in HWPP projects were transient. Most community partners were only involved in projects during one strategic time period. Community organizations participating in both time periods were involved in significantly more projects during the first time period than partners participating in the first time period only (Cohen's d = 0.93). Discussion: This approach represents a significant step toward using objective (non‐survey) data for large clusters of health partnerships and has implications for translational science in community settings. Considerations for government, funders, and communities are offered. Examining partnerships within health priority areas, orphaned projects, and faculty ties to these networks are areas for future research. PMID:25974413

Flexible Magnets Are Not Effective in Decreasing Pain Perception and Recovery Time After Muscle Microinjury

PubMed Central

Borsa, Paul A.; Liggett, Charles L.

1998-01-01

Objective: To assess the therapeutic effects of flexible magnets on pain perception, intramuscular swelling, range of motion, and muscular strength in individuals with a muscle microinjury. Design and Setting: This experiment was a single-blind, placebo study using a repeated-measures design. Subjects performed an intense exercise protocol to induce a muscle microinjury. After pretreatment measurements were recorded, subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental (magnet), placebo (imitation magnet), or control (no magnet) group. Posttreatment measurements were repeated at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Subjects: Forty-five healthy subjects participated in the study. Measurements: Subjects were measured repeatedly for pain perception, upper arm girth, range of motion, and static force production. Four separate univariate analyses of variances were used to reveal statistically significant mean (±SD) differences between variables over time. Interaction effects were analyzed using Scheffe post hoc analysis. Results: Analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant (P > .05) mean differences between conditions for any dependent pretreatment and posttreatment measurements. No significant interaction effects were demonstrated between conditions and times. Conclusions: No significant therapeutic effects on pain control and muscular dysfunction were observed in subjects wearing flexible magnets. ImagesFig 2.Fig 3. PMID:16558503

Analysis of temperature trends in Northern Serbia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tosic, Ivana; Gavrilov, Milivoj; Unkašević, Miroslava; Marković, Slobodan; Petrović, Predrag

2017-04-01

An analysis of air temperature trends in Northern Serbia for the annual and seasonal time series is performed for two periods: 1949-2013 and 1979-2013. Three data sets of surface air temperatures: monthly mean temperatures, monthly maximum temperatures, and monthly minimum temperatures are analyzed at 9 stations that have altitudes varying between 75 m and 102 m. Monthly mean temperatures are obtained as the average of the daily mean temperatures, while monthly maximum (minimum) temperatures are the maximum (minimum) values of daily temperatures in corresponding month. Positive trends were found in 29 out of 30 time series, and the negative trend was found only in winter during the period 1979-2013. Applying the Mann-Kendall test, significant positive trends were found in 15 series; 7 in the period 1949-2013 and 8 in the period 1979-2013; and no significant trend was found in 15 series. Significant positive trends are dominated during the year, spring, and summer, where it was found in 14 out of 18 cases. Significant positive trends were found 7, 5, and 3 times in mean, maximum and minimum temperatures, respectively. It was found that the positive temperature trends are dominant in Northern Serbia.

Real-time particle size analysis using focused beam reflectance measurement as a process analytical technology tool for a continuous granulation-drying-milling process.

PubMed

Kumar, Vijay; Taylor, Michael K; Mehrotra, Amit; Stagner, William C

2013-06-01

Focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) was used as a process analytical technology tool to perform inline real-time particle size analysis of a proprietary granulation manufactured using a continuous twin-screw granulation-drying-milling process. A significant relationship between D20, D50, and D80 length-weighted chord length and sieve particle size was observed with a p value of <0.0001 and R(2) of 0.886. A central composite response surface statistical design was used to evaluate the effect of granulator screw speed and Comil® impeller speed on the length-weighted chord length distribution (CLD) and particle size distribution (PSD) determined by FBRM and nested sieve analysis, respectively. The effect of granulator speed and mill speed on bulk density, tapped density, Compressibility Index, and Flowability Index were also investigated. An inline FBRM probe placed below the Comil-generated chord lengths and CLD data at designated times. The collection of the milled samples for sieve analysis and PSD evaluation were coordinated with the timing of the FBRM determinations. Both FBRM and sieve analysis resulted in similar bimodal distributions for all ten manufactured batches studied. Within the experimental space studied, the granulator screw speed (650-850 rpm) and Comil® impeller speed (1,000-2,000 rpm) did not have a significant effect on CLD, PSD, bulk density, tapped density, Compressibility Index, and Flowability Index (p value > 0.05).

Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry: A Long Overdue Addition to the Chemistry Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Peter T.

2011-01-01

Portable Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers have undergone significant improvements over the past decade. Salient advantages of XRF for elemental analysis include minimal sample preparation, multielement analysis capabilities, detection limits in the low parts per million (ppm) range, and analysis times on the order of 1 min.…

77 FR 66149 - Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-02

... ecological structural activity relationship (EcoSAR) analysis of test data on analogous esters, EPA predicts... milligram/cubic meter (mg/m\\3\\) as an 8-hour time-weighted average. In addition, based on EcoSAR analysis of... the PMN substance via the inhalation route. In addition, based on EcoSAR analysis of test data on...

RAPID SEPARATION METHOD FOR EMERGENCY WATER AND URINE SAMPLES

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

Maxwell, S.; Culligan, B.

2008-08-27

The Savannah River Site Environmental Bioassay Lab participated in the 2008 NRIP Emergency Response program administered by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) in May, 2008. A new rapid column separation method was used for analysis of actinides and {sup 90}Sr the NRIP 2008 emergency water and urine samples. Significant method improvements were applied to reduce analytical times. As a result, much faster analysis times were achieved, less than 3 hours for determination of {sup 90}Sr and 3-4 hours for actinides. This represents a 25%-33% improvement in analysis times from NRIP 2007 and a {approx}100% improvement compared tomore » NRIP 2006 report times. Column flow rates were increased by a factor of two, with no significant adverse impact on the method performance. Larger sample aliquots, shorter count times, faster cerium fluoride microprecipitation and streamlined calcium phosphate precipitation were also employed. Based on initial feedback from NIST, the SRS Environmental Bioassay Lab had the most rapid analysis times for actinides and {sup 90}Sr analyses for NRIP 2008 emergency urine samples. High levels of potential matrix interferences may be present in emergency samples and rugged methods are essential. Extremely high levels of {sup 210}Po were found to have an adverse effect on the uranium results for the NRIP-08 urine samples, while uranium results for NRIP-08 water samples were not affected. This problem, which was not observed for NRIP-06 or NRIP-07 urine samples, was resolved by using an enhanced {sup 210}Po removal step, which will be described.« less

Phase-locked and non-phase-locked EEG responses to pinprick stimulation before and after experimentally-induced secondary hyperalgesia.

PubMed

van den Broeke, Emanuel N; de Vries, Bart; Lambert, Julien; Torta, Diana M; Mouraux, André

2017-08-01

Pinprick-evoked brain potentials (PEPs) have been proposed as a technique to investigate secondary hyperalgesia and central sensitization in humans. However, the signal-to-noise (SNR) of PEPs is low. Here, using time-frequency analysis, we characterize the phase-locked and non-phase-locked EEG responses to pinprick stimulation, before and after secondary hyperalgesia. Secondary hyperalgesia was induced using high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of the left/right forearm skin in 16 volunteers. EEG responses to 64 and 96mN pinprick stimuli were elicited from both arms, before and 20min after HFS. Pinprick stimulation applied to normal skin elicited a phase-locked low-frequency (<5Hz) response followed by a reduction of alpha-band oscillations (7-10Hz). The low-frequency response was significantly increased when pinprick stimuli were delivered to the area of secondary hyperalgesia. There was no change in the reduction of alpha-band oscillations. Whereas the low-frequency response was enhanced for both 64 and 96mN intensities, PEPs analyzed in the time domain were only significantly enhanced for the 64mN intensity. Time-frequency analysis may be more sensitive than conventional time-domain analysis in revealing EEG changes associated to secondary hyperalgesia. Time-frequency analysis of PEPs can be used to investigate central sensitization in humans. Copyright © 2017 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Meta-epidemiologic study showed frequent time trends in summary estimates from meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy studies.

PubMed

Cohen, Jérémie F; Korevaar, Daniël A; Wang, Junfeng; Leeflang, Mariska M; Bossuyt, Patrick M

2016-09-01

To evaluate changes over time in summary estimates from meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy studies. We included 48 meta-analyses from 35 MEDLINE-indexed systematic reviews published between September 2011 and January 2012 (743 diagnostic accuracy studies; 344,015 participants). Within each meta-analysis, we ranked studies by publication date. We applied random-effects cumulative meta-analysis to follow how summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity evolved over time. Time trends were assessed by fitting a weighted linear regression model of the summary accuracy estimate against rank of publication. The median of the 48 slopes was -0.02 (-0.08 to 0.03) for sensitivity and -0.01 (-0.03 to 0.03) for specificity. Twelve of 96 (12.5%) time trends in sensitivity or specificity were statistically significant. We found a significant time trend in at least one accuracy measure for 11 of the 48 (23%) meta-analyses. Time trends in summary estimates are relatively frequent in meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy studies. Results from early meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy studies should be considered with caution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Influence of incubation time on metabolites in mycelia of Paecilomyces militaris].

PubMed

Zhang, Delong; Li, Shulin; Lu, Ruili; Li, Kangle; Luo, Feifei; Peng, Fan; Hu, Fenglin

2012-12-04

To determine the secondary metabolites production in mycelia of Paecilomyces militaris. Mycelia were cultured in plates with sabouraud dextrose agar yeast medium at 25 degrees C for 9 days. Sampling was done every day from the second to the ninth day. The secondary metabolites in the mycelia of Paecilomyces militaris were extracted with either methanol or ethyl acetate. The extracts were blended and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). LC-MS data were collected and analyzed by MetaboAnalyst software. Principal component analysis indicates different secondary metabolites accumulation with incubation times. Hierarchical clustering analysis shows that the metabolic process of cationic compounds such as alkaloids, peptides and nucleosides can be divided into three stages, and that the metabolic process of anionic compounds such as organic acids and saccharides can be divided into two stages. Metabolites difference and heat map analysis show that: (1) The number of metabolites with significant increased contents was raised significantly in mycelia of Paecilomyces militaris on the second and third incubation days. The main species with increased contents were esters and their hydrolized products, destruxin B, variotin and some unidentified nitrogin contained compounds. (2) The number of metabolites with significant raised contents was decreased significantly on the fourth and fifth incubation days. The main species with increased contents were ophiocordin and destruxin A. (3) Apart from peptide antibiotics such as several beauverolides, the content increased metabolites included also several organic acids, amino acids, rhamnose, trehalose, cerebroside and riboflavine during the sixth to ninth incubation days. The secondary metabolites in mycelia of Paecilomyces militaris were related significantly to the incubation time.

Numeral size, spacing between targets, and exposure time in discrimination by elderly people using an lcd monitor.

PubMed

Huang, Kuo-Chen; Yeh, Po-Chan

2007-04-01

The present study investigated the effects of numeral size, spacing between targets, and exposure time on the discrimination performance by elderly and younger people using a liquid crystal display screen. Analysis showed size of numerals significantly affected discrimination, which increased with increasing numeral size. Spacing between targets also had a significant effect on discrimination, i.e., the larger the space between numerals, the better their discrimination. When the spacing between numerals increased to 4 or 5 points, however, discrimination did not increase beyond that for 3-point spacing. Although performance increased with increasing exposure time, the difference in discrimination at an exposure time of 0.8 vs 1.0 sec. was not significant. The accuracy by the elderly group was less than that by younger subjects.

Ultrasound-enhanced bioscouring of greige cotton: regression analysis of process factors

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Process factors of enzyme concentration, time, power and frequency were investigated for ultrasound-enhanced bioscouring of greige cotton. A fractional factorial experimental design and subsequent regression analysis of the process factors were employed to determine the significance of each factor a...

Unemployment, public-sector health care expenditure and HIV mortality: An analysis of 74 countries, 1981-2009.

PubMed

Maruthappu, Mahiben; Da Zhou, Charlie; Williams, Callum; Zeltner, Thomas; Atun, Rifat

2015-06-01

The global economic downturn has been associated with increased unemployment and reduced public-sector expenditure on health care (PSEH). We determined the association between unemployment, PSEH and HIV mortality. Data were obtained from the World Bank and the World Health Organisation (1981-2009). Multivariate regression analysis was implemented, controlling for country-specific demographics and infrastructure. Time-lag analyses and robustness-checks were performed. Data were available for 74 countries (unemployment analysis) and 75 countries (PSEH analysis), equating to 2.19 billion and 2.22 billion people, respectively, as of 2009. A 1% increase in unemployment was associated with a significant increase in HIV mortality (men: 0.1861, 95% CI: 0.0977 to 0.2744, P = 0.0000, women: 0.0383, 95% CI: 0.0108 to 0.0657, P = 0.0064). A 1% increase in PSEH was associated with a significant decrease in HIV mortality (men: -0.5015, 95% CI: -0.7432 to -0.2598, P = 0.0001; women: -0.1562, 95% CI: -0.2404 to -0.0720, P = 0.0003). Time-lag analysis showed that significant changes in HIV mortality continued for up to 5 years following variations in both unemployment and PSEH. Unemployment increases were associated with significant HIV mortality increases. PSEH increases were associated with reduced HIV mortality. The facilitation of access-to-care for the unemployed and policy interventions which aim to protect PSEH could contribute to improved HIV outcomes.

EPIBLASTER-fast exhaustive two-locus epistasis detection strategy using graphical processing units

PubMed Central

Kam-Thong, Tony; Czamara, Darina; Tsuda, Koji; Borgwardt, Karsten; Lewis, Cathryn M; Erhardt-Lehmann, Angelika; Hemmer, Bernhard; Rieckmann, Peter; Daake, Markus; Weber, Frank; Wolf, Christiane; Ziegler, Andreas; Pütz, Benno; Holsboer, Florian; Schölkopf, Bernhard; Müller-Myhsok, Bertram

2011-01-01

Detection of epistatic interaction between loci has been postulated to provide a more in-depth understanding of the complex biological and biochemical pathways underlying human diseases. Studying the interaction between two loci is the natural progression following traditional and well-established single locus analysis. However, the added costs and time duration required for the computation involved have thus far deterred researchers from pursuing a genome-wide analysis of epistasis. In this paper, we propose a method allowing such analysis to be conducted very rapidly. The method, dubbed EPIBLASTER, is applicable to case–control studies and consists of a two-step process in which the difference in Pearson's correlation coefficients is computed between controls and cases across all possible SNP pairs as an indication of significant interaction warranting further analysis. For the subset of interactions deemed potentially significant, a second-stage analysis is performed using the likelihood ratio test from the logistic regression to obtain the P-value for the estimated coefficients of the individual effects and the interaction term. The algorithm is implemented using the parallel computational capability of commercially available graphical processing units to greatly reduce the computation time involved. In the current setup and example data sets (211 cases, 222 controls, 299468 SNPs; and 601 cases, 825 controls, 291095 SNPs), this coefficient evaluation stage can be completed in roughly 1 day. Our method allows for exhaustive and rapid detection of significant SNP pair interactions without imposing significant marginal effects of the single loci involved in the pair. PMID:21150885

Decoding Dynamic Brain Patterns from Evoked Responses: A Tutorial on Multivariate Pattern Analysis Applied to Time Series Neuroimaging Data.

PubMed

Grootswagers, Tijl; Wardle, Susan G; Carlson, Thomas A

2017-04-01

Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) or brain decoding methods have become standard practice in analyzing fMRI data. Although decoding methods have been extensively applied in brain-computer interfaces, these methods have only recently been applied to time series neuroimaging data such as MEG and EEG to address experimental questions in cognitive neuroscience. In a tutorial style review, we describe a broad set of options to inform future time series decoding studies from a cognitive neuroscience perspective. Using example MEG data, we illustrate the effects that different options in the decoding analysis pipeline can have on experimental results where the aim is to "decode" different perceptual stimuli or cognitive states over time from dynamic brain activation patterns. We show that decisions made at both preprocessing (e.g., dimensionality reduction, subsampling, trial averaging) and decoding (e.g., classifier selection, cross-validation design) stages of the analysis can significantly affect the results. In addition to standard decoding, we describe extensions to MVPA for time-varying neuroimaging data including representational similarity analysis, temporal generalization, and the interpretation of classifier weight maps. Finally, we outline important caveats in the design and interpretation of time series decoding experiments.

Time-series modeling of long-term weight self-monitoring data.

PubMed

Helander, Elina; Pavel, Misha; Jimison, Holly; Korhonen, Ilkka

2015-08-01

Long-term self-monitoring of weight is beneficial for weight maintenance, especially after weight loss. Connected weight scales accumulate time series information over long term and hence enable time series analysis of the data. The analysis can reveal individual patterns, provide more sensitive detection of significant weight trends, and enable more accurate and timely prediction of weight outcomes. However, long term self-weighing data has several challenges which complicate the analysis. Especially, irregular sampling, missing data, and existence of periodic (e.g. diurnal and weekly) patterns are common. In this study, we apply time series modeling approach on daily weight time series from two individuals and describe information that can be extracted from this kind of data. We study the properties of weight time series data, missing data and its link to individuals behavior, periodic patterns and weight series segmentation. Being able to understand behavior through weight data and give relevant feedback is desired to lead to positive intervention on health behaviors.

Efficiency and cross-correlation in equity market during global financial crisis: Evidence from China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Pengcheng; Li, Daye; Li, Shuo

2016-02-01

Using one minute high-frequency data of the Shanghai Composite Index (SHCI) and the Shenzhen Composite Index (SZCI) (2007-2008), we employ the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and the detrended cross correlation analysis (DCCA) with rolling window approach to observe the evolution of market efficiency and cross-correlation in pre-crisis and crisis period. Considering the fat-tail distribution of return time series, statistical test based on shuffling method is conducted to verify the null hypothesis of no long-term dependence. Our empirical research displays three main findings. First Shanghai equity market efficiency deteriorated while Shenzhen equity market efficiency improved with the advent of financial crisis. Second the highly positive dependence between SHCI and SZCI varies with time scale. Third financial crisis saw a significant increase of dependence between SHCI and SZCI at shorter time scales but a lack of significant change at longer time scales, providing evidence of contagion and absence of interdependence during crisis.

Does player time-in-game affect tackle technique in elite level rugby union?

PubMed

Tierney, Gregory J; Denvir, Karl; Farrell, Garreth; Simms, Ciaran K

2018-02-01

It has been hypothesised that fatigue may be a major factor in tackle-related injury risk in rugby union and hence more injuries occur in the later stages of a game. The aim of this study is to identify changes in ball carrier or tackler proficiency characteristics, using elite level match video data, as player time-in-game increases. Qualitative observational cohort study. Three 2014/15 European Rugby Champions Cup games were selected for ball carrier and tackler proficiency analysis. Analysis was only conducted on players who started and remained on the field for the entire game. A separate analysis was conducted on 10 randomly selected 2014/15 European Rugby Champions Cup/Pro 12 games to assess the time distribution of tackles throughout a game. A Chi-square test and one-way way ANOVA with post-hoc testing was conducted to identify significant differences (p<0.05) for proficiency characteristics and tackle counts between quarters in the game, respectively. Player time-in-game did not affect tackle proficiency for both the ball carrier and tackler. Any results that showed statistical significance did not indicate a trend of deterioration in proficiency with increased player time-in-game. The time distribution of tackles analysis indicated that more tackles occurring in the final quarter of the game than the first (p=0.04) and second (p=<0.01). It appears that player time-in-game does not affect tackler or ball carrier tackle technique proficiency at the elite level. More tackles occurring in the final quarter of a game provides an alternative explanation to more tackle-related injuries occurring at this stage. Copyright © 2017 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A modal analysis of flexible aircraft dynamics with handling qualities implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, D. K.

1983-01-01

A multivariable modal analysis technique is presented for evaluating flexible aircraft dynamics, focusing on meaningful vehicle responses to pilot inputs and atmospheric turbulence. Although modal analysis is the tool, vehicle time response is emphasized, and the analysis is performed on the linear, time-domain vehicle model. In evaluating previously obtained experimental pitch tracking data for a family of vehicle dynamic models, it is shown that flexible aeroelastic effects can significantly affect pitch attitude handling qualities. Consideration of the eigenvalues alone, of both rigid-body and aeroelastic modes, does not explain the simulation results. Modal analysis revealed, however, that although the lowest aeroelastic mode frequency was still three times greater than the short-period frequency, the rigid-body attitude response was dominated by this aeroelastic mode. This dominance was defined in terms of the relative magnitudes of the modal residues in selected vehicle responses.

Effect of incubation temperature and time on the precision of data generated by antibiotic disc diffusion assays.

PubMed

Smith, P; Kronvall, G

2015-07-01

The influence on the precision of disc diffusion data of the conditions under which the tests were performed was examined by analysing multilaboratory data sets generated after incubation at 35 °C for 18 h, at 28 °C for 24 h and 22 °C for 24 h and 48 h. Analyses of these data sets demonstrated that precision was significantly and progressively decreased as the test temperature was reduced from 35 to 22 °C. Analysis of the data obtained at 22 °C also showed the precision was inversely related to the time of incubation. Temperature and time related decreases in precision were not related to differences in the mean zone sizes of the data sets obtained under these test conditions. Analysis of the zone data obtained at 28 and 22 °C as single laboratory sets demonstrated that reductions of incubation temperature resulted in significant increases in both intralaboratory and interlaboratory variation. Increases in incubation time at 22 °C were, however, associated with statistically significant increases in interlaboratory variation but not with any significant increase in intralaboratory variation. The significance of these observations for the establishment of the acceptable limits of precision of data sets that can be used for the setting of valid epidemiological cut-off values is discussed. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Color, dispersion, and exposure time in performance on rotated figure recognition.

PubMed

Huang, Kuo-Chen; Lee, Shin-Tsann; Chang, Chun-Chieh

2008-10-01

This study investigated the effects of dispersion, color, and rotation of figures on recognition under varied exposure times. A total of 30 women and 15 men, Taiwanese college students ages 18 to 20 years (M = 19.1, SD = 1.2), participated. Subjects were to recognize a target figure and respond with its location in each stimulus by pressing a mouse button. Analysis showed that the effect of rotation on accuracy was significant. Accuracy for the rotation of 180 degrees was greater than those for 60 degrees and 300 degrees. Exposure time also significantly influenced accuracy. The accuracy was greater for 2 and 3 sec. than for 1 sec. No significant effects on accuracy were associated with dispersion and color, and neither had any interactive effect on accuracy. Dispersion significantly affected the response time as response time for dispersion under 0.4 and 0.5 conditions were shorter than those under 0.2 and 0.3 conditions. Significantly less response time was needed for rotation of 180 degrees than for 60 degrees and 300 degrees conditions. Response time was longer for red figures than for blue, green, and yellow figures. No significant effect on response time was associated with duration of exposure. Two interactive two-way effects were found: dispersion x color of figure and dispersion x rotation. Implications for figure or icon design are discussed.

Perturbations from strings don't look like strings!

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albrecht, Andreas; Stebbins, Albert

1991-01-01

A systematic analysis is challenging popular ideas about perturbation from cosmic strings. One way in which the picture has changed is reviewed. It is concluded that, while the scaling properties of cosmic strings figure significantly in the analysis, care must be taken when thinking in terms of single time snapshots. The process of seeding density perturbations is not fundamentally localized in time, and this fact can wash out many of the details which appear in a single snapshot.

Discrete retardance second harmonic generation ellipsometry.

PubMed

Dehen, Christopher J; Everly, R Michael; Plocinik, Ryan M; Hedderich, Hartmut G; Simpson, Garth J

2007-01-01

A new instrument was constructed to perform discrete retardance nonlinear optical ellipsometry (DR-NOE). The focus of the design was to perform second harmonic generation NOE while maximizing sample and application flexibility and minimizing data acquisition time. The discrete retardance configuration results in relatively simple computational algorithms for performing nonlinear optical ellipsometric analysis. NOE analysis of a disperse red 19 monolayer yielded results that were consistent with previously reported values for the same surface system, but with significantly reduced acquisition times.

Unsteady Turbine Blade and Tip Heat Transfer Due to Wake Passing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ameri, Ali A.; Rigby, David L.; Steinthorsson, Erlendur; Heidmann, James; Fabian, John C.

2007-01-01

The geometry and the flow conditions of the first stage turbine blade of GE s E3 engine have been used to obtain the unsteady three-dimensional blade and tip heat transfer. The isothermal wall boundary condition was used. The effect of the upstream wake of the first stage vane was of interest and was simulated by provision of a gust type boundary condition upstream of the blades. A one blade periodic domain was used. The consequence of this choice was explored in a preliminary study which showed little difference in the time mean heat transfer between 1:1 and 2:3 vane/blade domains. The full three-dimensional computations are of the blade having a clearance gap of 2 percent the span. Comparison between the time averaged unsteady and steady heat transfer is provided. It is shown that there is a significant difference between the steady and time mean of unsteady blade heat transfer in localized regions. The differences on the suction side of the blade in the near hub and near tip regions were found to be rather significant. Steady analysis underestimated the blade heat transfer by as much as 20 percent as compared to the time average obtained from the unsteady analysis. As for the blade tip, the steady analysis and the unsteady analysis gave results to within 2 percent.

Characterization of Tactical Departure Scheduling in the National Airspace System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Capps, Alan; Engelland, Shawn A.

2011-01-01

This paper discusses and analyzes current day utilization and performance of the tactical departure scheduling process in the National Airspace System (NAS) to understand the benefits in improving this process. The analysis used operational air traffic data from over 1,082,000 flights during the month of January, 2011. Specific metrics included the frequency of tactical departure scheduling, site specific variances in the technology's utilization, departure time prediction compliance used in the tactical scheduling process and the performance with which the current system can predict the airborne slot that aircraft are being scheduled into from the airport surface. Operational data analysis described in this paper indicates significant room for improvement exists in the current system primarily in the area of reduced departure time prediction uncertainty. Results indicate that a significant number of tactically scheduled aircraft did not meet their scheduled departure slot due to departure time uncertainty. In addition to missed slots, the operational data analysis identified increased controller workload associated with tactical departures which were subject to traffic management manual re-scheduling or controller swaps. An analysis of achievable levels of departure time prediction accuracy as obtained by a new integrated surface and tactical scheduling tool is provided to assess the benefit it may provide as a solution to the identified shortfalls. A list of NAS facilities which are likely to receive the greatest benefit from the integrated surface and tactical scheduling technology are provided.

Effects of Marijuana on Ictal and Interictal EEG Activities in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy.

PubMed

Sivakumar, Sanjeev; Zutshi, Deepti; Seraji-Bozorgzad, Navid; Shah, Aashit K

2017-01-01

Marijuana-based treatment for refractory epilepsy shows promise in surveys, case series, and clinical trials. However, literature on their EEG effects is sparse. Our objective is to analyze the effect of marijuana on EEG in a 24-year-old patient with idiopathic generalized epilepsy treated with cannabis. We blindly reviewed 3 long-term EEGs-a 24-hour study while only on antiepileptic drugs, a 72-hour EEG with Cannabis indica smoked on days 1 and 3 in addition to antiepileptic drugs, and a 48-hour EEG with combination C indica/sativa smoked on day 1 plus antiepileptic drugs. Generalized spike-wave discharges and diffuse paroxysmal fast activity were categorized as interictal and ictal, based on duration of less than 10 seconds or greater, respectively. Data from three studies concatenated into contiguous time series, with usage of marijuana modeled as time-dependent discrete variable while interictal and ictal events constituted dependent variables. Analysis of variance as initial test for significance followed by time series analysis using Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity model was performed. Statistical significance for lower interictal events (analysis of variance P = 0.001) was seen during C indica use, but not for C indica/sativa mixture (P = 0.629) or ictal events (P = 0.087). However, time series analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between marijuana use, with interictal (P < 0.0004) and ictal (P = 0.002) event rates. Using a novel approach to EEG data, we demonstrate a decrease in interictal and ictal electrographic events during marijuana use. Larger samples of patients and EEG, with standardized cannabinoid formulation and dosing, are needed to validate our findings.

Does preprocessing change nonlinear measures of heart rate variability?

PubMed

Gomes, Murilo E D; Guimarães, Homero N; Ribeiro, Antônio L P; Aguirre, Luis A

2002-11-01

This work investigated if methods used to produce a uniformly sampled heart rate variability (HRV) time series significantly change the deterministic signature underlying the dynamics of such signals and some nonlinear measures of HRV. Two methods of preprocessing were used: the convolution of inverse interval function values with a rectangular window and the cubic polynomial interpolation. The HRV time series were obtained from 33 Wistar rats submitted to autonomic blockade protocols and from 17 healthy adults. The analysis of determinism was carried out by the method of surrogate data sets and nonlinear autoregressive moving average modelling and prediction. The scaling exponents alpha, alpha(1) and alpha(2) derived from the detrended fluctuation analysis were calculated from raw HRV time series and respective preprocessed signals. It was shown that the technique of cubic interpolation of HRV time series did not significantly change any nonlinear characteristic studied in this work, while the method of convolution only affected the alpha(1) index. The results suggested that preprocessed time series may be used to study HRV in the field of nonlinear dynamics.

Key Microbiota Identification Using Functional Gene Analysis during Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Peeling.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiachao; Hu, Qisong; Xu, Chuanbiao; Liu, Sixin; Li, Congfa

2016-01-01

Pepper pericarp microbiota plays an important role in the pepper peeling process for the production of white pepper. We collected pepper samples at different peeling time points from Hainan Province, China, and used a metagenomic approach to identify changes in the pericarp microbiota based on functional gene analysis. UniFrac distance-based principal coordinates analysis revealed significant changes in the pericarp microbiota structure during peeling, which were attributed to increases in bacteria from the genera Selenomonas and Prevotella. We identified 28 core operational taxonomic units at each time point, mainly belonging to Selenomonas, Prevotella, Megasphaera, Anaerovibrio, and Clostridium genera. The results were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. At the functional level, we observed significant increases in microbial features related to acetyl xylan esterase and pectinesterase for pericarp degradation during peeling. These findings offer a new insight into biodegradation for pepper peeling and will promote the development of the white pepper industry.

Key Microbiota Identification Using Functional Gene Analysis during Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Peeling

PubMed Central

Xu, Chuanbiao; Liu, Sixin; Li, Congfa

2016-01-01

Pepper pericarp microbiota plays an important role in the pepper peeling process for the production of white pepper. We collected pepper samples at different peeling time points from Hainan Province, China, and used a metagenomic approach to identify changes in the pericarp microbiota based on functional gene analysis. UniFrac distance-based principal coordinates analysis revealed significant changes in the pericarp microbiota structure during peeling, which were attributed to increases in bacteria from the genera Selenomonas and Prevotella. We identified 28 core operational taxonomic units at each time point, mainly belonging to Selenomonas, Prevotella, Megasphaera, Anaerovibrio, and Clostridium genera. The results were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. At the functional level, we observed significant increases in microbial features related to acetyl xylan esterase and pectinesterase for pericarp degradation during peeling. These findings offer a new insight into biodegradation for pepper peeling and will promote the development of the white pepper industry. PMID:27768750

Hamstring Activity in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injured Patient: Injury Implications and Comparison With Quadriceps Activity.

PubMed

Frank, Rachel M; Lundberg, Hannah; Wimmer, Markus A; Forsythe, Brian; Bach, Bernard R; Verma, Nikhil N; Cole, Brian J

2016-08-01

To investigate the potential causes of diminished knee extension after acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury using both surface electromyography (sEMG) analysis of the quadriceps and hamstrings, and gait analysis to assess muscle action and tone. Consecutive patients with an acute ACL tear underwent sEMG and gait analysis within 2 weeks of injury, before ACL reconstruction. Standard motion analysis techniques were used and sEMG data were collected simultaneously with gait data. T-tests were used to determine differences between the ACL-deficient and control subjects in knee flexion angles, peak external knee joint moments, and total time that a muscle was activated ("on") during gait. External knee moments were expressed as a percentage of body weight times height. Ten patients (mean age 24 ± 4 years) were included at a mean 10.2 days between injury and analysis; 10 uninjured, matched control subjects were included for comparison. There were significant increases in minimum flexion angle at heel strike (5.92 ± 3.39 v -3.49 ± 4.55, P < .001) and midstance (14.1 ± 6.23 v 1.20 ± 4.21, P < .001) in the injured limb compared with controls. There were significantly lower maximum external extension moments at heel strike (-0.99 ± 0.46 v -2.94 ± 0.60, P < .001) and during the second half of stance in the injured limb compared with controls (-0.56 ± 1.14 v -3.54 ± 1.31, P < .001). The rectus femoris was "on" significantly less during gait in the injured leg compared with controls (49.1 ± 7.76% v 61.0 ± 14.8%, P = .044). There were no significant differences in hamstring activity "on" time during gait (P > .05). In patients with acute ACL injury, the ACL-deficient limb does not reach as much extension as controls. Although the rectus femoris is "on" for shorter periods during the gait cycle, there is no difference in hamstring time on during gait. This information may help clinicians better understand muscle function and gait patterns in the acute time period after ACL injury. Level III, case control study. Copyright © 2016 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantifying the effect of editor-author relations on manuscript handling times.

PubMed

Sarigöl, Emre; Garcia, David; Scholtes, Ingo; Schweitzer, Frank

2017-01-01

In this article we study to what extent the academic peer review process is influenced by social relations between the authors of a manuscript and the editor handling the manuscript. Taking the open access journal PlosOne as a case study, our analysis is based on a data set of more than 100,000 articles published between 2007 and 2015. Using available data on handling editor, submission and acceptance time of manuscripts, we study the question whether co-authorship relations between authors and the handling editor affect the manuscript handling time , i.e. the time taken between the submission and acceptance of a manuscript. Our analysis reveals (1) that editors handle papers co-authored by previous collaborators significantly more often than expected at random, and (2) that such prior co-author relations are significantly related to faster manuscript handling. Addressing the question whether these shorter manuscript handling times can be explained by the quality of publications, we study the number of citations and downloads which accepted papers eventually accumulate. Moreover, we consider the influence of additional (social) factors, such as the editor's experience, the topical similarity between authors and editors, as well as reciprocal citation relations between authors and editors. Our findings show that, even when correcting for other factors like time, experience, and performance, prior co-authorship relations have a large and significant influence on manuscript handling times, speeding up the editorial decision on average by 19 days.

Optimization conditions of samples saponification for tocopherol analysis.

PubMed

Souza, Aloisio Henrique Pereira; Gohara, Aline Kirie; Rodrigues, Ângela Claudia; Ströher, Gisely Luzia; Silva, Danielle Cristina; Visentainer, Jesuí Vergílio; Souza, Nilson Evelázio; Matsushita, Makoto

2014-09-01

A full factorial design 2(2) (two factors at two levels) with duplicates was performed to investigate the influence of the factors agitation time (2 and 4 h) and the percentage of KOH (60% and 80% w/v) in the saponification of samples for the determination of α, β and γ+δ-tocopherols. The study used samples of peanuts (cultivar armadillo), produced and marketed in Maringá, PR. The factors % KOH and agitation time were significant, and an increase in their values contributed negatively to the responses. The interaction effect was not significant for the response δ-tocopherol, and the contribution of this effect to the other responses was positive, but less than 10%. The ANOVA and response surfaces analysis showed that the most efficient saponification procedure was obtained using a 60% (w/v) solution of KOH and with an agitation time of 2 h. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of First-Time Unsuccessful Attempts on the Certified Nurse Educator Examination.

PubMed

Lundeen, John D

This retrospective analysis examined first-time unsuccessful attempts on the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) examination from September 2005 through September 2011 (n = 390). There are few studies examining certification within the academic nurse educator role. There is also a lack of evidence to assist nurse educators in understanding those factors that best support success on the CNE exam. Nonexperimental, descriptive, retrospective correlational design using chi-square test of independence and factorial analyses of variance. A statistically significant relationship was found between first-time failure and highest degree obtained and institutional affiliation on the CNE exam. There was no statistically significant effect on mean scores in any of the six content areas measured by the CNE exam as related to highest degree or institutional affiliation. The findings from this study support a previous recommendation for faculty development, experience in the role, and doctoral preparation prior to seeking certification.

Economic and Sociological Correlates of Suicides: Multilevel Analysis of the Time Series Data in the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Sun, Bruce Qiang; Zhang, Jie

2016-03-01

For the effects of social integration on suicides, there have been different and even contradictive conclusions. In this study, the selected economic and social risks of suicide for different age groups and genders in the United Kingdom were identified and the effects were estimated by the multilevel time series analyses. To our knowledge, there exist no previous studies that estimated a dynamic model of suicides on the time series data together with multilevel analysis and autoregressive distributed lags. The investigation indicated that unemployment rate, inflation rate, and divorce rate are all significantly and positively related to the national suicide rates in the United Kingdom from 1981 to 2011. Furthermore, the suicide rates of almost all groups above 40 years are significantly associated with the risk factors of unemployment and inflation rate, in comparison with the younger groups. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Investigation of Water Dynamics in Different Ginger Cultivars.

PubMed

Huang, Chongyang; Zhou, Qi; Gao, Shan; Bao, Qingjia; Chen, Fang; Liu, Chaoyang

2016-01-20

Different ginger cultivars may contain different nutritional and medicinal values. In this study, a time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance method was employed to study water dynamics in different ginger cultivars. Significant differences in transverse relaxation time T2 values assigned to the distribution of water in different parts of the plant were observed between Henan ginger and four other ginger cultivars. Ion concentration and metabolic analysis showed similar differences in Mn ion concentrations and organic solutes among the different ginger cultivars, respectively. On the basis of Pearson's correlation analysis, many organic solutes and 6-gingerol, the main active substance of ginger, exhibited significant correlations with water distribution as determined by NMR T2 relaxation, suggesting that the organic solute differences may impact water distribution. Our work demonstrates that low-field NMR relaxometry provides useful information about water dynamics in different ginger cultivars as affected by the presence of different organic solutes.

A comparative analysis of spectral exponent estimation techniques for 1/fβ processes with applications to the analysis of stride interval time series

PubMed Central

Schaefer, Alexander; Brach, Jennifer S.; Perera, Subashan; Sejdić, Ervin

2013-01-01

Background The time evolution and complex interactions of many nonlinear systems, such as in the human body, result in fractal types of parameter outcomes that exhibit self similarity over long time scales by a power law in the frequency spectrum S(f) = 1/fβ. The scaling exponent β is thus often interpreted as a “biomarker” of relative health and decline. New Method This paper presents a thorough comparative numerical analysis of fractal characterization techniques with specific consideration given to experimentally measured gait stride interval time series. The ideal fractal signals generated in the numerical analysis are constrained under varying lengths and biases indicative of a range of physiologically conceivable fractal signals. This analysis is to complement previous investigations of fractal characteristics in healthy and pathological gait stride interval time series, with which this study is compared. Results The results of our analysis showed that the averaged wavelet coefficient method consistently yielded the most accurate results. Comparison with Existing Methods: Class dependent methods proved to be unsuitable for physiological time series. Detrended fluctuation analysis as most prevailing method in the literature exhibited large estimation variances. Conclusions The comparative numerical analysis and experimental applications provide a thorough basis for determining an appropriate and robust method for measuring and comparing a physiologically meaningful biomarker, the spectral index β. In consideration of the constraints of application, we note the significant drawbacks of detrended fluctuation analysis and conclude that the averaged wavelet coefficient method can provide reasonable consistency and accuracy for characterizing these fractal time series. PMID:24200509

A comparative analysis of spectral exponent estimation techniques for 1/f(β) processes with applications to the analysis of stride interval time series.

PubMed

Schaefer, Alexander; Brach, Jennifer S; Perera, Subashan; Sejdić, Ervin

2014-01-30

The time evolution and complex interactions of many nonlinear systems, such as in the human body, result in fractal types of parameter outcomes that exhibit self similarity over long time scales by a power law in the frequency spectrum S(f)=1/f(β). The scaling exponent β is thus often interpreted as a "biomarker" of relative health and decline. This paper presents a thorough comparative numerical analysis of fractal characterization techniques with specific consideration given to experimentally measured gait stride interval time series. The ideal fractal signals generated in the numerical analysis are constrained under varying lengths and biases indicative of a range of physiologically conceivable fractal signals. This analysis is to complement previous investigations of fractal characteristics in healthy and pathological gait stride interval time series, with which this study is compared. The results of our analysis showed that the averaged wavelet coefficient method consistently yielded the most accurate results. Class dependent methods proved to be unsuitable for physiological time series. Detrended fluctuation analysis as most prevailing method in the literature exhibited large estimation variances. The comparative numerical analysis and experimental applications provide a thorough basis for determining an appropriate and robust method for measuring and comparing a physiologically meaningful biomarker, the spectral index β. In consideration of the constraints of application, we note the significant drawbacks of detrended fluctuation analysis and conclude that the averaged wavelet coefficient method can provide reasonable consistency and accuracy for characterizing these fractal time series. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

What can time-frequency and phase coherence measures tell us about the genetic basis of P3 amplitude?

PubMed Central

McGue, Matt; Iacono, William G.

2017-01-01

In a recent comprehensive investigation, we largely failed to identify significant genetic markers associated with P3 amplitude or to corroborate previous associations between P3 and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or genes. In the present study we extended this line of investigation to examine time-frequency (TF) activity and intertrial phase coherence (ITPC) in the P3 time window, both of which are associated with P3 amplitude. Previous genome-wide research has reported associations between P3-related theta and delta activity and individual genetic variants. A large, population-based sample of 4211 subjects, comprising male and female adolescent twins and their parents, was genotyped for 527,828 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), from which over six million SNPs were accurately imputed. Heritability estimates were greater for TF energy than ITPC, whether based on biometric models or the combined influence of all measured SNPs (derived from genome-wide complex trait analysis). The magnitude of overlap in the specific SNPs associated with delta energy and ITPC and P3 amplitude was significant. A genome-wide analysis of all SNPs, accompanied by an analysis of approximately 17,600 genes, indicated a region of chromosome 2 around TEKT4 that was significantly associated with theta ITPC. Analysis of candidate SNPs and genes previously reported to be associated with P3 or related phenotypes yielded one association surviving correction for multiple tests: between theta energy and CRHR1. However, we did not obtain significant associations for SNPs implicated in previous genome-wide studies of TF measures. Identifying specific genetic variants associated with P3 amplitude remains a challenge. PMID:27871913

Psychometric validation of a new measurement instrument for time-oriented patient information in electronic medical records: A questionnaire survey of physicians.

PubMed

Shibuya, Akiko; Misawa, Jimpei; Maeda, Yukihiro; Ichikawa, Rie; Kamata, Michiyo; Inoue, Ryusuke; Morimoto, Tetsuji; Nakayama, Masaharu; Hishiki, Teruyoshi; Kondo, Yoshiaki

2017-12-01

Time is an important element in medical data. Physicians record and store information about patients' disease progress and treatment response in electronic medical records (EMRs). Because EMRs use timestamps, physicians can identify patterns over time regarding a patient's disease and treatment (eg, laboratory values and medications). However, analyses of physicians' use and satisfaction with EMRs have focused on functionality, storage, and system operation rather than the use of time-oriented information. This study aimed to understand physicians' needs regarding time-oriented patient information in EMRs in clinical practice. The reliability and validity of the items in the questionnaire were evaluated in 87 physicians at a national university hospital. Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach alpha coefficient, 0.87). Four dimensions were identified in exploratory factor analysis. Correlations between the 4 dimensions supported the construct validity of the items. Scores of time-oriented patients' medical history in the 4 dimensions showed a significant association with physician age. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, associations were significant and positive (P < .001). In terms of the needs of physicians regarding time-oriented patient information in EMRs, both time-oriented treatment results followed by time-oriented team information had significant positive associations. Our study suggests that 4 specific time-oriented patient information factors in EMRs are needed by physicians. Exploring physicians' needs regarding patient-specific time-oriented information may provide a better understanding of the barriers facing the adoption and use of EMRs (eg, decision-making and practice safety concerns) and lead to better acceptance of EMRs in physicians' clinical practices. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effects of a multi-axis balance board intervention program in an elderly population.

PubMed

Dougherty, John; Kancel, Anne; Ramar, Cassandra; Meacham, Crystal; Derrington, Stephen

2011-01-01

Balance is a major issue facing the geriatric population. Nine participants from a local community center for seniors completed a five-week study to assess improvement in balance. Measures of balance, performance times, and scores on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Wii Fit Age (WFA) were recorded before and after the entire intervention. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to assess change in BBS and WFA scores. An analysis of covariance with repeated measures was used to asses the impact of possible contributing factors of age, gender, BMI and total balance board training time over the five-week period. The analysis indicated that use of the Indo Balance Board three times a week for ten minutes can significantly improve balance and potentially decrease the risk of falls, as measured by the BBS. Age was the only factor that significantly influenced balance (p = .006). These improvements are postulated to be due to an increase in subjects' core and lower extremity muscle strength and improved proprioception; a result of balance board usage.

Step training improves reaction time, gait and balance and reduces falls in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Okubo, Yoshiro; Schoene, Daniel; Lord, Stephen R

2017-04-01

To examine the effects of stepping interventions on fall risk factors and fall incidence in older people. Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, CENTRAL) and reference lists of included articles from inception to March 2015. Randomised (RCT) or clinical controlled trials (CCT) of volitional and reactive stepping interventions that included older (minimum age 60) people providing data on falls or fall risk factors. Meta-analyses of seven RCTs (n=660) showed that the stepping interventions significantly reduced the rate of falls (rate ratio=0.48, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.65, p<0.0001, I 2 =0%) and the proportion of fallers (risk ratio=0.51, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.68, p<0.0001, I 2 =0%). Subgroup analyses stratified by reactive and volitional stepping interventions revealed a similar efficacy for rate of falls and proportion of fallers. A meta-analysis of two RCTs (n=62) showed that stepping interventions significantly reduced laboratory-induced falls, and meta-analysis findings of up to five RCTs and CCTs (n=36-416) revealed that stepping interventions significantly improved simple and choice stepping reaction time, single leg stance, timed up and go performance (p<0.05), but not measures of strength. The findings indicate that both reactive and volitional stepping interventions reduce falls among older adults by approximately 50%. This clinically significant reduction may be due to improvements in reaction time, gait, balance and balance recovery but not in strength. Further high-quality studies aimed at maximising the effectiveness and feasibility of stepping interventions are required. CRD42015017357. 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/.

Time-varying correlations in global real estate markets: A multivariate GARCH with spatial effects approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Huaying; Liu, Zhixue; Weng, Yingliang

2017-04-01

The present study applies the multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (MGARCH) with spatial effects approach for the analysis of the time-varying conditional correlations and contagion effects among global real estate markets. A distinguishing feature of the proposed model is that it can simultaneously capture the spatial interactions and the dynamic conditional correlations compared with the traditional MGARCH models. Results reveal that the estimated dynamic conditional correlations have exhibited significant increases during the global financial crisis from 2007 to 2009, thereby suggesting contagion effects among global real estate markets. The analysis further indicates that the returns of the regional real estate markets that are in close geographic and economic proximities exhibit strong co-movement. In addition, evidence of significantly positive leverage effects in global real estate markets is also determined. The findings have significant implications on global portfolio diversification opportunities and risk management practices.

Clustering Financial Time Series by Network Community Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piccardi, Carlo; Calatroni, Lisa; Bertoni, Fabio

In this paper, we describe a method for clustering financial time series which is based on community analysis, a recently developed approach for partitioning the nodes of a network (graph). A network with N nodes is associated to the set of N time series. The weight of the link (i, j), which quantifies the similarity between the two corresponding time series, is defined according to a metric based on symbolic time series analysis, which has recently proved effective in the context of financial time series. Then, searching for network communities allows one to identify groups of nodes (and then time series) with strong similarity. A quantitative assessment of the significance of the obtained partition is also provided. The method is applied to two distinct case-studies concerning the US and Italy Stock Exchange, respectively. In the US case, the stability of the partitions over time is also thoroughly investigated. The results favorably compare with those obtained with the standard tools typically used for clustering financial time series, such as the minimal spanning tree and the hierarchical tree.

Survival time and effect of selected predictor variables on survival in owned pet cats seropositive for feline immunodeficiency and leukemia virus attending a referral clinic in northern Italy.

PubMed

Spada, Eva; Perego, Roberta; Sgamma, Elena Assunta; Proverbio, Daniela

2018-02-01

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are among the most important feline infectious diseases worldwide. This retrospective study investigated survival times and effects of selected predictor factors on survival time in a population of owned pet cats in Northern Italy testing positive for the presence of FIV antibodies and FeLV antigen. One hundred and three retrovirus-seropositive cats, 53 FIV-seropositive cats, 40 FeLV-seropositive cats, and 10 FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats were included in the study. A population of 103 retrovirus-seronegative age and sex-matched cats was selected. Survival time was calculated and compared between retrovirus-seronegative, FIV, FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was used to study the effect of selected predictor factors (male gender, peripheral blood cytopenia as reduced red blood cells - RBC- count, leukopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia, hypercreatininemia and reduced albumin to globulin ratio) on survival time in retrovirus-seropositive populations. Median survival times for seronegative cats, FIV, FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats were 3960, 2040, 714 and 77days, respectively. Compared to retrovirus-seronegative cats median survival time was significantly lower (P<0.000) in FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats. Median survival time in FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats was also significant lower (P<0.000) when compared to FIV-seropositive cats. Hazard ratio of death in FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats being respectively 3.4 and 7.4 times higher, in comparison to seronegative cats and 2.3 and 4.8 times higher in FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats as compared to FIV-seropositive cats. A Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis showed that FIV and FeLV-seropositive cats with reduced RBC counts at time of diagnosis of seropositivity had significantly shorter survival times when compared to FIV and FeLV-seropositive cats with normal RBC counts at diagnosis. In summary, FIV-seropositive status did not significantly affect longevity of cats in this study, unlike FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositivity. Reduced RBC counts at time of FIV and FeLV diagnosis could impact negatively on the longevity of seropositive cats and therefore blood counts should always be evaluated at diagnosis and follow-up of retrovirus-seropositive cats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficient analysis of complex natural materials using LA-ICP-MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kent, A. J.; Loewen, M. W.; Koleszar, A. M.; Miller, J.; Ungerer, C. "

2011-12-01

Many natural materials exhibit complex variations in chemical or isotopic composition over relatively short length scales, and these compositional variations often record important information about the environment or nature of the processes that lead to formation. Examples include complexly zoned crystals within volcanic rocks that record magmatic and volcanic signals, otoliths and other biominerals that record life history and environmental information, and speleothems that record climatic variables. Laser ablation ICP-MS analyses offer several advantages for quantifying compositional in chemically complex natural materials. These include the speed of analysis, the ability to sample at atmospheric pressures, the wide diversity of possible analytes, and the ability to make measurements in both spot and raster modes. The latter in particular offers advantages for analyses that require efficient acquisition of information over significant length scales, as in raster mode compositional data can be rapidly obtained by translating the laser laterally over a compositional variable material during a single analysis. In this fashion elemental or isotopic composition at a given analysis time corresponds to the lateral spatial dimension. This contrasts with a record obtained by a row of individual spots, which require a large number of discrete analyses, and requires significantly more analysis time. However there are also disadvantages to this style of analysis. Translation of the circular spots typically used for analysis results in significant signal attenuation and production of artifacts that may mirror natural diffusion profiles or other gradual changes. The ability to ablate using non-circular spots significantly reduces this effect, although the degree of attenuation is also increased by slower ablation cell response times. For single volume cells this may result in 50-100% additional attenuation than that produced by the translation of the spot alone, although two-volume and other rapid response cells significantly reduce this effect. Raster analyses are also highly sensitive to the presence of small contaminant phases along the raster trajectory, as the compositional signal from these can become attenuated and difficult to distinguish from natural compositional variations. It can also be difficult to establish exactly where compositional changes occur in materials that are visually homogenous. In this contribution we discuss these issues in more detail and present data acquisition and processing strategies that minimize these difficulties.

The importance of early operative treatment in open fractures of the fingers.

PubMed

Ng, Tim; Unadkat, Jignesh; Bilonick, Richard A; Wollstein, Ronit

2014-04-01

Current guidelines suggest early surgical treatment of open fractures. This rule in open hand fractures is not well supported and may be practically difficult to observe. Furthermore, desirable washout can be obtained in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of early surgery in our institution. Seventy patients with open fractures of the hand were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, fracture characteristics, and complications. Statistical analysis included univariate analysis, Fisher exact test, and Akaike information criterion. Intravenous antibiotics were administered early in 53 (75.7%) patients. Mean (SD) time to surgery was 2.3 (134.9) hours. The infection rate was 11.4%. No significant relationship was found between fracture type, finger involved, hand dominance, comorbidities, and infection. Antibiotic administration was significantly related to infection (P = 0.007), whereas time to surgery was not (P = 0.33). Age was weakly related to infection (P = 0.08). Administration of intravenous antibiotics in the ED was the most significant factor in preventing infection, whereas the time to operation was not significant. Because a thorough washout and debridement can be performed on open hand fractures in the ED due to the ability to provide adequate anesthesia, the actual time to surgery may possibly be delayed without increasing the risk of infection. Future prospective studies may allow for better guidelines for the treatment of open hand fractures.

ISTAR: Intelligent System for Telemetry Analysis in Real-time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simmons, Charles

1994-01-01

The intelligent system for telemetry analysis in real-time (ISTAR) is an advanced vehicle monitoring environment incorporating expert systems, analysis tools, and on-line hypermedia documentation. The system was developed for the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) in Los Angeles, California, in support of the inertial upper stage (IUS) booster vehicle. Over a five year period the system progressed from rapid prototype to operational system. ISTAR has been used to support five IUS missions and countless mission simulations. There were a significant number of lessons learned with respect to integrating an expert system capability into an existing ground system.

Intraoperative optical biopsy for brain tumors using spectro-lifetime properties of intrinsic fluorophores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasefi, Fartash; Kittle, David S.; Nie, Zhaojun; Falcone, Christina; Patil, Chirag G.; Chu, Ray M.; Mamelak, Adam N.; Black, Keith L.; Butte, Pramod V.

2016-04-01

We have developed and tested a system for real-time intra-operative optical identification and classification of brain tissues using time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS). A supervised learning algorithm using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) employing selected intrinsic fluorescence decay temporal points in 6 spectral bands was employed to maximize statistical significance difference between training groups. The linear discriminant analysis on in vivo human tissues obtained by TRFS measurements (N = 35) were validated by histopathologic analysis and neuronavigation correlation to pre-operative MRI images. These results demonstrate that TRFS can differentiate between normal cortex, white matter and glioma.

Design analysis and computer-aided performance evaluation of shuttle orbiter electrical power system. Volume 1: Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

Studies were conducted to develop appropriate space shuttle electrical power distribution and control (EPDC) subsystem simulation models and to apply the computer simulations to systems analysis of the EPDC. A previously developed software program (SYSTID) was adapted for this purpose. The following objectives were attained: (1) significant enhancement of the SYSTID time domain simulation software, (2) generation of functionally useful shuttle EPDC element models, and (3) illustrative simulation results in the analysis of EPDC performance, under the conditions of fault, current pulse injection due to lightning, and circuit protection sizing and reaction times.

Advance in ERG Analysis: From Peak Time and Amplitude to Frequency, Power, and Energy

PubMed Central

Lina, Jean-Marc; Lachapelle, Pierre

2014-01-01

Purpose. To compare time domain (TD: peak time and amplitude) analysis of the human photopic electroretinogram (ERG) with measures obtained in the frequency domain (Fourier analysis: FA) and in the time-frequency domain (continuous (CWT) and discrete (DWT) wavelet transforms). Methods. Normal ERGs (n = 40) were analyzed using traditional peak time and amplitude measurements of the a- and b-waves in the TD and descriptors extracted from FA, CWT, and DWT. Selected descriptors were also compared in their ability to monitor the long-term consequences of disease process. Results. Each method extracted relevant information but had distinct limitations (i.e., temporal and frequency resolutions). The DWT offered the best compromise by allowing us to extract more relevant descriptors of the ERG signal at the cost of lesser temporal and frequency resolutions. Follow-ups of disease progression were more prolonged with the DWT (max 29 years compared to 13 with TD). Conclusions. Standardized time domain analysis of retinal function should be complemented with advanced DWT descriptors of the ERG. This method should allow more sensitive/specific quantifications of ERG responses, facilitate follow-up of disease progression, and identify diagnostically significant changes of ERG waveforms that are not resolved when the analysis is only limited to time domain measurements. PMID:25061605

Evolution of seismicity in relation to fluid injection in the North-Western part of The Geysers geothermal field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leptokaropoulos, Konstantinos; Staszek, Monika; Lasocki, Stanisław; Martínez-Garzón, Patricia; Kwiatek, Grzegorz

2018-02-01

The Geysers geothermal field located in California, USA, is the largest geothermal site in the world, operating since the 1960s. We here investigate and quantify the correlation between temporal seismicity evolution and variation of the injection data by examination of time-series through specified statistical tools (binomial test to investigate significant rate changes, cross correlation between seismic and injection data, b-value variation analysis). To do so, we utilize seismicity and operational data associated with two injection wells (Prati-9 and Prati-29) which cover a time period of approximately 7 yr (from November 2007 to August 2014). The seismicity is found to be significantly positively correlated with the injection rate. The maximum correlation occurs with a seismic response delay of ˜2 weeks, following injection operations. Those results are very stable even after considering hypocentral uncertainties, by applying a vertical shift of the events foci up to 300 m. Our analysis indicates also time variations of b-value, which exhibits significant positive correlation with injection rates.

Physicochemical stability and biological activity of Withania somnifera extract under real-time and accelerated storage conditions.

PubMed

Patil, Dada; Gautam, Manish; Jadhav, Umesh; Mishra, Sanjay; Karupothula, Suresh; Gairola, Sunil; Jadhav, Suresh; Patwardhan, Bhushan

2010-03-01

Stability testing at preformulation stages is a crucial part of drug development. We studied physicochemical stability and biological activity of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) dried root aqueous extract during six months real-time and under accelerated storage conditions. The characteristic constituents of ashwagandha roots include withanolides such as withaferin A and withanolide A. We modified and validated the HPLC-DAD method for quantitative measurement of withanolides and fingerprint analysis. The results suggest a significant decline in withaferin A and withanolide A content under real and accelerated conditions. The HPLC fingerprint analysis showed significant changes in some peaks during real and accelerated storage (> 20 %). We also observed incidences of clump formation and moisture sensitivity (> 10 %) under real-time and accelerated storage conditions. These changes were concurrent with a significant decline in immunomodulatory activity (p < 0.01) during the third month of the accelerated storage. Thus, adequate control of temperature and humidity is important for WSE containing formulations. This study may help in proposing suitable guidance for storage conditions and shelf life of ashwagandha formulations. (c) Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.

Forward Period Analysis Method of the Periodic Hamiltonian System.

PubMed

Wang, Pengfei

2016-01-01

Using the forward period analysis (FPA), we obtain the period of a Morse oscillator and mathematical pendulum system, with the accuracy of 100 significant digits. From these results, the long-term [0, 1060] (time unit) solutions, ranging from the Planck time to the age of the universe, are computed reliably and quickly with a parallel multiple-precision Taylor series (PMT) scheme. The application of FPA to periodic systems can greatly reduce the computation time of long-term reliable simulations. This scheme provides an efficient way to generate reference solutions, against which long-term simulations using other schemes can be tested.

Time and Temporality in Early Childhood Educators' Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nuttall, Joce; Thomas, Louise

2015-01-01

This article reports on the persistence and significance of notions of time and temporality in interviews with early childhood educators in Victoria and Queensland, Australia, in two studies designed to explore the concept of "pedagogical leadership". Interpretive analysis of the interview transcripts of the 19 participants identified…

Real-time measurement system for evaluation of the carotid intima-media thickness with a robust edge operator.

PubMed

Faita, Francesco; Gemignani, Vincenzo; Bianchini, Elisabetta; Giannarelli, Chiara; Ghiadoni, Lorenzo; Demi, Marcello

2008-09-01

The purpose of this report is to describe an automatic real-time system for evaluation of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) characterized by 3 main features: minimal interobserver and intraobserver variability, real-time capabilities, and great robustness against noise. One hundred fifty carotid B-mode ultrasound images were used to validate the system. Two skilled operators were involved in the analysis. Agreement with the gold standard, defined as the mean of 2 manual measurements of a skilled operator, and the interobserver and intraobserver variability were quantitatively evaluated by regression analysis and Bland-Altman statistics. The automatic measure of the CIMT showed a mean bias +/- SD of 0.001 +/- 0.035 mm toward the manual measurement. The intraobserver variability, evaluated with Bland-Altman plots, showed a bias that was not significantly different from 0, whereas the SD of the differences was greater in the manual analysis (0.038 mm) than in the automatic analysis (0.006 mm). For interobserver variability, the automatic measurement had a bias that was not significantly different from 0, with a satisfactory SD of the differences (0.01 mm), whereas in the manual measurement, a little bias was present (0.012 mm), and the SD of the differences was noticeably greater (0.044 mm). The CIMT has been accepted as a noninvasive marker of early vascular alteration. At present, the manual approach is largely used to estimate CIMT values. However, that method is highly operator dependent and time-consuming. For these reasons, we developed a new system for the CIMT measurement that conjugates precision with real-time analysis, thus providing considerable advantages in clinical practice.

Aircraft Engine Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Veres, Joseph

2001-01-01

This report outlines the detailed simulation of Aircraft Turbofan Engine. The objectives were to develop a detailed flow model of a full turbofan engine that runs on parallel workstation clusters overnight and to develop an integrated system of codes for combustor design and analysis to enable significant reduction in design time and cost. The model will initially simulate the 3-D flow in the primary flow path including the flow and chemistry in the combustor, and ultimately result in a multidisciplinary model of the engine. The overnight 3-D simulation capability of the primary flow path in a complete engine will enable significant reduction in the design and development time of gas turbine engines. In addition, the NPSS (Numerical Propulsion System Simulation) multidisciplinary integration and analysis are discussed.

Some critical issues in the characterization of nanoscale thermal conductivity by molecular dynamics analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehsan Khaled, Mohammad; Zhang, Liangchi; Liu, Weidong

2018-07-01

The nanoscale thermal conductivity of a material can be significantly different from its value at the macroscale. Although a number of studies using the equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) with Green–Kubo (GK) formula have been conducted for nano-conductivity predictions, there are many problems in the analysis that have made the EMD results unreliable or misleading. This paper aims to clarify such critical issues through a thorough investigation on the effect and determination of the vital physical variables in the EMD-GK analysis, using the prediction of the nanoscale thermal conductivity of Si as an example. The study concluded that to have a reliable prediction, quantum correction, time step, simulation time, correlation time and system size are all crucial.

Extended follow-up confirms early vaccine-enhanced risk of HIV acquisition and demonstrates waning effect over time among participants in a randomized trial of recombinant adenovirus HIV vaccine (Step Study).

PubMed

Duerr, Ann; Huang, Yunda; Buchbinder, Susan; Coombs, Robert W; Sanchez, Jorge; del Rio, Carlos; Casapia, Martin; Santiago, Steven; Gilbert, Peter; Corey, Lawrence; Robertson, Michael N

2012-07-15

The Step Study tested whether an adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5)-vectored human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine could prevent HIV acquisition and/or reduce viral load set-point after infection. At the first interim analysis, nonefficacy criteria were met. Vaccinations were halted; participants were unblinded. In post hoc analyses, more HIV infections occurred in vaccinees vs placebo recipients in men who had Ad5-neutralizing antibodies and/or were uncircumcised. Follow-up was extended to assess relative risk of HIV acquisition in vaccinees vs placebo recipients over time. We used Cox proportional hazard models for analyses of vaccine effect on HIV acquisition and vaccine effect modifiers, and nonparametric and semiparametric methods for analysis of constancy of relative risk over time. One hundred seventy-two of 1836 men were infected. The adjusted vaccinees vs placebo recipients hazard ratio (HR) for all follow-up time was 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.92; P= .03). Vaccine effect differed by baseline Ad5 or circumcision status during first 18 months, but neither was significant for all follow-up time. The HR among uncircumcised and/or Ad5-seropositive men waned with time since vaccination. No significant vaccine-associated risk was seen among circumcised, Ad5-negative men (HR, 0.97; P=1.0) over all follow-up time. The vaccine-associated risk seen in interim analysis was confirmed but waned with time from vaccination.

Analyzing gene expression time-courses based on multi-resolution shape mixture model.

PubMed

Li, Ying; He, Ye; Zhang, Yu

2016-11-01

Biological processes actually are a dynamic molecular process over time. Time course gene expression experiments provide opportunities to explore patterns of gene expression change over a time and understand the dynamic behavior of gene expression, which is crucial for study on development and progression of biology and disease. Analysis of the gene expression time-course profiles has not been fully exploited so far. It is still a challenge problem. We propose a novel shape-based mixture model clustering method for gene expression time-course profiles to explore the significant gene groups. Based on multi-resolution fractal features and mixture clustering model, we proposed a multi-resolution shape mixture model algorithm. Multi-resolution fractal features is computed by wavelet decomposition, which explore patterns of change over time of gene expression at different resolution. Our proposed multi-resolution shape mixture model algorithm is a probabilistic framework which offers a more natural and robust way of clustering time-course gene expression. We assessed the performance of our proposed algorithm using yeast time-course gene expression profiles compared with several popular clustering methods for gene expression profiles. The grouped genes identified by different methods are evaluated by enrichment analysis of biological pathways and known protein-protein interactions from experiment evidence. The grouped genes identified by our proposed algorithm have more strong biological significance. A novel multi-resolution shape mixture model algorithm based on multi-resolution fractal features is proposed. Our proposed model provides a novel horizons and an alternative tool for visualization and analysis of time-course gene expression profiles. The R and Matlab program is available upon the request. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Delayed versus immediate pushing in second stage of labor.

PubMed

Kelly, Mary; Johnson, Eileen; Lee, Vickie; Massey, Liz; Purser, Debbie; Ring, Karen; Sanderson, Stephanye; Styles, Juanita; Wood, Deb

2010-01-01

Comparison of two different methods for management of second stage of labor: immediate pushing at complete cervical dilation of 10 cm and delayed pushing 90 minutes after complete cervical dilation. This study was a randomized clinical trial in a labor and delivery unit of a not-for-profit community hospital. A sample of 44 nulliparous mothers with continuous epidural anesthesia were studied after random assignment to treatment groups. Subjects were managed with either immediate or delayed pushing during the second stage of labor at the time cervical dilation was complete. The primary outcome measure was the length of pushing during second stage of labor. Secondary outcomes included length of second stage of labor, maternal fatigue and perineal injuries, and fetal heart rate decelerations. Two-tailed, unpaired Student's t-tests and Chi-square analysis were used for data analysis. Level of significance was set at p < .01 following a Bonferroni correction for multiple t-tests. A total of 44 subjects received the study intervention (N = 28 immediate pushing; N = 16 delayed pushing). The delayed pushing group had significantly shorter amount of time spent in pushing compared with the immediate pushing group (38.9 +/- 6.9 vs. 78.7 +/- 7.9 minutes, respectively, p = .002). Maternal fatigue scores, perineal injuries, and fetal heart rate decelerations were similar for both groups. Delaying pushing for up to 90 minutes after complete cervical dilation resulted in a significant decrease in the time mothers spent pushing without a significant increase in total time in second stage of labor.In clinical practice, healthcare providers sometimes resist delaying the onset of pushing after second stage of labor has begun because of a belief it will increase labor time. This study's finding of a 51% reduction in pushing time when mothers delay pushing for up to 90 minutes, with no significant increase in overall time for second stage of labor, disputes that concern.

Postoperative Stereotactic Radiosurgery Without Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases: Potential Role of Preoperative Tumor Size

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

Hartford, Alan C., E-mail: Alan.C.Hartford@Hitchcock.org; Paravati, Anthony J.; Spire, William J.

2013-03-01

Purpose: Radiation therapy following resection of a brain metastasis increases the probability of disease control at the surgical site. We analyzed our experience with postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as an alternative to whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), with an emphasis on identifying factors that might predict intracranial disease control and overall survival (OS). Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed all patients through December 2008, who, after surgical resection, underwent SRS to the tumor bed, deferring WBRT. Multiple factors were analyzed for time to intracranial recurrence (ICR), whether local recurrence (LR) at the surgical bed or “distant” recurrence (DR) in the brain, formore » time to WBRT, and for OS. Results: A total of 49 lesions in 47 patients were treated with postoperative SRS. With median follow-up of 9.3 months (range, 1.1-61.4 months), local control rates at the resection cavity were 85.5% at 1 year and 66.9% at 2 years. OS rates at 1 and 2 years were 52.5% and 31.7%, respectively. On univariate analysis (preoperative) tumors larger than 3.0 cm exhibited a significantly shorter time to LR. At a cutoff of 2.0 cm, larger tumors resulted in significantly shorter times not only for LR but also for DR, ICR, and salvage WBRT. While multivariate Cox regressions showed preoperative size to be significant for times to DR, ICR, and WBRT, in similar multivariate analysis for OS, only the graded prognostic assessment proved to be significant. However, the number of intracranial metastases at presentation was not significantly associated with OS nor with other outcome variables. Conclusions: Larger tumor size was associated with shorter time to recurrence and with shorter time to salvage WBRT; however, larger tumors were not associated with decrements in OS, suggesting successful salvage. SRS to the tumor bed without WBRT is an effective treatment for resected brain metastases, achieving local control particularly for tumors up to 3.0 cm diameter.« less

An Analysis of the Time Use of Elementary School Library Media Specialists and Factors That Influence It.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deusen, Jean Donham van

1996-01-01

Elementary library media specialists in Iowa recorded their use of time for two days. Descriptive measures indicated nearly equal amounts of time for direct services and for management and operations activities. Automation, scheduling, support staff, and number of buildings served by the media specialist were found to have a significant influence…

Are Dropout and Degree Completion in Doctoral Study Significantly Dependent on Type of Financial Support and Field of Research?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Haert, Margaux; Arias Ortiz, Elena; Emplit, Philippe; Halloin, Véronique; Dehon, Catherine

2014-01-01

In this article, the determinants of "time to dropout" from doctoral studies and "time to PhD completion" are studied using a discrete-time competing risks survival analysis for a sample of 3092 doctoral candidates from the Université libre de Bruxelles. Not surprisingly, results show that students supported with research…

Nanoparticle separation with a miniaturized asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation cartridge

PubMed Central

Müller, David; Cattaneo, Stefano; Meier, Florian; Welz, Roland; de Mello, Andrew J.

2015-01-01

Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) is a separation technique applicable to particles over a wide size range. Despite the many advantages of AF4, its adoption in routine particle analysis is somewhat limited by the large footprint of currently available separation cartridges, extended analysis times and significant solvent consumption. To address these issues, we describe the fabrication and characterization of miniaturized AF4 cartridges. Key features of the down-scaled platform include simplified cartridge and reagent handling, reduced analysis costs and higher throughput capacities. The separation performance of the miniaturized cartridge is assessed using certified gold and silver nanoparticle standards. Analysis of gold nanoparticle populations indicates shorter analysis times and increased sensitivity compared to conventional AF4 separation schemes. Moreover, nanoparticulate titanium dioxide populations exhibiting broad size distributions are analyzed in a rapid and efficient manner. Finally, the repeatability and reproducibility of the miniaturized platform are investigated with respect to analysis time and separation efficiency. PMID:26258119

Nanoparticle separation with a miniaturized asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation cartridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, David; Cattaneo, Stefano; Meier, Florian; Welz, Roland; deMello, Andrew

2015-07-01

Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) is a separation technique applicable to particles over a wide size range. Despite the many advantages of AF4, its adoption in routine particle analysis is somewhat limited by the large footprint of currently available separation cartridges, extended analysis times and significant solvent consumption. To address these issues, we describe the fabrication and characterization of miniaturized AF4 cartridges. Key features of the scale-down platform include simplified cartridge and reagent handling, reduced analysis costs and higher throughput capacities. The separation performance of the miniaturized cartridge is assessed using certified gold and silver nanoparticle standards. Analysis of gold nanoparticle populations indicates shorter analysis times and increased sensitivity compared to conventional AF4 separation schemes. Moreover, nanoparticulate titanium dioxide populations exhibiting broad size distributions are analyzed in a rapid and efficient manner. Finally, the repeatability and reproducibility of the miniaturized platform are investigated with respect to analysis time and separation efficiency.

Immigration and leisure-time physical inactivity: a population-based study.

PubMed

Lindström, M; Sundquist, J

2001-05-01

To investigate the relationship between migration status and sedentary leisure-time physical activity status in the city of Malmö, Sweden. The public health survey in 1994 is a cross-sectional study. A total of 5,600 individuals aged 20-80 completed a postal questionnaire. The response rate was 71%. The population was categorized according to country of birth. Multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to investigate the importance of possible confounders for the differences in sedentary leisure-time physical activity status. The prevalence of a sedentary leisure-time physical activity status was 18.1% among men and 26.7% among women. The odds ratio of a sedentary leisure-time physical activity status was significantly higher among men born in Arabic-speaking countries, in All other countries, and among women born in Yugoslavia, Poland, Arabic-speaking countries, and the category all other countries', compared to the reference group born in Sweden. The multivariate analysis including age, sex, and education did not alter these results. There were significant ethnic differences in leisure-time physical activity status. This is a CVD risk factor that could be affected by intervention programs aimed at specific ethnic subgroups of the population.

Analysis of research ethics board approval times in an academic department of medicine.

PubMed

Tsang, Teresa S M; Jones, Meaghan; Meneilly, Graydon S

2015-04-01

As part of an ongoing effort to better understand barriers to academic research, we reviewed and analyzed the process of research ethics applications, focusing on ethics approval time, within the Department of Medicine from 2006 to 2011. A total of 1,268 applications for approval to use human subjects in research were included in our analysis. Three variables, risk category (minimal vs. non-minimal risk), type of funding, and year of submission, were statistically significant for prediction of ethics approval time, with risk status being the most important of these. The covariate-adjusted mean time for approval for minimal risk studies (35.7 days) was less than half that of non-minimal risk protocols (76.5 days). Studies funded through a for-profit sponsor had significantly longer approval times than those funded through other means but were also predominantly (87%) non-minimal risk protocols. Further investigations of the reasons underlying the observed differences are needed to determine whether improved training for research ethics board (REB) members and/or greater dialogue with investigators may reduce the lengthy approval times associated with non-minimal risk protocols. © The Author(s) 2015.

The fluoroscopy time, door to balloon time, contrast volume use and prevalence of vascular access site failure with transradial versus transfemoral approach in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

PubMed

Singh, Sukhchain; Singh, Mukesh; Grewal, Navsheen; Khosla, Sandeep

2015-12-01

The authors aimed to conduct first systematic review and meta-analysis in STEMI patients evaluating vascular access site failure rate, fluoroscopy time, door to balloon time and contrast volume used with transradial vs transfemoral approach (TRA vs TFA) for PCI. The PubMed, CINAHL, clinicaltrials.gov, Embase and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized trials comparing TRA versus TFA. Random effect models were used to conduct this meta-analysis. Fourteen randomized trials comprising 3758 patients met inclusion criteria. The access site failure rate was significantly higher TRA compared to TFA (RR 3.30, CI 2.16-5.03; P=0.000). Random effect inverse variance weighted prevalence rate meta-analysis showed that access site failure rate was predicted to be 4% (95% CI 3.0-6.0%) with TRA versus 1% (95% CI 0.0-1.0 %) with TFA. Door to balloon time (Standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.30 min, 95% CI 0.23-0.37 min; P=0.000) and fluoroscopy time (Standardized mean difference 0.14 min, 95% CI 0.06-0.23 min; P=0.001) were also significantly higher in TRA. There was no difference in the amount of contrast volume used with TRA versus TFA (SMD -0.05 ml, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.04 ml; P=0.275). Statistical heterogeneity was low in cross-over rate and contrast volume use, moderate in fluoroscopy time but high in the door to balloon time comparison. Operators need to consider higher cross-over rate with TRA compared to TFA in STEMI patients while attempting PCI. Fluoroscopy and door to balloon times are negligibly higher with TRA but there is no difference in terms of contrast volume use. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Visualizing the intercity correlation of PM2.5 time series in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region using ground-based air quality monitoring data.

PubMed

Liu, Jianzheng; Li, Weifeng; Wu, Jiansheng; Liu, Yonghong

2018-01-01

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area faces a severe fine particulate matter (PM2.5) problem. To date, considerable progress has been made toward understanding the PM2.5 problem, including spatial-temporal characterization, driving factors, and health effects. However, little research has been done on the dynamic interactions and relationships between PM2.5 concentrations in different cities in this area. To address the research gap, this study discovered a phenomenon of time-lagged intercity correlations of PM2.5 time series and proposed a visualization framework based on this phenomenon to visualize the interaction in PM2.5 concentrations between cities. The visualizations produced using the framework show that there are significant time-lagged correlations between the PM2.5 time series in different cities in this area. The visualizations also show that the correlations are more significant in colder months and between cities that are closer, and that there are seasonal changes in the temporal order of the correlated PM2.5 time series. Further analysis suggests that the time-lagged intercity correlations of PM2.5 time series are most likely due to synoptic meteorological variations. We argue that the visualizations demonstrate the interactions of air pollution between cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area and the significant effect of synoptic meteorological conditions on PM2.5 pollution. The visualization framework could help determine the pathway of regional transportation of air pollution and may also be useful in delineating the area of interaction of PM2.5 pollution for impact analysis.

Visualizing the intercity correlation of PM2.5 time series in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region using ground-based air quality monitoring data

PubMed Central

Li, Weifeng; Wu, Jiansheng; Liu, Yonghong

2018-01-01

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area faces a severe fine particulate matter (PM2.5) problem. To date, considerable progress has been made toward understanding the PM2.5 problem, including spatial-temporal characterization, driving factors, and health effects. However, little research has been done on the dynamic interactions and relationships between PM2.5 concentrations in different cities in this area. To address the research gap, this study discovered a phenomenon of time-lagged intercity correlations of PM2.5 time series and proposed a visualization framework based on this phenomenon to visualize the interaction in PM2.5 concentrations between cities. The visualizations produced using the framework show that there are significant time-lagged correlations between the PM2.5 time series in different cities in this area. The visualizations also show that the correlations are more significant in colder months and between cities that are closer, and that there are seasonal changes in the temporal order of the correlated PM2.5 time series. Further analysis suggests that the time-lagged intercity correlations of PM2.5 time series are most likely due to synoptic meteorological variations. We argue that the visualizations demonstrate the interactions of air pollution between cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area and the significant effect of synoptic meteorological conditions on PM2.5 pollution. The visualization framework could help determine the pathway of regional transportation of air pollution and may also be useful in delineating the area of interaction of PM2.5 pollution for impact analysis. PMID:29438417

Effects on employees of controlling working hours and working schedules.

PubMed

Kubo, T; Takahashi, M; Togo, F; Liu, X; Shimazu, A; Tanaka, K; Takaya, M

2013-03-01

High levels of control over working time and low variability in working hours have been associated with improved health-related outcomes. The potential mechanisms for this association remain unclear. To examine how work-time control and variability of working times are associated with fatigue recovery, sleep quality, work-life balance, and 'near misses' at work. Manufacturing sector employees completed a questionnaire that assessed work-time control, work-time variability, fatigue recovery, sleep quality, work-life balance and the frequency of near misses in the past 6 months. Mixed model analysis of covariance and multiple logistic regression analysis tested the main effects of work-time control and variability and their interaction, while adjusting for age, sex, work schedules, and overtime work in the past month. Subscales of work-time control were also investigated (control over daily working hours and over days off). One thousand three hundred and seventy-two completed questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 69%. A significantly higher quality of sleep and better work-life balance were found in the 'high control with low variability' reference group than in the other groups. Significantly better recovery of fatigue was also observed in the group having control over days off with low variability. While near misses were more frequent in the group with high control over daily working hours coupled with high variability compared with the reference group this was not significant. High work-time control and low variability were associated with favourable outcomes of health and work-life balance. This combined effect was not observed for the safety outcome addressed here.

Real-Time Mapping Spectroscopy on the Ground, in the Air, and in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, D. R.; Allwood, A.; Chien, S.; Green, R. O.; Wettergreen, D. S.

2016-12-01

Real-time data interpretation can benefit both remote in situ exploration and remote sensing. Basic analyses at the sensor can monitor instrument performance and reveal invisible science phenomena in real time. This promotes situational awareness for remote robotic explorers or campaign decision makers, enabling adaptive data collection, reduced downlink requirements, and coordinated multi-instrument observations. Fast analysis is ideal for mapping spectrometers providing unambiguous, quantitative geophysical measurements. This presentation surveys recent computational advances in real-time spectroscopic analysis for Earth science and planetary exploration. Spectral analysis at the sensor enables new operations concepts that significantly improve science yield. Applications include real-time detection of fugitive greenhouse emissions by airborne monitoring, real-time cloud screening and mineralogical mapping by orbital spectrometers, and adaptive measurement by the PIXL instrument on the Mars 2020 rover. Copyright 2016 California Institute of Technology. All Rights Reserved. We acknowledge support of the US Government, NASA, the Earth Science Division and Terrestrial Ecology program.

Adaptive noise cancelling and time-frequency techniques for rail surface defect detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, B.; Iwnicki, S.; Ball, A.; Young, A. E.

2015-03-01

Adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) is a technique which is very effective to remove additive noises from the contaminated signals. It has been widely used in the fields of telecommunication, radar and sonar signal processing. However it was seldom used for the surveillance and diagnosis of mechanical systems before late of 1990s. As a promising technique it has gradually been exploited for the purpose of condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. Time-frequency analysis is another useful tool for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis purpose as time-frequency analysis can keep both time and frequency information simultaneously. This paper presents an ANC and time-frequency application for railway wheel flat and rail surface defect detection. The experimental results from a scaled roller test rig show that this approach can significantly reduce unwanted interferences and extract the weak signals from strong background noises. The combination of ANC and time-frequency analysis may provide us one of useful tools for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of railway vehicles.

Chemokine-like factor-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing 3 expression is associated with a favorable prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Han, Tianci; Shu, Tianci; Dong, Siyuan; Li, Peiwen; Li, Weinan; Liu, Dali; Qi, Ruiqun; Zhang, Shuguang; Zhang, Lin

2017-05-01

Decreased expression of human chemokine-like factor-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing 3 (CMTM3) has been identified in a number of human tumors and tumor cell lines, including gastric and testicular cancer, and PC3, CAL27 and Tca-83 cell lines. However, the association between CMTM3 expression and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between CMTM3 expression and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in ESCC. CMTM3 mRNA and protein expression was analyzed in ESCC and paired non-tumor tissues by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was also used for univariate and multivariate survival analysis. The results revealed that CMTM3 mRNA and protein expression levels were lower in 82.5% (30/40) and 75% (30/40) of ESCC tissues, respectively, when compared with matched non-tumor tissues. Statistical analysis demonstrated that CMTM3 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.002) and clinical stage (P<0.001) in ESCC tissues. Furthermore, the survival time of ESCC patients exhibiting low CMTM3 expression was significantly shorter than that of ESCC patients exhibiting high CMTM3 expression (P=0.01). In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the overall survival time of patients exhibiting low CMTM3 expression was significantly decreased compared with patients exhibiting high CMTM3 expression (P=0.010). Cox multivariate analysis indicated that CMTM3 protein expression was an independent prognostic predictor for ESCC after resection. This study indicated that CMTM3 expression is significantly decreased in ESCC tissues and CMTM3 protein expression in resected tumors may present an effective prognostic biomarker.

Regression Analysis to Identify Factors Associated with Urinary Iodine Concentration at the Sub-National Level in India, Ghana, and Senegal

PubMed Central

Knowles, Jacky; Kupka, Roland; Dumble, Sam; Garrett, Greg S.; Pandav, Chandrakant S.; Yadav, Kapil; Touré, Ndeye Khady; Foriwa Amoaful, Esi; Gorstein, Jonathan

2018-01-01

Single and multiple variable regression analyses were conducted using data from stratified, cluster sample design, iodine surveys in India, Ghana, and Senegal to identify factors associated with urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among women of reproductive age (WRA) at the national and sub-national level. Subjects were survey household respondents, typically WRA. For all three countries, UIC was significantly different (p < 0.05) by household salt iodine category. Other significant differences were by strata and by household vulnerability to poverty in India and Ghana. In multiple variable regression analysis, UIC was significantly associated with strata and household salt iodine category in India and Ghana (p < 0.001). Estimated UIC was 1.6 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.3, 2.0) times higher (India) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.2, 1.6) times higher (Ghana) among WRA from households using adequately iodised salt than among WRA from households using non-iodised salt. Other significant associations with UIC were found in India, with having heard of iodine deficiency (1.2 times higher; CI 1.1, 1.3; p < 0.001) and having improved dietary diversity (1.1 times higher, CI 1.0, 1.2; p = 0.015); and in Ghana, with the level of tomato paste consumption the previous week (p = 0.029) (UIC for highest consumption level was 1.2 times lowest level; CI 1.1, 1.4). No significant associations were found in Senegal. Sub-national data on iodine status are required to assess equity of access to optimal iodine intake and to develop strategic responses as needed. PMID:29690505

A Meta-Analysis of Individualized Instruction in Dental Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dacanay, Lakshmi S; Cohen, Peter A.

1992-01-01

Meta-analysis of 34 comparative studies on conventional vs. individualized instruction (II) found most favored the latter but with small-moderate overall effect. Pacing had significant effect, with teacher-pacing more effective than student-paced learning. On average, II required less time than conventional teaching. Additional research on this…

An Interinstitutional Analysis of Faculty Teaching Load.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahrens, Stephen W.

A two-year interinstitutional study among 15 cooperating universities was conducted to determine whether significant differences exist in teaching loads among the selected universities as measured by student credit hours produced by full-time equivalent faculty. The statistical model was a multivariate analysis of variance with fixed effects and…

Gender Differences in Students' Mathematics Game Playing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowrie, Tom; Jorgensen, Robyn

2011-01-01

The investigation monitored the digital game-playing behaviours of 428 primary-aged students (aged 10-12 years). Chi-square analysis revealed that boys tend to spend more time playing digital games than girls while boys and girls play quite different game genres. Subsequent analysis revealed statistically significant gender differences in terms of…

Thirty Years of Vegetation Change in the Coastal Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California Detected Using Landsat Satellite Image Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Potter, Christopher

2015-01-01

Results from Landsat satellite image times series analysis since 1983 of this study area showed gradual, statistically significant increases in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in more than 90% of the (predominantly second-growth) evergreen forest locations sampled.

Joint analysis of bacterial DNA methylation, predicted promoter and regulation motifs for biological significance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Advances in long-read, single molecule real-time sequencing technology and analysis software over the last two years has enabled the efficient production of closed bacterial genome sequences. However, consistent annotation of these genomes has lagged behind the ability to create them, while the avai...

Polygenic Score × Intervention Moderation: an Application of Discrete-Time Survival Analysis to Model the Timing of First Marijuana Use Among Urban Youth.

PubMed

Musci, Rashelle J; Fairman, Brian; Masyn, Katherine E; Uhl, George; Maher, Brion; Sisto, Danielle Y; Kellam, Sheppard G; Ialongo, Nicholas S

2018-01-01

The present study examines the interaction between a polygenic score and an elementary school-based universal preventive intervention trial and its effects on a discrete-time survival analysis of time to first smoking marijuana. Research has suggested that initiation of substances is both genetically and environmentally driven (Rhee et al., Archives of general psychiatry 60:1256-1264, 2003; Verweij et al., Addiction 105:417-430, 2010). A previous work has found a significant interaction between the polygenic score and the same elementary school-based intervention with tobacco smoking (Musci et al., in press). The polygenic score reflects the contribution of multiple genes and has been shown in prior research to be predictive of smoking cessation, tobacco use, and marijuana use (Uhl et al., Molecular Psychiatry 19:50-54, 2014). Using data from a longitudinal preventive intervention study (N = 678), we examined age of first marijuana use from sixth grade to age 18. Genetic data were collected during emerging adulthood and were genotyped using the Affymetrix 6.0 microarray (N = 545). The polygenic score was computed using these data. Discrete-time survival analysis was employed to test for intervention main and interaction effects with the polygenic score. We found main effect of the polygenic score approaching significance, with the participants with higher polygenic scores reporting their first smoking marijuana at an age significantly later than controls (p = .050). We also found a significant intervention × polygenic score interaction effect at p = .003, with participants at the higher end of the polygenic score benefiting the most from the intervention in terms of delayed age of first use. These results suggest that genetics may play an important role in the age of first use of marijuana and that differences in genetics may account for the differential effectiveness of classroom-based interventions in delaying substance use experimentation.

The association of lung function and St. George's respiratory questionnaire with exacerbations in COPD: a systematic literature review and regression analysis.

PubMed

Martin, Amber L; Marvel, Jessica; Fahrbach, Kyle; Cadarette, Sarah M; Wilcox, Teresa K; Donohue, James F

2016-04-16

This study investigated the relationship between changes in lung function (as measured by forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1]) and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and economically significant outcomes of exacerbations and health resource utilization, with an aim to provide insight into whether the effects of COPD treatment on lung function and health status relate to a reduced risk for exacerbations. A systematic literature review was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify randomized controlled trials of adult COPD patients published in English since 2002 in order to relate mean change in FEV1 and SGRQ total score to exacerbations and hospitalizations. These predictor/outcome pairs were analyzed using sample-size weighted regression analyses, which estimated a regression slope relating the two treatment effects, as well as a confidence interval and a test of statistical significance. Sixty-seven trials were included in the analysis. Significant relationships were seen between: FEV1 and any exacerbation (time to first exacerbation or patients with at least one exacerbation, p = 0.001); between FEV1 and moderate-to-severe exacerbations (time to first exacerbation, patients with at least one exacerbation, or annualized rate, p = 0.045); between SGRQ score and any exacerbation (time to first exacerbation or patients with at least one exacerbation, p = 0.0002) and between SGRQ score and moderate-to-severe exacerbations (time to first exacerbation or patients with at least one exacerbation, p = 0.0279; annualized rate, p = 0.0024). Relationships between FEV1 or SGRQ score and annualized exacerbation rate for any exacerbation or hospitalized exacerbations were not significant. The regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between improvements in FEV1 and SGRQ score and lower risk for COPD exacerbations. Even in cases of non-significant relationships, results were in the expected direction with few exceptions. The results of this analysis offer health care providers and payers a broader picture of the relationship between exacerbations and mean change in FEV1 as well as SGRQ score, and will help inform clinical and formulary-making decisions while stimulating new research questions for future prospective studies.

Apparatus and method for quantitative determination of materials contained in fluids

DOEpatents

Radziemski, Leon J.; Cremers, David A.

1985-01-01

Apparatus and method for near real-time in-situ monitoring of particulates and vapors contained in fluids. Initial filtration of a known volume of the fluid sample is combined with laser-induced dielectric breakdown spectroscopy of the filter employed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information with high sensitivity. Application of the invention to monitoring of beryllium, beryllium oxide, or other beryllium-alloy dusts is demonstrated. Significant shortening of analysis time is achieved from those of the usual chemical techniques of analysis.

Apparatus and method for quantitative determination of materials contained in fluids

DOEpatents

Radziemski, L.J.; Cremers, D.A.

1982-09-07

Apparatus and method for near real-time in-situ monitoring of particulates and vapors contained in fluids are described. Initial filtration of a known volume of the fluid sample is combined with laser-induced dielectric breakdown spectroscopy of the filter employed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information with high sensitivity. Application of the invention to monitoring of beryllium, beryllium oxide, or other beryllium-alloy dusts is shown. Significant shortening of analysis time is achieved from the usual chemical techniques of analysis.

Review of correlation techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowhill, S. A.

1983-01-01

Correlation analysis in MST radar to determine the scattered power, Doppler frequency and correlation time for a noisy signal is examined. It is assumed that coherent detection was employed, with two accurately balanced quadrature receiving channels and that coherent integration is performed with a window length significantly less than the correlation time of the signal.

Press Coverage of Reagan's China Policy: A Study of Agenda and Treatment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Tsan-Kuo

Coverage of Ronald Reagan's China policy in three major newspapers--the "Los Angeles Times," the "New York Times," and the "Washington Post"--immediately before and after he assumed the presidency was submitted to content analysis. Results showed that the newspapers differed significantly both in their treatment of…

Persistence analysis of extreme CO, NO2 and O3 concentrations in ambient air of Delhi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chelani, Asha B.

2012-05-01

Persistence analysis of air pollutant concentration and corresponding exceedance time series is carried out to examine for temporal evolution. For this purpose, air pollutant concentrations, namely, CO, NO2 and O3 observed during 2000-2009 at a traffic site in Delhi are analyzed using detrended fluctuation analysis. Two types of extreme values are analyzed; exceeded concentrations to a threshold provided by national pollution controlling agency and time interval between two exceedances. The time series of three pollutants is observed to possess persistence property whereas the extreme value time series of only primary pollutant concentrations is found to be persistent. Two time scaling regions are observed to be significant in extreme time series of CO and NO2, mainly attributed to implementation of CNG in vehicles. The presence of persistence in three pollutant concentration time series is linked to the property of self-organized criticality. The observed persistence in the time interval between two exceeded levels is a matter of concern as persistent high concentrations can trigger health problems.

Evaluation of a complex intervention to improve primary care prescribing: a phase IV segmented regression interrupted time series analysis

PubMed Central

MacBride-Stewart, Sean; Marwick, Charis; Houston, Neil; Watt, Iain; Patton, Andrea; Guthrie, Bruce

2017-01-01

Background It is uncertain whether improvements in primary care high-risk prescribing seen in research trials can be realised in the real-world setting. Aim To evaluate the impact of a 1-year system-wide phase IV prescribing safety improvement initiative, which included education, feedback, support to identify patients to review, and small financial incentives. Design and setting An interrupted time series analysis of targeted high-risk prescribing in all 56 general practices in NHS Forth Valley, Scotland, was performed. In 2013–2014, this focused on high-risk non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in older people and NSAIDs with oral anticoagulants; in 2014–2015, it focused on antipsychotics in older people. Method The primary analysis used segmented regression analysis to estimate impact at the end of the intervention, and 12 months later. The secondary analysis used difference-in-difference methods to compare Forth Valley changes with those in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC). Results In the primary analysis, downward trends for all three NSAID measures that were existent before the intervention statistically significantly steepened following implementation of the intervention. At the end of the intervention period, 1221 fewer patients than expected were prescribed a high-risk NSAID. In contrast, antipsychotic prescribing in older people increased slowly over time, with no intervention-associated change. In the secondary analysis, reductions at the end of the intervention period in all three NSAID measures were statistically significantly greater in NHS Forth Valley than in NHS GGC, but only significantly greater for two of these measures 12 months after the intervention finished. Conclusion There were substantial and sustained reductions in the high-risk prescribing of NSAIDs, although with some waning of effect 12 months after the intervention ceased. The same intervention had no effect on antipsychotic prescribing in older people. PMID:28347986

Evaluation of a complex intervention to improve primary care prescribing: a phase IV segmented regression interrupted time series analysis.

PubMed

MacBride-Stewart, Sean; Marwick, Charis; Houston, Neil; Watt, Iain; Patton, Andrea; Guthrie, Bruce

2017-05-01

It is uncertain whether improvements in primary care high-risk prescribing seen in research trials can be realised in the real-world setting. To evaluate the impact of a 1-year system-wide phase IV prescribing safety improvement initiative, which included education, feedback, support to identify patients to review, and small financial incentives. An interrupted time series analysis of targeted high-risk prescribing in all 56 general practices in NHS Forth Valley, Scotland, was performed. In 2013-2014, this focused on high-risk non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in older people and NSAIDs with oral anticoagulants; in 2014-2015, it focused on antipsychotics in older people. The primary analysis used segmented regression analysis to estimate impact at the end of the intervention, and 12 months later. The secondary analysis used difference-in-difference methods to compare Forth Valley changes with those in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC). In the primary analysis, downward trends for all three NSAID measures that were existent before the intervention statistically significantly steepened following implementation of the intervention. At the end of the intervention period, 1221 fewer patients than expected were prescribed a high-risk NSAID. In contrast, antipsychotic prescribing in older people increased slowly over time, with no intervention-associated change. In the secondary analysis, reductions at the end of the intervention period in all three NSAID measures were statistically significantly greater in NHS Forth Valley than in NHS GGC, but only significantly greater for two of these measures 12 months after the intervention finished. There were substantial and sustained reductions in the high-risk prescribing of NSAIDs, although with some waning of effect 12 months after the intervention ceased. The same intervention had no effect on antipsychotic prescribing in older people. © British Journal of General Practice 2017.

Phase walk analysis of leptokurtic time series.

PubMed

Schreiber, Korbinian; Modest, Heike I; Räth, Christoph

2018-06-01

The Fourier phase information play a key role for the quantified description of nonlinear data. We present a novel tool for time series analysis that identifies nonlinearities by sensitively detecting correlations among the Fourier phases. The method, being called phase walk analysis, is based on well established measures from random walk analysis, which are now applied to the unwrapped Fourier phases of time series. We provide an analytical description of its functionality and demonstrate its capabilities on systematically controlled leptokurtic noise. Hereby, we investigate the properties of leptokurtic time series and their influence on the Fourier phases of time series. The phase walk analysis is applied to measured and simulated intermittent time series, whose probability density distribution is approximated by power laws. We use the day-to-day returns of the Dow-Jones industrial average, a synthetic time series with tailored nonlinearities mimicing the power law behavior of the Dow-Jones and the acceleration of the wind at an Atlantic offshore site. Testing for nonlinearities by means of surrogates shows that the new method yields strong significances for nonlinear behavior. Due to the drastically decreased computing time as compared to embedding space methods, the number of surrogate realizations can be increased by orders of magnitude. Thereby, the probability distribution of the test statistics can very accurately be derived and parameterized, which allows for much more precise tests on nonlinearities.

Assessing co-regulation of directly linked genes in biological networks using microarray time series analysis.

PubMed

Del Sorbo, Maria Rosaria; Balzano, Walter; Donato, Michele; Draghici, Sorin

2013-11-01

Differential expression of genes detected with the analysis of high throughput genomic experiments is a commonly used intermediate step for the identification of signaling pathways involved in the response to different biological conditions. The impact analysis was the first approach for the analysis of signaling pathways involved in a certain biological process that was able to take into account not only the magnitude of the expression change of the genes but also the topology of signaling pathways including the type of each interactions between the genes. In the impact analysis, signaling pathways are represented as weighted directed graphs with genes as nodes and the interactions between genes as edges. Edges weights are represented by a β factor, the regulatory efficiency, which is assumed to be equal to 1 in inductive interactions between genes and equal to -1 in repressive interactions. This study presents a similarity analysis between gene expression time series aimed to find correspondences with the regulatory efficiency, i.e. the β factor as found in a widely used pathway database. Here, we focused on correlations among genes directly connected in signaling pathways, assuming that the expression variations of upstream genes impact immediately downstream genes in a short time interval and without significant influences by the interactions with other genes. Time series were processed using three different similarity metrics. The first metric is based on the bit string matching; the second one is a specific application of the Dynamic Time Warping to detect similarities even in presence of stretching and delays; the third one is a quantitative comparative analysis resulting by an evaluation of frequency domain representation of time series: the similarity metric is the correlation between dominant spectral components. These three approaches are tested on real data and pathways, and a comparison is performed using Information Retrieval benchmark tools, indicating the frequency approach as the best similarity metric among the three, for its ability to detect the correlation based on the correspondence of the most significant frequency components. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Improved population exposure factors in the meta-analysis of air pollution health effects

EPA Science Inventory

Numerous time-series studies have reported significant associations between ambient PM2.5 levels and increased mortality and morbidity. A recent mortality study conducted by Franklin et al. 2007 in 27 U.S. cities has reported significant heterogeneity among city-specific effect e...

Role of Adenosine Receptor A2A in Traumatic Optic Neuropathies (Addendum)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

inflammation was evaluated using Western blot, Real-Time PCR and immuno-staining analyses. Role of A2AAR signaling in the anti-inflammation effect of ABT...Neuroimmunology 277 (2014) 96–104were evaluated by analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), and the significance of differences between groups was assessed by the...Ahmad et al. / Journal of Neuroimmunology 277 (2014) 96–104were evaluated by analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), and the significance of differences

Limited diagnostic value of Dual-Time-Point (18)F-FDG PET/CT imaging for classifying solitary pulmonary nodules in granuloma-endemic regions both at visual and quantitative analyses.

PubMed

Chen, Song; Li, Xuena; Chen, Meijie; Yin, Yafu; Li, Na; Li, Yaming

2016-10-01

This study is aimed to compare the diagnostic power of using quantitative analysis or visual analysis with single time point imaging (STPI) PET/CT and dual time point imaging (DTPI) PET/CT for the classification of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) lesions in granuloma-endemic regions. SPN patients who received early and delayed (18)F-FDG PET/CT at 60min and 180min post-injection were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnoses are confirmed by pathological results or follow-ups. Three quantitative metrics, early SUVmax, delayed SUVmax and retention index(the percentage changes between the early SUVmax and delayed SUVmax), were measured for each lesion. Three 5-point scale score was given by blinded interpretations performed by physicians based on STPI PET/CT images, DTPI PET/CT images and CT images, respectively. ROC analysis was performed on three quantitative metrics and three visual interpretation scores. One-hundred-forty-nine patients were retrospectively included. The areas under curve (AUC) of the ROC curves of early SUVmax, delayed SUVmax, RI, STPI PET/CT score, DTPI PET/CT score and CT score are 0.73, 0.74, 0.61, 0.77 0.75 and 0.76, respectively. There were no significant differences between the AUCs in visual interpretation of STPI PET/CT images and DTPI PET/CT images, nor in early SUVmax and delayed SUVmax. The differences of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between STPI PET/CT and DTPI PET/CT were not significantly different in either quantitative analysis or visual interpretation. In granuloma-endemic regions, DTPI PET/CT did not offer significant improvement over STPI PET/CT in differentiating malignant SPNs in both quantitative analysis and visual interpretation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing the efficacy of perioperative oral carprofen after cranial cruciate surgery using noninvasive, objective pressure platform gait analysis.

PubMed

Horstman, Christopher L; Conzemius, Michael G; Evans, Richard; Gordon, Wanda J

2004-01-01

To document, using pressure platform gait analysis, the effect of perioperative oral carprofen on limb function and pain after cranial cruciate ligament surgery in dogs. Blinded, prospective clinical investigation. Twenty dogs with naturally occurring unilateral cranial cruciate disease. Physiologic indices, subjective pain scoring, and pressure platform gait analyses were performed before and 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Correlations were assessed between methods of evaluation and the data was compared across treatment groups. No strong correlations were noted between physiologic data, subjective scoring systems, or gait analysis data at a walk or stance. Although average measures of limb function were nearly twice as large in dogs treated with carprofen, no significant differences between groups over time were identified. No significant differences were noted in any other measure of pain or limb function. Power analysis of peak vertical force at a walk indicated that significant difference would have been detected had the number of dogs in each group been increased to 35. When limb function was assessed with pressure platform gait analysis no statistical difference was noted between groups with respect to PVF and VI at a walk or stance, although average ground reaction forces for dogs in the carprofen group were greater than the traditional pain management group at all time points. Oral carprofen appears to provide some benefit for the treatment of postoperative orthopedic pain.

Mortality in patients with TIMI 3 flow after PCI in relation to time delay to reperfusion.

PubMed

Vichova, Teodora; Maly, Marek; Ulman, Jaroslav; Motovska, Zuzana

2016-03-01

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed within 12 h from symptom onset enables complete blood flow restoration in infarct-related artery in 90% of patients. Nevertheless, even with complete restoration of epicardial blood flow in culprit vessel (postprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3), myocardial perfusion at tissue level may be insufficient. We hypothesized that the outcome of patients with STEMI/bundle branch block (BBB)-myocardial infarction and post-PCI TIMI 3 flow is related to the time to reperfusion. Observational study based on a retrospective analysis of population of 635 consecutive patients with STEMI/BBB-MI and post-PCI TIMI 3 flow from January 2009 to December 2011 (mean age 63 years, 69.6% males). Mortality of patients was evaluated in relation to the time from symptom onset to reperfusion. A total of 83 patients (13.07%) with postprocedural TIMI 3 flow after PCI had died at 1-year follow-up. Median TD in patients who survived was 3.92 h (iqr 5.43), in patients who died 6.0 h (iqr 11.42), P = 0.004. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified time delay ≥ 9 h as significantly related to 1-year mortality of patients with STEMI/BBB-MI and post-PCI TIMI 3 flow (OR 1.958, P = 0.026). Other significant variables associated with mortality in multivariate regression analysis were: left ventricle ejection fraction < 30% (P = 0.006), age > 65 years (P < 0.001), Killip class >2 (P <0.001), female gender (P = 0.019), and creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min (P < 0.001). Time delay to reperfusion is significantly related to 1-year mortality of patients with STEMI/BBB-MI and complete restoration of epicardial blood flow in culprit vessel after PCI.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Evidence

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been diagnosed in adolescents and among the associated factors are low levels of physical activity, sedentary behavior over long periods and low cardiorespiratory fitness. However, specifically in adolescents, studies present conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, in order to map the association between physical activity, sedentary behavior, cardiorespiratory fitness and MetS in adolescents. Methods A search was performed in the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, LILACS and the Cochrane Library. For the meta-analysis, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated together with the respective confidence intervals (95% CI), in which the measures of effect were analyzed by dichotomous data (exposure variables) with MetS used as events. Results Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Primary analysis demonstrated that low levels of physical activity (OR = 1.35 [1.03 to 1.79]; p = 0.03) and low cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 4.05 [2.09 to 7.87]; p < 0.01) were significantly associated with the development of MetS, while for sedentary behavior, represented by screen time > 2 hours/day, a significant association was not identified (OR = 1.20 [0.91 to 1.59]; p = 0.20). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the association between low physical activity and MetS was dependent on the use of the accelerometry technique (OR = 2.93 [1.56 to 5.47]; p < 0.01). Screen time > 2 hours/day was significantly associated with MetS only on weekends (OR = 2.05 [1.13 to 3.73]; p = 0.02). With respect to cardiorespiratory fitness, a significant association with MetS was found independent of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measurement method. Conclusions Low levels of physical activity, low indices of cardiorespiratory fitness and sedentary behavior, represented by screen time > 2 hours/day on weekends, were significantly associated with the development of MetS in adolescence. PMID:27997601

Decomposing socio-economic inequalities in leisure-time physical inactivity: the case of Spanish children.

PubMed

Gonzalo-Almorox, Eduardo; Urbanos-Garrido, Rosa M

2016-07-12

Physical inactivity is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and entails a substantial economic burden for health systems. Also, the analysis of inequality in lifestyles for young populations may contribute to reduce health inequalities during adulthood. This paper examines the income-related inequality regarding leisure-time physical inactivity in Spanish children. In this cross-sectional study based on the Spanish National Health Survey for 2011-12, concentration indices are estimated to measure socioeconomic inequalities in leisure-time physical inactivity. A decomposition analysis is performed to determine the factors that explain income-related inequalities. There is a significant socioeconomic gradient favouring the better-off associated with leisure-time physical inactivity amongst Spanish children, which is more pronounced in the case of girls. Income shows the highest contribution to total inequality, followed by education of the head of the household. The contribution of several factors (education, place of residence, age) significantly differs by gender. There is an important inequity in the distribution of leisure-time physical inactivity. Public policies aimed at promoting physical activity for children should prioritize the action into the most disadvantaged subgroups of the population. As the influence of determinants of health styles significantly differ by gender, this study points out the need of addressing the research on income-related inequalities in health habits from a gender perspective.

Dating a tropical ice core by time-frequency analysis of ion concentration depth profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gay, M.; De Angelis, M.; Lacoume, J.-L.

2014-09-01

Ice core dating is a key parameter for the interpretation of the ice archives. However, the relationship between ice depth and ice age generally cannot be easily established and requires the combination of numerous investigations and/or modelling efforts. This paper presents a new approach to ice core dating based on time-frequency analysis of chemical profiles at a site where seasonal patterns may be significantly distorted by sporadic events of regional importance, specifically at the summit area of Nevado Illimani (6350 m a.s.l.), located in the eastern Bolivian Andes (16°37' S, 67°46' W). We used ion concentration depth profiles collected along a 100 m deep ice core. The results of Fourier time-frequency and wavelet transforms were first compared. Both methods were applied to a nitrate concentration depth profile. The resulting chronologies were checked by comparison with the multi-proxy year-by-year dating published by de Angelis et al. (2003) and with volcanic tie points. With this first experiment, we demonstrated the efficiency of Fourier time-frequency analysis when tracking the nitrate natural variability. In addition, we were able to show spectrum aliasing due to under-sampling below 70 m. In this article, we propose a method of de-aliasing which significantly improves the core dating in comparison with annual layer manual counting. Fourier time-frequency analysis was applied to concentration depth profiles of seven other ions, providing information on the suitability of each of them for the dating of tropical Andean ice cores.

Implementation of enhanced recovery programme for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: feasibility, safety and cost analysis.

PubMed

Richardson, John; Di Fabio, Francesco; Clarke, Hannah; Bajalan, Mohammed; Davids, Joe; Abu Hilal, Mohammed

2015-01-01

The adoption of laparoscopy for distal pancreatectomy has proven to substantially improve short-term outcomes. Stress response after major surgery can be further minimized within an enhanced recovery programme (ERP). However, data on the potential benefit of an ERP for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy are still lacking. The aim was to assess the feasibility, safety and cost of ERP for patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. This is a case-control study from a Tertiary University Hospital. Sixty-six consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy were analyzed. Twenty-two patients were enrolled for the ERP and compared with previous consecutive 44 patients managed traditionally (1:2 ratio). Operative details, post-operative outcome and cost analysis were compared in the two groups. Patients enrolled in the ERP had similar intraoperative blood loss (median 165 ml vs. 200 ml; p = 0.176), operation time (225 min vs. 210 min; p = 0.633), time to remove naso-gastric tube (1 vs. 1 day; p = 0.081) but significantly shorter time to mobilization (median 1 vs. 2 days; p = 0.0001), start solid diet (2 vs. 3 days; p = 0004), and pass stools (3 vs. 5 days; p = 0.002) compared to the control group. Median length of stay was significantly shorter in the ERP group (3 vs. 6 days; p < 0.0001). No significant difference in readmission or complication rate was observed. Cost analysis was significantly in favor of the ERP group (p = 0.0004). Implementation of ERP optimizes outcomes for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with significant earlier return to normal gut function, reduced length of stay and cost saving. Copyright © 2015 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Dose Response for Circulatory Disease After Radiotherapy for Benign Disease

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

Little, Mark P., E-mail: mark.little@nih.gov; Kleinerman, Ruth A.; Stovall, Marilyn

Purpose: To assess the shape of the dose-response for various circulatory disease endpoints, and modifiers by age and time since exposure. Methods and Materials: This was an analysis of the US peptic ulcer data testing for heterogeneity of radiogenic risk by circulatory disease endpoint (ischemic heart, cerebrovascular, other circulatory disease). Results: There were significant excess risks for all circulatory disease, with an excess relative risk Gy{sup -1} of 0.082 (95% CI 0.031-0.140), and ischemic heart disease, with an excess relative risk Gy{sup -1} of 0.102 (95% CI 0.039-0.174) (both p = 0.01), and indications of excess risk for stroke. Theremore » were no statistically significant (p > 0.2) differences between risks by endpoint, and few indications of curvature in the dose-response. There were significant (p < 0.001) modifications of relative risk by time since exposure, the magnitude of which did not vary between endpoints (p > 0.2). Risk modifications were similar if analysis was restricted to patients receiving radiation, although the relative risks were slightly larger and the risk of stroke failed to be significant. The slopes of the dose-response were generally consistent with those observed in the Japanese atomic bomb survivors and in occupationally and medically exposed groups. Conclusions: There were excess risks for a variety of circulatory diseases in this dataset, with significant modification of risk by time since exposure. The consistency of the dose-response slopes with those observed in radiotherapeutically treated groups at much higher dose, as well as in lower dose-exposed cohorts such as the Japanese atomic bomb survivors and nuclear workers, implies that there may be little sparing effect of fractionation of dose or low-dose-rate exposure.« less

Is Endoscopic Therapy Safe for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Anticoagulated Patients With Supratherapeutic International Normalized Ratios?

PubMed

Shim, Choong Nam; Chung, Hyun Soo; Park, Jun Chul; Shin, Sung Kwan; Lee, Sang Kil; Lee, Yong Chan; Kim, Ha Yan; Kim, Dong Wook; Lee, Hyuk

2016-01-01

The management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in anticoagulated patients with supratherapeutic international normalized ratios (INRs) presents a challenge. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety of endoscopic therapy for UGIB in anticoagulated patients with supratherapeutic INR in terms of rebleeding and therapeutic outcomes. One hundred ninety-two anticoagulated patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for UGIB were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the occurrence of rebleeding within 30 days of the initial therapeutic endoscopy: no-rebleeding group (n = 168) and rebleeding group (n = 24). The overall rebleeding rate was 12.5%. Bleeding from gastric cancer and bleeding at the duodenum were significantly related to rebleeding in a univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis determined that presenting symptoms other than melena (hematemesis, hematochezia, or others) (odds ratio, 3.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-10.76) and bleeding from gastric cancer (odds ratio, 6.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-29.25) were significant factors predictive of rebleeding. Supratherapeutic INR at the time of endoscopic therapy was not significantly associated with rebleeding in either univariate or multivariate analysis. Significant differences in bleeding-related mortality, additional intervention to control bleeding, length of hospital stay, and transfusion requirements were revealed between the rebleeding and no-rebleeding groups. There were no significant differences in therapeutic outcomes between patients with INR within the therapeutic range and those with supratherapeutic INR. Supratherapeutic INR at the time of endoscopic therapy did not change rebleeding and therapeutic outcomes. Thus, we should consider endoscopic therapy for UGIB in anticoagulated patients, irrespective of INR at the time of endoscopic therapy.

Comparison of suprapatellar and infrapatellar intramedullary nailing for tibial shaft fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Yang, Liqing; Sun, Yuefeng; Li, Ge

2018-06-14

Optimal surgical approach for tibial shaft fractures remains controversial. We perform a meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the clinical efficacy and prognosis between infrapatellar and suprapatellar intramedullary nail in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. PubMed, OVID, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were searched up to December 2017 for comparative RCTs involving infrapatellar and suprapatellar intramedullary nail in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. Primary outcomes were blood loss, visual analog scale (VAS) score, range of motion, Lysholm knee scores, and fluoroscopy times. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. We assessed statistical heterogeneity for each outcome with the use of a standard χ 2 test and the I 2 statistic. The meta-analysis was undertaken using Stata 14.0. Four RCTs involving 293 participants were included in our study. The present meta-analysis indicated that there were significant differences between infrapatellar and suprapatellar intramedullary nail regarding the total blood loss, VAS scores, Lysholm knee scores, and fluoroscopy times. Suprapatellar intramedullary nailing could significantly reduce total blood loss, postoperative knee pain, and fluoroscopy times compared to infrapatellar approach. Additionally, it was associated with an improved Lysholm knee scores. High-quality RCTs were still required for further investigation.

Wildland Arson as Clandestine Resource Management: A Space-Time Permutation Analysis and Classification of Informal Fire Management Regimes in Georgia, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coughlan, Michael R.

2016-05-01

Forest managers are increasingly recognizing the value of disturbance-based land management techniques such as prescribed burning. Unauthorized, "arson" fires are common in the southeastern United States where a legacy of agrarian cultural heritage persists amidst an increasingly forest-dominated landscape. This paper reexamines unauthorized fire-setting in the state of Georgia, USA from a historical ecology perspective that aims to contribute to historically informed, disturbance-based land management. A space-time permutation analysis is employed to discriminate systematic, management-oriented unauthorized fires from more arbitrary or socially deviant fire-setting behaviors. This paper argues that statistically significant space-time clusters of unauthorized fire occurrence represent informal management regimes linked to the legacy of traditional land management practices. Recent scholarship has pointed out that traditional management has actively promoted sustainable resource use and, in some cases, enhanced biodiversity often through the use of fire. Despite broad-scale displacement of traditional management during the 20th century, informal management practices may locally circumvent more formal and regionally dominant management regimes. Space-time permutation analysis identified 29 statistically significant fire regimes for the state of Georgia. The identified regimes are classified by region and land cover type and their implications for historically informed disturbance-based resource management are discussed.

Optimization of Injection Molding Parameters for HDPE/TiO2 Nanocomposites Fabrication with Multiple Performance Characteristics Using the Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis

PubMed Central

Pervez, Hifsa; Mozumder, Mohammad S.; Mourad, Abdel-Hamid I.

2016-01-01

The current study presents an investigation on the optimization of injection molding parameters of HDPE/TiO2 nanocomposites using grey relational analysis with the Taguchi method. Four control factors, including filler concentration (i.e., TiO2), barrel temperature, residence time and holding time, were chosen at three different levels of each. Mechanical properties, such as yield strength, Young’s modulus and elongation, were selected as the performance targets. Nine experimental runs were carried out based on the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, and the data were processed according to the grey relational steps. The optimal process parameters were found based on the average responses of the grey relational grades, and the ideal operating conditions were found to be a filler concentration of 5 wt % TiO2, a barrel temperature of 225 °C, a residence time of 30 min and a holding time of 20 s. Moreover, analysis of variance (ANOVA) has also been applied to identify the most significant factor, and the percentage of TiO2 nanoparticles was found to have the most significant effect on the properties of the HDPE/TiO2 nanocomposites fabricated through the injection molding process. PMID:28773830

Impact of posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: retrospective analysis of time to continence.

PubMed

Woo, Jason R; Shikanov, Sergey; Zorn, Kevin C; Shalhav, Arieh L; Zagaja, Gregory P

2009-12-01

Posterior rhabdosphincter (PR) reconstruction during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) was introduced in an attempt to improve postoperative continence. In the present study, we evaluate time to achieve continence in patients who are undergoing RARP with and without PR reconstruction. A prospective RARP database was searched for most recent cases that were accomplished with PR reconstruction (group 1, n = 69) or with standard technique (group 2, n = 63). We performed the analysis applying two definitions of continence: 0 pads per day or 0-1 security pad per day. Patients were evaluated by telephone interview. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. With PR reconstruction, continence was improved when defined as 0-1 security pad per day (median time of 90 vs 150 days; P = 0.01). This difference did not achieve statistical significance when continence was defined as 0 pads per day (P = 0.12). A statistically significant improvement in continence rate and time to achieve continence is seen in patients who are undergoing PR reconstruction during RARP, with continence defined as 0-1 security/safety pad per day. A larger, prospective and randomized study is needed to better understand the impact of this technique on postoperative continence.

Wildland Arson as Clandestine Resource Management: A Space-Time Permutation Analysis and Classification of Informal Fire Management Regimes in Georgia, USA.

PubMed

Coughlan, Michael R

2016-05-01

Forest managers are increasingly recognizing the value of disturbance-based land management techniques such as prescribed burning. Unauthorized, "arson" fires are common in the southeastern United States where a legacy of agrarian cultural heritage persists amidst an increasingly forest-dominated landscape. This paper reexamines unauthorized fire-setting in the state of Georgia, USA from a historical ecology perspective that aims to contribute to historically informed, disturbance-based land management. A space-time permutation analysis is employed to discriminate systematic, management-oriented unauthorized fires from more arbitrary or socially deviant fire-setting behaviors. This paper argues that statistically significant space-time clusters of unauthorized fire occurrence represent informal management regimes linked to the legacy of traditional land management practices. Recent scholarship has pointed out that traditional management has actively promoted sustainable resource use and, in some cases, enhanced biodiversity often through the use of fire. Despite broad-scale displacement of traditional management during the 20th century, informal management practices may locally circumvent more formal and regionally dominant management regimes. Space-time permutation analysis identified 29 statistically significant fire regimes for the state of Georgia. The identified regimes are classified by region and land cover type and their implications for historically informed disturbance-based resource management are discussed.

Quantitative three-dimensional microtextural analyses of tooth wear as a tool for dietary discrimination in fishes

PubMed Central

Purnell, Mark; Seehausen, Ole; Galis, Frietson

2012-01-01

Resource polymorphisms and competition for resources are significant factors in speciation. Many examples come from fishes, and cichlids are of particular importance because of their role as model organisms at the interface of ecology, development, genetics and evolution. However, analysis of trophic resource use in fishes can be difficult and time-consuming, and for fossil fish species it is particularly problematic. Here, we present evidence from cichlids that analysis of tooth microwear based on high-resolution (sub-micrometre scale) three-dimensional data and new ISO standards for quantification of surface textures provides a powerful tool for dietary discrimination and investigation of trophic resource exploitation. Our results suggest that three-dimensional approaches to analysis offer significant advantages over two-dimensional operator-scored methods of microwear analysis, including applicability to rough tooth surfaces that lack distinct scratches and pits. Tooth microwear textures develop over a longer period of time than is represented by stomach contents, and analyses based on textures are less prone to biases introduced by opportunistic feeding. They are more sensitive to subtle dietary differences than isotopic analysis. Quantitative textural analysis of tooth microwear has a useful role to play, complementing existing approaches, in trophic analysis of fishes—both extant and extinct. PMID:22491979

A longitudinal analysis of bibliometric and impact factor trends among the core international journals of nursing, 1977-2008.

PubMed

Smith, Derek R

2010-12-01

Although bibliometric analysis affords significant insight into the progression and distribution of information within a particular research field, detailed longitudinal studies of this type are rare within the field of nursing. This study aimed to investigate, from a bibliometric perspective, the progression and trends of core international nursing journals over the longest possible time period. A detailed bibliometric analysis was undertaken among 7 core international nursing periodicals using custom historical data sourced from the Thomson Reuters Journal Citation Reports®. In the 32 years between 1977 and 2008, the number of citations received by these 7 journals increased over 700%. A sustained and statistically significant (p<0.001) 3-fold increase was also observed in the average impact factor score during this period. Statistical analysis revealed that all periodicals experienced significant (p<0.001) improvements in their impact factors over time, with gains ranging from approximately 2- to 78-fold. Overall, this study provides one of the most comprehensive, longitudinal bibliometric analyses ever conducted in the field of nursing. Impressive and continual impact factor gains suggest that published nursing research is being increasingly seen, heard and cited in the international academic community. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gastrografin may reduce time to oral diet in prolonged post-operative ileus: a pooled analysis of two randomized trials.

PubMed

Milne, Tony G E; Vather, Ryash; O'Grady, Gregory; Miquel, Jordi; Biondo, Sebastiano; Bissett, Ian

2018-03-06

Gastrografin has been suggested as a rescue therapy for prolonged post-operative ileus (PPOI) but trial data has been inconclusive. This study aimed to determine the benefit of gastrografin use in patients with PPOI by pooling the results of two recent randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of gastrografin compared to placebo given at time of PPOI diagnosis. Anonymized, individual patient data from patients undergoing elective bowel resection for any indication were included, stoma closure was excluded. The primary outcome was duration of PPOI. Secondary outcomes were time to tolerate oral diet, passage of flatus/stool, requirement and duration of nasogastric tube, length of post-operative stay and rate of post-operative complications. Individual patient data were pooled for analysis (53 gastrografin, 55 placebo). Gastrografin trended towards a reduction in PPOI duration compared to placebo, respectively, median 96 h (interquartile range, IQR, 78 h) versus median 120 h (IQR, 84 h), however, this result was non-significant (P = 0.11). In addition, no significant difference was detected between the two groups for time to passage of flatus/stool (P = 0.36) and overall length of stay (P = 0.35). Gastrografin conferred a significantly faster time to tolerate an oral diet compared to placebo (median 84 h versus median 107 h, P = 0.04). There was no difference in post-operative complications between the two interventions (P > 0.05). Gastrografin did not significantly reduce PPOI duration or length of stay after abdominal surgery, but did reduce time to tolerate a solid diet. Further studies are required to clarify the role of gastrografin in PPOI. © 2018 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Effect of heating strategies on whey protein denaturation--Revisited by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Akkerman, M; Rauh, V M; Christensen, M; Johansen, L B; Hammershøj, M; Larsen, L B

2016-01-01

Previous standards in the area of effect of heat treatment processes on milk protein denaturation were based primarily on laboratory-scale analysis and determination of denaturation degrees by, for example, electrophoresis. In this study, whey protein denaturation was revisited by pilot-scale heating strategies and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LC/MC Q-TOF) analysis. Skim milk was heat treated by the use of 3 heating strategies, namely plate heat exchanger (PHE), tubular heat exchanger (THE), and direct steam injection (DSI), under various heating temperatures (T) and holding times. The effect of heating strategy on the degree of denaturation of β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin was determined using LC/MC Q-TOF of pH 4.5-soluble whey proteins. Furthermore, effect of heating strategy on the rennet-induced coagulation properties was studied by oscillatory rheometry. In addition, rennet-induced coagulation of heat-treated micellar casein concentrate subjected to PHE was studied. For skim milk, the whey protein denaturation increased significantly as T and holding time increased, regardless of heating method. High denaturation degrees were obtained for T >100°C using PHE and THE, whereas DSI resulted in significantly lower denaturation degrees, compared with PHE and THE. Rennet coagulation properties were impaired by increased T and holding time regardless of heating method, although DSI resulted in less impairment compared with PHE and THE. No significant difference was found between THE and PHE for effect on rennet coagulation time, whereas the curd firming rate was significantly larger for THE compared with PHE. Micellar casein concentrate possessed improved rennet coagulation properties compared with skim milk receiving equal heat treatment. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Health-related quality of life in Japanese men with localized prostate cancer: assessment with the SF-8.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Mikio; Takegami, Misa; Suzukamo, Yoshimi; Fukuhara, Shunichi; Kakehi, Yoshiyuki

2008-06-01

To evaluate health related quality of life (HRQOL) using the Medical Outcomes Study 8-items Short Form Health Survey (SF-8) questionnaire in Japanese patients with early prostate cancer. A cross-sectional analysis was done in 457 patients with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, androgen deprivation therapy, and watchful waiting or a combination these therapies. General HRQOL was measured using the Japanese version of the SF-8 questionnaire and disease-specific HRQOL was assessed using the Japanese version of the Extended Prostate Cancer Index Composite. The external beam radiotherapy group reported significantly lower values for the physical health component summary score (PCS) in comparison to the radical prostatectomy and brachytherapy groups (P < 0.05). In the analysis of both the PCS and the mental health component summary score (MCS) over time after treatment, higher scores with time were found in the radical prostatectomy group. No significant change over time after androgen deprivation therapy in the PCS was found. In contrast, the MCS was found to deteriorate in the early period, showing a significant increase over time. SF-8 in combination with the Extended Prostate Cancer Index Composite has shown to be a helpful tool in the HRQOL assessment of Japanese patients treated for localized prostate cancer.

Multidisciplinary and biodanza intervention for the management of fibromyalgia.

PubMed

Carbonell-Baeza, Ana; Ruiz, Jonatan R; Aparicio, Virginia A; Martins-Pereira, Clelia M; Gatto-Cardia, M Claudia; Martinez, Jose M; Ortega, Francisco B; Delgado-Fernandez, Manuel

2012-01-01

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a 16-week multidisciplinary (exercise plus psychological therapy) and biodanza intervention in women with fibromyalgia. Thirty-eight women with fibromyalgia were distributed to a 16-week multidisciplinary (3-times/week) intervention (n=21) or Biodanza (1-time/week) intervention (n=17). We assessed tender point, body composition, physical fitness and psychological outcomes (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Short-Form Health Survey 36 questionnaire (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory (VPMI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and General Self-Efficacy Scale). We observed a significant group*time interaction effect for the scales of SF-36 physical role (P=0.038) and social functioning (P=0.030) and for the passive coping scale in VPMI (P=0.043). Post hoc analysis revealed a significant improvement on social functioning (P=0.030) in the multidisciplinary group whereas it did not change in the Biodanza group. Post hoc analysis revealed a reduction in the use of passive coping (positive) (P less than 0.001) in the multidisciplinary group. There was no significant interaction or time effect in body composition and physical fitness. 16 weeks of multidisciplinary intervention induced greater benefits than a Biodanza intervention for social functioning and the use of passive coping strategies in women with fibromyalgia.

Analysis of cancer-related fatigue based on smart bracelet devices.

PubMed

Shen, Hong; Hou, Honglun; Tian, Wei; Wu, MingHui; Chen, Tianzhou; Zhong, Xian

2016-01-01

Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with cancer and its treatment, and profoundly affects all aspects of quality of life for cancer patients. It is very important to measure and manage cancer-related fatigue. Usually, the cancer-related fatigue scores, which estimate the degree of fatigue, are self-reported by cancer patients using standardized assessment tools. But most of the classical methods used for measurement of fatigue are subjective and inconvenient. In this study, we try to establish a new method to assess cancer-related fatigue objectively and accurately by using smart bracelet. All patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer wore smart bracelet for recording the physical activity including step count and sleep time before and after chemotherapy. Meantime, their psychological state was assessed by completing questionnaire tables as cancer-related fatigue scores. Step count record by smart bracelet reflecting the physical performance dramatically decreased in the initial days of chemotherapy and recovered in the next few days. Statistical analysis showed a strong and significant correlation between self-reported cancer-related fatigue and physical performance (P= 0.000, r=-0.929). Sleep time was also significantly correlated with fatigue (P= 0.000, r= 0.723). Multiple regression analysis showed that physical performance and sleep time are significant predictors of fatigue. Measuring activity using smart bracelets may be an appropriate method for quantitative and objective measurement of cancer-related fatigue by using smart bracelet devices.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of equine assisted activities and therapies on gross motor outcome in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Tseng, Sung-Hui; Chen, Hung-Chou; Tam, Ka-Wai

2013-01-01

To evaluate the literature on the efficacy of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) on gross motor outcomes representing the ICF component of body functions and activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies of hippotherapy (HPOT) and therapeutic horseback riding (TR) for children with spastic CP. Gross motor outcomes, assessed via muscle activity and muscle tone, gait, posture and Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM) were evaluated. Five TR studies and nine HPOT studies were included. Our meta-analysis indicated that short-term HPOT (total riding time 8-10 min) significantly reduced asymmetrical activity of the hip adductor muscles. HPOT could improve postural control in children with spastic CP, GMFCS level < 5. However, the evidence did not show a statistically significant effect on GMFM after long-term HPOT or TR (total riding time, 8-22 h) in children with spastic CP. This systematic review found insufficient evidence to support the claim that long-term TR or HPOT provide a significant benefit to children with spastic CP. We found no statistically significant evidence of either therapeutic effect or maintenance effects on the gross motor activity status in CP children.

Variations in algorithm implementation among quantitative texture analysis software packages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foy, Joseph J.; Mitta, Prerana; Nowosatka, Lauren R.; Mendel, Kayla R.; Li, Hui; Giger, Maryellen L.; Al-Hallaq, Hania; Armato, Samuel G.

2018-02-01

Open-source texture analysis software allows for the advancement of radiomics research. Variations in texture features, however, result from discrepancies in algorithm implementation. Anatomically matched regions of interest (ROIs) that captured normal breast parenchyma were placed in the magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 20 patients at two time points. Six first-order features and six gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features were calculated for each ROI using four texture analysis packages. Features were extracted using package-specific default GLCM parameters and using GLCM parameters modified to yield the greatest consistency among packages. Relative change in the value of each feature between time points was calculated for each ROI. Distributions of relative feature value differences were compared across packages. Absolute agreement among feature values was quantified by the intra-class correlation coefficient. Among first-order features, significant differences were found for max, range, and mean, and only kurtosis showed poor agreement. All six second-order features showed significant differences using package-specific default GLCM parameters, and five second-order features showed poor agreement; with modified GLCM parameters, no significant differences among second-order features were found, and all second-order features showed poor agreement. While relative texture change discrepancies existed across packages, these differences were not significant when consistent parameters were used.

Changes in Structural Connectivity Following a Cognitive Intervention in Children With Traumatic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Yuan, Weihong; Treble-Barna, Amery; Sohlberg, McKay M; Harn, Beth; Wade, Shari L

2017-02-01

Structural connectivity analysis based on graph theory and diffusion tensor imaging tractography is a novel method that quantifies the topological characteristics in the brain network. This study aimed to examine structural connectivity changes following the Attention Intervention and Management (AIM) program designed to improve attention and executive function (EF) in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Seventeen children with complicated mild to severe TBI (13.66 ± 2.68 years; >12 months postinjury) completed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurobehavioral measures at time 1, 10 of whom completed AIM and assessment at time 2. Eleven matched healthy comparison (HC) children (13.37 ± 2.08 years) completed MRI and neurobehavioral assessment at both time points, but did not complete AIM. Network characteristics were analyzed to quantify the structural connectivity before and after the intervention. Mixed model analyses showed that small-worldness was significantly higher in the TBI group than the HC group at time 1, and both small-worldness and normalized clustering coefficient decreased significantly at time 2 in the TBI group whereas the HC group remained relatively unchanged. Reductions in mean local efficiency were significantly correlated with improvements in verbal inhibition and both parent- and child-reported EF. Increased normalized characteristic path length was significantly correlated with improved sustained attention. The results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that graph theoretical analysis may be a sensitive tool in pediatric TBI for detecting ( a) abnormalities of structural connectivity in brain network and ( b) structural neuroplasticity associated with neurobehavioral improvement following a short-term intervention for attention and EF.

Evaluation of clinical and histopathologic prognostic factors for survival in canine osteosarcoma of the extracranial flat and irregular bones.

PubMed

Kruse, M A; Holmes, E S; Balko, J A; Fernandez, S; Brown, D C; Goldschmidt, M H

2013-07-01

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs. However, current literature focuses primarily on appendicular osteosarcoma. This study examined the prognostic value of histological and clinical factors in flat and irregular bone osteosarcomas and hypothesized that clinical factors would have a significant association with survival time while histological factors would not. All osteosarcoma biopsy samples of the vertebra, rib, sternum, scapula, or pelvis were reviewed while survival information and clinical data were obtained from medical records, veterinarians, and owners. Forty-six dogs were included in the analysis of histopathological variables and 27 dogs with complete clinical data were included in the analysis of clinical variables. In the histopathologic cox regression model, there was no significant association between any histologic feature of osteosarcoma, including grade, and survival time. In the clinical cox regression model, there was a significant association between the location of the tumor and survival time as well as between the percent elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) above normal and survival time. Controlling for ALP elevation, dogs with osteosarcoma located in the scapula had a significantly greater hazard for death (2.8) compared to dogs with tumors in other locations. Controlling for tumor location, every 100% increase in ALP from normal increased the hazard for death by 1.7. For canine osteosarcomas of the flat and irregular bones, histopathological features, including grade do not appear to be rigorous predictors of survival. Clinical variables such as increased ALP levels and tumor location in the scapula were associated with decreased survival times.

Estimation of surface heat and moisture fluxes over a prairie grassland. II - Two-dimensional time filtering and site variability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crosson, William L.; Smith, Eric A.

1992-01-01

The behavior of in situ measurements of surface fluxes obtained during FIFE 1987 is examined by using correlative and spectral techniques in order to assess the significance of fluctuations on various time scales, from subdiurnal up to synoptic, intraseasonal, and annual scales. The objectives of this analysis are: (1) to determine which temporal scales have a significant impact on areal averaged fluxes and (2) to design a procedure for filtering an extended flux time series that preserves the basic diurnal features and longer time scales while removing high frequency noise that cannot be attributed to site-induced variation. These objectives are accomplished through the use of a two-dimensional cross-time Fourier transform, which serves to separate processes inherently related to diurnal and subdiurnal variability from those which impact flux variations on the longer time scales. A filtering procedure is desirable before the measurements are utilized as input with an experimental biosphere model, to insure that model based intercomparisons at multiple sites are uncontaminated by input variance not related to true site behavior. Analysis of the spectral decomposition indicates that subdiurnal time scales having periods shorter than 6 hours have little site-to-site consistency and therefore little impact on areal integrated fluxes.

Death anxiety as a predictor of future time orientation among individuals with spinal cord injuries.

PubMed

Martz, E; Livneh, H

2003-09-16

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between death anxiety and future time orientation among individuals who sustained spinal cord injuries (SCI). Participants were 317 individuals with SCI, of whom 57.4% were US veterans. Data were obtained by means of mailed questionnaires and included responses to the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), the Future Time Orientation (FTOS) measure, as well as information on participants' personal and disability-related characteristics. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the influence of a set of demographic variables, followed by a set of disability-related variables, and finally two factorially-derived measures of death anxiety (denial of death and distressed awareness of death) on future time orientation. Two disability-related variables (pain level and existence of pressure ulcers) and one of the two death anxiety measures (distressed awareness of death) significantly predicted future time orientation. A post-hoc analysis, adding depression as a predictor, was also significant, indicating that an increased level of depression uniquely contributed to a truncated future time orientation. Distressed anxiety and depression may be important factors affecting goals and plans of people with SCI. Future research should attempt to clarify the intricate relationships among negative affectivity, future time orientation, and psychosocial adaptation to SCI.

18F-FET PET prior to recurrent high-grade glioma re-irradiation-additional prognostic value of dynamic time-to-peak analysis and early static summation images?

PubMed

Fleischmann, Daniel F; Unterrainer, Marcus; Bartenstein, Peter; Belka, Claus; Albert, Nathalie L; Niyazi, Maximilian

2017-04-01

Most high-grade gliomas (HGG) recur after initial multimodal therapy and re-irradiation (Re-RT) has been shown to be a valuable re-treatment option in selected patients. We evaluated the prognostic value of dynamic time-to-peak analysis and early static summation images in O-(2- 18 F-fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine ( 18 F-FET) PET for patients treated with Re-RT ± concomitant bevacizumab. We retrospectively analyzed 72 patients suffering from recurrent HGG with 18 F-FET PET prior to Re-RT. PET analysis revealed the maximal tumor-to-background-ratio (TBR max ), the biological tumor volume, the number of PET-foci and pattern of time-activity-curves (TACs; increasing vs. decreasing). Furthermore, the novel PET parameters early TBR max (at 5-15 min post-injection) and minimal time-to-peak (TTP min ) were evaluated. Additional analysis was performed for gender, age, KPS, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase methylation status, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutational status, WHO grade and concomitant bevacizumab therapy. The influence of PET and clinical parameters on post-recurrence survival (PRS) was investigated. Shorter TTP min was related to shorter PRS after Re-RT with 6 months for TTP min  < 12.5 min, 7 months for TTP min 12.5-25 min and 11 months for TTP min >25 min (p = 0.027). TTP min had a significant impact on PRS both on univariate (p = 0.027; continuous) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.011; continuous). Other factors significantly related to PRS on multivariate analysis were increasing vs. decreasing TACs (p = 0.008) and Karnofsky Performance Score (p = 0.015; <70 vs. ≥70). Early TBR max as well as the other conventional PET parameters were not significantly related to PRS on univariate analysis. Dynamic 18 F-FET PET with TTP min provides a high prognostic value for recurrent HGG prior to Re-RT, whereas early TBR max does not. Dynamic 18 F-FET PET using TTP min might help to personalize Re-RT treatment regimens in future through voxelwise TTP min analysis for dose painting purposes and PET-guided dose escalation.

Evaluation of the Circulatory Dynamics by using the Windkessel Model in Different Body Positions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotani, Kiyoshi; Iida, Fumiaki; Ogawa, Yutaro; Takamasu, Kiyoshi; Jimbo, Yasuhiko

Autonomic nervous system is important in maintaining homeostasis by the opposing effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity on organs. However, it is known that they are at times simultaneously increased or decreased in cases of strong fear or depression. Therefore, it is required to evaluate sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity independently. In this paper, we propose a method to evaluate sympathetic nervous activity by analyzing the decreases in blood pressure by utilizing the Windkessel model. Experiments are performed in sitting and standing positions for 380 s, respectively. First, we evaluate the effects of length for analysis on the Windkessel time constant. We shorten the length for analysis by multiplying constant coefficients (1.0, 0.9, and 0.8) to the length of blood pressure decrease and then cut-out the waveform for analysis. Then it is found that the Windkessel time constant is decreased as the length for analysis is shortened. This indicates that the length for analysis should be matched when the different experiments are compared. Second, we compare the Windkessel time constant of sitting to that of standing by matching their length for analysis. With statistically significant difference (P<0.05) the results indicate that the Windkessel time constant is larger in the sitting position. Through our observations this difference in the Windkessel time constant is caused by sympathetic nervous activity on vascular smooth muscle.

Neural correlates of true and false memory in mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Sweeney-Reed, Catherine M; Riddell, Patricia M; Ellis, Judi A; Freeman, Jayne E; Nasuto, Slawomir J

2012-01-01

The goal of this research was to investigate the changes in neural processing in mild cognitive impairment. We measured phase synchrony, amplitudes, and event-related potentials in veridical and false memory to determine whether these differed in participants with mild cognitive impairment compared with typical, age-matched controls. Empirical mode decomposition phase locking analysis was used to assess synchrony, which is the first time this analysis technique has been applied in a complex cognitive task such as memory processing. The technique allowed assessment of changes in frontal and parietal cortex connectivity over time during a memory task, without a priori selection of frequency ranges, which has been shown previously to influence synchrony detection. Phase synchrony differed significantly in its timing and degree between participant groups in the theta and alpha frequency ranges. Timing differences suggested greater dependence on gist memory in the presence of mild cognitive impairment. The group with mild cognitive impairment had significantly more frontal theta phase locking than the controls in the absence of a significant behavioural difference in the task, providing new evidence for compensatory processing in the former group. Both groups showed greater frontal phase locking during false than true memory, suggesting increased searching when no actual memory trace was found. Significant inter-group differences in frontal alpha phase locking provided support for a role for lower and upper alpha oscillations in memory processing. Finally, fronto-parietal interaction was significantly reduced in the group with mild cognitive impairment, supporting the notion that mild cognitive impairment could represent an early stage in Alzheimer's disease, which has been described as a 'disconnection syndrome'.

Significance of clonal rearrangements of lymphocyte antigen receptor genes on the prognosis of chronic enteropathy in 22 Shiba dogs.

PubMed

Ohmi, Aki; Ohno, Koichi; Uchida, Kazuyuki; Goto-Koshino, Yuko; Tomiyasu, Hirotaka; Kanemoto, Hideyuki; Fukushima, Kenjiro; Tsujimoto, Hajime

2017-09-29

Shiba dogs are predisposed to chronic enteropathy (CE) and have poorer prognosis than other dog breeds. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) results on clinical findings and prognosis of Shiba dogs with CE. We retrospectively collected data on 22 Shiba dogs diagnosed as having CE. Fifty-nine percent of the dogs had clonality-positive results on PARR analysis. Furthermore, on histopathology, epitheliotropic behavior of small lymphocytes of the intestinal mucosa was observed significantly more frequently in dogs with clonal rearrangement of antigen receptor genes (P=0.027). The median overall survival time of clonality-positive dogs was 48 days (range, 4-239 days), compared to 271 days (range, 45-1,316+ days) in clonality-negative dogs. The median overall survival time of epitheliotropism-positive dogs was 76 days (range, 30-349 days) compared to 239 days (range, 4-1,316+ days) for epitheliotropism-negative dogs. Statistical analysis revealed that the clonality-positive result was associated with significantly shorter survival time (P=0.036). In contrast, presence or absence of epitheliotropism had no statistically significant effect on survival time (P=0.223). These cases might appropriately be diagnosed as small T-cell intestinal lymphoma; there are some common clinical and pathogenic features with human enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma type 2. The pathogenesis and poor prognosis for Shiba dogs with CE seem to be associated with this type of lymphoma, although further investigation is warranted.

Quantitative analysis of changes in salivary mutans streptococci after orthodontic treatment.

PubMed

Jung, Woo-Sun; Kim, Ho; Park, So-Yoon; Cho, Eun-Jung; Ahn, Sug-Joon

2014-05-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the initial changes in salivary mutans streptococci levels after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Our subjects consisted of 58 adults. Whole saliva and simplified oral hygiene index values were obtained at 4 time points: at debonding (T1), 1 week after debonding (T2), 5 weeks after debonding (T3), and 13 weeks after debonding (T4). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine the time-related differences in salivary bacterial levels and the simplified oral hygiene index values among the 4 time points after quantifying the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and total bacteria with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Simplified oral hygiene index values and total bacteria significantly decreased, but salivary mutans streptococci levels significantly increased after orthodontic treatment. The amounts of total bacteria in saliva significantly decreased at T3 (T1, T2 > T3, T4), and the simplified oral hygiene index values decreased at T2 (T1 > T2, T3, T4). However, salivary S mutans and S sobrinus significantly increased at T3 and T4, respectively (T1, T2 < T3 < T4). Furthermore, the proportion of mutans streptococci to total bacteria significantly increased at T4 (T1, T2, T3 < T4). This study suggests that careful hygienic procedures are needed to reduce the risk for dental caries after orthodontic treatment, despite overall improved oral hygiene status. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Managing Complexity in Evidence Analysis: A Worked Example in Pediatric Weight Management.

PubMed

Parrott, James Scott; Henry, Beverly; Thompson, Kyle L; Ziegler, Jane; Handu, Deepa

2018-05-02

Nutrition interventions are often complex and multicomponent. Typical approaches to meta-analyses that focus on individual causal relationships to provide guideline recommendations are not sufficient to capture this complexity. The objective of this study is to describe the method of meta-analysis used for the Pediatric Weight Management (PWM) Guidelines update and provide a worked example that can be applied in other areas of dietetics practice. The effects of PWM interventions were examined for body mass index (BMI), body mass index z-score (BMIZ), and waist circumference at four different time periods. For intervention-level effects, intervention types were identified empirically using multiple correspondence analysis paired with cluster analysis. Pooled effects of identified types were examined using random effects meta-analysis models. Differences in effects among types were examined using meta-regression. Context-level effects are examined using qualitative comparative analysis. Three distinct types (or families) of PWM interventions were identified: medical nutrition, behavioral, and missing components. Medical nutrition and behavioral types showed statistically significant improvements in BMIZ across all time points. Results were less consistent for BMI and waist circumference, although four distinct patterns of weight status change were identified. These varied by intervention type as well as outcome measure. Meta-regression indicated statistically significant differences between the medical nutrition and behavioral types vs the missing component type for both BMIZ and BMI, although the pattern varied by time period and intervention type. Qualitative comparative analysis identified distinct configurations of context characteristics at each time point that were consistent with positive outcomes among the intervention types. Although analysis of individual causal relationships is invaluable, this approach is inadequate to capture the complexity of dietetics practice. An alternative approach that integrates intervention-level with context-level meta-analyses may provide deeper understanding in the development of practice guidelines. Copyright © 2018 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glyburide-Novel Prophylaxis and Effective Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

between apnea and various neurological abnormalities measured at 24 hours and at later times. Indeed, our analysis showed a high degree of correlation...7 and 14 after blast-TBI. Conventional Analysis . After blast-TBI, we observed significant deficits in un- coerced (spontaneous Rearing) and in...intensity-response” relationship between blast intensity and outcome. Detailed analysis of the outcomes at 24 hours in individual animals showed

Analysing Time to Event Data in Dementia Prevention Trials: The Example of the GuidAge Study of EGb761.

PubMed

Scherrer, B; Andrieu, S; Ousset, P J; Berrut, G; Dartigues, J F; Dubois, B; Pasquier, F; Piette, F; Robert, P; Touchon, J; Garnier, P; Mathiex-Fortunet, H; Vellas, B

2015-12-01

Time-to-event analysis is frequently used in medical research to investigate potential disease-modifying treatments in neurodegenerative diseases. Potential treatment effects are generally evaluated using the logrank test, which has optimal power and sensitivity when the treatment effect (hazard ratio) is constant over time. However, there is generally no prior information as to how the hazard ratio for the event of interest actually evolves. In these cases, the logrank test is not necessarily the most appropriate to use. When the hazard ratio is expected to decrease or increase over time, alternative statistical tests such as the Fleming-Harrington test, provide a better sensitivity. An example of this comes from a large, five-year randomised, placebo-controlled prevention trial (GuidAge) in 2854 community-based subjects making spontaneous memory complaints to their family physicians, which evaluated whether treatment with EGb761 can modify the risk of developing AD. The primary outcome measure was the time to conversion from memory complaint to Alzheimer's type dementia. Although there was no significant difference in the hazard function of conversion between the two treatment groups according to the preplanned logrank test, a significant treatment-by-time interaction for the incidence of AD was observed in a protocol-specified subgroup analysis, suggesting that the hazard ratio is not constant over time. For this reason, additional post hoc analyses were performed using the Fleming-Harrington test to evaluate whether there was a signal of a late effect of EGb761. Applying the Fleming-Harrington test, the hazard function for conversion to dementia in the placebo group was significantly different from that in the EGb761 treatment group (p = 0.0054), suggesting a late effect of EGb761. Since this was a post hoc analysis, no definitive conclusions can be drawn as to the effectiveness of the treatment. This post hoc analysis illustrates the interest of performing another randomised clinical trial of EGb761 explicitly testing the hypothesis of a late treatment effect, as well as of using of better adapted statistical approaches for long term preventive trials when it is expected that prevention cannot have an immediate effect but rather a delayed effect that increases over time.

The Temporal Propagation of Intrinsic Brain Activity Associate With the Occurrence of PTSD.

PubMed

Weng, Yifei; Qi, Rongfeng; Chen, Feng; Ke, Jun; Xu, Qiang; Zhong, Yuan; Chen, Lida; Li, Jianjun; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Li; Lu, Guangming

2018-01-01

The abnormal brain activity is a pivotal condition for the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the dynamic time features of intrinsic brain activities still remain unclearly in PTSD patients. Our study aims to perform the resting-state lag analysis (RS-LA) method to explore potential propagated patterns of intrinsic brain activities in PTSD patients. We recruited 27 drug-naive patients with PTSD, 33 trauma-exposed controls (TEC), and 30 demographically matched healthy controls (HC) in the final data statistics. Both RS-LA and conventional voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS) methods were employed on the same dataset. Then, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted on time latency values of those abnormal brain regions with the clinical assessments. Compared with HC group, the time latency patterns of PTSD patients significantly shifted toward later in posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, middle prefrontal cortex, right angular, and left pre- and post-central cortex. The TEC group tended to have similar time latency in right angular. Additionally, significant time latency in right STG was found in PTSD group relative to TEC group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the time latency value of mPFC negatively correlated to the PTSD checklist-civilian version scores (PCL_C) in PTSD group ( r = -0.578, P < 0.05). Furthermore, group differences map of FCS exhibited parts of overlapping areas with that of RS-LA, however, less specificity in detecting PTSD patients. In conclusion, apparent alterations of time latency were observed in DMN and primary sensorimotor areas of PTSD patients. These findings provide us with new evidence to explain the neural pathophysiology contributing to PTSD.

The Effects of Bolus Volume and Texture on Pharyngeal Pressure Events Using High-resolution Manometry and Its Comparison with Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

PubMed Central

Ryu, Ju Seok; Park, Donghwi; Oh, Yoongul; Lee, Seok Tae; Kang, Jin Young

2016-01-01

Background/Aims The purpose of this study was to develop new parameters of high-resolution manometry (HRM) and to applicate these to quantify the effect of bolus volume and texture on pharyngeal swallowing. Methods Ten healthy subjects prospectively swallowed dry, thin fluid 2 mL, thin fluid 5 mL, thin fluid 10 mL, and drinking twice to compare effects of bolus volume. To compare effect of texture, subjects swallowed thin fluid 5 mL, yogurt 5 mL, and bread twice. A 32-sensor HRM catheter and BioVIEW ANALYSIS software were used for data collection and analysis. HRM data were synchronized with kinematic analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) using epiglottis tilting. Results Linear correlation analysis for volume showed significant correlation for area of velopharynx, duration of velopharynx, pre-upper esophageal sphincter (UES) maximal pressure, minimal UES pressure, UES activity time, and nadir UES duration. In the correlation with texture, all parameters were not significantly different. The contraction of the velopharynx was faster than laryngeal elevation. The durations of UES relaxation was shorter in the kinematic analysis than HRM. Conclusions The bolus volume was shown to have significant effect on pharyngeal pressure and timing, but the texture did not show any effect on pharyngeal swallowing. The parameters of HRM were more sensitive than those of kinematic analysis. As the parameters of HRM are based on precise anatomic structure and the kinematic analysis reflects the actions of multiple anatomic structures, HRM and VFSS should be used according to their purposes. PMID:26598598

Evaluation of Time Spent by Pharmacists and Nurses Based on the Location of Pharmacist Involvement in Medication History Collection.

PubMed

Chhabra, Anmol; Quinn, Andrea; Ries, Amanda

2018-01-01

Accurate history collection is integral to medication reconciliation. Studies support pharmacy involvement in the process, but assessment of global time spent is limited. The authors hypothesized the location of a medication-focused interview would impact time spent. The objective was to compare time spent by pharmacists and nurses based on the location of a medication-focused interview. Time spent by the interviewing pharmacist, admitting nurse, and centralized pharmacist verifying admission orders was collected. Patient groups were based on whether the interview was conducted in the emergency department (ED) or medical floor. The primary end point was a composite of the 3 time points. Secondary end points were individual time components and number and types of transcription discrepancies identified during medical floor interviews. Pharmacists and nurses spent an average of ten fewer minutes per ED patient versus a medical floor patient ( P = .028). Secondary end points were not statistically significant. Transcription discrepancies were identified at a rate of 1 in 4 medications. Post hoc analysis revealed the time spent by pharmacists and nurses was 2.4 minutes shorter per medication when interviewed in the ED ( P < .001). The primary outcome was statistically and clinically significant. Limitations included inability to blind and lack of cost-saving analysis. Pharmacist involvement in ED medication reconciliation leads to time savings during the admission process.

Detecting PM2.5's Correlations between Neighboring Cities Using a Time-Lagged Cross-Correlation Coefficient.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Wang, Lin; Chen, Yuming

2017-08-31

In order to investigate the time-dependent cross-correlations of fine particulate (PM2.5) series among neighboring cities in Northern China, in this paper, we propose a new cross-correlation coefficient, the time-lagged q-L dependent height crosscorrelation coefficient (denoted by p q (τ, L)), which incorporates the time-lag factor and the fluctuation amplitude information into the analogous height cross-correlation analysis coefficient. Numerical tests are performed to illustrate that the newly proposed coefficient ρ q (τ, L) can be used to detect cross-correlations between two series with time lags and to identify different range of fluctuations at which two series possess cross-correlations. Applying the new coefficient to analyze the time-dependent cross-correlations of PM2.5 series between Beijing and the three neighboring cities of Tianjin, Zhangjiakou, and Baoding, we find that time lags between the PM2.5 series with larger fluctuations are longer than those between PM2.5 series withsmaller fluctuations. Our analysis also shows that cross-correlations between the PM2.5 series of two neighboring cities are significant and the time lags between two PM2.5 series of neighboring cities are significantly non-zero. These findings providenew scientific support on the view that air pollution in neighboring cities can affect one another not simultaneously but with a time lag.

Root cause analysis of laboratory turnaround times for patients in the emergency department.

PubMed

Fernandes, Christopher M B; Worster, Andrew; Hill, Stephen; McCallum, Catherine; Eva, Kevin

2004-03-01

Laboratory investigations are essential to patient care and are conducted routinely in emergency departments (EDs). This study reports the turnaround times at an academic, tertiary care ED, using root cause analysis to identify potential areas of improvement. Our objectives were to compare the laboratory turnaround times with established benchmarks and identify root causes for delays. Turnaround and process event times for a consecutive sample of hemoglobin and potassium measurements were recorded during an 8-day study period using synchronized time stamps. A log transformation (ln [minutes + 1]) was performed to normalize the time data, which were then compared with established benchmarks using one-sample t tests. The turnaround time for hemoglobin was significantly less than the established benchmark (n = 140, t = -5.69, p < 0.001) and that of potassium was significantly greater (n = 121, t = 12.65, p < 0.001). The hemolysis rate was 5.8%, with 0.017% of samples needing recollection. Causes of delays included order-processing time, a high proportion (43%) of tests performed on patients who had been admitted but were still in the ED waiting for a bed, and excessive laboratory process times for potassium. The turnaround time for hemoglobin (18 min) met the established benchmark, but that for potassium (49 min) did not. Root causes for delay were order-processing time, excessive queue and instrument times for potassium and volume of tests for admitted patients. Further study of these identified causes of delays is required to see whether laboratory TATs can be reduced.

Impact of Smartphone Applications on Timing of Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: A Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Alotaibi, Naif M; Sarzetto, Francesca; Guha, Daipayan; Lu, Michael; Bodo, Andre; Gupta, Shaurya; Dyer, Erin; Howard, Peter; da Costa, Leodante; Swartz, Richard H; Boyle, Karl; Nathens, Avery B; Yang, Victor X D

2017-11-01

The metrics of imaging-to-puncture and imaging-to-reperfusion were recently found to be associated with the clinical outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. However, measures for improving workflow within hospitals to achieve better timing results are largely unexplored for endovascular therapy. The aim of this study was to examine our experience with a novel smartphone application developed in house to improve our timing metrics for endovascular treatment. We developed an encrypted smartphone application connecting all stroke team members to expedite conversations and to provide synchronized real-time updates on the time window from stroke onset to imaging and to puncture. The effects of the application on the timing of endovascular therapy were evaluated with a secondary analysis of our single-center cohort. Our primary outcome was imaging-to-puncture time. We assessed the outcomes with nonparametric tests of statistical significance. Forty-five patients met our criteria for analysis among 66 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who received endovascular therapy at our institution. After the implementation of the smartphone application, imaging-to-puncture time was significantly reduced (preapplication median time, 127 minutes; postapplication time, 69 minutes; P < 0.001). Puncture-to-reperfusion time was not affected by the application use (42 minutes vs. 36 minutes). The use of smartphone applications may reduce treatment times for endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Using multifractal analysis of ultra-weak photon emission from germinating wheat seedlings to differentiate between two grades of intoxication with potassium dichromate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scholkmann, Felix; Cifra, Michal; Alexandre Moraes, Thiago; de Mello Gallep, Cristiano

2011-12-01

The aim of the present study was to test whether the multifractal properties of ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) from germinating wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum) change when the seedlings are treated with different concentrations of the toxin potassium dichromate (PD). To this end, UPE was measured (50 seedlings in one Petri dish, duration: approx. 16.6- 28 h) from samples of three groups: (i) control (group C, N = 9), (ii) treated with 25 ppm of PD (group G25, N = 32), and (iii) treated with 150 ppm of PD (group G150, N = 23). For the multifractal analysis, the following steps where performed: (i) each UPE time series was trimmed to a final length of 1000 min; (ii) each UPE time series was filtered, linear detrended and normalized; (iii) the multifractal spectrum (f(α)) was calculated for every UPE time series using the backward multifractal detrended moving average (MFDMA) method; (iv) each multifractal spectrum was characterized by calculating the mode (αmode) of the spectrum and the degree of multifractality (Δα) (v) for every UPE time series its mean, skewness and kurtosis were also calculated; finally (vi) all obtained parameters where analyzed to determine their ability to differentiate between the three groups. This was based on Fisher's discriminant ratio (FDR), which was calculated for each parameter combination. Additionally, a non-parametric test was used to test whether the parameter values are significantly different or not. The analysis showed that when comparing all the three groups, FDR had the highest values for the multifractal parameters (αmode, Δα). Furthermore, the differences in these parameters between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The classical parameters (mean, skewness and kurtosis) had lower FDR values than the multifractal parameters in all cases and showed no significant difference between the groups (except for the skewness between group C and G150). In conclusion, multifractal analysis enables changes in UPE time series to be detected even when they are hidden for normal linear signal analysis methods. The analysis of changes in the multifractal properties might be a basis to design a classification system enabling the intoxication of cell cultures to be quantified based on UPE measurements.

Improving laboratory results turnaround time by reducing pre analytical phase.

PubMed

Khalifa, Mohamed; Khalid, Parwaiz

2014-01-01

Laboratory turnaround time is considered one of the most important indicators of work efficiency in hospitals, physicians always need timely results to take effective clinical decisions especially in the emergency department where these results can guide physicians whether to admit patients to the hospital, discharge them home or do further investigations. A retrospective data analysis study was performed to identify the effects of ER and Lab staff training on new routines for sample collection and transportation on the pre-analytical phase of turnaround time. Renal profile tests requested by the ER and performed in 2013 has been selected as a sample, and data about 7,519 tests were retrieved and analyzed to compare turnaround time intervals before and after implementing new routines. Results showed significant time reduction on "Request to Sample Collection" and "Collection to In Lab Delivery" time intervals with less significant improvement on the analytical phase of the turnaround time.

A longitudinal analysis of burnout in middle and high school Korean teachers.

PubMed

Park, Yang Min; Lee, Sang Min

2013-12-01

This study examines longitudinal relationships among three burnout dimensions in middle and high school teachers. For this study, 419 middle and high school teachers participated in a panel survey, which was conducted in three waves. Using Amos 7.0, we performed autoregressive cross-lagged modeling to obtain a complete picture of the longitudinal relationships among the three factors of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educator Survey. Results indicated that the paths from emotional exhaustion at Time1 and Time2 to depersonalization at Time2 and Time3 were statistically significant. In addition, the paths from personal accomplishment at Time1 and Time2 to depersonalization at Time2 and Time3 were also statistically significant. Empirically identifying the process by which burnout occurs could help practitioners and policy makers to design burnout prevention strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

When Interpolation-Induced Reflection Artifact Meets Time-Frequency Analysis.

PubMed

Lin, Yu-Ting; Flandrin, Patrick; Wu, Hau-Tieng

2016-10-01

While extracting the temporal dynamical features based on the time-frequency analyses, like the reassignment and synchrosqueezing transform, attracts more and more interest in biomedical data analysis, we should be careful about artifacts generated by interpolation schemes, in particular when the sampling rate is not significantly higher than the frequency of the oscillatory component we are interested in. We formulate the problem called the reflection effect and provide a theoretical justification of the statement. We also show examples in the anesthetic depth analysis with clear but undesirable artifacts. The artifact associated with the reflection effect exists not only theoretically but practically as well. Its influence is pronounced when we apply the time-frequency analyses to extract the time-varying dynamics hidden inside the signal. We have to carefully deal with the artifact associated with the reflection effect by choosing a proper interpolation scheme.

Flow Injection Mass Spectral Fingerprints Demonstrate Chemical Differences in Rio Red Grapefruit with Respect to Year, Harvest Time, and Conventional versus Organic Farming

PubMed Central

Chen, Pei; Harnly, James M.; Lester, Gene E.

2013-01-01

Spectral fingerprints were acquired for Rio Red grapefruit using flow injection electrospray ionization with ion trap and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (FI-ESI-IT-MS and FI-ESI-TOF-MS). Rio Red grapefruits were harvested 3 times a year (early, mid, and late harvests) in 2005 and 2006 from conventionally and organically grown trees. Data analysis using analysis of variance principal component analysis (ANOVA-PCA) demonstrated that, for both MS systems, the chemical patterns were different as a function of farming mode (conventional vs organic), as well as growing year and time of harvest. This was visually obvious with PCA and was shown to be statistically significant using ANOVA. The spectral fingerprints provided a more inclusive view of the chemical composition of the grapefruit and extended previous conclusions regarding the chemical differences between conventionally and organically grown Rio Red grapefruit. PMID:20337420

Target Identification Using Harmonic Wavelet Based ISAR Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shreyamsha Kumar, B. K.; Prabhakar, B.; Suryanarayana, K.; Thilagavathi, V.; Rajagopal, R.

2006-12-01

A new approach has been proposed to reduce the computations involved in the ISAR imaging, which uses harmonic wavelet-(HW) based time-frequency representation (TFR). Since the HW-based TFR falls into a category of nonparametric time-frequency (T-F) analysis tool, it is computationally efficient compared to parametric T-F analysis tools such as adaptive joint time-frequency transform (AJTFT), adaptive wavelet transform (AWT), and evolutionary AWT (EAWT). Further, the performance of the proposed method of ISAR imaging is compared with the ISAR imaging by other nonparametric T-F analysis tools such as short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and Choi-Williams distribution (CWD). In the ISAR imaging, the use of HW-based TFR provides similar/better results with significant (92%) computational advantage compared to that obtained by CWD. The ISAR images thus obtained are identified using a neural network-based classification scheme with feature set invariant to translation, rotation, and scaling.

Time Series Data Analysis of Wireless Sensor Network Measurements of Temperature.

PubMed

Bhandari, Siddhartha; Bergmann, Neil; Jurdak, Raja; Kusy, Branislav

2017-05-26

Wireless sensor networks have gained significant traction in environmental signal monitoring and analysis. The cost or lifetime of the system typically depends on the frequency at which environmental phenomena are monitored. If sampling rates are reduced, energy is saved. Using empirical datasets collected from environmental monitoring sensor networks, this work performs time series analyses of measured temperature time series. Unlike previous works which have concentrated on suppressing the transmission of some data samples by time-series analysis but still maintaining high sampling rates, this work investigates reducing the sampling rate (and sensor wake up rate) and looks at the effects on accuracy. Results show that the sampling period of the sensor can be increased up to one hour while still allowing intermediate and future states to be estimated with interpolation RMSE less than 0.2 °C and forecasting RMSE less than 1 °C.

Cost Analysis of Implementing Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Plus Real-Time Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention for Bloodstream Infections.

PubMed

Patel, Twisha S; Kaakeh, Rola; Nagel, Jerod L; Newton, Duane W; Stevenson, James G

2017-01-01

Studies evaluating rapid diagnostic testing plus stewardship intervention have consistently demonstrated improved clinical outcomes for patients with bloodstream infections. However, the cost of implementing new rapid diagnostic testing can be significant, and such testing usually does not generate additional revenue. There are minimal data evaluating the impact of adding matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for rapid organism identification and dedicating pharmacy stewardship personnel time on the total hospital costs. A cost analysis was performed utilizing patient data generated from the hospital cost accounting system and included additional costs of MALDI-TOF equipment, supplies and personnel, and dedicated pharmacist time for blood culture review and of making interventions to antimicrobial therapy. The cost analysis was performed from a hospital perspective for 3-month blocks before and after implementation of MALDI-TOF plus stewardship intervention. A total of 480 patients with bloodstream infections were included in the analysis: 247 in the preintervention group and 233 in the intervention group. Thirty-day mortality was significantly improved in the intervention group (12% versus 21%, P < 0.01), and the mean length of stay was reduced, although the difference was not statistically significant (13.0 ± 16.5 days versus 14.2 ± 16.7 days, P = 0.44). The total hospital cost per bloodstream infection was lower in the intervention group ($42,580 versus $45,019). Intensive care unit cost per bloodstream infection accounted for the largest share of the total costs in each group and was also lower in the intervention group ($10,833 versus $13,727). Implementing MALDI-TOF plus stewardship review and intervention decreased mortality for patients with bloodstream infections. Despite the additional costs of implementing MALDI-TOF and of dedicating pharmacy stewardship personnel time to interventions, the total hospital costs decreased by $2,439 per bloodstream infection, for an approximate annual cost savings of $2.34 million. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Microbiology.

Analysis of electrical and magnetic bio-signals associated with motor performance and fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Bing

This dissertation reports findings centered principally on comprehensive research related to human bio-signals (EEG, MEG, EMG and fMRI) acquired during repetitive maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) that induced severe fatigue. Fatigue is a common experience that reduces productivity and quality of life and increases chances of injury. Although abundant information has been gained in the last several decades regarding muscular and spinal-level mechanisms of muscle fatigue, very little is known about how cortical centers control and respond to fatigue. The main purpose of this study was to examine the fatigue effects on the central nervous system by analyzing the bio-signals collected in the designed experiments. Healthy human subjects were asked to perform a series of repetitive handgrip MVCs with their dominant hand until exhaustion. Handgrip forces, electrical activity (EMG) from primary and non-primary muscles, and EEG, MEG, or fMRI signals from different locations of the brain were recorded simultaneously. The time series data were segmented into several physiologically meaningful epochs (time phases), from rest to preparation to movement execution/sustaining. A series of studies, including motor-related cortical potential (MRCP) analysis, power spectrum analysis, time-frequency (spectrogram) analysis of EEG, EEG source localization and nonlinear analysis (fractal dimension and largest Lyapunov exponent), and fMRI analysis, was applied to the data. We hypothesized that the fatigue effects would act differently on brain signals of different phases. The MRCP results showed that the negative potential (NP) related to motor task preparation only had minimal changes with fatigue. The power of all EEG frequencies did not alter significantly during the preparation phase but decreased significantly during the sustained phase of the contraction. The fractal dimension and the largest Lyapunov exponent decreased significantly during the sustained phase as fatigue progressed. On the other hand, the fMRI results only exhibited insignificant fatigue-related reductions of brain activation volume and no significant change of dipole strength derived from multi-channel EEG data. These results have been interpreted by a hypothetical neurophysiological model, in which two groups of cortical neurons (phasic and tonic) are preferentially activated in each physiological phase of the voluntary motor action.

Onset and Evolution of Clinically Apparent Myasthenia Gravis After Resection of Non-myasthenic Thymomas.

PubMed

Mineo, Tommaso Claudio; Tamburrini, Alessandro; Schillaci, Orazio; Ambrogi, Vincenzo

2018-03-06

Patients with thymoma and without clinical or electromyographical myasthenic signs may occasionally develop myasthenia several years after thymectomy. Hereby, we investigated the predictors and the evolution of this peculiar disease. We performed a retrospective analysis in 104 consecutive patients who underwent thymectomy between 1987 and 2013 for thymoma without clinical or electromyographic signs of myasthenia gravis. Predictors of post-thymectomy onset of myasthenia gravis were investigated with univariate time-to-disease analysis. Evolution of myasthenia was analyzed with time-to-regression analysis. Eight patients developed late myasthenia gravis after a median period of 33 months from thymectomy. No significant correlation was found for age, gender, Masaoka's stage, and World Health Organization histology. Only high preoperative serum acetylcholine-receptor antibodies titer (>0.3 nmol/L) was significantly associated with post-thymectomy myasthenia gravis at univariate time-to-disease (P = 0.003) analysis. Positron emission tomography was always performed in high-titer patients, and increased metabolic activity was detected in 4 of these patients. Surgical treatment through redo-sternotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopy was performed in these last cases with a remission in all patients after 12, 24, 32 and 48 months, respectively. No patient under medical treatment has yet developed a complete remission. In our study the presence of preoperative high-level serum acetylcholine receptor antibodies was the only factor significantly associated with the development of post-thymectomy myasthenia gravis. The persistence of residual islet of ectopic thymic tissue was one of the causes of the onset of myasthenia and its surgical removal was successful. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Subgroups of advanced cancer patients clustered by their symptom profiles: quality-of-life outcomes.

PubMed

Husain, Amna; Myers, Jeff; Selby, Debbie; Thomson, Barbara; Chow, Edward

2011-11-01

Symptom cluster analysis is a new frontier of research in symptom management. This study clustered patients by their symptom profiles to identify subgroups that may be at higher risk for poor quality of life (QOL) and that may, therefore, benefit most from targeted interventions. Longitudinal study of metastatic cancer patients using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). We generated two-, three-, and four-cluster subgroups and examined the relationship of cluster membership with patient outcomes. To address the problem of missing longitudinal data, we developed a novel outcome variable (QualTime) that measures both QOL and time in study. Two hundred and twenty-one patients with a mean Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) of 59.1 were enrolled. The three-cluster model was chosen for further analysis. The low-burden subgroup had all low severity symptom scores. The intermediate subgroup separates from the low-burden group on the "debility" profile of fatigue, drowsiness, appetite, and well-being. The high-burden group separates from the intermediate-burden group on pain, depression, and anxiety. At baseline, PPS (p=0.0003) and cluster membership (p<0.0001) contributed significantly to global QOL. In univariate analysis, cluster membership was related to the longitudinal outcome, QualTime. In a multivariate model, the relationship of PPS to QualTime was still significant (p=0.0002), but subgroup membership was no longer significant (p=0.1009). PPS is a stronger predictor of the longitudinal variable than cluster subgroups; however, cluster subgroups provide a target for clinical interventions that may improve QOL.

Unpredictability of fighter pilots' g duration tolerance by anthropometric and physiological characteristics.

PubMed

Park, Myunghwan; Yoo, Seunghoon; Seol, Hyeongju; Kim, Cheonyoung; Hong, Youngseok

2015-04-01

While the factors affecting fighter pilots' G level tolerance have been widely accepted, the factors affecting fighter pilots' G duration tolerance have not been well understood. Thirty-eight subjects wearing anti-G suits were exposed to sustained high G forces using a centrifuge. The subjects exerted AGSM and decelerated the centrifuge when they reached the point of loss of peripheral vision. The G profile consisted of a +2.3 G onset rate, +7.3 G single plateau, and -1.6 G offset rate. Each subject's G tolerance time was recorded and the relationship between the tolerance time and the subject's anthropometric and physiological factors were analyzed. The mean tolerance time of the 38 subjects was 31.6 s, and the min and max tolerance times were 20 s and 58 s, respectively. The correlation analysis indicated that none of the factors had statistically significant correlations with the subjects' G duration tolerance. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that G duration tolerance was not dependent on any personal factors of the subjects. After the values of personal factors were simplified into 0 or 1, the t-test analysis showed that subjects' heights were inversely correlated with G duration tolerance at a statistically significant level. However, a logistic regression analysis suggested that the effect of the height factor to a pilot's G duration tolerance was too weak to be used as a predictor of a pilot's G tolerance. Fighter pilots' G duration tolerance could not be predicted by pilots' anthropometric and physiological factors.

The impact of unwaged domestic work on the duration and timing of sleep of female nurses working full-time on rotating 3-shift rosters.

PubMed

Clissold, G; Smith, P; Acutt, B

2001-12-01

The study examined the impact of family type on the timing and duration of sleep of 16 experienced female shiftworkers working a rotating 3-shift roster. The nurses lived in one of three domestic lifestyle arrangements: single with no child care responsibilities (N = 4), partnered with no child care responsibilities (N = 5) and partnered with child care responsibilities (N = 7). Self report sleep diaries were used to collect data over a period of 28 days, following which each nurse took part in a conversational interview. Comparisons of the roster mean sleep durations between groups show that nurses who do not have the added unwaged workload of child care, record significantly more sleep than nurses with such responsibilities. Analysis of the data by shift type shows a significant difference for afternoon shift: nurses with child care responsibilities record a significantly earlier rise time and a significantly shorter total sleep duration. The interview data further highlights how sleep patterns are related to the time constraints of both domestic and waged work.

Attrition in Navy Recruit Training: An Analysis from the First Watch on the First Term of Enlistment

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

employed full-time and/or were a full-time student before joining the Navy. Results show that there were significant differences in attrition rates...RTC attrition rates almost as high as those reporting being unemployed (8.4%). Also unexpected, fill-time students had an attrition rate of 7.9...Respondents who reported that they were both full time students and worked full- time before joining the Navy had an attrition rate of 7.5%. This attrition

Reconstruction and feature selection for desorption electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yi; Zhu, Liangjia; Norton, Isaiah; Agar, Nathalie Y. R.; Tannenbaum, Allen

2014-03-01

Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) provides a highly sensitive imaging technique for differentiating normal and cancerous tissue at the molecular level. This can be very useful, especially under intra-operative conditions where the surgeon has to make crucial decision about the tumor boundary. In such situations, the time it takes for imaging and data analysis becomes a critical factor. Therefore, in this work we utilize compressive sensing to perform the sparse sampling of the tissue, which halves the scanning time. Furthermore, sparse feature selection is performed, which not only reduces the dimension of data from about 104 to less than 50, and thus significantly shortens the analysis time. This procedure also identifies biochemically important molecules for further pathological analysis. The methods are validated on brain and breast tumor data sets.

Wavelet Transform Based Higher Order Statistical Analysis of Wind and Wave Time Histories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habib Huseni, Gulamhusenwala; Balaji, Ramakrishnan

2017-10-01

Wind, blowing on the surface of the ocean, imparts the energy to generate the waves. Understanding the wind-wave interactions is essential for an oceanographer. This study involves higher order spectral analyses of wind speeds and significant wave height time histories, extracted from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast database at an offshore location off Mumbai coast, through continuous wavelet transform. The time histories were divided by the seasons; pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter and the analysis were carried out to the individual data sets, to assess the effect of various seasons on the wind-wave interactions. The analysis revealed that the frequency coupling of wind speeds and wave heights of various seasons. The details of data, analysing technique and results are presented in this paper.

Near-infrared photon time-of-flight spectroscopy of turbid materials up to 1400 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svensson, Tomas; Alerstam, Erik; Khoptyar, Dmitry; Johansson, Jonas; Folestad, Staffan; Andersson-Engels, Stefan

2009-06-01

Photon time-of-flight spectroscopy (PTOFS) is a powerful tool for analysis of turbid materials. We have constructed a time-of-flight spectrometer based on a supercontinuum fiber laser, acousto-optical tunable filtering, and an InP/InGaAsP microchannel plate photomultiplier tube. The system is capable of performing PTOFS up to 1400 nm, and thus covers an important region for vibrational spectroscopy of solid samples. The development significantly increases the applicability of PTOFS for analysis of chemical content and physical properties of turbid media. The great value of the proposed approach is illustrated by revealing the distinct absorption features of turbid epoxy resin. Promising future applications of the approach are discussed, including quantitative assessment of pharmaceuticals, powder analysis, and calibration-free near-infrared spectroscopy.

Some stylized facts of the Bitcoin market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bariviera, Aurelio F.; Basgall, María José; Hasperué, Waldo; Naiouf, Marcelo

2017-10-01

In recent years a new type of tradable assets appeared, generically known as cryptocurrencies. Among them, the most widespread is Bitcoin. Given its novelty, this paper investigates some statistical properties of the Bitcoin market. This study compares Bitcoin and standard currencies dynamics and focuses on the analysis of returns at different time scales. We test the presence of long memory in return time series from 2011 to 2017, using transaction data from one Bitcoin platform. We compute the Hurst exponent by means of the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis method, using a sliding window in order to measure long range dependence. We detect that Hurst exponents changes significantly during the first years of existence of Bitcoin, tending to stabilize in recent times. Additionally, multiscale analysis shows a similar behavior of the Hurst exponent, implying a self-similar process.

Detecting a periodic signal in the terrestrial cratering record

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grieve, Richard A. F.; Rupert, James D.; Goodacre, Alan K.; Sharpton, Virgil L.

1988-01-01

A time-series analysis of model periodic data, where the period and phase are known, has been performed in order to investigate whether a significant period can be detected consistently from a mix of random and periodic impacts. Special attention is given to the effect of age uncertainties and random ages in the detection of a periodic signal. An equivalent analysis is performed with observed data on crater ages and compared with the model data, and the effects of the temporal distribution of crater ages on the results from the time-series analysis are studied. Evidence for a consistent 30-m.y. period is found to be weak.

Evaluation of the Effect of Light and Scanning Time Delay on The Image Quality of Intra Oral Photostimulable Phosphor Plates

PubMed Central

Eskandarloo, Amir; Yousefi, Arman; Soheili, Setareh; Ghazikhanloo, Karim; Amini, Payam; Mohammadpoor, Haniyeh

2017-01-01

Background: Nowadays, digital radiography is widely used in dental practice. One of the most common types is Photo Stimulated Phosphor Plate (PSP). Objective: The aims of this experimental study were to evaluate the impacts of different combinations of storage conditions and varying delays in reading of digital images captured using PSPs. Methods: Standardized images of a step wedges were obtained using PSPs from the Digora digital systems. Plates were exposed and immediately scanned to produce the baseline gold standard. The plates were re-exposed and stored in four different storage conditions: white light, yellow light, natural light environment and dark room, then scanned after 10 and 30 minutes and 4 and 8 hours. Objective analysis was conducted by density measurements and the data were analyzed statistically using GEE test. Subjective analysis was performed by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists and the results were analyzed using McNemar’s test. Results: The results from GEE analysis show that in the natural light environment, the densities in 10 minutes did not differ from the baseline. The mean densities decreased significantly during the time in all environments. The mean densities in step 2 for the dark room environment decreased with a slighter slope in comparison to yellow environment significantly. Conclusion: PSP images showed significant decrease in the density in plates scanned for 10 minutes or longer after exposure which may not be detected clinically. The yellow light environment had a different impact on the quality of PSP images. The spatial resolution did not change significantly with time. PMID:29430262

Evaluation of the Effect of Light and Scanning Time Delay on The Image Quality of Intra Oral Photostimulable Phosphor Plates.

PubMed

Eskandarloo, Amir; Yousefi, Arman; Soheili, Setareh; Ghazikhanloo, Karim; Amini, Payam; Mohammadpoor, Haniyeh

2017-01-01

Nowadays, digital radiography is widely used in dental practice. One of the most common types is Photo Stimulated Phosphor Plate (PSP). The aims of this experimental study were to evaluate the impacts of different combinations of storage conditions and varying delays in reading of digital images captured using PSPs. Standardized images of a step wedges were obtained using PSPs from the Digora digital systems. Plates were exposed and immediately scanned to produce the baseline gold standard. The plates were re-exposed and stored in four different storage conditions: white light, yellow light, natural light environment and dark room, then scanned after 10 and 30 minutes and 4 and 8 hours. Objective analysis was conducted by density measurements and the data were analyzed statistically using GEE test. Subjective analysis was performed by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists and the results were analyzed using McNemar's test. The results from GEE analysis show that in the natural light environment, the densities in 10 minutes did not differ from the baseline. The mean densities decreased significantly during the time in all environments. The mean densities in step 2 for the dark room environment decreased with a slighter slope in comparison to yellow environment significantly. PSP images showed significant decrease in the density in plates scanned for 10 minutes or longer after exposure which may not be detected clinically. The yellow light environment had a different impact on the quality of PSP images. The spatial resolution did not change significantly with time.

CeasIng Cpap At standarD criteriA (CICADA): impact on weight gain, time to full feeds and caffeine use.

PubMed

Broom, Margaret; Ying, Lei; Wright, Audrey; Stewart, Alice; Abdel-Latif, Mohamed E; Shadbolt, Bruce; Todd, David A

2014-09-01

In our previous randomised controlled trial (RCT), we have shown in preterm babies (PBs) <30 weeks gestation that CeasIng Cpap At standarD criteriA (CICADA (method 1)) compared with cycling off continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) gradually (method 2) or cycling off CPAP gradually with low flow air/oxygen during periods off CPAP (method 3) reduces CPAP cessation time in PBs <30 weeks gestation. This retrospective study reviewed weight gain, time to reach full feeds and time to cease caffeine in PBs previously enrolled in the RCT. Data were collected from 162 of the 177 PBs, and there was no significant difference in the projected weight gain between the three methods. Based on intention to treat, the time taken to reach full feeds for all three methods showed no significant difference. However, post hoc analysis showed the CICADA method compared with cycling off gradually just failed significance (30.3±1.6 vs 31.1±2.4 (weeks corrected gestational age (Wks CGA±SD)), p=0.077). Analysis of time to cease caffeine showed there was a significant difference between the methods with PBs randomised to the CICADA method compared with the cycling off method ceasing caffeine almost a week earlier (33.6±2.4 vs 34.5±2.8 (Wks CGA±SD), p=0.02). This retrospective study provides evidence to substantiate the optimum method of ceasing CPAP; the CICADA method, does not adversely affect weight gain, time to reach full feeds and may reduce time to cease caffeine in PBs <30 weeks gestation. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Computer content analysis of schizophrenic speech: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Tucker, G J; Rosenberg, S D

1975-06-01

Computer analysis significantly differtiated the thermatic content of the free speech of 10 schizophrenic patients from that of 10 nonschizophrenic patients and from the content of transcripts of dream material from 10 normal subjects. Schizophrenic patients used the thematic categories in factor 1 (the "schizophrenic factor") 3 times more frequently than the nonschizophrenics and 10 times more frequently than the normal subjects (p smaller than 01). In general, the language content of the schizophrenic patient mirrored an almost agitated attempt to locate oneself in time and space and to defend against internal discomfort and confusion. The authors discuss the implications of this study for future research.

Biostatistical analysis of mortality data for cohorts of cancer patients.

PubMed Central

Pauling, L

1989-01-01

The Hardin Jones principle states that for a homogeneous cohort of cancer patients the logarithm of the fraction surviving at time t has a constant slope. With use of this principle, the survival times of the members of a heterogeneous cohort can be analyzed to divide the cohort into subcohorts with different mortality rate constants. Probable values of the additional survival time can be estimated for members surviving at the closing date of a clinical trial, permitting them to be included in the biostatistical analysis of the results of the trial in a more significant way than through Kaplan-Meier renormalization. PMID:2726729

Data management system performance modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiser, Larry M.

1993-01-01

This paper discusses analytical techniques that have been used to gain a better understanding of the Space Station Freedom's (SSF's) Data Management System (DMS). The DMS is a complex, distributed, real-time computer system that has been redesigned numerous times. The implications of these redesigns have not been fully analyzed. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages for static analytical techniques such as Rate Monotonic Analysis (RMA) and also provides a rationale for dynamic modeling. Factors such as system architecture, processor utilization, bus architecture, queuing, etc. are well suited for analysis with a dynamic model. The significance of performance measures for a real-time system are discussed.

Adolescent sexual victimization: a prospective study on risk factors for first time sexual assault.

PubMed

Bramsen, Rikke Holm; Lasgaard, Mathias; Koss, Mary P; Elklit, Ask; Banner, Jytte

2012-09-01

The present study set out to investigate predictors of first time adolescent peer-on-peer sexual victimization (APSV) among 238 female Grade 9 students from 30 schools in Denmark. A prospective research design was utilized to examine the relationship among five potential predictors as measured at baseline and first time APSV during a 6-month period. Data analysis was a binary logistic regression analysis. Number of sexual partners and displaying sexual risk behaviors significantly predicted subsequent first time peer-on-peer sexual victimization, whereas a history of child sexual abuse, early sexual onset and failing to signal sexual boundaries did not. The present study identifies specific risk factors for first time sexual victimization that are potentially changeable. Thus, the results may inform prevention initiatives targeting initial experiences of APSV.

Academic and Language Outcomes in Children after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vu, Jennifer A.; Babikian, Talin; Asarnow, Robert F .

2011-01-01

Expanding on Babikian and Asarnow's (2009) meta-analytic study examining neurocognitive domains, this current meta-analysis examined academic and language outcomes at different time points post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents. Although children with mild TBI exhibited no significant deficits, studies indicate that children…

The contribution of antiphospholipid antibodies to organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Taraborelli, M; Leuenberger, L; Lazzaroni, M G; Martinazzi, N; Zhang, W; Franceschini, F; Salmon, J; Tincani, A; Erkan, D

2016-10-01

The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of clinically significant antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) to organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with disease duration of less than 10 years and at least 5 years of follow-up were identified from two SLE registries. A clinically significant antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) profile was defined as: positive lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin IgG/M ≥ 40 G phospholipid units (GPL)/M phospholipid units (MPL), and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein-I IgG/M ≥ 99th percentile on two or more occasions, at least 12 weeks apart. Organ damage was assessed by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI). Univariate and multivariate analysis compared SLE patients with and without SDI increase during a 15-year follow-up. Among 262 SLE patients, 33% had a clinically significant aPL profile, which was associated with an increased risk of organ damage accrual during a 5-year follow-up in univariate analysis, and during a 15-year follow-up in the multivariate analysis adjusting for age, gender, race, disease duration at registry entry, and time. In the multivariate analysis, older age at diagnosis and male gender were also associated with SDI increase at each time point. A clinically significant aPL profile is associated with an increased risk of organ damage accrual during a 15-year follow-up in SLE patients. © The Author(s) 2016.

Total sleep time as a predictor of suicidal behaviour.

PubMed

Michaels, Matthew S; Balthrop, Tia; Nadorff, Michael R; Joiner, Thomas E

2017-12-01

Insomnia symptoms are a known predictor of suicide; however, less is known about the relationship between hypersomnia and suicide, and how total sleep time may better account for suicidal ideation compared with subjective reports of insomnia symptoms. In the present secondary data analysis, a squared term confirmed the importance of both short and long total sleep time on suicidal behaviour. Total sleep time had a significant positive direct effect on suicidal behaviour (b = 0.20, SE = 0.08, P < 0.05), significant negative direct effects on insomnia symptoms (b = -1.67, SE = 0.13, P < 0.0001) and on depressive symptoms (b = -1.76, SE = 0.29, P < 0.0001). Depression had a significant positive effect on suicidal behaviour (b = 0.17, SE = 0.01, P < 0.0001), and significantly mediated the relationship between total sleep time and suicidal behaviour, but insomnia symptoms did not. Total sleep time squared had a significant positive relationship with suicidal behaviour (b = 0.02, SE = 0.01, P < 0.05), significant negative direct effects on insomnia symptoms (b = -0.12, SE = 0.01, P < 0.0001) and on depressive symptoms (b = -0.12, SE = 0.02, P < 0.0001). Depression had a significant positive effect on suicidal behaviour (b = 0.17, SE = 0.01, P < 0.0001), and significantly mediated the relationship between total sleep time and suicidal behaviour. These results suggest the importance of assessing for total sleep time in clinical settings with regard to suicide risk. © 2017 European Sleep Research Society.

The effect of maternal methadone use on the fetal heart pattern: a computerised CTG analysis.

PubMed

Navaneethakrishnan, R; Tutty, S; Sinha, C; Lindow, S W

2006-08-01

Using a computerised analysis, the cardiotocograph (CTG) from women who use methadone (n= 25) when compared with women who do not use methadone (n= 25) showed a significant reduction in the fetal heart baseline rate, with a significant reduction in number of accelerations and episodes of high variation. The short-term variation, number of decelerations and episodes of low variation were not different between the two groups. The time taken to meet the standardised criteria was not different, and it is possible that a computer-assisted CTG analysis could be more accurate than a naked eye interpretation.

Wavelet decomposition based principal component analysis for face recognition using MATLAB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Mahesh Kumar; Sharma, Shashikant; Leeprechanon, Nopbhorn; Ranjan, Aashish

2016-03-01

For the realization of face recognition systems in the static as well as in the real time frame, algorithms such as principal component analysis, independent component analysis, linear discriminate analysis, neural networks and genetic algorithms are used for decades. This paper discusses an approach which is a wavelet decomposition based principal component analysis for face recognition. Principal component analysis is chosen over other algorithms due to its relative simplicity, efficiency, and robustness features. The term face recognition stands for identifying a person from his facial gestures and having resemblance with factor analysis in some sense, i.e. extraction of the principal component of an image. Principal component analysis is subjected to some drawbacks, mainly the poor discriminatory power and the large computational load in finding eigenvectors, in particular. These drawbacks can be greatly reduced by combining both wavelet transform decomposition for feature extraction and principal component analysis for pattern representation and classification together, by analyzing the facial gestures into space and time domain, where, frequency and time are used interchangeably. From the experimental results, it is envisaged that this face recognition method has made a significant percentage improvement in recognition rate as well as having a better computational efficiency.

75 FR 41438 - Stainless Steel Bar from India: Extension of Time Limit for the Final Results of the 2008-2009...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-16

..., following the preliminary results, the Department received additional cost information from Venus, as... a comprehensive cost analysis, significantly delaying the briefing schedule. See Memorandum from..., the Department requires additional time to review and address the detail and complexity of the cost...

A Comparison of Successful and Unsuccessful Strategies in Individual Sight-Singing Preparation and Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Killian, Janice N.; Henry, Michele L.

2005-01-01

High school singers (N = 198) individually sang two melodies from notation, with and without a 30-second practice opportunity. Overall accuracy scores were significantly higher with preparation time. The less accurate singers, however, did not benefit from practice time. Analysis of videoed tests indicated that high scorers tonicized (vocally…

How Do Mode and Timing of Follow-up Surveys Affect Evaluation Success?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koundinya, Vikram; Klink, Jenna; Deming, Philip; Meyers, Andrew; Erb, Kevin

2016-01-01

This article presents the analysis of evaluation methods used in a well-designed and comprehensive evaluation effort of a significant Extension program. The evaluation data collection methods were analyzed by questionnaire mode and timing of follow-up surveys. Response rates from the short- and long-term follow-ups and different questionnaire…

AIR POLLUTION EPIDEMIOLOGY: CAN INFORMATION BE OBTAINED FROM THE VARIATIONS IN SIGNIFICANCE AND RISK AS A FUNCTION OF DAYS AFTER EXPOSURE (LAG STRUCTURE)?

EPA Science Inventory

Determine if analysis of lag structure from time series epidemiology, using gases, particles, and source factor time series, can contribute to understanding the relationships among various air pollution indicators. Methods: Analyze lag structure from an epidemiologic study of ca...

The Data Analysis in Gravitational Wave Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiao-ge; Lebigot, Eric; Du, Zhi-hui; Cao, Jun-wei; Wang, Yun-yong; Zhang, Fan; Cai, Yong-zhi; Li, Mu-zi; Zhu, Zong-hong; Qian, Jin; Yin, Cong; Wang, Jian-bo; Zhao, Wen; Zhang, Yang; Blair, David; Ju, Li; Zhao, Chun-nong; Wen, Lin-qing

2017-01-01

Gravitational wave (GW) astronomy based on the GW detection is a rising interdisciplinary field, and a new window for humanity to observe the universe, followed after the traditional astronomy with the electromagnetic waves as the detection means, it has a quite important significance for studying the origin and evolution of the universe, and for extending the astronomical research field. The appearance of laser interferometer GW detector has opened a new era of GW detection, and the data processing and analysis of GWs have already been developed quickly around the world, to provide a sharp weapon for the GW astronomy. This paper introduces systematically the tool software that commonly used for the data analysis of GWs, and discusses in detail the basic methods used in the data analysis of GWs, such as the time-frequency analysis, composite analysis, pulsar timing analysis, matched filter, template, χ2 test, and Monte-Carlo simulation, etc.

Do obesity and weight loss affect vocal function?

PubMed

Solomon, Nancy Pearl; Helou, Leah B; Dietrich-Burns, Katie; Stojadinovic, Alexander

2011-02-01

Obesity may be associated with increased tissue bulk in the laryngeal airway, neck, and chest wall, and as such may affect vocal function. Eight obese and eight nonobese adults participated in this study; the obese participants underwent bariatric surgical procedures. This mixed-design study included cross-sectional analysis for group differences and longitudinal analysis for multidimensional changes in vocal function from four assessments collected over 6 months. No significant differences were detected between groups from the preoperative assessment. Further, no changes were detected over time for acoustic parameters, maximum phonation time, laryngeal airway resistance, and airflow during a sustained vowel for either group. Only minor differences were detected for strain, pitch, and loudness perceptions of voice over time, but not between groups. Phonation threshold pressure (PTP), at comfortable and high pitches (30% and 80% of the F0 range) changed significantly over time, but not between groups. Examination of individual data revealed a trend for PTP at 30% F0 to decrease as body mass index decreased. PTP may be informative for assessing vocal function in clients who present with obesity and voice symptoms. © Thieme Medical Publishers.

Optimization of Micro Metal Injection Molding By Using Grey Relational Grade

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

Ibrahim, M. H. I.; Precision Process Research Group, Dept. of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Muhamad, N.

2011-01-17

Micro metal injection molding ({mu}MIM) which is a variant of MIM process is a promising method towards near net-shape of metallic micro components of complex geometry. In this paper, {mu}MIM is applied to produce 316L stainless steel micro components. Due to highly stringent characteristic of {mu}MIM properties, the study has been emphasized on optimization of process parameter where Taguchi method associated with Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) will be implemented as it represents novel approach towards investigation of multiple performance characteristics. Basic idea of GRA is to find a grey relational grade (GRG) which can be used for the optimization conversionmore » from multi objectives case which are density and strength to a single objective case. After considering the form 'the larger the better', results show that the injection time(D) is the most significant followed by injection pressure(A), holding time(E), mold temperature(C) and injection temperature(B). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also employed to strengthen the significant of each parameter involved in this study.« less

Is da Vinci Xi Better than da Vinci Si in Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery? Comparison of the 2 Generations of da Vinci Systems.

PubMed

Ozben, Volkan; Cengiz, Turgut B; Atasoy, Deniz; Bayraktar, Onur; Aghayeva, Afag; Erguner, Ilknur; Baca, Bilgi; Hamzaoglu, Ismail; Karahasanoglu, Tayfun

2016-10-01

We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes for procedures using the latest generation of da Vinci robot versus its previous version in rectal cancer surgery. Fifty-three patients undergoing robotic rectal cancer surgery between January 2010 and March 2015 were included. Patients were classified into 2 groups (Xi, n=28 vs. Si, n=25) and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. The groups had significant differences including operative procedure, hybrid technique and redocking (P>0.05). In univariate analysis, the Xi group had shorter console times (265.7 vs. 317.1 min, P=0.006) and total operative times (321.6 vs. 360.4 min, P=0.04) and higher number of lymph nodes harvested (27.5 vs. 17.0, P=0.008). In multivariate analysis, Xi robot was associated with a shorter console time (odds ratio: 0.09, P=0.004) with no significant differences regarding other outcomes. Both generations of da Vinci robot led to similar short-term outcomes in rectal cancer surgery, but the Xi robot allowed shorter console times.

CT fluoroscopy-guided preoperative short hook wire placement for small pulmonary lesions: evaluation of safety and identification of risk factors for pneumothorax.

PubMed

Iguchi, Toshihiro; Hiraki, Takao; Gobara, Hideo; Fujiwara, Hiroyasu; Matsui, Yusuke; Miyoshi, Shinichiro; Kanazawa, Susumu

2016-01-01

To retrospectively evaluate the safety of computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided short hook wire placement for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and the risk factors for pneumothorax associated with this procedure. We analyzed 267 short hook wire placements for 267 pulmonary lesions (mean diameter, 9.9 mm). Multiple variables related to the patients, lesions, and procedures were assessed to determine the risk factors for pneumothorax. Complications (219 grade 1 and 4 grade 2 adverse events) occurred in 196 procedures. No grade 3 or above adverse events were observed. Univariate analysis revealed increased vital capacity (odds ratio [OR], 1.518; P = 0.021), lower lobe lesion (OR, 2.343; P =0.001), solid lesion (OR, 1.845; P = 0.014), prone positioning (OR, 1.793; P = 0.021), transfissural approach (OR, 11.941; P = 0.017), and longer procedure time (OR, 1.036; P = 0.038) were significant predictors of pneumothorax. Multivariate analysis revealed only the transfissural approach (OR, 12.171; P = 0.018) and a longer procedure time (OR, 1.048; P = 0.012) as significant independent predictors. Complications related to CT fluoroscopy-guided preoperative short hook wire placement often occurred, but all complications were minor. A transfissural approach and longer procedure time were significant independent predictors of pneumothorax. Complications related to CT fluoroscopy-guided preoperative short hook wire placement often occur. Complications are usually minor and asymptomatic. A transfissural approach and longer procedure time are significant independent predictors of pneumothorax.

Comparative evaluation of nickel discharge from brackets in artificial saliva at different time intervals.

PubMed

Jithesh, C; Venkataramana, V; Penumatsa, Narendravarma; Reddy, S N; Poornima, K Y; Rajasigamani, K

2015-08-01

To determine and compare the potential difference of nickel release from three different orthodontic brackets, in different artificial pH, in different time intervals. Twenty-seven samples of three different orthodontic brackets were selected and grouped as 1, 2, and 3. Each group was divided into three subgroups depending on the type of orthodontic brackets, salivary pH and the time interval. The Nickel release from each subgroup were analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer, Optima 2100 DV, USA) model. Quantitative analysis of nickel was performed three times, and the mean value was used as result. ANOVA (F-test) was used to test the significant difference among the groups at 0.05 level of significance (P < 0.05). The descriptive method of statistics was used to calculate the mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum. SPSS 18 software ((SPSS.Ltd, Quarry bay, Hong Kong, PASW-statistics 18) was used to analyze the study. The analysis shows a significant difference between three groups. The study shows that the nickel releases from the recycled stainless steel brackets have the highest at all 4.2 pH except in 120 h. The study result shows that the nickel release from the recycled stainless steel brackets is highest. Metal slot ceramic bracket release significantly less nickel. So, recycled stainless steel brackets should not be used for nickel allergic patients. Metal slot ceramic brackets are advisable.

Comparative evaluation of nickel discharge from brackets in artificial saliva at different time intervals

PubMed Central

Jithesh, C.; Venkataramana, V.; Penumatsa, Narendravarma; Reddy, S. N.; Poornima, K. Y.; Rajasigamani, K.

2015-01-01

Objectives: To determine and compare the potential difference of nickel release from three different orthodontic brackets, in different artificial pH, in different time intervals. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven samples of three different orthodontic brackets were selected and grouped as 1, 2, and 3. Each group was divided into three subgroups depending on the type of orthodontic brackets, salivary pH and the time interval. The Nickel release from each subgroup were analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer, Optima 2100 DV, USA) model. Quantitative analysis of nickel was performed three times, and the mean value was used as result. ANOVA (F-test) was used to test the significant difference among the groups at 0.05 level of significance (P < 0.05). The descriptive method of statistics was used to calculate the mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum. SPSS 18 software ((SPSS.Ltd, Quarry bay, Hong Kong, PASW-statistics 18) was used to analyze the study. Result: The analysis shows a significant difference between three groups. The study shows that the nickel releases from the recycled stainless steel brackets have the highest at all 4.2 pH except in 120 h. Conclusion: The study result shows that the nickel release from the recycled stainless steel brackets is highest. Metal slot ceramic bracket release significantly less nickel. So, recycled stainless steel brackets should not be used for nickel allergic patients. Metal slot ceramic brackets are advisable. PMID:26538924

Does the thinking aloud condition affect the search for pulmonary nodules?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Littlefair, Stephen; Brennan, Patrick; Reed, Warren; Williams, Mark; Pietrzyk, Mariusz W.

2012-02-01

Aim: To measure the effect of thinking aloud on perceptual accuracy and visual search behavior during chest radiograph interpretation for pulmonary nodules. Background: Thinking Aloud (TA) is an empirical research method used by researchers in cognitive psychology and behavioural analysis. In this pilot study we wanted to examine whether TA had an effect on the perceptual accuracy and search patterns of subjects looking for pulmonary nodules on adult posterioranterior chest radiographs (PA CxR). Method: Seven academics within Medical Radiation Sciences at The University of Sydney participated in two reading sessions with and without TA. Their task was to localize pulmonary nodules on 30 PA CxR using mouse clicks and rank their confidence levels of nodule presence. Eye-tracking recordings were collected during both viewing sessions. Time to first fixation, duration of first fixation, number of fixations, cumulative time of fixation and total viewing time were analysed. In addition, ROC analysis was conducted on collected outcome using DBM methodology. Results: Time to first nodule fixation was significantly longer (p=0.001) and duration of first fixation was significantly shorter (p=0.043). No significant difference was observed in ROC AUC scores between control and TA conditions. Conclusion: Our results confirm that TA has little effect on perceptual ability or performance, except for prolonging the task. However, there were significant differences in visual search behavior. Future researchers in radio-diagnosis could use the think aloud condition rather than silence so as to more closely replicate the clinical scenario.

Association of Per1 and Npas2 with autistic disorder: support for the clock genes/social timing hypothesis.

PubMed

Nicholas, B; Rudrasingham, V; Nash, S; Kirov, G; Owen, M J; Wimpory, D C

2007-06-01

Clock gene anomalies have been suggested as causative factors in autism. We screened eleven clock/clock-related genes in a predominantly high-functioning Autism Genetic Resource Exchange sample of strictly diagnosed autistic disorder progeny and their parents (110 trios) for association of clock gene variants with autistic disorder. We found significant association (P<0.05) for two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in per1 and two in npas2. Analysis of all possible combinations of two-marker haplotypes for each gene showed that in npas2 40 out of the 136 possible two-marker combinations were significant at the P<0.05 level, with the best result between markers rs1811399 and rs2117714, P=0.001. Haplotype analysis within per1 gave a single significant result: a global P=0.027 for the markers rs2253820-rs885747. No two-marker haplotype was significant in any of the other genes, despite the large number of tests performed. Our findings support the hypothesis that these epistatic clock genes may be involved in the etiology of autistic disorder. Problems in sleep, memory and timing are all characteristics of autistic disorder and aspects of sleep, memory and timing are each clock-gene-regulated in other species. We identify how our findings may be relevant to theories of autism that focus on the amygdala, cerebellum, memory and temporal deficits. We outline possible implications of these findings for developmental models of autism involving temporal synchrony/social timing.

Risk factors for granuloma formation in children induced by tracheobronchial foreign bodies.

PubMed

Huang, Zhenghua; Zhou, Ai; Zhang, Jianya; Xie, Lisheng; Li, Qi

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors for granuloma formation caused by plant-based tracheobronchial foreign bodies in children, and investigate the underlying pathogenesis. In this retrospective analysis of 153 cases with tracheobronchial foreign bodies (peanuts and watermelon seeds), 35 cases of granuloma formation as granulation group (G), and 118 cases of no granuloma formation as non-granulation group (NG) were studied. Clinical data pertaining to sex (S), age (A), foreign body surface smoothness (SF), foreign body shape (SH), foreign body oil release state (O), the location of foreign bodies (L), and foreign body retention time (T) were collected for statistical analysis. Univariate analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups (G and NG) with respect to S, A, SH and L. Significant factors based on univariate analysis included SF, O and T. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SF and T were independent risk factors associated with development of granuloma. SF, O and T had relationship with the granuloma formation. Local trauma caused by an irregular and sharp foreign body, and extended period of time represent the main factors causing granuloma formation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tissue classification using depth-dependent ultrasound time series analysis: in-vitro animal study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imani, Farhad; Daoud, Mohammad; Moradi, Mehdi; Abolmaesumi, Purang; Mousavi, Parvin

2011-03-01

Time series analysis of ultrasound radio-frequency (RF) signals has been shown to be an effective tissue classification method. Previous studies of this method for tissue differentiation at high and clinical-frequencies have been reported. In this paper, analysis of RF time series is extended to improve tissue classification at the clinical frequencies by including novel features extracted from the time series spectrum. The primary feature examined is the Mean Central Frequency (MCF) computed for regions of interest (ROIs) in the tissue extending along the axial axis of the transducer. In addition, the intercept and slope of a line fitted to the MCF-values of the RF time series as a function of depth have been included. To evaluate the accuracy of the new features, an in vitro animal study is performed using three tissue types: bovine muscle, bovine liver, and chicken breast, where perfect two-way classification is achieved. The results show statistically significant improvements over the classification accuracies with previously reported features.

Differences in kata performance time and distance from a marker for experienced Shotokan karateka under normal sighted and blindfolded conditions.

PubMed

Layton, Clive; Avenell, Leon

2002-08-01

10 experienced Shotokan karateka were tested on performance time and distance from a marker on the five Heian kata under normal sighted and blind-folded conditions. Whilst each kata's line of movement is different, it is the intention to start and finish at the same location. Analysis showed that despite an average of 16.8 yr. of training, whilst timing was not significantly affected on four of the kata by subjects being deprived of the visual sense, the group's mean change in distance from an original marker was significant for performances on three of the kata.

Extended Follow-up Confirms Early Vaccine-Enhanced Risk of HIV Acquisition and Demonstrates Waning Effect Over Time Among Participants in a Randomized Trial of Recombinant Adenovirus HIV Vaccine (Step Study)

PubMed Central

Duerr, Ann; Huang, Yunda; Buchbinder, Susan; Coombs, Robert W.; Sanchez, Jorge; del Rio, Carlos; Casapia, Martin; Santiago, Steven; Gilbert, Peter; Corey, Lawrence; Robertson, Michael N.

2012-01-01

Background. The Step Study tested whether an adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5)–vectored human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine could prevent HIV acquisition and/or reduce viral load set-point after infection. At the first interim analysis, nonefficacy criteria were met. Vaccinations were halted; participants were unblinded. In post hoc analyses, more HIV infections occurred in vaccinees vs placebo recipients in men who had Ad5-neutralizing antibodies and/or were uncircumcised. Follow-up was extended to assess relative risk of HIV acquisition in vaccinees vs placebo recipients over time. Methods. We used Cox proportional hazard models for analyses of vaccine effect on HIV acquisition and vaccine effect modifiers, and nonparametric and semiparametric methods for analysis of constancy of relative risk over time. Results. One hundred seventy-two of 1836 men were infected. The adjusted vaccinees vs placebo recipients hazard ratio (HR) for all follow-up time was 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.92; P = .03). Vaccine effect differed by baseline Ad5 or circumcision status during first 18 months, but neither was significant for all follow-up time. The HR among uncircumcised and/or Ad5-seropositive men waned with time since vaccination. No significant vaccine-associated risk was seen among circumcised, Ad5-negative men (HR, 0.97; P = 1.0) over all follow-up time. Conclusions. The vaccine-associated risk seen in interim analysis was confirmed but waned with time from vaccination. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00095576. PMID:22561365

Time Spent on Social Network Sites and Psychological Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Huang, Chiungjung

2017-06-01

This meta-analysis examines the relationship between time spent on social networking sites and psychological well-being factors, namely self-esteem, life satisfaction, loneliness, and depression. Sixty-one studies consisting of 67 independent samples involving 19,652 participants were identified. The mean correlation between time spent on social networking sites and psychological well-being was low at r = -0.07. The correlations between time spent on social networking sites and positive indicators (self-esteem and life satisfaction) were close to 0, whereas those between time spent on social networking sites and negative indicators (depression and loneliness) were weak. The effects of publication outlet, site on which users spent time, scale of time spent, and participant age and gender were not significant. As most included studies used student samples, future research should be conducted to examine this relationship for adults.

Sample entropy applied to the analysis of synthetic time series and tachograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muñoz-Diosdado, A.; Gálvez-Coyt, G. G.; Solís-Montufar, E.

2017-01-01

Entropy is a method of non-linear analysis that allows an estimate of the irregularity of a system, however, there are different types of computational entropy that were considered and tested in order to obtain one that would give an index of signals complexity taking into account the data number of the analysed time series, the computational resources demanded by the method, and the accuracy of the calculation. An algorithm for the generation of fractal time-series with a certain value of β was used for the characterization of the different entropy algorithms. We obtained a significant variation for most of the algorithms in terms of the series size, which could result counterproductive for the study of real signals of different lengths. The chosen method was sample entropy, which shows great independence of the series size. With this method, time series of heart interbeat intervals or tachograms of healthy subjects and patients with congestive heart failure were analysed. The calculation of sample entropy was carried out for 24-hour tachograms and time subseries of 6-hours for sleepiness and wakefulness. The comparison between the two populations shows a significant difference that is accentuated when the patient is sleeping.

Acute effect of a complex training protocol of back squats on 30-m sprint times of elite male military athletes

PubMed Central

Ojeda, Álvaro Huerta; Ríos, Luis Chirosa; Barrilao, Rafael Guisado; Serrano, Pablo Cáceres

2016-01-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect temporal of a complex training protocol on 30 meter sprint times. A secondary objective was to evaluate the fatigue indexes of military athletes. [Subjects and Methods] Seven military athletes were the subjects of this study. The variables measured were times in 30-meter sprint, and average power and peak power of squats. The intervention session with complex training consisted of 4 sets of 5 repetitions at 30% 1RM + 4 repetitions at 60% 1RM + 3 repetitions of 30 meters with 120-second rests. For the statistical analysis repeated measures of ANOVA was used, and for the post hoc analysis, student’s t-test was used. [Results] Times in 30 meter sprints showed a significant reduction between the control set and the four experimental sets, but the average power and peak power of squats did not show significant changes. [Conclusion] The results of the study show the acute positive effect of complex training, over time, in 30-meter sprint by military athletes. This effect is due to the post activation potentiation of the lower limbs’ muscles in the 30 meters sprint. PMID:27134353

Acute effect of a complex training protocol of back squats on 30-m sprint times of elite male military athletes.

PubMed

Ojeda, Álvaro Huerta; Ríos, Luis Chirosa; Barrilao, Rafael Guisado; Serrano, Pablo Cáceres

2016-03-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect temporal of a complex training protocol on 30 meter sprint times. A secondary objective was to evaluate the fatigue indexes of military athletes. [Subjects and Methods] Seven military athletes were the subjects of this study. The variables measured were times in 30-meter sprint, and average power and peak power of squats. The intervention session with complex training consisted of 4 sets of 5 repetitions at 30% 1RM + 4 repetitions at 60% 1RM + 3 repetitions of 30 meters with 120-second rests. For the statistical analysis repeated measures of ANOVA was used, and for the post hoc analysis, student's t-test was used. [Results] Times in 30 meter sprints showed a significant reduction between the control set and the four experimental sets, but the average power and peak power of squats did not show significant changes. [Conclusion] The results of the study show the acute positive effect of complex training, over time, in 30-meter sprint by military athletes. This effect is due to the post activation potentiation of the lower limbs' muscles in the 30 meters sprint.

Physiological demands of women's rugby union: time-motion analysis and heart rate response.

PubMed

Virr, Jody Lynn; Game, Alex; Bell, Gordon John; Syrotuik, Daniel

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the physical demands of women's rugby union match play using time-motion analysis and heart rate (HR) response. Thirty-eight premier club level female rugby players, ages 18-34 years were videotaped and HRs monitored for a full match. Performances were coded into 12 different movement categories: 5 speeds of locomotion (standing, walking, jogging, striding, sprinting), 4 forms of intensive non-running exertion (ruck/maul/tackle, pack down, scrum, lift) and 3 discrete activities (kick, jump, open field tackle). The main results revealed that backs spend significantly more time sprinting and walking whereas forwards spend more time in intensive non-running exertion and jogging. Forwards also had a significantly higher total work frequency compared to the backs, but a higher total rest frequency compared to the backs. In terms of HR responses, forwards displayed higher mean HRs throughout the match and more time above 80% of their maximum HR than backs. In summary, women's rugby union is characterised by intermittent bursts of high-intensity activity, where forwards and backs have similar anaerobic energy demands, but different specific match demands.

Meta-Analysis of Functional Neuroimaging and Cognitive Control Studies in Schizophrenia: Preliminary Elucidation of a Core Dysfunctional Timing Network

PubMed Central

Alústiza, Irene; Radua, Joaquim; Albajes-Eizagirre, Anton; Domínguez, Manuel; Aubá, Enrique; Ortuño, Felipe

2016-01-01

Timing and other cognitive processes demanding cognitive control become interlinked when there is an increase in the level of difficulty or effort required. Both functions are interrelated and share neuroanatomical bases. A previous meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies found that people with schizophrenia had significantly lower activation, relative to normal controls, of most right hemisphere regions of the time circuit. This finding suggests that a pattern of disconnectivity of this circuit, particularly in the supplementary motor area, is a trait of this mental disease. We hypothesize that a dysfunctional temporal/cognitive control network underlies both cognitive and psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia and that timing dysfunction is at the root of the cognitive deficits observed. The goal of our study was to look, in schizophrenia patients, for brain structures activated both by execution of cognitive tasks requiring increased effort and by performance of time perception tasks. We conducted a signed differential mapping (SDM) meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia patients assessing the brain response to increasing levels of cognitive difficulty. Then, we performed a multimodal meta-analysis to identify common brain regions in the findings of that SDM meta-analysis and our previously-published activation likelihood estimate (ALE) meta-analysis of neuroimaging of time perception in schizophrenia patients. The current study supports the hypothesis that there exists an overlap between neural structures engaged by both timing tasks and non-temporal cognitive tasks of escalating difficulty in schizophrenia. The implication is that a deficit in timing can be considered as a trait marker of the schizophrenia cognitive profile. PMID:26925013

Learning curve evaluation using cumulative summation analysis-a clinical example of pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

PubMed

Cundy, Thomas P; Gattas, Nicholas E; White, Alan D; Najmaldin, Azad S

2015-08-01

The cumulative summation (CUSUM) method for learning curve analysis remains under-utilized in the surgical literature in general, and is described in only a small number of publications within the field of pediatric surgery. This study introduces the CUSUM analysis technique and applies it to evaluate the learning curve for pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RP). Clinical data were prospectively recorded for consecutive pediatric RP cases performed by a single-surgeon. CUSUM charts and tests were generated for set-up time, docking time, console time, operating time, total operating room time, and postoperative complications. Conversions and avoidable operating room delay were separately evaluated with respect to case experience. Comparisons between case experience and time-based outcomes were assessed using the Student's t-test and ANOVA for bi-phasic and multi-phasic learning curves respectively. Comparison between case experience and complication frequency was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. A total of 90 RP cases were evaluated. The learning curve transitioned beyond the learning phase at cases 10, 15, 42, 57, and 58 for set-up time, docking time, console time, operating time, and total operating room time respectively. All comparisons of mean operating times between the learning phase and subsequent phases were statistically significant (P=<0.001-0.01). No significant difference was observed between case experience and frequency of post-operative complications (P=0.125), although the CUSUM chart demonstrated a directional change in slope for the last 12 cases in which there were high proportions of re-do cases and patients <6 months of age. The CUSUM method has a valuable role for learning curve evaluation and outcome quality monitoring. In applying this statistical technique to the largest reported single surgeon series of pediatric RP, we demonstrate numerous distinctly shaped learning curves and well-defined learning phase transition points. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Predicting Intracerebral Hemorrhage Growth With the Spot Sign: The Effect of Onset-to-Scan Time.

PubMed

Dowlatshahi, Dar; Brouwers, H Bart; Demchuk, Andrew M; Hill, Michael D; Aviv, Richard I; Ufholz, Lee-Anne; Reaume, Michael; Wintermark, Max; Hemphill, J Claude; Murai, Yasuo; Wang, Yongjun; Zhao, Xingquan; Wang, Yilong; Li, Na; Sorimachi, Takatoshi; Matsumae, Mitsunori; Steiner, Thorsten; Rizos, Timolaos; Greenberg, Steven M; Romero, Javier M; Rosand, Jonathan; Goldstein, Joshua N; Sharma, Mukul

2016-03-01

Hematoma expansion after acute intracerebral hemorrhage is common and is associated with early deterioration and poor clinical outcome. The computed tomographic angiography (CTA) spot sign is a promising predictor of expansion; however, frequency and predictive values are variable across studies, possibly because of differences in onset-to-CTA time. We performed a patient-level meta-analysis to define the relationship between onset-to-CTA time and frequency and predictive ability of the spot sign. We completed a systematic review for studies of CTA spot sign and hematoma expansion. We subsequently pooled patient-level data on the frequency and predictive values for significant hematoma expansion according to 5 predefined categorized onset-to-CTA times. We calculated spot-sign frequency both as raw and frequency-adjusted rates. Among 2051 studies identified, 12 met our inclusion criteria. Baseline hematoma volume, spot-sign status, and time-to-CTA were available for 1176 patients, and 1039 patients had follow-up computed tomographies for hematoma expansion analysis. The overall spot sign frequency was 26%, decreasing from 39% within 2 hours of onset to 13% beyond 8 hours (P<0.001). There was a significant decrease in hematoma expansion in spot-positive patients as onset-to-CTA time increased (P=0.004), with positive predictive values decreasing from 53% to 33%. The frequency of the CTA spot sign is inversely related to intracerebral hemorrhage onset-to-CTA time. Furthermore, the positive predictive value of the spot sign for significant hematoma expansion decreases as time-to-CTA increases. Our results offer more precise risk stratification for patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage and will help refine clinical prediction rules for intracerebral hemorrhage expansion. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Anesthetic efficacy of ketamine-diazepam, ketamine-xylazine, and ketamine-acepromazine in Caspian Pond turtles (Mauremys caspica).

PubMed

Adel, Milad; Sadegh, Amin Bigham; Arizza, Vincenzo; Abbasi, Hossein; Inguglia, Luigi; Saravi, Hasan Nasrollahzadeh

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of different anesthetic drug combinations on the Caspian Pond turtles ( Mauremys caspica ). Three groups of the Caspian Pond turtles ( n = 6) were anesthetized with three different drug combinations. Initially, a pilot study was conducted to determine the best drug doses for the anesthetization of the turtles, and according to these results, ketamine-diazepam (120 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride [5%] and 2 mg/kg diazepam [5%]), ketamine-acepromazine (120 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride [5%] and 1 mg/kg acepromazine [1%]), and ketamine-xylazine (120 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride [5%] and 1 mg/kg xylazine [2%]) were injected intramuscularly. The onset times of anesthetization and the recovery time were measured. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by t -tests, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There were statistically significant differences in the mean of the onset times of anesthesia and recovery time among the three drug combinations depending on the treatment used. The onset of anesthesia of the animals treated with the ketamine-diazepam combination was 60% and 42% shorter, for male and female turtles, respectively, compared to that obtained with the ketamine-acepromazine combination and 64% (male turtles) and 50% (female turtles) shorter than that obtained with the ketamine-xylazine combination. Further, the recovery time, in male turtles, was 17% shorter in animals treated with the first drug combination than those treated with the ketamine-acepromazine combination and 37% shorter than those treated with the ketamine-xylazine combination. The recovery time, in female turtles, did not seem to be significantly different among treatments. The study showed that the ketamine-diazepam drug combination is the anesthetic combination with the fastest onset time and shortest recovery time.

Time-Lag Bias in Trials of Pediatric Antidepressants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Reyes, Magdalena M.; Panza, Kaitlyn E.; Martin, Andrés; Bloch, Michael H.

2013-01-01

Objective To determine if there is evidence of a time-lag bias in the publication of pediatric antidepressant trials. Method We conducted a meta-analysis of published and unpublished randomized, placebo-controlled trials of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) in subjects less than 18 years old with major depressive disorder. Our main outcomes were (1) time to publication of positive versus negative trials, and (2) proportion of treatment responders in trials with standard (< 3 years after study completion) versus delayed publication. Results We identified 15 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of SRIs for pediatric depression. Trials with negative findings had a significantly longer time to publication (median years ± standard deviation = 4.2 ±1.9) than trials with positive findings (2.2 ±0.9; log-rank χ2 = 4.35, p = 0.037). The estimated efficacy in trials with standard publication time (number needed to treat = 7, 95% CI: 5 – 11) was significantly greater than those with delayed publication (17, 95% CI: 9 – ∞; χ2 = 4.98, p = 0.025). The inflation-adjusted impact factor of journals for published trials with positive (15.33 ±11.01) and negative results (7.54 ±7.90) did not statistically differ (t = 1.4, df = 10, p = 0.17). Conclusions Despite a small number of trials of SRIs for pediatric antidepressants we found a significant evidence of time-lag bias in the publication of findings. This time-lag bias altered the perceived efficacy of pediatric antidepressants in the medical literature. Time-lag bias is not unique to child psychiatry and reflects a larger problem in scientific publishing. PMID:21156271

Simulation of Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration System with Booster Hot Gas Bypass in Tropical Climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santosa, I. D. M. C.; Sudirman; Waisnawa, IGNS; Sunu, PW; Temaja, IW

2018-01-01

A Simulation computer becomes significant important for performance analysis since there is high cost and time allocation to build an experimental rig, especially for CO2 refrigeration system. Besides, to modify the rig also need additional cos and time. One of computer program simulation that is very eligible to refrigeration system is Engineering Equation System (EES). In term of CO2 refrigeration system, environmental issues becomes priority on the refrigeration system development since the Carbon dioxide (CO2) is natural and clean refrigerant. This study aims is to analysis the EES simulation effectiveness to perform CO2 transcritical refrigeration system with booster hot gas bypass in high outdoor temperature. The research was carried out by theoretical study and numerical analysis of the refrigeration system using the EES program. Data input and simulation validation were obtained from experimental and secondary data. The result showed that the coefficient of performance (COP) decreased gradually with the outdoor temperature variation increasing. The results show the program can calculate the performance of the refrigeration system with quick running time and accurate. So, it will be significant important for the preliminary reference to improve the CO2 refrigeration system design for the hot climate temperature.

Validated flow-injection method for rapid aluminium determination in anti-perspirants.

PubMed

López-Gonzálvez, A; Ruiz, M A; Barbas, C

2008-09-29

A flow-injection (FI) method for the rapid determination of aluminium in anti-perspirants has been developed. The method is based on the spectrophotometric detection at 535nm of the complex formed between Al ions and the chromogenic reagent eriochrome cyanine R. Both the batch and FI methods were validated by checking the parameters included in the ISO-3543-1 regulation. Variables involved in the FI method were optimized by using appropriate statistical tools. The method does not exhibit interference from other substances present in anti-perspirants and it shows a high precision with a R.S.D. value (n=6) of 0.9%. Moreover, the accuracy of the method was evaluated by comparison with a back complexometric titration method, which is currently used for routine analysis in pharmaceutical laboratories. The Student's t-test showed that the results obtained by both methods were not significantly different for a significance level of 95%. A response time of 12s and a sample analysis time, by performing triplicate injections, of 60s were achieved. The analytical figures of merit make the method highly appropriate to substitute the time-consuming complexometric method for this kind of analysis.

Evaluation of volatile aldehydes as discriminating parameters in quality vinegars with protected European geographical indication.

PubMed

Durán-Guerrero, Enrique; Chinnici, Fabio; Natali, Nadia; Riponi, Claudio

2015-09-01

Thirty-six high-quality vinegars with geographical indication belonging to Sherry and Modena areas (vinegars of Jerez, balsamic vinegars of Modena and traditional balsamic vinegars of Modena) with all possible aging periods were analyzed to determine the content of volatile aldehydes. A solid-phase extraction method with in-cartridge derivatization using O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed. Twenty-two volatile aldehydes were identified and determined in the samples. Analysis of variance provided significant differences among the samples as a function of the type of vinegar, aging time and raw material. Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis demonstrated the possibility of discriminating the samples in terms of aging time and raw material. Linear aldehydes and compounds such as furfural, methional, nonenal, hexenal, 2-methylbutanal and i-butyraldehyde were the most significant variables able to discriminate the samples. Aldehyde content of premium quality vinegars is a function of both ageing time and raw material. Their evaluation could be a useful tool with a view to ascertaining vinegar origin and genuineness. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Parental styles and religious values among teenagers: a 3-year prospective analysis.

PubMed

Heaven, Patrick C L; Ciarrochi, Joseph; Leeson, Peter

2010-01-01

The authors examined the effect of Grade 7 parental styles on Grade 10 religious values. The authors surveyed 784 participants (382 boys, 394 girls; 8 unreported) in Grade 7. The mean age of the group at Time 1 was 12.3 years (SD = 0.5 years). Time 2 occurred 3 years later when students were in Grade 10 (372 boys, 375 girls). In addition to assessing parental styles at Time 1, we also controlled for a number of Time 1 variables thought to possibly influence Time 2 religious values, namely, self-esteem, trait hope, and students' levels of conscientiousness. Time 1 measures (except self-esteem) were significantly correlated with Time 2 religious values, but only parental authoritativeness and hope significantly predicted religious values. The authors discuss these results with reference to the nature of parental styles and hope and their impact on religious values.

Investigating the effects of PDC cutters geometry on ROP using the Taguchi technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamaludin, A. A.; Mehat, N. M.; Kamaruddin, S.

2017-10-01

At times, the polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit’s performance dropped and affects the rate of penetration (ROP). The objective of this project is to investigate the effect of PDC cutter geometry and optimize them. An intensive study in cutter geometry would further enhance the ROP performance. The relatively extended analysis was carried out and four significant geometry factors have been identified that directly improved the ROP. Cutter size, back rake angle, side rake angle and chamfer angle are the stated geometry factors. An appropriate optimization technique that effectively controls all influential geometry factors during cutters manufacturing is introduced and adopted in this project. By adopting L9 Taguchi OA, simulation experiment is conducted by using explicit dynamics finite element analysis. Through a structure Taguchi analysis, ANOVA confirms that the most significant geometry to improve ROP is cutter size (99.16% percentage contribution). The optimized cutter is expected to drill with high ROP that can reduce the rig time, which in its turn, may reduce the total drilling cost.

[Analysis of the stability and adaptability of near infrared spectra qualitative analysis model].

PubMed

Cao, Wu; Li, Wei-jun; Wang, Ping; Zhang, Li-ping

2014-06-01

The stability and adaptability of model of near infrared spectra qualitative analysis were studied. Method of separate modeling can significantly improve the stability and adaptability of model; but its ability of improving adaptability of model is limited. Method of joint modeling can not only improve the adaptability of the model, but also the stability of model, at the same time, compared to separate modeling, the method can shorten the modeling time, reduce the modeling workload; extend the term of validity of model, and improve the modeling efficiency. The experiment of model adaptability shows that, the correct recognition rate of separate modeling method is relatively low, which can not meet the requirements of application, and joint modeling method can reach the correct recognition rate of 90%, and significantly enhances the recognition effect. The experiment of model stability shows that, the identification results of model by joint modeling are better than the model by separate modeling, and has good application value.

Molecular insights into the progression of crystalline silica-induced pulmonary toxicity in rats.

PubMed

Sellamuthu, Rajendran; Umbright, Christina; Roberts, Jenny R; Cumpston, Amy; McKinney, Walter; Chen, Bean T; Frazer, David; Li, Shengqiao; Kashon, Michael; Joseph, Pius

2013-04-01

Identification of molecular target(s) and mechanism(s) of silica-induced pulmonary toxicity is important for the intervention and/or prevention of diseases associated with exposure to silica. Rats were exposed to crystalline silica by inhalation (15 mg m(-3), 6 h per day, 5 days) and global gene expression profile was determined in the lungs by microarray analysis at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks following termination of silica exposure. The number of significantly differentially expressed genes (>1.5-fold change and <0.01 false discovery rate P-value) detected in the lungs during the post-exposure time intervals analyzed exhibited a steady increase in parallel with the progression of silica-induced pulmonary toxicity noticed in the rats. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of a representative set of 10 genes confirmed the microarray findings. The number of biological functions, canonical pathways and molecular networks significantly affected by silica exposure, as identified by the bioinformatics analysis of the significantly differentially expressed genes detected during the post-exposure time intervals, also exhibited a steady increase similar to the silica-induced pulmonary toxicity. Genes involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, respiratory diseases, cancer, and tissue remodeling and fibrosis were significantly differentially expressed in the rat lungs; however, unresolved inflammation was the single most significant biological response to pulmonary exposure to silica. Excessive mucus production, as implicated by significant overexpression of the pendrin coding gene, SLC26A4, was identified as a potential novel mechanism for silica-induced pulmonary toxicity. Collectively, the findings of our study provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of crystalline silica-induced pulmonary toxicity in the rat. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

The learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopic fundoplication in children: a prospective evaluation and CUSUM analysis.

PubMed

Cundy, Thomas P; Rowland, Simon P; Gattas, Nicholas E; White, Alan D; Najmaldin, Azad S

2015-06-01

Fundoplication is a leading application of robotic surgery in children, yet the learning curve for this procedure (RF) remains ill-defined. This study aims to identify various learning curve transition points, using cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis. A prospective database was examined to identify RF cases undertaken during 2006-2014. Time-based surgical process outcomes were evaluated, as well as clinical outcomes. A total of 57 RF cases were included. Statistically significant transitions beyond the learning phase were observed at cases 42, 34 and 37 for docking, console and total operating room times, respectively. A steep early learning phase for docking time was overcome after 12 cases. There were three Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications, with two patients requiring redo fundoplication. We identified numerous well-defined learning curve trends to affirm that experience confers significant temporal improvements. Our findings highlight the value of the CUSUM method for learning curve evaluation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Predictors of short-term and long-term incontinence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

PubMed

Shao, I-Hung; Chang, Ying-Hsu; Hou, Chun-Ming; Lin, Zheng-Feng; Wu, Chun-Te

2018-01-01

Purpose To determine retrospectively the prognostic factors for urinary incontinence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods Altogether, 180 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent RARP (same surgeon). Preoperative physical status, disease characteristics, laboratory findings, and surgical technique were recorded and the patients checked 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after RARP regarding their contribution to predicting post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI). Results Overall, 114 (63.3%) patients had PPI 1 month after RARP and 19 patients (16.0%) at 24 months. Univariate analysis showed that age was a significant factor for predicting PPI at 1 month. PPI predictors at 24 months were age, body mass index, preoperative serum albumin level, previous transurethral resection of the prostate, total operative time, and bladder neck sparing. Multivariate analysis indicated that age and total operative time were significant predictors. Conclusion Older age and longer operative time were highly relevant to short- and long-term PPI occurrence after RARP.

In-situ and real-time growth observation of high-quality protein crystals under quasi-microgravity on earth.

PubMed

Nakamura, Akira; Ohtsuka, Jun; Kashiwagi, Tatsuki; Numoto, Nobutaka; Hirota, Noriyuki; Ode, Takahiro; Okada, Hidehiko; Nagata, Koji; Kiyohara, Motosuke; Suzuki, Ei-Ichiro; Kita, Akiko; Wada, Hitoshi; Tanokura, Masaru

2016-02-26

Precise protein structure determination provides significant information on life science research, although high-quality crystals are not easily obtained. We developed a system for producing high-quality protein crystals with high throughput. Using this system, gravity-controlled crystallization are made possible by a magnetic microgravity environment. In addition, in-situ and real-time observation and time-lapse imaging of crystal growth are feasible for over 200 solution samples independently. In this paper, we also report results of crystallization experiments for two protein samples. Crystals grown in the system exhibited magnetic orientation and showed higher and more homogeneous quality compared with the control crystals. The structural analysis reveals that making use of the magnetic microgravity during the crystallization process helps us to build a well-refined protein structure model, which has no significant structural differences with a control structure. Therefore, the system contributes to improvement in efficiency of structural analysis for "difficult" proteins, such as membrane proteins and supermolecular complexes.

Far-field radiation patterns of aperture antennas by the Winograd Fourier transform algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heisler, R.

1978-01-01

A more time-efficient algorithm for computing the discrete Fourier transform, the Winograd Fourier transform (WFT), is described. The WFT algorithm is compared with other transform algorithms. Results indicate that the WFT algorithm in antenna analysis appears to be a very successful application. Significant savings in cpu time will improve the computer turn around time and circumvent the need to resort to weekend runs.

Suicide mortality of young, middle-aged and elderly males and females in Japan for the years 1953-96: time series analysis for the effects of unemployment, female labour force, young and aged population, primary industry and population density.

PubMed

Yamasaki, Akiko; Araki, Shunichi; Sakai, Ryoji; Yokoyama, Kazuhito; Voorhees, A Scott

2008-12-01

Effects of nine social life indicators on age-adjusted and age-specific annual suicide mortality of male and female Japanese population in the years 1953-96 were investigated by multiple regression analysis on time series data. Unemployment rate was significantly related to the age-adjusted mortality in both males and females. Also, female labour force participation was positively related to the male mortality; persons and 65 and above was inversely related to the male mortality. Results on the age-specific mortality indicated that: during the 44 yr, (1) unemployment significantly related with the mortality of young, middle-aged and elderly males and young females; (2) female labour force participation significantly related with the mortality of young and elderly males and young females; aged population significantly related with the mortality of middle-aged and elderly males; (4) young population significantly related with the mortality of young and middle-aged males and females; (5) divorce significantly related with the mortality of middle-aged and elderly males and young males and females; (6) persons employed in primary industries significantly related with the mortality in middle-aged males and young males and females; and (7) population density significantly related with the mortality of middle-aged males and young females.

Comparisons of voice onset time for trained male singers and male nonsingers during speaking and singing.

PubMed

McCrea, Christopher R; Morris, Richard J

2005-09-01

This study was designed to examine the temporal acoustic differences between male trained singers and nonsingers during speaking and singing across voiced and voiceless English stop consonants. Recordings were made of 5 trained singers and 5 nonsingers, and acoustically analyzed for voice onset time (VOT). A mixed analysis of variance showed that the male trained singers had significantly longer mean VOT than did the nonsingers during voiceless stop production. Sung productions of voiceless stops had significantly longer mean VOTs than did the spoken productions. No significant differences were observed for the voiced stops, nor were any interactions observed. These results indicated that vocal training and phonatory task have a significant influence on VOT.

The Effect of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training on Sickness Presenteeism and Absenteeism Among Office Workers.

PubMed

Justesen, Just Bendix; Søgaard, Karen; Dalager, Tina; Christensen, Jeanette Reffstrup; Sjøgaard, Gisela

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of individually tailored intelligent physical exercise training (IPET) on presenteeism and absenteeism among office workers. In a 1-year randomized controlled trial (RCT), employees were allocated to a training group TG (N = 193) or control group CG (N = 194). TG received 1-hour high-intensity IPET once a week within working hours, and was recommended to perform 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) 6 days a week during leisure-time. An intention-to-treat analysis showed no effect on absenteeism, but a significant 4% increase in workability and 9% increase in general health in TG compared with CG. A per-protocol analysis [adherence of ≥70% (N = 89)] in addition showed a significant 6% increase in productivity and a 29% reduction in absenteeism compared with CG. IPET combined with recommendations of leisure-time PA significantly improved presenteeism and decreased absenteeism if following the protocol.

Physiological effects of a companion robot on blood pressure of older people in residential care facility: a pilot study.

PubMed

Robinson, Hayley; MacDonald, Bruce; Broadbent, Elizabeth

2015-03-01

To investigate the effects of interacting with the companion robot, Paro, on blood pressure and heart rate of older people in a residential care facility. This study used a repeated measures design. Twenty-one residents in rest home and hospital level care had their blood pressure taken three times; before, during and after interacting with the seal robot. Four residents who did not interact with the robot were excluded from the final analysis (final n = 17). The final analysis found that systolic and diastolic blood pressure changed significantly over time as did heart rate. Planned comparisons revealed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly from baseline to when residents had Paro (systolic, P = 0.048; diastolic, P = 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure increased significantly after Paro was withdrawn (P = 0.03). Interacting with Paro has a physiological effect on cardiovascular measures, which is similar to findings with live animals. © 2013 ACOTA.

Analysis of Inter- and Intra-individual Variation in Foraging Habits of the Endangered Hawaiian Petrel Using Stables Isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morra, K. E.; Ostrom, P. H.; Wiley, A. E.; James, H. F.; Stricker, C. A.; Gandhi, H.

2014-12-01

Stable isotope analysis of the endangered Hawaiian petrel's (Pterodroma sandwichensis, HAPE) feathers provides otherwise intractable information regarding non-breeding season foraging habits. Adult HAPE spend 3.5-6 months at sea during the non-breeding season, at which time they sequentially molt their flight feathers. Because feathers are metabolically inert once synthesized, they capture isotopic signals while they are grown, providing an opportunity to study foraging habits over time. Here we use stable hydrogen (δD), carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes to assess variation in foraging habits within and between individuals, and among four breeding colonies. δD is an indicator of prevalence of fish vs. invertebrates in the diet. In one analysis, we observed large variation in feather δD (125‰), with adults from Maui and Kauai having significantly higher δD values than corresponding hatch-year birds, indicating significant dietary differences between age groups. In a second analysis, we utilized δ13C and δ15N of Hawaii, Maui and Lanai adults, values which vary with trophic level and also at the base of the food web across HAPE's foraging range, potentially revealing information about feeding location, as well as diet. Furthermore, because the sequence of molt is known, we are able to determine whether individual foraging specialization (continued use of the same foraging behavior over time) exists in this species. To do this, we analyzed two primary feathers, P1 and P6, which reflect the beginning and the middle of the non-breeding season, respectively. We did not find significant differences in δ13C or δ15N between P1 and P6, suggesting consistent foraging habits within individuals over time. This provides evidence that individual foraging specialization exists within these populations. Analysis of a secondary feather grown late in the molt sequence would further illuminate the extent of foraging specialization. Finally, δ15N differs significantly between Hawaii and Maui adults, suggesting foraging segregation between these two populations. HAPE may be sensitive to changes in prey availability, given evidence of foraging specialization. However, conserving HAPE populations with apparently different foraging habits may be critical to preserve ecological diversity within the species.

0.1 Trend analysis of δ18O composition of precipitation in Germany: Combining Mann-Kendall trend test and ARIMA models to correct for higher order serial correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klaus, Julian; Pan Chun, Kwok; Stumpp, Christine

2015-04-01

Spatio-temporal dynamics of stable oxygen (18O) and hydrogen (2H) isotopes in precipitation can be used as proxies for changing hydro-meteorological and regional and global climate patterns. While spatial patterns and distributions gained much attention in recent years the temporal trends in stable isotope time series are rarely investigated and our understanding of them is still limited. These might be a result of a lack of proper trend detection tools and effort for exploring trend processes. Here we make use of an extensive data set of stable isotope in German precipitation. In this study we investigate temporal trends of δ18O in precipitation at 17 observation station in Germany between 1978 and 2009. For that we test different approaches for proper trend detection, accounting for first and higher order serial correlation. We test if significant trends in the isotope time series based on different models can be observed. We apply the Mann-Kendall trend tests on the isotope series, using general multiplicative seasonal autoregressive integrate moving average (ARIMA) models which account for first and higher order serial correlations. With the approach we can also account for the effects of temperature, precipitation amount on the trend. Further we investigate the role of geographic parameters on isotope trends. To benchmark our proposed approach, the ARIMA results are compared to a trend-free prewhiting (TFPW) procedure, the state of the art method for removing the first order autocorrelation in environmental trend studies. Moreover, we explore whether higher order serial correlations in isotope series affects our trend results. The results show that three out of the 17 stations have significant changes when higher order autocorrelation are adjusted, and four stations show a significant trend when temperature and precipitation effects are considered. Significant trends in the isotope time series are generally observed at low elevation stations (≤315 m a.s.l.). Higher order autoregressive processes are important in the isotope time series analysis. Our results show that the widely used trend analysis with only the first order autocorrelation adjustment may not adequately take account of the high order autocorrelated processes in the stable isotope series. The investigated time series analysis method including higher autocorrelation and external climate variable adjustments is shown to be a better alternative.

Time-varying surface electromyography topography as a prognostic tool for chronic low back pain rehabilitation.

PubMed

Hu, Yong; Kwok, Jerry Weilun; Tse, Jessica Yuk-Hang; Luk, Keith Dip-Kei

2014-06-01

Nonsurgical rehabilitation therapy is a commonly used strategy to treat chronic low back pain (LBP). The selection of the most appropriate therapeutic options is still a big challenge in clinical practices. Surface electromyography (sEMG) topography has been proposed to be an objective assessment of LBP rehabilitation. The quantitative analysis of dynamic sEMG would provide an objective tool of prognosis for LBP rehabilitation. To evaluate the prognostic value of quantitative sEMG topographic analysis and to verify the accuracy of the performance of proposed time-varying topographic parameters for identifying the patients who have better response toward the rehabilitation program. A retrospective study of consecutive patients. Thirty-eight patients with chronic nonspecific LBP and 43 healthy subjects. The accuracy of the time-varying quantitative sEMG topographic analysis for monitoring LBP rehabilitation progress was determined by calculating the corresponding receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Physiologic measure was the sEMG during lumbar flexion and extension. Patients who suffered from chronic nonspecific LBP without the history of back surgery and any medical conditions causing acute exacerbation of LBP during the clinical test were enlisted to perform the clinical test during the 12-week physiotherapy (PT) treatment. Low back pain patients were classified into two groups: "responding" and "nonresponding" based on the clinical assessment. The responding group referred to the LBP patients who began to recover after the PT treatment, whereas the nonresponding group referred to some LBP patients who did not recover or got worse after the treatment. The results of the time-varying analysis in the responding group were compared with those in the nonresponding group. In addition, the accuracy of the analysis was analyzed through ROC curves. The time-varying analysis showed discrepancies in the root-mean-square difference (RMSD) parameters between the responding and nonresponding groups. The relative area (RA) and relative width (RW) of RMSD at flexion and extension in the responding group were significantly lower than those in the nonresponding group (p<.05). The areas under the ROC curve of RA and RW of RMSD at flexion and extension were greater than 0.7 and were statistically significant. The quantitative time-varying analysis of sEMG topography showed significant difference between the healthy and LBP groups. The discrepancies in quantitative dynamic sEMG topography of LBP group from normal group, in terms of RA and RW of RMSD at flexion and extension, were able to identify those LBP subjects who would respond to a conservative rehabilitation program focused on functional restoration of lumbar muscle. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficient Analysis of Mass Spectrometry Data Using the Isotope Wavelet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussong, Rene; Tholey, Andreas; Hildebrandt, Andreas

2007-09-01

Mass spectrometry (MS) has become today's de-facto standard for high-throughput analysis in proteomics research. Its applications range from toxicity analysis to MS-based diagnostics. Often, the time spent on the MS experiment itself is significantly less than the time necessary to interpret the measured signals, since the amount of data can easily exceed several gigabytes. In addition, automated analysis is hampered by baseline artifacts, chemical as well as electrical noise, and an irregular spacing of data points. Thus, filtering techniques originating from signal and image analysis are commonly employed to address these problems. Unfortunately, smoothing, base-line reduction, and in particular a resampling of data points can affect important characteristics of the experimental signal. To overcome these problems, we propose a new family of wavelet functions based on the isotope wavelet, which is hand-tailored for the analysis of mass spectrometry data. The resulting technique is theoretically well-founded and compares very well with standard peak picking tools, since it is highly robust against noise spoiling the data, but at the same time sufficiently sensitive to detect even low-abundant peptides.

Geographical, temporal and racial disparities in late-stage prostate cancer incidence across Florida: A multiscale joinpoint regression analysis

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Although prostate cancer-related incidence and mortality have declined recently, striking racial/ethnic differences persist in the United States. Visualizing and modelling temporal trends of prostate cancer late-stage incidence, and how they vary according to geographic locations and race, should help explaining such disparities. Joinpoint regression is increasingly used to identify the timing and extent of changes in time series of health outcomes. Yet, most analyses of temporal trends are aspatial and conducted at the national level or for a single cancer registry. Methods Time series (1981-2007) of annual proportions of prostate cancer late-stage cases were analyzed for non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks in each county of Florida. Noise in the data was first filtered by binomial kriging and results were modelled using joinpoint regression. A similar analysis was also conducted at the state level and for groups of metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties. Significant racial differences were detected using tests of parallelism and coincidence of time trends. A new disparity statistic was introduced to measure spatial and temporal changes in the frequency of racial disparities. Results State-level percentage of late-stage diagnosis decreased 50% since 1981; a decline that accelerated in the 90's when Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening was introduced. Analysis at the metropolitan and non-metropolitan levels revealed that the frequency of late-stage diagnosis increased recently in urban areas, and this trend was significant for white males. The annual rate of decrease in late-stage diagnosis and the onset years for significant declines varied greatly among counties and racial groups. Most counties with non-significant average annual percent change (AAPC) were located in the Florida Panhandle for white males, whereas they clustered in South-eastern Florida for black males. The new disparity statistic indicated that the spatial extent of racial disparities reached a peak in 1990 because of an early decline in frequency of late-stage diagnosis observed for black males. Conclusions Analyzing temporal trends in cancer incidence and mortality rates outside a spatial framework is unsatisfactory, since it leads one to overlook significant geographical variation which can potentially generate new insights about the impact of various interventions. Differences observed among nested geographies in Florida show how the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) also impacts the analysis of temporal changes. PMID:22142274

Geographical, temporal and racial disparities in late-stage prostate cancer incidence across Florida: a multiscale joinpoint regression analysis.

PubMed

Goovaerts, Pierre; Xiao, Hong

2011-12-05

Although prostate cancer-related incidence and mortality have declined recently, striking racial/ethnic differences persist in the United States. Visualizing and modelling temporal trends of prostate cancer late-stage incidence, and how they vary according to geographic locations and race, should help explaining such disparities. Joinpoint regression is increasingly used to identify the timing and extent of changes in time series of health outcomes. Yet, most analyses of temporal trends are aspatial and conducted at the national level or for a single cancer registry. Time series (1981-2007) of annual proportions of prostate cancer late-stage cases were analyzed for non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks in each county of Florida. Noise in the data was first filtered by binomial kriging and results were modelled using joinpoint regression. A similar analysis was also conducted at the state level and for groups of metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties. Significant racial differences were detected using tests of parallelism and coincidence of time trends. A new disparity statistic was introduced to measure spatial and temporal changes in the frequency of racial disparities. State-level percentage of late-stage diagnosis decreased 50% since 1981; a decline that accelerated in the 90's when Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening was introduced. Analysis at the metropolitan and non-metropolitan levels revealed that the frequency of late-stage diagnosis increased recently in urban areas, and this trend was significant for white males. The annual rate of decrease in late-stage diagnosis and the onset years for significant declines varied greatly among counties and racial groups. Most counties with non-significant average annual percent change (AAPC) were located in the Florida Panhandle for white males, whereas they clustered in South-eastern Florida for black males. The new disparity statistic indicated that the spatial extent of racial disparities reached a peak in 1990 because of an early decline in frequency of late-stage diagnosis observed for black males. Analyzing temporal trends in cancer incidence and mortality rates outside a spatial framework is unsatisfactory, since it leads one to overlook significant geographical variation which can potentially generate new insights about the impact of various interventions. Differences observed among nested geographies in Florida show how the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) also impacts the analysis of temporal changes.

Determinants of children's use of and time spent in fast-food and full-service restaurants.

PubMed

McIntosh, Alex; Kubena, Karen S; Tolle, Glen; Dean, Wesley; Kim, Mi-Jeong; Jan, Jie-Sheng; Anding, Jenna

2011-01-01

Identify parental and children's determinants of children's use of and time spent in fast-food (FF) and full-service (FS) restaurants. Analysis of cross-sectional data. Parents were interviewed by phone; children were interviewed in their homes. Parents and children ages 9-11 or 13-15 from 312 families were obtained via random-digit dialing. Dependent variables were the use of and the time spent in FF and FS restaurants by children. Determinants included parental work schedules, parenting style, and family meal ritual perceptions. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis of use of restaurants. Least squares regression was used for multivariate analysis of time spent in restaurants. Significance set at P < .05. Factors related to use of and time spent in FF and FS restaurants included parental work schedules, fathers' use of such restaurants, and children's time spent in the family automobile. Parenting style, parental work, parental eating habits and perceptions of family meals, and children's other uses of their time influence children's use of and time spent in FF and FS restaurants. Copyright © 2011 Society for Nutrition Education. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Why are they late? Timing abilities and executive control among students with learning disabilities.

PubMed

Grinblat, Nufar; Rosenblum, Sara

2016-12-01

While a deficient ability to perform daily tasks on time has been reported among students with learning disabilities (LD), the underlying mechanism behind their 'being late' is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the organization in time, time estimation abilities, actual performance time pertaining to specific daily activities, as well as the executive functions of students with LD in comparison to those of controls, and to assess the relationships between these domains among each group. The participants were 27 students with LD, aged 20-30, and 32 gender and age-matched controls who completed the Time Organization and Participation Scale (TOPS) and the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult version (BRIEF-A). In addition, their ability to estimate the time needed to complete the task of preparing a cup of coffee as well as their actual performance time were evaluated. The results indicated that in comparison to controls, students with LD showed significantly inferior organization in time (TOPS) and executive function abilities (BRIEF-A). Furthermore, their time estimation abilities were significantly inferior and they required significantly more time to prepare a cup of coffee. Regression analysis identified the variables that predicted organization in time and task performance time among each group. The significance of the results for both theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. What this paper adds? This study examines the underlying mechanism of the phenomena of being late among students with LD. Following a recent call for using ecologically valid assessments, the functional daily ability of students with LD to prepare a cup of coffee and to organize time were investigated. Furthermore, their time estimation and executive control abilities were examined as a possible underlying mechanism for their lateness. Although previous studies have indicated executive control deficits among students with LD, to our knowledge, this is the first analysis of the relationships between their executive control and time estimation deficits and their influence upon their daily function and organization in time abilities. Our findings demonstrate that students with LD need more time in order to execute simple daily activities, such as preparing a cup of coffee. Deficient working memory, retrospective time estimation ability and inhibition predicted their performance time and organization in time abilities. Therefore, this paper sheds light on the mechanism behind daily performance in time among students with LD and emphasizes the need for future development of focused intervention programs to meet their unique needs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Outcomes of an intervention to improve hospital antibiotic prescribing: interrupted time series with segmented regression analysis.

PubMed

Ansari, Faranak; Gray, Kirsteen; Nathwani, Dilip; Phillips, Gabby; Ogston, Simon; Ramsay, Craig; Davey, Peter

2003-11-01

To evaluate an intervention to reduce inappropriate use of key antibiotics with interrupted time series analysis. The intervention is a policy for appropriate use of Alert Antibiotics (carbapenems, glycopeptides, amphotericin, ciprofloxacin, linezolid, piperacillin-tazobactam and third-generation cephalosporins) implemented through concurrent, patient-specific feedback by clinical pharmacists. Statistical significance and effect size were calculated by segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series of drug use and cost for 2 years before and after the intervention started. Use of Alert Antibiotics increased before the intervention started but decreased steadily for 2 years thereafter. The changes in slope of the time series were 0.27 defined daily doses/100 bed-days per month (95% CI 0.19-0.34) and pound 1908 per month (95% CI pound 1238- pound 2578). The cost of development, dissemination and implementation of the intervention ( pound 20133) was well below the most conservative estimate of the reduction in cost ( pound 133296), which is the lower 95% CI of effect size assuming that cost would not have continued to increase without the intervention. However, if use had continued to increase, the difference between predicted and actual cost of Alert Antibiotics was pound 572448 (95% CI pound 435696- pound 709176) over the 24 months after the intervention started. Segmented regression analysis of pharmacy stock data is a simple, practical and robust method for measuring the impact of interventions to change prescribing. The Alert Antibiotic Monitoring intervention was associated with significant decreases in total use and cost in the 2 years after the programme was implemented. In our hospital, the value of the data far exceeded the cost of processing and analysis.

Impact of perioperative blood pressure variability on health resource utilization after cardiac surgery: an analysis of the ECLIPSE trials.

PubMed

Aronson, Solomon; Levy, Jerrold H; Lumb, Philip D; Fontes, Manuel; Wang, Yamei; Crothers, Tracy A; Sulham, Katherine A; Navetta, Marco S

2014-06-01

To examine the impact of blood pressure control on hospital health resource utilization using data from the ECLIPSE trials. Post-hoc analysis of data from 3 prospective, open-label, randomized clinical trials (ECLIPSE trials). Sixty-one medical centers in the United States. Patients 18 years or older undergoing cardiac surgery. Clevidipine was compared with nitroglycerin, sodium nitroprusside, and nicardipine. The ECLIPSE trials included 3 individual randomized open-label studies comparing clevidipine to nitroglycerin, sodium nitroprusside, and nicardipine. Blood pressure control was assessed as the integral of the cumulative area under the curve (AUC) outside specified systolic blood pressure ranges, such that lower AUC represents less variability. This analysis examined surgery duration, time to extubation, as well as intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients with AUC≤10 mmHg×min/h compared to patients with AUC>10 mmHg×min/h. One thousand four hundred ten patients were included for analysis; 736 patients (52%) had an AUC≤10 mmHg×min/h, and 674 (48%) had an AUC>10 mmHg×min/h. The duration of surgery and ICU LOS were similar between groups. Time to extubation and postoperative LOS were both significantly shorter (p = 0.05 and p<0.0001, respectively) in patients with AUC≤10. Multivariate analysis demonstrates AUC≤10 was significantly and independently associated with decreased time to extubation (hazard ratio 1.132, p = 0.0261) and postoperative LOS (hazard ratio 1.221, p = 0.0006). Based on data derived from the ECLIPSE studies, increased perioperative BP variability is associated with delayed time to extubation and increased postoperative LOS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Liver Transcriptome and miRNA Analysis of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Intraperitoneally Injected With Microcystin-LR

PubMed Central

Qu, Xiancheng; Hu, Menghong; Shang, Yueyong; Pan, Lisha; Jia, Peixuan; Fu, Chunxue; Liu, Qigen; Wang, Youji

2018-01-01

Next-generation sequencing was used to analyze the effects of toxic microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Silver carps were intraperitoneally injected with MC-LR, and RNA-seq and miRNA-seq in the liver were analyzed at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 h. The expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST), which acts as a marker gene for MC-LR, was tested to determine the earliest time point at which GST transcription was initiated in the liver tissues of the MC-LR-treated silver carps. Hepatic RNA-seq/miRNA-seq analysis and data integration analysis were conducted with reference to the identified time point. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of the following genes at the three time points: heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), interleukin-10 receptor 1 (IL-10R1), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and heme binding protein 2 (HBP2). Results showed that the liver GST expression was remarkably decreased at 0.25 h (P < 0.05). RNA-seq at this time point revealed that the liver tissue contained 97,505 unigenes, including 184 significantly different unigenes and 75 unknown genes. Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis suggested that 35 of the 145 enriched GO terms were significantly enriched and mainly related to the immune system regulation network. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that 18 of the 189 pathways were significantly enriched, and the most significant was a ribosome pathway containing 77 differentially expressed genes. miRNA-seq analysis indicated that the longest miRNA had 22 nucleotides (nt), followed by 21 and 23 nt. A total of 286 known miRNAs, 332 known miRNA precursor sequences, and 438 new miRNAs were predicted. A total of 1,048,575 mRNA–miRNA interaction sites were obtained, and 21,252 and 21,241 target genes were respectively predicted in known and new miRNAs. qPCR revealed that HO-1, IL-10R1, apoA-I, and HBP2 were significantly differentially expressed and might play important roles in the toxicity and liver detoxification of MC-LR in fish. These results were consistent with those of high-throughput sequencing, thereby verifying the accuracy of our sequencing data. RNA-seq and miRNA-seq analyses of silver carp liver injected with MC-LR provided valuable and new insights into the toxic effects of MC-LR and the antitoxic mechanisms of MC-LR in fish. The RNA/miRNA data are available from the NCBI database Registration No. : SRP075165. PMID:29692738

Influence of the time scale on the construction of financial networks.

PubMed

Emmert-Streib, Frank; Dehmer, Matthias

2010-09-30

In this paper we investigate the definition and formation of financial networks. Specifically, we study the influence of the time scale on their construction. For our analysis we use correlation-based networks obtained from the daily closing prices of stock market data. More precisely, we use the stocks that currently comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and estimate financial networks where nodes correspond to stocks and edges correspond to none vanishing correlation coefficients. That means only if a correlation coefficient is statistically significant different from zero, we include an edge in the network. This construction procedure results in unweighted, undirected networks. By separating the time series of stock prices in non-overlapping intervals, we obtain one network per interval. The length of these intervals corresponds to the time scale of the data, whose influence on the construction of the networks will be studied in this paper. Numerical analysis of four different measures in dependence on the time scale for the construction of networks allows us to gain insights about the intrinsic time scale of the stock market with respect to a meaningful graph-theoretical analysis.

Factors associated with delay in trauma team activation and impact on patient outcomes.

PubMed

Connolly, Rory; Woo, Michael Y; Lampron, Jacinthe; Perry, Jeffrey J

2017-09-05

Trauma code activation is initiated by emergency physicians using physiological and anatomical criteria, mechanism of injury, and patient demographic factors. Our objective was to identify factors associated with delayed trauma team activation. We assessed consecutive cases from a regional trauma database from January 2008 to March 2014. We defined a delay in trauma code activation as a time greater than 30 minutes from the time of arrival. We conducted univariate analysis for factors potentially influencing trauma team activation, and we subsequently used multiple logistic regression analysis models for delayed activation in relation to mortality, length of stay, and time to operative management. Patients totalling 846 were included for our analysis; 4.1% (35/846) of trauma codes were activated after 30 minutes. Mean age was 40.8 years in the early group versus 49.2 in the delayed group (p=0.01). Patients were over age 70 years in 7.6% in the early activation group versus 17.1% in the delayed group (p=0.04). There was no significant difference in sex, type of injury, injury severity, or time from injury between the two groups. There was no significant difference in mortality, median length of stay, or median time to operative management. Delayed activation is linked with increasing age with no clear link to increased mortality. Given the severe injuries in the delayed cohort that required activation of the trauma team, further emphasis on the older trauma patient and interventions to recognize this vulnerable population should be made.

The Use of Categorized Time-Trend Reporting of Radiation Oncology Incidents: A Proactive Analytical Approach to Improving Quality and Safety Over Time

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

Arnold, Anthony, E-mail: anthony.arnold@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.a; Delaney, Geoff P.; Cassapi, Lynette

Purpose: Radiotherapy is a common treatment for cancer patients. Although incidence of error is low, errors can be severe or affect significant numbers of patients. In addition, errors will often not manifest until long periods after treatment. This study describes the development of an incident reporting tool that allows categorical analysis and time trend reporting, covering first 3 years of use. Methods and Materials: A radiotherapy-specific incident analysis system was established. Staff members were encouraged to report actual errors and near-miss events detected at prescription, simulation, planning, or treatment phases of radiotherapy delivery. Trend reporting was reviewed monthly. Results: Reportsmore » were analyzed for the first 3 years of operation (May 2004-2007). A total of 688 reports was received during the study period. The actual error rate was 0.2% per treatment episode. During the study period, the actual error rates reduced significantly from 1% per year to 0.3% per year (p < 0.001), as did the total event report rates (p < 0.0001). There were 3.5 times as many near misses reported compared with actual errors. Conclusions: This system has allowed real-time analysis of events within a radiation oncology department to a reduced error rate through focus on learning and prevention from the near-miss reports. Plans are underway to develop this reporting tool for Australia and New Zealand.« less

Geostatistical Analysis of Surface Temperature and In-Situ Soil Moisture Using LST Time-Series from Modis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohrabinia, M.; Rack, W.; Zawar-Reza, P.

2012-07-01

The objective of this analysis is to provide a quantitative estimate of the fluctuations of land surface temperature (LST) with varying near surface soil moisture (SM) on different land-cover (LC) types. The study area is located in the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand. Time series of LST from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) have been analysed statistically to study the relationship between the surface skin temperature and near-surface SM. In-situ measurements of the skin temperature and surface SM with a quasi-experimental design over multiple LC types are used for validation. Correlations between MODIS LST and in-situ SM, as well as in-situ surface temperature and SM are calculated. The in-situ measurements and MODIS data are collected from various LC types. Pearson's r correlation coefficient and linear regression are used to fit the MODIS LST and surface skin temperature with near-surface SM. There was no significant correlation between time-series of MODIS LST and near-surface SM from the initial analysis, however, careful analysis of the data showed significant correlation between the two parameters. Night-time series of the in-situ surface temperature and SM from a 12 hour period over Irrigated-Crop, Mixed-Grass, Forest, Barren and Open- Grass showed inverse correlations of -0.47, -0.68, -0.74, -0.88 and -0.93, respectively. These results indicated that the relationship between near-surface SM and LST in short-terms (12 to 24 hours) is strong, however, remotely sensed LST with higher temporal resolution is required to establish this relationship in such time-scales. This method can be used to study near-surface SM using more frequent LST observations from a geostationary satellite over the study area.

Analysis of a trial assessing the long-term effectiveness of salicylic acid plasters compared with scalpel debridement in facilitating corn resolution in patients with multiple corns.

PubMed

Stephenson, John; Farndon, Lisa; Concannon, Michael

2016-06-01

This study assesses the effect of salicylic acid plasters on the time to resolution of 324 corns experienced by 201 participants taking part in a randomized controlled trial. While the rate of corn resolution was substantively higher in the treatment group than in the control group, treatment was found to be not significantly related to time to corn recurrence when analyzed over the full 12-month follow-up period. Parametric survival analysis modeling of interval-censored data and incorporating patient-specific frailty terms was utilized, to model correlation of corns within patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.189; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.780-1.813; P = 0.422). Median resolution times were 10.0 months for corns in the treatment group and 13.4 months for corns in the control group. Controlling for treatment, corn type was found to be related to resolution time, with dorsal/interdigital (ID) corns showing better resolution than plantar corns (HR, 1.670; 95% CI, 1.061-2.630; P = 0.027). Median resolution times were 5.9 months for dorsal/ID corns and 14.9 months for plantar corns. Secondary measures relating to quality of life (QoL) and foot-related disability, using the EQ-5D questionnaire and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI), were also assessed at the patient level in multivariate models. Treatment was not significantly related to any of these measures over the whole period of analysis. However, a trend analysis revealed a quadratic trend in QoL and MFPDI scores, arising from a substantive initial improvement between baseline and 3 months, followed by a gradual decrease between 3 and 12 months. © 2015 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Daily remote monitoring of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: insights from the pooled patient-level data from three randomized controlled trials (IN-TIME, ECOST, TRUST).

PubMed

Hindricks, Gerhard; Varma, Niraj; Kacet, Salem; Lewalter, Thorsten; Søgaard, Peter; Guédon-Moreau, Laurence; Proff, Jochen; Gerds, Thomas A; Anker, Stefan D; Torp-Pedersen, Christian

2017-06-07

Remote monitoring of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may improve clinical outcome. A recent meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials (TRUST, ECOST, IN-TIME) using a specific remote monitoring system with daily transmissions [Biotronik Home Monitoring (HM)] demonstrated improved survival. We performed a patient-level analysis to verify this result with appropriate time-to-event statistics and to investigate further clinical endpoints. Individual data of the TRUST, ECOST, and IN-TIME patients were pooled to calculate absolute risks of endpoints at 1-year follow-up for HM vs. conventional follow-up. All-cause mortality analysis involved all three trials (2405 patients). Other endpoints involved two trials, ECOST and IN-TIME (1078 patients), in which an independent blinded endpoint committee adjudicated the underlying causes of hospitalizations and deaths. The absolute risk of death at 1 year was reduced by 1.9% in the HM group (95% CI: 0.1-3.8%; P = 0.037), equivalent to a risk ratio of 0.62. Also the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for worsening heart failure (WHF) was significantly reduced (by 5.6%; P = 0.007; risk ratio 0.64). The composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular (CV) hospitalization tended to be reduced by a similar degree (4.1%; P = 0.13; risk ratio 0.85) but without statistical significance. In a pooled analysis of the three trials, HM reduced all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or WHF hospitalization. The similar magnitudes of absolute risk reductions for WHF and CV endpoints suggest that the benefit of HM is driven by the prevention of heart failure exacerbation.

Part-time versus full-time occlusion therapy for treatment of amblyopia: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Yazdani, Negareh; Sadeghi, Ramin; Momeni-Moghaddam, Hamed; Zarifmahmoudi, Leili; Ehsaei, Asieh; Barrett, Brendan T

2017-06-01

To compare full-time occlusion (FTO) and part-time occlusion (PTO) therapy in the treatment of amblyopia, with the secondary aim of evaluating the minimum number of hours of part-time patching required for maximal effect from occlusion. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid, Web of Science and Cochrane library. Methodological quality of the literature was evaluated according to the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine and modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (version 2, Biostat Inc., USA). The present meta-analysis included six studies [three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three non-RCTs]. Pooled standardized difference in the mean changes in the visual acuity was 0.337 [lower and upper limits: -0.009, 0.683] higher in the FTO as compared to the PTO group; however, this difference was not statistically significant ( P  = 0.056, Cochrane Q value = 20.4 ( P  = 0.001), I 2  = 75.49%). Egger's regression intercept was 5.46 ( P  = 0.04). The pooled standardized difference in means of visual acuity changes was 1.097 [lower and upper limits: 0.68, 1.513] higher in the FTO arm ( P  < 0.001), and 0.7 [lower and upper limits: 0.315, 1.085] higher in the PTO arm ( P  < 0.001) compared to PTO less than two hours. This meta-analysis shows no statistically significant difference between PTO and FTO in treatment of amblyopia. However, our results suggest that the minimum effective PTO duration, to observe maximal improvement in visual acuity is six hours per day.

Subtle Cognitive Effects of Moderate Hypoxia

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

using SPSS® 13.0 with significance set at an alpha level of .05 for all statistical tests. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was...there was not statistically significant change in reaction time (p=.781), accuracy (p=.152), or throughout (p=.967) with increasing altitude. The...results indicate that healthy individuals aged 19 to 45 years do not experience significant cognitive deficit, as measured by the CogScreen®-HE, when

Assessment of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the hepatic vein for detection of hemodynamic changes associated with experimentally induced portal hypertension in dogs.

PubMed

Morishita, Keitaro; Hiramoto, Akira; Michishita, Asuka; Takagi, Satoshi; Hoshino, Yuki; Itami, Takaharu; Lim, Sue Yee; Osuga, Tatsuyuki; Nakamura, Sayuri; Ochiai, Kenji; Nakamura, Kensuke; Ohta, Hiroshi; Yamasaki, Masahiro; Takiguchi, Mitsuyoshi

2017-04-01

OBJECTIVE To assess the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) of the hepatic vein for the detection of hemodynamic changes associated with experimentally induced portal hypertension in dogs. ANIMALS 6 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES A prospective study was conducted. A catheter was surgically placed in the portal vein of each dog. Hypertension was induced by intraportal injection of microspheres (10 to 15 mg/kg) at 5-day intervals via the catheter. Microsphere injections were continued until multiple acquired portosystemic shunts were created. Portal vein pressure (PVP) was measured through the catheter. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed before and after establishment of hypertension. Time-intensity curves were generated from the region of interest in the hepatic vein. Perfusion variables measured for statistical analysis were hepatic vein arrival time, time to peak, time to peak phase (TTPP), and washout ratio. The correlation between CEUS variables and PVP was assessed by use of simple regression analysis. RESULTS Time to peak and TTPP were significantly less after induction of portal hypertension. Simple regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between TTPP and PVP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CEUS was useful for detecting hemodynamic changes associated with experimentally induced portal hypertension in dogs, which was characterized by a rapid increase in the intensity of the hepatic vein. Furthermore, TTPP, a time-dependent variable, provided useful complementary information for predicting portal hypertension. IMPACT FOR HUMAN MEDICINE Because the method described here induced presinusoidal portal hypertension, these results can be applied to idiopathic portal hypertension in humans.

[Analysis of characteristics and influence factors of diagnostic delay of endometriosis].

PubMed

Han, X T; Guo, H Y; Kong, D L; Han, J S; Zhang, L F

2018-02-25

Objective: To access the influence factors of diagnostic delay of endometriosis. Methods: We designed a questionnaire of diagnostic delay of endometriosis. From February 2014 to February 2016, 400 patients who had dysmenorrhea and diagnosed with endometriosis by surgery in Peking University Third Hospital were surveyed retrospectively. Time and risk factors of diagnostic delay were analyzed. Results: The diagnostic delay of 400 patients was 13.0 years (0.2-43.0 years), 78.5%(314/400) patients thought pain was a normal phenomenon and didn't see the doctor. Patients who suffered dysmenorrhea at menarche experienced longer diagnostic delay than those who had dysmenorrhea after menarche (18.0 vs 4.5 years; Z= 191.800, P< 0.01) . Patients who suffered aggravating dysmenorrhea experienced shorter delay time than those who suffered stable or relieving dysmenorrhea (11.0 vs 12.5 vs 18.0 years; Z= 8.270, P< 0.05) , with the difference statistically significant, single factor analysis shows. Severe dysmenorrhea, deep infiltration endometriosis (DIE) , family history of dysmenorrhea or endometriosis, previous surgical history of endometriosis, high stage, with infertility, adenomyoma or other symptoms, could help to shorten diagnostic delay with no significant difference ( P> 0.05) . By multiple logistic regression analysis, the results shown that whether have dysmenorrhea at menarche and clinical diagnosis time were the independent factors affecting delayed diagnosis ( P< 0.01) . Conclusions: Diagnostic delay of endometriosis is common and the mean delay time is 13.0 years mainly due to the unawareness of dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea at menarche, clinical diagnosis time and dysmenorrhea intensity are the factors affecting time of diagnostic delay.

Objective Analysis of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injection Efficacy in Different Settings.

PubMed

Byun, Sang-Young; Seo, Koo-Il; Shin, Jung-Won; Kwon, Soon-Hyo; Park, Mi-Sook; Lee, Joshua; Park, Kyoung-Chan; Na, Jung-Im; Huh, Chang-Hun

2015-12-01

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) filler is known to have continuous volume effect. The objective of this study is to analyze objective volume effect of PLLA in different settings of injection schedule on the cheek. A split-face, evaluator-blind randomized study in 24 volunteers was conducted. One side was injected 3 times with 4 cc dose and the other side was injected 2 times with 6 cc dose per visit. Facial volume loss scale (FVLS) and Vectra were evaluated. Measured average FVLS showed statistically significant improvement both in 3 and 2 times injection sides and maintained efficacy until 12 months. Vectra showed volume difference (cc) between before and after injection. In 3 times injection side, it was increased 2.12 (after 1 month) to 3.17 (after 12 months). In 2 times injection side, it was increased 2.26 (after 1 month) to 3.19 (after 12 months). Gradual volume improvement over 12 months was statistically significant in both sides. There was no statistically significant difference between 3 and 2 times injection in FVLS and Vectra. There was no severe adverse event. Poly-L-lactic acid has continuous volume effect and there was no significant difference by injection times at the same total injection volume.

Comparison of a real-time PCR method with a culture method for the detection of Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis in naturally contaminated environmental samples from integrated poultry houses.

PubMed

Lungu, Bwalya; Waltman, W Douglas; Berghaus, Roy D; Hofacre, Charles L

2012-04-01

Conventional culture methods have traditionally been considered the "gold standard" for the isolation and identification of foodborne bacterial pathogens. However, culture methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming. A Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis-specific real-time PCR assay that recently received interim approval by the National Poultry Improvement Plan for the detection of Salmonella Enteritidis was evaluated against a culture method that had also received interim National Poultry Improvement Plan approval for the analysis of environmental samples from integrated poultry houses. The method was validated with 422 field samples collected by either the boot sock or drag swab method. The samples were cultured by selective enrichment in tetrathionate broth followed by transfer onto a modified semisolid Rappaport-Vassiliadis medium and then plating onto brilliant green with novobiocin and xylose lysine brilliant Tergitol 4 plates. One-milliliter aliquots of the selective enrichment broths from each sample were collected for DNA extraction by the commercial PrepSEQ nucleic acid extraction assay and analysis by the Salmonella Enteritidis-specific real-time PCR assay. The real-time PCR assay detected no significant differences between the boot sock and drag swab samples. In contrast, the culture method detected a significantly higher number of positive samples from boot socks. The diagnostic sensitivity of the real-time PCR assay for the field samples was significantly higher than that of the culture method. The kappa value obtained was 0.46, indicating moderate agreement between the real-time PCR assay and the culture method. In addition, the real-time PCR method had a turnaround time of 2 days compared with 4 to 8 days for the culture method. The higher sensitivity as well as the reduction in time and labor makes this real-time PCR assay an excellent alternative to conventional culture methods for diagnostic purposes, surveillance, and research studies to improve food safety.

Seasonality of service provision in hip and knee surgery: a possible contributor to waiting times? A time series analysis.

PubMed

Upshur, Ross E G; Moineddin, Rahim; Crighton, Eric J; Mamdani, Muhammad

2006-03-01

The question of how best to reduce waiting times for health care, particularly surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacements is among the most pressing concern of the Canadian health care system. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that significant seasonal variation exists in the performance of hip and knee replacement surgery in the province of Ontario. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional time series analysis examining all hip and knee replacement surgeries in people over the age of 65 in the province of Ontario, Canada between 1992 and 2002. The main outcome measure was monthly hospitalization rates per 100,000 population for all hip and knee replacements. There was a marked increase in the rate of hip and knee replacement surgery over the 10-year period as well as an increasing seasonal variation in surgeries. Highly significant (Fisher Kappa = 16.05, p < 0.01; Bartlett-Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test = 0.31, p < 0.01) and strong (R2Autoreg = 0.85) seasonality was identified in the data. Holidays and utilization caps appear to exert a significant influence on the rate of service provision. It is expected that waiting times for hip and knee replacement could be reduced by reducing seasonal fluctuations in service provision and benchmarking services to peak delivery. The results highlight the importance of system behaviour in seasonal fluctuation of service delivery.

Seasonality of service provision in hip and knee surgery: A possible contributor to waiting times? A time series analysis

PubMed Central

Upshur, Ross EG; Moineddin, Rahim; Crighton, Eric J; Mamdani, Muhammad

2006-01-01

Background The question of how best to reduce waiting times for health care, particularly surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacements is among the most pressing concern of the Canadian health care system. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that significant seasonal variation exists in the performance of hip and knee replacement surgery in the province of Ontario. Methods We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional time series analysis examining all hip and knee replacement surgeries in people over the age of 65 in the province of Ontario, Canada between 1992 and 2002. The main outcome measure was monthly hospitalization rates per 100 000 population for all hip and knee replacements. Results There was a marked increase in the rate of hip and knee replacement surgery over the 10-year period as well as an increasing seasonal variation in surgeries. Highly significant (Fisher Kappa = 16.05, p < 0.01; Bartlett-Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test = 0.31, p < 0.01) and strong (R2Autoreg = 0.85) seasonality was identified in the data. Conclusion Holidays and utilization caps appear to exert a significant influence on the rate of service provision. It is expected that waiting times for hip and knee replacement could be reduced by reducing seasonal fluctuations in service provision and benchmarking services to peak delivery. The results highlight the importance of system behaviour in seasonal fluctuation of service delivery. PMID:16509992

Prognostic factors for return to work in patients with sciatica.

PubMed

Grøvle, Lars; Haugen, Anne J; Keller, Anne; Ntvig, Bård; Brox, Jens I; Grotle, Margreth

2013-12-01

Little is known about the prognostic factors for work-related outcomes of sciatica caused by disc herniation. To identify the prognostic factors for return to work (RTW) during a 2-year follow-up among sciatica patients referred to secondary care. Multicenter prospective cohort study including 466 patients. Administrative data from the National Sickness Benefit Register were accessed for 227 patients. Two samples were used. Sample A comprised patients who at the time of inclusion in the cohort reported being on partial sick leave or complete sick leave or were undergoing rehabilitation because of back pain/sciatica. Sample B comprised patients who, according to the sickness benefit register, at the time of inclusion received sickness benefits or rehabilitation allowances because of back pain/sciatica. In Sample A, the outcome was self-reported return to full-time work at the 2-year follow-up. In Sample B, the outcome was time to first sustained RTW, defined as the first period of more than 60 days without receiving benefits from the register. Significant baseline predictors of self-reported RTW at 2 years (Analysis A) were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Significant predictors of time to sustained RTW (Analysis B) were identified by multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling. Both analyses included adjustment for age and sex. To assess the effect of surgery on the probability of RTW, analyses similar to A and B were performed, including the variable surgery (yes/no). One-fourth of the patients were still out of work at the 2-year follow-up. In Sample A (n=237), younger age, better general health, lower baseline sciatica bothersomeness, less fear-avoidance work, and a negative straight-leg-raising test result were significantly associated with a higher probability of RTW at the 2-year follow-up. Surgery was not significantly associated with the outcome. In Sample B (n=125), history of sciatica, duration of the current sciatica episode more than 3 months, greater sciatica bothersomeness, fear-avoidance work, and back pain were significantly associated with a longer time to sustained RTW. Surgery was significantly negatively associated with time to sustained RTW both in univariate (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39, 0.93; p=.02) and in multivariate (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.31, 0.79; p=.003) analyses. The baseline factors associated with RTW identified in multivariate analysis were age, general health, history of sciatica, duration of the current episode, baseline sciatica bothersomeness, fear-avoidance work, back pain, and the straight-leg-raising test result. Surgical treatment was associated with slower RTW, but surgical patients were more severely affected than patients treated without surgery; so, this finding should be interpreted with caution. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

"Knife to skin" time is a poor marker of operating room utilization and efficiency in cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Luthra, Suvitesh; Ramady, Omar; Monge, Mary; Fitzsimons, Michael G; Kaleta, Terry R; Sundt, Thoralf M

2015-06-01

Markers of operation room (OR) efficiency in cardiac surgery are focused on "knife to skin" and "start time tardiness." These do not evaluate the middle and later parts of the cardiac surgical pathway. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate knife to skin time as an efficiency marker in cardiac surgery. We looked at knife to skin time, procedure time, and transfer times in the cardiac operational pathway for their correlation with predefined indices of operational efficiency (Index of Operation Efficiency - InOE, Surgical Index of Operational Efficiency - sInOE). A regression analysis was performed to test the goodness of fit of the regression curves estimated for InOE relative to the times on the operational pathway. The mean knife to skin time was 90.6 ± 13 minutes (23% of total OR time). The mean procedure time was 282 ± 123 minutes (71% of total OR time). Utilization efficiencies were highest for aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting and least for complex aortic procedures. There were no significant procedure-specific or team-specific differences for standard procedures. Procedure times correlated the strongest with InOE (r = -0.98, p < 0.01). Compared to procedure times, knife to skin is not as strong an indicator of efficiency. A statistically significant linear dependence on InOE was observed with "procedure times" only. Procedure times are a better marker of OR efficiency than knife to skin in cardiac cases. Strategies to increase OR utilization and efficiency should address procedure times in addition to knife to skin times. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anthropometric Indices in Children With Refractory Epilepsy.

PubMed

Aminzadeh, Vahid; Dalili, Setila; Ashoorian, Yalda; Kohmanaee, Shahin; Hassanzadeh Rad, Afagh

2016-01-01

We aimed to assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on reducing the risk of refractory seizure due to lipoid tissue factors. This matched case-control study, consisted of cases (Patients with refractory epilepsy) and controls (Healthy children) referred to 17 Shahrivar Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran during 2013-2014. Data were gathered by a form including demographic characteristics, type of epilepsy, predominant time of epilepsy, therapeutic approach, frequency of epilepsy, time of disease onset and anthropometric indices. We measured anthropometric indices and transformed them into Z-scores. Data were reported by descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t test and multinomial regression analysis test using SPSS 19. There was no significant difference between sex groups regarding anthropometric indices. Generalized and focal types of epilepsies were noted on 57.5% and 38.75% of patients, respectively. Daytime epilepsies happened in 46.25% of patients and 33.75% noted no predominant time for epilepsies. Clinicians indicated poly-therapy for the majority of patients (92.5%). The most common onset times for epilepsies were 36-72 months for 32.5% of patients. Lower onset time indicated lower frequency of refractory epilepsies. Although, there was significant difference between Zheight and predominant time of epilepsies but no significant relation was found between types of epilepsies and frequency of epilepsies with anthropometric indices. Using multivariate regression analysis by backward LR, Zweight and birth weight were noted as the predicting factors of refractory epilepsies. This effect may be because of leptin. Therefore, researchers recommend further investigations regarding this issue in children with epilepsy.

Reintervention for stent occlusion after bilateral self-expandable metallic stent placement for malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

PubMed

Inoue, Tadahisa; Naitoh, Itaru; Okumura, Fumihiro; Ozeki, Takanori; Anbe, Kaiki; Iwasaki, Hiroyasu; Nishie, Hirotada; Mizushima, Takashi; Sano, Hitoshi; Nakazawa, Takahiro; Yoneda, Masashi; Joh, Takashi

2016-11-01

Endoscopic reintervention for stent occlusions following bilateral self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) is challenging, and time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) of the revisionary stent remains unclear. We aimed to clarify a suitable reintervention method for stent occlusions following bilateral SEMS placement for MHBO. Between 2002 and 2014, 52 consecutive patients with MHBO who underwent endoscopic reintervention for stent occlusion after bilateral SEMS placement were enrolled at two university hospitals and one tertiary care referral center. We retrospectively evaluated the technical and functional success rates of the reinterventions, and the time to RBO of the revisionary stents. Technical and functional success rates of the reinterventions were 92% (48/52) and 90% (43/48), respectively. Univariate analysis did not determine any significant predictive factors for technical and functional failures. Median time to RBO of the revisionary stents was 68 days. Median time to RBO was significantly longer for revisionary SEMS placement than for plastic stent placement (131 days vs 47 days, respectively; log-rank test, P = 0.005). Revisionary SEMS placement was the only independent factor that was significantly associated with a longer time to RBO of the revisionary stent in the multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis (hazard ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval 0.14-0.95; P = 0.039). Revisionary SEMS placement is a suitable endoscopic reintervention method for stent occlusion following bilateral SEMS placement from the perspective of time to RBO of the revisionary stent. © 2016 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.

Visibility graph network analysis of natural gas price: The case of North American market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Mei; Wang, Yaqi; Gao, Cuixia

2016-11-01

Fluctuations in prices of natural gas significantly affect global economy. Therefore, the research on the characteristics of natural gas price fluctuations, turning points and its influencing cycle on the subsequent price series is of great significance. Global natural gas trade concentrates on three regional markets: the North American market, the European market and the Asia-Pacific market, with North America having the most developed natural gas financial market. In addition, perfect legal supervision and coordinated regulations make the North American market more open and more competitive. This paper focuses on the North American natural gas market specifically. The Henry Hub natural gas spot price time series is converted to a visibility graph network which provides a new direction for macro analysis of time series, and several indicators are investigated: degree and degree distribution, the average shortest path length and community structure. The internal mechanisms underlying price fluctuations are explored through the indicators. The results show that the natural gas prices visibility graph network (NGP-VGN) is of small-world and scale-free properties simultaneously. After random rearrangement of original price time series, the degree distribution of network becomes exponential distribution, different from the original ones. This means that, the original price time series is of long-range negative correlation fractal characteristic. In addition, nodes with large degree correspond to significant geopolitical or economic events. Communities correspond to time cycles in visibility graph network. The cycles of time series and the impact scope of hubs can be found by community structure partition.

How to Use Value-Added Analysis to Improve Student Learning: A Field Guide for School and District Leaders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kennedy, Kate; Peters, Mary; Thomas, Mike

2012-01-01

Value-added analysis is the most robust, statistically significant method available for helping educators quantify student progress over time. This powerful tool also reveals tangible strategies for improving instruction. Built around the work of Battelle for Kids, this book provides a field-tested continuous improvement model for using…

Non-parametric trend analysis of the aridity index for three large arid and semi-arid basins in Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahani, Hossien; Kherad, Mehrzad; Kousari, Mohammad Reza; van Roosmalen, Lieke; Aryanfar, Ramin; Hosseini, Seyyed Mashaallah

2013-05-01

Currently, an important scientific challenge that researchers are facing is to gain a better understanding of climate change at the regional scale, which can be especially challenging in an area with low and highly variable precipitation amounts such as Iran. Trend analysis of the medium-term change using ground station observations of meteorological variables can enhance our knowledge of the dominant processes in an area and contribute to the analysis of future climate projections. Generally, studies focus on the long-term variability of temperature and precipitation and to a lesser extent on other important parameters such as moisture indices. In this study the recent 50-year trends (1955-2005) of precipitation (P), potential evapotranspiration (PET), and aridity index (AI) in monthly time scale were studied over 14 synoptic stations in three large Iran basins using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test. Additionally, an analysis of the monthly, seasonal and annual trend of each parameter was performed. Results showed no significant trends in the monthly time series. However, PET showed significant, mostly decreasing trends, for the seasonal values, which resulted in a significant negative trend in annual PET at five stations. Significant negative trends in seasonal P values were only found at a number of stations in spring and summer and no station showed significant negative trends in annual P. Due to the varied positive and negative trends in annual P and to a lesser extent PET, almost as many stations with negative as positive trends in annual AI were found, indicating that both drying and wetting trends occurred in Iran. Overall, the northern part of the study area showed an increasing trend in annual AI which meant that the region became wetter, while the south showed decreasing trends in AI.

Co-expression of midkine and pleiotrophin predicts poor survival in human glioma.

PubMed

Ma, Jinyang; Lang, Bojuan; Wang, Xiongwei; Wang, Lei; Dong, Yuanxun; Hu, Huojun

2014-11-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether co-expression of midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) has prognostic relevance in human gliomas. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of MK and PTN proteins in 168 patients with gliomas. The levels of MK and PTN mRNA in glioma tissues and paratumor tissues were evaluated in 45 paired cases by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess prognostic significance. The expression levels of MK and PTN proteins in glioma tissue were both significantly higher (both p<0.001) than those in paratumor tissues on immunohistochemistry analysis, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. Additionally, the overexpression of either MK or PTN was significantly associated with the World Health Organization Grade (p=0.001 and 0.034, respectively), low Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score (p=0.022 and 0.001, respectively), time to recurrence (p=0.043 and 0.011, respectively) and poor overall survival (p=0.018 and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis revealed that increased expressions of MK and PTN were both independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival (p=0.030 and 0.022, respectively). Furthermore, the co-expression of MK and PTN was more significantly (p=0.003) associated with adverse prognosis in patients with gliomas than the respective expression of MK or PTN alone. To our knowledge, these findings are the first to indicate that the co-expression of MK and PTN is significantly correlated with prognosis in glioma patients, suggesting that the co-expression of these proteins may be used as both an early diagnostic and independent prognostic marker. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of a time series design to test effectiveness of a theory-based intervention targeting adherence of health professionals to a clinical guideline.

PubMed

Hanbury, Andria; Wallace, Louise; Clark, Michael

2009-09-01

The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a theory of planned behaviour intervention to increase adherence of community mental health professionals to a national suicide prevention guideline. Routinely collected audit adherence data from an intervention and control site were collected and analysed using time series analysis to test whether the intervention significantly increased adherence. The effects of a local and national event on adherence were also examined. A Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) questionnaire, developed from interview findings, was administered to the health professionals. Subjective norms were found to be the most significant predictor of intention to adhere to the guideline, and were targeted with an interactive educational intervention. Time series analysis applied to routinely collected audit adherence data was used to test intervention effectiveness. The TPB accounted for 58% of the variance in intention to adhere, with subjective norms the only significant predictor. The intervention did not significantly increase adherence; however, the national and local events were found to have significantly increased adherence. The TPB was a useful framework for exploring barriers to adherence; however, this did not translate into an effective intervention. Future research should seek collaboration with local experts, and use this information in combination with the TPB, to develop interventions. Collaborative research with experts in pedagogy may also help to develop more effective interventions, particularly education-based interventions that require adult learning.

Do climate model predictions agree with long-term precipitation trends in the arid southwestern United States?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elias, E.; Rango, A.; James, D.; Maxwell, C.; Anderson, J.; Abatzoglou, J. T.

2016-12-01

Researchers evaluating climate projections across southwestern North America observed a decreasing precipitation trend. Aridification was most pronounced in the cold (non-monsoonal) season, whereas downward trends in precipitation were smaller in the warm (monsoonal) season. In this region, based upon a multimodel mean of 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 models using a business-as-usual (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5) trajectory, midcentury precipitation is projected to increase slightly during the monsoonal time period (July-September; 6%) and decrease slightly during the remainder of the year (October-June; -4%). We use observed long-term (1915-2015) monthly precipitation records from 16 weather stations to investigate how well measured trends corroborate climate model predictions during the monsoonal and non-monsoonal timeframe. Running trend analysis using the Mann-Kendall test for 15 to 101 year moving windows reveals that half the stations showed significant (p≤0.1), albeit small, increasing trends based on the longest term record. Trends based on shorter-term records reveal a period of significant precipitation decline at all stations representing the 1950s drought. Trends from 1930 to 2015 reveal significant annual, monsoonal and non-monsoonal increases in precipitation (Fig 1). The 1960 to 2015 time window shows no significant precipitation trends. The more recent time window (1980 to 2015) shows a slight, but not significant, increase in monsoonal precipitation and a larger, significant decline in non-monsoonal precipitation. GCM precipitation projections are consistent with more recent trends for the region. Running trends from the most recent time window (mid-1990s to 2015) at all stations show increasing monsoonal precipitation and decreasing Oct-Jun precipitation, with significant trends at 6 of 16 stations. Running trend analysis revealed that the long-term trends were not persistent throughout the series length, but depended on the period examined. Recent trends in Southwest precipitation are directionally consistent with anthropogenic climate change.

Performance profile of NCAA Division I men's basketball games and training sessions.

PubMed

Conte, D; Tessitore, A; Smiley, K; Thomas, C; Favero, T G

2016-06-01

This study aimed to analyse live and stoppage time phases, their ratio, and action played on half and full court in college basketball games. Differences were assessed for the entire games and between halves. Moreover, differences of the live/stoppage time ratio were analysed between games and game-based conditioning drills. Ten games as well as fifteen defensive, fourteen offensive and six scrimmage-type drills of the same division I men's college team (13 players) were analysed using time-motion analysis technique. Live and stoppage time were classified in five classes of duration: 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80, >80 seconds. Half court actions started and finished in the same half court. Full court actions were classified as transfer (TR) phases when at least 3 teammates crossed the mid-court line. TR phases were then classified in 5 classes of frequency: 1TR, 2TR, 3TR, 4TR, and >4TR. The results revealed no statistically significant differences between games or between halves for the considered parameters. The only significant difference was observed for live/stoppage time ratio between halves (p<0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference of the live/stoppage ratio was found between games and game-based drills (p<0.01). Post-hoc analysis demonstrated significant differences of scrimmage-type drills in comparison to games, and defensive and offensive drills (p<0.05), whereas no differences emerged for the other pairwise comparisons. The absence of differences between games in the analysed parameters might be important to characterize the model of performance in division I men's college games. Furthermore, these results encourage coaches to use game-based conditioning drills to replicate the LT/ST ratio documented during games.

Detectability of BI-RADS category 3 or higher breast lesions and reading time on mammography: comparison between 5-MP and 8-MP LCD monitors.

PubMed

Yabuuchi, Hidetake; Kawanami, Satoshi; Kamitani, Takeshi; Matsumura, Tomomi; Yamasaki, Yuzo; Morishita, Junji; Honda, Hiroshi

2017-04-01

Background Five-megapixel (MP) displays are recommended as soft copy devices for digital mammogram. An 8-MP liquid crystal display (LCD) (two 4-MP displays within one display) might offer the advantage of being able to view biplane mammography more easily than the dual planes of 5-MP LCDs. Purpose To compare detectability of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 3 or higher lesions and reading time on mammography between 5- MP and 8-MP LCDs. Material and Methods The mammograms of 240 breasts of 120 patients including 60 breasts with BI-RADS category 3 or higher lesions and 180 breasts with normal or category 2 lesions were enrolled. All bilateral mammograms were displayed on bifacial 5-MP LCDs or an 8-MP LCD (two 4-MP displays within one display). Six radiologists assessed 240 breasts on each display. The observations were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A jack-knife method was used for statistical analysis. We employed a paired t-test to determine whether any significant differences existed in the reading time between two different displays. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean areas under the ROC curve obtained using 5-MP and 8-MP LCDs were 0.925 and 0.915, respectively, and there was no significant difference ( P = 0.46). There was also no significant difference in the reading time between two types of displays (57.8 min. vs. 51.5 min, P = 0.39). Conclusion The detectability of BI-RADS category 3 or higher lesions and reading time using an 8-MP LCD were comparable to those using a 5-MP LCD.

The Relationship between Parent-Infant Bed Sharing and Marital Satisfaction for Mothers of Infants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Messmer, Rosemary; Miller, Lynn D.; Yu, Christine M.

2012-01-01

This study investigated the relationship between marital satisfaction and time spent bed sharing with infants in a community sample of 81 bed sharing mothers. Time spent bed sharing did not significantly predict variance in marital satisfaction when considering bed sharers as a whole. Moderation analysis, however, showed the interaction between…

Developmental plasticity in Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Analysis of Instar Variation in Number and Development Time under Different Diets

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The variation in instar number and the pattern of sequential instar development time of Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) was studied under 4 different diet regimes. Addition of dietary supplements consisting of dry potato or a mix of dry potato and dry egg whites significantly reduced...

Time-frequency analysis of acoustic emission signals generated by the Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites during the tensile test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Świt, G.; Adamczak, A.; Krampikowska, A.

2017-10-01

Fibre reinforced polymer composites are currently dominating in the composite materials market. The lack of detailed knowledge about their properties and behaviour in various conditions of exposure under load significantly limits the broad possibilities of application of these materials. Occurring and accumulation of defects in material during the exploitation of the construction lead to the changes of its technical condition. The necessity to control the condition of the composite is therefore justified. For this purpose, non-destructive method of acoustic emission can be applied. This article presents an example of application of acoustic emission method based on time analysis and time-frequency analysis for the evaluation of the progress of the destructive processes and the level of degradation of glass fibre reinforced composite tapes that were subject to tensile testing.

Re-analysis of survival data of cancer patients utilizing additive homeopathy.

PubMed

Gleiss, Andreas; Frass, Michael; Gaertner, Katharina

2016-08-01

In this short communication we present a re-analysis of homeopathic patient data in comparison to control patient data from the same Outpatient´s Unit "Homeopathy in malignant diseases" of the Medical University of Vienna. In this analysis we took account of a probable immortal time bias. For patients suffering from advanced stages of cancer and surviving the first 6 or 12 months after diagnosis, respectively, the results show that utilizing homeopathy gives a statistically significant (p<0.001) advantage over control patients regarding survival time. In conclusion, bearing in mind all limitations, the results of this retrospective study suggest that patients with advanced stages of cancer might benefit from additional homeopathic treatment until a survival time of up to 12 months after diagnosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neural Correlates of True and False Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment

PubMed Central

Sweeney-Reed, Catherine M.; Riddell, Patricia M.; Ellis, Judi A.; Freeman, Jayne E.; Nasuto, Slawomir J.

2012-01-01

The goal of this research was to investigate the changes in neural processing in mild cognitive impairment. We measured phase synchrony, amplitudes, and event-related potentials in veridical and false memory to determine whether these differed in participants with mild cognitive impairment compared with typical, age-matched controls. Empirical mode decomposition phase locking analysis was used to assess synchrony, which is the first time this analysis technique has been applied in a complex cognitive task such as memory processing. The technique allowed assessment of changes in frontal and parietal cortex connectivity over time during a memory task, without a priori selection of frequency ranges, which has been shown previously to influence synchrony detection. Phase synchrony differed significantly in its timing and degree between participant groups in the theta and alpha frequency ranges. Timing differences suggested greater dependence on gist memory in the presence of mild cognitive impairment. The group with mild cognitive impairment had significantly more frontal theta phase locking than the controls in the absence of a significant behavioural difference in the task, providing new evidence for compensatory processing in the former group. Both groups showed greater frontal phase locking during false than true memory, suggesting increased searching when no actual memory trace was found. Significant inter-group differences in frontal alpha phase locking provided support for a role for lower and upper alpha oscillations in memory processing. Finally, fronto-parietal interaction was significantly reduced in the group with mild cognitive impairment, supporting the notion that mild cognitive impairment could represent an early stage in Alzheimer’s disease, which has been described as a ‘disconnection syndrome’. PMID:23118992

Forecasting daily attendances at an emergency department to aid resource planning

PubMed Central

Sun, Yan; Heng, Bee Hoon; Seow, Yian Tay; Seow, Eillyne

2009-01-01

Background Accurate forecasting of emergency department (ED) attendances can be a valuable tool for micro and macro level planning. Methods Data for analysis was the counts of daily patient attendances at the ED of an acute care regional general hospital from July 2005 to Mar 2008. Patients were stratified into three acuity categories; i.e. P1, P2 and P3, with P1 being the most acute and P3 being the least acute. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) method was separately applied to each of the three acuity categories and total patient attendances. Independent variables included in the model were public holiday (yes or no), ambient air quality measured by pollution standard index (PSI), daily ambient average temperature and daily relative humidity. The seasonal components of weekly and yearly periodicities in the time series of daily attendances were also studied. Univariate analysis by t-tests and multivariate time series analysis were carried out in SPSS version 15. Results By time series analyses, P1 attendances did not show any weekly or yearly periodicity and was only predicted by ambient air quality of PSI > 50. P2 and total attendances showed weekly periodicities, and were also significantly predicted by public holiday. P3 attendances were significantly correlated with day of the week, month of the year, public holiday, and ambient air quality of PSI > 50. After applying the developed models to validate the forecast, the MAPE of prediction by the models were 16.8%, 6.7%, 8.6% and 4.8% for P1, P2, P3 and total attendances, respectively. The models were able to account for most of the significant autocorrelations present in the data. Conclusion Time series analysis has been shown to provide a useful, readily available tool for predicting emergency department workload that can be used to plan staff roster and resource planning. PMID:19178716

Rural counties chlamydia and gonorrhea rates in Pennsylvania among adolescents and young adults.

PubMed

Pinto, Casey N; Dorn, Lorah D; Chinchilli, Vernon M; Du, Ping; Chi, Guangqing

2017-09-01

American adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 account for 50% of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) annually. Rural populations in this age group are often understudied, despite having factors that place them at higher risk for STDs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of time series analysis in the assessment of rural Pennsylvania county-level chlamydia and gonorrhea rates overtime (2004-2014) for 15- to 19- and 20- to 24-year-old age groups by gender. An exploratory analysis was completed using Pennsylvania STD surveillance case report and census data, to develop a linear mixed-effects model of the STD rate for each Pennsylvania county for the years 2004 through 2014 using 3-month increments. A cubic polynomial spline regression model was assumed over the 44 time points for each county to account for possible oscillations in the STD rate during the 11-year period. Eight out of 12 rural counties had a significant increase in chlamydia or gonorrhea rates, and five rural counties had significant decreases in chlamydia or gonorrhea rates from 2004 to 2014. Results from this study provide the first analysis of change in rates of STDs in rural settings and demonstrate the utility of time series analysis for populations with small sample sizes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Temporal Propagation of Intrinsic Brain Activity Associate With the Occurrence of PTSD

PubMed Central

Weng, Yifei; Qi, Rongfeng; Chen, Feng; Ke, Jun; Xu, Qiang; Zhong, Yuan; Chen, Lida; Li, Jianjun; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Li; Lu, Guangming

2018-01-01

The abnormal brain activity is a pivotal condition for the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the dynamic time features of intrinsic brain activities still remain unclearly in PTSD patients. Our study aims to perform the resting-state lag analysis (RS-LA) method to explore potential propagated patterns of intrinsic brain activities in PTSD patients. We recruited 27 drug-naive patients with PTSD, 33 trauma-exposed controls (TEC), and 30 demographically matched healthy controls (HC) in the final data statistics. Both RS-LA and conventional voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS) methods were employed on the same dataset. Then, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted on time latency values of those abnormal brain regions with the clinical assessments. Compared with HC group, the time latency patterns of PTSD patients significantly shifted toward later in posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, middle prefrontal cortex, right angular, and left pre- and post-central cortex. The TEC group tended to have similar time latency in right angular. Additionally, significant time latency in right STG was found in PTSD group relative to TEC group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the time latency value of mPFC negatively correlated to the PTSD checklist-civilian version scores (PCL_C) in PTSD group (r = −0.578, P < 0.05). Furthermore, group differences map of FCS exhibited parts of overlapping areas with that of RS-LA, however, less specificity in detecting PTSD patients. In conclusion, apparent alterations of time latency were observed in DMN and primary sensorimotor areas of PTSD patients. These findings provide us with new evidence to explain the neural pathophysiology contributing to PTSD. PMID:29887811

Generating linear regression model to predict motor functions by use of laser range finder during TUG.

PubMed

Adachi, Daiki; Nishiguchi, Shu; Fukutani, Naoto; Hotta, Takayuki; Tashiro, Yuto; Morino, Saori; Shirooka, Hidehiko; Nozaki, Yuma; Hirata, Hinako; Yamaguchi, Moe; Yorozu, Ayanori; Takahashi, Masaki; Aoyama, Tomoki

2017-05-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate which spatial and temporal parameters of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test are associated with motor function in elderly individuals. This study included 99 community-dwelling women aged 72.9 ± 6.3 years. Step length, step width, single support time, variability of the aforementioned parameters, gait velocity, cadence, reaction time from starting signal to first step, and minimum distance between the foot and a marker placed to 3 in front of the chair were measured using our analysis system. The 10-m walk test, five times sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test, and one-leg standing (OLS) test were used to assess motor function. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine which TUG test parameters were associated with each motor function test. Finally, we calculated a predictive model for each motor function test using each regression coefficient. In stepwise linear regression analysis, step length and cadence were significantly associated with the 10-m walk test, FTSTS and OLS test. Reaction time was associated with the FTSTS test, and step width was associated with the OLS test. Each predictive model showed a strong correlation with the 10-m walk test and OLS test (P < 0.01), which was not significant higher correlation than TUG test time. We showed which TUG test parameters were associated with each motor function test. Moreover, the TUG test time regarded as the lower extremity function and mobility has strong predictive ability in each motor function test. Copyright © 2017 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Combined cumulative sum (CUSUM) and chronological environmental analysis as a tool to improve the learning environment for linear-probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) trainees: a pilot study.

PubMed

Norisue, Yasuhiro; Tokuda, Yasuharu; Juarez, Mayrol; Uchimido, Ryo; Fujitani, Shigeki; Stoeckel, David A

2017-02-07

Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis can be used to continuously monitor the performance of an individual or process and detect deviations from a preset or standard level of achievement. However, no previous study has evaluated the utility of CUSUM analysis in facilitating timely environmental assessment and interventions to improve performance of linear-probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of combined CUSUM and chronological environmental analysis as a tool to improve the learning environment for EBUS-TBNA trainees. This study was an observational chart review. To determine if performance was acceptable, CUSUM analysis was used to track procedural outcomes of trainees in EBUS-TBNA. To investigate chronological changes in the learning environment, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare several indices before and after time points when significant changes occurred in proficiency. Presence of an additional attending bronchoscopist was inversely associated with nonproficiency (odds ratio, 0.117; 95% confidence interval, 0-0.749; P = 0.019). Other factors, including presence of an on-site cytopathologist and dose of sedatives used, were not significantly associated with duration of nonproficiency. Combined CUSUM and chronological environmental analysis may be useful in hastening interventions that improve performance of EBUS-TBNA.

A Study of the Factors Associated with Risk for Development of Pressure Ulcers: A Longitudinal Analysis.

PubMed

Thomas, Elizebeth; Vinodkumar, Sudhaya; Mathew, Silvia; Setia, Maninder Singh

2015-01-01

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are prevalent in hospitalized patients; they may cause clinical, psychological, and economic problems in these patients. Previous studies are cross-sectional, have used pooled data, or cox-regression models to assess the risk for developing PU. However, PU risk scores change over time and models that account for time varying variables are useful for cohort analysis of data. The present longitudinal study was conducted to compare the risk of PU between surgical and nonsurgical patients, and to evaluate the factors associated with the development of these ulcers over a period of time. We evaluated 290 hospitalized patients over a 4 months period. The main outcomes for our analysis were: (1) Score on the pressure risk assessment scale; and (2) the proportion of individuals who were at severe risk for developing PUs. We used random effects models for longitudinal analysis of the data. The mean PU score was significantly higher in the nonsurgical patients compared with surgical patients at baseline (15.23 [3.86] vs. 9.33 [4.57]; P < 0.01). About 7% of the total patients had a score of >20 at baseline and were considered as being at high-risk for PU; the proportion was significantly higher among the nonsurgical patients compared with the surgical patients (14% vs. 4%, P = 0.003). In the adjusted models, there was no difference for severe risk for PU between surgical and nonsurgical patients (odds ratios [ORs]: 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-12.80). An additional day in the ward was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of being at high-risk for PU (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.16-1.86). There were no significant differences between patients who were admitted for surgery compared with those who were not. An additional day in the ward, however, is important for developing a high-risk score for PU on the monitoring scale, and these patients require active interventions.

Stability of Predictors of Mortality after Spinal Cord Injury

PubMed Central

Krause, James S.; Saunders, Lee L.; Zhai, Yusheng

2011-01-01

Objective To identify the stability of socio-environmental, behavioral, and health predictors of mortality over an eight year time frame. Study Design Cohort study. Setting Data were analyzed at a large medical university in the Southeast United States of America (USA). Methods Adults with residual impairment from a spinal cord injury (SCI) who were at least one year post-injury at assessment were recruited through a large specialty hospital in the Southeast USA. 1209 participants were included in the final analysis. A piecewise exponential model with 2 equal time intervals (eight years total) was used to assess the stability of the hazard and the predictors over time. Results The hazard did significantly change over time, where the hazard in the first time interval was significantly lower than the second. There were no interactions between the socio-environmental, behavior, or health factors and time, although there was a significant interaction between age at injury (a demographic variable) and time. Conclusion These results suggest there is stability in the association between the predictors and mortality, even over an eight year time period. Results reinforce the use of historic variables for prediction of mortality in persons with SCI. PMID:22231541

Evaluation of the microsoft kinect skeletal versus depth data analysis for timed-up and go and figure of 8 walk tests.

PubMed

Hotrabhavananda, Benjamin; Mishra, Anup K; Skubic, Marjorie; Hotrabhavananda, Nijaporn; Abbott, Carmen

2016-08-01

We compared the performance of the Kinect skeletal data with the Kinect depth data in capturing different gait parameters during the Timed-up and Go Test (TUG) and Figure of 8 Walk Test (F8W). The gait parameters considered were stride length, stride time, and walking speed for the TUG, and number of steps and completion time for the F8W. A marker-based Vicon motion capture system was used for the ground-truth measurements. Five healthy participants were recruited for the experiment and were asked to perform three trials of each task. Results show that depth data analysis yields stride length and stride time measures with significantly low percentile errors as compared to the skeletal data analysis. However, the skeletal and depth data performed similar with less than 3% of absolute mean percentile error in determining the walking speed for the TUG and both parameters of F8W. The results show potential capabilities of Kinect depth data analysis in computing many gait parameters, whereas, the Kinect skeletal data can also be used for walking speed in TUG and F8W gait parameters.

The contribution of psychological factors to recovery after mild traumatic brain injury: is cluster analysis a useful approach?

PubMed

Snell, Deborah L; Surgenor, Lois J; Hay-Smith, E Jean C; Williman, Jonathan; Siegert, Richard J

2015-01-01

Outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) vary, with slow or incomplete recovery for a significant minority. This study examines whether groups of cases with shared psychological factors but with different injury outcomes could be identified using cluster analysis. This is a prospective observational study following 147 adults presenting to a hospital-based emergency department or concussion services in Christchurch, New Zealand. This study examined associations between baseline demographic, clinical, psychological variables (distress, injury beliefs and symptom burden) and outcome 6 months later. A two-step approach to cluster analysis was applied (Ward's method to identify clusters, K-means to refine results). Three meaningful clusters emerged (high-adapters, medium-adapters, low-adapters). Baseline cluster-group membership was significantly associated with outcomes over time. High-adapters appeared recovered by 6-weeks and medium-adapters revealed improvements by 6-months. The low-adapters continued to endorse many symptoms, negative recovery expectations and distress, being significantly at risk for poor outcome more than 6-months after injury (OR (good outcome) = 0.12; CI = 0.03-0.53; p < 0.01). Cluster analysis supported the notion that groups could be identified early post-injury based on psychological factors, with group membership associated with differing outcomes over time. Implications for clinical care providers regarding therapy targets and cases that may benefit from different intensities of intervention are discussed.

LEAN SIX SIGMA TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC EFFICIENCY.

PubMed

Ciulla, Thomas A; Tatikonda, Mohan V; ElMaraghi, Yehya A; Hussain, Rehan M; Hill, Amanda L; Clary, Julie M; Hattab, Eyas

2017-07-18

Ophthalmologists serve an increasing volume of a growing elderly population undergoing increasingly complex outpatient medical care, including extensive diagnostic testing and treatment. The resulting prolonged patient visit times ("patient flow times") limit quality, patient and employee satisfaction, and represent waste. Lean Six Sigma process improvement was used in a vitreoretinal practice to decrease patient flow time, demonstrating that this approach can yield significant improvement in health care. Process flow maps were created to determine the most common care pathways within clinic. Three months' visits from the electronic medical record system, which tracks patient task times at each process step in the office were collected. Care tasks and care pathways consuming the greatest time and variation were identified and modified. Follow-up analysis from 6 weeks' visits was conducted to assess improvement. Nearly all patients took one of five paths through the office. Patient flow was redesigned to reduce waiting room time by having staff members immediately start patients into one of those five paths; staffing was adjusted to address high demand tasks, and scheduling was optimized around derived predictors of patient flow times. Follow-up analysis revealed a statistically significant decline in mean patient flow time by 18% and inpatient flow time SD by 4.6%. Patient and employee satisfaction scores improved. Manufacturing industry techniques, such as Lean and Six Sigma, can be used to improve patient care, minimize waste, and enhance patient and staff satisfaction in outpatient clinics.

Conducting On-orbit Gene Expression Analysis on ISS: WetLab-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parra, Macarena; Almeida, Eduardo; Boone, Travis; Jung, Jimmy; Lera, Matthew P.; Ricco, Antonio; Souza, Kenneth; Wu, Diana; Richey, C. Scott

2013-01-01

WetLab-2 will enable expanded genomic research on orbit by developing tools that support in situ sample collection, processing, and analysis on ISS. This capability will reduce the time-to-results for investigators and define new pathways for discovery on the ISS National Lab. The primary objective is to develop a research platform on ISS that will facilitate real-time quantitative gene expression analysis of biological samples collected on orbit. WetLab-2 will be capable of processing multiple sample types ranging from microbial cultures to animal tissues dissected on orbit. WetLab-2 will significantly expand the analytical capabilities onboard ISS and enhance science return from ISS.

Impact of SMS/GPRS Printers in Reducing Time to Early Infant Diagnosis Compared With Routine Result Reporting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Markby, Jessica; Boeke, Caroline; Penazzato, Martina; Urick, Brittany; Ghadrshenas, Anisa; Harris, Lindsay; Ford, Nathan; Peter, Trevor

2017-01-01

Background: Despite significant gains made toward improving access, early infant diagnosis (EID) testing programs suffer from long test turnaround times that result in substantial loss to follow-up and mortality associated with delays in antiretroviral therapy initiation. These delays in treatment initiation are particularly impactful because of significant HIV-related infant mortality observed by 2–3 months of age. Short message service (SMS) and general packet radio service (GPRS) printers allow test results to be transmitted immediately to health care facilities on completion of testing in the laboratory. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the benefit of using SMS/GPRS printers to increase the efficiency of EID test result delivery compared with traditional courier paper–based results delivery methods. Results: We identified 11 studies contributing data for over 16,000 patients from East and Southern Africa. The test turnaround time from specimen collection to result received at the health care facility with courier paper–based methods was 68.0 days (n = 6835), whereas the test turnaround time with SMS/GPRS printers was 51.1 days (n = 6711), resulting in a 2.5-week (25%) reduction in the turnaround time. Conclusions: Courier paper–based EID test result delivery methods are estimated to add 2.5 weeks to EID test turnaround times in low resource settings and increase the risk that infants receive test results during or after the early peak of infant mortality. SMS/GPRS result delivery to health care facility printers significantly reduced test turnaround time and may reduce this risk. SMS/GPRS printers should be considered for expedited delivery of EID and other centralized laboratory test results. PMID:28825941

Left ventricular ejection time, not heart rate, is an independent correlate of aortic pulse wave velocity.

PubMed

Salvi, Paolo; Palombo, Carlo; Salvi, Giovanni Matteo; Labat, Carlos; Parati, Gianfranco; Benetos, Athanase

2013-12-01

Several studies showed a positive association between heart rate and pulse wave velocity, a sensitive marker of arterial stiffness. However, no study involving a large population has specifically addressed the dependence of pulse wave velocity on different components of the cardiac cycle. The aim of this study was to explore in subjects of different age the link between pulse wave velocity with heart period (the reciprocal of heart rate) and the temporal components of the cardiac cycle such as left ventricular ejection time and diastolic time. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was assessed in 3,020 untreated subjects (1,107 men). Heart period, left ventricular ejection time, diastolic time, and early-systolic dP/dt were determined by carotid pulse wave analysis with high-fidelity applanation tonometry. An inverse association was found between pulse wave velocity and left ventricular ejection time at all ages (<25 years, r(2) = 0.043; 25-44 years, r(2) = 0.103; 45-64 years, r(2) = 0.079; 65-84 years, r(2) = 0.044; ≥ 85 years, r(2) = 0.022; P < 0.0001 for all). A significant (P < 0.0001) negative but always weaker correlation between pulse wave velocity and heart period was also found, with the exception of the youngest subjects (P = 0.20). A significant positive correlation was also found between pulse wave velocity and dP/dt (P < 0.0001). With multiple stepwise regression analysis, left ventricular ejection time and dP/dt remained the only determinant of pulse wave velocity at all ages, whereas the contribution of heart period no longer became significant. Our data demonstrate that pulse wave velocity is more closely related to left ventricular systolic function than to heart period. This may have methodological and pathophysiological implications.

Modeling seasonal variation of hip fracture in Montreal, Canada.

PubMed

Modarres, Reza; Ouarda, Taha B M J; Vanasse, Alain; Orzanco, Maria Gabriela; Gosselin, Pierre

2012-04-01

The investigation of the association of the climate variables with hip fracture incidences is important in social health issues. This study examined and modeled the seasonal variation of monthly population based hip fracture rate (HFr) time series. The seasonal ARIMA time series modeling approach is used to model monthly HFr incidences time series of female and male patients of the ages 40-74 and 75+ of Montreal, Québec province, Canada, in the period of 1993-2004. The correlation coefficients between meteorological variables such as temperature, snow depth, rainfall depth and day length and HFr are significant. The nonparametric Mann-Kendall test for trend assessment and the nonparametric Levene's test and Wilcoxon's test for checking the difference of HFr before and after change point are also used. The seasonality in HFr indicated sharp difference between winter and summer time. The trend assessment showed decreasing trends in HFr of female and male groups. The nonparametric test also indicated a significant change of the mean HFr. A seasonal ARIMA model was applied for HFr time series without trend and a time trend ARIMA model (TT-ARIMA) was developed and fitted to HFr time series with a significant trend. The multi criteria evaluation showed the adequacy of SARIMA and TT-ARIMA models for modeling seasonal hip fracture time series with and without significant trend. In the time series analysis of HFr of the Montreal region, the effects of the seasonal variation of climate variables on hip fracture are clear. The Seasonal ARIMA model is useful for modeling HFr time series without trend. However, for time series with significant trend, the TT-ARIMA model should be applied for modeling HFr time series. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Feasibility and short-term impact of the "case study in-house group training program for family nursing" at medical facilities.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Akemi; Tsumura, Akemi; Mine, Hiroko; Kimura, Chisato; Soeda, Akemi; Odatsu, Kazumi; Kiwado, Wataru

2017-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and short-term impact of case study training in family nursing care targeting midlevel nursing professionals. The intervention group participated in four 90-minute case study training sessions over 6 months, while the control group participated in two 90-minute lectures. Using primary outcome variables as evaluation indexes, we measured the participants' total scores on the Family Importance in Nursing Care Scale and 4 subitems 3 times (before, immediately after and 1 month after training) from May 2014 to March 2015 and then conducted 2-way repeated-measure analysis of variance. We asked the participants and training planners/managers to provide feedback on their evaluation and then performed content analysis on their responses. Although the primary impact due to the different measurement times was significant, no significant difference was observed in the interaction between measurement time and training differences. Of the 4 subitems, significant interactions because of measurement time and training differences were observed only in Fam-B. Feedback data showed all participants felt that their understanding of the importance of family nursing care was strengthened, and participants in the intervention group specifically described how they were utilizing what they had learned from training in practice. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Beta-Catenin and Epithelial Tumors: A Study Based on 374 Oropharyngeal Cancers

PubMed Central

Santoro, Angela; Pannone, Giuseppe; Papagerakis, Silvana; McGuff, H. Stan; Cafarelli, Barbara; Lepore, Silvia; De Maria, Salvatore; Rubini, Corrado; Mattoni, Marilena; Staibano, Stefania; Mezza, Ernesto; De Rosa, Gaetano; Aquino, Gabriella; Losito, Simona; Loreto, Carla; Crimi, Salvatore; Bufo, Pantaleo

2014-01-01

Introduction. Although altered regulation of the Wnt pathway via beta-catenin is a frequent event in several human cancers, its potential implications in oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC/OPSCC) are largely unexplored. Work purpose was to define association between beta-catenin expression and clinical-pathological parameters in 374 OSCCs/OP-SCCs by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Materials and Methods. Association between IHC detected patterns of protein expression and clinical-pathological parameters was assessed by statistical analysis and survival rates by Kaplan-Meier curves. Beta-catenin expression was also investigated in OSCC cell lines by Real-Time PCR. An additional analysis of the DNA content was performed on 22 representative OSCCs/OPSCCs by DNA-image-cytometric analysis. Results and Discussion. All carcinomas exhibited significant alterations of beta-catenin expression (P < 0.05). Beta-catenin protein was mainly detected in the cytoplasm of cancerous cells and only focal nuclear positivity was observed. Higher cytoplasmic expression correlated significantly with poor histological differentiation, advanced stage, and worst patient outcome (P < 0.05). By Real-Time PCR significant increase of beta-catenin mRNA was detected in OSCC cell lines and in 45% of surgical specimens. DNA ploidy study demonstrated high levels of aneuploidy in beta-catenin overexpressing carcinomas. Conclusions. This is the largest study reporting significant association between beta-catenin expression and clinical-pathological factors in patients with OSCCs/OPSCCs. PMID:24511551

Conventional and power spectrum analysis of the effects of zolpidem on sleep EEG in patients with chronic primary insomnia.

PubMed

Monti, J M; Alvariño, F; Monti, D

2000-12-15

The purpose of this study was 1) to assess the effect of zolpidem or a placebo on sleep in two groups of insomniac patients with a diagnosis of moderate-to-severe chronic primary insomnia and 2) to determine the effect of zolpidem on sleep structure using spectral analysis. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sleep laboratory of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the Clinics Hospital. 12 female outpatients with chronic primary insomnia. Zolpidem was given at a daily dose of 10 mg for 15 nights. The hypnotic drug reduced sleep latency and waking time after sleep onset, and increased total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Values corresponding to visually scored slow wave sleep (stage 3 and 4) showed no significant changes. All-night spectral analysis of the EEG revealed that power density in NREM sleep was significantly increased in the low frequency band (0.25-1.0 Hz) in the zolpidem group during the first 2-h interval. In agreement with previous findings obtained in patients with chronic primary insomnia, zolpidem significantly improved sleep induction and maintenance. Moreover, zolpidem increased power density in the 0.25-1.0 Hz band during short-term and intermediate-term treatment. Nevertheless, other frequency bands in the delta range showed a relative decrease which was not statistically significant.

Volcanic eruptions and solar activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stothers, Richard B.

1989-01-01

The historical record of large volcanic eruptions from 1500 to 1980 is subjected to detailed time series analysis. In two weak but probably statistically significant periodicities of about 11 and 80 yr, the frequency of volcanic eruptions increases (decreases) slightly around the times of solar minimum (maximum). Time series analysis of the volcanogenic acidities in a deep ice core from Greenland reveals several very long periods ranging from about 80 to about 350 yr which are similar to the very slow solar cycles previously detected in auroral and C-14 records. Solar flares may cause changes in atmospheric circulation patterns that abruptly alter the earth's spin. The resulting jolt probably triggers small earthquakes which affect volcanism.

Relating interesting quantitative time series patterns with text events and text features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wanner, Franz; Schreck, Tobias; Jentner, Wolfgang; Sharalieva, Lyubka; Keim, Daniel A.

2013-12-01

In many application areas, the key to successful data analysis is the integrated analysis of heterogeneous data. One example is the financial domain, where time-dependent and highly frequent quantitative data (e.g., trading volume and price information) and textual data (e.g., economic and political news reports) need to be considered jointly. Data analysis tools need to support an integrated analysis, which allows studying the relationships between textual news documents and quantitative properties of the stock market price series. In this paper, we describe a workflow and tool that allows a flexible formation of hypotheses about text features and their combinations, which reflect quantitative phenomena observed in stock data. To support such an analysis, we combine the analysis steps of frequent quantitative and text-oriented data using an existing a-priori method. First, based on heuristics we extract interesting intervals and patterns in large time series data. The visual analysis supports the analyst in exploring parameter combinations and their results. The identified time series patterns are then input for the second analysis step, in which all identified intervals of interest are analyzed for frequent patterns co-occurring with financial news. An a-priori method supports the discovery of such sequential temporal patterns. Then, various text features like the degree of sentence nesting, noun phrase complexity, the vocabulary richness, etc. are extracted from the news to obtain meta patterns. Meta patterns are defined by a specific combination of text features which significantly differ from the text features of the remaining news data. Our approach combines a portfolio of visualization and analysis techniques, including time-, cluster- and sequence visualization and analysis functionality. We provide two case studies, showing the effectiveness of our combined quantitative and textual analysis work flow. The workflow can also be generalized to other application domains such as data analysis of smart grids, cyber physical systems or the security of critical infrastructure, where the data consists of a combination of quantitative and textual time series data.

Time series analysis of the developed financial markets' integration using visibility graphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Enyu; Small, Michael; Feng, Gang

2014-09-01

A time series representing the developed financial markets' segmentation from 1973 to 2012 is studied. The time series reveals an obvious market integration trend. To further uncover the features of this time series, we divide it into seven windows and generate seven visibility graphs. The measuring capabilities of the visibility graphs provide means to quantitatively analyze the original time series. It is found that the important historical incidents that influenced market integration coincide with variations in the measured graphical node degree. Through the measure of neighborhood span, the frequencies of the historical incidents are disclosed. Moreover, it is also found that large "cycles" and significant noise in the time series are linked to large and small communities in the generated visibility graphs. For large cycles, how historical incidents significantly affected market integration is distinguished by density and compactness of the corresponding communities.

Scoring analysis of the men's 2014, 2015 and 2016 world championship tour of surfing: the importance of aerial manoeuvres in competitive surfing.

PubMed

Ferrier, Brendon; Sheppard, Jeremy; Farley, Oliver R L; Secomb, Josh L; Parsonage, Joanna; Newton, Robert U; Nimphius, Sophia

2018-02-22

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of aerial manoeuvres on scoring in professional surfing. 23,631 waves were analysed for the number and types of aerial manoeuvres performed from the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Men's World Championship Tour. Additionally, the awarded score, timing and order of the aerial was also analysed. Descriptive statistics and Two Way ANOVA's were performed with Sidak Multiple Comparisons Post Hoc analysis. Results were a significantly higher score being awarded (P ≤ 0.0001) when including an aerial in competition across all three seasons. In 2015 surfers were awarded a significantly larger score when performing an air reverse, compared to 2014 (P = 0.0002) and 2016 (P = 0.0057). Surfers were also awarded a higher score for the full rotation aerial in 2015 compared to 2014 (P = 0.0177). In 2015 surfers performing forehand aerials were awarded a greater score than in 2016 (P = 0.0113). The timing of the aerial and score awarded was significantly greater in 2015 as opposed to 2014 when the aerial was their final manoeuvre (P < 0.0001) and when surfers timed the aerial performance early within the heat (P = 0.0027). If a surfer incorporates an aerial manoeuvre during competition, generally speaking, they will be awarded a significantly higher score.

Prediction of decannulation, oral intake recovery, overall survival and lung metastasis following oral malignant tumor resection and reconstruction

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Hidenori; Hyodo, Ikuo; Hasegawa, Yasuhisa

2018-01-01

The present study investigated whether tongue base and mandibular bone defects were associated with the rate of decannulation and oral intake recovery, and survival time, including overall and lung metastasis-free survival time, in patients that underwent oral malignant tumor (OMT) resection with reconstruction. A total of 105 patients that underwent OMT resection with laryngeal preservation and reconstruction were recruited. The extent of defects was classified according to Urken's classification. The rates of decannulation and oral intake recovery were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method. It was identified that 4–5 section segmental mandibulectomy (SM) and total glossectomy (TG) were significantly associated with a lower rate of decannulation and oral intake recovery by univariate and multivariate analysis using a Cox's proportional model. Patients in the high risk group (4–5 sections or TG) were significantly less likely to achieve decannulation and unaided oral intake. Patients in the high risk group exhibited a significantly shorter overall and lung metastasis-free survival time. Following multivariate analysis adjusted for the clinical stage (IV/I–III), past history of or postoperative radiotherapy (yes/no) and age (per year), the high risk group was associated with a significantly rate of decannulation and unaided oral intake. In conclusion, TG or wide SM is a prognostic parameter for functional and survival outcomes, including lung metastasis, in OMT. PMID:29434993

Extended anticoagulation with apixaban reduces hospitalisations in patients with venous thromboembolism. An analysis of the AMPLIFY-EXT trial.

PubMed

Liu, Xianchen; Thompson, John; Phatak, Hemant; Mardekian, Jack; Porcari, Anthony; Johnson, Margot; Cohen, Alexander T

2016-01-01

Treatment with apixaban versus placebo for 12 months significantly reduced symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) or all-cause death without increasing the rate of major bleeding in the AMPLIFY-EXT trial. This analysis examined the effects of apixaban versus placebo on the rate of all-cause hospitalisations, time to first hospitalisation, and predictors of first hospitalisation in patients with VTE enrolled in AMPLIFY-EXT. Treatment with apixaban 2.5 mg and 5 mg twice daily significantly reduced the rate of all-cause hospitalisations versus placebo (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.64 [0.43, 0.95]; p=0.026 and 0.54 [0.36, 0.82]; p=0.004, respectively). Apixaban prolonged mean time to first hospitalisation versus placebo by 43 and 49 days for the 2.5-mg and 5-mg twice-daily groups, respectively. Median length of hospital stay during the first hospitalisation was longer for placebo than for apixaban 2.5 mg or 5 mg twice daily (7.0, 5.0, and 4.5 days, respectively). Treatment with apixaban was a significant predictor of lower rates of hospitalisations versus placebo, and severe/moderate renal impairment was a significant predictor of an increased rate. This study supports extended use of apixaban for reducing all-cause hospitalisations and extending time to first hospitalisation in patients with VTE enrolled in AMPLIFY-EXT (www.clinicaltrials.gov registration: #NCT00633893).

Application of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry method to identify potential biomarkers of perinatal asphyxia in a non-human primate model.

PubMed

Beckstrom, Andrew C; Humston, Elizabeth M; Snyder, Laura R; Synovec, Robert E; Juul, Sandra E

2011-04-08

Perinatal asphyxia is a leading cause of brain injury in infants, occurring in 2-4 per 1000 live births. The clinical response to asphyxia is variable and difficult to predict with current diagnostic tests. Reliable biomarkers are needed to help predict the timing and severity of asphyxia, as well as response to treatment. Two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) was used herein, in conjunction with chemometric data analysis approaches for metabolomic analysis in order to identify significant metabolites affected by birth asphyxia. Blood was drawn before and after 15 or 18 min of cord occlusion in a Macaca nemestrina model of perinatal asphyxia. Postnatal samples were drawn at 5 min of age (n=20 subjects). Metabolomic profiles of asphyxiated animals were compared to four controls delivered at comparable gestational age. Fifty metabolites with the greatest change pre- to post-asphyxia were identified and quantified. The metabolic profile of post-asphyxia samples showed marked variability compared to the pre-asphyxia samples. Fifteen of the 50 metabolites showed significant elevation in response to asphyxia, ten of which remained significant upon comparison to the control animals. This metabolomic analysis confirmed lactate and creatinine as markers of asphyxia and discovered new metabolites including succinic acid and malate (intermediates in the Krebs cycle) and arachidonic acid (a brain fatty acid and inflammatory marker) as potential biomarkers. GC×GC-TOFMS coupled with chemometric data analysis are useful tools to identify acute biomarkers of brain injury. Further study is needed to correlate these metabolites with severity of disease, and response to treatment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Method to Identify Potential Biomarkers of Perinatal Asphyxia in a Non-human Primate Model

PubMed Central

Beckstrom, Andrew C.; Humston, Elizabeth M.; Snyder, Laura R.; Synovec, Robert E.; Juul, Sandra E.

2011-01-01

Perinatal asphyxia is a leading cause of brain injury in infants, occurring in 2–4 per 1000 live births. The clinical response to asphyxia is variable and difficult to predict with current diagnostic tests. Reliable biomarkers are needed to help predict the timing and severity of asphyxia, as well as response to treatment. Two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (GC x GC-TOFMS) was used herein, in conjunction with chemometric data analysis approaches for metabolomic analysis in order to identify significant metabolites affected by birth asphyxia. Blood was drawn before and after 15 or 18 minutes of cord occlusion in a Macaca nemestrina model of perinatal asphyxia. Postnatal samples were drawn at 5 minutes of age (n=20 subjects). Metabolomic profiles of asphyxiated animals were compared to four controls delivered at comparable gestational age. Fifty metabolites with the greatest change pre- to post-asphyxia were identified and quantified. The metabolic profile of post-asphyxia samples showed marked variability compared to the pre-asphyxia samples. Fifteen of the 50 metabolites showed significant elevation in response to asphyxia, ten of which remained significant upon comparison to the control animals. This metabolomic analysis confirmed lactate and creatinine as markers of asphyxia and discovered new metabolites including succinic acid and malate (intermediates in the Krebs cycle) and arachidonic acid (a brain fatty acid and inflammatory marker) as potential biomarkers. GC × GC-TOFMS coupled with chemometric data analysis are useful tools to identify acute biomarkers of brain injury. Further study is needed to correlate these metabolites with severity of disease, and response to treatment. PMID:21353677

Physiological signal analysis for fatigue level of experienced and inexperienced drivers.

PubMed

Li, Rui; Su, Wencheng; Lu, Zhangping

2017-02-17

We studied the changes in driving fatigue levels of experienced and inexperienced drivers at 3 periods of the day: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Thirty drivers were involved in 120-min real-car driving, and sleepiness ratings (Stanford Sleepiness Scale, SSS; Hoddes et al. 1973 ), electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and heart rates (HRs) were recorded. Together with principal component analysis, the relationship between EEG signals and HR was explored and used to determine a comprehensive indicator of driving fatigue. Then the comprehensive indicator was assessed via paired t test. Experienced and inexperienced drivers behaved significantly differently in terms of subjective fatigue during preliminary trials. At the beginning of trials and after termination, subjective fatigue level was aggravated with prolonged continuous driving. Moreover, we discussed the changing rules of EEG signals and HR and found that with prolonged time, the ratios of δ and β waves significantly declined, whereas that of the θ wave significantly rose. The ratio of (α + θ)/β significantly rose both before trials and after termination, but HR dropped significantly. However, one-factor analysis of variance shows that driving experience significantly affects the θ wave, (α + θ)/β ratio, and HR. We found that in a monotonous road environment, fatigue symptoms occurred in inexperienced drivers and experienced drivers after about 60 and 80 min of continuous driving, respectively. Therefore, as for drivers with different experiences, restriction on continuous driving time would avoid fatigued driving and thereby eliminate traffic accidents. We find that the comprehensive indicator changes significantly with fatigue level. The integration of different indicators improves the recognition accuracy of different driving fatigue levels.

The use of segmented regression in analysing interrupted time series studies: an example in pre-hospital ambulance care.

PubMed

Taljaard, Monica; McKenzie, Joanne E; Ramsay, Craig R; Grimshaw, Jeremy M

2014-06-19

An interrupted time series design is a powerful quasi-experimental approach for evaluating effects of interventions introduced at a specific point in time. To utilize the strength of this design, a modification to standard regression analysis, such as segmented regression, is required. In segmented regression analysis, the change in intercept and/or slope from pre- to post-intervention is estimated and used to test causal hypotheses about the intervention. We illustrate segmented regression using data from a previously published study that evaluated the effectiveness of a collaborative intervention to improve quality in pre-hospital ambulance care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke. In the original analysis, a standard regression model was used with time as a continuous variable. We contrast the results from this standard regression analysis with those from segmented regression analysis. We discuss the limitations of the former and advantages of the latter, as well as the challenges of using segmented regression in analysing complex quality improvement interventions. Based on the estimated change in intercept and slope from pre- to post-intervention using segmented regression, we found insufficient evidence of a statistically significant effect on quality of care for stroke, although potential clinically important effects for AMI cannot be ruled out. Segmented regression analysis is the recommended approach for analysing data from an interrupted time series study. Several modifications to the basic segmented regression analysis approach are available to deal with challenges arising in the evaluation of complex quality improvement interventions.

Cost-effective way to reduce stimulant-abuse among gay/bisexual men and transgender women: a randomized clinical trial with a cost comparison.

PubMed

Zhang, S X; Shoptaw, S; Reback, C J; Yadav, K; Nyamathi, A M

2018-01-01

A randomized controlled study was conducted with 422 homeless, stimulant-using gay/bisexual (G/B) men and 29 transgender women (n = 451) to assess two community-based interventions to reduce substance abuse and improve health: (a) a nurse case-managed program combined with contingency management (NCM + CM) versus (b) standard education plus contingency management (SE + CM). Hypotheses tested included: a) completion of hepatitis A/B vaccination series; b) reduction in stimulant use; and c) reduction in number of sexual partners. A deconstructive cost analysis approach was utilized to capture direct costs associated with the delivery of both interventions. Based on an analysis of activity logs and staff interviews, specific activities and the time required to complete each were analyzed as follows: a) NCM + CM only; b) SE + CM only; c) time to administer/record vaccines; and d) time to receive and record CM visits. Cost comparison of the interventions included only staffing costs and direct cash expenditures. The study outcomes showed significant over time reductions in all measures of drug use and multiple sex partners, compared to baseline, although no significant between-group differences were detected. Cost analysis favored the simpler SE + CM intervention over the more labor-intensive NCM + CM approach. Because of the high levels of staffing required for the NCM relative to SE, costs associated with it were significantly higher. Findings suggest that while both intervention strategies were equally effective in achieving desired health outcomes, the brief SE + CM appeared less expensive to deliver. Copyright © 2017 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The acute effects of a warm-up including static or dynamic stretching on countermovement jump height, reaction time, and flexibility.

PubMed

Perrier, Erica T; Pavol, Michael J; Hoffman, Mark A

2011-07-01

The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of a warm-up with static vs. dynamic stretching on countermovement jump (CMJ) height, reaction time, and low-back and hamstring flexibility and to determine whether any observed performance deficits would persist throughout a series of CMJs. Twenty-one recreationally active men (24.4 ± 4.5 years) completed 3 data collection sessions. Each session included a 5-minute treadmill jog followed by 1 of the stretch treatments: no stretching (NS), static stretching (SS), or dynamic stretching (DS). After the jog and stretch treatment, the participant performed a sit-and-reach test. Next, the participant completed a series of 10 maximal-effort CMJs, during which he was asked to jump as quickly as possible after seeing a visual stimulus (light). The CMJ height and reaction time were determined from measured ground reaction forces. A treatment × jump repeated-measures analysis of variance for CMJ height revealed a significant main effect of treatment (p = 0.004). The CMJ height was greater for DS (43.0 cm) than for NS (41.4 cm) and SS (41.9 cm) and was not less for SS than for NS. Analysis also revealed a significant main effect of jump (p = 0.005) on CMJ height: Jump height decreased from the early to the late jumps. The analysis of reaction time showed no significant effect of treatment. Treatment had a main effect (p < 0.001) on flexibility, however. Flexibility was greater after both SS and DS compared to after NS, with no difference in flexibility between SS and DS. Athletes in sports requiring lower-extremity power should use DS techniques in warm-up to enhance flexibility while improving performance.

Implementation of a real-time compliance dashboard to help reduce SICU ventilator-associated pneumonia with the ventilator bundle.

PubMed

Zaydfudim, Victor; Dossett, Lesly A; Starmer, John M; Arbogast, Patrick G; Feurer, Irene D; Ray, Wayne A; May, Addison K; Pinson, C Wright

2009-07-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) causes significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill surgical patients. Recent studies suggest that the success of preventive measures is dependent on compliance with ventilator bundle parameters. Implementation of an electronic dashboard will improve compliance with the bundle parameters and reduce rates of VAP in our surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Time series analysis of VAP rates between January 2005 and July 2008, with dashboard implementation in July 2007. Multidisciplinary SICU at a tertiary-care referral center with a stable case mix during the study period. Patients admitted to the SICU between January 2005 and July 2008. Infection control data were used to establish rates of VAP and total ventilator days. For the time series analysis, VAP rates were calculated as quarterly VAP events per 1000 ventilator days. Ventilator bundle compliance was analyzed after dashboard implementation. Differences between expected and observed VAP rates based on time series analysis were used to estimate the effect of intervention. Average compliance with the ventilator bundle improved from 39% in August 2007 to 89% in July 2008 (P < .001). Rates of VAP decreased from a mean (SD) of 15.2 (7.0) to 9.3 (4.9) events per 1000 ventilator days after introduction of the dashboard (P = .01). Quarterly VAP rates were significantly reduced in the November 2007 through January 2008 and February through April 2008 periods (P < .05). For the August through October 2007 and May through July 2008 quarters, the observed rate reduction was not statistically significant. Implementation of an electronic dashboard improved compliance with ventilator bundle measures and is associated with reduced rates of VAP in our SICU.

Relationship between aging and T1 relaxation time in deep gray matter: A voxel-based analysis.

PubMed

Okubo, Gosuke; Okada, Tomohisa; Yamamoto, Akira; Fushimi, Yasutaka; Okada, Tsutomu; Murata, Katsutoshi; Togashi, Kaori

2017-09-01

To investigate age-related changes in T 1 relaxation time in deep gray matter structures in healthy volunteers using magnetization-prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echoes (MP2RAGE). In all, 70 healthy volunteers (aged 20-76, mean age 42.6 years) were scanned at 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A MP2RAGE sequence was employed to quantify T 1 relaxation times. After the spatial normalization of T 1 maps with the diffeomorphic anatomical registration using the exponentiated Lie algebra algorithm, voxel-based regression analysis was conducted. In addition, linear and quadratic regression analyses of regions of interest (ROIs) were also performed. With aging, voxel-based analysis (VBA) revealed significant T 1 value decreases in the ventral-inferior putamen, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, whereas T 1 values significantly increased in the thalamus and white matter as well (P < 0.05 at cluster level, false discovery rate). ROI analysis revealed that T 1 values in the nucleus accumbens linearly decreased with aging (P = 0.0016), supporting the VBA result. T 1 values in the thalamus (P < 0.0001), substantia nigra (P = 0.0003), and globus pallidus (P < 0.0001) had a best fit to quadratic curves, with the minimum T 1 values observed between 30 and 50 years of age. Age-related changes in T 1 relaxation time vary by location in deep gray matter. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:724-731. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Ergonomic comparison of operating a built-in touch-pad pointing device and a trackball mouse on posture and muscle activity.

PubMed

Lee, Tzu-Hsien

2005-12-01

This study examined the effects of operating a built-in touch-pad pointing device and a trackball mouse on participants' completion times, hand positions during operation, postural angles, and muscle activities. 8 young men were asked to perform a cursor travel task on a notebook computer using both 60- and 80-cm high table conditions. Analysis showed that the trackball mouse significantly decreased completion times. Participants selected a hand position farther from the table edge and larger elbow angle for the trackball mouse than for the built-in touch-pad pointing device. Participants' neck, thoracic, and arm angles, or splenius capitis, trapezius, deltoid, and erector spinae muscle activities were not significantly affected by the devices, but table height significantly affected participants' completion times, hand positions, and postural angles.

Systematic review of the relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection with geographical latitude, average annual temperature and average daily sunshine.

PubMed

Lu, Chao; Yu, Ye; Li, Lan; Yu, Chaohui; Xu, Ping

2018-04-17

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a worldwide threat to human health with high prevalence. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between latitude, average annual temperature, average daily sunshine time and H. pylori infection. The PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov , EBSCO and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies reporting H. pylori infection. Latitude 30° was the cut-off level for low and mid-latitude areas. We obtained information for latitude, average annual temperature, average daily sunshine, and Human Development Index (HDI) from reports of studies of the relationships with H. pylori infection. Of the 51 studies included, there was significant difference in H. pylori infection between the low- and mid-latitude areas (P = 0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of H. pylori infection in each 15°-latitude zone analyzed (P = 0.061). Subgroup analysis revealed the highest and lowest H. pylori infection rates in the developing regions at > 30° latitude subgroup and the developed regions at < 30° latitude subgroup, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that average annual temperature, average daily sunshine time and HDI were significantly correlated with H. pylori infection (P = 0.009, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), while there was no correlation between H. pylori infection and latitude. Our analysis showed that higher average annual temperature was associated with lower H. pylori infection rates, while average daily sunshine time correlated positively with H. pylori infection. HDI was also found to be a significant factor, with higher HDI associated with lower infection rates. These findings provide evidence that can be used to devise strategies for the prevention and control of H. pylori.

Antegrade versus retrograde cerebral perfusion for hemiarch replacement with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: Does it matter? A propensity-matched analysis

PubMed Central

Ganapathi, Asvin M.; Hanna, Jennifer M.; Schechter, Matthew A.; Englum, Brian R.; Castleberry, Anthony W.; Gaca, Jeffrey G.; Hughes, G. Chad

2015-01-01

Objective The choice of cerebral perfusion strategy for aortic arch surgery has been debated, and the superiority of antegrade (ACP) or retrograde (RCP) cerebral perfusion has not been shown. We examined the early and late outcomes for ACP versus RCP in proximal (hemi-) arch replacement using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed for all patients undergoing elective and nonelective hemiarch replacement at a single referral institution from June 2005 to February 2013. Total arch cases were excluded to limit the analysis to shorter DHCA times and a more uniform patient population for whom clinical equipoise regarding ACP versus RCP exists. A total of 440 procedures were identified, with 360 (82%) using ACP and 80 (18%) using RCP. The endpoints included 30-day/in-hospital and late outcomes. A propensity score with 1:1 matching of 40 pre- and intraoperative variables was used to adjust for differences between the 2 groups. Results All 80 RCP patients were propensity matched to a cohort of 80 similar ACP patients. The pre- and intra-operative characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups after matching. No differences were found in 30-day/in-hospital mortality or morbidity outcomes. The only significant difference between the 2 groups was a shorter mean operative time in the RCP cohort (P = .01). No significant differences were noted in late survival (P = .90). Conclusions In proximal arch operations using DHCA, equivalent early and late outcomes can be achieved with RCP and ACP, although the mean operative time is significantly less with RCP, likely owing to avoidance of axillary cannulation. Questions remain regarding comparative outcomes with straight DHCA and lesser degrees of hypothermia. PMID:24908350

Determinants of routine immunization costing in Benin and Ghana in 2011.

PubMed

Ahanhanzo, Césaire Damien; Huang, Xiao Xian; Le Gargasson, Jean-Bernard; Sossou, Justin; Nyonator, Frank; Colombini, Anais; Gessner, Bradford D

2015-05-07

Existing tools to evaluate costs do not always capture the heterogeneity of costs at the facility level. This study seeks to address this issue through an analysis of determinants of health facility immunization costs. A statistical analysis on facility routine delivery and vaccine costs was conducted using ordinary least squares regression. Explanatory variables included the number of doses administered; proportion of time spent by facility staff on immunization; average staff wage; whether the health facility had enough staff; presence of cold chain equipment; distance to a vaccine collection point; and, facility ownership. Data were drawn from representative samples of primary care facilities in Benin and Ghana (46 and 50 facilities, respectively) collected as part of the EPIC studies. Weighted average RI immunization facility cost was US$ 16,459 in Ghana and US$ 14,994 in Benin. The regression found total doses administered to be positively and significantly associated with facility cost in both countries. A 10% increase in doses resulted in a 4% increase in cost in Ghana, and a 7.5% increase in Benin. In Ghana, the proportion of immunization time, presence of cold chain, and sufficiency of staff were positively and significantly associated with total cost. In Benin, facility cost was negatively and significantly related to distance to the vaccine collection point. In the pooled sample, facilities in capital cities were associated with significantly higher costs. This study provides evidence on the importance of the level of scale in determining facility immunization cost, as well as the role of availability of health workers and time they spend on immunization in Ghana and Benin. This type of analysis can provide insights into the costs of scaling up immunization services, and can assist with development of more efficient immunization strategies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An analysis of 6 decades of hygiene-related advertising: 1940-2000.

PubMed

Aiello, A E; Larson, E L

2001-12-01

To describe and analyze trends in hygiene-related advertisements and examine potential social and regulatory changes that might be associated with these trends. From 1940 to 2000, advertisements in January issues of 2 widely read magazines were analyzed every fifth year, and 2 additional magazines only available from 1960 to 2000 were also analyzed every fifth year. In a content analysis, the total number of advertisements were determined and specific advertisements were grouped into categories (personal hygiene, dishwashing, laundry, and house cleaning) and further examined for the presence of 4 key claims (aesthetics, health effects, time-saving, and microbial effects). From 1940 to 2000 for all magazines combined, 10.4% of the advertisements were devoted to hygiene products. After 1960 there were significantly fewer hygiene advertisements as compared with 1940 to 1955, and there was a significant increase after 1980 (P <.00001). Throughout all 6 decades, most advertisements related to personal hygiene. There were no significant differences over time in the proportion of advertisements that made claims related to health, microbial effects, or aesthetics, but significantly more advertisements before 1960 made time-savings claims (P =.009). This content analysis reflects a cyclical attention in consumer advertising to personal and home hygiene products during the past 6 decades, with a waning of interest in the decades from 1960 to 1980 and an apparent resurgence of advertisements from 1985 to 2000. The potential contributions of federal regulatory bodies and societal changes (e.g., new marketing strategies and options, product development, new and re-emerging infectious diseases, increasing concern about antimicrobial resistance, and increasing recognition that infectious diseases are unlikely to be eradicated) to these marketing trends are discussed.

QuickView video preview software of colon capsule endoscopy: reliability in presenting colorectal polyps as compared to normal mode reading.

PubMed

Farnbacher, Michael J; Krause, Horst H; Hagel, Alexander F; Raithel, Martin; Neurath, Markus F; Schneider, Thomas

2014-03-01

OBJECTIVE. Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) proved to be highly sensitive in detection of colorectal polyps (CP). Major limitation is the time-consuming video reading. The aim of this prospective, double-center study was to assess the theoretical time-saving potential and its possible impact on the reliability of "QuickView" (QV), in the presentation of CP as compared to normal mode (NM). METHODS. During NM reading of 65 CCE videos (mean patient´s age 56 years), all frames showing CPs were collected and compared to the number of frames presented by QV at increasing QV settings (10, 20, ... 80%). Reliability of QV in presenting polyps <6 mm and ≥6 mm (significant polyp), and identifying patients for subsequent therapeutic colonoscopy, capsule egestion rate, cleansing level, and estimated time-saving potential were assessed. RESULTS. At a 30% QV setting, the QV video presented 89% of the significant polyps and 86% of any polyps with ≥1 frame (per-polyp analysis) identified in NM before. At a 10% QV setting, 98% of the 52 patients with significant polyps could be identified (per-patient analysis) by QV video analysis. Capsule excretion rate was 74% and colon cleanliness was adequate in 85%. QV´s presentation rate correlates to the QV setting, the polyp size, and the number of frames per finding. CONCLUSIONS. Depending on its setting, the reliability of QV in presenting CP as compared to NM reading is notable. However, if no significant polyp is presented by QV, NM reading must be performed afterwards. The reduction of frames to be analyzed in QV might speed up identification of candidates for therapeutic colonoscopy.

Impact of STROBE statement publication on quality of observational study reporting: interrupted time series versus before-after analysis.

PubMed

Bastuji-Garin, Sylvie; Sbidian, Emilie; Gaudy-Marqueste, Caroline; Ferrat, Emilie; Roujeau, Jean-Claude; Richard, Marie-Aleth; Canoui-Poitrine, Florence

2013-01-01

In uncontrolled before-after studies, CONSORT was shown to improve the reporting of randomised trials. Before-after studies ignore underlying secular trends and may overestimate the impact of interventions. Our aim was to assess the impact of the 2007 STROBE statement publication on the quality of observational study reporting, using both uncontrolled before-after analyses and interrupted time series. For this quasi-experimental study, original articles reporting cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies published between 2004 and 2010 in the four dermatological journals having the highest 5-year impact factors (≥ 4) were selected. We compared the proportions of STROBE items (STROBE score) adequately reported in each article during three periods, two pre STROBE period (2004-2005 and 2006-2007) and one post STROBE period (2008-2010). Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series was also performed. Of the 456 included articles, 187 (41%) reported cohort studies, 166 (36.4%) cross-sectional studies, and 103 (22.6%) case-control studies. The median STROBE score was 57% (range, 18%-98%). Before-after analysis evidenced significant STROBE score increases between the two pre-STROBE periods and between the earliest pre-STROBE period and the post-STROBE period (median score2004-05 48% versus median score2008-10 58%, p<0.001) but not between the immediate pre-STROBE period and the post-STROBE period (median score2006-07 58% versus median score2008-10 58%, p = 0.42). In the pre STROBE period, the six-monthly mean STROBE score increased significantly, by 1.19% per six-month period (absolute increase 95%CI, 0.26% to 2.11%, p = 0.016). By segmented analysis, no significant changes in STROBE score trends occurred (-0.40%; 95%CI, -2.20 to 1.41; p = 0.64) in the post STROBE statement publication. The quality of reports increased over time but was not affected by STROBE. Our findings raise concerns about the relevance of uncontrolled before-after analysis for estimating the impact of guidelines.

Impact of STROBE Statement Publication on Quality of Observational Study Reporting: Interrupted Time Series versus Before-After Analysis

PubMed Central

Bastuji-Garin, Sylvie; Sbidian, Emilie; Gaudy-Marqueste, Caroline; Ferrat, Emilie; Roujeau, Jean-Claude; Richard, Marie-Aleth; Canoui-Poitrine, Florence

2013-01-01

Background In uncontrolled before-after studies, CONSORT was shown to improve the reporting of randomised trials. Before-after studies ignore underlying secular trends and may overestimate the impact of interventions. Our aim was to assess the impact of the 2007 STROBE statement publication on the quality of observational study reporting, using both uncontrolled before-after analyses and interrupted time series. Methods For this quasi-experimental study, original articles reporting cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies published between 2004 and 2010 in the four dermatological journals having the highest 5-year impact factors (≥4) were selected. We compared the proportions of STROBE items (STROBE score) adequately reported in each article during three periods, two pre STROBE period (2004–2005 and 2006–2007) and one post STROBE period (2008–2010). Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series was also performed. Results Of the 456 included articles, 187 (41%) reported cohort studies, 166 (36.4%) cross-sectional studies, and 103 (22.6%) case-control studies. The median STROBE score was 57% (range, 18%–98%). Before-after analysis evidenced significant STROBE score increases between the two pre-STROBE periods and between the earliest pre-STROBE period and the post-STROBE period (median score2004–05 48% versus median score2008–10 58%, p<0.001) but not between the immediate pre-STROBE period and the post-STROBE period (median score2006–07 58% versus median score2008–10 58%, p = 0.42). In the pre STROBE period, the six-monthly mean STROBE score increased significantly, by 1.19% per six-month period (absolute increase 95%CI, 0.26% to 2.11%, p = 0.016). By segmented analysis, no significant changes in STROBE score trends occurred (−0.40%; 95%CI, −2.20 to 1.41; p = 0.64) in the post STROBE statement publication. Interpretation The quality of reports increased over time but was not affected by STROBE. Our findings raise concerns about the relevance of uncontrolled before-after analysis for estimating the impact of guidelines. PMID:23990867

A better understanding of long-range temporal dependence of traffic flow time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Shuo; Wang, Xingmin; Sun, Haowei; Zhang, Yi; Li, Li

2018-02-01

Long-range temporal dependence is an important research perspective for modelling of traffic flow time series. Various methods have been proposed to depict the long-range temporal dependence, including autocorrelation function analysis, spectral analysis and fractal analysis. However, few researches have studied the daily temporal dependence (i.e. the similarity between different daily traffic flow time series), which can help us better understand the long-range temporal dependence, such as the origin of crossover phenomenon. Moreover, considering both types of dependence contributes to establishing more accurate model and depicting the properties of traffic flow time series. In this paper, we study the properties of daily temporal dependence by simple average method and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based method. Meanwhile, we also study the long-range temporal dependence by Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) and Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA). The results show that both the daily and long-range temporal dependence exert considerable influence on the traffic flow series. The DFA results reveal that the daily temporal dependence creates crossover phenomenon when estimating the Hurst exponent which depicts the long-range temporal dependence. Furthermore, through the comparison of the DFA test, PCA-based method turns out to be a better method to extract the daily temporal dependence especially when the difference between days is significant.

Recovery of Unrelated Donors of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells versus Bone Marrow: A Prespecified Analysis from the Phase III BMT CTN Protocol 0201

PubMed Central

Burns, Linda J.; Logan, Brent R.; Chitphakdithai, Pintip; Miller, John P.; Drexler, Rebecca; Spellman, Stephen; Switzer, Galen E.; Wingard, John R.; Anasetti, Claudio; Confer, Dennis L.

2016-01-01

We report a comparison of time to recovery, side effects, and change in blood counts from baseline to post-donation of unrelated donors who participated in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) phase III randomized, multicenter trial (0201) in which donor/recipient pairs were randomized to either peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) or bone marrow (BM) donation. Of the entire cohort, 262 donated PBSC and 264 donated BM; 372 (71%) donors were from domestic and 154 (29%) from international centers (145 German and 9 Canadian). PBSC donors recovered in less time with a median time to recovery of 1 week compared to 2.3 weeks for BM donors. The number of donors reporting full recovery was significantly greater for donors of PBSC than of BM at 1, 2, and 3 weeks and 3 months post-donation. Multivariate analysis showed that PBSC donors were more likely to recover at any time post donation compared to BM donors (HR 2.08 [95% CI 1.73–2.50], p<0.001). Other characteristics that significantly increased the likelihood of complete recovery were being an international donor and donation in more recent years. Donors of BM were more likely to report grade 2–4 skeletal pain, body symptoms and fatigue at 1 week post donation. In logistic regression analysis of domestic donors only in which toxicities at peri-collection time points (day 5 filgrastim for PBSC donors and day 2 post-collection of BM donors) could be analyzed, no variable was significantly associated with grade 2–4 skeletal pain, including product donated (BM vs PBSC, OR 1.13 [95% CI 0.74–1.74], p=0.556). Blood counts were impacted by product donated, with mean change from baseline to post-donation being greater for white blood cells, neutrophils, mononuclear cells and platelets in PBSC donors whereas BM donors experienced a greater mean change in hemoglobin. This analysis provided an enhanced understanding of donor events as product donated was independent of physician bias or donor preference. PMID:27013014

Effective use of multimedia presentations to maximize learning within high school science classrooms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapp, Eric

This research used an evidenced-based experimental 2 x 2 factorial design General Linear Model with Repeated Measures Analysis of Covariance (RMANCOVA). For this analysis, time served as the within-subjects factor while treatment group (i.e., static and signaling, dynamic and signaling, static without signaling, and dynamic without signaling) served as the between-subject independent variable. Three dependent variables were used to assess learner outcomes: (a) a 14 multiple-choice pre and post-test to measure knowledge retention, (b) a pre and post-test concept map to measure synthesis and structure of knowledge, and (c) four questions based on a Likert scale asking students to rank the cognitive difficulty of understanding four aspects of the animation they engaged in. A mental rotations test was used in the pretest conditions to establish a control and used as a covariate. The treatment contained a four minute and 53 second animation that served as an introductory multimedia presentation explaining the gravitational effects of the moon and sun on the earth. These interactions occur at predictable times and are responsible for creating the tidal effects experienced on Earth. There were 99 volunteer high school participants enrolled in science classes randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions. The research was conducted to determine how motion and the principle of signaling, established in The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning affected precollege learners. The experiment controlled for modality, segmenting, temporal contiguity, redundancy, and navigational control. Results of the RMANCOVA indicated statistical significance for the within subjects effect: over time for all participants, with time and knowledge retention measured from the multiple-choice results, and in the category quality of concepts represented in the concept map analysis. However, there were no significant differences in the between groups analysis for knowledge retention based on the multiple-choice assessment, or among groups over time in the concept map variables number of concepts, levels, and quality of concepts. Additionally, when measuring cognitive difficulty when learning from the animations, no significant differences were measured.

Graph Based Models for Unsupervised High Dimensional Data Clustering and Network Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

ApprovedOMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for...algorithms we proposed improve the time e ciency signi cantly for large scale datasets. In the last chapter, we also propose an incremental reseeding...plume detection in hyper-spectral video data. These graph based clustering algorithms we proposed improve the time efficiency significantly for large

Temporal patterns of rat behaviour in the central platform of the elevated plus maze. Comparative analysis between male subjects of strains with different basal levels of emotionality.

PubMed

Casarrubea, M; Faulisi, F; Caternicchia, F; Santangelo, A; Di Giovanni, G; Benigno, A; Magnusson, M S; Crescimanno, G

2016-08-01

We have analyzed the temporal patterns of behaviour of male rats of the Wistar and DA/Han strains on the central platform of the elevated plus maze. The ethogram encompassed 10 behavioural elements. Durations, frequencies and latencies showed quantitative differences as to walking and sniffing activities. Wistar rats displayed significantly lower latency and significantly higher durations and frequencies of walking activities. DA/Han rats showed a significant increase of sniffing duration. In addition, DA/Han rats showed a significantly higher amount of time spent in the central platform. Multivariate T-pattern analysis revealed differences in the temporal organization of behaviour of the two rat strains. DA/Han rats showed (a) higher behavioural complexity and variability and (b) a significantly higher mean number of T-patterns than Wistar rats. Taken together, T-pattern analysis of behaviour in the centre of the elevated plus maze can noticeably improve the detection of subtle features of anxiety related behaviour. We suggest that T-pattern analysis could be used as sensitive tool to test the action of anxiolytic and anxiogenic manipulations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gravitational-Wave Data Analysis with Spinning Merger-Ringdown Waveforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelly Bernard J.

2011-01-01

The recent availability of high-quality, gravitational merger-ringdown waveforms from spinning black-hole systems has made possible the development of multi-mode GW templates for use in data-analysis studies of current and proposed interferometric GW detectors. We report on recent work at NASA Goddard, analyzing the most significant modes from aligned-spin black-hole-binary mergers. From these, we have developed time-domain merger-ringdown GW templates covering the aligned-spin portion of parameter space. We also discuss how using the full information content of aligned-spin mergers can significantly reduce uncertainties in some parameters, emphasizing the significant gains possible in the last stages of merger, inaccessible to inspiral-only post-Newtonian templates.

Adaptive time-variant models for fuzzy-time-series forecasting.

PubMed

Wong, Wai-Keung; Bai, Enjian; Chu, Alice Wai-Ching

2010-12-01

A fuzzy time series has been applied to the prediction of enrollment, temperature, stock indices, and other domains. Related studies mainly focus on three factors, namely, the partition of discourse, the content of forecasting rules, and the methods of defuzzification, all of which greatly influence the prediction accuracy of forecasting models. These studies use fixed analysis window sizes for forecasting. In this paper, an adaptive time-variant fuzzy-time-series forecasting model (ATVF) is proposed to improve forecasting accuracy. The proposed model automatically adapts the analysis window size of fuzzy time series based on the prediction accuracy in the training phase and uses heuristic rules to generate forecasting values in the testing phase. The performance of the ATVF model is tested using both simulated and actual time series including the enrollments at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX). The experiment results show that the proposed ATVF model achieves a significant improvement in forecasting accuracy as compared to other fuzzy-time-series forecasting models.

Determinants of ambulance response time: A study in Sabah, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chin, Su Na; Cheah, Phee Kheng; Arifin, Muhamad Yaakub; Wong, Boh Leng; Omar, Zaturrawiah; Yassin, Fouziah Md; Gabda, Darmesah

2017-04-01

Ambulance response time (ART) is one of the standard key performance indicators (KPI) in measuring the emergency medical services (EMS) delivery performances. When the mean time of ART of EMS system reaches the KPI target, it shows that the EMS system performs well. This paper considers the determinants of ART, using data sampled from 967 ambulance runs in a government hospital in Sabah. Multiple regression analysis with backward elimination was proposed for the identification of significant factors. Amongst the underlying factors, travel distance, age of patients, type of treatment and peak hours were identified to be significantly affecting ART. Identifying factors that influence ART helps the development of strategic improvement planning for reducing the ART.

Mathematical Analysis and Optimization of Infiltration Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, H.-C.; Gottlieb, D.; Marion, M.; Sheldon, B. W.

1997-01-01

A variety of infiltration techniques can be used to fabricate solid materials, particularly composites. In general these processes can be described with at least one time dependent partial differential equation describing the evolution of the solid phase, coupled to one or more partial differential equations describing mass transport through a porous structure. This paper presents a detailed mathematical analysis of a relatively simple set of equations which is used to describe chemical vapor infiltration. The results demonstrate that the process is controlled by only two parameters, alpha and beta. The optimization problem associated with minimizing the infiltration time is also considered. Allowing alpha and beta to vary with time leads to significant reductions in the infiltration time, compared with the conventional case where alpha and beta are treated as constants.

Clinical indicators of paraplegia underplay universal spinal cord neuronal injury from transient aortic occlusion.

PubMed

Bell, Marshall T; Puskas, Ferenc; Bennett, Daine T; Cleveland, Joseph C; Herson, Paco S; Mares, Joshua M; Meng, Xainzhong; Weyant, Michael J; Fullerton, David A; Brett Reece, T

2015-08-27

Paraplegia following complex aortic intervention relies on crude evaluation of lower extremity strength such as whether the patient can lift their legs or flex the ankle. Little attention has been given to the possible long-term neurologic sequelae following these procedures in patients appearing functionally normal. We hypothesize that mice subjected to minimal ischemic time will have functional and histological changes despite the gross appearance of normal function. Male mice underwent 3 min of aortic occlusion (n=14) or sham surgery (n=4) via a median sternotomy. Neurologic function was graded by Basso Motor Score (BMS) preoperatively and at 24h intervals after reperfusion. Mice appearing functionally normal and sham mice were placed on a walking beam and recorded on high-definition, for single-frame motion analysis. After 96 hrs, spinal cords were removed for histological analysis. Following 3 min of ischemia, functional outcomes were split evenly with either mice displaying almost normal function n=7 or near complete paraplegia n=7. Additionally, single-frame motion analysis revealed significant changes in gait. Histologically, there was a significant stepwise reduction of neuronal viability, with even the normal function ischemic group demonstrating significant loss of neurons. Despite the appearance of normal function, temporary ischemia induced marked cyto-architectural changes and neuronal degeneration. Furthermore high-definition gait analysis revealed significant changes in gait and activity following thoracic aortic occlusion. These data suggest that all patients undergoing procedures, even with short ischemic times, may have spinal cord injury that is not evident clinically. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimation of interhemispheric dynamics from simple unimanual reaction time to extrafoveal stimuli.

PubMed

Braun, C M

1992-12-01

This essay reviews research on interhemispheric transfer time derived from simple unimanual reaction time to hemitachistoscopically presented visual stimuli. Part 1 reviews major theoretical themes including (a) the significance of the eccentricity effect on interhemispheric transfer time in the context of proposed underlying neurohistological constraints; (b) the significance of gender differences in interhemispheric transfer time and findings in dyslexics and left-handers in the context of a fetal brain testosterone model; and (c) the significance of complexity effects on interhemispheric transfer time in a context of "dynamic" vs. "hard-wired" concepts of the underlying interhemispheric communication systems. Part 2 consists of a meta-analysis of 49 published behavioral experiments, in view of drawing a portrait of the best set of experimental conditions apt to produce salient, reliable, and statistically significant measures of interhemispheric transfer time, namely (a) index rather than thumb response, (b) low rather than high target luminance, (c) short rather than prolonged target display, and (d) very eccentric rather than near-foveal stimulus location. Part 3 proposes a theoretical model of interhemispheric transfer time, postulating the measurable existence of fast and slow interhemispheric channels. The proposed mechanism's evolutionary adaptive value, the neurophysiological evidence in its support, and favorable functional evidence from studies of callosotomized patients are then presented followed by proposals for critical experimental tests of the model.

Fast Determination of Distribution-Connected PV Impacts Using a Variable Time-Step Quasi-Static Time-Series Approach: Preprint

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

Mather, Barry

The increasing deployment of distribution-connected photovoltaic (DPV) systems requires utilities to complete complex interconnection studies. Relatively simple interconnection study methods worked well for low penetrations of photovoltaic systems, but more complicated quasi-static time-series (QSTS) analysis is required to make better interconnection decisions as DPV penetration levels increase. Tools and methods must be developed to support this. This paper presents a variable-time-step solver for QSTS analysis that significantly shortens the computational time and effort to complete a detailed analysis of the operation of a distribution circuit with many DPV systems. Specifically, it demonstrates that the proposed variable-time-step solver can reduce themore » required computational time by as much as 84% without introducing any important errors to metrics, such as the highest and lowest voltage occurring on the feeder, number of voltage regulator tap operations, and total amount of losses realized in the distribution circuit during a 1-yr period. Further improvement in computational speed is possible with the introduction of only modest errors in these metrics, such as a 91 percent reduction with less than 5 percent error when predicting voltage regulator operations.« less

Shortened preoperative fasting for prevention of complications associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Xu, Duo; Zhu, Xuejiao; Xu, Yuan; Zhang, Liqing

2017-02-01

Objective Routine fasting (12 h) is always applied before laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but prolonged preoperative fasting causes thirst, hunger, and irritability as well as dehydration, low blood glucose, insulin resistance and other adverse reactions. We assessed the safety and efficacy of a shortened preoperative fasting period in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 20 November 2015 and selected controlled trials with a shortened fasting time before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We assessed the results by performing a meta-analysis using a variety of outcome measures and investigated the heterogeneity by subgroup analysis. Results Eleven trials were included. Forest plots showed that a shortened fasting time reduced the operative risk and patient discomfort. A shortened fasting time also reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as operative vomiting. With respect to glucose metabolism, a shortened fasting time significantly reduced abnormalities in the ratio of insulin sensitivity. The C-reactive protein concentration was also reduced by a shortened fasting time. Conclusions A shortened preoperative fasting time increases patients' postoperative comfort, improves insulin resistance, and reduces stress responses. This evidence supports the clinical application of a shortened fasting time before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Determination of deferasirox plasma concentrations: do gender, physical and genetic differences affect chelation efficacy?

PubMed

Mattioli, Francesca; Puntoni, Matteo; Marini, Valeria; Fucile, Carmen; Milano, Giulia; Robbiano, Luigi; Perrotta, Silverio; Pinto, Valeria; Martelli, Antonietta; Forni, Gian Luca

2015-04-01

Bioavailability of deferasirox (DFX) is significantly affected by the timing of administration relative to times and to composition of meals. Its elimination half-life is also highly variable - in some patients as a result of gene polymorphisms. Understanding whether deferasirox plasma levels are related to specific characteristics of patients could help physicians to devise a drug regimen tailored the individual patient. We analyzed deferasirox plasma concentrations (CDFX ) in 80 patients with transfusion-dependent anemias, such as thalassemia, by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay. We used a multivariate linear regression model to find significant associations between CDFX and clinical/demographical characteristics of patients. All patients were genotyped for UGT1A1. Fifty-six patients were female, 24 were male, the great majority (88%) affected by β-thalassemia, and 15 were children and adolescents. No statistical correlation was detectable between CDFX and DFX dose (P = 0.6). Age, time from last drug intake to blood sampling, and ferritin levels in the 6 months before study initiation were significantly and inversely associated with CDFX in univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, the only two factors independently and inversely associated with CDFX levels were time from last drug intake to blood sampling and ferritin levels (P = 0.006). A significant inverse correlation (P = 0.03) was observed between CDFX and UGT1A1*28 gene polymorphism, but only in patients with levels of lean body mass (LBM) below the median (P for interaction = 0.05). The results could indicate that a higher plasma DFX concentration could be associated with greater chelation efficacy. As a correlation between dose and CDFX was not demonstrated, it seems useful to monitor the concentrations to optimize and determine the most appropriate dose for each patient. Interesting results emerged from the analysis of genetic and physical characteristics of patients: LBM was a borderline significant effect modifier of the relationship between UGT1A1 polymorphisms and CDFX . Individual patient-tailored dosing of DFX should help to improve iron chelation efficacy and to reduce dose-dependent drug toxicity. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Late administration of high-frequency electrical stimulation increases nerve regeneration without aggravating neuropathic pain in a nerve crush injury.

PubMed

Su, Hong-Lin; Chiang, Chien-Yi; Lu, Zong-Han; Cheng, Fu-Chou; Chen, Chun-Jung; Sheu, Meei-Ling; Sheehan, Jason; Pan, Hung-Chuan

2018-06-25

High-frequency transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is currently used for the administration of electrical current in denervated muscle to alleviate muscle atrophy and enhance motor function; however, the time window (i.e. either immediate or delayed) for achieving benefit is still undetermined. In this study, we conducted an intervention of sciatic nerve crush injury using high-frequency TENS at different time points to assess the effect of motor and sensory functional recovery. Animals with left sciatic nerve crush injury received TENS treatment starting immediately after injury or 1 week later at a high frequency(100 Hz) or at a low frequency (2 Hz) as a control. In SFI gait analysis, either immediate or late admission of high-frequency electrical stimulation exerted significant improvement compared to either immediate or late administration of low-frequency electrical stimulation. In an assessment of allodynia, immediate high frequency electrical stimulation caused a significantly decreased pain threshold compared to late high-frequency or low-frequency stimulation at immediate or late time points. Immunohistochemistry staining and western blot analysis of S-100 and NF-200 demonstrated that both immediate and late high frequency electrical stimulation showed a similar effect; however the effect was superior to that achieved with low frequency stimulation. Immediate high frequency electrical stimulation resulted in significant expression of TNF-α and synaptophysin in the dorsal root ganglion, somatosensory cortex, and hippocampus compared to late electrical stimulation, and this trend paralleled the observed effect on somatosensory evoked potential. The CatWalk gait analysis also showed that immediate electrical stimulation led to a significantly high regularity index. In primary dorsal root ganglion cells culture, high-frequency electrical stimulation also exerted a significant increase in expression of TNF-α, synaptophysin, and NGF in accordance with the in vivo results. Immediate or late transcutaneous high-frequency electrical stimulation exhibited the potential to stimulate the motor nerve regeneration. However, immediate electrical stimulation had a predilection to develop neuropathic pain. A delay in TENS initiation appears to be a reasonable approach for nerve repair and provides the appropriate time profile for its clinical application.

Influence maximization in time bounded network identifies transcription factors regulating perturbed pathways

PubMed Central

Jo, Kyuri; Jung, Inuk; Moon, Ji Hwan; Kim, Sun

2016-01-01

Motivation: To understand the dynamic nature of the biological process, it is crucial to identify perturbed pathways in an altered environment and also to infer regulators that trigger the response. Current time-series analysis methods, however, are not powerful enough to identify perturbed pathways and regulators simultaneously. Widely used methods include methods to determine gene sets such as differentially expressed genes or gene clusters and these genes sets need to be further interpreted in terms of biological pathways using other tools. Most pathway analysis methods are not designed for time series data and they do not consider gene-gene influence on the time dimension. Results: In this article, we propose a novel time-series analysis method TimeTP for determining transcription factors (TFs) regulating pathway perturbation, which narrows the focus to perturbed sub-pathways and utilizes the gene regulatory network and protein–protein interaction network to locate TFs triggering the perturbation. TimeTP first identifies perturbed sub-pathways that propagate the expression changes along the time. Starting points of the perturbed sub-pathways are mapped into the network and the most influential TFs are determined by influence maximization technique. The analysis result is visually summarized in TF-Pathway map in time clock. TimeTP was applied to PIK3CA knock-in dataset and found significant sub-pathways and their regulators relevant to the PIP3 signaling pathway. Availability and Implementation: TimeTP is implemented in Python and available at http://biohealth.snu.ac.kr/software/TimeTP/. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. Contact: sunkim.bioinfo@snu.ac.kr PMID:27307609

The significance of intrauterine growth restriction is different from prematurity for the outcome of infants with gastroschisis.

PubMed

Puligandla, Pramod S; Janvier, Annie; Flageole, Hélène; Bouchard, Sarah; Mok, Elise; Laberge, Jean-Martin

2004-08-01

Recent reviews of gastroschisis identify prematurity and low birth weight as predictors of morbidity and mortality. The authors compared the outcomes of intrauterine growth-restricted infants (IUGR) with gastroschisis to those without growth restriction because IUGR is different from prematurity. A retrospective analysis was performed for infants born with gastroschisis between 1990 and 2000 at 2 pediatric hospitals. Patients were segregated into 3 groups based on birth weight corrected for gestational age: group 1 (IUGR, 25th percentile). Patient demographics, method of closure, number of surgeries, presence of atresia, and time to full enteral feedings (FPO days) were assessed. Mortality rate, length of stay (LOS), and readmission rates were also compared. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Student's t test and Fisher's. Exact tests were used for statistical analysis (P <.05 significant). Regression analysis was also performed. One hundred thirteen patients were included (group 1 = 17; group 2 = 43; group 3 = 53). Overall, infants with IUGR had similar outcomes to non-IUGR infants, including FPO and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) days, LOS, readmission, and mortality rates. The method of closure did not affect outcome. Infants with atresia had significantly increased times to full feeding (95 v 34 days; P =.034), more surgeries (2.7 v 1.4; P =.002), and longer LOS (106 v 48 days; P =.011). Infants born at less than 37 weeks' gestation had significantly increased fasting (NPO) days (28 v 18 days; P =.005) and longer LOS (65 v 37 days; P =.006) when compared with infants born at greater than 37 weeks. Logistic regression analysis identified the presence of atresia as an independent risk factor for gastrointestinal dysfunction and the need for prolonged TPN. Prematurity also adversely affected these same parameters, although it did not reach statistical significance. Although infants with gastroschisis are generally small for gestational age, the outcomes of growth-restricted infants are similar to those of other infants. The type of closure does not affect outcome, regardless of birth weight. The presence of atresia or prematurity does lead to longer times for full feeding and LOS. Therefore, routine premature delivery of infants with gastroschisis should not be advocated, even in the context of IUGR.

Mothers' and fathers' involvement with school-age children's care and academic activities in Navajo Indian families.

PubMed

Hossain, Ziarat; Anziano, Michael C

2008-04-01

This exploratory study examined mothers' and fathers' reports of time involvement in their school-age children's care and academic activities. The study also explored the relationship between parents' socioeconomic status (SES) variables (age, education, income, work hours, and length of marriage) and their relative involvement with children. Mother and father dyads from 34 two-parent Navajo (Diné) Indian families with a second- or third-grade child participated in the study. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that mothers invested significantly more time in children's care on demand and academic activities than fathers, but the differences in maternal and paternal perceptions of time involvement in routine care were not significant. The gender of the child did not influence the amount of time parents invested in children's care and academic activities. Mothers' involvement with children was not related to any of the SES variables. Fathers' involvement was significantly associated with work hours and length of marriage, and work hours produced significant interaction with fathers' involvement with children. Findings are discussed in light of gender role differences in parental involvement with children within Navajo families.

Multi-point estimation of total energy expenditure: a comparison between zinc-reduction and platinum-equilibration methodologies.

PubMed

Sonko, Bakary J; Miller, Leland V; Jones, Richard H; Donnelly, Joseph E; Jacobsen, Dennis J; Hill, James O; Fennessey, Paul V

2003-12-15

Reducing water to hydrogen gas by zinc or uranium metal for determining D/H ratio is both tedious and time consuming. This has forced most energy metabolism investigators to use the "two-point" technique instead of the "Multi-point" technique for estimating total energy expenditure (TEE). Recently, we purchased a new platinum (Pt)-equilibration system that significantly reduces both time and labor required for D/H ratio determination. In this study, we compared TEE obtained from nine overweight but healthy subjects, estimated using the traditional Zn-reduction method to that obtained from the new Pt-equilibration system. Rate constants, pool spaces, and CO2 production rates obtained from use of the two methodologies were not significantly different. Correlation analysis demonstrated that TEEs estimated using the two methods were significantly correlated (r=0.925, p=0.0001). Sample equilibration time was reduced by 66% compared to those of similar methods. The data demonstrated that the Zn-reduction method could be replaced by the Pt-equilibration method when TEE was estimated using the "Multi-Point" technique. Furthermore, D equilibration time was significantly reduced.

Value of Nephrometry Score Constituents on Perioperative Outcomes and Split Renal Function in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy.

PubMed

Watts, Kara L; Ghosh, Propa; Stein, Solomon; Ghavamian, Reza

2017-01-01

To assess the relationship between individual nephrometry score (NS) constituents (RENAL) on perioperative outcomes and renal function of the surgical kidney in patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy. Two hundred forty-five patients who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy between 2005 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Each renal mass' NS was calculated from preoperative computed tomography imaging. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of NS variables on perioperative outcomes and change in overall renal function (as estimated by glomerular filtration rate) from preoperative to 1-year postoperative. A cohort analysis assessed the effect of NS variables on change in split renal function of the surgical kidney from pre- to postoperative based on nuclear medicine renal scintigraphy. Tumor radius (R), endophytic nature (E), and nearness to collecting system (N) variables significantly and incrementally predicted a longer operative time and warm ischemia time. Overall renal function based on glomerular filtration rate was not affected by any NS variable. However, percent function of the surgical kidney by renal scintigraphy significantly decreased postoperatively as R and E values increased. R, E, and N were associated with significant changes in warm ischemia time and operative time. R and E were associated with a significant decrease in split renal function of the surgical kidney at 1 year after surgery but not with overall renal function. R, E, and N are the NS constituents most relevant to perioperative outcomes and postoperative differential renal function after partial nephrectomy. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Using permutation tests to enhance causal inference in interrupted time series analysis.

PubMed

Linden, Ariel

2018-06-01

Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is an evaluation methodology in which a single treatment unit's outcome is studied serially over time and the intervention is expected to "interrupt" the level and/or trend of that outcome. The internal validity is strengthened considerably when the treated unit is contrasted with a comparable control group. In this paper, we introduce a robustness check based on permutation tests to further improve causal inference. We evaluate the effect of California's Proposition 99 for reducing cigarette sales by iteratively casting each nontreated state into the role of "treated," creating a comparable control group using the ITSAMATCH package in Stata, and then evaluating treatment effects using ITSA regression. If statistically significant "treatment effects" are estimated for pseudotreated states, then any significant changes in the outcome of the actual treatment unit (California) cannot be attributed to the intervention. We perform these analyses setting the cutpoint significance level to P > .40 for identifying balanced matches (the highest threshold possible for which controls could still be found for California) and use the difference in differences of trends as the treatment effect estimator. Only California attained a statistically significant treatment effect, strengthening confidence in the conclusion that Proposition 99 reduced cigarette sales. The proposed permutation testing framework provides an additional robustness check to either support or refute a treatment effect identified in for the true treated unit in ITSA. Given its value and ease of implementation, this framework should be considered as a standard robustness test in all multiple group interrupted time series analyses. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effect of kidney morcellation on operative time, incision complications, and postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

PubMed

Camargo, Affonso H; Rubenstein, Jonathan N; Ershoff, Brent D; Meng, Maxwell V; Kane, Christopher J; Stoller, Marshall L

2006-01-01

Compare the outcomes between kidney morcellation and two types of open specimen extraction incisions, several covariates need to be taken into consideration that have not yet been studied. We retrospectively reviewed 153 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy at our institution, 107 who underwent specimen morcellation and 46 with intact specimen removal, either those with connected port sites with a muscle-cutting incision and those with a remote, muscle-splitting incision. Operative time, postoperative analgesia requirements, and incisional complications were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis, comparing variables such as patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), laterality, benign versus cancerous renal conditions, estimated blood loss, specimen weight, overall complications, and length of stay. There was no significant difference for operative time between the 2 treatment groups (p = 0.65). Incision related complications occurred in 2 patients (4.4%) from the intact specimen group but none in the morcellation group (p = 0.03). Overall narcotic requirement was lower in patients with morcellated (41 mg) compared to intact specimen retrieval (66 mg) on univariate (p = 0.03) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.049). Upon further stratification, however, there was no significant difference in mean narcotic requirement between the morcellation and muscle-splitting incision subgroup (p = 0.14). Morcellation does not extend operative time, and is associated with significantly less postoperative pain compared to intact specimen retrieval overall, although this is not statistically significant if a remote, muscle-splitting incision is made. Morcellation markedly reduces the risk of incisional-related complications.

Evaluation of Techniques for Measuring Microbial Hazards in Bathing Waters: A Comparative Study

PubMed Central

Schang, Christelle; Henry, Rebekah; Kolotelo, Peter A.; Prosser, Toby; Crosbie, Nick; Grant, Trish; Cottam, Darren; O’Brien, Peter; Coutts, Scott; Deletic, Ana; McCarthy, David T.

2016-01-01

Recreational water quality is commonly monitored by means of culture based faecal indicator organism (FIOs) assays. However, these methods are costly and time-consuming; a serious disadvantage when combined with issues such as non-specificity and user bias. New culture and molecular methods have been developed to counter these drawbacks. This study compared industry-standard IDEXX methods (Colilert and Enterolert) with three alternative approaches: 1) TECTA™ system for E. coli and enterococci; 2) US EPA’s 1611 method (qPCR based enterococci enumeration); and 3) Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Water samples (233) were collected from riverine, estuarine and marine environments over the 2014–2015 summer period and analysed by the four methods. The results demonstrated that E. coli and coliform densities, inferred by the IDEXX system, correlated strongly with the TECTA™ system. The TECTA™ system had further advantages in faster turnaround times (~12 hrs from sample receipt to result compared to 24 hrs); no staff time required for interpretation and less user bias (results are automatically calculated, compared to subjective colorimetric decisions). The US EPA Method 1611 qPCR method also showed significant correlation with the IDEXX enterococci method; but had significant disadvantages such as highly technical analysis and higher operational costs (330% of IDEXX). The NGS method demonstrated statistically significant correlations between IDEXX and the proportions of sequences belonging to FIOs, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcaceae. While costs (3,000% of IDEXX) and analysis time (300% of IDEXX) were found to be significant drawbacks of NGS, rapid technological advances in this field will soon see it widely adopted. PMID:27213772